Sustainable Planet Today

If you are new to the concept of solar power, you may be confused by all the terms used in the industry. Using the sun to power a home or a single appliance can be as simple as purchasing an all-in-one solar generator to as complex as installing a complete array of solar panels on your home. Here is a list of four common terms and their definitions I have put together to help you gain a greater knowledge of solar energy.

Passive Solar. Passive solar technologies convert the sun’s energy into usable heat, air movement, or storable electricity for future use. A solar furnace, placed on a south facing wall, is a good example. Cool air is drawn into the bottom of the collector, warmed by the sun, and channelled back into the home. This passive process uses the thermosiphon principle where hot air rises. The system works without any electrical input. Cooler air is constantly drawn in by the force of the warm air exiting through the top. Other passive solar examples include solar chimneys, daylighting with windows, and solar cookers.

Active Solar. Active solar basically refers to using energy to power mechanical equipment used in the conversion of the sun’s energy to usable forms such as electricity or heat. An example of active solar is the use of a solar furnace as mentioned above. However, in an active solar setting, the furnace is equipped with a fan to move warm air to a desired location. Another example involves the use of solar trackers that continually move a panel so it stays in the optimum path of direct sunlight throughout the day. Hybrid options make use of solar cells to power pumps, fans, and other mechanical equipment used in active solar systems.

Photovoltaics. Photovoltaics, or PV, refers to the field of research, technology, and development related to using solar cells to convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity. The term photovoltaic effect involves photons of light entering a cell made of semiconducting materials like silicon and causing the electrons present to move into a higher electrical state. This transduced light energy produces direct current electricity. The electricity can be used in DC form or be ran through an inverter to produce the alternating current (AC) common in most homes.

Net Metering. Net metering is an incentive for electricity consumers who install renewable energy generation systems such as solar panels. The policy is implemented in grid-tied systems, or those that are connected to an electrical provider. In simple terms, an electric meter works in both directions. As you consume electricity from the grid, the meter value increases. With solar panel systems that generate electricity that is in excess of the consumer’s usage the meter can actually run in reverse. Excess electricity from the solar panels is fed back into the grid. This net effect allows for a customer to basically bank electricity for future use. In months where the solar panels generate more than is used in the home, a credit is applied to the consumers bill. It’s a great incentive for those considering a grid-tied solar system.

The solar energy and power generation industry contains many more terms than those mentioned here. If you are interested in learning more, I suggest doing a web search at Google.

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