With ever-rising energy prices and a global need to move towards more sustainable energy alternatives, solar power is a rapidly growing technology. Each year it moves on with better developments. While installation costs have been a traditionally high barrier for people, prices are now coming down. In many places government grants are available too.

So what is a solar panel? Simply put it is a panel made up of many smaller solar cells. These are wired together to create a usable output. As each cell is so small, they can’t provide sufficient power for our domestic needs alone. As a rule size of the panel is selected to supply the correct output, and the larger the panel the higher the output.

These panels are designed to take the energy from our sun and convert it into electricity. This process is called photovoltaic.

People have been harnessing the power of the sun for many years. Even the earliest cultures used it to dry food and heat liquid. The process was further refined around the industrial revolution. New solar applications were constructed to use the heat from the sun to boil water and create steam to drive factory machines. These, though groundbreaking, were very crude and it would take many more years until fully usable power could be harnessed.

Solar power is not just great for our homes either. It is also widely used in new road building projects. Lights, traffic signs, warning signs etc can all be powered, or partly powered by solar technology. This means a higher initial outlay for the project, but far lower running costs to local governments.

The most popular application in recent years has been that of solar powered external lighting. These types of lights are now available at such low cost and are so easy to fit that they are now commonplace in gardens across the world.

Space technology has also been enhanced and improved with the use of solar power. Indeed many of our satellite applications would not be possible if it was not for the natural power from our sun. A good thing to remember the next time you are watching your favourite sport in HD.

Of course, we must not forget that it not just the cost savings, which make solar power attractive, it is also a silent process with no emissions to damage the environment. They are also maintenance free. Isn’t it about time you looked at solar power?

From fitting a door draught excluder and insulating your house to working on efficient driving techniques. Saving money is our aim.

Carol J Jenkins