Practical Photovoltaic Applications

1 / 12
A power inverter can change 12-volt DC current into 110-volt AC power. 
A power inverter can change 12-volt DC current into 110-volt AC power. 
2 / 12
Richard Pratt uses a 12-volt Sears electric rototiller (unfortunately, this model has been discontinued) when he cultivates his garden.
Richard Pratt uses a 12-volt Sears electric rototiller (unfortunately, this model has been discontinued) when he cultivates his garden.
3 / 12
A solar-powered chain saw quietly cut all the Pratts' firewood last winter.
A solar-powered chain saw quietly cut all the Pratts' firewood last winter.
4 / 12
Photovoltaic applications can including supplying electricity to a house, as this panel of cells from ARCO Solar is doing at the home of Richard and Maureen Pratt.
Photovoltaic applications can including supplying electricity to a house, as this panel of cells from ARCO Solar is doing at the home of Richard and Maureen Pratt.
5 / 12
In a basic setup the solar collector and motor are connected directly.
In a basic setup the solar collector and motor are connected directly.
6 / 12
When a single panel can't meet the current needs of a motor, several panels have to be wired together in parallel.
When a single panel can't meet the current needs of a motor, several panels have to be wired together in parallel.
7 / 12
The Pratts irrigate their vegetable patch with the help of this sun-energized Teel water pump.
The Pratts irrigate their vegetable patch with the help of this sun-energized Teel water pump.
8 / 12
Hooking panels up in series boosts the system's total voltage.
Hooking panels up in series boosts the system's total voltage.
9 / 12
As long as they match the voltage of the system, any number of batteries may be connected in parallel. When wired in series, the batteries again need to match the panel voltage.
As long as they match the voltage of the system, any number of batteries may be connected in parallel. When wired in series, the batteries again need to match the panel voltage.
10 / 12
Groups of panels wired in series to match the voltage of a device can then be wired in parallel to increase the available current, as long as they're added in increments of the total voltage .
Groups of panels wired in series to match the voltage of a device can then be wired in parallel to increase the available current, as long as they're added in increments of the total voltage .
11 / 12
A small inverter can work with a 12-volt input current, but larger inverters need higher voltages to compensate for internal power loses.
A small inverter can work with a 12-volt input current, but larger inverters need higher voltages to compensate for internal power loses.
12 / 12
Diagram shows a method of connecting photovoltaic panels to complement an existing wind generator system.
Diagram shows a method of connecting photovoltaic panels to complement an existing wind generator system.

A short while ago, most North Americans thought solar energy
too exotic to be put to any practical use. In the past few years our worsening energy situation has
changed the picture considerably. Sun power is now becoming a
standard means of heating homes and domestic water, and
its popularity is no doubt due–at least in

  • Published on Jul 1, 1981
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368