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The sun is a giant star in our solar system that provides heat and light to our planet. Every day, the heat of the sun washes over Planet Earth as a form of solar power. So, What is residential solar power and how does it work?

Residential Solar Power Basics

Starting with the suns rays, the energy imparted from the sun flies off as radiation to the earth and other planets. Its like the sun is bombarding the earth with its warmth and light! This is known as UVA or UVB radiation.

Much of those rays are reflected back into space but enough of that energy is absorbed by the earth to fuel homes all across the planet. Unfortunately, our created reality is not a match for the extent of our imagination. This may be a well understood concept, but it remains one that we are a long way from manifesting.

Have you noticed how many more solar panels you can see on rooftops and in people’s gardens and back yards? They all look a lot better these days. No longer do we live in a time when only the rich could afford solar power for homes.

Now heres the scientifically technical bit, so hold on tight! Ill make it brief, I promise you!

At this point I am about to start talking in scientific terms, but bare with me. It wont be for long I assure you!

Residential Solar Power - The Science

Solar panels are made up of an array of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. These cells more often than not come as a form of silicon or some other semi-conductive-type material. They are arranged positive to negative, end to end, in a uniform way to create the solar panel itself.

For best effect the panel should be placed to the south of the building. That way, you can capture the most amount of sunlight. When the sun hits the panel, the heat is absorbed into the solar cell as energy.

The energy from the sunlight (aka ‘photons’) strikes the solar cells and forces the previously stationary electrons to be knocked loose.

Now freed up, these electrons rush to the other end of the solar cell and in this motion, electricity is made, the selfsame electricity you use to power your appliances in your home.

Right now though, the electricity is still in a DC format (aka Direct Current). Traditional houses require AC current (aka Alternating Current), so some more work needs to be done to render this a useful operation.

Now, the residential solar power system starts to do its thing. The electrical energy from the solar panel or photovoltaic array is sent to a DC disconnect device. This interrupts and changes the flow of electricity from the array.

At this point you have the choice to use one of two methods to direct the electricity around your home. Should you choose to directly connect your residential solar power system to your homes electricity system, you will then need to pass the electricity through an inverter. This will transform your DC current into AC current for use around the house.

You are almost all set to use the electricity. It then passes through an inverter for use by AC outlets in your home.

Your other option is to buy a few good quality deep cycle batteries and direct whatever extra solar energy you don’t use in the day into them so they can store it all up for a later date when maybe you might need it more.

To Conclude …

Using residential solar power will reduce your domestic utility bills. When you do introduce your solar power system you will know that you are ahead of the curve, foreseeing the future that, without doubt, will be crying out for alternative energy sources that are renewable and sustainable.