Now that competition in the solar panel industry has increased and costs have decreased, there are more choices than ever for those who are seriously thinking of solarizing their home. Whether you are looking to run your entire household using solar power or just want to use the sun's energy to run an appliance or two, there is a solar installation available that will fit your needs.
What are Solar Panels, Anyway?
The solar panels that you often see on the rooftops of homes and other buildings are made up of many individual photovoltaic cells arranged together to create a panel. These photovoltaic (PV) cells are the titans that take the sun's rays and turn them into electrical energy. The material in these cells is made of silicon and each PV cell is a mini-semiconductor. When sunlight hits these cells, the movement of electrons within the semiconductor creates an electrical current. The wattage of a panel is measured by a combination of the electric current produced in each cell as well as the voltage. Therefore, there can be quite a bit of variation between solar panels.
Types of Solar Panels
The aforementioned silicon photovoltaic panels are the most popular as well as the most efficient. With efficiency comes higher price, however, and some homeowners turn to the newer flexible panels on the market today. Since these panels are thinner than their rigid cousins, they are less expensive and, not surprisingly, less efficient. They can be used in situations for which rigid panels are not suitable, though, and solar roof shingles are made of these flexible panels. Anyone serious about delving into the solar energy market should thoroughly research the pros and cons of each type before they make a purchase.
Residential Solar Panels for Sale
Costs may be coming down, but a solar array still represents a sizable investment. Some opt to investigate the used solar panel market, and many are pleased with the results. Those in the know suggest a few caveats, however. Panels manufactured before 2005 are much less efficient than newer models, and particularly sensitive to shading. For those on a budget who prefer to buy new, small solar panel kits produced by Grape Solar and marketed at Costco stores are quite affordable and easy to add on to later. Another option is a "plug-and-play" residential solar panel package is now being offered by Clarian Technologies. The manufacturer sells these awning-like kits for under $1000 and promises such easy do-it-yourself installation that the unit should be usable within an hour. For the most part, though, solar arrays require expert installation that can add quite a bit to the cost of a home solar power system.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6489135
What are Solar Panels, Anyway?
The solar panels that you often see on the rooftops of homes and other buildings are made up of many individual photovoltaic cells arranged together to create a panel. These photovoltaic (PV) cells are the titans that take the sun's rays and turn them into electrical energy. The material in these cells is made of silicon and each PV cell is a mini-semiconductor. When sunlight hits these cells, the movement of electrons within the semiconductor creates an electrical current. The wattage of a panel is measured by a combination of the electric current produced in each cell as well as the voltage. Therefore, there can be quite a bit of variation between solar panels.
Types of Solar Panels
The aforementioned silicon photovoltaic panels are the most popular as well as the most efficient. With efficiency comes higher price, however, and some homeowners turn to the newer flexible panels on the market today. Since these panels are thinner than their rigid cousins, they are less expensive and, not surprisingly, less efficient. They can be used in situations for which rigid panels are not suitable, though, and solar roof shingles are made of these flexible panels. Anyone serious about delving into the solar energy market should thoroughly research the pros and cons of each type before they make a purchase.
Residential Solar Panels for Sale
Costs may be coming down, but a solar array still represents a sizable investment. Some opt to investigate the used solar panel market, and many are pleased with the results. Those in the know suggest a few caveats, however. Panels manufactured before 2005 are much less efficient than newer models, and particularly sensitive to shading. For those on a budget who prefer to buy new, small solar panel kits produced by Grape Solar and marketed at Costco stores are quite affordable and easy to add on to later. Another option is a "plug-and-play" residential solar panel package is now being offered by Clarian Technologies. The manufacturer sells these awning-like kits for under $1000 and promises such easy do-it-yourself installation that the unit should be usable within an hour. For the most part, though, solar arrays require expert installation that can add quite a bit to the cost of a home solar power system.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6489135