Let us start with the disadvantages of solar power and we will soon see that the advantages completely outweigh them.

Because solar power relies on harnessing the sun’s energy, as soon as there is no sun, electricity generation falls to zero. This is because there are no photons to strike the photovoltaic cells which then convert the energy captured into electricity.

Each cell can only generate a small amount of electricity which means you need a large number to create a large amount of power. The cells also need to be orientated towards the sun to allow maximum energy conversion. Solar panels are of course, exposed to the elements other than photons. Dirt, UV radiation and rain would affect their durability.

The sun is though a fantastic free resource, with so much power in its rays that you simply cannot ignore the potential for enormous amounts of energy generation. Over recent years many strides have been made in technologies relating to solar energy that even if you cannot supply all your house’s electricity needs, you could certainly heat up your hot water using easily installed solar panels. Many people are turning to DIY systems to help reduce their energy bills and reliance on fossil fuels. It is possible to install a mechanical orientation system to turn the panels.

Because of the popularity of so-called alternative energy sources, there is huge interest in improving the technologies available. This means that just because it gets dark at night, your energy supply will not have to cease due to improvements in storage of the generated energy. In the last couple of years, for example, researchers at M.I.T in the US have indicated that they expect that within 10 years it would be possible to power homes using solar power during the day and use their new storage technology at night when the sun is not shining. This new storage technology involves a process which uses energy from the sun to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases but then later the gases can be combined inside a fuel cell and then ‘clean’ energy can be created that can be used to power things even when the sun is not shining.

Longevity of solar cells is improving. Not so long ago it was reckoned that solar cells could last for about twenty years; now research is indicating that they can last twice that. Another great reason to think about installing some panels! Because it is not only a trendy idea, but one grounded in good environmental sense, installing solar panels puts value on your house too. A house with lower energy bills is naturally an attractive thing to potential buyers.

Another further aspect to consider is the many incentive schemes on offer around the globe by governments to encourage solar panel installation. These may be in the form of tax rebates, tax credits or grants and it is certainly worth investigating what’s available in your area.

And finally, despite inital costs, your home energy system will save you money because you will have reduced, or may be no bills from your local energy company. And look into it – they might well start paying you.

Find out more about solar power to suit you.

Femi has an engineering and software technology background and enjoys researching and article writing on many related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Femi_Taiwo

How to Harness Solar Energy with the Use of Solar Panels

Energy from the sun reaches the Earth for free, but there are certain costs and equipment needed for us humans to take advantage of this infinite source of renewable energy and convert it into a more usable form-electricity. Here enters the concept of photovoltaic technology, one that has been around since the early nineteenth century when French scientist Edmund Becquerel discovered that a semiconductor could convert sunlight into direct current electricity. Today, this technology is directly applied to the use of solar cells mounted on residential rooftops, building tops, or anywhere with direct and unimpeded access to full sunlight.

A modern solar panel is composed of multiple solar cells, which are made of silicon, a natural semiconductor that produces direct current electricity. When sunlight reaches the solar cells, the silicon plate absorbs the radiation and excites a flow of electrons. This flow of electrons is considered direct current electricity, which can be converted into alternating current electricity and transferred to your home with the use of an efficient sine wave inverter.

Tips to Remember When Choosing Solar Panels for the Home

Save home energy better by doing your research on what types of solar panels and related equipment are the most efficient for your type of situation. On limited installation spaces, highly-efficient mono-crystalline solar cells are suggested, although you can always use them on larger spaces if you have the budget for them or use thin-film amorphous cells for areas with partial shading. Look for equally superior mounts, preferably those that are certified to withstand cyclones and wind storms, and sine wave converter to prevent the wastage of DC electricity and ensure full efficiency of your solar power system.

However, do not be too concerned about the efficiency ratings since solar power is virtually an infinitely free source of energy. Regardless of what environmental groups and advocates will tell you, a 60-watt solar cell will produce 60-watts of AC electricity through a true sine wave inverter. You should be more concerned about whether or not the solar power systems you are looking into meet the specifications they claim to have. Look for certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency or other independent bodies that authenticate the effectiveness and safety of these products.

It is important that you look around first before deciding on what brand of solar panels to purchase. Compare prices and the length of warranty periods for these products and take your pick. And although high costs do not necessarily translate into high quality products, do not be fooled by cheap prices offered by startup alternative energy companies. High-profile brand names such as Mitsubishi Electric, Surwize, and Evergreen may be able to slash their prices because they have a huge customer base, but smaller companies may use lesser quality materials to reduce costs and allow them to match up to these competitive prices.

