Monday, July 11, 2011

A Couple Of Unique Details Of Using Solar Panels

By Floyd Young


Some home owners would rather use solar power than the typical electricity received through utility companies. In solar panels, the cell collection creates a flat panel that converts light to electricity. One cell on its own does not do very much, but a large group of them can create enough power to supply electricity to the average size home or office.

Although it can save in electricity bills from a local facility, the initial cost of solar powering the home is usually higher than the average person can pay. People continue to consider it and other methods, however, as the cost of obtaining electricity is getting more expensive every day. Many look into the clean and environmentally safe solar energy method, even though the cost can be high.

Using panels in this way draws energy from sunlight. It is considered an exceptionally environmentally sound way to gather energy. They are also considered an extremely environmentally safe way to collect that energy. The solar cells are semi-conductors shaped like wafers that work to convert sunlight into electricity by what is called the photovoltaic effect. Electrons are knocked out and drawn into current when photons hit the surface of the panels. Metal contacts inside the panel use the dislocated electrons to form electricity.

Solar cells are generally used when laying a high voltage cable is not an option. The top example of this would be in space. Solar cells have been used to power satellites and equipment on space stations for many years.

This method of collecting electricity is environmentally healthy and people friendly. This is a clean method of powering electronics in remote places where there would otherwise be no way to generate it. There are other methods used by people all over the world. Solar power is one of the most popular and interest in it continues to rise.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using this method of energy gathering. The advantages are mainly environmental, as it is the most efficient and cleanest method. The drawback to this method is the unusually high cost of installation. Solar panels must be used in groups and the more cells or panels used, the more electricity is produced. Another disadvantage is that producing them in large quantities requires facilities that are much larger in square yardage than fossil fuel or nuclear plants.

These panels usually come with a standard 25 year warranty, are extremely durable and can withstand severe weather. They can be integrated into the existing shingles on a roof or there are peel and stick laminates that are also available. They are rated by wattage for quality.




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