What really is solar energy?
Very often there is confusion about the various methods used to harness the sun's abundant and clean energy. Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways: (1) in the form of heat (or thermal energy), and (2) in the form of light energy.
Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There are a variety of products on the market that utilize thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy.
Photovoltaics (PV) is a technology often confused with solar thermal and is in fact what many people mean when they refer to "solar energy". Photovoltaics (photo=light, voltaics=electricity) is a semiconductor-based technology (similar to the microchip) which converts light energy directly into an electric current that can either be used immediately or stored, such as in a battery, for later use. PV panels/modules are very versatile and can be mounted in a variety of sizes and applications; e.g. on the roof or awning of a building, on traffic/street lights or as very large arrays consisting of multiple panels/modules.
Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There are a variety of products on the market that utilize thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy.
Photovoltaics (PV) is a technology often confused with solar thermal and is in fact what many people mean when they refer to "solar energy". Photovoltaics (photo=light, voltaics=electricity) is a semiconductor-based technology (similar to the microchip) which converts light energy directly into an electric current that can either be used immediately or stored, such as in a battery, for later use. PV panels/modules are very versatile and can be mounted in a variety of sizes and applications; e.g. on the roof or awning of a building, on traffic/street lights or as very large arrays consisting of multiple panels/modules.
What are Photovoltaic cells?
Photovoltaics are solar cells that produce electricity directly from sunlight. They are usually made of silicon, the same material that makes up the common beach sand of Lagos coast. The cells are wafer-think circles or rectangles, about three to four inches across.
Solar cells operate according to what is called the photovoltaic effect, ("photo", light, "voltaic",electricity). In the photovoltaic effect, "bullets" of sunlight, photons, striking the surface of semi-conductor material such as silicon, liberate electrons from the material's atoms. Certain materials added to the silicon (dopants) help establish a path for the freed electrons. This creates an electrical current. Through the photovoltaic effect, a typical four-inch silicon solar cell produces about one watt of direct current electricity.
Solar cells operate according to what is called the photovoltaic effect, ("photo", light, "voltaic",electricity). In the photovoltaic effect, "bullets" of sunlight, photons, striking the surface of semi-conductor material such as silicon, liberate electrons from the material's atoms. Certain materials added to the silicon (dopants) help establish a path for the freed electrons. This creates an electrical current. Through the photovoltaic effect, a typical four-inch silicon solar cell produces about one watt of direct current electricity.
What does energy conversion efficiency mean?
Photovoltaics are solar cells that produce electricity directly from sunlight. They are usually made of silicon, the same material that makes up the common beach sand of Lagos coast. The cells are wafer-think circles or rectangles, about three to four inches across.
Solar cells operate according to what is called the photovoltaic effect, ("photo", light, "voltaic",electricity). In the photovoltaic effect, "bullets" of sunlight, photons, striking the surface of semi-conductor material such as silicon, liberate electrons from the material's atoms. Certain chemicals added to the material's atoms. Certain chemicals added to the material's composition help establish a path for the freed electrons. This creates an electrical current. Through the photovoltaic effect, a typical four-inch silicon solar cell produces about one watt of direct current electricity.
Solar cells operate according to what is called the photovoltaic effect, ("photo", light, "voltaic",electricity). In the photovoltaic effect, "bullets" of sunlight, photons, striking the surface of semi-conductor material such as silicon, liberate electrons from the material's atoms. Certain chemicals added to the material's atoms. Certain chemicals added to the material's composition help establish a path for the freed electrons. This creates an electrical current. Through the photovoltaic effect, a typical four-inch silicon solar cell produces about one watt of direct current electricity.
Can I use solar energy to power my whole house?
Yes, many people power their remote homes completely with solar energy in a stand alone solar system, however certain high load appliances are sometimes powered by an alternative means. Usually, they also adopt a conservation lifestyle.
How durable are solar panels?
They are very durable. They remain operational even 20 years after installation. Solar panels are water proof and not easily broken. We don't recommend that you step on them though! They are factory tested against hails, thrown stones and volcanoes.
Do solar panels store energy?
No, the solar panel will charge rechargeable batteries or you can connect it directly to power a DC appliance. You can run any battery operated device with the battery once it has been charged. You can also power your conventional household AC appliances with a solar electric system and an inverter.
How do I keep them clean?
Rinse them off occasionally to keep leaves and debris off.
Can I get electric shock from my solar system?
Definitely! Your solar installation is just like your grid electricity in many ways. Move away from exposed wires and do not expose to water Do not handle exposed wires but promptly report this to your installation technician.
How long do PV systems last?
A well-designed and maintained PV system will operate for more than 20 years. The PV module, with no moving parts, has an expected lifetime exceeding 30 years. Experience shows most system problems occur because of poor or sloppy installation.
Failed connections, insufficient wire size, components not rated for dc application, and so on, are the main culprits. The next most common cause of problems is the failure of electronic parts included in the Balance of Systems (BOS) - the controller, inverter, and protection components.
Batteries will fail quickly if they are used outside their operating specification. In most applications, batteries are fully recharged shortly after use. In many PV systems the batteries are discharged AND recharged slowly, maybe over a period of days or weeks. Some batteries will fail quickly under these conditions. Be sure the batteries specified for your system are appropriate for the application.
Failed connections, insufficient wire size, components not rated for dc application, and so on, are the main culprits. The next most common cause of problems is the failure of electronic parts included in the Balance of Systems (BOS) - the controller, inverter, and protection components.
Batteries will fail quickly if they are used outside their operating specification. In most applications, batteries are fully recharged shortly after use. In many PV systems the batteries are discharged AND recharged slowly, maybe over a period of days or weeks. Some batteries will fail quickly under these conditions. Be sure the batteries specified for your system are appropriate for the application.
Why are our solar street lights not as bright?
Solar technology is a perfect fit for street lights. In Nigeria, irresponsible design and installation practices with lack of maintenance plans have caused lack of faith in the technology. It works in other places in the world. It WILL work in Nigeria.
Can I use solar energy to pump water from my well?
Infact this is arguably the commonest application of this technology in many parts of the developing world. The solar pumps operate during the sunny hours of the day filling a water reservoir that can be used anytime. It requires little maintenance and noiseless.
How much does a solar home system cost?
It is easy to figure out the cost of a system but a responsible system designer will meet with you for a complete load analysis, your energy usage pattern, future plans and also visit your house or facility for a site analysis to be able to give you a truthful system cost. Demand these services from your installer and ask hard questions, it's your money.
Can my solar panels be stolen?
Solar panels need to be outside to catch the sun rays. Sadly no assurance against stealing and vandalism of this equipment. They may be installed on the ground, on a pole, against your building wall or on the roof of your building, wherever they are best exposed to the sun (reason for a site visit and analysis). Working with your installer, you can decide on where you get the best sun exposure and reduced access to thieves and vandals.