Solar Nerd articles about: Basics

If you’re doing research into home solar, you may come across some terminology that you’re unfamiliar with. A few common ones are kilowatts and kilowatt-hours. They’re confusing because of the similar names, but they refer to distinct things. Here’s an attempt at some simple explanations. What is a kilowatt? A watt is a measure of electrical power. A kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. The abbreviation for kilowatt is kW. (The W is capitalized because it is named after the Scottish inventor James Watt.

If you plan to install solar panels on your home, in most cities you will require at least one permit for the project. In many cases, you’ll need multiple permits. That’s not surprising: solar panels involve electrical and structural work, which are usually regulated by local or state codes. You’ll also need permission from your utility company, unless you plan to go completely off the grid. If you live under a homeowners association, you might need their blessing too.

If you stick some solar panels on your roof, they’ll generate clean electricity for 25 years or even more. They don’t make noise, generate smoke, or move. All they do is silently turn sunlight into electricity. Seems pretty magical, no? It is a little bit magical, but it’s also good old physics and chemistry. Here’s a quick explanation of how it works. How is a solar cell constructed? The essential component of a solar panel is the solar photovoltaic cell.

General considerationsTechnicalEnvironment General considerations Should I go solar? Maybe. We’re big fans of solar (obviously) but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody. While there are options such as community solar that allow potentially anyone to benefit, you’re more likely to see a financial return on investment if some or all of the following criteria apply to you: You own your home, and plan to live in it for at least as long as your calculated payback period.

Solar has grown an average of 50% every year for the past decade. There’s now more than two million solar installations in the United States. It’s no wonder that more and more people are thinking of adding solar power to their homes. Solar power isn’t new. Edmond Becquerel first demonstrated the photovoltaic effect way back in 1839. Still, how it actually works in your home to turn sunlight into electricity is a bit of a mystery to many people.