Solar Panels Explained: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Mention solar panels and chances are, people will have an idea of what you’re talking about. Consider that just a few years ago, whenever  solar panels were mentioned, people invariably thought of those weird-looking “contraptions” on rooftops. When alternative sources of energy are discussed, solar panels explained by experts are the easiest and most effective way to generate green energy, they get the attention they deserve!

So, what are Solar Panels?

Think of solar panels as the best way to harvest and harness the energy of the sun. Sunlight is free. It also produces massive amounts of energy that can be converted to electricity and home use. Solar panels explained and popularized by environmentalists and energy experts are the most effective way to use with this regards. They are made of solar cells or photovoltaic cells that are arranged in a grid and are on the surface of solar panels.

These solar panels are made of materials like crystalline silicon, which is considered the most practical because it’s the cheaper alternative and gallium arsenide which is expensive to manufacture and use. Crystalline silicon is used in other industries as well, such as in the manufacture of microprocessors while gallium arsenide is exclusively for photovoltaic or solar cells.

The most efficient and energy optimized solar panels explained by scientists are the ones made from gallium arsenide. In fact, solar panels that are used in space are made from this material. The process in making these super efficient solar panels is called molecular beam epitaxy. They can absorb almost all the energy emitted by the solar spectrum, except, because of their very natures, are far too expensive for ordinary and home use.

The other way of making solar panels is by using amorphous silicon alloy. These in turn are called Amorphous Silicon Solar-Cells or A-si Solar Panels. These are the ones that are commonly used for everyday applications, especially those in homes, rooftops and sides of buildings.

Energy from the sun is gathered by these solar panels. Solar panels explained most manufacturers can create active current almost 2 amps at 2 volts. This is from sunlight st the surface of the earth’s equator, when it is at its hottest, and when solar panels are optimized for solar energy gathering.

This kind of energy is inexhaustible because  it comes directly from the sun. Energy from the sun, made by thermonuclear explosions from hydrogen and helium atoms, hit the earth constantly and solar panels convert this powerful, raw energy into electricity for home use. In fact, solar panels explained by scientists, can harvest continuous energy if only enough of them are built. They can  power and support all the electrical needs of cities and communities. Imagine if every rooftop and every building in every city has solar panels? The electrical grid will have enough power and capacity even during peak  use hours!

Solar panels play an important role in our quest for renewable green energy. It is through these panels that electrical energy is created that could meet the demands of modern living. Solar panels explained by those who have them installed already are a good way of saving electric costs. The home’s use is covered by enough energy produced, plus the excess can be uploaded to the grid and can be used by others. Right now, governments are encouraging the installation of solar panels. There’s enough incentives that makes the out-of pocket cost well worth it.

Cutting our carbon footprint in half means being aggressive about saving energy and doing our share when it comes to alternative and renewable sources of energy. Using solar panels is the most direct way in achieving this goal!

How to Choose the Right Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Hiring experts to do the job is always a good thing because it produces maximum results in less time. Choosing the right solar photovoltaic installers requires asking around for recommendations from people who have had their solar PV installed and asking them to rate the workmanship.

This is because doing it right the first time will mean getting maximum results without time and money wasted.

Tips on Hiring the Right Photovoltaic Installers:

  1. Ask around. Get their names from people who have solar panels installed and make a short list. If possible, ask how much was the total cost of the project and how long it took to complete. This will give you an idea of either cost-per-day or cost-per-panel.
  2. Check their credentials and licenses. Solar Photovoltaic Installers must be accredited under the Microgeneration  Certification Scheme (MCS). This is the only way for you to receive incentives and payments. Check also if there have been any complaints lodged against them.
  3. Resist the pressure to sign on the same day. Some solar Photovoltaic installers will give you reasons why you should sign on the same day you talk to them. They will pressure you by saying that if you delay, they cannot do your job. Do not fall into this scheme. If they offer huge bonuses or monitoring, then walk away. MCS has instituted a code of conduct that all solar photovoltaic installers must abide. If these installers are MCS-certified, then they know that it is unethical and prohibited under their Code of Conduct to use such high pressure schemes!
  4. Good solar photovoltaic installers will know what the job requires and how long it will take to finish the work. It is for this reason that they are able to give you a breakdown on the cost, the specifications and scope of work. Do not sign any documents until you’re comfortable with the price quoted, the duration of the job and when the job is supposed to start and be done.
  5. Make sure that they also offer the minimum 1-year warranty. This should not be an extra expense, but in fact, be part of the package!
  6. Certified solar photovoltaic installers will also tell you and educate you on what to do with the system after installation. The cost of maintenance will be reduced significantly if you know what it entails from the moment the installers turn over the installation to you. Also, they will give you an estimate of what the expected output will be. They will tell you how much heat and electricity to expect and the savings you will get from the newly installed system.
  7. Make a list and interview at least four solar photovoltaic installers. this will give you a feel of what the job entails from different perspectives. Also the range in prices that they will quote you, will give you a better understanding of the cost and the expense of installing the system. Remember, do not sacrifice quality for price. In the same token, the most expensive of these solar photovoltaic installers quotes may not be the best either!

Installing solar photovoltaic panels means that you are committed to helping the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Aside from savings an incentives that the government will give you, the larger goal is to generate enough electricity for your home’s use and to have excess to feed back into the grid. Good solar photovoltaic installers will be your partners in making your biggest personal contribution to the environment work!