Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof for Your House Solar panel refers to a panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged, connect assembly of typically 6×10 solar cells. Solar Photovoltaic panels constitute the solar array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each module is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges from 100 to 365 watts. The efficiency of a module determines the area of a module given the same rated output – an 8% efficient 230 watt module will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt module. There are a few commercially available solar panels available that exceed 22% efficiency and reportedly also exceeding 24%. A single solar module can produce only a limited amount of power; most installations contain multiple modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes a panel or an array of solar modules, a solar inverter, and sometimes a battery and/or solar tracker and interconnection wiring. The price of solar power has continued to fall so that in many countries it is cheaper thanordinary fossil fuel electricity from the grid (there is “grid parity”). With energy prices on the rise, this may be the perfect time to go solar. Here are a few things to consider that will affect the cost of installing solar panels. Type of Solar Panel: There are three major types of solar panels. As you may imagine, the most effective solar panels have the highest cost. The most effective and most expensive type of solar panel is Monocrystalline, which is constructed from one continuous sheet of silicone. Slightly less expensive, and less effective, is Polycrystalline. These solar panels consist of many individual PV cells held together by metal conductors. Amorphous solar panels are the least expensive of the three types but also the least efficient. They are made up of a thin layer of silicon placed on top of a metal or glass base. Type of Mount: There are three different types of mounting systems for affixing your solar panels to your home. Similar to the panel types, the least expensive option is the least efficient and the more expensive options are more effective. Fixed solar panel mounts are completely stationary and cannot be adjusted to capture more or less sunlight depending on weather and season. They are the least expensive type of mount. Adjustable mounts can be tilted depending on the intensity of the sun or the season. They are more expensive than the fixed mounts, but will have more energy efficiency as well. A tracking solar panel mount follows the arch of the sun and provides maximum efficiency. The amount of solar energy you will be able to generate depends on not only on panel construction and mounting, but your location.
Reduction in Energy Costs: Although you may hesitate to spend the money on the most expensive types of solar panels and mounts, it is good to remember that you will save money on the other side with decreased energy bills. Talk to your installation pro about what kinds of savings they predict you may have. It could be that what you spend up front will pay for itself very quickly in your reduced monthly bills. Some states and cities offer subsidies and tax incentives to upgrade your home to solar power. Check with your local and state energy authorities to see if you qualify. Based on a research by Home Advisor – the average cost for homeowners is $19,584.00 It is best to compute the size and estimated cost to install a solar energy system for your home or building. This calculation is based on energy bill savings you can expect and the net solar system cost, after tax credits and other incentives are applied. By doing this, you will be able to make the decision whether to install solar panels or not.