Solar Panels Three Choices Of Product

Rows of solar panels are becoming more commonplace in residential communities. Just a few years ago, this technology was too expensive for most homeowners. However, with grants and schemes, set up by the government and electrical companies, more and more people are able to go green when it comes to their energy. The following gives a very basic introduction to the technology.

Thermal solar is used to heat water. Two types of systems are in use. One type has panels on the roof and augments an existing water heater. The other has the panels and tank both mounted on the roof. The former will use some electricity, the latter does not except for a back up heater to boost heating in winter months.

Photovoltaic or PV technology was discovered in the 1830s but it wasn't until NASA improved the technology enough (the power) to make it commercially viable. There are three construction types for PV units.

Monocrystalline silicon is cut from a single crystal and is the most efficient of the three types. Due to the efficiency, they are more expensive. However, you need fewer to produce the same amount of electricity than other types. Life expectancy of the cells is indefinite.

Polycrystalline silicon have less silicon crystals, are cheaper to manufacture, and the conversion of energy is slightly less than the mono type. Larger areas need to be covered to produce the same energy. The life of these units is about 25 years.

Thin film technology does not rely on crystalline structures. Silicon or cadmium telluride is applied to a surface in a thin film. The surface can be metal, glass, or plastic. The efficiency is the lowest of the three types and the material degrades the fastest. With any new technology changes are rapidly occurring.

With these three types of products, people have a choice that can make green energy a reality for their homes. Search the web for more information about solar panels. Stop paying for your electricity and use the suns energy instead.