Introduction To Solar Energy

At a glance..

This Design Guide is intended to give you an overview of wireless solar electric systems. It explains how systems work, what the important components are, and how to choose the proper system for your needs.

The details..

"Wireless Solar Electric Systems Design Guide" provides an overview of wireless solar electric systems, how they work, what components are important, and how to choose the proper system. The publication includes worksheets so that readers can calculate the size of their own system. It also explains photovoltaics - how they produce electricity by exciting electrons with particles of light.

This book answers some common questions about cost-effectiveness in using Photovoltaic (PV) systems: PV is most economical when utility lines' extension costs are high; otherwise, it's not recommended over conventional power sources like fossil fuels or nuclear energy due to cheaper rates. However, as we begin paying for externalities such as acid rain caused by sulfur emissions from these sources or global warming and nuclear waste disposal issues associated with nuclear plants, PV may become more cost-effective than traditional power sources.

The book then discusses powering heating loads through thermal solar systems instead of photovoltaics since appliances requiring enormous amounts of power cannot be run economically on photovoltaics alone. For example, electric ranges require too much power compared to low running time appliances like microwaves or toasters which aren't problematic.

Finally,the author compares different alternative energy options available- wind generating plants producing steady winds throughout four seasons while hydroelectric generators need good vertical drop water flow throughout the year.Solar Thermal technology collects radiant heat whereas Photovoltaic converts sunlight into electricity.The combination works best where clouds reduce output from one source but other alternatives perform at full capacity.