Using gas to fuel your generators can be a big pain for you and for our environment. Did you know that gasoline vapors are heavier than air and that they actually stay on the ground just waiting for a spark?

This can end up being really dangerous however there is actually a certain gadget that can easily help you get rid of the use of gas for your generators. It’s called the solar powered generator. These types of solar generators can be purchased or you can learn to construct your own. Solar generators and renewable energy is absolutely the way to go.

How Does A Solar Generator Work

The Solar powered generator is produced from three straightforward, principal parts: a frame, a charger for the battery and the generator itself. The solar frames of your generator captures the sun’s energy and stores it within a battery for future use. Portable photovoltaic power systems are excellent to have in emergencies. You’ll be able to also use it to save cash on charging your little electronic gadgets.

Generally, many solar system producers give a warranty of 20 to 30 years on their product. Also, there is no need to have a solar storage system these days, as many states in the U.S are ready to buy the excess electricity generated via this solar energy. Normally the wind breaks the power lines, which get covered with ice and snow. Usually, when you lose power here, you go to the garage, roll out the generator and start pulling the cord.

Installing a solar powered generator will be a bit expensive compared to the installation of solar attic fans that may be up to $500 nevertheless we might say just about $250 in case you ask the assistance of an expert.

The Benefits of Solar Generators

The best benefit you can get from a solar powered generator is the fact that it makes use of solar power or in other words it’s fueled by the sun.Solar power is produced by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. This is done by using solar panels, which are large flat panels made up of many individual solar cells. Solar energy is free and it’s completely clean and abundant! We have the technology to harvest this richest energy source. Solar power is a form of renewable energy, and that itself is a large part of the green movement’s agenda.

Utilizing a solar powered generator with a larger solar panel can bring lots of benefits and power. One can install such a system for overall power generation of the house and this system can be found to be along the line of wind turbine power generating process.

Disadvantages of Solar Generators

One of the disadvantages that you may encounter when using a solar powered generator is the fact that it can be completely useless if you’re situated in a place that isn’t too sunny. Although the solar panels will still be able to harvest some of the solar power, it will take a longer time to charge compared to those who are situated in a sunnier environment.

Another disadvantage that you will encounter is the fact the initial investment for solar generators can be quite expensive compared to the typical gas fueled generators but you don’t have to worry because solar powered gadgets will certainly pay for themselves a few years from now.

A solar powered generator can really contribute a lot of good to our planet and to the future generations. We all know that the resources we are using to fuel our homes are starting to run out so using solar powered gadgets such as; solar powered lights, solar powered attic fans, solar powered battery charger and solar powered Christmas lights we are actually contributing to the rehabilitation of our earth.

When certain solids came into contact with light, it frees negative and positive charges in the solids and creates electrical activity i.e. electricity in them. The famous scientist, Albert Einstein received the Nobel prize in physics for analyzing this phenomena which came to be known as ‘the Photoelectric Effect’. The following section explains in brief, how this phenomena is implemented in solar panels for electricity generation. It is estimated that 30% of energy is used to heat water, which can be generated using solar panels. Solar panels for electricity generation can last upto 25 years and there is almost no expenditure in maintaining them.

A typical solar panel for generation of electricity contains 36 solar cells of different size, depending on the watt or amperage of the panel. A strong aluminum panel serves as a back for the solar panel, and is mounted in a tough frame. Monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar cells are used make rigid solar panels. Monocrystalline solar cells are made of thin wafers of silicon, which are 1 millimeter thick, that has been grown from a single silicon crystal. The yield of electricity from a solar panel made using these efficient solar cells, is more than polycrystalline solar cells.

Thin wafers of multifaceted silicon crystals are used to make polycrystalline cells. These are less efficient than monocrystalline solar celled solar panels. However, polycrystalline solar cells used in rigid solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline solar cells.
In the northern hemisphere, the solar panels used for the generation of electricity must face the south and those in the southern hemisphere, must face the north to take the maximum advantage of the sunlight or the solar power available. The solar panel electricity production is measured in the units of kilowatts, wherein one kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. The solar energy emitted by the sun, on a clear day, on 1 square meter of the earth’s surface, has the potential of producing 1,000 watts of electricity. The efficiency of solar panels range from 5-18 percent and mainly, depend on the type of solar cells used in it. Under laboratory conditions, multi-junction solar cells have achieved 40% efficiency. The sunlight, clouds, rain and snow are also major factors, that can affect the solar panel’s electricity production. The scientists have solved the question, “How does a solar panel make electricity?”.

