Solar Power Systems Offer Environmental Alternative
November 20th, 2008

One of the advantages of solar power systems is that there are no moving parts to break and very little maintenance required. Regardless of the size and purpose there are two basic types of solar power systems, active and passive and the choice of systems usually depends on location and the anticipated periods without sunshine. Active systems will have a supplemental means of supplying electricity such as being connected to the power grid or a generator, where a passive system is wholly dependent on the sun.

With renewed interest in non-polluting power production solar power systems are experiencing more research and batter acceptance since their initial public release of 40 years ago. The earlier systems required a hefty investment in the structure and were only considered a good investment for certain areas of the country. The efficiency of the systems also made many believe that initial investment was not worth the effort, especially with the low cost of electricity being produced by coal-fired generators.

However, as global warming is becoming a major environmental issue, along with air pollution and the rising cost of electricity, interest is high for solar power systems whether for individual residential systems or large plants to supply power to entire communities.

Simple Theory Requires Complex Structures

The theory of solar power systems is sound and fairly simple. Photovoltaic cells, designed to convert the rays from the sun into electricity, are pointed at the sun and connected to a device that operates on 12-volt direct current. They can also be connected to storage batteries to save any power not used by the device. When the sun goes down, the device can continue to operate from the power stored in the battery.

A few initial issues had to be overcome such as not having everything used in a home operational on 12-volt direct current. The amount of power produced by solar power systems can be increased by adding more cells. By adding more batteries, more power can be stored for nighttime use. Adding a converter to solar power systems enables the use of 110-volt alternating current to be used, which is what powers most home appliances and a regulator will prevent the batteries from overcharging and help direct the power to where it is needed.

Advances in photovoltaic technology is making the cells thinner and more efficiency, which is making the pay off for installation much shorter and making the installation of solar power systems more attractive for residential and commercial use.

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