Modern solar power systems can harvest more of the sun's energy than ever before. They do a very efficient job of converting this solar radiation to electricity that can be used in your home. Understanding the difference between these types of solar radiation can help you get the most out of your solar power system.
The sun is a virtually unlimited source of energy and showers the earth each day with enough power for all of our energy needs if we were able to harvest it. The energy the sun provides to us covers a wide range of wavelengths and each of them is affected in a slightly different way as the sun's energy reaches our planet. Initially when the radiation of energy from the sun reaches our outer atmosphere, it is considered to be constant. The reason for this is that the distance between earth and the sun is a vacuum and has little impact on the solar radiation traveling through it. Once this sunlight enters our planets atmosphere however, things change pretty rapidly.
The first thing that happens to this solar radiation is that it is reflected by the various particles of dust, water vapor and other small debris in our atmosphere. This reflection sends some of the solar radiation that hits earth's atmosphere back out into space and it never reaches our planet's surface. Of the solar radiation that does get through, some of this is further reflected and scattered as it travels to the surface of the planet. The portion of this scattered radiation that eventually reaches the earth's surface is known as diffuse radiation. This is a somewhat weaker form of solar radiation, but can still be harvested for conversion to electricity and heat.
There is a portion of the solar radiation that reached the surface of the earth without being scattered or reflected and this type is referred to as direct solar radiation. This tends to be the strongest form of solar radiation and can produce the most energy from conversion to electricity or heat.
Home solar panels can use all of these forms of solar radiation and convert them to energy for your home. The output of this solar power for homes will vary during a typical day depending on what type of solar radiation it has to convert. The highest output from these home solar panels will occur when the sun is directly overhead as this is when the most direct solar radiation strikes the panels and is converted to electricity.
In the early morning and late afternoon hours the sun is at a more dramatic angle to the surface of the planet and has to traverse more of the atmosphere before striking these home solar panels. As a result there is less direct solar radiation occurring and more diffuse sunlight as a result of the scattering in the atmosphere. These times of the day are more of a challenge for these home solar panels since they are converting a weaker sunlight and their output is much lower as a result.
The good news is that most modern solar panels are more efficient than ever and can do a better job of converting this weaker diffuse solar radiation to electricity than older panels could. In fact many of the older home solar panels could only convert a very small portion of the diffuse solar radiation that struck them to electricity, which meant they were inactive for large portions of an average day. Because these new panels can convert this diffuse solar radiation better, they produce a far higher output of power on average than ever before.
Unveiling the Solar Power Inverter: Your Gateway to Renewable Energy
Harnessing the sun's energy to power our homes is a smart and sustainable choice. At the core of this green revolution is the solar power inverter, a device that transforms the sun's rays into usable electricity for our daily needs. But the role of the solar power inverter extends beyond mere conversion; it's a dynamic component that optimizes energy use, manages storage, and even earns you credits from excess production. Dive into the world of solar power inverters to understand why they're indispensable in the quest for clean energy.
The Lower Cost Of Solar Panels Helps To Make Solar Power A Reality.
The cost of solar panels is less than ever before and they also represent a better value for homeowners. They can typically produce far more power than older panels and will last years longer on a typical home as well. Choosing the right solar panel for your home can save you money and will help produce the power you need.
Why Should I Hire A Solar Panel Installer Instead of Installing The System Myself?
While installing a solar power system on your home yourself may seem like a great idea initially, there are many good reasons to use a professional solar installer. They can provide the best installation possible in the least amount of time and can actually save you money on most installations.
