Solar Panels – The Main Choices
A solar panel is, essentially, interconnected assemblies of solar cells packaged together. Solar panels are used as components in a larger system to generate and supply electricity to commercial and residential buildings. Single solar panels only produce small amounts of power, so most installations include many solar panels. Solar panels use light energy to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. All of the cells must be connected electrically to the system as well as each other and protected from damage from transport, installation, use and weather.
When planning your solar panel installation, make sure to factor in how long you plan to use it before purchasing panels. If you intend to use the installation long term, you will want to purchase monocrystalline silicon solar panels. These solar panels have a 14% to 18% electricity return rate, the highest on the market. This is achieved with a single large silicon panel with pieces of metal nailed along the edges increasing conductivity. Monocrystalline silicon panels are the most expensive panels on the market today, but if you are using them long term, the benefit outweighs the cost.
If you’re looking for inexpensive solar panels that are nearly as effective as monocrystalline, you’ll want to obtain polycrystalline silicon solar panels. Polycrystalline silicon panels some of the cheapest on the market because they are cheaper to produce. Despite cost, they still have a 12% to 14% electricity return rate. Polycrystalline silicon panels are made up of individual PV cells with metal conducting materials nailed to the sides. Maintaining polycrystalline silicon panels is easier and less expensive than monocrystalline panels, as cells can be replaced individually without replacing the entire panel.
String ribbon silicon solar panels are similar to polycrystalline silicon panels. Instead of being made with PV cells, string ribbon silicon panels are created by attaching long strips of silicon to bars of metal. They are equally as effective as polycrystalline silicon panels, with a 12% to 14% electricity return rate. It also works and functions the same was a polycrystalline solar panels. Producing silicon ribbon is slightly cheaper than producing PV cells, and production costs reflect the difference.
Amorphous silicon panels are not created with crystalline silicon at all. In fact, an amorphous silicon panel is composed of just a piece of semi conductive metal with a thin silicon film over the top. This panel is attached to metal pieces. These solar panels only have an electricity return rate of 5% to 6%. While these panels are very cheap to produce, they are not particularly efficient. If you are looking for long-term life and efficiency in your solar panels, amorphous silicon panels are not cost effective.
Continue : PV Solar Panel
Saving Energy is Easier With New Energy Saving Products
Now no one likes the idea of power that they are paying for simply going to waste in their home or business but the fact is that its pretty much unavoidable. Just the same what you may not realize is that there are areas in your home where power that you pay for is essentially leaking out. Areas where its being wasted for no good reason at all.
I’ll take your television set as a prime example because are you aware that it may be consuming a full 75% of the power it uses when it’s in fact turned off? You read that right because when you click the remote to turn it off, it remains in “standby mode”. It’s still gulping power, believe it or not!! So then what’s the solution?
So then how can you stop this needless waste? The answer is surprisingly cheap, and incredibly simple. They’re called standby savers and they function just like a normal TV remote with one difference and that is that standby savers shut off the power “at its source”. So the power is cut completely to the TV or home appliance, cutting off the waste.
Then there is the new electricity monitor and what’s so amazing about this device is that it took so long for it to be invented, and brought to market. Believe it or not, all they do is measure and make available on a screen the amount and value of the power your home, or individual appliances are using. That’s it!
Would you believe that the average savings that home and business owners who use this device are reporting, is 25% on their first months utility bill alone? Then over the long term, by allowing them to measure and better manage the volume of electricity that their individual appliances and buildings use, that savings often climbs to as much as 50%, and even more.
Have you ever stopped to consider that you are paying to keep forty gallons of water piping hot 365 days a year with your standard water heater. Just think how much energy that takes up but the fact is that you do need hot water and there is just no getting around that fact. Even so is there some way that you can ease this constant financial burden?
If your water heater does not have a nice snug fitting water heater blanket then go out and buy one. In fact you should buy two, and give it a double wrap for twice the savings. Then again, while they are nowhere near as cheap as a blanket, new tankless water heaters eliminate the burdonsome tank all together. They heat the water only when you need it.
The last item on the list is energy saving light bulbs and it’s just amazing that some folks still don’t use them. The problem is that they used to be a lot more expensive then they are now and also a lot of people simply don’t realize how many bulbs they have in their home, or business. You can also buy them in bulk packs now for even more savings.
Want to find out more about saving energy at home, then visit Sandi Feris’s site on how to choose the best electricity monitor for your needs.
Information On Installing Solar Panels
If you’ve ever thought about getting your own solar panels to help save the environment as well as your hard-earned cash, then you’re in luck. Our handy guide gives you a quick overview of what’s involved with installing solar panels. First things first, equipment. You’re going to need the panels themselves, mounts, rails, a conduit, tape measure, laser sight, stud finder, bolts and a drill. Double check your panels in case you need any additions as they can vary depending which ones you get.
With all your equipment sorted, it’s time to turn your attention to your house. Get advice from the Department of Energy on how to carry out an energy audit as this is essential before any installation. It will tell you how much you’ll save as well as how many solar panels the roof of your house can support. Then do some pruning to make sure the panels won’t be blocked by shade or low-hanging branches as this can stop them working properly.
