What are solar panels and how do solar panels work? Solar panels can be made to harness the reservoir of energy of the sun to some other type of energy. Generally the power that results will be available in the form of heat (to heat a building for example) or electricity which can be used to power anything from a radio to a complete business.

Solar panels are a terrific way to cut energy costs and to reduce your carbon emissions, and to become more self-sufficient. They are now becoming extremely popular in urban areas where alternative energy advocates and law makers are creating incentives for this friendly and quiet alternative energy source. That is the benefit if you know how to build your own solar panel.

So, how to build a solar panel? After the panels are installed, energy from the system will be used to energize the house, or, when energy is being made in excess of demand, diverted for use on the grid, where it is purchased back by the electrical power company. There may be times when you are actually making income from your panels. With rebates factored into the initial cost it will generally take from seventeen to twenty-four years to get back the initial expense, at which time you will essentially be generating power from the sun at no cost.

How much do solar panels cost your electricity? Low power solar panels are normally available in 12 v or 14 v configurations, while high power panels are available in 24 volt. As solar panels are DC, you may normally need a power inverter that changes it from low-voltage as Direct Current to another-voltage Alternating Current to change it to be compatible with the voltage and type that feeds both the home and the grid.

Conventional solar panels are constructed using twin sheets of semiconducting silicon, combined with phosphorus and boron atoms. Amorphous silicon solar cells are a highly powerful, emerging array of photovoltaic that differ in output, structure, and manufacture than traditional photovoltaic that use crystalline silicon. The H-AS solar panels are produced in the same way, but they are made just 1 micrometer in depth by laying down polymorphous silicon at very high pressures and temperatures.

Solar panels are normally maintenance free and many manufacturers will supply a guarantee of electrical output often for as long as 20 years. Solar panels are installed on whichever side of your house that gets the maximum solar exposure.

Building solar panels are easy as long as you know the facts about solar energy and how it can help you a lot.

In talking about nature and environment related issues, the foremost question that comes to my mind is how’s our environment today? What is the list of environmental problems that it encounters? Have you ever pondered over the fact that it is not just the foliage and fauna but also the air you breathe, water you drink, things you touch and perceive and even the food you eat that constitutes your environment!

You are encased by environment everywhere and anywhere. So why do we damage and pollute it? For instance factories produce and introduce many toxic compounds in the environment that are hazardous for the entire mankind. Why don’t we just help the environment by recycling? Here are the problems that we might encounter if we don’t act now and treat our environment fair.

1. The harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide constantly pollute the air around us. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous compound, excess inhaling of which can be unexpectedly detrimental. Studies have revealed that CO enters into our bloodstream and causes breathing disorders and even cardiac arrest.

2. When we talk about pollution, noise pollution is also quite disturbing and annoying. A surge in the noise pollution level due to the escalating traffic, industries and factories leads to hazards like insomnia and lack of concentration.

3. The sun that enlightens the whole world can even be damaging at times. The excess of sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays that creep into the earth’s atmosphere due to the exhaustion of protective ozone layer, cause many dermal disorders amongst individuals.

4. The radiations that are released in the atmosphere due to nuclear reactions, nuclear tests, mobile phones, computers and the like are also a source of danger.

5. The enhancement of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has resulted in global warming which has turned out to be a massive threat to life on earth. Planting more trees and plants that enrich the air with oxygen can prevent global warming.

We must take care of our environment if we want it to take care of us, if not, the environment will be our own rival. We must start to act now and do simple things. Like conserving electricity in the house and using alternative fuels for our cars. If we start to ourselves, then everyone else will follow.

It seems that many Americans are continuously waking up and facing the truth that they should know how does solar energy work and apply it. They had already decided to become more energy independent, and want to play a part in avoiding a very foreseeable energy crisis. They've decided to go solar. Solar power provides long term benefits. Not just for the home owner, but the environment too.

Like wind power generators that are use by big companies or some houses in the province and the country homes of America, solar power can reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, increase your home's value and contribute to a cleaner environment, all at the same time.

And now that solar power is becoming even more main stream, it is growing in accessibility. Manufacturers of solar powered products have realized the potential for a solar age, and are creating new options for those who are considering a solar powered lifestyle. If you are ready to step into the solar age, you are probably wondering how and where to begin.

Here is a list on how is solar energy used at home.

Solar Attic Fans - the need for air conditioning is reduced by venting hot air out of your attic. Installing a solar attic fan may also increase the life of your roof materials by keeping them at a lower temperature which also reduces moisture buildup in your attic.

Solar Heating- Solar heating systems are composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat to its point of usage, and a reservoir for heat storage.

Solar Pumps - A solar power panel collects solar energy and powers a battery which can keep a consistent and plentiful water supply.

Solar Paneling-The most obvious way to break in to the solar age is to install solar panel cells on your roof. Solar cells, also known as PV cells, or Photovoltaic, come in many sizes, colors, and performance characteristics, made to fit a variety of homes and lifestyles.

