Solar Energy

Solar panels are of many different shapes and sizes but their main purpose is to convert the sun’s rays in order to make electricity. Solar Panels are made of a material called Photovoltaic, or PV. Photovoltaic cells are self generating and are of a very thin film made of silver. This thin film is attached to a semiconductor layer that can be found on an iron substrate. The photovoltaic cells ability to produce enough sunlight and heat is very important in order to successfully produce the energy that is needed to heat up water, heat homes and power electricity.

solar panels are very common and are present in many different products, such as calculators, satellites, or even space ships. The effectiveness of these panels ability to redirect the sunlight and use it for electricity is amazing. It all started over one hundred years ago when a man got the bright idea to use the heat from the sun to power his machinery equipment. His concept was to use the steam from the hot sun light in order to start and maintain his machines. Sparkle with the excitement of discovery, several scientists did not waste any time traveling to see how this discovery worked. Today, there have been unbelievable products that have increased the convenience and the need to use a natural resource such as the sun in order to power heavy machinery.

How much do solar panels cost depends on the shape and size, the brand and the amount of power in watt each panel produce. You can expect to pay an average of $5.00 to $15.00 per watt depending on the brand of the panel. A full panel price will vary from $70.00 up to $1,000.00. Panels are installed flat on the roof, each one generating about 200 watts of electricity when the sun is shining on it. The panels are attached next to each other forming an array. A five panels system can generate approximately 1,000 watts of power, which is about 10 to 15 per cent of the consumption of a typical house on an annual basis.

John Tahan
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