Sunday, August 25, 2013

Various Types of Solar Panels - How They Work

Perhaps only a few homeowners these days will say that they haven’t seen or heard about solar panels how they work, and the various types available.

shiny solar panels
In fact, many are now aware that these gadgets are some of the most important sources of alternative energy for home use. Technology-wise, the latest models are more compact and sleeker, which means that they greatly improve the overall look of one’s abode.

Without a doubt, energy from the sun is a reliable means of powering and running a home. At the same time, its usage helps save our environment. As conscious budgeters, we are assured of substantial savings, meaning that we don’t have to worry any more about huge power bills. In fact, as you utilize these sun-energy gadgets, electrical costs are reduced considerably.

For people who have yet to be acquainted with the most common types of solar panels for homes, here are the most basic ones:


1. Steam Type

It produces hot steam upon heating water. The steam is a vital element since it is used in running the home generator, which in turn supplies the electricity necessary for day-to-day household use. Categorized as one of the earliest types of panels, it is just fairly functional and not reliable during sunless days.

2. Silicon-Based

a. Mono-crystalline panel consists of a lone cell that utilizes crystalline silicon. Metallic strip components are placed over it to act as collectors of electrons. This type is hardly efficient, since they only create 14 % electricity from the gathered sun’s energy.

b. Polycrystalline Silicon, on the other hand, is made of several cells that are tasked to gather energy from the rays of the sun. It is known to be less reliable than Mono type since they only convert 14% of collected solar rays into electricity.

c. Finally, there is the Amorphous type, the least efficient in terms of solar power electricity production. This solar panel type works by producing soft and low-watt power.

3. Thermal power

This system involves thermal collectors that produce a regular supply of hot water. Basically, the water runs through a series of special pipes heated by the rays of the sun. Thermal type is made even more effective by working with traditional boilers, the availability of which is vital since it takes over in the production of power if the former is unavailable during rainy days.

4. Radiation type

This type converts radiation collected from sun rays into pure electrical power. It is one of the most prolific devices, since surplus energy is most likely to be produced. Owners of such equipment benefit from an over-production of sun power by selling unused supply to the local electrical grid.

5. Do It Yourself

People who plan to use alternative energy for household usage but are unable to realize such plans because of its high cost can take advantage of the DIY type. You can buy components all together in a package, much like solar power kits for homes. These packages come at a very cheap price and can be easily assembled yourself. It is also possible for you to buy parts individually from various dealers and suppliers, which is a much lesser expense on your part.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Sun Energy Panels for Your Residence

Needless to say, solar power systems have proven to be highly effective as an alternative energy source for any home that more and more people want to install and take advantage of these gadgets. However, before you invest your hard earned money on them, it is important that you know which device is the right one for your home. This ensures that you will be able to maximize the energy benefits that such gadget offer.

Hence, it pays to perform ample research so that you will have a vital knowledge about types of solar panels how they work, as well as your own solar power requirements. If possible, talk to a licensed technician or professional that will offer you the best sun power option advice for your residence upon considering your household needs and available budget.
Image Source: Kathy now picnic

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Renewable energy resources fill the gap between non-realistic free energy sources and the most traditional fossil fuels. These days’ people start applying alternative energy systems as a complete energy make-over of a home.

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