Solar panels collect solar radiation from the Sun and actively convert that energy to electricity.

Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells, which function similarly to large semiconductors and utilise a large-area p-n junction diode. When the solar cells are exposed to sunlight, the p-n junction diodes convert the energy from sunlight into usable electrical energy.

The energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released and electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a directional current from which metal contacts in the solar cell can generate electricity. The more solar cells in a solar panel and the higher the quality of the solar cells, the more total electrical output the solar panel can produce. The conversion of sunlight to usable electrical energy has been dubbed the photovoltaic effect.

The photovoltaic effect arises from the properties of the p-n junction diode. There are no moving parts in a solar panel.

Solar Insolation and Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar Insolation is a measure of how much solar radiation a given solar panel or surface receives. The greater the insolation, the more solar energy can be converted to electricity by the solar panel.

Other factors that affect the output of solar panels are weather conditions, shade caused by obstructions to direct sunlight and the angle and position at which the solar panel is installed. Solar panels function best when placed in direct sunlight, away from obstructions that might cast shade and in areas with high regional solar-insolation ratings.

Solar-panel efficiency can be optimised by using dynamic mounts that follow the position of the sun in the sky and rotate the solar panel to get the maximum amount of direct exposure during the day as possible.

If you want to save money and cut your fuel bills you will need to make your home run on solar power. So by doing this you will help to save the planet, you will need some good information on how to sort make solar power, try the Solar Power Design Manual see below for details.

The Solar Power Design Manual Ebook starts from first principles to guide you through the process of designing, specifying and installing your own self-contained solar power system, anywhere in the world.
With the Solar Power Design Manual you will learn:

How solar power works, with simple diagrams
How to make the most of the power available
How to choose the right components
The best way to estimate the available solar energy
How to decide when solar power is not the answer
How to make sure that the system continues to work for years to come

The Solar Power Design Manual

Understanding Solar Power
If you want information on solar electric systems, written in a non-technical manner that you can easily understand, you've come to the right place.

With all the technical jargon kept to a minimum (and when necessary, fully explained), you will have all the answers to the questions that have made you a little hesitant, in the past, to get more involved in this clean, renewable form of energy production.

The environmental importance of alternative forms of energy production cannot be overstated.
Solar power, wind power and micro-hydro power are non-polluting, renewable and sustainable forms of energy production and their use should be actively encouraged.

How does solar power work?
How do the various components of the system hook up and interact with each other?
Could I install it myself?
Can I still use all my appliances?
How will I know if its being installed correctly?
What if I'm already tied into the regular power grid?
These and just about any other questions you may have are all answered in Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System.
Energy Conservation.

Understanding And Installing Your Own Solar Electric System

Use solar power to heat your swimming pool for less than $100 and Add months of use to your investment in a swimming pool or outdoor spa With no extra energy bills.

If an 11 year old boy can build one then anyone can. Panel construction does not require machining, welding or precision work of any kind. No special tools or skills are required to complete this project. We supply plans and a 14 page comprehensive set of clearly illustrated instructions to guide you every step of the way. All materials are available from hardware stores and garden shops. Solar pool heater panels can be mounted vertically on a fence or horizontally on a roof It's as easy as ABC so give it a go. See below for more information.

Heat your Swimming Pool by Solar Power for less than $100

Deluxe Solar System, six 2 x 20 Panels Price $899.94

These amazing solar systems are super efficient and long-lasting. These above-ground solar heating panels will raise your pools temperature 10 deg or more using the suns free energy. When used in conjunction with a solar blanket, it is all the heat you will need - no expensive heater to buy and maintain, and no costly gas bills. Comes in two models: (1) An economy system with a 2' x 20' collector for pools that are looking for some supplemental heating and (2) a deluxe system with two or more 2' x 20' panels for pools that want a total solar heating package. Neither models include a diverter valve, so these systems will run whenever the pool's pump is operating. Connecting and diverter valve kits are sold separately. These systems can be mounted on the ground, on a rack, or installed on a nearby roof. Both systems are easy to install and come complete with instructions. The panel plumbing/connector kit it used to connect you solar system to your filtration system and must be purchased separately. Put free solar heat to work for you this season with a quality solar heating system! Imported.

Deluxe Solar System, six 2 x 20 Panels

Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit -- Model 50044 Price $379.99

The Sunforce 60 Watt solar charging kit is designed for cabins, RVs, boats, remote power, 12V battery charging and backup power. *Highefficiency crystalline cells are maintenance free and work in all weather conditions *Builtin diode protects battery from discharge at night *Panels are constructed of durable ABS plastic and amorphous solar cells *Operating range is 40 deg to 176 deg F *Max. output up to 60 Watts @ 4 Amps

Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit -- Model 50044

Deluxe Solar System, four 2 x 20 Panels

These amazing solar systems are super efficient and long-lasting. These above-ground solar heating panels will raise your pools temperature 10 deg or more using the suns free energy. When used in conjunction with a solar blanket, it is all the heat you will need - no expensive heater to buy and maintain, and no costly gas bills. Comes in two models: (1) An economy system with a 2' x 20' collector for pools that are looking for some supplemental heating and (2) a deluxe system with two or more 2' x 20' panels for pools that want a total solar heating package. Neither models include a diverter valve, so these systems will run whenever the pool's pump is operating. Connecting and diverter valve kits are sold separately. These systems can be mounted on the ground, on a rack, or installed on a nearby roof. Both systems are easy to install and come complete with instructions. The panel plumbing/connector kit it used to connect you solar system to your filtration system and must be purchased separately. Put free solar heat to work for you this season with a quality solar heating system! Imported.

Deluxe Solar System, four 2 x 20 Panels

Sunforce Solar Charging Kit -- Solar Module, 123 Watt Price $849.99

A solar module is included with this kit. 12 Volt solar battery charger delivers 123 Watts for boats, RVs and backup power. Works in all weather conditions. 59in.L x 26in.W x 1 3/4in.D. Includes wiring, brackets and a solar panel voltage tester. All completely weather resistant. Uses a 123 Watt SHARP solar module.25year limited warranty. *123 Watt solar battery charger for boats, RVs and backup power *Highpower solar module using 125mm square multicrystal cells with 12.60% module conversion efficiency *Modules come with bypass diode to minimize the power drop caused by shade conditions *White tempered glass, EVA resin, and a weatherproof film, plus aluminum frame for extended outdoor use *Textured cell surface to reduce the reflection of sunlight and BSF (Black Surface Field) structure to improve cell conversion efficiency: 14.11% *Includes battery clamps, 20 ft. of wire, voltage tester and plug connectors to add more panels and mounting accessories

Sunforce Solar Charging Kit -- Solar Module, 123 Watt

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 2 Solar Panels, Model BPS3600S Price $6.99.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. The BPS3600S solar package is engineered to allow you to create and use your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultraquiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility company's electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Requires a licensed electrician to install and wire into existing utility panel *In the event of a power outage, the builtin automatic transfer switch provides backup emergency power and recharges with the power of the sun; no additional transfer switch required unless using in conjunction with a generator *Provides 3600 running watts/7500 surge watts for up to 15 seconds *Energy is stored in 4 powerful 220Ah highcapacity specialized batteries *Converts 24V DC to 120V AC @ 60 Hz *3stage battery charger *Quality modified sine wave output *Front panel LEDs for continuous status information *Charges batteries with solar power, utility power or standby generator *2 photovoltaic panel units (solar panels)

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 2 Solar Panels, Model BPS3600S