Aloe Terra - Lawrence Tech University 2007 Solar Decathlon Team
Elliott explores photovoltaic panels
Electrical
The ALOeTERRA team has incorporated photovoltaic (PV) systems into the design of our home to supply all electrical needs. The word "photovoltaic" is a combination of the two words "photo" meaning light and "voltaic" meaning voltage. Turning sunlight into voltage is exactly what the PV system does.
ALOeTERRA is using PV panels because they are reliable, simple to use, and require minimal maintenance. There are a total of 36 PV panels on the roof of the ALOeTERRA home. These panels provide the house with enough electricity to live comfortably and power an electric car.
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The ALOeTERRA home is equipped to survive the indecisive Michigan weather. Inverters and charge controllers allow electricity to be pulled from three different locations:
PV Panels
Electricity is used directly from the PV panels. Electricity that is not being used from the panels is stored in batteries.
Batteries
Electricity is used from the batteries if there is no sunlight to produce electricity from the PV panels.
Grid
After the competition, the ALOeTERRA house will be connected to the grid and may need to use this connection during the winter months when daylight is limited.
Electrifying Tips for Your Home!
- Turn off, or sleep, your computer when you're not using it.
- Turn off your air conditioning when you're not going to be home.
- Keep air conditioning filters and furnace filters clean.
- Evaluate your electrical needs and cut out unnecessary energy use.
- Consider renewable sources of energy to fulfill your electrical needs.
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