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Photovoltaic panels are a popular choice for harnessing solar energy. A photovoltaic (PV) panel will absorb solar radiation and convert it directly into electricity. Photovoltaics will create Direct Current (DC) electricity which can be stored in capacitor banks, batteries, or used directly.

The way photovoltaic panels do this could be the subject of an entire course. They take advantage of special semi-conductor materials that release electrons when bombarded with solar energy. This phenomenon is called the photoelectric effect and occurs at the atomic level.

Historically photovoltaic panels were limited to space age technologies. They are used in satellites and the space stations where they reliably and continuously convert solar energy. As an added bonus, the Sun’s radiation is at least 50% more powerful once we break into Outer Space.

Within the last couple of decades photovoltaic panels have established mass production. They are often used for remote locations, residential homes, and sometimes small business. Remote locations are particularly good candidates for converting solar energy, as the cost of a photovoltaic array can be comparable or less than the cost to run power transmission cables to the site. If you are more than mile from the established Electrical Grid, and have a good amount of solar energy, then a photovoltaic array is worth consideration.

There are two types of radiation that are important and contribute to solar energy. The first is beam radiation, which are the direct rays of the Sun. Beam radiation is the strong warm rays we feel on a clear sunny day.

The second type of radiation is diffuse radiation. Diffuse radiation is scattered radiation, and is what we experience on a fully cloudy day. Diffuse radiation is not very strong, but still contributes to the total overall solar energy.

In order to effectively use photovoltaic panels, one should be in a location with a reputation for good solar energy. Beam radiation is the strongest and most desired form. Many states in Western America easily meet this requirement, and additionally some from the South. Coastal and northern climates are not always prime candidates, but should be considered case by case.

Photovoltaic panels come in a variety of sizes, voltages, and constructions. They can be wired in series or parallel to meet your system’s needs. 12 volt and 24 volt configurations are common, while 48 volts and greater are used for heavy duty installations. Most photovoltaics in production are about 12% efficient. This may not seem like much, but keep in mind that the cost of solar energy is zero, and they will have typical service lives of 25 years.

One downfall of photovoltaic panels is that they can involve significant up front investment. This is due, in part, to the high purity silicone materials used in their construction. New types of panels are under development, however, and the price of photovoltaics is expected to drop in years to come.

Using photovoltaics to convert solar energy can be a complicated decision. One must consider the cost of local Utility’s rate of electricity, and know the solar energy data for their location. In some cases, as with distant properties and transmission cables, the decision can be easy. But in most cases, an investigation of the payback period will be necessary to know if one is making a cost effective decision. In times of uncertainty and surging fuel costs, the simple piece of mind of energy independent technologies may be well worth the effort.

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free report to solar energy from your own land.

Using our natural resources to produce energy is certainly not a novel idea. A few familiar examples of harnessing nature to power our world are steam power, solar power and hydroelectric power. However, as worries about global warming continue to increase, people are turning to other ways of producing even cleaner energy. One method getting more interest lately is the idea of wind power. Windmills have been used for decades, but now power from wind turbines is starting to become popular. You will have seen this phenomenon in the form of large wind farms.

But can the individual homeowner get in on this trend? Whether or not a wind turbine is right for you depends on your circumstances. Like solar power, wind turbines are easier to implement on a large scale than a smaller, residential scale. It took may years of research and development to make solar panels realistic for homeowners. Wind turbines are on the same path of development.

So how do you know if it’s right for you? First, it’s good to get a basic understanding of how this technology works. A windmill and a wind turbine work on the same principal, but are slightly different in the end. The blades of a windmill turn a shaft that operates something directly, typically a water pump. A wind turbine, on the other hand, converts that wind energy into electrical energy. The wind turns the blades, which turn a shaft, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The electricity can then be used for various applications. In concept it’s really just a wind-powered generator.

There are definitely advantages to using a wind turbine. You get very clean energy from an endlessly renewable resource. This is not only great for the environment, but it means you will have no power bills and could live off the grid! Plus, you may be able to sell excess energy back to the power company and make some money!

Unfortunately, however, there are some big challenges you will need to face. You will need to research and see if there are any zoning restrictions. Only a few companies sell quality residential wind turbines, so they are hard to find. You will also need to check with the power company to see if they can buy back wind power.

Also, to make sure you can generate the power you need, you will have to understand the wind charts for your location. You will also need to have the proper amount of acreage and tower height to eliminate wind pattern interference from buildings and things nearby. Because of this, wind power in highly populated areas is unlikely at the present time.

The fact of it is, though, if you really want to use wind energy for your home, it is possible. If you meet the necessary requirements and do your research, it really could turn out to be a viable option for you. When you consider all the clean, free energy you will produce, the investment in time and capital will give you great returns down the line.

If you are not ready to jump in just yet, wind turbine power may still not be off the table for you. The government is giving great incentives to companies that develop technologies for clean energy. Wind turbines are under constant development, becoming quieter, more efficient and more practical for residential applications. You may soon see wind turbines powering homes as often as you see solar power!

So keep checking out what’s available and reevaluating your options. Converting to clean energy will help the planet, and that will ultimately be best for all of us. Considering a wind turbine may turn out to be an important investment in your home and in the future.

One technology seeing resurgence is the use of wind power in the shape of a wind turbine. It’s been used for many decades in windmills, and more recently you’ll find wind turbines being used together in large-scale wind farms.