Using the warmth of the sun and transforming it into fuel that will be used for our household needs can be done several ways. The two most popular ways are the Photovoltaic system also known as the PV system and the Concentrating Solar Power, also known as the CSP system. The PV system makes electricity using the light from the sun and the CSP system takes the heat from the sun to make fuel for a power plant.
The best-known solar power system is the photovoltaic system, made up of semiconducting material which, when exposed to sunlight, releases electrical power. Energy produced by PV solar power systems is renewable, environmentally-friendly and highly cost effective for long-term use. Once a system is installed, the power of the sun is all that is needed.
PV solar power systems for the home produce energy that goes into a power inverter, which changes the electric current from direct to alternating current before being routed to the home. This makes the resulting power indistinguishable from the electricity that you would receive through conventional power generation from your local utility through your homes circuit breaker panel. After it travels through the inverter, the electricity may then be sent to power your appliances and lights, or else it may be sent to a power storage system, consisting of an array of batteries, which will ensure that you have power after sunset.
Homes or cabins in remote locations can be powered solely by a PV system when properly planned and installed. This is often much more cost effective than paying for the power company to connect you to the existing power grid, depending upon how far you are from the nearest utility pole. In some applications this can be miles, and cost the same or much more than a solar power system with no return on your investment.
The CSP or Concentrating Solar Power system is a solar power system that uses solar-thermal technology to generate electricity. An array of mirrors or panels collects the heat from sunlight and transfers the heat to a generator directly or through the circulation of heated fluid to the generator. The CSP system can supply the heat necessary to produce power in a traditional power plant, replacing the use of fossil fuels like coal.
Individuals and businesses alike can save considerably when deciding to utilize solar power systems. Monthly energy bills can be lowered dramatically when you install a solar power system to work in conjunction with your existing electric supply and literally nonexistent when it is your primary source.
While its certainly true that installing a solar power system is by no means cheap, its also true that the return on your investment can well justify the initial outlay. Think of it this way, other major home improvement projects such as kitchen remodeling may add value to your home, but they wont pay you back until after you sell the house at a profit.
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