SOLAR POWER GENERATORS

A solar power generator, or solar-powered electricity generator, is a generator that produces electricity from solar radiation. It consists of a solar panel or several of them in an array, a battery or set of batteries of the same rating, a voltmeter to show how much power is being produced, an inverter that converts the DC charge of the battery into AC charge for use and AC inputs or jacks for plugging in appliances.

The solar panel consists of photovoltaic cells, made of silicon or some other similar material. The battery is a deep cycle, or continuous, type that corresponds to the capacity of the photovoltaic module. The quantum of the usable electricity generated will be determined by the size and efficiency of the solar panel and the inverter.

The advantages of solar power generators are that they

• Are clean and cause no environmental damage.
• Will not produce any unhealthy exhaust.
• Do not make any noise.
• Need very little space
• Are virtually maintenance-free
• Are smaller and more portable than other generators.
• Are safer for everyone, especially children
• Can be installed anywhere
• Are becoming more efficient and more affordable day by day.
• Need no gas or other energy for starting or at any stage

TYPES OF SOLAR POWER GENERATORS

Solar power generators are classified according to their capacity or output and portability.

When classified according to capacity, the output power in Watts is specified to denote the classification. There are small generators starting from 400 Watt output for homes and there are large generators of output capacity of thousands of Watts.

According to portability, the generators are classified as portable and fixed generators. Very small portable generators can be carried in hand like a suitcase, while larger generators have to be fitted onto push carts for carrying short distances or motor conveyances for transportation over longer distances. There are portable generators of 1000 Watts of output in the market.