Category Archives: Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar energy is getting more popular these days. There are a lot of solar panels being seen in many areas. However, there are some people who are still doubtful about this type of solution, and they tend to question solar panel efficiency. Is the solar panel itself capable of providing electricity to the whole household? This is the question that people new to solar energy often ask. Since electricity bills are getting higher, many are looking for new ways to save money.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

For starters, solar panels are made up of solar cells. The electricity that is produced from the solar cell is only minimal, so a number of solar panels is formed and linked together to create significant amounts of power. Silicone cells make up the most often used solar panels, which are also called Photo Voltaic or PV modules. They can produce as much as 50 watts of electricity in bright sunlight. For them to be able to produce more energy, the panels can be interconnected.

More About Solar Panels

A solar panel is a flat rectangular structure that varies in size. It is made from individual solar collectors that is covered with a protective sheet of glass. Each cell is shaped like an octagon and comes with a bluish-black color.

Solar Panel Efficiency

The use of solar panels will decrease carbon emissions and carbon footprint since solar energy doesn’t release harmful CO2 and is considered “green”. Every home solar power system can help save 2650 pounds of CO2 every year.

Solar panel efficiency depends on three things:

  1. Type of system
  2. Home location
  3. Solar panel location

Solar panel efficiency is dependent on the type of system being used because it has a different amount of energy that can be produced. For instance, the location of your home can greatly affect the efficiency of your solar panel. You’ll find that if you live in an area with hot and sunny climate, your solar panels can produce more energy. Efficiency also depends on the solar panel location. If you place the panels in an area where it can absorb all the sun’s rays, then more energy is gathered. This is the reason why a lot of people look for the most efficient solar panels.

When it comes to solar efficiency, you should also know the three main types of solar panels:

  1. Agriculture-oriented solar panel systems are for farms. They can provide more power to various farm machines and at the same time, do a couple of tasks that require electricity.
  2. Industrial and commercial systems are for businesses and factories that require massive quantities. Such systems use the most effective solar cells to get energy, and they are larger as well.
  3. Residential power systems are meant for home or residential use. They are more compact, and you can choose between passive or active. Passive home solar systems only collect energy that is needed while the active solar systems gather energy all day long to provide energy to the home.

Knowing all these will help you understand more about solar panel efficiency. If you’re planning to get one for your home, now you know what’s best and what’s appropriate for you.

How Solar Panels Work

Are you curious to know how solar panels work? First of all, you should know that there are two main types of solar panels, the solar electric panels and solar water heating panels.

PV Panels

How solar panels work depends on the type of solar panel and in this particular one, we’re talking about PV panels. What does PV stands for? P is for Photo which refers to light and V for voltaic electricity. PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity and a PV cell is made of a semiconductor material which absorbs the sunlight. There are more complex PV systems that produce solarf electricity for houses and the utility grid. This utility grid is the power source available to your local electricity provider. PV cells are combined into modules or panels that contains 40 cells.

PV panels contain a top protective layer, two specially treated layers of silicon with collecting circuitry attached to the top layer and a polymer backing layer. The top layer of silicon is treated to make it electrically negative while the back layer is treated to make it electrically positive. When sunlight hits electrons loose from the silicon, they will move up from the bottom layer of the silicon and crowd the electrons in the top layer. The freed electrons from the top layer are collected by electrical contacts on the surface of the top layer and routed through ane external circuit, thus providing power to the electrical system attached to the panels.

How solar panels work can be a complicated subject matter especially to those who are not into science. However, if you plan to switch to solar energy, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with it and how it works. PV panels are the common solar panels that are used for solar energy.

A lot of people question what happens at night and on cloudy days, since solar electric systems only produce power when the sun is shining, there are many consumers that connect their solar system to a utility power grid that will provide additional electricity when the solar panels are not producing enough. It is called a grid-tied system.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

How do solar panels work? These solar panels generate electricity using the same principles of electronics as chemical batteries of standard electrical outlets. Also, solar panels are what you need if you plan to switch t solar energy and with these, it’s all about the free flow of electrons through a circuit.

