Understanding Solar Energy in the East Bay

Choosing solar energy in the East Bay will be easier once you understand the way the alternative energy source works. The sun has always been an important part of our lives. It has been harnessed as an energy source for powering other machinery for the last century. Originally it was used to create steam, but advances in science and technology have made it possible to harness the energy of the sun directly. The staff at Diablo Solar Services can help you understand the basics of solar energy and how that energy will work to meet your power needs.

VERY Basics of Solar Energy in East Bay

Capturing the Sun - The sun gives off approximately 1,000 watts of energy per square meter of surface on a day. That is one of the main reasons that people are considering it for alternative energy. The amount of power the sun can produce is only limited by the collection system for capturing that energy.

Solar panels that are used for collecting the energy of the sun and converting into energy for the home are made up of individual cells (usually 36 to a panel). The size of the cells will determine the amps that the panels create. Each cell is commonly made up of silicon that absorbs the heat from the sun. The cells are then designed to take the heat and force the electrons that it collects to flow in a particular direction. These currents are directed through wires to your home.

Using the Energy - The act of converting the thermal energy of the sun (the heat) makes it possible to use that energy for a wide number of applications. Solar energy can be used to heat the water for your home or in your swimming pool. A solar energy system can be designed to heat the spaces of your home, your business or even a greenhouse. You can also use solar energy to create all of the electricity you need for your home or business.

The sun has been a source of energy for us for as long as records have been kept. The last century has provided inventions that allowed that energy to be converted to power machinery. The advancements in science and technology have made it possible to capture the power of the sun and transform that into the electricity and other power needs for all the different applications in your home and life. Understanding solar energy in the East Bay begins the process of designing your solar system.