Sunlight converted to electricity through devices such as solar panels for homes is an example of green technology at work. The vast majority of electricity energy sources used around the world utilize the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil in power stations. Many believe this type of energy conversion to be harmful, non sustainable and contribute to the warming of the earth with possible serious consequences.
Wind, solar and tidal waves are considered renewable sources of energy. They do not produce the pollutants of fossil fuel burning and there increased use is beneficial for the environment. They are being championed as a more sustainable way to generate electricity for use in domestic and commercial applications.
The world relies on energy converted to electricity to power many appliances used in everyday life. Home appliances are no exceptional. Washing machines, heating systems and home computers all need energy in order to function. It is a paradox of the modern age that practically everyone is concerned about global warming and the environmental costs of fossil fuel burning power stations. However, no one is willing to forgo their modern conveniences. As an illustration, just one day of power failure shows how angry customers get, calling their utility company to complain about loss of power.
Solar cells technology is used to convert sunlight to electricity. The suns rays are utilized by sunlight hitting photovoltaic cells and causing the conversion to electricity. For homeowners this can be used for everyday use like heating hot water in a boiler. Sunlight in abundance is important as is the correct positioning of the panels.
In addition to the solar panels, there are other components that need to be purchased. Total expenses are also affected by how much electricity the homeowner intends to generate, as this will dictate the complexity, size and cost of the integrated system. Self installation is cheaper although some technical know how is probably required. There are many websites with instructions for self help enthusiasts.
A solar system is a combination of batteries for storing the energy converted, chargers, inverters, the photovoltaic panels and various wires for connectivity. The more panels assembled as a group, the more the electricity generated. Practical domestic home use for the energy generated include water heaters, lighting, ventilation applications and air conditioning units.
Advantages to homeowners are both environmental and economic. Lower utility bills, possible grants and feed in tariffs are examples. Property values can also be enhanced. Excess electricity capacity can be sold back to the grid generating added income.
There are initial costs involved in buying solar panels for homes. Other component parts also need to be purchases to form a functioning integrated system. The longer term benefits however may out-way the initial costs. These include reduced utility bills, possible credit and grants and an increase in the value of the home. The environmental benefits are also worth considering. With the increasing financial burden of rising domestics energy costs and the concern for the environment homeowners can hardly go wrong.
