Environmental sustainability has become an important consideration for many modern households. One way of showing eco-awareness is by choosing renewable, non-polluting energy sources, like solar power. Evolved technology, improved manufacturing techniques and assistance in the form of government rebates has made it easier and more financially viable to purchase solar panels for your home.
What makes these panels go:
Unlike most other electricity sources, solar panels, also known as photovoltaic systems, do not rely on turbines to produce energy. This is because all their energy comes directly from the sun. Sunlight hits the silicon crystals in the panels, and the reaction that takes place converts solar energy into electrical energy.
The switch from grid to solar power:
The average household will still require some input from the local grid supply. This is because the technology used to create the panels is still relatively new. It is the case with most panels that only about 30 per cent of the light that hits them actually gets switched into electrical energy. Don't let this put you off, though. By using a combination of solar and grid power, you can still make big savings on your electricity bills. In some cases you can even earn a bit of money back!
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.
On the other hand, if a cloudy day or heavy power demands at night have meant that your solar power supply is running a little low, you don't have to go without. Any power you take back from the grid will be deducted from the power you've already given. If you give more than you receive, then you can earn yourself a bit of a profit.
Tips for lowering your electricity usage:
To really experience the benefits of your new system, you should take steps to cut back on your overall power usage. Energy-efficient products like LED lights, water-saving shower heads, highly rated appliances and thermal wall or roof insulation are great ways to cut down on the amount of electricity you use. - 32387
What makes these panels go:
Unlike most other electricity sources, solar panels, also known as photovoltaic systems, do not rely on turbines to produce energy. This is because all their energy comes directly from the sun. Sunlight hits the silicon crystals in the panels, and the reaction that takes place converts solar energy into electrical energy.
The switch from grid to solar power:
The average household will still require some input from the local grid supply. This is because the technology used to create the panels is still relatively new. It is the case with most panels that only about 30 per cent of the light that hits them actually gets switched into electrical energy. Don't let this put you off, though. By using a combination of solar and grid power, you can still make big savings on your electricity bills. In some cases you can even earn a bit of money back!
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.
On the other hand, if a cloudy day or heavy power demands at night have meant that your solar power supply is running a little low, you don't have to go without. Any power you take back from the grid will be deducted from the power you've already given. If you give more than you receive, then you can earn yourself a bit of a profit.
Tips for lowering your electricity usage:
To really experience the benefits of your new system, you should take steps to cut back on your overall power usage. Energy-efficient products like LED lights, water-saving shower heads, highly rated appliances and thermal wall or roof insulation are great ways to cut down on the amount of electricity you use. - 32387
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. VisitHomemade Solar Panels for more information and to download plans for building solar panels.
