It’s imperitive that you realise that solar panels have two distinct funtions: generating heat and producing electricity. It’s important to know which kind you need for a particular job, because they are not interchangeable. However, both kinds can save you money and help support a greener lifestyle.

The Different Solar Panels Revisited

A solar thermal collector uses energy from sunlight to heat water and even other fluids, like oil. The liquid is heated by the sun as it runs through tubing, hoses, or coils in the panel. These types of panels are ideal for heating swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and hot water for homes and businesses. These panels can also be used for baseboard heating units and hot water flooring systems for heating building interiors. You will find that once this type of system is in place it is sufficient for all heating requirements

Solar photovoltaic cells help generate DC (direct current) electricity. Most typically, they use semi-conductor material (silicon) in the panel, which interacts with sunlight to produce electricity. This electricity can be used to power household and electrical appliances, or even the entire house if the system is big enough. The electricity is only created by the panels during the day when they are receiving direct sunlight.

Use Solar Panels To Make Energy

To ensure that you have continuous energy twenty four hours and through all weathers you can include a back-up battery unit with your system. You can use the less expensive lead-acid batteries (like the kind your car uses), but keep in mind that they must be filled with distilled water to maintain their charge. Some batteries are more costly, but they have particular advantages. Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries will retain their charge without any maintenence. Freeze-resistant gel batteries are best for colder climates.

For both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems, glass panels are used to encase their collection systems, and both require direct sunlight to function. The panels are best situated in a location that faces south and provides maximum exposure to sunlight during the entire day. Solar panels can be used in almost any geographical location, but they will not function as well in regions that have a high number of cloudy periods during the year.

Even in mostly sunny areas, it’s always wise to add a backup generator to both types of solar panel systems. Backup generators can be fueled with biodiesel to be consistent with your green lifestyle. And the generators will come in handy if your battery storage becomes depleted, or whenever there is an unexpected period of cloudy days.

You Can Use Solar Panel to Build Your Own Domestic Energy: Find Out Here