In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.
Solar panels harvest the sun's energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.
Solar photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the solar panel. These solar voltaic cells collect sunlight during the day and convert it into energy. Energy is created when sunlight strikes the solar panels crystals and causes some electrons to break loose.
The amount of power produced depends largely on the quality of the solar panels and the technology in making it. Panels of special semiconductors like silicon convert the sun's energy directly into electricity.
Of the three main types of solar panels available, monocrystalline panels have the highest output per cell area and are the most expensive. Polycrystalline cells are slightly less expensive. Thin film type, though considered unbreakable, are only half as efficient per cell area.
We are now moving closer to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, but much has still to be done in terms of research to make it cost-efficient before it can be used on a widespread basis. The advantages of using solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun for general household use will dramatically cut electric bills and reduce pollution.
Solar modules are used to harness solar energy. These modules can be customized to cater for different power generation needs. On a commercial basis, the modules of crystalline silicon is the most efficient available. These modules are designed in complete packages for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.
Solar panels in the past have been of silicon but as silicon is becoming more expensive, research have turned to other materials. Lately, a whole new type of solar panel is produced. They are made of plastic and the price is comparatively cheap. These plastic panels work just as well to power just about any appliance that is used in a home out in a remote location.
Solar panels are mostly placed on the roof. The power generated is transmitted to a battery for storage and household power needs are drawn from this storage.
Solar energy is also most suitable for heating water for household use, swimming pools and hot tubs. The best thing about solar power is that it does not release harmful emissions or effluents leading to global warming, acid rains and smog .
Research and competition is slowly bringing down the price of solar panels. Solar panels used to be popular in rural areas but now the scenario is changing and solar power is fast entering the urban areas. When , one day , the use of solar energy for household use becomes a common practice , power companies will have to decrease rates to the benefit of everybody irrespective of whether the household uses solar panels or not .
If you are thinking of installing solar panels for your home use , ensure that your property have good access to sunlight . Be prepared also to spend in the region of more than $ 20,000. This may look expensive but it will save you a lot in the long run .
The utility of solar panels is great. Having solar panels installed to your home, you can live anywhere even in rural areas without foregoing the conveniences of the city and without having to install expensive electrical line extensions from noisy generators.
With electricity immediately available, you can enjoy all the facilities you would have enjoyed in your urban home, with an added bonus of being free from noise and pollution through the use of solar panels.
Related Articles
How to Effectively Remodel Your Home
By: Daniel Stouffer | 02/05/2008 | Home and Family
There are times that a home renovation project estimate will leave you with sticker shock. However, there are further considerations to make before scrapping a relatively expensive project. The considerations include the overall value of your home and the cost savings you can squeeze out of leveraging reusable building materials.
Home Solar Power Systems: How Many Kilowatts (kws) are Created?
By: Daniel Stouffer | 14/06/2008 | Education
Think of your home energy or electricity consumption as a bucket of water and the amount of solar radiation as the time they need to fill that bucket. It is easier to understand how to size a residential solar energy system to meet your home usage needs with this in mind.
History to Solar Energy
By: nathan | 15/03/2008 | Technology
“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy... If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago.” These are words of Sir George Porter (December 1920 – August 2002),
How to Rethink Residential Solar Energy. How Solar Systems Work. (part 2)
By: Daniel Stouffer | 26/05/2008 | Education
Becoming knowledgeable in the electrical technical terms is an important step when considering purchasing or renting a solar energy system for your home. You should feel comfortable talking with solar industry experts about your home solar options. In this article, we will dive into understanding the language of residential solar electric systems.
How to Understand Energy Jargon: Step One to Rethinking Solar (part 1)
By: Daniel Stouffer | 13/05/2008 | Education
This article provides a fundamental understanding of electricity terms needed to understand how solar photovoltaic (PV) technology works. It is not intended to not make you a solar energy expert. There will always be people with more information than you but that is a good thing. You can learn from them.
5 Reasons Why Solar Power is not the Answer
By: drohilm | 06/04/2008 | Technology
In spite of the obvious importance of solar energy for our future energy reserves, and the huge amount of energy, that the sun provide us for free, I want’ to emphasize some of the draw-backs of solar energy, with the current technology, and share some of my worries about the problem that using solar energy still have.
Suggestions to Qualify for a Residential Solar Rental System (part 3)
By: Daniel Stouffer | 08/06/2008 | Education
The economics of home solar power have changed. A new solar panel rental service is the first to give a homeowner the option to use solar energy without having to make a huge investment. Now, every American homeowner can decide to upgrade to solar if their home passes a solar suitability study.
Home Solar Power System
By: Tony Hartmann | 06/12/2006 | Home and Family
A Clean As Well As Economical Alternative
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Salt water
By: bob | 14-07-2008
Can I use salt pool water in my Vortex solar pool heaters?
Solar installation
By: cindy stone | 13-07-2008
in california: what is the quickest way to learn solar installation
Seniors Health Plans
By: weldgault | 10-07-2008
I just moved to La. from Texas and was on a PPO Texan Plus insurence Plan and have not found anything similar to that in Lousiana. Does anyone have more information on this issue than I do. Help! Please. John Gault at weldgault@aol.com. Thanks.
