Solar Power Homes Blog » how to solar panel

Solar Panels: How Do They Work?

solarblogger — Sun, 23 May 2010 00:54:16 +0000

There are two basic types of solar panels. One type makes electricity, the other kind generates heat. It’s important to know which kind you need for the job you have in mind, because they are not interchangeable. However, both types of solar panels can lower power bills and help support your green lifestyle.

Using The Solar Panel to Make: Heating or Electicity!

Solar thermal collectors use the sun’s energy to heat water and other fluids, like oil. The liquid is heated by the sun as it runs through tubing, hoses, or coils in the panel. These kinds of panels are great for heating swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and hot water for homes and businesses. The system can also be used with under-floor heating and indeed, other heating systems. Once they are installed, there is normally no need for additional heating fuels. But the systems usually require some kind of electric pump to move the fluids.

Solar photovoltaic cells help generate DC (direct current) electricity. The panels typically contain a semi-conductor material (silicon) which interacts with sunlight to produce electricity. This power can then be used for all your domestic requirements: t.v., computer, to name but a few The panels can only generate electricity when they are receiving direct sunlight.

Use Solar Panels To Make Heat

To ensure that you have continuous energy twenty four hours and through all weathers you can include a back-up battery unit with your system. You can purchase less expensive lead-acid batteries (like you car uses), but it will be necessary to make sure they are filled with distilled water in order to maintain their charge. Some batteries are more expensive, but they have particular advantages. Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries don’t require maintenance to retain their charge. Gel batteries are better for cold weather because of their freeze-resistance.

Both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems normally use glass panels to encase their collection systems, and both need exposure to direct sunlight. Ideally, the panels should be situated in a south-facing location that provides maximum exposure to sunlight during the day. Solar panels can be used anywhere to utilize the sun’s energy, but they are less effective in regions that typically have a lot of overcast days during the year.

Even in predominantly sunny regions, it’s always wise to add a backup generator to both kinds of solar panel systems. If you are trying to maintain a green lifestyle, you can use biodiesel to power your generator. And you’ll be glad you have one if your battery storage becomes depleted or there is a long period of overcast weather.

Construct Your Own Solar Panels: Find Out Here

Solar Panels – Why Should I Install Them On My Home?

solarblogger — Sun, 23 May 2010 00:53:47 +0000

Solar Panel Review

We hear about solar energy in the news almost every day. Does it make you think about whether installing solar panels is right for your home? Here are a few of the most compelling reasons to consider it.

How To Make A Solar Panel Now

The state of ecomonic affairs is finally favorable again for people who want to utilize solar energy at home. There are now federal tax credits established (or soon to be) that can lower the cost of installing a residential solar energy system by as much as 30%. And don’t forget to check into your state and city incentives, as well. The list of government entities that offer tax credit and other incentives to help people convert to solar energy is continuing to expand.

There is also the immediate cost savings you will see in lower monthly utility bills. Since your solar panels will be running your appliances during the day, you will be seeing a savings in electricity usage. And if your utility company participates in net metering, it’s possible that you could pay nothing for your electricity. While your solar panels are functioning, they may generate more electricity than you actually use. Net metering allows you to sell back that excess electricity to your power company for a credit to your account. So if your solar electric system generates a surplus during the day, the electricity used from the grid at night could actually be free.

An Easy Step-By-Step Approach on How To Make A Solar Panel

Solar energy can also be of great benefit to the environment. It is produced in the same place where it is used, so there are no fuel transportation costs or emissions, and no plant maintenance costs. Using solar energy can help prevent global warming. There is no pollution from burning oil or coal, and it does not result in nuclear waste that will contaminate the planet for years and years. And last but not least, it is a great way to protect yourself and your family against the future energy price increases that experts are forecasting.

The future of this planet is of the utmost concern to many environmentalists. Solar energy now plays a key part of the methods being developed to curb the greenhouse effect around the world. It’s not necessary to wait for either the government or the energy companies to advise on this type of measures. Why wait! Find out for yourself the most economical way of installing solar panels to provide for your domestic energy supply. Before you start with your project do the research, as failing this step can prove to be costly later.

Read These Latest Informative Guides on How To Make A Solar Panel

Can I Really Heat My Pool From Solar Panels?

solarblogger — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:58:27 +0000

Would you like to heat your pool with solar energy? Well, I have good news! Water-heating solar panels are relatively inexpensive to buy. For about $100 and about a two days of your time, you could even create them yourself. The best news is that once you have paid for the cost of installation, you won’t have any ongoing fuel bills.

Why Not Discover the Advantages of Building Solar Energy Here?

But before you decide, you’ll need to take a few thing into account. First, will the system be exposed to enough sunlight during the day? The solar panels made for heating pools are basic passive collectors. They normally consist of plastic, water-filled coils encased in shatter-resistant glass. The sun heats the water that has collected in the coils. The water is then pumped into the pool.

If your property has many shade trees, there might not be enough sunlight for a passive solar pool heater. However, an unshaded south- or west-facing rooftop would be an ideal spot for solar panels to get the full benefit of sunlight.

