Different equipment may be indicated if the sun's power is being harvested for solar SPACE heating versus solar WATER heating. But the underlying principles are the same.
PRINCIPLE
Energy from the sun can be harvested using collectors which use semiconductor techonology to transform the sun's light energy directly into electricity. (Electricity is what we call the directed motion of electrons in a wire.) When semiconductors such as silicon are exposed to sunlight, the energy from the sun is transferred to the semiconductor's electrons which causes them to move in the same direction - towards the metal conductors of the electrical wire. The electrons move down the wire, making electricity.
There are no moving parts - nothing to wear out.
DC energy from the solar panels can be used directly in pumps and fans or stored into battery banks for later usage.
Solar electric panels made of silicon wafers or "cells" produce reliable power for about fifty years and are generally guaranteed for up to twenty years. Called "PVs" or Photovoltaic Modules, they cost around $10 per peak watt or $500 - $1,000 per module.
APPLICATION
Typically, a solar energy system will include the following components.
Solar panels harvest the energy from the sun. This Direct Current (DC) electricity can be used immediately, but this is seldom practical as it means that electricity would only be available during peak sunlight hours.
On its way to the storage batteries, DC electricity from the panels is directed to a charge controller, whose purpose is to monitor the batteries, protect them from overcharging and undercharging, thus increasing the efficiency of the system and the life of the batteries.
DC electricity from the batteries can be used to power DC devices and appliances such as lights, radios, DC television sets, cellular phones, pumps, fans and so on.
An inverter is used to modify the DC current into Alternating Current (AC). AC can then be used to power any AC device you currently use in your own home such as your television, stereo, computer, microwave oven, washing machine, vacuum cleaner and lights.
Electricity from your inverter will use the existing wiring in your home. No re-wiring is required for AC power.
APPROACH
Every application presents some unique features which help us to select the configuration which will best suit your needs.
We meet with clients, often on several occasions, to define their needs and expectations. Then we propose a configuration which is customized for the client, integrating components of conservation, careful selection of appliances and electrical devices, and solar energy components.
SUPPORT
All configurations installed by us come with a 30-day warrantee. We will make sure the system works for you as planned!
We also offer annual maintenance contracts for customers wishing to be relieved of all worry. These contracts are customized to your configuration and a quote can be provided on request.
Individual off-the-shelf components come with a manufacturer's warrantee.
Le Boisé Alternatives (www.leboise.com)
(613) 282 - VOLT (613) 282-8658 Email: DJ@leboise.com
