Thursday, August 4, 2011

load-shedding solution and Solar Panels-ii

Home solar panels are one of the main components in a solar power system. These panels gather the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. Let's take a closer look at what goes into creating a solar panel, and examine how they produce clean power that actually helps the environment.
All solar panels start with what's called a solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell. The term photovoltaic is used to describe the process of turning light into electricity. These photovoltaic cells are made from a substance called silicon. Two wafer thin pieces of silicon are treated so that they have a positive and negative side.
When the sunlight strikes the surface of the cell it shakes some electrons loose. The electrons move only in one direction, and the movement of these electrons from one side to the other is what generates the electricity. By wiring the cells correctly we can capture the electricity and either use it immediately or store it in batteries for use later on.
There are many kinds of Home solar panels in use today. Some are cheaper than other to manufacture, but the more expensive ones, called Monocrsytalline solar panels, have the best efficiency available, somewhere between 15-18 percent. There are other types, such as amorphous solar panels, that don't cost as nearly as much as others, but also suffer from poor efficiency, in the neighborhood of 6 percent. Each type of panel has its own application, and when planning a solar power system for your home, these numbers need to be taken into consideration.
Solar panels have a very long life expectancy. If you install a solar power for your home, you can plan on the panels coming with a warranty of 25 years, and sometimes even longer. Solar panels are sealed tight to protect against the weather, and they have no moving parts to wear out, so it's quite possible they will last a very long time. And once installed, they are virtually maintenance free.
Solar panels have been adapted for use in many environments. In fact, one of the first practical uses of solar panels to generate electricity was in the space program. Home solar panels provided power to all kinds of onboard electronics, and is still relied upon today.
Utilizing solar panels can save you a lot of money on your monthly electric bill. While the initial investment can be high, the potential longevity of your solar power system means that it's a sound investment. And technological advances have combined with better manufacturing techniques to bring down the cost of installing a solar power solution. Some homeowners who are handy with tools are installing solar panels themselves to save even more money.
There are a number of choices when it comes to investing in alternative energy systems. Solar power continues to be the most popular, and even though it's still underutilized, more and more people are installing solar panels as a way to reduce energy costs and lessen their impact on the environment.


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