When you think of solar power and solar panels, what do you think of? Do you think of people living in the "rough," able only to have electric for a few hours a day, just to run a few things?
Sure it might be how some people live, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, in today's world solar panels have become quite inexpensive and very cost effective. Now you can actually supplement your regular energy with even hot water and electricity thanks to solar panels. Even more amazing is that you can help the planet by taking advantage of them and save money over the long haul. Most importantly you are still able to stay online and get whatever sources you need that the solar panels don't deliver.
How it Works - When it's time to go looking solar panels you can choose between 2 different options. The two options are either solar thermal or photovoltaic panels. When you use the thermal option it will collect the heat from the sun and then send it to your home. Now the water will circulate through the collectors and then become heated thanks to what was originally collected. Throughout the winter this plays a major role in what you pay throughout the month on your electric bill. It's possible that if you use it enough, the process might take care of all the heating needs. We imagine this can have a major affect on your monthly finances.
When you use a photovoltaic panel it uses the sun's power to convert it into electricity. The silicon cells absorb the light as opposed to grabbing the warmth like thermal panels. In the beginning the light that becomes electricity through direct current isn't usable in most homes. In order to accommodate those houses that cannot, the electricity is converted to an alternating current. So when you're using photovoltaic cells there is some power that you actually lose in the process. The good news is it's a small amount that doesn't really make a monumental difference.
Even though you may be thinking of choosing one of the two, there are several households that end up using both. It allows you to get all the electric power and heating needs that are necessary each and every day.
Staying "on the grid" even if you have solar panels - As stated previously, you don't have to go "off the grid" if you decide to install solar panels. In fact, it's beneficial to you to stay on the grid once you do install solar panels, for a couple of reasons. Number one, you're protected in the event you don't have enough power from your solar panels to provide all of your energy needs, so that you can still function properly by seamlessly switching to conventional energy usage when you don't make enough solar energy of your own. And number two, you can actually sell your excess energy, should you make more than you can use or store in batteries, back to the grid, so that your power company is actually paying YOU for the energy you don't need.
How much does it cost? Estimates vary, but most experts say it probably costs about $4000 to outfit the average home with solar panels; costs may of course go down as solar panel installation becomes more popular. However, that cost may be offset by energy credits, tax credits, etc., as the government allows, and of course you will also make that money back in the energy savings you get by producing your own energy instead of paying the power company every month. Finally, of course, there's the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you're helping the planet and being "green" by not using fossil fuels to provide energy needs to your home. - 29939
Sure it might be how some people live, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, in today's world solar panels have become quite inexpensive and very cost effective. Now you can actually supplement your regular energy with even hot water and electricity thanks to solar panels. Even more amazing is that you can help the planet by taking advantage of them and save money over the long haul. Most importantly you are still able to stay online and get whatever sources you need that the solar panels don't deliver.
How it Works - When it's time to go looking solar panels you can choose between 2 different options. The two options are either solar thermal or photovoltaic panels. When you use the thermal option it will collect the heat from the sun and then send it to your home. Now the water will circulate through the collectors and then become heated thanks to what was originally collected. Throughout the winter this plays a major role in what you pay throughout the month on your electric bill. It's possible that if you use it enough, the process might take care of all the heating needs. We imagine this can have a major affect on your monthly finances.
When you use a photovoltaic panel it uses the sun's power to convert it into electricity. The silicon cells absorb the light as opposed to grabbing the warmth like thermal panels. In the beginning the light that becomes electricity through direct current isn't usable in most homes. In order to accommodate those houses that cannot, the electricity is converted to an alternating current. So when you're using photovoltaic cells there is some power that you actually lose in the process. The good news is it's a small amount that doesn't really make a monumental difference.
Even though you may be thinking of choosing one of the two, there are several households that end up using both. It allows you to get all the electric power and heating needs that are necessary each and every day.
Staying "on the grid" even if you have solar panels - As stated previously, you don't have to go "off the grid" if you decide to install solar panels. In fact, it's beneficial to you to stay on the grid once you do install solar panels, for a couple of reasons. Number one, you're protected in the event you don't have enough power from your solar panels to provide all of your energy needs, so that you can still function properly by seamlessly switching to conventional energy usage when you don't make enough solar energy of your own. And number two, you can actually sell your excess energy, should you make more than you can use or store in batteries, back to the grid, so that your power company is actually paying YOU for the energy you don't need.
How much does it cost? Estimates vary, but most experts say it probably costs about $4000 to outfit the average home with solar panels; costs may of course go down as solar panel installation becomes more popular. However, that cost may be offset by energy credits, tax credits, etc., as the government allows, and of course you will also make that money back in the energy savings you get by producing your own energy instead of paying the power company every month. Finally, of course, there's the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you're helping the planet and being "green" by not using fossil fuels to provide energy needs to your home. - 29939
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess specializes in Texas Energy news and Texas Electricity prices.
