Solar Panels, cheap alternative way to produce electricity for the home, is one-step in the right direction for reducing our dependence on foreign fuels, which individuals can take on their own.  Solar panels that are used to produce electricity are also known as a photovoltaic panel.  A photovoltaic panel is an assembly of interconnected photovoltaic cells or solar cells.   Solar crystalline cells are a crystalline-based structure that is able to take sunlight and convert it into electricity.  The more photovoltaic cells that are on a panel, the more electrical current can be produced.  In order for the solar panels to be useful in practical applications of an alternative electrical source, they must be constructed in a certain way.  The solar cells must be:

1. Electrically connected to each other as well as the rest of the system.
2. Protected from physical damage from situations such as hail, wind and snow, because some types of solar cells are brittle.
3. Protected from moisture such as rain and humidity so the metal contacts don’t get corroded, or the cells don’t form an oxide layer, which will decrease performance.
4. Electrically insulated, especially under rainy conditions.
5. Sturdily mounted.

Since sunlight is really made from a huge range of electromagnetic frequencies, solar cells only are able to convert a small percentage of sunlight into useable electricity.  Solar cells can now be created to maximize their efficiency by using the different frequency ranges of sunlight, yet that would require an additional device to separate the different frequencies and shine them on the appropriate group of solar cells that are designed to specifically convert that frequency of sunlight.  It is estimated that this technique would increase the efficiency of solar cells by 50%.  Currently without this method, solar cell efficiencies are in the range of 5 to 19%, which is actually a higher efficiency than solar panels produced in earlier years.  There are new processes being researched, which will concentrate the solar light to the photovoltaic modules and can raise the efficiency up to 30%.  With today’s technology, the average solar panel can produce about 140 watts of electricity.

Solar panels create electricity from an unlimited source, the Sun, which is a major benefit for using them.   When the Sun stops shining, not having electricity will be the least of your concerns.  The traditional standard crystalline silicone solar cell modules have about a 25 year life span.  Over 4 million of these modules were sold in 2007 alone.

Solar panels provide a cheap alternative to energy in the long run because the power source is isn’t a fossil fuel and creates electricity from a renewable resource and the byproducts are not carbon dioxide, or other waste products that will damage or affect the environment.  Old solar panels can be recycled so they don’t end up in landfills.  It is easier now than ever to create a solar system for your home and reduce your energy costs needed to power your home.

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You can power your home with solar energy by using solar panels you build yourself for under $200 if you know the right information. Read reviews on info products that show you how to create solar panels cheap. These popular DIY solar panel info guides  can get you quickly on your way. Get more information on solar panels cheap and solar power.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_755933_27.html

Author:  B. Hopkins

Since at least the 1970s, people around the country have been concerned with the future of fossil fuels. These non-renewable resources are used extensively in every one of our daily activities. From eating breakfast to the morning commute to even taking a walk in the woods, fossil fuels have been involved. But because these resources are non-renewable, they will eventually run out.

When there is no more oil, coal or natural gas, we will need to rely on alternative fuels. One of the most promising alternative fuel sources is solar. How to harness solar power and make it work on a small scale is on the mind of many homeowners today.

There are countless benefits to be had with solar power. These are just a few:

* It can be used in new or existing homes. Solar panels can be built into new homes easily. They can also be added on to older homes as part of a “green” overhaul.

* The environmental impact of using solar is next to nothing. There is some impact from the production of solar panels. However, many factories are using alternative fuels themselves. Of those who still use fossil fuels, some purchase carbon offsets to reduce their overall impact. Actually using the panels to power your home produces no negative effects. There are no emissions or waste products to dispose of, and there is an unlimited supply of sunlight.

* If there is a power outage or natural disaster, having a solar power setup in place can help keep the lights on. After a power outage, it can take days to get your home’s power restored. Homes that live completely off the grid don’t have to wait around for the power company. Even homes with only a partial solar power system can keep essential items going with stored solar power. Your furnace, stove and battery charger can work even when your neighbors have no power.

* The financial benefits are plentiful, and they will only increase in the future. Fuel costs have suffered sharp rises recently. It seems likely that the cost of living will continue to climb higher and higher. For those who don’t have to pay for electricity, the lean times are easier to survive. Even if your home is only partially powered by solar, you will save a considerable amount of money on your electric bill. The initial cost of a solar setup may seem prohibitive, but it will pay for itself within a few years.

* The cost of solar power setups will likely continue to fall. The average cost of a home solar power setup today can be as high as $50,000 depending on the size of your home. That is the high-end cost, including materials and installation. If you do some or all of the work yourself and bargain shop for used solar panels, the price will be much lower. This price looks downright affordable when you look at costs in the past. Just a decade ago, the same setup could have cost upwards of $300,000. As the demand for solar power increases, so will production of solar panels. The price will fall accordingly, making solar power even more affordable to set up.

When it comes to powering your home with solar, how deep you dive in is up to you. You can have just one solar-powered appliance or a few collection panels on your roof. You can go completely off the grid all at once. Or you can switch to solar in stages. Changing over to renewable energy is a positive step for the future that you won’t regret.
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