How Does a Solar Panel Make Electricity

Solar cells make use of the photoelectric effect for the production of electricity. Pure crystalline silicon is a not a good conductor of electricity. Its electrons are not free to move about and carry an electrical charge. So atoms of other elements are added to 99.999 % pure silicon. Atoms of elements such as boron, added to silicon, results in a p-type silicon, which readily accepts electrons. Atoms of phosphorus added to silicon creates n-type silicon, which readily supplies electrons.

Solar cells, which are also known as photovoltaic cells, are made using a p-type silicon layer, n-type silicon layer and a transparent electrically conductive layer. It also has metal contact layer and a p-n junction. When sunlight falls on both the silicon layers of the solar cell, electrons and positive charges (protons) get excited and start moving within the layers. This flow of electrons is known as electrical current. These moving charges are then channelized through the electrical contacts laid on the solar cells to the junction box and emerge as direct current (DC) which can be used to charge batteries. The DC current is fed to an inverter an which converts it to alternating current and can be used power house hold electrical equipment.

Solar panels for electricity generation are also made by laying a layer of silicon on ether side of thin transparent sheets of various materials. The sheet is layered with solar cells such that, a p-type silicon layers of the solar cells is on one side of the sheet and the corresponding n-type silicon layers on the other side, opposite to the p-type layer. When sunlight falls on the these solar cells, it passes through the n-type silicon layer, transparent sheet and then it reaches the p-type silicon layer. This excites electrons and generates electrical activity which creates an electrical field around the middle sheet. Electrical current starts flowing through the sheet which is electrically conductive. The solar panels made using these solar cells are light and easy to handle. The method used to make these solar cells is inexpensive and does not waste precious silicon while making solar cells. Amorphous silicon is used to manufacture these solar cells.

Scientists at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have developed a technology to make solar cells made of carbon nano-tubes which can be painted or printed on flexible plastic sheets. Scientists believe that the walls or roofs of houses painted with inexpensive nano-tube solar cells can be used as solar panels for electricity generation which can then be stored in generators for one’s personal use.

Once solar energy was a hi-tech field. The space vehicle Vanguard-1, launched on March 17, 1958, was the first on to utilize solar panels. Now, scientists are trying to invent energy saving consumer vehicles by converting vehicle roofs into solar panels, by painting them with solar cells such as, nano-tube solar cells. Germany is the leader in using solar panels for the production of electricity. An installation, using solar panels for electricity production which is to the tune of 10 megawatt is located in Pocking, Germany. A solar farm in the Nevada desert in the United States, is expected to generate 15 megawatt by using solar panels for electricity production. There is a huge demand for solar panels in the Asian countries due the abundance of sunlight. Governments are offering to buy the excess electricity produced using the solar panels. The German government is paying as high as 4 times the normal rates to buy this type of electricity. An ambitious project to generate 300 megawatt of electricity is being planned in New Mexico. The whole world is gearing to convert as much of safe and free solar energy in electricity as possible.

Solar panel is a term used to describe the devices used for the conversion of solar energy in to other forms of energy like electrical or heat or light. This can be broadly studied under three categories.

1. Panels used to generate electricity
2. Panels used to generate heat
3. Panels used to heat water in homes.
How do solar panels work is nothing but knowing how the above panels work.

Panels used to generate electricity
Solar cells are common examples in this category of electricity generation. They are also known as photovoltaic cells. A combination of individual PV cells forms the Photovoltaic module. A collection of photovoltaic modules, which are tied together with a wire and are so designed to install it in a field readily, is known as photovoltaic panels or simply solar panels. The installation includes the photovoltaic modules, an inverter, a battery all linked to each other with a wire. Depending upon the no of cells and their arrangement there are three types of modules in this viz., crystalline silicon modules, rigid thin-film modules and Flexible thin-film modules.

