Solar Electricity: How it’s Made, How to Use It

Solar electricity is a popular option with many people who are looking for ways to produce clean, sustainable electricity.  Sunlight is free, the energy of the sun is unlikely to run out for a few million years or so (not that we can do anything to prevent this) and the amount of sunlight striking the planet’s surface is more than enough to meet everybody’s energy needs and still have plenty to spare to keep the ocean currents and the winds circulating as they do.

How Solar Electricity is Made

Solar electricity makes use of the photovoltaic effect.  This involves some complex quantum physics, but in practical terms, what happens is that the photons or particles of light energy in the sunlight can knock a few electrons loose from certain materials, namely the semiconductor silicone.  Electrons running on the loose around a circuit are what makes electrical current.  

Solar electricity is usually generated using the photovoltaic effect in solar panels.  These solar panels are also called PV panels, solar cells, solar arrays or photovoltaic panels.  

How to Live off the Grid With Solar Electricity

People who want to live off the grid and be their own energy providers often use solar electricity to supply their electrical needs.  For a home to make use of solar electricity, a few things will need to be considered.

• Does the house have enough roof space facing in the right direction?  A solar panel will have to be turned towards the midday sun, which means towards the north in Australia.
• How many solar panels do you need?  One little solar panel will not meet a family’s needs.  Don’t underestimate the area of solar panel you will need – several square metres are essential if you want to power a full household, even if other energy-efficient measures such as solar water heating and passive solar house design are used.
• What angle do the panels need to be set at?  This is determined by the latitude your house is at.  Homes at the equator will need to have their solar panels set practically flat, while those at higher latitudes (e.g. New Zealand) will need to set their panels at a steeper angle.
• Can you get at the panels easily?  While solar panels do not need much maintenance, they will need to be kept clean so sunlight can fall onto them fully.  This is especially true if birds find the sunny location and the angle of the panels make a perfect perch.
• Get the right sort of deep cycle battery to store the charge generated so you can still use solar electricity at night and during dull, overcast weather.  Homes will need a different type of deep cycle battery from that used in motor homes and boats.