Solar Panels For Homes

Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Systems

Photovoltaic systems use solar cells to capture the sun rays and convert that energy into electricity. Such systems allow homeowners to generate electricity in a clean, reliable, and quiet way that can offset the cost of future electricity costs and decrease their dependence on the energy grid.

Photovoltaic cells are generally made from modified silicon, or other semi conductive materials, that absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are long lasting (the first PV system ever installed in the USA – in 1954 – is still operating today). Most manufacturers warranty their products power output for a minimum of 20 years. But most solar professionals agree that a system should last at least 25 – 30 years.

Types of Solar Cells

There are three basic types of PV modules: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. All modules work well though monocrystalline cells often yield the greatest efficiencies. Thin-film technology typically costs less and its efficiency is ever improving as demand for solar panels grow. A growing variety of manufacturers and models are available in the marketplace today. A solar pro can walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each system so that you find a design that performs optimally over its multi-decade long lifespan for your application.

How solar electric systems work

Photovoltaic panels are often mounted on a roof and wired into a building via an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy generated through the solar panels into alternating current (AC), the most common type of current used to power buildings in the USA.

Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs – from flat to 60-degrees – can accommodate photovoltaic cells.

Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs – from flat to 60-degrees – can accommodate photovoltaic cells.

Solar Panels vs Building Integrated Photovoltaic Products (BIPV)

Solar panels are flat panels of photovoltaic arrays mounted on a roof or a pole to capture the sun’s rays. They are the traditional arrays used to catch energy from the sun. Because of their standalone design, solar panels are well suited for home retrofits or remodels.

Solar photovoltaic cells, however, are increasingly incorporated into building components such as windows, walls, or roof tiles. The effect provides a seamless integration into a building’s design since the BIPV components essentially disappear into the skin of your home. BIPV products work particularly well for new home construction or a significant remodel. And because BIPV panels are made for both photovoltaic and thermal collection systems, designers often place both technologies side-by-side to further maximize efficiencies.

About the Author:

Find more solar panel and solar power information at Cooler Planet.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Photovoltaic (pv) Electric Systems

How To Use Photovoltaic Cells and Panels to Eliminate the Power Bill

Solar panel Photo Mugs Solar panel. Also known as a photovoltaic system, this solar panel is a means of converting thesuns rays into direct electrical current. Solarpower is an example of a renewable energyresource.....

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $46.55 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri...

Tripp Lite PV150 PV 150W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $22.91 300 watts peak150 watts continuous power Low-battery alarm with auto-shut-off prevents deep battery dischargeLightweight design with all-metal housingClean quiet operation1 AC outlets 3 3/4"W x 1 3/4"H x 5 3/4"DPV-375: 4 1/4"W x 2"H x 7"DPV-600 6 1/4W x 4"H x 10 1/4"DIncludes DC cigarette lighter plug...

Tripp Lite PV375 PV 375W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $41.95 Harness your vehicle's battery to efficiently power your office or entertainment equipment while you're on the road. The Tripp Lite PV375 supplies up to 375 watts of continuous 120V AC power to two AC outlets from any 12V battery or automotive DC source. The unit offers a convenient cigarette-lighter DC input jack with three-foot cable. Portable and compact, the inverter's design is among the mos...

Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel with Sharp Module $499.95 The Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel Module will give you several more reasons to love the sun. It provides the power you need, while helping you save money and protect the environment. This panel is ideal for homes, cabins, remote power, back-up power, and 12-Volt battery charging. This panel comes with compatible wiring, accessories and a voltage tester to help ...

HQRP Pair MC4 Solar Panel Connector male & female (M&F) for PV / Photovoltaic System plus HQRP Coaster $8.01 HQRP Pair Solar MC4 Connector male & female (M&F)....

Ramsond 100 Watt 100w W Monocrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel Module 12V Battery Charging $249.99 Ramsond solar panels use the most premium components and raw material. Ramsond solar panels use only 'Grade A' quality, high purity silicone cells. Ramsond does not incorporate used, rejected, refused or second-hand cells into its solar panels. Furthermore, Ramsond utilizes the most advanced technologies in the production of its panels, such as a fully automated, microprocessor guided, precision,...

Solar Panel Installation Company Business Plan - MS Word/Excel $18.95 The Solar Panel Installation Company Business Plan is a comprehensive document that you can use for raising capital from a bank or an investor. This document has fully automated 3 year financials, complete industry research, and a fully automated table of contents. The template also features full documentation that will help you through the business planning process. This is a full and complete bu...

HQRP 50 Watt Solar Panel 50W Power 12V Monocrystalline PV Module 10 Years Limited Power Warranty $128.91 1 Year Full Quality Warranty! 5 years limited power warranty: designed to produce over 90% of rated power. HQRP 50 Watt (50W) Solar Electric Power Panel. The solar cells are encapsulated beneath high transmission tempered glass. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage. Construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective...

HQRP 15 Watt Flexible Solar Panel 15W Power 12V Monocrystalline PV Module w/ 4 Stainless Grommets for RV Boat Yacht plus HQRP UV Chain / UV Radiation Health Tester $79.91 1 Year Full Quality Warranty! 3 years limited power warranty: designed to produce over 90% of rated power. HQRP 15 Watt (15W) Flexible Solar Electric Power Panel. Being reliable in service and compact this unite is right for using it outdoors and during travel. Durability of the panels gives you a good opportunity to produce unlimited quantity of energy and charge batteries and accumulators for y...