Welcome to Solar Power Guide
Solar Power Residential Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Using A Solar Power Kit For Educational Purposes
from: A small-scale solar power kit might not provide as much power as a homeowner might need, but it can serve a few educational purposes very well. When it comes to demonstrating the effectiveness of this sustainable energy source, even a very affordable kit can do the job incredibly well.A solar power kit for educational purposes can range in size and complexity. A standard kit to produce solar power will involve these components:
• A solar collector device – Whether it is a full solar panel or a scaled down module, a solar power kit must have some mechanism for collecting the sun’s photon energy. Solar collectors trap the sun’s power and help convert it into DC electricity. In most cases, solar panels in kits or otherwise include silicon as the semiconductor material that makes the panels work.
• An inverter – This machine is designed to take the DC energy a solar panel captures and turn it into usable AC power. If an inverter isn’t included in the mix, a solar power kit might not serve its function very well.
• Battery – A battery will be required to store the energy collect and transformed by the panel and inverter. In many cases, a charge controller will also come along with a solar power kit purchase to help ensure maximum efficiency of the battery included.
• Other hardware and devices – In addition to the actual solar power collection devices, most kits come with some form of hardware to mount the panel and feed the batteries. Cables, hardware and other similar items might be included in a kit.
A solar power kit can work very well in two circumstances for educational purposes. They are:
• A demonstration for homeowners – A solar power kit won’t power an entire home or even run a large appliance in most cases, but it can clearly show how this type of system functions. Depending on the size of the kit, the battery might be able to power minor appliances, such as a toaster or power tools. This is a great way for homeowners or skeptics to see how solar power works and why this sustainable energy is worth exploring further.
• Classroom use – Teachers who want to demonstrate how this form of energy works often use solar power kit models to do the job. For classroom use, a solar kit is generally very small in design. It will still typically include all the components of a larger system.
Telling people how solar energy works doesn’t necessarily work as well as showing them. When a small scale teaching tool is desired, a solar power kit can get the job done right.
Solar Power Residential News
California Expands Rooftop Solar-Power Program - Wall Street Journal
 Los Angeles Times | California Expands Rooftop Solar-Power Program Wall Street Journal By Cassandra Sweet Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES SAN FRANCISCO (Dow Jones)--California regulators approved a plan Thursday to expand a subsidy for rooftop solar power generated by homeowners and businesses, handing a victory to the solar industry. California Expands Net Metering Program for Solar-Power Sales California and New Jersey Utilities Top Annual List of 2011 Installed Proposal would let more customers sell solar power to utilities |
Solar Power to Cut High Electricity Costs at NJ Sawmill - GetSolar.com
 GetSolar.com | Solar Power to Cut High Electricity Costs at NJ Sawmill GetSolar.com A provider of commercial solar power systems, recently announced a 243-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at Riephoff Sawmill was recently completed. The project marks another milestone for solar power in New Jersey, which is second only to California ... |
Marshall to install solar panels at University High in Morgantown - State Journal
Marshall to install solar panels at University High in Morgantown State Journal Marshall University is expanding its project to provide solar power to schools around the state. Marshall University is expanding its project to provide solar power to schools around the state. The Arch Coal Foundation on Thursday, May 24, ... |
Marshall to install solar panels at University High in Morgantown - WOWK
Marshall to install solar panels at University High in Morgantown WOWK Marshall will install a solar panel system similar to this one at Welch High School at University High in Morgantown. Source: Marshall University Marshall University is expanding its project to provide solar power to schools around the state. |
Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power - BusinessWeek
 Press Herald | Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power BusinessWeek At least one solar energy company has set up shop in Connecticut to scout for business. On Friday, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority announced it will spend $10 million for 5.6 megawatts of additional residential solar panels. Connecticut subsidies seen spurring home solar power Solar Panels, the Power Generators' Biggest Nightmare Studies Confirm a ... Residential solar in Connecticut gets new push from Clean Energy Finance and ... |