Solar Energy Panels

Solar energy panels are now cheaper and more accessible to you than ever before!

Until recently, advanced solar technologies were expensive and difficult to acquire. But, the democratization of these technologies has reduced the cost overall – and that means solar electricity is now an option for all of us!

Whether you are the savvy home-owner that wants to reduce your home energy expenses, or you are a traditional environmentally-conscious user, the benefits and advantages of using solar power in your home and elsewhere are numerous.

Several things have made this possible over the last several years - primarily:

1.) Increased Consumer Interest - Global warming and the price of fossil fuels have caused more and more people to look to other methods of energy production (especially electricity).

2.) Government Investment/Subsidization - Government investment in alternative energies has helped reduce prices to the point where solar panels are now a valid and reliable source for supplementing methods of energy consumption.

On this page, we will talk about the basics of solar panels and how they can be used both in your home and in other areas.

What are Solar Panels?

A solar energy panel is a photovoltaic (electricity from sunlight) panel, usually made to last about 25-30 years. These panels convert about 15% of the suns light they absorb into direct current (DC) electricity.

In North America, Europe and other mid-northern hemisphere locations, a typical solar panel is capable of delivering around 1.35kWh/m2 (Kilowatt Hours per meter squared) per day in electric power. An inverter can then be used to transform the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) for use in your home.

This can be an excellent source of clean, green and renewable energy for you to use for years – saving you a tremendous amount of money on your electric bill.

Watch this video for a simple explanation of how solar panels work:

Uses for Solar Electric Panels

Solar energy panels can be used for a variety of purposes around your home. They can be used to heat your swimming pool, your hot water heater and (in some cases) power your entire house.

In the average home, the use of solar panels can reduce annual energy costs by about 75% - which can compensate for their installation costs. This energy production will only decrease after about 25 years to about 80% of their peak level, giving you many years before having to replace the panels. (This is known as “longevity rating” and different manufacturers and types of solar panels will have varying degrees of longevity ratings)

A panel that produces about 50 watts can produce enough energy to power a water pump, a television, and several lights or other appliances – and can be purchased for about $600-$800 dollars.

Again, over the lifespan of the panel, the energy savings can be quite adequate to justify the initial cost of purchase and installation. As more and more consumers start using solar energy in their homes, costs will go down and prices will drop (saving you even more money).

Where To Buy Solar Panels

Solar energy panels can be purchased at just about any home improvement or garden center (for smaller applications). For the larger purchases, it might be better for you to talk with a local solar panel or green energy company.

Also, check here online and comparison shop – as there are a lot of companies that offer solar panels for sale and use by the everyday consumer.

Here are 2 that you might want to check out:

www.solarenergy.com

www.altenergystore.com

You can also now get government assistance. For example, in California (starting in 2006), their state government started the California Solar Panel Initiative. The aim of this program was to install 3k megawatts of solar panels on the rooftops of homes in California. This offered home-owners incentives in that state to start using solar panels more and more.

We would recommend that you consult with your state government to see what incentives or discounts may be available to you.

Also, check out the DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) website for information on discounts and incentives available to you in your specific location.

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