Basic element of solar panels
Knowing how do solar panels work may be a journey back to your Chemistry class. The basic element of solar panels is the same element that created silicon. When this is stripped of all its impurities, it will make an idea neutral platform for electron transmission. Aside from this, silicon has atomic-level properties which will make it even more attractive for solar panels creation. These silicon atoms have room for eight electrons in their outer bands but only four in their natural state. This simply means that there is room for four more electrons. If there is one silicon atom that contracts another silicon atom, each will receive the other atom’s four electrons and this will create a strong bond but there will be no positive or negative change because the eight electrons satisfy that needs of the atom. These atoms can also combine for years to result in a large piece of pure silicion and this is that material that is used to form the plates of solar panels.

Now, two plates of pure silicon will not generate electricity in solar panels because they have no positive or negative charge. Instead, solar panels are created with the combination of silicon and other elements that do have positive or negative charges.

Positive and Negative Charges
For example, phosphorus which has five electrons that it can offer to other atoms. If silicon and phosphorus are combined chemicals, it will result into stable eight electrons with an additional free electron along for the ride. It can or cannot leave because it is bonded to other phosphorous atoms but it is or is not needed by the silicon. Hence, this new silicon-phosphorous plate will be considered negatively charged.

For the electricity to flow, there should be a positive charge. This can be done in solar panels by silicon combination with an element like boron. Boron has three electrons to offer. A silicon-boron plate still has one spot left for another electron and this will mean that the plate has a positive charge. These two plates will be sandwiched together in solar panels with conductive wires between them.

Learning how do solar panels work may be a bit tricky and confusing especially if you are not into science at all. However, if you plan to put up solar panels because you wish to switch to solar energy, you must be able to understand how it works.

Now, how do solar panels work in a solar aspect is like this:
Natural sunlight send out a lot of different particles of energy but the one humans are interested in is the photon. It acts like a moving hammer. When the negative plates of solar cells are pointed at a proper angle to the sun, photons bombard the silicon/phosphorous atoms. The ninth electron wants to be free and it will be knocked off its outer ring. It won’t remain free for ling because the positive silicon.boron will draw it into the open spot on its own outer band and now, as the sun’s photons break off more electrons, electricity will be generated.

5 Ways to Conserve Energy

People today are looking for ways to conserve energy. Electricity bills are getting more and more expensive every month and people are usually caught frowning down at their electricity bills. Aside from this, with the many natural disasters that are taking place all over the world, it is clearly nature’s way to deliver a message and one way that you can help sav ethe environment is through conserving energy.

Here are some ways to conserve energy:

1. Insulation – you always have to make sure that your home or business is well insulated. Check every window and make everything is sealed when closed. A double pane window will be perfect because this can help out the warm aur during the summer and the cold during the winter months. Aside from this, you also have to make sure that your doors are properly sealed and replace bad weather seals to make sure there is no air passing by. If you have an attic, check if there is an adequate insulation.

2. Check your systems – for example, you have to make sure that your furnace has new filters and you change them regularly. During the winter, set your thermostat at 65 degrees during the day and 55 at night. Doing this will save a significant amount of energy and it can also help reduce energy cost. During the summer, you can set your thermostat at 78 degrees during the day and 85 at night for maximum savings. A programmable thermostat is highly recommended because it can save money by setting different temperatures for days that you work and during the weekends.

3. Light bulbs – conventional incandescent bulbs must be switched to compacty flourescent lamps. LED bulbs are also the best replacement.

4. Water conservation – twater is something that is often taken for granted but conserving water can save energy and save us money as well.

5. Electricity source alternatives – there are now more alternatives, solar energy is the most popular because eof its benefits and more and more people are building their own solar panels or purchasing them. This saves you a lot of energy and you never have to worry about electricity bills anymore.

There are more ways to save energy, all you have to do is look around you. From there, you will definitely see a lot of things that you can change in order to conserve energy.

5 Benefits of Small Solar Panels

A lot of people think that small solar panels are less efficient than the regular or large ones. This is wrong because small ones are efficient and durable as their regular counterparts. Size is the only difference.

Small solar panels are made for portability. They are constructed to help traveling individuals enjoy the benefit of free energy even when away from home. It makes it possible for them to enjoy the benefits of indoors in the outdoors. You can also have these benefits in your own home. They are easy to carry, install, use and utilize.

What are the benefits of small solar panels?

  1. You can enjoy longer lasting energy for your gadgets like iPods, cell phones, laptops and portable appliances as well as electrical devices when you’re away from home.
  2. They can power up a 12-volt appliance. There is no need for you to charge your batteries anymore.
  3. You don’t need to bother about maintenance service fees because they don’t need it. They can withstand the weather for a very long time.
  4. They can reduce the energy consumption within the day.
  5. Enjoy free energy during times of power interruptions.