Reward for New Energy
By: melody | 09-07-2008
Who is offering the 150,000 million dollar reward,For alternative energy for a car or other energy, that was seen on Discovery TV and I think the Tyra Banks show or another afternoon Talk Show that is a actual reward not a promise by future possible presidents
Grants for solar power for community parks and recreation, sports fields, etc...?
By: fidelvillegas | 04-07-2008
I am the Presdient of a small non-profit. We are building an athletic complex in an underproviliged area in Texas. We are interested in having solar power for the lighting for facilitties such as walking trail, small soccer field, bathrooms, concession stands, etc...Do you know of grants available to us?
Kerosene as diesel fuel
By: dave | 04-07-2008
I have 50 gallons of left over kerosene from heater use. Can I use this in my diesel Kubota tractor? Should I add something for pump lubrication?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Electronics Articles
Buying A HDTV - What To Do?
By: Koz Huseyin | 24/07/2008
We can either be uninformed consumers or we can be informed consumers when buying a HDTV set. There is nothing wrong with the first, but by being an informed consumer when buying a HDTV, you will find that you save more, you are richer, and you also get a better deal.
Kodak Easyshare Z885 Zoom Digital Camera
By: Monty Alexander | 24/07/2008
Kodak Easyshare Z885 Zoom Digital Camera has many features i.e. high ISO (up to 8000),5X optical zoom lens,8.1 mega pixels, digital image stabilization, smart scene mode, Kodak perfect touch technology, 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) indoor/outdoor color display, advanced video features and many more.
Coolness is Now on Vogue With Frost Free Refrigerators
By: Raisa Raima | 24/07/2008
With the global advancement and increasing technologies, the basic needs of common man have also come to it's heights. With changing lifestyle, now frost free refrigerators are on vogue in world refrigerator market.
Free Wii Games
By: Bry Supknowl | 23/07/2008
Looking for free wii games? Check this out now...
Electricity - Power to the People
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It explains how electricity in generated and delivered to its destination.
How Domestic Wiring Have Progressed
By: Anna Stenning | 23/07/2008
Taking a brief look at the electrical supply in the house, what to do in a flood situation and how they are installed into new homes.
Electricity – How it Came to be
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It highlights the progression that electricity has made over the years.
Canon Powershot a 640 Digital Camera
By: Monty Alexander | 23/07/2008
This 10-mega pixel digital camera comes with a CCD sensor, has 4x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom. ,"It has a 2.5-inch large LCD screen, optical viewfinder and a self-timer. The optical viewfinder saves battery life and helps to focus better in dark conditions and bright light. This camera has underwater shooting mode where a waterproof case allows for underwater shooting at depths to 40 mtrs. It comes with a 32 MB SD card and can be upgraded with either a Secured Digital or a Multi Media card.
More from Ryan Kaufman
Insomnia News Alert! The Search to Find the Most Effective Treatment of Insomnia Has Begun!
By: Ryan Kaufman | 25/12/2007 | Wellness
When do you know you need treatment for insomnia? Of course, no one has died from the direct consequence of the lack of sleep, but nevertheless the inability to doze off into slumber land can be a really annoying predicament to be in, especially if you have to be up early for work or school the next day.
Shocking New Studies Revealed Some Cold Hard Facts about Alcohol and Insomnia!
By: Ryan Kaufman | 17/12/2007 | Wellness
Recent studies revealed the direct linking between alcohol and insomnia, resulting in new discoveries that are both astounding and intriguing. It is amazing to discover that alcohol have different effects on different people.
Health News Alert: Discover the Startling Facts about Insomnia!
By: Ryan Kaufman | 30/11/2007 | Wellness
Insomnia or the inability to sleep is a common disorder that is suffered by millions of people worldwide. It may be comforting for insomniacs to learn that this is not considered a disease but a condition that can easily be overcome through systematic and effective ways designed to combat this disorder.
Solar Lighting - The Future of Energy Management
By: Ryan Kaufman | 27/11/2007 | Gadgets and Gizmos
Since the creation of the universe, the energy of the sun has been the central life support for all living creatures on our planet. As civilization progresses, man's insatiable search for purpose have revealed an ever increasing knowledge on how the sun's energy could be used to our benefit.
Hawaii Golf Get-Aways: Enjoy All Year Round Fantastic Weather and Picaresque Settings
By: Ryan Kaufman | 23/11/2007 | Destinations
Hawaii is certainly one place on this planet that most tourists would consider as being an ideal holiday destination. There is so much to entice visitors including the excellent golf courses thatmake it an ideal Hawaii golf vacation getaway.
Mortgage Refinancing Scams - Dangerous Waters
By: Ryan Kaufman | 06/11/2007 | Mortgage
When dealing with various types of mortgages there are a lot of things you need to know. This is why many individuals are uniformed and are sure victims for various mortgage refinancing scams.
Mortgage Refinancing Gone Wrong - Todays Credit Crunch
By: Ryan Kaufman | 31/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Mortgage refinancing is a good move in most cases and can be very beneficial for the home owner. On the other hand, mortgage refinancing can go wrong and the reality is you might end up with a new agreement that is worse then the previous one.
Royal Mirage Perfume - Is It Any Good?
By: Ryan Kaufman | 26/10/2007 | Health
Good perfume is expensive, but with a little bit of time and effort, you can find royal mirage perfume that is as good as the stuff that goes for a hundred dollars per ounce. Just because you buy women's perfume at a discount, doesn't mean it isn't any good.
Technology 
