Solar Energy has two main technologies that can convert solar radiation into electricity. The concentrating collector and the flat plate collector are used to convert solar radiation. The flat plate absorbs energy into a cell one solar panel or an array with many panels without concentrating basically absorbing solar energy directly from the sun. The concentrating collector could use a parabolic reflector that would direct the solar radiation on a conduit filled with fluid that would be heated to create steam. The lens concentrator uses reflectors / mirrors to direct the solar radiation on to a receiver which would then heat sodium and potassium salts. The energy collected from these two technologies uses the steam to drive a turbine which powers a generator and then becomes electricity.
This is an excellent resource for the do-it-yourself solar because it has tips, plans, and information on how to help build renewable energy and conservation projects. http://www.builditsolar.com
This information was shared with me by my classmate and designer of the website. It is from Florida Power and Light and it shows all the solar power projects that have been installed across the state.
https://www.fpl.com/community/energy-education.html
Can the world transition to 100% clean renewable energy? Take a look to see what it will take and look at the 50 state target an the 100% renewable energy vision. The Solutions Project is possible.
http://www.thesolutionsproject.org
This is a glossary of solar radiation resource terms.
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/glossary/
This is a description of a house completely off the grid with a solar electric system.
The house has six 200 watt flush roof mounted PV modules. The six modules are connected in series of 3-times-2. The total power of 1200 watts during maximum insolation at solar noon can produce about 5-to-6 kW of energy daily. This energy quote is based on the fact that there is 5 hours of insolation during the month of August at this location. The system consists of three main components the array, power center, battery bank and the power center which has the charge controller, inverter, and the electrical service panel that contains circuit breakers and all the wiring for the home in one neat space. The energy from the modules charge the batteries daily with the help of the charge controller by regulating voltage, keeping them in peak condition by providing multistage charging, and it will also protect them from being overcharged. The inverter allows the stored battery power to be used because it pulls DC current from the batteries and through the inverter it can then be used to power about 2.5 kW of AC loads running continuously. The inverter has a built in charger that would make the inverter run in reverse, so you could plug in a generator to charge the batteries if necessary. The power center is completely in compliance with the (NEC) national electrical code. The battery bank is located inside the house a 24 volt system that consists of twelve 2 volt deep cycle batteries connected in series. The deep cycle batteries are in a sealed box that has a vent to the outside of the house to allow the hydrogen gas accumulation to ventilate. The batteries are flooded lead with electrolytes and the provide long discharge rates, but they do require some attention because they need to have distilled water added to them for maintenance. That's my description now look at it in action. Take the tour here.
http://green-energyproducts.net/island-energy-systems-tour-off-grid-solar-electric/
The house has six 200 watt flush roof mounted PV modules. The six modules are connected in series of 3-times-2. The total power of 1200 watts during maximum insolation at solar noon can produce about 5-to-6 kW of energy daily. This energy quote is based on the fact that there is 5 hours of insolation during the month of August at this location. The system consists of three main components the array, power center, battery bank and the power center which has the charge controller, inverter, and the electrical service panel that contains circuit breakers and all the wiring for the home in one neat space. The energy from the modules charge the batteries daily with the help of the charge controller by regulating voltage, keeping them in peak condition by providing multistage charging, and it will also protect them from being overcharged. The inverter allows the stored battery power to be used because it pulls DC current from the batteries and through the inverter it can then be used to power about 2.5 kW of AC loads running continuously. The inverter has a built in charger that would make the inverter run in reverse, so you could plug in a generator to charge the batteries if necessary. The power center is completely in compliance with the (NEC) national electrical code. The battery bank is located inside the house a 24 volt system that consists of twelve 2 volt deep cycle batteries connected in series. The deep cycle batteries are in a sealed box that has a vent to the outside of the house to allow the hydrogen gas accumulation to ventilate. The batteries are flooded lead with electrolytes and the provide long discharge rates, but they do require some attention because they need to have distilled water added to them for maintenance. That's my description now look at it in action. Take the tour here.
http://green-energyproducts.net/island-energy-systems-tour-off-grid-solar-electric/
These are the power point files from the 3rd edition book Photovoltaic Systems. They are in numerical order 1-15. So, when you click on the link the file will open. These files are large with lots of information to read and pictures too.
Dunlop, J. P., & National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Commitee for the Electrical Industry. (2012).
Photovoltaic Systems. Orland Park, IL: American Technical Publishers. Inc.
Chapter 1- Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Chapter 2- Solar Radiation
Chapter 3- Site Surveys and Preplanning
Chapter 4- System Components and Configuration
Chapter 5- Cells, Modules, and Arrays
Chapter 6- Batteries
Chapter 7- Charge Controllers
Chapter 8- Inverters
Chapter 9- System Sizing
Chapter 10- Mechanical Integration
Chapter 11- Electrical Integration
Chapter 12- Utility Interconnection
Chapter 13- Permitting and Inspection
Chapter 14- Commissioning, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Chapter 15- Economic Analysis
Dunlop, J. P., & National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Commitee for the Electrical Industry. (2012).
Photovoltaic Systems. Orland Park, IL: American Technical Publishers. Inc.
Chapter 1- Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Chapter 2- Solar Radiation
Chapter 3- Site Surveys and Preplanning
Chapter 4- System Components and Configuration
Chapter 5- Cells, Modules, and Arrays
Chapter 6- Batteries
Chapter 7- Charge Controllers
Chapter 8- Inverters
Chapter 9- System Sizing
Chapter 10- Mechanical Integration
Chapter 11- Electrical Integration
Chapter 12- Utility Interconnection
Chapter 13- Permitting and Inspection
Chapter 14- Commissioning, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Chapter 15- Economic Analysis
A battery made by Tesla Motors that can power your home it just needs sunshine.
http://www.teslamotors.com/powerwall
http://www.teslamotors.com/powerwall
Here is another story about the Tesla battery.
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Reporting-Live-From-the-Tesla-Mystery-Product-Unveiling?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=Headline&utm_campaign=GTMDaily
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Reporting-Live-From-the-Tesla-Mystery-Product-Unveiling?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=Headline&utm_campaign=GTMDaily