Applications of Photovoltaic Power

Solar power is also called photovoltaic power. This is because a cell that is used to harness the sun's energy is known as a photovoltaic cell. Environmental advocates hope the public will use more alternative energy sources and free the United States from its dependency carbon-based fuels. Using carbon-based fuels contributes to the greenhouse effect and pollutes the atmosphere. Tapping into applications of photovoltaic power is key to going green.

Photovoltaic solar power has major advantages over nonrenewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and nuclear power. This form of energy releases no pollutants. Solar cells even have an advantage over wind and water turbines because they have no moving parts and do not need much care or maintenance. Also, turbines and generators are noisy and some communities have protested their installation fearing noise pollution.

Photovoltaic power has many uses. The application can depend upon the location of the photovoltaic array (urban, rural, suburban etc.) and the needs of the consumer or business.

Solar energy creates direct current (DC), but inverters turn that current into alternating current (AC). Most home appliances run on AC power so a solar powered home can function almost identically to an electrically powered home. Photovoltaic power can be harnessed to operate electrical items people need for everyday life. Applications for solar power include powering a computer for work, powering a TV and stereo equipment for recreation, and powering lights.

Solar panels that are installed in more densely populated areas in the suburbs and cities are often placed on rooftops and supplement electric power use. Usually the home or building is already connected to the city's power grid.

In less populated areas photovoltaic systems are usually mounted on the ground. Because the power grid may be less reliable in a rural area the system may also have a battery backup.

Solar systems can even be used for agricultural purposes. In a farm or crop setting the photovoltaic array can directly power direct current (DC) pumps without an inverter.

Even if there is no electrical grid nearby solar panels can still be used. In mountainous areas or islands solar cells can be charged with a storage battery during the day and release power later. Before the advent of solar power people wanted to build homes in remote areas had to pay a lot of money to get a power cable extended to their house. Now, a remote home can be run with solar energy.

Applications of photovoltaic power can even be extended to business and industry. Companies that sell telecommunications products, work in highway safety, and produce oil all use solar power. Some of the less visible uses of solar power include:

• Call boxes-California powers all of its roadside call boxes with the sun.
• Road signs-because of its dependability solar power is now employed to light many highway signs.
• Telecommunication installations-many communication repeaters are installed in remote areas and rely on the power of the sun. Running power lines to remote locations is much more difficult.

Photovoltaic power can be used for everyday work and for unusual work. Solar cells have even been employed on space stations. Environmental advocates stress the importance of continued government funding for solar technology and continued support from the business and consumer market. They insist that using solar energy will help preserve the earth for future generations.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on renewable energy, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on solar power, please visit Photovoltaic Power, supplier of solar power news and information.

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