How Solar Panels Work

How do solar panels work? You have probably seen those flat panels on roofs that can look a bit space age.

Each solar panel is made up of a collection of solar cells also known as photovoltaic cells, which are joined together with copper wire. Each solar cell is usually able to generate 5 volts of electricity.

Depending on how many appliances you want to run off solar power depends on how many solar panels you will need.

Electricity generated from solar panels is known as DC power, and has to be converted into AC power before it can be used to power appliances in your home. This is done by an inverter. You may have to move the position of your solar panels to get maximum sunlight as the seasons change.

Batteries store solar energy absorbed during the day so that even when the sun's not shining you will still get power. In fact the solar panels can still absorb solar energy even on a cloudy day.

Solar cells can be very expensive to buy new and are the dearest part of a solar panel. If you decide to have a go at making your own solar panels and you have some experience of diy, it's possible to buy used or broken solar cells.

This can cut the cost of installing a solar power system significantly without compromising on efficiency. Take a look on ebay, as you can get some good bargains there.

The answer to the question "how many solar panels do i need?" depends on how many household appliances you want to run off your solar power system. It also depends on the output of each panel and the position of the solar panels on your roof.

Ideally you need a south facing roof to fit your panels on, so that they get maximum sunlight. This will ensure a greater output of solar power from each panel.

You may just want to start with one panel to test everything out and determine how much electricity you can generate from it. Once you are satisfied that it does work, and that your tv or washing machine can be successfully powered by your solar panel then you may want to start adding more. It's possible to cut your power bills by as much as 80% or even more using solar power.

If you have limited roof space you may still be able to fit a couple of panels, but in the event that it's not possible you can install free standing solar panels in your back yard.

If you have a flat roof that's fine as the solar panels will be directly facing the sun. In fact this is the most efficient type of roof to install the panels.

Although solar panels require virtually no maintenance you must be aware how important cleaning your solar panels is. If any of the solar cells are only partially covered by dust or dirt it will reduce the output quite significantly.

Every month wipe the front of your solar panel to clear off any leaves or grime and dirt left by rainfall. Use a soft cloth with a little bit of detergent to ensure that they are properly cleaned.

Make sure you get the maximum amount of power from your solar panels so that you can save as much electricity as possible.

Many people think you have to be an experienced diy enthusiast to install your own solar power system but with the right information anyone with a few basic diy skills could build their own system using materials bought from a local diy store. You don't have to spend a lot of money to create your own solar power system.

The most expensive part of a solar panel is the solar cells, and these can be bought quite cheaply on ebay or other auction sites. They don't have to be new and can be chipped or broken. Instructions in Earth4Energy show you quite clearly how to fix broken solar cells.

Earth4Energy is a very detailed, clear and easy to follow step by step guide showing you exactly how to build your own solar power system.