Solar Panels
Solar panels collect solar radiation from the sun and actively convert that energy to electricity. Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells. These solar cells function similarly to large semiconductors and utilize a large-area positive-negative junction diode. When the solar cells are exposed to sunlight, the p-n junction diodes convert the energy from sunlight into usable electrical energy. The energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released, and electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a directional current, from which metal contacts in the solar cell can generate electricity.
The more solar cells in a solar panel and the higher the quality of the solar cells, the more total electrical output the solar panel can produce. The conversion of sunlight to usable electrical energy has been dubbed the Photovoltaic Effect.The options are as follows, and the areas that they control are indicative in their name:-
- Determine the type of panels you need. There are two main types right now: PV, mono-crystalline panels and thin-film, amorphous silicon panels. The former have the higher efficiency at the moment, which may be necessary if you have a small roof space. The latter have the aesthetic value, especially if you have a large roof space or partial shading. Yet efficiency is not the only factor. Your location, climate, position relative to the sun, and roof type are just some.
- Panel certifications will be vital to getting approved for state or federal rebates. Many states have a certain set of standards which all solar panels must meet. These standards will likely vary in some way from state to state. You can check this site to find your state’s incentives and appropriate links to find solar panel requirements.
- Calculate your needs. Grab your past electric bills out of your files. You can use these to calculate your daily energy usage. Different solar panels have different outputs in watts. Using available space and panel output, you can figure out which panels and how many of them you’ll need.
- Mounting system. Depending on the pitch of your roof and the position of your home, you may choose a ground mount system. This will mean PV panels and some extra money for the mounting system itself. However, you will have the advantage of choosing the proper tilt and, if you so choose, a solar tracker to follow the sun across the sky.
- Warranties are a vital factor when buying panels. Solar panels require very little maintenance and use no controls to run. Therefore they have very long lives and usually come with substantial warrantees. When comparing solar panel providers, check their warranties against each other. It is not atypical for panels to have a 25 year warranty.
