Solar Panel Systems Whether you own a business or are an average homeowner, solar power systems can provide you many benefits. Not only can you save money on your electric bill each month, but you will also contribute to a greener world by reducing your dependence on greenhouse gases. There are many solar power systems available to power everything from your hot water heater to your refrigerator and television to the lights in your office. Solar power systems are comprised of a series of solar panels, also called photovoltaic cells. These are usually installed on the roof of a house or commercial building. They are connected to the local power grid, so if you produce more power than you use, you can sell the excess to the utility company; this is called net metering. You do not need to install enough solar panels in your solar power system, because you can still buy electricity from your utility company. These solar power systems convert one form of energy, sunlight, into another form of energy, DC power. Then, an inverter changes the DC power into AC power so that it can be used as electricity inside your home or commercial building. Solar power systems require direct sunlight to be able to work; they will still continue to function during cloudy days, but will stop during the night.
When considering solar power systems for residential or commercial use, first determine your energy needs. Although you do not need to produce 100% of the power you will need, it is a helpful starting point for determining how many solar panels you will need in your system. There are several different kinds of photovoltaic cells used in solar power systems. The first type to be used for rooftop solar power systems, monocrystalline solar panels are iridescent blue with distinct individual solar cells visible from all angles.
Manufactured from a single silicone crystal, these are usually the most expensive type of solar panel, although also the most space efficient type. It is fragile but offers a long lifespan of 25 to 50 years. Polycrystalline modules used for solar power systems are manufactured from a block of silicon. Also known as multicrysalline panels, these square modules have a mosaic-like appearance. By sacrificing a small amount of efficiency, you can save money on solar panels.
They also offer the same lifespan of monocrystalline solar panels. The panels are made by cutting a silicon block into thin sheets, and then joining these individual cells into panels. The newest type of solar panel used for solar power systems is the amorphous solar panel, also known as a thin film solar panel. These are lightweight and easy to handle, and they can be attached to nearly every surface. In fact, it is possible to bond them directly to shingles or other roofing materials.
This versatile and aesthetically appealing form of solar panel is gaining in popularity because of its ease of use and lower price. However, they are usually less efficient than the other types of solar panels, so you’ll need around twice the surface area to get the same amount of energy.
The key is solar power energy --> |
Copyright 2009, NewEnergyTips.com