Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The sun emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells. Electrons within the solar cell are energized, escape their bonds and form an electric current. That current, which starts as direct current, is switched to alternating by the solar system’s inverter. From there it’s used up in the electronics in your home or sent back to the grid.
“It’s not a magical technology, but it seems like it because you just stick something in sunlight and it makes electricity for you,” said Joshua Pearce, a professor at Western University in Ontario and co-author of To Catch the Sun, a free e-book on DIY solar systems. “Even being a scientist who works on this stuff all the time, it’s amazing that these things actually work.”
The benefits of solar panels
Why would you want home solar panels?
- Savings on energy: The most direct benefit is that you can gain the opportunity to power your own home outside of the electrical grid. That saves you money, and if you generate extra power, you might even be able to get credit on your bill from the electric utility via net metering. The average payback period for solar panels is six to 12 years, according to some sources.
- Solar is an abundant power source: According to the US Department of Energy, just one hour of noontime summer sun meets the annual US electricity demand. Depending on your situation, turning it into electricity can save on your electricity bill.
- Help with your home value: If you plan to sell your home down the line, having home solar panels can be a major perk to buyers and can help increase your home’s value.
- Going green: Since solar is a renewable resource, you can shrink your carbon footprint.
- Independence from electrical grid failures: Some areas have electrical grids that are less than reliable. If you experience frequent power outages in your area, your own solar power can keep the lights on.
- Power your campsite: Some small solar panel arrays fit right onto RVs, or you can take them camping so you have electricity, no matter how remote the location.
Where to buy solar panels
Many businesses specialize in selling and installing solar panels for homes. Infinitum is a locate solar panel suppliers and installers in South Africa . Please feel free to contact them.