Panels used to generate heat
The heat in the sun light is collected in this type of panels. They are called Solar thermal collectors. They are specially made to absorb the sunlight to provide the heat. It may appear that they are simple solar hot water panels but in reality they are more complex installations.

Though heat is generated out of sun light in these models, the heat energy is ultimately converted into other type of energy mostly electrical energy as in the case of solar power plants. The heat produced in the solar power plants is used to heat water, which in turn produce stream. A turbine connected to an electrical generator is made to drive for producing electricity.

There are three types of thermal collectors namely; solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers which are mainly used in solar power plants. In domestic and light industry applications, flat plate and box type panels are used. Apart from that, some more types like evacuated tube, pool or unglazed, air and parabolic dish are some of the other types of panels used. Some advantages of this type of solar panels are getting high temperature enough to generate electricity, higher efficiency of these panels and wide area coverage with the use of inexpensive mirrors

Panels used to heat water in homes
In solar hot water panels, sunlight is used to heat a fluid, which is then transferred to a heat storage vessel. Heating of potable water in the sun light and storing is in hot water tank is a common example of this. How solar panel works is explained below:

Flat absorber plates are placed on the top roofs of the buildings usually residential buildings. These absorbers are coated with darks selective surface which converts the sun’s radiation into heat. The heat so produced is carried by the fluid in the tubes attached to the absorbers. The heat is taken away and stored or used. In the process the fluid gets heated up. To take away its heat and for reuse, the fluid is directed to a heat exchanger, where it gives off its heat and the cooled fluid is reused.

A mechanical pump can be used for circulating the fluid by means of a solar cell. Alternatively the principle of thermo siphon which works on convection can be used to circulate the fluid by mounting the storage vessel higher in the circuit.

How solar panel works lies in the effective use of active solar or passive solar technologies or solar combisystem. While in active solar technology electrical or mechanical devices such as pumps are used, passive solar technology does not employ any other source of energy. Solar combisystem uses the auxiliary non-solar heat source.

Solar panels are mainly used to exploit the potential of solar energy, which is rampant is availability and is cheap to use as no money need to be paid by anybody for the use of sunlight.

In the depleting conventional energy source day by day, solar energy is the right substitute for that. But, for that, we need to be cautious in keeping our environment and thereby the atmosphere clean and un-spoilt. Because, the role of atmosphere in the use of solar energy is that of a filter.

It eliminates certain harmful gases and materials from the sunlight before it reaches the earth’s surface. It acts as a checkpoint. If that is damaged the entire earth will be damaged. Global dimming, global warming etc., are some of the phrases coined by the environmental conscious people to warn the adverse effects of our atmosphere getting into nowadays. Let us be more conscious in not polluting our atmosphere so that not only we, the future generation is also able to derive the advantages of solar energy.

The first and foremost benefit of using solar powered water fountains is that their use is gentle on the environment and your expenditure as well. Depending on the size and set up costs, solar powered garden fountains may vary in their price. However, the price when compared to its electrical counterparts, would definitely sound soothing to your ears. Garden fountains that run on solar energy cost relatively cheaper and give you the freedom from the hassles of messy wires. Due to their different built and mechanisms, solar powered garden fountains need to be looked after with certain unique care and attention. The solar powered technology of these fountains provides the benefit of minimal maintenance and complete product value. So, what are the other benefits of solar powered garden fountains and what are the maintenance tips to follow?

Maintenance Tips for the Working of Solar Powered Garden Fountains

Power Back-Up
It is obvious that a solar powered garden fountain will not operate when the sun is down. So, if you would like the fountain to work at night, the appliance will need a battery backup.

Poor Pump Performance
If you observe that the water pumps are not working as they are supposed to, then you have to work on the solar panels. Position the solar panels in a direction where they can harness maximum solar energy. Although rare, but if you require additional power for the pumps, extra solar panels can also be added to the unit.

Inconsistent Jets of Water
As solar fountains depend solely on sun’s energy for their operation, the intensity of their power may fluctuate throughout the day. The frequency of the fluctuations depends on the strength of the sun’s rays. So, when the atmosphere is cloudy, such fluctuations are a normal sight.

