subject: Why Should I Fit Electric Solar Panels? [print this page] Solar panels are not newSolar panels are not new. The technology has been around for a long time. As many of us are well aware, burning fossil fuels to generate energy isn't doing the natural environment much good and increasingly brings us into contact with politically unstable states. And so now could be the moment to do your bit for your country and put in solar panels to make electricity!
An electric solar panel uses photovoltaic or PV cells to transform the Sun's power into electricity. The electricity can then run our lights and devices. A PV panel is made from crystalline silicon. Photons from the sun strike the silicon and electricity is generated through the photovoltaic effect.
I can really only think of 2 reasons for adding electric solar panels. This first one is economic and the other one is environmental. Some people install them for environmental reasons. But unless you are Prince Charles or James Lovelock, the majority of us will need a sound economic reason to cause us to make the investment. Eventually, you may find that having solar panels fitted to the home might very well increase it's value. The next owners will certainly be saving money on their electricity bills.
So, we come to some of the benefits you would possibly enjoy if you choose to install and use electric solar panels. It is possible to lower your electric bills by around 40% even in UK.
Solar energy is environmentally friendly. It doesnt discharge any pollutants such as carbon dioxide. Sleep better at night time, smug in the warm glow that the contribution to the planet has afforded you. Theoretically, you can actually make some money from the panels by selling excess electricity back to the grid. The power companies are legally obliged to purchase this electricity at an inflated rate. Usually around 18p per KW. You'll be able to store extra energy in batteries and use them during rainy days or when needed.
Solar panels, correctly installed, will last for over 30 years. Naturally, there are a couple of things to consider. The solar panels are relatively heavy. You'll want to be sure that your roof is robust enough to carry their weight. Its best to consult a construction specialist for proper structural assessment of your roof. You will want to ensure that you have a clear line of sight to the sun. i.e. no buildings, trees, or any structure will block the sunlight going to the panels. This is to capture the highest possible amount of sunlight to generate more electricity. Visit your local planning authority to check if you need permission to install electric solar panels.
The cost of putting in an electric solar system differs and depends largely on their size. A typical 2.2 KW solar panel system is priced at about 12,000. The cost of electric solar panel systems per KW range from 4,000 to 8,000. The costs per KW will decrease as the system size increases. Generally speaking, you should see a return on your investment in around 10 years. So, maybe now it's the right time to think about installing some electric solar panels.
