What are Solar Panels?
Solar energy starts with the sun. Solar panels are also known as photovoltaics and are primarily used to convert light from the sun. These are made of energy particles called photons that are changed into electricity to power various electrical loads. Light from the sun is considered as a renewable energy resource that gives clean energy. Solar panels can be used for different applications like remote power systems for cabins, remote sensing, telecommunications equipment and to produce electricity for commercial and residential panel systems.
The History
The development of the solar energy began more than a century ago. During the early days, solar power was used mainly to produce steam for drive machinery. Henri Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect that allowed the conversion of solar electric energy. Becquerel's discovery triggered the invention of the first true solar cell by Charles Fritts in 1893, which was created by coating selenium sheets with a thin gold layer. The solar panel was then created afterwards.
Russel Ohl is an American inventor who used to work for Bell Laboratories. He patented the first silicon solar cell in the world in 1941. The first solar panel was produced by the same company in 1954 because of Ohl's creation. The new solar panels were used first in space satellites. During the 1970s, more people saw the use of solar panels through the newly designed calculators that can run easily under light.
At present solar panels and full solar panel systems are used to power different applications and structures. Aside from calculators, solar panels are now used to give power to homes, commercial buildings and other huge structures.
Letting the Solar Panels Work
Solar panels can gather clean renewable energy in sunlight form that will be converted into electricity. The average home has adequate roof area to let solar panels gather enough sun to be converted into DC current or AC current. Solar panel arrays can be sized to meet big requirements. The AC current can power loads in the house and other commercial buildings. It is important to consider the part of the house, as well as the right angle of the sun so that the solar panels can gather the most light over more hours of the day for optimum results.
You can choose to build your own solar panels or just order a pre-made one online. There are also a number of stores that offer solar panels, depending on the use you need. You can hire some experts to help you determine the right part of the house or structure where you need it installed. You should also talk to other solar panel owners to help you maximize the benefits.
All About Solar Panels
Solar panels are now widely available all over the globe. You will find several homes, commercial buildings and vehicles relying mainly on solar panels to generate the electricity they need. Solar panels can also be made independently by the user. You can save more in costs by building your own system. You can also invest in a ready-made design for added ease and convenience. Here are some more tips and tricks on how to begin.
The Benefits
If you choose to use solar panels, you can produce electricity that can power various applications. Off-grid living means residing in a location where the main electric utility grid does not service your home or office. There are remote cabins and homes that can benefit from solar power systems. It is no longer needed to pay huge bills to install electric utility posts and cabling from the nearest grid access main point. A solar electric system is less expensive and can give you power for up to 30 years if you maintain it well.
Solar power is also a renewable source of energy, which means that it is very clean. Today, it is more important to invest in devices that do not damage the environment and atmosphere. Solar panels do not have any moving parts and will need only minimal maintenance. As soon as the system has paid for its initial installation costs, you can get the benefits for several decades more for free.
Buying Solar Panels
There are plenty of places where you can buy the best solar panel models. You can choose between brands such as Sharp, BP Solar and General Electric. You should visit some of the manufacturer web sites to determine the process and the ways how their solar panels are built. You should also read about the background of the company and what their objectives are in making these pieces. You should read more about installation to check if you want to install or build the panels yourself or hire a professional.
There are several web sites, online forums and internet stores where you can learn more about the available models and how these can best suit your location. Some panels are intended for individuals living in places that has minimal sun, while other designs are specifically made to gather the most sun over the shortest span of time.
About Price
Learn how to compare between types to know how much you need to pay for. The prices of the solar panels will vary depending on the brand and the size. There are also other factors to consider such as maintenance and if the package includes free installation. Some companies will ask for fees to install the panels, while other buyers may opt to install these themselves to save more. Talk to other people who have already tried certain makes and brands and let them give you the pros and cons of each. Ask for referrals and recommendations to ensure that you are only investing in the best places.
How to Make Your Own Solar Panels
As the cost of professional fees is quickly rising nowadays, people are becoming more reliant on their own skills and effort in building things. There are now a lot of DIY or do it yourself solar panel kits available at your local hardware store or on the internet. You can order and have the materials delivered right to your doorstep in just a few days. You can even finish the entire project in just a matter of hours. Here are some things to learn first.
Seeking Resources
You need to look for the right resources first. You can actually build your own solar cell panel for only $100 or less by finding the best and most affordable sources. You can start looking for green companies. These companies offer some of the best prices and high quality materials to encourage people to choose environmentally friendly options in acquiring energy. You can also look for private sellers and online companies on the internet. Make sure you read the company background and objectives so that you can fully understand the processes and types.
The prices of resources will differ, depending on your setup, the materials you want and the brand. You should get to know your source more. Determine the method of payment, the method of shipment and when you expect the goods to arrive. Usually, it should take no more than 7 to 10 days for your stocks to arrive. Other states may only expect 3 days to get their package.
Starting Out
First, cut a couple of rectangular copper sheets. Each should be about the size of a stove burner. Wash a piece of the copper throughout, then use the sandpaper to take off any presence of corrosion. Lay the copper sheet on the burner. Turn the burner on to maximum heat. Watch the copper very well. You will observe that the colors change as the copper starts to oxidize, and gently transform to black. Let the copper stay on the burner for about 40 minutes or up to the time that a thick coat of oxidized black material turns up.
Turn the heat off on the burner, then let the copper cool in the air. This process should take only around 20 to 30 minutes. Slowly scrub the copper using your hands under running water to eliminate majority of the easily removed parts of the oxidized coating. Do not attempt to take off all the coating or scrub vigorously. The objective is to remove the regions that can easily be taken off. Do not damage the copper that stays below the oxidized layer. This is needed to build the solar panel.
More Steps
Cut the top part of the plastic bottle off, forming a makeshift bucket. Take the second copper piece, then bend it to fit the bottle shape. Slide the second copper piece into place along the inner side of the bottle. Do the same with the heated piece of copper. The two pieces should not touch each other. Link an alligator-clip lead to every copper.
Connect the lead from the second copper piece to the positive terminal of the micro-ammeter. Stir salt until fully dissolved using hot water. Pour the salt water into the bottle. Check the micro-ammeter. This will be your battery. Position the apparatus under the sun and see how the charge rises as the solar cell panel changes the energy of the sun into electricity.
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