Building Solar Technology is Much More Simple

Next, consider the difference between the temperature you want your pool to be and the temperature outside. For example, if you’re thinking about heating an outdoor pool in Minnesota to 80 degrees during a freezing winter, stick with pool covers and a heavy-duty gas heating system. On the other hand, if you want to heat an outdoor pool in California to 80 degrees during 50-degree weather, a solar pool heating system is ideal.

Even with your new solar heater in place and working, you’ll still need a solar cover or blanket for times when the outside air is below your pool’s water temperature. Any time you notice steam rising from the pool’s surface, it’s best to use the pool cover to keep that heat in.

Watch The Video on Building Solar Panel Cell

If you’re new to solar heating systems, here’s a word of caution. Some people mistakenly think that they might save even more money if they used the pool’s solar heater to heat water for their home. But unfortunately, the two systems don’t combine well. The pool water is going to contain chlorine and muriatic acid. It’s okay to swim in it and even swallow some, but it would be unwise to combine it with your home’s water system. Installing a solar water heating system for your home is an entirely separate project.

Thinking About A Home Solar Energy Project?

solarblogger — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:53:38 +0000

Buying Solar Panels – How Do I Choose The Best Company?

After you have made the decision that you are going to install solar power on your home, you need to locate a reliable company from which to buy them and have them installed. But how do you decide which company to choose? Following are some suggestions for you to consider.

Here Are Other Methods To Get Your Solar Power Set Up For Much Less Investment

Look for experience. If you reside in an area where energy installation has been well established, you may be fortunate enough to locate a company that has been in business for many years. An experienced company will be able to show you ample references. It will also be simple to check their track record through the local Better Business Bureau.

Ask them what equipment they recommend and then guides on the internet|use the internet to locate some reviews of the manufacturers]. Ask them what kinds of warranties come with the equipment. Also, determine the kinds of warranties the contractor offers on labor and workmanship. It is common to find 10-year warranties on the solar panels, and 3 to 10-year warranties on pumps, inverters and controls. Workmanship should carry at least a one year warranty.

Other Ideas About Saving Power

Many Solar Panel Companies deal only in the systems that are basically “off-grid” and you are advised to then make sure before you decide to use them if you wish to stay tied to the local grid. It is true that there are definite differences between installing the two systems. But off-grid systems are much more complex than grid tied systems. An off grid installer will almost certainly be very capable of connecting your system to the local power company, especially as since he or she will be overseen by the local building inspectors.~There is no need to worry if an installer has experience only in off-grid systems and yours will be on the grid. While there are definite differences in how the two systems are installed, off-grid system installation is much more complex. So an off-grid installer will most likely be very capable of connecting your system to the local utilities company. And, in any case, he or she will be monitored by the local building inspectors.}

Membership in a professional body for alternative power dealers might be another indicator of professionalism. But first determine what the requirements are to be a memeber of the organization before you decide to be impressed. Memberships are not compulsory, and mosy only require members to pay a fee. Other organizations (like the Solar Energies Industries Association) require continuing education and field experience in order to qualify for membership.

The best ways is always word of mouth from a known person. If you know a neighbour who has recently had solar panels installed, question that person if they would recommend the company they used. You can also find out from a local real estate agent. They usually are aware of the reliable contractors in town.

The Top 3 Home Solar Power Guide

Solar Panels – Will They Add Value To My Home?

solarblogger — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:42:39 +0000

If you are thinking of having a solar electric system installed to your home, you know can be a big decision and investment, and you may be wondering if it will make your home more valuable. The answer depends on several factors. Here are some points to consider.

Solar Energy: Makes Home Economic Sense

First, how is the awareness level in your area when it comes to the benefits and merits of using solar power? If there is a lot of interest and participation in green living, there’s a good possibility that buyers will view the solar energy system as an asset and will be willing to pay more. However, if you reside in a community where there is very little eco-friendly activity, where people don’t care much about recycling or environmental concerns, buyers may not consider the work and money you have invested into installing solar panels.

But even in a place where people don’t even think about green living, most can see the benefits of saving money. If you can show a record of your energy cost reduction over a period of time, the potential buyer will have evidence that the solar power system will be an asset. With heating and cooling bills often running into several hundred dollars each month for some families, savings on electricity becomes a major concern.

Can Taking Your Home to Off Grid Solar Power Be an Investment?

But what if you’ve only had your solar panel system for a short time? How can you prove energy savings? Contact your utilities company and request a statistical projection of future energy savings. You could also obtain information from the company that installed your solar energy system. The bigger companies often have marketing departments which gather this type of data to demonstrate how installing solar panels can help save money.

You may also consider the following: How common are solar energy systems in your housing market? If solar panels are common, your real estate agent will be able to give you actual statistical data showing the difference in selling price between houses with solar power systems and those that have only public utility electric service. If this type of data is available in your market, you have the best possible documentation that can be shown to a potential buyer.

By Following This Simple, Easy To Follow Guide You Can Build Your Own Off Grid Solar Power System

Solar Power Homes Blog » how to solar panel

Solar Panels: How Do They Work?

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Solar Panels – Why Should I Install Them On My Home?

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Can I Really Heat My Pool From Solar Panels?

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Thinking About A Home Solar Energy Project?

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Solar Panels – Will They Add Value To My Home?

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