Solar Panels for Homes

Solar Panels for Homes

Solar panels for homes have gradually become more efficient and less expensive to install, particularly if you install them yourself. Many new homes are being built with solar panels on the roof that are less obvious than their predecessors. Today's solar panels can convert more energy and take up less space, making them much smaller and more unobtrusive.

The benefits of solar power energy in terms of lower energy bills and a cleaner environment are attracting more and more people to think about installing their own renewable source of electricity.

Solar panels for homes are also known as photovoltaic, or PV systems. They work by converting sunlight into electrical energy. Each solar panel is composed of a group of solar cells made of a semi-conductive material. This is usually crystalline silicon, which absorbs sunlight very efficiently.

The solar panels are made up in layers. Most of these panels have a protective layer at the top, a few layers of conductive cells, and a bottom layer of polymer backing.

Solar power panels can produce enough electricity in ideal conditions, to meet the requirements of an average home. They can heat the water, power the lights and appliances and heat your home. As well as power air conditioners to keep it cool.

How effective your home solar panel is depends on your location. Solar power panels for residential use are placed on whichever side of your house gets the most exposure to the sun. However, if your home does not get an average of 6 hours steady sunlight, you may not be able to produce sufficient power for all your needs.

Most homes opt for a grid-interconnected system. This allows you to be connected to the conventional grid to draw power from when you have a short fall. On the other hand if you manage to produce an excess of power, you can sell this back to your energy company in the form of credits.

Most of the work of installing a solar panel on your home is preparation. In most cases you will need to obtain building permits. If you do decide to be grid-interconnected, you will need to contact your energy company.

Once having decided to install a home solar panel, you have two choices. Do you fit it yourself or have a professional installer? Choosing to fit your solar panel yourself will certainly save on the cost. There are now many good DIY kits, manuals and self help DVDs on the market or Internet. All the materials required to build your own home solar panel are more readily available and Solar panel prices have started to come down.

One disadvantage of installing a solar panel yourself is that it leaves little room for error. If not properly installed, you run the risk of damage to your roof and fire if not electrically connected properly.

If however, you prefer to have a professional installer, there are now many companies experienced in this field. The advantage of having it installed for you are that you get the complete package from design to maintenance, with little involvement from you.

There are many advantages to investing in solar panels for home use. The obvious cost savings and environmental factors are only two. It has been shown that having solar powered energy in your home can actually increase it's value. This could make the initial outlay well worthwhile. And once installed you will no longer need to rely entirely on conventional electrical sources again.