Solar Solutions To Solve Your Solar Problems
You'll need to put some time into investigating which solar panel system will be suited for your needs and home
. There are two main kind of solar panel those that generate electricity (photovoltaic panels) and those that warm water. In a single hour the sun transmits more energy to the earth's surface than the world uses in a year. You could make use of this complimentary source of energy to generate electricity and hot water for your home by using solar technology.
Although solar technology is still pricey, any electricity you generate using photovoltaic solar panels can be sold back to the governement under their feed-in tariffs scheme.
If your home was designed or redesigned to make the most of the sunshine then this would be called Passive Solar power. For example, you might add an extra south-facing window or more insulation to your roof so you can better catch the sun's heat, and for longer. These 'passive' elements can be added when a house is built or undergoes major renovation.
Active solar power involves installation of a solar collector, usually a panel, to amass energy. The two major types of active solar panel systems are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and solar water heating.
While they might look similar, and both consist of panels on your roof, solar water heating and solar PV are quite different. Electricity which is created from the sun's energy, using solar electricity or solar PV, can be used in your home or exported onto the grid. Solar PV is an costly technology (12,000 for an average system) but generous financial backup is currently available under the feed-in tariff scheme.
Solar heating or solar thermal uses energy from the sunlight to heat up water. It is typically used to heat up your domestic hot water system. Solar water heating is cheaper than solar PV and costs between 3,000 and 5,000. Under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), grants and financial help may be available by October 2012.
There are four basic kinds of PV panel: monocrystalline, polycrystalline (or multicrystalline), hybrid and amorphous silicon. All PV panels are made from silicon but the silicon is cut and treated in different ways.
PV panels will differ in price and efficiency (how much of the sun's energy is used by the system per unit area). Although polycrystalline cells can be cheaper, Monocrystalline cells tend to be more effective (13-17% efficiency compared with 11-15% efficiency).
Hybrid cells combine crystalline cells with another cell type, thin film. This makes them even more efficient (17%+), but they cost more. Therefore when comparing quotes, make sure you know what type of solar PV cells you are being quoted for.
To generate significant amounts of energy you do need quite a big roof. Also, if your panels are to be installed on top of existing tiles your roof must be strong enough to take the extra weight. Solar panels are more expensive to buy and install than solar water systems with a high initial outlay commonly between 8,000 and 14,000. Solar light hours and climate will affect efficiency.
You do not need sunshine to produce energy just daylight. Any extra electricity can be sold back to an electricity company once your panels are connected to the national grid. Your average household electricity bill could be slashed by about 40%. The Feed-in Tariff provides further generous income (unlike solar thermal).
A reputable company will be able to help you further on which type of solar solution is best for you.
by: tyleqbx1ne
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