Brian Carver is a house energy expert. He has focused on finding ways to preserve the earth’s natural resources and helping people conserve energy and use it efficiently. For more information on solar energy house, visit http://www.houseenergysavingtips.com

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But is it possible to build your own solar panel or do you need professional installation?

Obviously if you are not a DIY expert or have never built any sort of generator before, then this is a very common question. If you have no idea of where to start and perhaps you have already considered purchasing solar panels from a company who will also come and install them.

Whilst this is still a great idea as it will reduce your energy costs and fuel consumption it can also be incredibly expensive due to the prices such companies charge. It can therefore take you many years to recoup the costs of installation.

I am therefore very glad to say that it is possible to build your own home generator. Of course you will need some guidance from an expert, but this can easily be obtained from many of the fantastic green energy websites that are popping up all over the Internet.

Now to be honest most of them are very similar all appear to be a variation on a theme. Many of the websites offer downloadable instructions, videos and diagrams that show you where to purchase all of the necessary components, such as the photovoltaic cells.

They also show you how to construct your solar panel, install it on your roof and wire it into your electrical mains circuit. You do not need to be a DIY expert, but of course you need some knowledge of how to use the required tools, none of which are specialist but basic DIY knowledge would be a great start.

Building a home made generator with solar panels is very straightforward providing you get your hands on some of the professionally written step-by-step instructions.

Check out the information and video at this website showing you how to create your own:

Home Made Generator

This is one of the more popular and highly recommended sites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Rowley

If you are serious about harnessing solar energy from the sun to generate electricity for your home, you can get a simple instructional guide to help you along. If you have visited bookstores and libraries, or even spent time looking through scores of information online, you will be hard-pressed to find good information that you can immediately apply.

Whatever your experience may be, please do not think making your own solar power generator is difficult. The fact is solar energy panels can be built using pre-fabricated photovoltaic parts. You do not have to worry about how it all works…just that it works…in order to complete a project. In order to join solar cells into arrays, you’ll require important skills such as soldering and tabbing. Yet this is about all you need. Even a novice can pick up these skills within ten minutes…I’m sure you can do better.

Many households are turning to solar power to supplement their energy needs. This is partly due to government policy. In our country, many states offer incentives and tax breaks that encourage homeowners to harness free energy from the sun. Just some years back, using solar energy is considered space age. Now, having solar power generators is as common in some states as owning a pet dog.

The downside of using solar energy is the high cost to install photovoltaic panels on your property. This prevents many people from owning a solar generator. Even if they do, it often takes more than a decade to recover the installation and maintenance costs.

Thankfully, a group of fanatic environmentalists who are also experts in building solar energy panels have changed the game. They have increased our options such that the man in the street now has the knowledge and technology to build his own panels.

These experts revealed to the public insider secrets and tips on how to build a solar energy generator at your own backyard. Using simple tools and easily available materials, you too can learn how to harvest solar energy to reduce your energy bills. Most of these materials cost less than $50. If you ever think it’s expensive, wait till you make those expensive mistakes that cost me thousands when I just started building homemade solar energy panels!

John Greenspan is an expert in DIY solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE “How To Build Solar Panels” eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Greenspan

With the government pushing for more homeowners to use renewable energy, you can benefit from the decisions they made. Incentives and tax-breaks are a few of those perks you’ll receive when you make use of solar power for your home. As if it’s not enough, your property will almost always appreciate when you setup solar panels on your property.

Today, many homeowners seriously contemplate the use of solar energy for their home. Other than lack of knowledge, the other major factor that holds them back is the high cost of solar energy panels. A medium-sized house has to drop at least $25,000 to $30,000 for a complete solar power generator installation on their roof. This price range is generally out of reach to the average family. Even if a family can afford this price tag, their return on investment will be lesser and they will take longer to see their returns as compared to DIY panels.

In the past, there was no way you can build a photovoltaic panel in your backyard. And the only guys who were doing these things were the mad scientists. With DIY instructional guides coming on the scene recently, many folks can use it to fulfill their dream of living off-grid. Since their energy needs are fully satisfied by solar power, they will save a big chunk of their income that will otherwise go to their local power company. And electricity bills can really make your wallet leaner at times. So these folks are actually saving a huge amount of money each month.

If you can handle a simple tool such as the soldering iron, you are more than qualified to follow simple instructions and build your own solar energy panels. DIY instructional manuals provide simple yet detailed instructions to guide you along. In order to minimize mistakes and aid deeper understanding, good guides are also replete with illustrations and accompanying video clips.

For $200 or less, you can make and install your own electricity generator right in your home. In no time at all, you can have your own set of solar energy panels that work tirelessly to put more savings into your pocket.

John Greenspan is an expert in homemade solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE “How To Build Solar Panels” eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Greenspan