Solar In Virginia : Solar Power in Virginia

A Solar Panel, is a set of electrically connected Photovoltaic cells. It typically contains several sets of solar cells connected in series. This allows each low voltage cell to contribute and be combined to provide a usable amount of higher voltage from the panel

Simply stated, a Solar Panel is what you use to convert light from the sun in to electricity you can use.

How is a Solar Panel Made ?

A panel is created by electrically connecting many solar cells, and then housing the assembly in a safe, functional and durable enclosure.

One method of creating a solar panel is accomplished by following roughly these steps:

What is a Photovoltaic Cell or Solar Cell?

In a Solar Cell, electricity is generated by the photovoltaic effect.This is the process where voltage is created in a semiconductor, such as silicon, when light is absorbed.

A Photovoltaic Cell, frequently called a Solar Cell, is typically a relatively flat and layered device, this consists of a semi conducting material sandwiched between electrical conductors.

In simple terms, a Solar Cell is the part of a Solar Panel that converts the light from the sun in to electricity.

What is Solar Thermal ?

What is Solar Heating ?

How can you make electricity from the Sun ?

How can you save money with the Sun ?

Is Solar Power really green ?

Can I really use Solar to make my household hot water hot ?

Is Solar really free ?

Who do I contact ?

Solar Products

Solar Kits

Solar kits come in several types to fit many different needs. Here are the basic types:

Grid Tied - You connect to your electric service to reduce your bill. These are great ways to add a lower cost system to your house and begin reducing your carbon foot print. These systems do require approval from your electric utility, and the installation must meet County and Code standards. These systems do not work when the electric grid is down. So, if the power goes out for your neighbors, so does yours. Most electric utility companies will either pay you for the electricity you generate, or they will reduce your bill by the amount you generate ( called net metering ).
Grid Tied with Battery Backup - You connect to your electric service to reduce your bill and have emergency backup power. These systems have all the monthly cost savings benefits of the regular Grid Tie systems, but they include the extra advantage of providing you with power when you main electric utility service fails. . These systems do require approval from your electric utility, and the installation must meet County and Code standards.
Off-Grid Residential - You do not connect to your electric service, but instead, use your generated power directly. These systems are great for homes that do not already have electric utility service. They also work great for people who would like to add backup power for what ever their needs may be. When installed in homes that already have electric power, these systems do not use the existing wiring, instead you would wire special stand alone circuits to power just the things you want.
Off-Grid Cabin or Shed - You generate power for a location that does not have electric service. These type of systems are designed to meet the needs of small spaces that are isolated from any electric utility service. If you have a weekend cabin that currently does not have any power, then these are the perfect systems for you. Equally good targets for these small systems, is for your un powered shed.
RV - You generate power to be used by your recreational vehicle. Solar power systems are perfect compliments to any RV.
Self Contained - Portable power generation. Perfect for remote sites that need to run un-attended. Also perfect for sporting event fields, constructions sites, repeater stations and any other small but important isolated purpose.
Home Fun or Experimental - Learn about how it works, and share the fun with your family and friends. These type of kits are a wonderful way to explore the science behind solar power. They also provide you with the opportunity to spend quality time with with children ... just watch their faces glow with excitement as you explore methods to help yourselves and the planet! And ... lets not forget ... the just plain fun of bragging about your really cool toys with friends and neighbors!

Most complete off-grid solar packages, or kits, contain these parts or functions:

Solar Panels

When buying Solar panels, there are several things that you should keep in mind:

The very first thing to do is to do a needs analysis, so that you can be sure you get what makes sense for your project.
Try to purchase all of your panels so that they are alike. It is very important that when you tie your panels together, that they are matched electrically, to provide the same peak voltage and amperage.
If you are not going to buy all of the panels you want, all at the same time ... be sure to check to see if the manufacturer is still producing the panels you choose! The solar panel market is still growing, and manufacturers are likely to change models over longer periods of time. Be sure to ask the people you are purchasing from, if they expect your model to be still available when you expect to purchase the last one for your project.
Consider the size of the Solar modules, to make sure that when you get all of them together, that you will have enough space!
You should not expect the full rated power from the Solar Panels! Many things reduce the probability that you will get full power from your panels. Things like, pointing angle, shading, cloudy days, hot summary days and other factors can reduce the amount of power coming from your panel.
Be sure that you have done a site analysis to determine the best place to put your panels. Make sure that the place you choose will be big enough for your panels, be close to your wiring location, is the best place to get sun for the longest possible time during a day .... and all year long.

Here are some examples of various rigid solar panels that range in peak power production from 1 watt up to 224 watts.