Solar Panels For Your Home Which Panels To Buy

There are basically two types of solar energy for residential use and each has advantages and disadvantages. There are solar panels which heat water which can be used in the house or for a swimming pool. Then there are solar panels with photovoltaic cells which can generate electricity.

The cheaper option is solar heating panels which just heat water. They cannot be used for central heating or electricity generation. The system works by changing radiation from the sun into heat. It does not, therefore need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. The household water will be heated by the panels during the day and switch to the boiler at night. The saving from this type of system is thought to be around fifteen percent of energy costs.

Solar panels which use photovoltaic cells can change the heat from the sun into electricity. They are more expensive but can save the average household around twice as much as heating panels. You can also get Government grants in many countries to help with the initial costs. You will need to have a decent amount of space on the roof to have them and work out how many you will need. You can have the main part of the system installed and add extra panels later. If you reach a point where the panels are generating excess power then you can either store it or sell it to power companies.

Recent advances in solar power technology have made both systems more efficient so that the amount of heat or power they create from the sunlight is more. For solar heating systems there are now evacuated tubes which collect more heat. If you live in a cold climate you can get them insulated to prevent loss of heat as the day gets cooler.

Photovoltaic cells have undergone several changes since they were first sold. You will find 3 types of cell to choose from all made in a different way. The most efficient are the Monocrystalline cells which have an efficiency rating between fifteen to twenty percent. They are the most expensive type but may be worth the investment.

When deciding which type of solar energy to have in your home you will need to consider the location as this may limit your choice. You should also think about how much hot water or electricity your household uses. The output for panels is given as a peak power rating calculated in a standardized test. It is best to research well and ask advice from professionals about exactly what to buy and what you can expect to get from it.

You will find there are many things to think about when choosing solar panels for your home. It is a good idea to spend some time researching and getting advice from different vendors to make the most of your investment.

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