Solar Power Frequently Asked Questions

Solar power has not had the commercial success as hoped because of the high cost of the equipment and for the installation. With more research and investment, it will become more popular and will help reduce pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels. Here are some answers to solar power frequently asked questions:

THE BASICS

Sunlight can be harvested to provide electricity and heat. Since solar energy is widely spread out, there are different methods to collect and concentrate it to provide enough energy for our needs.

How Solar Power Works - how to use photovoltaic & solar heating to our advantage.
Facts About Solar Power - fun facts about the solar energy.
What are the Benefits of Solar Power? - solar power may be good for you.
Solar Power Statistics - Are we taking advantage of this free resource?

GENERAL SOLAR POWER FAQ

Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. Solar cells are made out of semiconductor material and produce DC electricity which can then be stored in batteries or used to operate lights and appliances.

Why Is Solar Power Important? - It's free yet we aren't taking advantage of it.
What equipment do I need? - Learn about solar panels, charge controller and batteries.
How do I go about calculating solar power needs? - Start by figuring out how much power you need.
How many solar panels do I need? - It takes a lot of panels to power a modern household.
Why are solar panels so expensive? - Is solar power a good investment for you?

SOLAR HEATING FAQ

Humans have been heating homes with the sun for thousands of years, but can it work for a modern home? Heating and cooling a house is one of the major consumption sources of energy.

Solar home heating - how do I heat my home using the sun?
How well does solar heating work? - the effectiveness depends on your location & home design.

"HOW-TO" FAQs

Where can I find more information about retrofitting solar power? Updating an existing home to use power from the sun.
Is it possible to build your own solar panel? - a fun DIY solar project.
Learn how to build a solar battery charger - A simple project to power electronics & phones.
Where can I learn about cooking with solar power? - yhis may come in handy when you’re stranded and hungry in a remote location.

THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF SOLAR POWER

How Do Solar Cells Work? - Solar cells are the building blocks for solar panels.
What are solar panels made of? - Semiconductor material makes the electrons flow.
How efficient is solar energy? - Find out what factors affect efficiency.
Solar power vs. wind power

If your solar power frequently asked questions isn't addressed here, please check the articles library for more information.