The smart homeowner in today’s world of green energy solutions is turning to solar energy systems. You might think it’s as simple as slapping a few solar panels to your roof and calling it a day. There is more than a single offering, though.
The solar industry is constantly making new developments, with revolutionary new technology always around the corner.
To reduce the complication, we’re going to go over the options. If it’s a residential solar solution you are looking for, you’re sure to find the best solar panels for your situation listed.
Where Solar Energy Systems Started
When anybody talks about solar panels, they are almost always talking photovoltaic. These are the classic panels, the original that started it all. They function as you might expect, generating electricity from direct sunlight.
If you’re interested in a little science lesson, it’s not much more complicated than that. The panel contains a multitude of cells, host to flowing electrons thanks to the sun.
You’ll see several of these installed on house roofs, an amount that is almost always enough to supply enough power while giving a little back to the grid.
The cost to install solar panels is more affordable and valuable than ever, which is why you see so many of them!
Photovoltaic Lite
Solar cells don’t have to come in the form of bulky panels. A technology that has started to become more and more efficient in recent years is the thin-film solar cell.
The cells function identically to the photovoltaic panels, but they take a far different shape. They look like a blanket of cells that can lay over a rooftop or other sun-exposed surface.
Getting in Hot Water
If you’ve ever enjoyed taking a dip in some warm water on a sunny summer’s day, you’ll know how effective the sun can be at heating water.
The solar water heater works on this principle to provide hot water. A series of sun-exposed tubes containing water will harness the power of the sun, providing a water tank with warm water.
It’s a cheap and efficient way to have a supply of hot running water, provided your environment has enough sun exposure!
Starting a Power Plant
It’s a relief that we can say we aren’t talking about burning fossil fuels or starting a nuclear plant. It’s the sun that can provide us with an effective power plant!
By utilizing some clever placements of mirrors, oil-filled pipes, and boiling water, a steam generator is born! It won’t be a homeowner’s first choice for a solar solution, being far more expensive than cumbersome than panels. It’s still interesting to see where the future will take us, though!
More Advice for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner planning on installing any of these solar energy systems, definitely do it! It’s a great way to add value to your home and give a little something back to the environment.
If you’re looking for other ways to be the best homeowner you can be, visit our real estate section. Whether it’s the latest news or the best tips, there will be something to keep you reading!