Next, determine what kind of mounts you’ll need based on the type of panels you’ll be using and where they’ll be positioned. After this, use a stud finder to locate your house’s rafters, as these will support the solar panels once they’re installed. Use a laser sight to mark exactly where the mounts will be positioned above the rafters, then use a pilot bit to drill holes for the mounts without damaging the rafters. Then secure the mounts to the roof, using lag bolts to do so.
Your next job is to use bolts and attach the rails to the mounts. Then it’s time to individually install the solar panels on the rails, carefully securing them in place before moving onto the next one. The final job is to attach a conduit, running it from the converter in your house and then connecting it to the solar panels. Secure it properly so you don’t have to worry about it moving or being damaged in bad whether. Lastly, check to see your new panels work properly.
Overall, it isn’t too complicated to install your own solar panels but you do need to be careful and take care, especially when you’re working on the roof. You should also alert your local electricity provider before installation as they may purchase some of your power off you, and some of them require you to have one of their technician’s present. Also get an expert to check your work before and after you do it to make sure the panels are secure and you meet any regulations.
Learn More : Solar Install
Switching To Solar Energy Will (Probably) Save You Money
Several factors have created a good deal of curiosity about the implementation of solar energy sources in lieu of the traditional fossil fuels currently used for the generation of electricity. Solar energy has yet to replace fossil fuels as the primary source of energy in homes and businesses, and uncertainties about its cost are one of the major concerns keeping it from gaining a foothold. Just how cost effective is it to switch to solar energy?
The upfront cost is somewhat daunting to those who see only the immediate picture. The benefits of converting to solar energy won’t be instantly apparent. Depending on tax credits and government incentives, a solar system that would adequately power the average home has an initial cost of anywhere from about $2,500 to $82,000. Though that is a rather large range of costs, one must consider that fossil fuels would cost around almost $60,000 over 20 years if average inflation continues at its current rate. Bear in mind, though, that once the solar system is implemented, that’s it. The sun’s rays are free, so consider how large a home is, how much it will cost to power, and compare solar with fossil.
Even reducing dependence on fossil, or dirty, energy sources is beneficial. For those that have homes that don’t receive many sunny days or direct sunlight, a solar system will still reduce electric bills. Even homeowners and business owners who don’t rely totally on solar energy can maintain a cost effective utility system by utilizing a hybrid system. Depending on the size of the dwelling and how much energy is used, even a solar system that supplies only 10% of its needs will alleviate electrical costs.
Solar panels themselves have come down in price in recent years. Their cost was one of the obstacles that residential solar energy generation faced, but it is less of a concern these days. Prices currently range from around $9.50 per watt to $11.00 per watt depending on the material from which they are constructed. Flat plate collectors that can daily heat 40 to 80 gallons of water usually run from $2,000 to $4,000.
Solar energy systems aren’t that much different than any other home improvements in price. They are a long-term investment that will improve home value and save money on energy. Determine usage and necessity and you will get a good idea for the cost effectiveness in switching to solar energy.
Read On : Solar Panels Cost
How Can You Use Wind Energy
Utilization of alternative sources of energy such as wind energy or solar energy has become important for emerging economies like India and China. People have been using wind for different aspect since thousands of years. Electrical energy and Mechanical energy can be made using the Kinetic Energy produced by wind. Money can be saved by not depending anymore on fossil fuels.
A Wind Turbine is most commonly used for the generation of Electricity by wind energy. The electricity that is generated could be supplied to households or stored in batteries. A Wind Mill is where the Wind Turbine is fixed. The large blades of the Wind Mill catch the wind and turn the blades of the turbine to generate power. The stronger the wind will be the more electricity will be produced. Wind power for home use can be generated by using Small Turbines. There are two kinds of turbines that can be used for generation of power at home. DC current is produced which is stored in batteries after it is converted into AC current. This stored power is used for running household appliances.
Wind power for home use can also be received by installing a generator. It is an attractive option for those people who are environmentally conscious. The function of the generators is to convert the physical movement, essentially rotation into electricity. The only thing required is the free, unlimited and renewable force of nature, the wind. Permanent magnets are used in generators for the conversion. The produced electricity may be used by all by connecting it to the power grid or by wiring it to the devices at home for immediate use.
Using natural sources of energy at home can help you reduce the damage that is being done to the environment. You can also reduce the amount of money you have to spend on coal, oil and gas. The overuse of fossil fuels has led to a shortage of fuel which can be alleviated.
Wind power for home use may not be cheap during installation but over a period of time, it will prove to be a money saver and will help you save 60% of your household electricity bills. If the wind is not strong enough for a generating power on a particular day, you may use the power stored in your batteries. Also, if the machine is producing more amount of electricity than what you need, you can sell it and earn money.
Want to find out more about wind power for home use , then visit David Windsor’s site on how to choose the best wind power for home use for your needs.
