HOW EFFICIENT ARE HOME SOLAR PANELS?

CLEAN SOLAR ENERGY VERSUS NOT SO CLEAN FOSSIL FUELS

Up until a few years ago the average man in the street gave little thought to the implications of creating energy from fossil fuels. Now even a teenager (who may well otherwise be distracted by hedonistic pursuits) will tell you that burning coal or oil for electricity is highly toxic to the environment.

What the average person may not know is how inefficient using fossil fuels actually is, from the very start to the end point where we turn on our light bulb, creating electricity is mind boggling in its use of energy.

Consider that the coal (or oil) must first be mined by heavy petrol or diesel machinery then transported (again using petrol or diesel transportation) to the power production plant where it is burned to heat water into steam which in turn powers huge turbines that generate electricity.

From the moment electricity leaves the power plant it gradually diminishes until it reaches its final destination, your home, office or factory. The efficiency rate is around 5% which is phenomenally bad.

FROM EARLY DAYS OF SOLAR

The very first solar cells had an efficiency rate of just .5% which is to say of 100% sun that landed on a solar panel only .5% was converted to electricity.

As you will see that rate is now much higher and considering that the fuel to make electricity is not mined the efficiency could be considered outstanding.

For solar panels to create electricity they need fuel just like power-plants need coal. The fuel or energy comes from the sun and is called "photons".

These can be thought of as "packets of sunlight" that carry a phenomenal amount of energy to earth at a prodigious rate.

The Solar Panels of today make use of this abundant energy by using silicon crystals with small amounts of impurity added. This process of adding minute amounts of different elements into an otherwise pure crystal is called "doping".

By having two thin layers of doped material bonded against one another, an electric current can be induced when exposed to light.

Energy Content of Sunlight

Sunlight has an energy content of 1 kW (1,000 watts) per square meter. The typical Solar Panel today achieves between 10% and 15% conversion.

The theoretical maximum efficiency of a silicon cell is about 21%. Using a more costly technology 31% conversion has been achieved.

TOMORROWS SOLAR PANELS

What can we expect from solar panels in the future? Grid parity is less than 5 or 10 years away. But in some countries it has already been reached.

Grid parity is when the cost to produce solar power is the same as for creating fossil fuel power. Most people would argue that the cost of producing fossil fuel is too much for our planet in terms of carbon emissions and who can argue with that?

Currently Solar panels can convert solar energy of a rate of 18 – 20% but there are commercial solar panels available with an efficiency of over 40%.

Hopefully we will see these available on the domestic market some day soon.


Do you want to design, install or build your very own solar powered home, but don't know how or where to start? Get DIY solar power guide that includes tips for Australia solar power conditions!

Not doing DIY solar power? Don’t let your solar contractor hoodwink you! Learn the tech info so that you can negotiate your best deal and make sure what you buy suits your needs.

DIY Solar Power for Homes Online Guide

P.S. Liked this post? Be a sharer and spread the word on FaceBook or Twitter or G+.
And I'd love to hear your views or suggestions too! Just click the Comments link below and tell us your story - Thanks!

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.