With the shortage on fuel supply and the rising cost of electricity, many homeowners are wondering how they will be able to cut back on expenses that are likely to go to their monthly energy bills. What many of them do not realize is that there are numerous renewable energy alternatives that can be used in place of conventional energy sources they rely on. One of these renewable energy sources is that of the solar power.
The sun produces extreme heat that favors nuclear reactions, producing high levels of energy known as solar power. Since such kind of energy is unlimited and is renewed in a natural way, homeowners can actually use it for free or for a meager cost to generate electricity for their homes. How? By installing solar panels.
In order to carry out the collection process, the top portion of the panels are intentionally made to be electrically negative, while the bottom layer is electrically positive. The opposite charges make the the electrons in the solar cells to loosen up when the sunlight hits them, making their way from the bottom to the top part of the panels. The energy then travels through electrical contacts, which are placed on the top layer, and is routed toward a circuit, ultimately producing electrical power.
Efficiency
Under ideal conditions, solar panels are capable of producing enough electricity that can power up lights and other electrical appliances at home. They can also keep a house hot or cool. However, it should be noted that the efficacy of solar panels largely depends on where they are installed. Ideally, solar panels work best if they are installed in areas with most solar exposure. However, if the building where the panels are added does not receive a study flow of sunlight in an average of six hours year-round, lesser energy can be produced.
Benefits
There are numerous reasons why solar panels are more preferable to use compared to traditional sources of energy. For one, they produce clean energy that do not emit pollution. Since the sun's energy is both unlimited and renewable, energy production is possible all year round without added costs on the part of the user. Solar panels are also found to have longer life expectancy, not to mention that they are easy to install and are maintenance free.
With the ongoing demand for more efficient energy source, solar panel technology has improved significantly over the past years in terms of efficiency and price. Although solar panels are still expensive upfront compared to traditional sources (builders estimate them for about $15,000-$20,000 per kilowatt hour), they are actually more cost-efficient in the long term, especially now that fuel and utility costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Aesthetically wise, solar panels are now available in smaller versions, making it possible for them to be placed even in confined spaces. While they may still show up on the roof, most of them are likely to blend in with the shingles.
Using solar panels at home is a great way to conserve energy and significantly cut back on your electricity bills. However, it should be noted that they cannot totally address all of the energy problems you have at home. To achieve best results, it is still advised that you find other ways to make your home more energy-efficient, such as installing efficient light bulbs and cooling and heating systems. Even though you cannot afford to have solar panels yet, at least you are doing something to lessen your carbon footprint.
The sun produces extreme heat that favors nuclear reactions, producing high levels of energy known as solar power. Since such kind of energy is unlimited and is renewed in a natural way, homeowners can actually use it for free or for a meager cost to generate electricity for their homes. How? By installing solar panels.
Solar Panel? What is That? How Does it Work?
Basically, solar panels or photovoltaic systems (PV) work by harnessing sunlight and then converting it into electric energy. The panels are usually constructed into several layers, with each panel containing solar cells constructed from a semi-conductive material such as crystalline ion. These solar cells then absorb the light efficiently. Most of the panels are integrated with a clear protective layer, some layers of conductive cells, and a bottom polymer backing.In order to carry out the collection process, the top portion of the panels are intentionally made to be electrically negative, while the bottom layer is electrically positive. The opposite charges make the the electrons in the solar cells to loosen up when the sunlight hits them, making their way from the bottom to the top part of the panels. The energy then travels through electrical contacts, which are placed on the top layer, and is routed toward a circuit, ultimately producing electrical power.
Efficiency
Under ideal conditions, solar panels are capable of producing enough electricity that can power up lights and other electrical appliances at home. They can also keep a house hot or cool. However, it should be noted that the efficacy of solar panels largely depends on where they are installed. Ideally, solar panels work best if they are installed in areas with most solar exposure. However, if the building where the panels are added does not receive a study flow of sunlight in an average of six hours year-round, lesser energy can be produced.
Benefits
There are numerous reasons why solar panels are more preferable to use compared to traditional sources of energy. For one, they produce clean energy that do not emit pollution. Since the sun's energy is both unlimited and renewable, energy production is possible all year round without added costs on the part of the user. Solar panels are also found to have longer life expectancy, not to mention that they are easy to install and are maintenance free.
Solar Panel for Homes
If you are a homeowner and you heard solar-powered homes, the first picture that may come into your mind is an off-the-grid home with large panels on the roof. However, this is not actually the accurate picture of modern solar-powered homes.With the ongoing demand for more efficient energy source, solar panel technology has improved significantly over the past years in terms of efficiency and price. Although solar panels are still expensive upfront compared to traditional sources (builders estimate them for about $15,000-$20,000 per kilowatt hour), they are actually more cost-efficient in the long term, especially now that fuel and utility costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Aesthetically wise, solar panels are now available in smaller versions, making it possible for them to be placed even in confined spaces. While they may still show up on the roof, most of them are likely to blend in with the shingles.
Using solar panels at home is a great way to conserve energy and significantly cut back on your electricity bills. However, it should be noted that they cannot totally address all of the energy problems you have at home. To achieve best results, it is still advised that you find other ways to make your home more energy-efficient, such as installing efficient light bulbs and cooling and heating systems. Even though you cannot afford to have solar panels yet, at least you are doing something to lessen your carbon footprint.
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