Eco-savvy people with a view to a sustainable future should look no further than clean, renewable solar power. Recent advances in technology and manufacturing, coupled with government rebates mean that installing solar panels for your home has never been easier on the hip-pocket.
How do they work?
Most electricity plants use turbines, powered either by fossil fuels, air or in some cases by water. Solar panels, which are also called photovoltaic systems, are different. They rely completely on energy to the sun, which is converted instantly into electrical energy. This is achieved by a reaction between the sunlight and the silicon crystals that are in the panels.
Can I convert all my power usage to solar power?
Technology still limits the capacity of these babies. Most panels can only convert about a third of the incoming sunlight into usable electrical energy. So even if you had a large number of them, you probably couldn't run the average family home off them without some help from the mains power supply. That doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile, though! They can cut back your electricity bill considerably, and in some cases even put a little money back in your pocket.
Using grid-tie systems:
Some households will choose to cut off the mains power supply to their house and rely wholly on solar power and a battery back-up. Most, though, prefer to stay hooked up to the grid. This works out great if your panels are creating more juice than you can use in a day, as all the excess power flows out into the grid and is paid for at retail price.
By the same token, if a cloudy day or high electricity usage at night means that you run out of electricity, power from the grid will flow back in to keep things running in your home. Any electricity coming back into your home is deducted from that power you've already given. If you're careful with your electricity usage, you may find that the amount you give pays for the amount you take, and gives you a little bit of profit!
Reducing your electricity consumption:
The way these panels work out best for you is if you're using less power. Chuck out energy guzzling appliances and get some A++ rated ones instead, replace all your old halogen light bulbs with LED lights, get a water-saving shower head, and fill the empty spaces in your walls and roof with insulation. You'll be saving power in no time!
How do they work?
Most electricity plants use turbines, powered either by fossil fuels, air or in some cases by water. Solar panels, which are also called photovoltaic systems, are different. They rely completely on energy to the sun, which is converted instantly into electrical energy. This is achieved by a reaction between the sunlight and the silicon crystals that are in the panels.
Can I convert all my power usage to solar power?
Technology still limits the capacity of these babies. Most panels can only convert about a third of the incoming sunlight into usable electrical energy. So even if you had a large number of them, you probably couldn't run the average family home off them without some help from the mains power supply. That doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile, though! They can cut back your electricity bill considerably, and in some cases even put a little money back in your pocket.
Using grid-tie systems:
Some households will choose to cut off the mains power supply to their house and rely wholly on solar power and a battery back-up. Most, though, prefer to stay hooked up to the grid. This works out great if your panels are creating more juice than you can use in a day, as all the excess power flows out into the grid and is paid for at retail price.
By the same token, if a cloudy day or high electricity usage at night means that you run out of electricity, power from the grid will flow back in to keep things running in your home. Any electricity coming back into your home is deducted from that power you've already given. If you're careful with your electricity usage, you may find that the amount you give pays for the amount you take, and gives you a little bit of profit!
Reducing your electricity consumption:
The way these panels work out best for you is if you're using less power. Chuck out energy guzzling appliances and get some A++ rated ones instead, replace all your old halogen light bulbs with LED lights, get a water-saving shower head, and fill the empty spaces in your walls and roof with insulation. You'll be saving power in no time!
About the Author:
You can build your own solar panels and lower your electric bill by as least 50 percent. Why not join the green revolution and learn how to build homemade solar cells for your home. Visit Homemade Solar Panels for more information and to download plans for building solar panels.
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