­You've probably seen calculators that have solar cells -- calculators that never need batteries, and in some cases don't even have an off button. As long as you have enough light, they seem to work forever. You may have seen larger solar panels -- on emergency road signs or call boxes, on buoys, even in parking lots to power lights.

Although these larger panels aren't as common as solar powered calculators, they're out there, and not that hard to spot if you know where to look. There are solar cell arrays on satellites, where they are used to power the electrical systems.

Yo­u have probably also been hearing about the "solar revolution" for the last 20 years -- the idea that one day we will all use free electricity fro­m the sun. This is a seductive promise: On a bright, sunny day, the sun shines approximately 1,000 watts of energy per square meter of the planet's surface, and if we could collect all of that energy we could easily power our homes and offices for free.

­In this article­, we will examine solar cells to learn how they convert the sun's energy directly into electricity. In the process, you will learn why we are getting closer to using the sun's energy on a daily basis, and why we still have more research to ­do before the process becomes cost effective.

 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric

Plug into the sun for FREE energy! Become energy independent, reduce your utility bills, protect yourself against blackouts and reduce environmental pollution!

Solar Electric (or Solar PV) systems convert sunlight to electricity. The systems consist of modules - or solar panels - inverter, charger and batteries. The PV modules generate DC electricity and send it to the inverter, the inverter transforms DC power into AC electricity and regulates the charge of batteries. The batteries store electricity that can be used at night or during blackouts.

Photovoltaic systems are modular, you can start with a basic system and add on as needed. Solar Direct has a complete line of Solar Electric products and accessories at extremely competitive prices. We have consultants and engineers ready to assist you make the best choice for your energy needs.

» Grid-Tie Solar Electric Systems
» Grid-Tie Solar Electric Systems with Battery Backup
» Off-Grid Stand Alone Systems
» Individual Solar Electric Components
» Advantages of Photovoltaic Solar Power
» Other Solar Electric Products and small devices

Grid-Tie Solar Systems (GTS)

A valuable feature of grid-tie or grid-connected photovoltaic systems is the ability to connect with the existing power grid and sell excessive electricity back to the utility with a plan known as Net Metering. At times when you are not using all of the electricity produced by your system, your meter will spin backwards selling the electricity back to the grid at retail rate. This systems do not include a battery. Power is obtained from the utility grid when the system is not producing electricity.

Grid-Tie Systems with Battery Backup (GTB)

Grid-Tie Solar Electric Systems with Battery Backup have all the features of the Grid-Tie Systems with the addition of a Battery. The battery can store power for use when the system is not producing electricity such as during the night or during blackouts.

Off-Grid Stand Alone Systems

Off-grid stand alone systems operate independent of the electrical grid. You can purchase individual components to build your own system or purchase pre-packaged systems (pre-packaged systems coming soon).

Solar Electric Individual Components

Build-Your-Own. You can create your own system by purchasing components separately. Photovoltaic systems are modular, you can start with a small system to power small appliances and grow your system as needed or as finances allows and grow to full energy independence.

PV Modules PV Inverters PV Controllers PV Batteries PV Mounting PV Hardware

Advantages of Photovoltaic Solar Power

Photovoltaic solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. Compared to nonrenewable sources such as coal, gas, oil, and nuclear, the advantages are clear:

• Generates free energy from the sun
• Has no moving parts to break down thus requiring minimal maintenance
• Non-polluting energy reduces emissions: Has no direct impact on the environment
• Photovoltaic (PV) cells are modular, you can start with a small system and expand as your needs increase
• Systems have a long life & durability. Cells last 25-30 years
• Grid-Tie systems allow you to sell excess electricity back to the utility
• Can be installed and operated anywhere including areas of difficult access and remote locations
• Helps get us off dependence on foreign oil
• PV cells make no noise and give off no exhaust
• Allow the use of electricity in remote areas where it would be expensive or impossible to run power lines
• Have electrical power during blackouts
• Rebates and incentives available. 30% Federal tax credit, plus state and local incentives

Solar Panels

Solar panels (arrays of photvoltaic cells) make use of renewable energy from the sun, and are a clean and environmentally sound means of collecting solar energy. Here at solar panel information, we've amassed a wealth of information relating to solar panels and the field of photovoltaic technology. You can learn how solar panels work, how they are manufactured, where to buy them, and how to set them up. If you are looking for information on solar panels and don't know where to start, check out our solar panels section to learn more about how these photovoltaic cells are derived from silicon and what solar energy means to you.