Interest in an alternative energy source for generating electricity at home has increased over the years. The efficiency of solar panels, added to the savings in the electricity bill, has made the citizen realize all the possibilities that are offered even when the installation of these is expensive.
According to the historical data, in 2015 there was a growth of up to 70% of these panels throughout the country with respect to the previous year. On the other hand, despite the fear of cost over benefit, the latter has decreased by 73% from 2006 to date. What is stopping you now from getting one of these?
What exactly are solar panels?
A solar panel is a device that uses the sun’s energy to generate heat and electricity. These two well-differentiated natural goods arrive through different panels, and depending on what we are looking for, we will have to choose between one model or another. Below are the common types:
Solar collector
Made up of a receiving plate and pipes through which a liquid that absorbs solar radiation circulates; this model of panel ensures that hot water reaches our homes without the intervention of electricity bills. Quite simple (although at first it seems ostentatious), this model has been on the market for some time but it has not taken full advantage of its potential.
Photovoltaic solar panels
The photovoltaic cells that make up these panels convert solar radiation into electricity thanks to the effect it has on photons. Through positive and negative charges in two different types of semiconductors, electric current is produced, making light reach our homes and/or establishments.
Photovoltaic solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity by the so-called photoelectric effect, by which certain materials are able to absorb photons (light particles) and release electrons, generating an electric current. Thermal solar collectors, on the other hand, use panels or mirrors to absorb and concentrate solar heat, transfer it to a fluid and conduct it through pipes for use in buildings and facilities or also for the production of electricity (solar thermal).
With a simple mechanism for those who know how to use them, both models highlight the efficiency of solar panels for homes. With a possibility of saving on the electricity bill that had not been seen before, we are faced with the device that revolutionized the system a few years ago and wants to continue doing so.
Efficiency of solar panels: Why is it so important?
The efficiency of the solar panel is a way of controlling the amount of energy that a given model can convert into usable electricity. On a technical level we would be talking about the light we capture when sunlight has interacted with silicon or thin film cells that are inside the panel itself.
With reflectance and thermodynamics as fundamental factors that play a part in the efficiency equation, it can be said that as long as we have these two aspects under control, the benefit of installing any solar panel is more than assured. In any case, the environmental situation in which we find ourselves is also important for deciphering the power of the solar cell.
The use of high efficiency solar panels in our houses not only makes the most of the amount of watts per square meter but also makes better use of the roof space and if we look closely at it for a while, we will realize that it is even aesthetic.
Benefits of solar panels for homes
The moment we know about the existence of solar panels and what they can do for our economy, interest is awakened in how we could have them in our homes and how much they would cost. With many advantages behind us, if you want to save a peak at the end of the month or do the environment a favor, take note of the following benefits that we mentioned:
Saving on your electricity bill
Although the installation of solar panels can be expensive (between 8,000 and 32,000 euros depending on manufacturing materials and/or size) when we do large scale accounts, we realize how much we can save by installing them. All the people who have tried it claim that it has been the biggest success of their lives. Will you be the next one to admit it?
Self-sufficient home
While the generators break down, the fossil fuel runs out and the service companies can be dissolved, the sun for now is a source of resources that has a lot to offer. With this premise alone, if what you want is a sustainable and pollution-free space, perhaps the panel is the first step.
Increase the value of a house
Over the last few years, we have seen the value of houses with a solar panel in their homes grow in the United States. The installation, which in addition to saving money can multiply the beauty of the facade, has made certain urbanizations to be above average. Can you imagine the extra money you can put in your pocket with one of these?
Reduction of pollutant emissions
When we put a solar panel on our house, we invested in 178 tons of carbon dioxide for thirty years. This, which for you does not mean much, for the planet means avoiding that fossil fuel that damages the planet and makes the Earth shake and lose several years of life at once.
Stable commitment
Renewable energy makes us independent from electricity suppliers. If we have talked before about the possible dissolution of companies, we also have to be aware that the sun will not increase their rates. With this, although the installation is expensive for certain families, we are talking about a saving that lasts over time.
The care of the environment, which is one of the things that has to worry us the most nowadays, is one of the main objectives in the efficiency of solar panels for homes. The world, which is in continuous danger of extinction, appreciates that the main emitters of toxics take seriously the warnings.