Solar Panels for Sale: Start Cutting Energy Costs at Home!

What is a Solar Panel made of?
Solar panels are composed of semiconductors (a material that conducts and insulates electricty), which are made of silicon - an abundant metallic element that is commonly used to make glass, ceramic, cement, enamel and is even mixed in with iron and steel for certain manufacturing usages.

As for solar panel semiconductors, silicon will actually absorb the energy of sunlight, which is transferred directly into it. These silicon parts are clustered together and called photovolatic cells, or PV cells (A PV cell is simply a term used to describe a cluster of cells partitioned into one space (such as the typically blue squares you see on solar panels), that are electrically connected).

How do Solar Panel Cells work?
When light graces the surface of a solar panel, its semiconductors absorb the light's energy, which loosens its electrons (a subatomic particle that has a negative charge). These electrons can now freely move, and are herded in a specific direction by the electric fields of the PV cells. This current is moved through the visible metal contacts that surround the PV cells (take a look at a solar panel, and you can see their grid-like pattern).

The mixture of this newly created and herded current, along with the solar panel's electric fields, will determine the solar panel's power output. Solar panels are protected by a layer of glass, to protect them from damage and natural elements, such as weather.

What about cloudy days?
There's no doubt that cloudy, overcast days create a problem for your solar powered home. The resolve is to store energy in batteries specially made for solar panel powered homes. The less expensive alternative is to remain connected to your town's power grid. In doing so, you'll be able to tap in to public electricity only when needed - but you'll also be able to sell energy to the power company, when your solar panels have created it in excess! Contact your local utility to learn more about their policies with selling back solar energy.

Requirements for a Solar Powered House
In order to power a house with solar power, a few measures need to be taken. First, the roof must have the correct pitch (this is area-dependent, but the correct slant should be to the south) to take advantage of direct sunlight. Solar panels must not be obstructed by shadow creating objects, such as trees, nearby buildings, or any other objects on the roof. Even a partial blockage of direct sunlight to a small portion of a solar panel can result in a dramatic loss of power - even by as much as 50%! Solar panels have a long life of approximately 20 or more years, before needing to be replaced.

Determining the Adequate Power Level Needed
Secondly, the proper power output in volts must be determined. The solar panels must have sufficient power for your home's needs. It is recommended to look at your home's most costly month, and configure your solar panel setup based on the power needs of that month. More voltage is achieved by adding more solar panels.

What's the catch of Solar Power?
Currently, it's the cost. Equipping your home with solar panels is not an inexpensive venture. Costing in the upwards of $20,000 - $30,000 to power an average home, this is not an option for homeowners who can't afford the purchase and setup cost. The initial cost will only decrease, however, with the rapidly growing desire to turn to solar, as the years go by - and as the cost of oil continues to rise.

How do I build my own solar panels?
Building your own solar panels is an even more cost-effective way to start implementing a solar energy source to power your home - at a cost as low as $200, or less! Best yet, the parts can all be found at your local hardware store. Read more about how you can build your own solar panels at home