Installing solar panels for your home or business can help insulate you against rising energy prices. While utilities lag behind in implementing alternative energy solutions, you don't have to. In some places, you may even receive tax breaks for installing solar panels in your home. Even better, the utility may be required to buy any excess energy your system produces. As new technologies are developed to enhance existing solar panels and their performance, you might find that all of your electricity needs can be fulfilled with a few expertly installed panels that will harness the power of solar energy.

Sun and Solar Panels

How Solar Energy Works

When the sun hits a solar panel, the panel creates energy. Because these electrons flow in one direction, the panels create "direct current electricity," a type of electricity that was once championed by Thomas Edison. However, in 1893, "alternating current electricity," in which the electrons change direction periodically, was chosen for the U.S. electric grid. Therefore, an inverter is installed in the solar panel system to convert the DC electricity into AC.

Solar panels can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own distinct benefits and drawbacks. While there are many different types of solar panels available, the most common types are made from silicone.

Thin Film Silicone

While these solar panels are less efficient, they do have several positive points. Thin and flexible, these panels cost less to produce, are flexible, and they can be moved easier because they are lightweight. As a newer technology, they are available commercially, but will probably have a shorter lifespan than the other panels listed below. The usually have a uniform appearance in black.

Man Installing Panels

Polycrystalline Silicon

Due to a production increase in China, these solar panels are the most common in the world. They offer a compromise between the lesser efficiency of thin film and the greater efficiency of monocrystalline silicone panels while being less expensive. Less silicone is wasted during the production of these panels. They are usually blue in color with a gem like surface.

Monocrystalline Silicon

These solar panels are the most durable and efficient of the silicone solar panels. Because they are so efficient, they make the most sense when the consumer has only a small area in which to install the panels. They also work well in shaded areas and higher temperatures. These panels have been around the longest and have proven durability. On a white or black backsheet, the squares cut from the silicone are notched, creating a distinctive look.

Solar panel technology is continually improving as we learn more and more about the benefits of utilizing solar energy. Experimental panels are being built using Perovskites, which may be as efficient as monocrystalline silicon and less expensive, but these aren't available to the public yet. Multi-junction solar cells combine layers of different semiconductors in order to collect more energy from more of the light spectrum. The Mono PERC PV module works well in low light and high temperatures. The future of solar panels is bright. Whether you need to get a mono perc 310W solar module or any other solar system, contact The PowerStore and let them find the right solar energy system for you.