| Solar power is not a mystery; it is in fact a very | | | | We will attempt to set up a step-by-step explanation |
| straight forward function. The sunlight provides energy | | | | of how solar power works. The sun-rays, when they |
| which is then converted into electricity. This electricity | | | | hit the solar panels are absorbed by silicon, which is a |
| can be used to power our lights and appliances in our | | | | semi conducting material. |
| homes. Solar power is used in one appliance most of | | | | When this happens then electrons are freed from |
| us use every day; our calculators. Do you have a | | | | atoms and this enables them to produce electricity. |
| calculator that turns on when you open it and closes | | | | This process is called a photovoltaic effect. The solar |
| when you put it back into its sleeve, with no buttons to | | | | panels convert the energy into DC electricity which |
| click? That is solar energy working for you. The utility | | | | then enters the inverter which turns it into 120 volt AC |
| companies presently use solar power too. If you | | | | electricity which we use in our homes. There is a utility |
| covert you home electricity to solar power you will | | | | panel in the house to which the AC power enters and |
| receive free power directly from the sun. Imagine a | | | | uses it in our appliances and lights, etc. If you have |
| freebie from Mother Nature. | | | | more electricity than you need you can store it in a |
| In order to trap the sun's rays they need to be | | | | battery or in a grid. It can be used from the grid on |
| collected by using solar thermal collectors. However, | | | | cloudy days or at night. |
| we have had the sun ray's give heat without them | | | | As we said, solar power is not a mystery once you |
| when the sun heats up the water in the swimming pool | | | | understand just exactly how it works. It is a very |
| However, by using solar thermal collectors we can | | | | uncomplicated function and anyone can use it in their |
| trap the heat and use it to heat buildings. | | | | home. |