What is it?

 

Solar energy is energy obtained from the sun's rays. This can be used for electricity generation through photovoltaic (PV) panels or heating through evacuated tube hot water systems.  

 

 

How does it work?

 

PV panels are installed on a rooftop or structure that is readily exposed to direct sunlight. The panels then collect the sun's rays and output direct current (DC) electricity. This passes through an inverter to change the current to alternating current (AC) which can be used in the house. This system is connected to your current smartmeter and the power grid. When more electricity is needed than the PV panels can supply, elecricity is drawn from the grid through the meter as normal. When more electricity is generated from the PV panels than you are using, the excess electricity runs through the meter backward out to the grid. This causes your meter to turn backwards and reduce your electricity bill.

 

Evacuated tube systems are installed on a rooftop or structure that is readily exposed to direct sunlight. The water in the bottom of the tubes is then heated until it rises to the top of the tubes. Once it reaches the required temperature, it moves to a storage tank. As water in the tank cools it flows from the bottom of the tank back to the bottom of the tubes to be reheated. The heated water in the tank can then be drawn into the house for regular use. If you desire a temperature hotter than the system can attain, a gas or electric booster will further heat the water from the tank as it moves to the house.

 

 

Advantages:

• generates free electricity

• zero-emission

• can turn your bill into a check

• payback period is only 5-7 years

• units are easily installed in a few hours

 

 

Disadvantages:

• requires constant exposure to sunlight

• size restrictions limit PV systems to 4.5 kW

• inverters must be replaced every 10 years

• panels are usually replaced every 25 years