Archive for solar panels
Advantages of Solar Roofing
Posted by: | CommentsThe Advantages of Solar Roofing
Solar energy is simply the light produced by the sun. Sun produces radiant energy through the nuclear fusion process where small atoms join to form a larger one. In term of how sun light is converted into useful energy, there are passive and active solar energy. Passive solar energy is when you do not use mechanical devices or accessories to utilize sun light. For example: building eco-friendly house with strategic window and ventilation positioning so that there are optimal lighting and air into the house. Active solar energy is when you use devices or accessories to make use the sun into useful energy such as to heat water, room, and to provide energy for other electricity appliances. Solar roofing is one of the methods to collect and store sun light so that they can function as power generator to replace electricity use. Solar roof, which is made of photovoltaic materials, can be applied on both flat and pitched roof.
More new houses are built with solar roofing over time, while old houses are starting to make adjustment. Solar roof is actually a wise decision for homeowners because they look good and can save you considerably in electricity bills in long term. In wider perspective, solar roof contributes a lot to keep the Earth a healthy place to live. These two make up the best advantages of solar roofing compared to the traditional ones. Solar roof also last for a long time. In some developed countries, even governments provide incentives for homeowners who decide to install solar roofing instead of the traditional roof. The advantages are contagion if you look carefully.
Solar roof provides renewable energy resource to replace the electricity use in your home. They generate electricity when the sun is up so that you can use for heating, cooling, lighting, and other electricity purposes. The best contribution has been to environment. Non-renewable energy resources are saved, less carbon dioxide is released, and we have a better living. And even though the initial cost of installing solar roofing system is substantial, they have productive life of about 50 years. Imagine the amount you can save on electricity and environment over the years. It requires some investment, but you and the Earth will save a lot during the years.
Advantages of Solar Panels
Posted by: | CommentsAdvantages of Solar Panel
Solar panel is one of the components to build solar energy system. It is used to generate electricity through the process of photovoltaic effect, either for residential or commercial use. It is common to see solar panel on the solar roofing system of plants and office buildings in industrial centers because businesses pay a lot on electricity and the use of solar energy can save considerable. However, the use of solar energy system in residential complex still needs more incentive as the initial cost of installing one is often too expensive for homeowners. There are three types of solar panels homeowners can use: the mono-crystalline modules, poly-crystalline modules, and the thin-film modules.
At homes, solar panels are mainly used to heat water and produce electricity for home appliances. Despite the worries homeowners have in terms of cost and reliability, solar panels do have advantages in long term.
- Solar panel produces clean source of energy for your home and environment. Pollution and massive use of non-renewable energy resources have been a big concern for scientists and environmentalists in recent years. They have effect on the climate change and deteriorating life quality we are currently feeling. By using solar panels, we take the free and safe energy resource to fulfill our electricity needs as much as possible.
The use of solar panel saves your money considerably. Non-renewable energy resources’ price keeps rising as the supply is scarce. The most spotted price rise is on electricity, water, and fuel. You spend a lot for energy every month. By using solar energy, the costs can be lessened to an optimal point and you can save or invest the money instead. Especially if you live in area where the sun is shiny most of the days, you do not have to worry about complying your electricity needs as the installed solar panel can work to the most of its capacity. You can also buy panel with capacity that meets your need.
Tips on How to Choose Solar Panels
Posted by: | CommentsTips on How to Choose Solar Panels
Solar panels are produced by many manufacturers in different styles and features. Homeowners and business owners often find it difficult to choose the right solar panel that provides maximum benefits. It is a big investment which tends to be “permanent” once installed. You do not want to invest a lot of money for something you will regret later. Therefore, it is important that you know the guidelines/tips to choose solar panel.
- Solar panel capacity. The capacity is usually measured in watts. You should first determine your electricity need before buying a panel. The output of a panel will determine the watts of electricity produced and physical size of panel. The more capacity you require, the higher the price will be and the more space you will need. As a general rule, a 100-watt panel will generate the same amount of electricity per hour under normal condition. In long term, you would better buy a solar panel that meets your electricity needs and fits your free space, even though the initial cost is higher.
- Solar panel efficiency. If a panel is said to have a capacity of 100 watts, then it should produce 100 watts of electricity to be 100 percent efficient. You should check the efficiency rate before buying. The higher it is, the more it costs. Most solar panels have efficiency rate from 10 – 20%.
- Solar panel material. As we know, there are three materials of solar panel: mono-crystalline modules, poly-crystalline modules, and the thin-film modules. The first two are usually more suitable at lower temperatures, while the thin-film (or also known as amorphous) is more effective at higher temperatures. But there are also things to consider in regards to solar panel material: safety, weight, strength, and coating materials. Solar panel should be made of safe materials which are light but strong to last for years. Even the coating material should be safe enough for direct contact with sun light. When buying solar panel, look for manufacturer’s guarantee of at least 10 years. In case they are broken before the due year you do not have to spend money anymore.