PV Gap

Amy Said:

Energy changes renewable energy solar panels?

We Answered:

Vs. coming off the grid?

Solar panels produce lower voltage DC. Household components want AC at a higher voltage (110VAC at 60Hz in the US)

To be useful, generally you have an "Inverter" which increases the voltage and alternates it. You also probably have a pile of storage batteries since otherwise you'll have no power during the night or bad weather.

These days, people have hybrid systems, getting power both off the grid and from a local power source (windmills, solar power). Some don't bother with storage on the idea that they put power INTO the grid when they are generating more than they need locally, and take it out of the grid when they aren't producing enough. They use their local power company as a very large (cheap) battery.

You can only do this if your local power company will pay you for power you generate - but many states in the US require power companies to do that.

However, if you are cut off from the grid, you obviously can't do that.

You can, of course, NOT use standard household components, but rather use low voltage DC components (like what people use on small boats). They exist, but they are more expensive. However, then you don't require the inverter.

As soon as you want to use a standard voltage component, however, you end up getting an inverter. Its too bad because he process of changing voltages is inefficient. You lose a lot of power in the process.

Max Said:

what do you know about solar energy/solar energy panels?

We Answered:

I know a reasonable amount about the physics, particularly the quantum theory behind them & current-voltage characteristics - my M.Phys project is on CdTe solar panels. If you have a question about that part, feel free to e-mail me (or put it here!)

I know a little bit about the total potential, economics and grid integration; but there's a good chance people on here know more about those aspects.