What are solar panels?
Solar panels absorb sunlight to make electricity. Usually, they’re made out of water based silicon cells or thin film cells that are connected to each other. Panels consist of mental framing, or some strong alternative, to support all the weight from the cells and glass used. Charles Fritts was the first to make a solar panel, but he wasn’t the first to see the potential or the electrical charge.
What kind of solar panels are for you?
Three different generations of solar panels exist. It is surprising for many people to find out that there are, in fact, two different markets for solar panels: solar water heating and solar thermal. The first generation solar panel is the most common type, consisting of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline panels last the longest and take up the least amount of room. They are not affected by high temperatures, unlike the rest of the panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are the cheapest to make but are less efficient. High temperatures also lower its lifespan. The second generation solar panels consist of thin film solar cells, and amorphous silicon solar cell. Thin film solar cells are cheaper to make because they place one or more films on top of each other. It takes less time to make because of the least amount of material used to make it. These take up the most space through.
One size won’t fit all
Amorphous silicon solar cells use a triple layer technology. These are the least effective solar panels. The third generation panels are still mainly in research period. this group has three types: Biohybrid solar cells, cadmium telluride solar cell, and concentrated PV cells. Biohybrid solar cells is still in the research phase. This is one that makes energy through photosynthesis or uses close to the same process. Cadmium Telluride solar cells are made of materials that the lowest cost. The only problem with this one is if you inhale or ingest it then its toxic. Concentrated PV cell have the best efficiency rate of 41%. The harvest rate of these solar panels vary with each type, so it’s important to know about how much energy you use so you know which one will fit your needs better.
Solar panels are needed
Most solar panels are rooftop solar panels. Unlike most things solar panels are not one size does not fit all. When fitting your solar panels you have to take into consideration the pitch, the angle from the sun, shading of the trees, vents and chimneys and your energy usage. Any questions that you have must be asked before you sign up, along with an explanation of the estimates. Prices have continued to drop over the years, so installing and buying is becoming much more affordable. Some panels take longer to pay for themselves, but in the end most of the panels end up paying off within the first year or two.
Solar panels harvest energy from the sun. They convert energy from the sun to power houses with electricity. There are multiple different kinds, so before you buy, do your research to see which one fits your needs best. Keep in mind that you’ll have to get your solar panels fitted to your roof top. Be sure to ask any questions before you sign up for solar panels. Solar panels end up paying for themselves once they harvest enough energy to power your house, your energy bills will start to disappear.
