Donate to CompuCorps
Pledge your used Laptops
How your group can help
|
How Solar Energy Works
Solar energy is the most abundant and permanent energy resource in the world, but only a miniscule fraction of it is being used. Solar radiation from the sunlight can be captured and turned into a usable source of energy. The sunlight can be captured using solar panels, which are also known as photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
The solar energy collected from the PV arrays is direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter is than used to convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is a more usable source of power. The power is than transferred to an electrical grid or directly to the location of immediate use.
The amount of electricity produced by the PV array depends on how much sunlight is hitting it. To maximize the PV array’s efficiency, a solar tracker and array controller can be used. Using light sensors, the solar tracker follows the position of the sun, while the array controller moves the PV array to maximize the amount of sunlight it captures.
Solar power is a source of renewable energy and is pollution-free. Most solar panels have a life expectancy of 30-40 years and can be recycled afterwards.
|