Set Up
A solar fountain can be assembled with or without the solar panels. In a set up, wherein the panels are separate from the fountain, you can have the fountain placed anywhere you like. There would be a connecting cord between the fountain and the solar panels. The only thing to be kept in mind is that the panels should be situated at a location, where they can receive maximum sunlight. If you feel that the fountain looks good with the solar panels integrated into them, then you have another option to place the whole unit under the sun. Accumulation of dirt and dust on the solar panels may affect the working. Simply, wipe off the dirt to ensure that the panels get most of the sunlight.

Benefits of Solar Powered Garden Fountains
Cost-Free Energy
To run solar powered garden fountains, nature charges you no fee. Solar power is in abundance and can be used as much as it is needed. Enjoy your summer without any electric bills that bother you in case of standard fountains.

Place Anywhere
Solar technology provides you with the benefit to place the fountain anywhere you want. Solar fountain allows you to set up the unit at the farthest location from your house. This is an ideal feature for those who have a large garden area. As mentioned earlier, as long as the panels are utilizing the solar power, it does not matter even if you place the fountain inside your house. The limitations forced upon by an AC outlet is eliminated in a solar fountain.

Easy Installation
Solar fountain, unlike standard electrical fountain, is more than easy to install. You would not have to bear additional costs of hiring a plumber for any plumbing work for the fountain. A solar powered fountain is a stand alone unit for both water and power source. You also do not have to coil or uncoil the electrical wires to connect the unit to a power source. As the overall working of the appliance is solar-based, there is no need of any wires. Thus, you can also save some money which would otherwise be spent on hiring an electrician.

Safe and Reliable
As solar fountains are low on maintenance, they are highly reliable. It may happen that due to sudden rain, water may get inside the solar panels. This usually does not have any effect on the solar water fountain. The unit is also safe for small kids and pets. There are also no risks for children or pets.

One Draw Back or Disadvantage!
The only disadvantage associated with the working of solar powered garden fountains is their total dependence on the sun. Solar fountains work at their best on a bright sunny day. Their performance gets slower on a cloudy day. When winters fall, it is wise to keep the unit indoors. Snow and frost may damage the pump and the solar panels. The bowls of the fountain may also crack due to the freezing weather.

Solar powered garden fountains are best for places which receive good amount of sunlight and experience less freezing weathers. Solar fountains come in a variety of styles; some can be placed on any surface and some are used to float on ponds or pools. Solar fountains are one of the most cost-effective appliances that harness the greatest renewable source of energy; sunlight. Go green, go solar!

When someone thinks of solar powered outdoor lighting, the first thought that comes to mind are usually the solar panels that charge up in the sunlight, providing electricity to a building. While this is common, solar powered outdoor lighting does take shape in many forms. For instance, have you ever considered adding solar powered lights for your garden or along the pathway up to your house or driveway? As unusual as it may sound for some of you, these little innovative ideas may actually help you cut out some cost to your electricity bill while adding a lovely aesthetic to your home or garden.

Highlighting a walkway, driveway or even your backyard with path lighting is always a good idea, especially if you have a lot of obstacles such as sprinklers, toys or planters that would be difficult to spot during the night. Solar powered path lighting works like any ordinary path light, except it relies on solar energy to charge up during the day. And what makes it even more convenient is that even if the sun isn’t fully shining, there will still be enough UV rays out for the panel to charge up. In the end, you’d be cutting costs on your electricity bill just by using this eco-friendly method of outdoor lighting.

Solar powered lights also come in decorative forms while using the same method of solar charged energy. Eco-Lights.com has an interesting selection of garden and accent lighting that come in a variety of styles, from elegant lanterns to fun, realistic looking solar powered flower lights. The solar powered flower lights are especially interesting in the fact that they look like genuine colorful flowers during the day that automatically light up come dusk. Most will even stay lit for as long as 12 hours on just a few hours of charging out in the sun.

No longer does solar power have to be known as the lighting alternative that uses boring solar panels. Now that it’s gaining popularity for its energy saving qualities and is starting to take shape in aesthetically pleasing designs, solar powered lighting will soon enough become a household name.