Solar Energy For The Home

Solar collectors, or to use the more common term, solar panels are employed to gather and then convert the sun's energy into electricity that can be utilized to power our lives. Solar panels are often referred to as photo voltaic or PV cells. In this article, we will discover why solar panels serve so well in meeting some of our energy requirements


Solar

The use of solar panels to create electricity out of the sun's energy has been common for many years. To be the most efficient, solar panels need to be constructed out of cells made with silicon that has certain impurities. One very useful application of solar energy is in outer space, powering our many satellites year after year very reliably. Solar powered homes have been built with lighting, heating, cooking and other daily energy requirements all met with the light from the sun.

Energy

When the light from the sun strikes the cells of a solar panel, electricity begins to flow. This energy, in the form of electricity is created by semiconductors that transport energy. Although pure and impure silicon on solar panels work in a lot of the same ways, the cells made from the silicon with the impurities will create more energy from the same amount of sunlight than the cells made with the pure silicon. In other words, the solar panels made from the cells with impure silicon are more efficient at producing the energy we need.

Power

Powering dwellings with solar energy has been a major application of the solar power industry. The last twenty years have seen an increase in solar powered homes and more environmentally conscious people try to reduce their impact on our planet and it's resources. Power companies have had to buy the extra electricity that is produced by these mini power generating systems and in some cases have lowered their rates due to the increased competition from these home based units. Solar energy systems are one of the best choices for people who wish to live comfortably beyond the reach of the power distribution grid.


Cells
Photo voltaic devices, otherwise called solar cells are generators that use sunlight instead of fossil fuel to create energy. Typically, a solar panel consists of 36 cells wired together and sealed to form a module. This module is mounted in an aluminum framework and covered with a low iron tempered glass. The cells are mounted in ethylene vinyl acetate with a tedlar back cover and connections on both the top and bottom. A blocking diode is included in the circuit to block the reverse flow of current at night.


Even with the drop in the price of solar panels in recent years, a solar installation is still a major expenditure. While in the planning stage of a solar system, you should also carefully evaluate your electrical needs and uses. Solar panels are increasingly becoming an important part of the battle against green house gases and global warming. Solar energy systems are a very good way to cut your monthly energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and become much more self sufficient.