How to Generate Your Own Electricity

Solar PV (Photovoltaic) uses energy from the sun to run appliances and lighting. PV requires only daylight not direct sunlight to generate electricity and so can still generate some power on a cloudy day.

These systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material – usually silicon.

When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow.

The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight known as kilowatt peak or kWp.

No Greenhouse Gases

Solar Energy Panels produce no greenhouse gases and each kWp can save approximately 455kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year adding up to about 11tonnes over a system’s estimated 25 year lifetime.

Solar Energy Panels come in many sizes, colors, performance characteristics and brands ranging from grey ‘solar tiles’ that look like roof tiles to panels and transparent cells that can be used on conservatories and glass to provide shading as well as generating electricity.

Solar Panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight especially if the Panel is placed on top of existing tiles.

Categories of Solar Energy Panels

1 to 20 Watt Solar Panels

20 to 100 Watt Solar Panels

100 Watts & up Solar Panels

Flexible/Rollable Solar Panels

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Foldable Solar Panels

Roofing Solar Panels & Tiles

Design Considerations

When designing a Solar Panel System for your home always first ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible.

This includes the installation of energy efficient appliances, fluorescent and LED lighting systems and the use of other energy efficient products.

By reducing your energy load, you will not only reduce your energy bills but ultimately you’ll require fewer Solar Panels for your Solar Power Panel System.

Climate is an important factor in your Solar Panel decision making. If you live in a location that gets very little sunlight in the Winter, you may even want to consider installing a hybrid alternative energy system incorporating Solar Energy Panels and a Wind Turbine System.

Solar Panels may be roof mounted or ground mounted depending on space considerations.

Additionally. You can install Solar Panel Trackers that will adjust the angle at which your home Solar Panels face the sun to ensure maximum energy gathering.

Installing an alternative energy source like a Solar Panel Electric System is exciting, cost effective and savvy in these changing times.

www.mrsolarenergy.com is here to keep you informed and to help you save energy, save money and save the environment. http://www.mrsolarenergy.com

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