Solar panels also known as photovoltaic panels are used to convert the energy created from the sun into electricity that eventually can be used to power electrical loads.

How does it work?

Simply, the solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells (PV cells), so when the energy coming from the sun is in contact with the solar panel, the PV cells collected that energy and transform it into electrical charges which are collected by the electrical fields install inside the panel, causing the electricity to flow.

Advantages of using solar panels

1. Drastically reduce or eliminate your electricity bills

By using natural energy, you are reducing or eliminating the use of electricity provided by your utility.

2. Renewable source of energy

Because solar energy is dependent on the sun’s energy. It’s considered to be a source of renewable energy, which implies that unlike other sources of energy, with solar energy you cannot run out of electricity.

3. Cheaper to maintain

Even though they seem too pricey to install, they are cheaper to maintain as they don’t require to be constantly clean.

4. Contribution to a healthy ecosystem

As solar panels collect pure energy from the sun, investing in solar panels helps to contribute to the positive ecosystem (Essentially this means that solar panels are environmentally friendly products and will not harm the planet). It helps to fight the emissions of greenhouse gas and slowly reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

5. Ability to store the power collected for later

Solar panels usually are installed with solar batteries that help you to store the power generated during a certain time and to use it later on.

Disadvantages of using solar panels

   1. Costly

Yes, buying solar panels seems to be expensive due to the different materials that need to be installed with them. Because it’s an energy that is still developing and promising a bright future, the price will decrease in the nearest future.

2. Not fully reliable/ Weather dependent

Because solar panels are dependable on sunshine, the weather plays a big role in their functionality. So basically, the solar panel requires sunny weather to be functional.

3. Installation area

When it comes to the installation of solar panels, the available space or area is really important and needs to be considered a priority, solar panels are in terms of size really large products and due to the different materials and sizes that need to be installed with it, the available space is really important.

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Rooftop Solar Panels

This is probably the most common and obvious method, if you’re looking into renewable power. Solar panels typically go on your roof, although you can also install them in your yard. If your current roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you could also consider investing in solar shingles. Where standard rooftop solar panels are mounted on top of your current roof, solar shingles actually take the place of your roof tiles.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are commonly found on wind-farms or floating offshore somewhere, but if you have enough real estate you can install a small wind turbine on your property to power your home.

Solar Oven

Maybe you’re not ready to power your entire home with renewable energy as yet. That’s a big project, and maybe it’s just not feasible for various reasons. You can still power a part of your home with renewable energy by building a solar oven. Solar ovens are typically a science fair project, but ovens actually use quite a bit of electricity. Using the sun to passively heat your food is a good way to get started in the world of renewable energy.

Hydro Power

This won’t work for most people, but if your property contains a source of flowing water, you’re in luck. You can divert some or all of the stream or river to flow through a turbine and power your home.

Solar Water Heating

Solar water heaters use the sun to heat a reserve of water, which can then be pumped through your radiators or out your faucets or showerheads. This system is much cheaper than using gas or electricity to heat your water, and is easier to install than solar panels.

Solar Air Conditioning

Air conditioning uses more electricity than almost anything else in your home. Air conditioning can cost you quite a bit amount of money every year, especially if you have central air and you live in a hot climate. Using hot water to cool your home can save you money and help the environment.

Tesla Powerwall

The Powerwall is a large rechargeable battery that can store several kilowatt-hours of electricity. On its own, it can be programmed to charge itself from the grid when electricity is on, and discharge when you’re hit by load-shedding or there is a disruption in the supply.

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