A solar panel is a device which converts the sun's rays into another form of energy such as electricity. Typically a solar panel is fitted to a house roof or sometimes smaller ones are fitted to items such as solar powered radios or toys.
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Solar Panel Types
There are generally 2 solar panel types, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal.
Photovoltaic Cell Systems
Photovoltaic cell systems covert the sun's energy into electricity which can then be used to power elecrical appliances or perhaps charge batteries to store the energy.
Solar Thermal Panels
Solar thermal panels usually work by heating water which is then used to heat a space such as a home or office or perhaps provide hot water.
Farm or Domestic Solar Panel?
As the usage of the sun's energy develops it will be interesting to see whether most of the supply comes from the domestic solar panel setup or large-scale solar farms. The latter can be thought of in a similar way to traditional power stations, eventhough their name suggests a rather more cute image.
Solar Panel Installers
There is a growing industry of solar panel installers who will come to your property and install the necessary equipment and then subsequently offer a maintenance plan.
Requirements
Results and suitability will depend upon the climate amongst other factors. Solar panel requirements include:
- Adequate climate
- Ideally a south facing roof at approximately 45 degrees.
- Planning consent
- Permission from the freeholder
Schemes
There are schemes from time to time as authorities try to encourage the population towards greener energy. They include leasing and government feed in tariffs whereby the operator sells electricity back into the national grid.