SOLAR POWER

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By using the energy from speeding photos originating from the sun, Solar Power cells configured in a Solar Panel create an electric current.  The photon energy from the sun is abundant, and has been powering the earth for billions of years.  Since the early 1960’s, scientists have been researching the use of the sun’s energy to develop electric current, with the benefit of replacing non-renewable fuels such as those from fossil and nuclear sources. Additionally, Solar Power does not create pollution, noise or radiation, and is not subject to cost escalation as are non-renewable sources.

Solar electric power panels contain silicon-based semiconductor materials, called photovoltaic modules. These panels are constructed with two sheets of silicon.  The first sheet  (N-layer) has silicon atoms containing “extra” electrons wandering freely within the layer.  The second sheet (P-layer) has “missing” electrons, therefore attracting the “extra” electrons from the N-layer.  The two layers are separated by an electrical field which supports the interaction of atoms from both layers.

When a photon of sunlight strikes an atom in either layer, it dislocates an electron, allowing it to travel one-way, from the P to N layer.  As a result, an excess of free electrons build up in the N-layer.  To harvest the electric current, a metal wire attached to the N-layer gives the excess electrons a path to attempt neutrality.  This circuit leads back to the P-layer, depositing free electrons so that they can begin the process again.  Before their return to the P-layer, the electrons can power electrical appliances in industrial or residential settings.  The movement of electrons will create direct current (DC) as long as the sun is shining.  The direct current (DC) must be converted alternating current (AC) by an electronic inverter before it can be used in industrial or residential settings.  Batteries can be used to store excess power generated by Solar panels, or the electric power can be returned to a Utility Company’s electric grid, providing a cost credit to the Solar panel user.

SOLAR POWERING THE HOME

When analyzing Solar Electric Power options for the home, a number of factors must be considered.  The amount of the home’s present electricity usage, the location of the home (a majority of sunny days in the area’s annual forecast is necessary for efficient usage), the time that you believe that you will reside in the home, and the availability of tax rebates, grants and other financial incentives is necessary to consider as the equipment can be considered costly.

An average home at 2,000 square feet with a power bill of $150 per month will face equipment and installation charges in the $20,000 to $25,000 range.  Grants (in the range of $10,000) and tax incentives (federal, in the range of $2,000) equates to a “hard cost” in the range of $8,000 to $13,000, installed.  These estimates of cost mean that the payback period will be in the range of four to eight years.  Of course, if electricity costs continue t escalate, the cost payback is faster.  Consult a licensed vendor and your tax professional to insure that incorporating this technology is recommended for you.