Solar power is becoming
increasingly popular both with
homeowners seeking to save money
on their monthly power bills and
the environmentally minded
looking to reduce the size of
their carbon footprints. Solar
power provides a number of
benefits over other home power
options; namely, the technology
is becoming relatively
inexpensive and requires very
little maintenance.
When
designing a solar power system
for your home, one of your most
important considerations will be
what type of solar panel to
employ. Here are some tips which
will help you determine the best
panel for your home power
set-up.
First, consider what type of
panel is best for your
application.
There are three
main types of solar panel:
mono-crystalline silicone,
poly-crystalline silicon, and
amorphous silicon.
Mono-crystalline panels
generally have the highest power
efficiency, and so are
physically smaller than other
panels with the same output.
Poly-crystalline panels are
slightly less efficient, and so
are somewhat larger. Amorphous
panels are the least efficient,
but have the advantage of
physically flexibility. Because
they can be bent around
surfaces, they can be installed
where other types of solar panel
cannot.
Next, consider the panel's cost.
The cost of a solar panel is
determined in large part by its
output (measured in Watts), its
physical dimensions, and its
certifications. Your search
should not start and stop at the
price tag, however. Less
expensive panels may not have
the certifications required for
government incentive rebates or
the warranty necessary for the
payback of its produced power.
Do your research before your buy
to separate the good deals from
the duds.
Consider also the panel's
expected lifetime. A good panel
will last long enough to pay for
itself in produced power over
the course of its life of
operation. Good panels will
generally be warranteed for 25
years. Also be sure that your
panel is built to withstand the
operating conditions of your
climate. Amorphous silicon
panels, for instance, are less
efficient at lower temperatures.
The size of the panel is also
important to consider. 'Size'
frequently refers directly to a
panel's power output, measured
in Watts. Panels are usually
described and compared by their
cost efficiency, or dollars per
Watt. A panel's Watt output is
achieved only under ideal
conditions: under direct
sunlight and at the temperature
of peak performance. Keep this
in mind while designing your
home power system, as its actual
output will vary. This means
that the charge time of your
system's battery bank will vary
with the seasons. If you are
planning on living entirely off
the grid, then be sure that your
battery bank is of sufficient
capacity to power your essential
appliances through spans of
overcast days.
Another great option to consider
is building your own solar
panels. This can be done for a
tiny fraction of the cost of
purchasing commercially built
units, and for a lot of people
provides a more realistic entry
point into the solar energy
market.
Plenty of quality DIY solar
panel guides are now available
that can show you the complete
process involved, as well as
providing advise on sourcing the
necessary components at the best
possible prices.
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