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Solar Power - How It Works
Mon 16 Jul 2007 - 10:57
Solar Power - How It Works
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christine_Douglas]Christine Douglas
You've no doubt heard about solar power. With all the buzz about global warming and rising energy costs, solar power is fast becoming a very popular option for saving money while saving the environment. But few of us actually know how solar power works. If you are interested in becoming educated about solar power: how it works, then read on!
There are many different types of solar power. But for our information on solar power: how it works, we will be focusing on the traditional solar power panels, either the kind that you place on your roof, the side of your home, or use to heat your swimming pool. There are two types of solar panels, photovoltaic modules, and solar thermal collectors. Photo voltaic panels are use to generate electricity, while solar thermal collectors are used to generate heat, either to heat water, or to heat air. Both types of panels look about the same and they are usually installed right alongside each other for maximum solar usage.
The first type of solar panel we will discuss in solar power: how it works, are photo voltaic modules. These solar panels are used to generate electricity by converting solar heat into energy. These are comprised of "cells" and are arranged on a flat grid. These cells are usually contained within glass to protect the panel from environmental damage. The cells are connected by "strings", or "ribbons" that carry and transfer the energy between the cells. Once the sunlight is captured, the cells are able to convert the solar heat into solar energy for electrical use around your home.
The second type of solar panels in solar power: how it works are solar thermal collectors. These types of solar panels are much more versatile. They are used on homes and business, but can also be used directly on water tanks and to heat swimming pools. These work similarly to photo voltaic panels, but they do not convert their thermal energy into electrical energy. They simply store the heat from the sun, and then transfer it to the places where heating is needed, be it indoors, or heating water such as the water in swimming pools. They are also used in simple solar energy applications, such as powering calculators and wrist watches and pumping and aerating water.
Finally, when it comes to solar power: how it works, you might also be interested in passive solar power. Passive solar power is a term used to describe the method of using the sun without specialized panels. This might include simple solar water heating, smart window installation, or specialized insulation in your home. You can do such simple things as set up a water tank in your yard to heat water, then pump it or even haul it manually into your home. Or you might choose to use windows to maximize sun power by installing sky lights and light shelves or putting windows in the right places to ensure you don't have to use as much traditional, electric lighting in your home. [http://www.solarenergyadvantages.org/ ]Solar energy pros and cons - Solar Energy Advantages is your source for information on solar panels, fountain pumps, home solar plans and information on [http://www.solarenergyadvantages.org/solar_power_how_it_works.html ]how solar power works and can benefit your home and family. One of the ways that you can use solar heat without spending too much or converting your entire home to solar heating is with a solar heat exchanger. These are available for a wide variety of uses including [http://www.solarheatexchanger.info/solar_pool_heaters.html ]solar pool heaters, sheds and hot water heaters.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Douglas http://EzineArticles.com/?Solar-Power---How-It-Works&id=643981
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