Like any other renewable resources around, there are also pros and cons of solar energy, like your solar power system need to be maintain and checked once in a while. But remember, with solar energy you can literally cut down your electric bill while helping the environment.

So, how good is that? Forget about water power, don’t think what is nuclear energy, stop trying to venture in biomass because solar energy is the best alternative energy for you and for everyone.

Here are some facts about solar energy that you really need to know. Solar Energy as the word explain is the energy that comes from the sun and get by the earth. It is the world's most permanent and reliable source of energy and the most copious.

The uses of solar energy on earth include solar heating for buildings, solar heat for manufacturing or industry and electricity production. So what is solar energy?

Solar energy is responsible for weather systems and ocean currents. It provides light, heat, and energy to all living things on Earth. It has many uses. It supplies electricity; it can be used to power cars.

Solar energy is also used as a power for satellites in space and in space shuttles. It could also power boats, generators during emergencies, toys, and even security systems. How does solar energy work is truly amazing and very helpful to mankind.

Aside from knowing that solar energy is a free energy still, you have to know that like every other thing it has solar energy advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages are:

• Solar energy is almost limitless; it will be available for as long as there are still humans in the earth.
• It is abundant. You will not worry of running out of it.
• It could provide more power than all known fossil fuel reserves.
• Solar energy is available during the day when electricity usage is really important.
• It is the most inexhaustible, renewable source of energy known to man.
• Solar energy can be absorbed, reflected, transmitted, and insulated.
• It can be collected and stored in batteries.

The disadvantages are:

• It is not suitable in cloudy areas.
• It is not available at night time.
• And it may require large land areas.

Know you know what is solar power how it works. We can say that we are really untapping an energy goldmine with it. Solar energy is the number 1 source of renewable energy and it will continue to be. I just hope it will also be the number 1 source of energy someday.

Many Americans have decided to become more energy independent, and want to play a part in avoiding a very foreseeable energy crisis. They've decided to go solar. Creating a solar powered home is an endeavor that requires an initial investment, but the costs are being lowered everyday. Solar energy provides long term benefits. Not just for the home owner, but the environment too.

Now that solar power is more efficient, you can reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, increase your home's value and contribute to a cleaner environment, all at the same time. It's a great time to join the move to renewable energy resources, and the perfect time to take advantage of the generous government and local utility financial incentives that can cut thousands of dollars off the price. And now that solar power is becoming even more main stream, it is growing in accessibility. Manufacturers of solar powered products have realized the potential for a solar age, and are creating new options for those who are considering a solar powered lifestyle. If you are ready to step into the solar age, you are probably wondering where to begin and how is solar energy used. Below is a list of ways to make your home a solar one.

Solar Attic Fans- Solar attic fans are a great example of a simple way to make your home more energy efficient without spending a lot of money. The need for air conditioning is reduced by venting hot air out of your attic. Installing a solar attic fan may also increase the life of your roof materials by keeping them at a lower temperature which also reduces moisture buildup in your attic. This prevents mold and rot in your home, and can also reduce allergens and pollution.

Solar Heating- Solar heating systems are composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat to its point of usage, and a reservoir for heat storage. The systems may be used to heat domestic hot water, swimming pool water, or for space heating. If you live in the southern half of the United States or in an equally sunny area you could potentially save between 50% and 80% on your water heating by implementing a solar hot water heater. The initial cost is hefty, but depending on how you use it, the system may pay for itself in as little as five years. The return is greater when you factor in rebates and incentives offered by states and local governments.

Solar Pumps- Depending on where you live, especially in remote areas, the cost of traditional water piping may be exorbitant. Unless you install a solar water pump. A solar power panel collects solar energy and powers a battery which can keep a consistent and plentiful water supply.

Solar Paneling-The most obvious way to break in to the solar age is to install solar panel cells on your roof. Solar cells, also known as PV cells, or Photovoltaics, come in many sizes, colors, and performance characteristics, made to fit a variety of homes and lifestyles. Another important factor to consider is that when PV panels are used in conjunction with energy efficient appliances, not as many panels may be needed to power your home! Large scale home improvement stores, as well as smaller, independent energy groups, offer installation. But if you are a savvy do-it-yourselfer, you may decide to undertake the project on your own!

But don't bust out the screwdriver just yet. Whether you do it yourself, or hire someone to do it for you, there are a couple of technicalities to be seen to before solarizing your home. Such as building permits. In order to legally install renewable energy sources in your home, you must contact your city or county building permit agency to obtain permission. You will be able to learn about requirements specific to your neighborhood. Don't forget about property and sales taxes. Depending on what state you live in, you may or may not be exempt from these when it comes to the purchase of your renewable energy system.

Although it is not difficult to keep up your solar systems, frequency of replacement should be considered. Solar thermal systems need valves replaced every 3-5 years and storage tanks replaced every 10 years. Luckily, solar PV systems typically do not require maintenance, other than a yearly cleaning of the solar panels. PV panel life is typically 25 years.