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Business Home Business Sun's Light Powers Solar PV Panels
| Sun's Light Powers Solar PV Panels |
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| Written by Tal Potishman |
| Monday, 10 November 2008 10:29 |
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Solar Photovoltaic cells, also known as Solar PV, are silicon wafer based panels that absorb energy from the sun and then transfer that energy to your home. When photons of light hit the silicon wafer, they tip them of their chemical balance, creating a movement of protons and electrons in opposite directions, thus generating an electrical current. Solar PV cells are already used in some common appliances such as watches and calculators. Naturally, the domestic or commercial panels come in larger sizes to provide sufficient output. Over the years, some solar photovoltaic cells have been used successfully to generate electricity for very large buildings and other installations including the National Grid. Solar Photovoltaic Planning and Regulatory Issues Solar Photovoltaic panels can be installed into or on top of the roof or along an external wall of the property. Before buying a solar PV system, it is important to ensure that the user checks against the statutes of local area. In England, roof mounted solar PV cells as well as standalone cells can be installed into most homes, but there are certain criteria they must meet. Latest legislations allows for solar panels of up to 100mm in depth to be laid upon a tilted roof without the need for a planning permission. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the local authorities are still working on the legislation regarding solar panels, so the local planning authorities must be consulted before any cells can be installed. Should You Use Solar Photovoltaic? There are several important benefits to having solar PV cells in your home. The most obvious benefit is the ongoing savings on the electrical utility bills. In addition to saving money, the user will be lowering their carbon footprint as solar PV emit virtually no carbon dioxide and cut around 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. An indirect benefit is the fact that the user will no longer be tied to the National Grid which means that they do not have to worry about power cuts or increases in the cost of electricity. Solar power makes a strong economic case for properties in remote areas where there is no coverage by the National Grid (e.g. remote farms, research facilities). Solar Photovoltaic Installation: The best way to install solar photovoltaic panels is to hire a professional installation crew. Professional solar PV cell installers should be certified by the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. It is important to note that there are good reasons one should not attempt to do the installation as a DIY project. Solar PV cells tend to be very heavy and, for roof installations, involve a support system that must be constructed and attached before any solar photovoltaic cell can be mounted. The installer will know the local electrical codes and safety regulations and will make sure that the solar photovoltaic grid or standalone units are code compliant. Finding energy generating technologies that do not depend on fossil fuels is no doubt high on everybody's mind these days. Of the alternative energy options that are available (nuclear, wind, hydrogen, wave, solar), solar is thought to be one of the most practical and reliable solutions, with a proven track record and many installations around the world. About the Author: Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes content about central heating, plumbers, Harrow boiler underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by consulting on efficient heating. Kindly provided by MoneyHunter.org You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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