Using Renewable Energy - Residential Solar Energy

Residential solar energy is a great way to reduce your electricity costs while suing a cleaner and more environmentally friendly source of energy, solar power.

Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert the energy from the sun into energy electricity. A solar panel is made of a material, normally silicone, which acts as a semiconductor.

A material that is a semiconductor is the key to a solar panel as this conversion of energy occurs at the atomic levels dealing with absorbing light and releasing electrons.


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When the sun hits the semiconductor material it will separate the electrons form the solar material and then conductors at the ends of the panels will capture the resulting electric current due to these types of released electrons.

There is new type of material that can be used in place of the usual solar cells. Thin film solar panels are the latest in solar power technology. As the photovoltaic chemicals are laminated onto metals and then these sheets of metals can be used as solar panels.

While there are many advantages to using solar power the main disadvantage is that the frames that hold the panels are very heavy and they normally need to be attached to roofs. Attaching them to a roof will void any warranty you had on that roof. However you may be able to mount them up off the ground if you have a suitable sunny spot on your property.

The newest solar panels have a very long life and you will not need to replace them for 20 to 30 years. Also there have been plenty of technology advances so that you don't necessarily need to use solar panels if you feel t hey change the look of your home too much. There are solar shingles that can be added to your roof that will completely blend in and not change the aesthetics of your home.

Installing a readymade solar power system can be very expensive as this tends to range between 10,000 to 20,000 dollars. However you can build your own solar power system for just a fraction of that and you don't need any special expertise to do it. There are special kits available that contain everything you need or you can purchase a guide with step by step instructions and get everything yourself.

Residential solar power specifically is used for homes and apartment buildings. Many homes can easily be fitted for solar power and the newer homes will possibly already incorporate renewable energy in the design. The savings for using a renewable energy source like solar energy are endless as you not only get plenty of tax rebates but you will also notice a significant decrease in your power bills.

Solar panels are the most common type of solar power system used in residential areas and homes will use this solar energy for different purposes. Many people have outdoor solar lights or may have a solar system specifically for their water system. With enough solar panels you can power your entire home using renewable energy.