subject: Factors In Choosing Home Solar Power Systems [print this page] What exactly are home solar power panels? The primary purpose of a solar panel would be to transform sunlight in to usable electrical power. This effect is a physical manifestation of the photovoltaic effect. Solar power panels are comprised of solar cells which are gathered collectively within a frame. Each solar cell has the capability to convert the sunlight into useful electrical power. However, the conversion rate of every cell is relatively limited when measured in total power level output. Essentially, each cell just produces an amount of electrical power equivalent to 1 to 2 Watts. Therefore an extremely big number of photo voltaic cells have to be integrated into every solar panel, and usually a substantial number of panels are linked in order to form a so called solar panel array. This process is necessary to produce a usable quantity of solar power for a complete home.
This joining of solar cells collectively in order to establish higher power is definitely an inherent advantage of the solar cell system. It follows that after you require additional power for personal usage, you just add more panels.
There are many types of solar power panel, that have different power generating characteristics ad features based mostly on the material from which they are made. They may be comprised of either thin-film, monocrystalline, or polycrystalline modules. The Thin-film solar cell includes alloys (amorphous-silicon) which are stored in thin layers deposited on a substrate. This means it can be quite supple (dependent on the substrate used) and it is therefore more easily applicable in certain environments.
Monocrystalline, however, is created from one silicon crystal rod and can be regarded as having a rigid structure. The silicon rod is cut into thin wafers to be able to provide the base within which solar cells are formed. Polycrystalline solar cells are processed from numerous silicon crystals which are heated collectively, and then cooled down in molds to create ingots of silicon. The ingot is then cut in to wafers and processed as before in order to produce solar cells.
The efficiency of a home solar power panel is measured by the number of the output and input power. Normally solar power panels return an efficiency range of from around 10 % to about 19 percent. As might be expected, the higher the efficiency rating obtained, the more likely the cost of each panel will also be higher. When preparing a new installation therefore, it's important to take into account initial installation costs against better long term efficiency savings in order to make the best choice for you.
Determining the right solar power panels therefore requires an understanding of some specific parameters. These parameters will allow you to decide which solar panel to utilize in your application. Three essential measurements to be aware of include 'efficiency', 'rated power at STC', and 'rated power per square foot'. 'Efficiency' is the ratio of the output power of the solar power to the input power of the sunlight hitting it. 'Rated power at STC' measures the total output in watts from the panel under Standard Test Conditions. 'Rated power per square foot' is the power output of the solar panel at Standard Test Conditions per square foot of the panel's surface.
Finally, modern day home solar power panel designs maximize the generation of electricity from solar energy and are now a very workable option if you wish to harness this type of 'renewable' energy to satisfy your personal home consumption.
