Aug 24 2011
Solar Power: Clean And Free Energy For Your Home
More and more people these days are installing solar panels or modules onto their rooftops. These solar panels or modules consist of several photovoltaic (PV) cells which are arranged in series and mounted onto a board. Photovoltaics, as the term implies, convert light (photo) energy into electricity (voltaic). Silicon, along with other elements like phosphorus and boron make up the semiconductor material found in most PV cells. As photons from sunlight strike the solar cell’s surface, a portion of it is absorbed and causes the release of electrons. However, the solar panel generates only direct current hence you still need an inverter to convert it to alternating current to be used in powering household appliances.
One criticism of solar energy though is its variability. Shade and snow will expectedly cause decreased power output from the modules. This variability has been addressed with the integration of deep-cycle batteries as well as grid-tied systems.
The high initial capital cost is an oft-mentioned reason why people don’t get solar power systems. A single factory built panel can be around $900. Depending on your requirements, it can go to as high as $25,000 to 50,000. True, the initial investment is rather hefty but beyond that you will be spending only for minimal upkeep.
One of the advantages of using solar energy is that you can save a lot of money in the long run. In other states, homeowners with grid-tied systems can even receive incentives from both the state and from the line company for the excess electricity they feed back to the grid. Not only are you saving money but you are taking an active role in reducing our dependence to power sourced from fossil fuels which for a fact has contributed to global warming and climate change.
If you want to save a lot of money, you can build one on your own. Cost for home made solar panels can be as little as $200 Materials and plans solar panel can be found online. If you are adept at working with tools and electrical circuits, you can easily make your homemade solar panel system. If you aren’t as confident, there are available DIY packages online which contain plans for solar panels as well as video walkthroughs.