7 Basic Solar Panel Facts

Basic solar panel facts will give you a brief overview of why you should consider using the sun to power your home. Economic hard times, the ever increasing cost of electricity and a concern for the environment has thousands of families turning to solar energy. If you are like these folks, take a few minutes to find out about why solar power may be in your future.

1. Solar electricity is clean and renewable. No pollution is created in the production of electricity. Contrast that with the tons of pollution spewed into the air by coal fired electrical plants. Unlike coal plants, solar energy is a renewable source of power. The sun rises each day and most days the solar panels will produce electricity.

2. Solar cells are the building blocks of solar panels. Each cell produces a small amount of electricity which is combined with the other cells in the panel to produce a usable amount of electricity.

3. Solar panels are quiet and require very little maintenance. Just make sure that the panel is free from debris and the glass is clean.

4. Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of the house or on posts in the yard. Roof mounting is the most common form of installation.

5. Solar panels are the most expensive component in a solar power system. Systems that will replace most or all of the electricity purchased from the electric company will have 10 or more panels connected to each other. Individual panel prices range from $800 up to $1,000 or more depending upon size and type of solar cells use

6. The U.S. government and many of the state governments offer financial assistance to homeowners wanting to convert to solar electricity. Most of these incentives are tax related, so check with your tax advisor to see what is available to you.

7. Solar panel construction is a fairly simple and straight forward process. A panel can be assembled in just a few hours and will cost up to 80 percent less than a commercially built panel.

Thousands of homeowners have built and installed their own panels. If you decide that you want to go this route, after looking at solar panel facts, the first thing you must do is select a comprehensive set of instructions. The process is not complicated but it does require a good road map.

Be careful in selecting your plans. Much of what is available on the Internet has been put together by hobbyists, many who have not worked in the solar energy field. Make sure that the plans you choose are written by folks who make their living designing and installing solar power systems, not just writing about them.




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