U.S. than we use in an entire year." An interesting point, and doubly interesting when considered in relation to another NREL factoid: "Every day more solar energy falls to the Earth than the total amount of energy the planets 5.9 billion inhabitants would consume in 27 years." (That tells us something about the disproportionate use of energy in the U.S. Granted, we get a lot done with that energy, but we also waste enormous amounts of it.)
Solar power is clean, quiet, and surprisingly inexpensive after clean-energy rebates have been reaped and the remaining cost of equipment has been amortized. A lot of us aren't in a position, either physically or financially, where we can do much with solar power. On the other hand, a lot of us are perfectly solar-capable, but the notion of "going solar" is daunting in terms of research, paperwork, initial investment, construction hassles, and so on. So we do nothing.
Well, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can get involved in solar energy in a meaningful way for about 300. In other posts we describe deep-cycle batteries that store energy derived from the sun, and inverters that turn 12-volt DC power into AC.
The heart of the system is the solar panel. For less than 150 you can get a small, plug-and-play panel with an output of 15-18 watts, giving a current flow of a bit over one ampere (at 12 volts). With a decent amount of sunlight, that's enough to keep a 12-volt deep-cycle battery topped up between regular discharges of, say, 8 to 10 amp-hours. At least that's been our experience over about eight years of experimentation with just such a system. See our 12-Volt Basics post for more information on watts, volts, and amps.
With that amount of replenishment available, you can do a host of small electrical chores, including running lights, making your morning coffee, and recharging power tools and hand-held vacuum cleaners. This accomplishes two things. First, it gets you familiar with solar energy combined with 12-volt DC power. Second, it takes a fraction of the load off the power grid. When millions of people contribute a bit, day after day, big things happen.
For solid information on how photovoltaics work, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Photovoltaics Basics page.
For a review of a small panel we can recommend, see Product Review: ICP Sunsei Solarcharger 1200.
~ Doug Logan, "New Energy Watch"
Source: renewable-sources.blogspot.com
