The Features of Solar Power
Homes and Office Buildings as Power Plants
It is possible to generate power privately through solar energy by utilizing roofs and rooftop space. The stored electricity can be used privately, or stored up in the daytime and the excess sold to the power company. Or, it can be used to save on power costs with an all-electric home that makes good use of economical nighttime power.
Promoting Nationwide Use
Japanese government organizations including METI, NEDO, and the New Energy Foundation are actively promoting the use of solar power generation systems.
Solar Power Generation is Affected by the Weather
When the weather is rainy or cloudy, clouds block the sunlight, impairing a solar power system's ability to generate power.
The amount of power that can be extracted from sunlight on a sunny day is approximately 130 W/m2 (assuming a 13% solar cell efficiency rate). But considering temperature increases from the heat generated and the efficiency of the power conditioner, the actual amount of power obtained can only reach about 100 W/m2. To generate more power requires greater surface area. |
