Residential Photovoltaic Power Systems

Photovoltaic (PV) electric systems use solid state power inverters to convert DC voltage produced by PV panels (solar panels) during daylight hours into conventional residential AC voltage. Three Types of PV Electric Systems Solar Panel House These photovoltaic electrical systems can be categorized as one of three types: Stand-alone systems operate independent of the electric grid. Since the...

Wind Turbines

What is a Wind Turbine? Wind turbines are electro-mechanical systems that convert the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity (wind power). They are generally categorized as either horizontal axis (propeller style) or vertical axis (egg beater style) turbines: The horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is the more efficient of the two designs, but it requires tall towers that are typically hard to...

Home Wind Generators

Small wind generators, ranging in size from several hundred watts to tens of kilowatts with rotors 25 feet in diameter, can lower a residential customer’s electricity bill and/or provide backup power. Typically, they are found in rural areas with a fairly consistent wind source. Since most of these generators produce varying voltages (in terms of amplitude and frequency), they usually require...

What is Alternative Energy?

Wind Power-Alternative Energy Alternative Energy (AE) is synonymous with the term renewable energy. Recent interest in AE resources has been brought about by a desire for: Independence from traditional power sources  (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear), Decreased environmentally dangerous emissions, and Less price volatility as compared to the cost of fossil fuels (particularly...

An Introduction to Solar Power Generation

Solar Power Generation   There are three main types of solar power energy: Photovoltaic Solar Power Concentrating Solar Power Solar Thermal Energy   Photovoltaic Solar Power Technology Photovoltaic solar power results from electricity generated by solar cells by converting sunlight directly into electricity.  The basic solar principles (i.e. that certain materials can produce small...