Solar energy is basically radiant heat and light from the Sun which is captured using various technologies including solar hot water, photovoltaic, solar thermal power, solar architecture, artificial photosynthesis and solar geothermal power plants. A solar panel or solar collector is a kind of collection of solar cells or photovoltaic panels that are positioned on roof tops or other surface where sunlight can be absorbed. Solar cells are made out of semiconductors such as silicon that absorbs the sun’s rays and converts it directly to energy or electric power. The amount of solar cells or photovoltaic panels that are needed depends on the amount of sunlight received by the particular area.
Benefits
There are many benefits of having solar panels installed on your home or business. It has become more financially viable over recent years as the cost of electricity and gas have risen dramatically. Another advantage is that it contributes to a healthy environment since it uses natural resources only and so does not harm the environment in any way. Using electricity produced by renewable sources is clean because no fuel is used and there are no emissions. Also, solar panels help save on your utility bills.
Solar panels harness the sun’s rays and transform it into electricity or gas which can be used in your home or office. Photovoltaic cells or solar panels make use of light energy from the sun to convert it into energy or electricity that can be used at home or in an office. The sunlight can be captured through the use of solar panels. Solar energy is captured through photoelectric effect when sunlight strikes the solar cells. When this happens the electrons move freely and create electricity.
Inexpensive
These days, it is easier to install solar panels than ever before. The solar cell industry has grown considerably and so it is now relatively inexpensive. Solar power panels can be bought directly from manufacturers at a reasonable price. It can also be purchased at stores where you will need to assemble them. There are a number of kits available today where you can easily install solar panels on your roof.
When you start using off-grid solar power, you may think you will need a huge solar panel to make any difference. This is a myth and in fact your size does not matter. You can easily create enough electricity for your needs with a 12 volt battery bank. This is placed on the roof of your house and connects to your solar panel. You can use the battery bank to store extra electricity during the day and use it to power up lighting and appliances at night.
Also Read how do solar panels work?
Maintenance
The main challenge when it comes to using solar panels work is the maintenance. You will have to look after the photovoltaic cells to ensure they function effectively. You will have to watch out for cloudy days and be careful not to place the battery bank in direct sunlight to prevent damage. Once you have established a good working relationship with your battery bank, you will not have to worry about it much and your solar panels will be producing electricity at an excellent rate.
When you set up solar panels in your home, you create a wonderful source of electricity that is independent from the local power grid. When used properly, this type of alternative energy can create enough electricity to meet all of your basic needs for the whole year. If you can generate enough electricity, you can use the excess to power up lighting and other items in your home that require electricity.
Off-grid solar panels
Off-grid solar panels are also available and these use photovoltaic cells to create electricity without creating any pollution. These types of solar panels are most effective in remote areas where there is no access to electricity. Most off-grid solar panels connect to the electric grid through cables that are buried underground. The electricity is routed through transformers that convert the electrical energy into alternating current (AC). This method is often used in remote places where access to electricity is impossible.