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Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that has been harnessed by
humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation along
with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass
account for most of the available renewable energy on Earth. Only a minuscule fraction of the
available solar energy is used.
Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending
on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques include the
use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors (with electrical or mechanical
equipment) to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include orienting
a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing
properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.
If the range of operational voltage of your equipment does not fit the voltage supplied by your
battery, it will also be necessary to include some type of converter. If the equipment that you
want to power uses a different DC voltage than the one supplied by the battery, you will need
to use a DC/DC converter.If some of your equipment requires AC power, you will need to use
a DC/AC converter, also known as an inverter. Every electrical system should also
incorporate various safety devices in the event that something goes wrong. These devices
include proper wiring, circuitbreakers, surge protectors, fuses, ground rods, lighting arrestors,
etc.
Aside from storing energy, sealed lead-acid batteries also serve two important functions:
• They are able to provide an instantaneous power superior to what the array of panels can
generate. This instantaneous power is needed to start some appliances, such as the motor of a
refrigerator or a pump.
The regulator can include other features that add valuable information and security control to
the equipment. These features include ammeters, voltmeters, measurement of ampere-hour,
timers, alarms, etc. While convenient,none of these features are required for a working
photovoltaic system.
This ability to store energy as heat makes solar thermal electric power particularly valuable,
because energy can be stored when the sun is shining and released for electricity generation
when the power is needed most. Often peak electricity demand extends well into the evening
on hot summer days; solar thermal electric power is uniquely able to deliver zero-carbon
electric power to meet these demands.
Pictures of energy system
Solar
Wind
Solar thermal
Biomass