Understanding the Advantages of DIY Solar Panels

DIY Solar Panels and Solar Energy

The Earth receives most of its energy from the sun, creating a type of power referred to as solar energy.  As a renewable, clean energy source, solar power is a great resource.As long as there's sun, we will have a way to create and use solar energy.While other forms of energy produce waste by-products, solar power is clean and will help the environment.  Consumers can benefit from DIY solar panels and home solar systems.

A solar collector is a common component of a solar power system that can be used at home.  Sunlight is trapped inside the material and changed to heat, which can then be used for other purposes.  Solar space heating refers to the use of this solar heat to warm the interior of a building.  Another great option to heat and power your home are DIY solar panels.  The third option is passive solar homes, which use the entire house to act as a solar collector.

Almost any household energy need can be fulfilled with solar energy, especially the heating of air and water.  In most households, one of the top two energy expenses is water heating.  Switching from a traditional water heater to a solar system will save money in the long run.  DIY solar panels can help save some of the upfront cost associated with installing these types of systems.  A solar water system could be paid off completely in as little as five years, thanks to the savings on your traditional energy bill.  Though this depends on where you live and your family’s water habits, it is still an impressive figure.

Your basic electrical needs can also be fulfilled with solar power, thanks to photovoltaics or solar thermal systems.  These systems can convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity.  You can use either of these options with DIY solar panels to heat and power an entire home.  Photovoltaic cells (PV cells) are two slices of silicon which are sandwiched together and attached to metal wires.  This produces an electric field and prevents electrons from moving between the two layers.

An alternative to PV cells are solar thermal systems, which are typically made with mirrored surfaces.  These are used to concentrate the sunlight on a receiver that collects them and heats a liquid solution.  DIY solar panels like these are one of three types: trough, dish, or central receiver.

DIY Solar Panels Advantages

The number one advantage of solar power systems is that they are environmentally friendly.  There are no toxic byproducts and the sunlight is entirely renewable.It can help cut down dependence on outside energy producers.  Current energy sources will eventually run out, so renewable sources need to move forward.  In the short term, solar panel systems on your home or business will save you money on your monthly electricity bill.The right system might totally erradicate this bill.Any initial costs that are incurred will eventually be paid back by these savings, especially since energy costs continue to rise.