You see what small solar panels can do? They may be small, but they work great and are full of benefits.

Now, you know what to get! If you frequently travel, having small solar panels with you is just perfect. They’re very useful and helpful. Aside from this, you don’t have to be a traveler just to be able to use them. You can use them at home, especially if you live in a small area. These solar panels will be great. In short, there are no restrictions when it comes to the use and functionality. Enjoy them!

5 Tips To Help You Build Your Own Solar Panels

Solar energy is grabbing the attention of many people today. Since a lot of people are more environmentally-aware, many want to contribute in saving the environment. Of course, we all know that this is a good thing. There are many benefits that one can get from solar energy, and one big benefit is that you never have to worry about electricity bills anymore. You just have to have your own solar panel do its work. However, you can build your own solar panels if you don’t have the budget.

The best thing about building your own solar panels is that you can customize it the way you want it to be. The first thing that you have to do is purchase the materials in your local hardware or even online. Aside from this, you can also find some basic guides and plans on the Web that will help you easily build your own solar panels.

Some tips to help you build your own solar panels:

  1. Gather all your materials and tools and prepare everything before you get started.
  2. Ensure that the instruction manual that you purchased is easy to understand. Make sure that it will take you through every step of the process.
  3. Select a solar panel design that will fit the style of your home so it will enhance the appearance instead of take it away from it. There are a lot of designs that you can choose from, and it is very important that you find all the necessary parts to complete the style you wish to build.
  4. Keep children or pets away from your work area.
  5. Don’t start building solar panels if you still don’t have a solid plan to follow. Do some research ahead of time before you start on this project.

These are simple tips that can definitely help you build your own solar panels. There are a lot of solar panel instructions or manuals that you can find online. If you buy the materials, it should come with a guide. All you have to do is follow the guide as well as the simple tips listed above, and you surely will have the best and most efficient solar panels in your possession.

Energy Efficient Home Plans

Do you have energy efficient home plans that you wish to implement? First of all, these home plans are the most popular and newest effective house construction principles that are being followed by every house building person. These plans are utilized to save and restore energy in the present day world where energy sources are fast getting depleted in one way or the other.

These energy efficient home plans include the modern concept of home construction whereat least a single energy saving method is considered while building homes. Whether you are using solar energy or saving light energy, such plans aim to restore and save energy in one way or the other. Today, buildings and houses have one efficient and energy saving plan in action and this saves both energy and money. These help in cutting expenses when it comes to energy and it also minimizes environmental population.

Before the construction takes plane. The weather and climate is first studied in order to maintain an even temperature in through installing the effective healing and cooling systems. There are energy recovery ventilators and energy efficient windows that will help keep the air inside fresh and it will also help maintain the temperature. For the heat generating appliances, they should be placed in the foundation basement of the house to ensure the heat that is coming from them. The energy efficient home plans may be expensive than normal houses but in the long run, it will prove to be less energy consuming and is a cost saving plan, which is definitely worth it.

A modern green home is a very effective example of energy efficient home plans because this is constructed to restore environmental resources and protect it from environmental pollution and degradation. These home plans have become one of the most sought after home making plans today.

These energy efficient home plans will be put into action and will be more effective because of everything that’s written here. Now, you understand the importance of these plans. A lot of people think that this is so expensive and they won’t benefit from it in the long run, but they are wrong. As you can see, these plans are long-term and you will really be saving more money.

8 Energy Conservation Techniques

Knowing energy conservation techniques will definitely help you a lot financially and at the same time, you will be able to save the environment. There are many ways to conserve energy, and you might be dying to find out about there. Here are some energy conservation techniques that you can apply today:

  1. Green habits – yes, these is one enerygy conservation technique. This will promote your health and will help the environment as well. Walk, use public transport to save on gas and avoid the harmful effect of gas emissions.
  2. Utilize green thumbs – grow a vegetable garden or if you can’t and you’re not the gardening type of person, you can buy fresh and locally grown vegetables when you go shopping. Go for fresh food!
  3. Conserve water – this is also a very important resource of energy. Make sure that you save water.
  4. Solar power – one great way to conserve energy is through solar power with the use of solar panels. Solar panel efficiency will definitely wow you. You will definitely love this alternative power. It is environmentral-friendly and at the same time, you don’t have to worry about electricity bills anymore.
  5. Start with your home – look around your house and start implementing energy efficient home plans with the rest of your family. Replace lights with more energy efficient systems, replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs which need only 25% of the electricity.
  6. Appliances – we need them… very much! However, don’t leave them plugged in. When not in use, unplug your appliances. If you’re planning to buy new ones, buy the ones with efficient energy ratings.
  7. Insulation – insulate your home well, seal your wallds, doors, windows and pipes. Also, add insulation foam to your home’s roof cavities.
  8. Recycle – this is very important and this is being implemented all over the world. It’s time that you follow that lead. Recycle everything from waste paper, packaging, furniture and others.

