| Have you ever asked yourself, "How is solar | | | | utilities in case the solar or alternative energy |
| energy used?" The question seems quite simple; | | | | systems were to fail or require repair. |
| to power electrical devices, but this is really a | | | | Commercial Solar Power Uses |
| simple way to look at the entire solar power | | | | On the commercial side of renewable energy |
| concept. | | | | progress, there is a far different answer to the |
| Solar energy is comprised of electrical and thermal | | | | question, how is solar energy used. Businesses |
| energy. Electrical is gathered, inverted from direct | | | | have a larger energy requirement and budget, in |
| current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Once the | | | | most cases, for alternative energy panel |
| harnessed power is converted, the electricity can | | | | installation. A business can install enough solar |
| be used to power everything electrical from | | | | panels to run all of their personal computers, |
| appliances to computers. Thermal energy is used | | | | phone systems, heating systems or water |
| solely for the heat is provides. Thermal energy | | | | heating systems in order to save natural |
| can be used to heat homes, small spaces and | | | | resources and money. |
| water. | | | | The most commonly recognized use of solar |
| Residential Uses | | | | power in business involves NASA. Satellites in |
| How is solar energy used in a residential home? | | | | outer space have large arrays of solar panels on |
| When panels are installed at a home, they collect | | | | the arms to collect electrical energy. These panels |
| energy from the sun. This energy can be used | | | | are far more effective than panels installed on |
| directly as the sole energy source for the home | | | | Earth because they are closer to the sun. |
| or as a supplemental electrical supply. In some | | | | Many local Department of Highway divisions also |
| cases, the energy is stored in batteries for use at | | | | used solar power to cut down on electrical |
| night or in case of an emergency. | | | | upkeep costs. Road signs, stop lights and flashing |
| The output of the solar panels is not compatible | | | | billboards are often powered with renewable |
| with most home electrical systems. An inverter | | | | energy. The panels are installed on the side of the |
| will need to change the power into a usable | | | | road, in most cases and are portable. If the road |
| source of energy. The more solar panels installed | | | | sign needs to be moved, the solar panel can also |
| on the home, the more energy collected and the | | | | be moved. |
| more inverters need to convert the power. Most | | | | Portable Solar Energy Resources |
| homes powered by 100% solar energy will need | | | | In both residential and commercial settings, |
| two to three inverters. | | | | portable solar power can be used to reduce the |
| When a home is powered completely through | | | | carbon footprint humans have on the |
| alternative sources of energy, the home is | | | | environment. Backpacks and pliable solar chargers |
| referred to as being off-grid. Many off-grid homes | | | | can be used to power laptops, mobile phones and |
| will have backup power sources linked to local | | | | PDAs from anywhere the sun is shining. |