Solar Power Systems and Panels for Your Home

Solar power systems (also known as photovoltaic, or PV systems) are a clean, renewable way of producing electricity. This article will look at different types of PV systems, and different types of solar panels.

TYPES OF PV SYSTEMS
There are two types of PV systems you can install- off-grid (standalone) systems, and on-grid systems.

Off-grid systems, as the name implies, are meant to be independent of the grid, producing all the energy needed for the household. On the days of the year with the least direct sunlight, enough electricity must be produced to meet the household’s daily energy needs. Energy is collected throughout the day, and the surplus electricity produced is then stored in a battery system for evening use. Such a system should also have a backup generator, for extended overcast periods. Off grid systems allow you total energy independence, but because of the extra solar panels needed, as well as the battery system and backup generators, they tend to be significantly more expensive.

On-grid systems are connected to the electricity grid of your city or town. During the day electricity is produced by your PV system, and the surplus energy that isn’t used is fed back into the grid. Your energy provider pays you for this in what is called a Feed in Tariff. During the evening, you buy energy from the grid in the traditional manner. Depending on how much electricity your system produces, and how much you use, you may reduce your electricity bill, eliminate it all together, or even turn a profit feeding energy back onto the grid.

Click here for a look at the cost of installing solar panels in the United States.

TYPES OF SOLAR PANELS
Solar modules (or solar panels) are where the electricity is made. Solar radiation loosens electrons in silicon, creating an electrical charge. This charge is collected from your solar panels, converted from DC current to AC current, and fed to your house to be used as need.

There are various kinds of solar modules that you can buy:

Single crystal modules are the most expensive, but most efficient (their efficiencies are in the range of 10-17%). They are octagon shaped, the kind of panels you see on satellites or the Mars rover.

Poly/Multicrystalline modules are the second most efficient type of solar panel, with efficiency in the 9-14% range. They are often used in residential panels and are a blue-tinted color.

String ribbon and thin film modules are the cheapest, but least efficient (in the 5-8% range). They are the kind of solar panels found in toys and pocket calculators.

I hope that was helpful.

Good luck and stay prepared!

Read more from RamboMoe at Preparedforthat.com.