Those are some great energy conservation techniques. It is very important that you know all these. The best part is that everything is very easy to follow. Now, you don’t have to ask the question, how to save electricity?

How Does Solar Energy Work?

How does solar energy work? This is the question is being constantly asked today. Solar energy is getting more attention than usual and it is rapidly gaining popularity. This is due to the need to be more aware when it comes to the environment because of the many things that are happening all over the world. Aside from this, as the economy reach its lowest point, people look for ways to save more money.

Solar energy is known to be one of the best alternative power. Having this means that you won’t need to pay another cent for your electricity bill because it’s free. All you have to do is buy a solar panel. Let’s go back to the question first, the most important question before you proceed and purchase a solar panel, how does solar energy work?

Here are the essential scientific processes involved in solar energy conversion and utilization which will help you understand more how does solar energy work:

  1. Solar energy has a number of molecules that includes electrons and protons which are significant in the life cycles that we find in plants, animals, weather and biological processes. Electrons that are ones that are used for electricity.
  2. Electrons can be gathered and manipulated with the help of materials that one can purchase in utility stores. Sunlight can be transformed easily and in a faster way to electrify because of the fact that the molecule it contains is full of energy.
  3. Electros move at a very fast rate which is a huge advantage. It can be isolated due to its fast movement.
  4. The solar plates with photovoltaic cell can isolate the electrons for it to be utilized as an energy source.
  5. How does solar energy work goes through the first stage first which is the absorption of the molecules through the solar plates. These plates are capable to assemble concentrated electrons and to channel them to semiconductor plates.
  6. Once there are enough electrrons, their transport to the battery is the second stage wherein the electrons go through a series of filters that are known as the converter and semiconductor wires and plates.
  7. The last stage is the utilization of electriction in the batteries. A set of 10 batteries are used to allow a large amount of electricity to be stored.

Now, those 7 facts will help you answer your question on how does solar energy work. This is very important before you test solar panel efficiency because you have to know first how it works. Actually, this article answers two questions, how to save electricity and how does solar energy work. It looks like solar energy will answer all your problems when it comes to your rising electricity bill!

Finding the Most Efficient Solar Panels

What are the most efficient solar panels? If you are planning to go for this power alternative, then you are making the right choice. Solar energy has a lot of benefits. The two main benefits are (1) it is eco-friendly and (2) you don’t need to think about electricity bills anymore. Many people are very particular when it comes to solar panels and they want to find the best one that’s available in the market.

Solar panels are equipment that are completely built with solar cells. They have the capability to let solar energy in and convert the same energy into power. When it comes to the most efficient solar panels, there are a lot of brands out there and people normally get overwhelmed and confused due to the variety.

Here are a couple of things that you should keep in mind in order to find the most efficient solar panels:

  • Keep in mind that there are solar panels intended to be used at home while there are others projected to be grid-tie structures that are joined to the town power. There are home solar panel kits that can supply electricity through photovoltaic or PV panels. These are shaped by means of silicon, which is a semiconductor substance. Once the sunlight beats the solar panels, the silicon electrons are propelled loose. This affects the formation of unswerving electrical power.
  • Another thing, there are solar panels that are meant for industries or businesses. There are also solar panels that are only meant for farms. They differ when it comes to size, capacity to gather, and to produce energy.

To choose among the most efficient solar panels, you have to be aware of its uses and the different types of systems and panels that will be appropriate for your use.

The World Wide Web holds a lot of information on different brands of solar panels and most of them have reviews. This way, you will be able to determine the most efficient solar panels and work your way from there. Another thing that can help you with your search is asking for referrals from friends who are already using solar energy. They should be able to help you in a lot of ways.

You should also know or research about solar panel efficiency before anything else. However, you can build your own solar panels.