How solar generator works? Do you live in an area that is prone to blackouts, hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds or any other event that could knock power out for a day or more?
With the rise of solar technology comes a natural curiosity about where this technology may lead us and how it works. Despite the growing presence of solar technology in our society, many of us are still curious about where it comes from and how we are able to utilize sunlight to create useable energy. Many people are surprised to discover that even though solar power seems like a complicated process, the way it works is actually very straightforward. Solar energy is able to be harnessed through devices called photovoltaic cells.
These cells are made from a semi conductive material and are able to soak in photons that come from the sunlight and turn them into useable energy. However, in order for this process to be able to work, there has to first be an electric field. This is achieved by treating the semi conductive materials with elements that will change their original charge. When creating a photovoltaic cell, the most common semi conductive material that is chosen is silicone.
The best way to combat these power outages and have power off the grid is using solar energy. They don’t need fossil fuel, they are nearly silent, they recharge quickly and, in many cases, can be taken to other locations if needed.
It takes two pieces of silicone to create a photovoltaic cell, but in order for this to happen, they need to be charged in a way that allows them to create an electric field. In order for an electric field to be created, there needs to be a collision between positive and negative charges. Therefore, the silicone needs to be charged with elements that are capable of producing one positive and one negative charge. This is usually done by using phosphorus and boron.
One piece of silicone is taken and treated with phosphorus. This adds electrons to the silicone, making its charge negative. Then, the second piece of silicone is taken and treated with boron. This takes electrons away from the silicone and makes the charge positive. Once this has been done, the two pieces of silicone are laid on top of one another, creating an electric field. When the electric field is created, it can be laid out into the sun and absorb photons from the sun.
When the sunlight hits the electric field and it absorbs the photons, the energy it absorbs is able to free electrons from their atoms. These electrons can then be gathered and converted into useable energy. This is done by combining the photovoltaic cells to create one solar panel. The solar panel has metal ends at either side that are able to gather the freed electrons. Then, these electrons are carried through wires that are able to transfer them to our devices that need to be recharged.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a compact electronic box that encompasses three main components, namely:
- Solar Panels
- Solar Generator (Integrated)
- DC to AC inverter
- Solar charge controller
- AC charger
- USB charger
- inbuilt battery bank
- LED Lights
The generator draws energy from the sun via solar panels and stores it in a high-capacity battery. Through an inverter, the stored energy is released for use with a wide variety of devices and appliances at home, including smartphones, lights, laptops, and refrigerators.
Solar generators are an excellent power source for people who are concerned about the negative impact of diesel and petrol-powered generators on the environment. These generators don’t emit harmful emissions, thanks to the fact that they use renewable energy.
How Solar Generator works?
The best way to answer this question is by exploring the main components of a solar generator and their individual functions.
- Battery Bank – A solar generator has to store the energy it captures from the sun for later use. That’s the work of the battery bank. Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in solar generator, but you can also get lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries have far more benefits than lead-acid batteries and in the long run are actually more affordable.
- Charge Controller – The charge controller is an integral component of a solar power generator. Its primary purpose is to protect and promote the durability of the solar generator’s battery. Charge controllers normally have different characteristics for charging and discharging depending on your rechargeable battery type. This is the brain of the generator.
- Inverter – The work of an inverter is to convert the low DC (Direct Current) power from the battery into AC (Alternating Current) power that can be used to power various AC devices in your home. DC items can actually bypass the inverter completely since the electricity doesn’t need to be converted.
- Solar Panel – The solar panel is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a frame work for installation. Photo-voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV Panel, and a system of Solar Panels is an Array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar electricity to electrical equipment.
In short, a solar generator works by capturing energy from the sun via solar panels, storing the energy in its in-built battery, and converting the energy into AC power through an inverter before being released for use in household appliances and other electronic devices.
Advantages of Solar Energy Over Traditional Generators?
If you’re still interested in investing in gas or diesel fuel over solar energy, you should take some time to really consider what the tradeoffs are. While you may be able to get power instantly by using gas, you’ll be limited by the space you can use it in. Additionally, a gas generator requires you to have a well ventilated area if you want to operate the device without exposing yourself to carbon dioxide or other dangerous byproducts whereas a solar panel doesn’t produce any emissions and can store energy for later use. Although there are very obvious benefits that are associated with having a gas or diesel generator, you’ll be far better off investing in solar energy.
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See Also
- What’s the difference between 60 cell and 72 cell solar panels?
- Top 10 solar energy benefits
- Differences monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels
- 10 tips on how to choose solar panels company
- How does solar inverter work
- What are the different types of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?