According to industry research, 5 gigawatts of solar power is enough to power 18 million homes. That’s a lot when you consider that the average power station burns 1000 tons of coal per day to keep the USA lit up.
These figures illustrate how important it is to make the switch to solar as soon as possible. Are you ready to do your bit to reduce this desecration of the atmosphere through pollution?
Find out more about how solar power works and the types of solar panels available today.
How Does Solar Work?
Solar panels contain solar cells comprising wafers of semiconductors combined into solar cells. When sunlight strikes these cells, it shakes electrons loose from these materials.
Tiny wires in between the panels capture this charge and transfer it into your home, where it’s converted into usable power.
Types of Solar Panels
There are four main kinds of solar panels that offer varying degrees of efficiency depending on their construction. These are:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These are the most common home solar panels, comprising slivers of silicon crystals in the solar cells. They also generate the most electricity per square inch.
Due to this, they’re also the most expensive kind of solar panels.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels consist of bits of silicon melted together and cut into small wafers that make up the solar cells. They’re less efficient and cheaper than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels have cadmium telluride as their main component. Although they’re the least efficient type of solar panel, they’re also lightweight, portable, and the cheapest variety.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles comprise small polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panels that look like roof shingles from a distance. This innovation offers homeowners to generate solar power across the entire span of their roof, and have enormous aesthetic appeal.
The shingles are extremely efficient, but they’re also the most expensive option. If you’re replacing your roof, it’s worth considering this option to add value to your home.
Which Is the Best Type of Solar Panel for You?
Most solar contractors rate the monocrystalline variety as the best solution for residential solar panels.
Yet, if you live in an extremely sunny area, your roof pitch is 30 to 40°, and there are no trees casting shade on your house, one of the cheaper versions of solar panels might still work for you.
It’s best to consult with solar providers in your area to determine the best solar panels for your location and budget.
The Future of Solar
If you can’t afford a solar installation right now, it’s not the end of your environmentally friendly journey.
As technologies advance, these types of solar panels will become increasingly efficient and affordable. So keep tabs on the latest news when it comes to the available solar panel options.
There are also many other ways you can enhance your life, cut costs, and ensure a better future for all. Bookmark our website, so you can stay up to date with advancements in solar energy and other useful home and lifestyle innovations.
