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Solar technology harnesses the sun''s energy to generate electricity. It''s a form of clean energy that powers your home through solar panels on your roof. But what are solar panels and how do solar panels work? In this article, we''ll explain how solar panels power a home, the different panel types, and the benefits and drawbacks of solar.
Solar power companies can install different system types according to how dependent a homeowner wants to be on a utility company. Homeowners can choose the type of solar power system or solar array they would prefer based on their budget and needs. These systems include:
There are four solar panel types on the market. The type of panel you choose depends on your budget, location, available space, and energy needs. Different solar panels also come in various shapes and sizes. Below is an overview of the options available:
Monocrystalline panels are also called single-crystal panels because they are made from a single, pure silicon crystal that''s split into different wafers. They''re the most popular panels because of their efficiency, longevity, and aesthetic.
Monocrystalline panels have the longest life span of all four panel types, lasting about 25 years, and their efficiency rates are between 15% and 24%. They also offer a sleek design in black. These panels are the most expensive out of all four panel types because they use a lot of silicon, but their electricity output offsets the price tag.
Polycrystalline solar panels are composed of silicon fragments, which makes them easier to build. A manufacturer melts the silicon fragments and pours them into molds, where they solidify. Although they''re less efficient than monocrystalline panels, with an efficiency rate between 13% and 16%, they''re more affordable. You can also install more of them if you have enough space, which makes up for their lower efficiency.
Polycrystalline panels aren’t recommended for homes in hot climates, as both efficiency and panel lifespan decrease in high temperatures. They''re also more noticeable on a rooftop because of their bright blue color.
PERC panels are a newer panel type. They''re similar to monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, but they have an extra layer underneath the cells. This additional layer is reflective and can send the light that passes through the panel back into the cell, creating more energy. That same reflective surface also prevents longer wavelengths from otherwise damaging the panel''s performance.
PERC panels collect more solar energy than traditional panels by up to 12%. They''re more efficient, making them ideal for smaller spaces, and they''re only slightly more expensive.
Thin-film solar panels are made of thin layers of different semiconductor materials. These panels use fewer materials than traditional silicon panels, but they''re also less efficient. At the same time, they are more affordable than traditional panels because they''re lightweight and flexible.
The different materials you might find in thin-film solar panels include:
Conventional methods to generate electricity use fossil fuels to create heat and steam. The steam this creates powers a turbine, which produces electricity. The use of fossil fuels accounts for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, a leading factor of climate change.
To reduce the dependency on fossil fuels to produce energy, CSP systems use mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a receiver filled with water. The sunlight heats the water, which powers the turbine and generates electricity with solar energy.
CSP systems are different from photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert thermal energy into electricity. While CSP technology uses the sun''s energy to power a system, PV panels convert sunlight directly to electricity. CSP can power large-scale systems, such as power plants, but you wouldn''t use it to power individual homes like you would with PV panels.
PV panels aren''t just for individual home use, though. Solar farms have large collections of panels installed on acres of land to serve many homes and businesses.
When homeowners invest in solar panels, they reap many benefits, but they also encounter some limitations. In this section, we''ll cover solar panel advantages and downsides, providing you with a comparison to help you decide whether this electrical power system is right for you.
The benefits of solar panels include:
Despite the advantages that come with solar panels, you''ll find some limitations. The disadvantages of going solar include:
The cost of solar panels depends on your home''s size, panel type, and a few other factors, but on average, homeowners spend $31,460 for a 11-kilowatt (kW) residential solar panel system, or $22,022 after applying the federal solar tax credit. Solar panel installations of this size can cost between $25,960 to $36,960 before applying the federal solar tax credit.
Cost data in this section was sourced from EnergySage.
According to industry standards, a solar panel''s lifespan is 25–30 years. It will continue to work after that time frame, but its output and efficiency will decrease from the manufacturer''s initial projection.
Solar panel degradation rate is up to 0.8% annually. This means a panel''s output slightly diminishes each year. The panels degrade faster if other external factors, such as wind and debris, affect them.
Homeowners can assume their panels will work for the length of the warranty, which may cover manufacturer defects and projected energy production. You can make your PV panels last longer by:
Oil is currently the main source of energy production in the United States, but supplies are shrinking. Finding and using alternative power sources will increase energy stores without the use of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as solar technology, can help lift the burden on oil reserves and help the planet. We recommend you install solar panels if your power usage is high and you plan on staying in your home for a long time.
Yes, solar panels are always live. They will always be on, but they may not generate electricity when they aren''t exposed to sunlight.
A house can run on solar power alone for 24 to 48 hours if you are using only basic utilities and have a solar battery. Running an air conditioner or the heat will drain the energy faster.
Yes, hail can damage solar panels. Light hail won''t destroy the panels, but a severe hailstorm can cause significant damage. You can protect your solar panels from hail using mesh wire, coverings, or spray-on monomers. A solar panel installer can also adjust the angle of the solar panels to protect them.
You may have to clean solar panels of dirt and debris that can obstruct the sun''s rays and make the panels less efficient. However, regular cleaning is often unnecessary because rain is typically enough to keep your solar panels clean.
About Home solar systems explained
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Home solar systems explained have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Home solar systems explained for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Home solar systems explained featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
