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Solar power is when photovoltaic modules convert direct sunlight into electricity. Direct current (DC) then flows from the photovoltaic modules through a regulator to a battery or battery bank where the power is stored. DC appliances can be powered directly from the batteries. If you want to power alternating current (AC) appliances, you will need an inverter. The inverter converts DC power into AC power. The inverter is also powered directly from the batteries.

What is Solar Power (technical)

Sunlight is made up of tiny packets called photons. Every hour enough of this energy reaches the world to meet the world's energy demand for the whole world. Photovoltaic panels consists of many solar cells, these are made of materials like silicon, one of the most common elements on earth. The individual cell is designed with a positive and a negative layer to create an electric field, just like in a battery. As photons are absorbed in the cell, their energy causes electrons to become free, the electrons move toward the bottom of the cell, and exit through the connecting wire. The flow of photons is what we call electricity. By combining solar cells and photovoltaic panels, we can produce just the right amount of electricity to perform a specific job, no matter how large or small.

Applications for Solar Power

In South Africa, the main applications for solar power can be found in rural areas, which are not connected to the national electricity grid. Solar power in rural areas is a viable alternative for providing electricity for telecommunications, telemetry, water pumping, lighting, television, DC refrigeration and other low power non- heating applications. Heating appliances such as kettles, toasters, stoves, geysers and heaters are consuming too much energy and therefore can not be used on a solar system.

Maintenance & Life time expectancy of a solar system

The main components for a solar system are the solar module, regulator and battery.
The photovoltaic modules normally have a manufacturer’s power output warrantee of 20 to 25 years.
The only maintenance on a solar module is to clean the glass on a regular base. The regulator has
a 1 year warrantee, but can be damaged if the instructions are not properly followed. The 12V solar batteries also come with a 1-year warrantee and the expected lifetime is between 3-4 years. Most of the solar batteries available are semi sealed batteries and are low maintenance or maintenance free batteries. In case of low maintenance batteries, see the manufacturer’s maintenance manual.