Solar power panels are the lifeblood of any solar energy plan, whether you want to build your own solar panel to power a few lights or to construct an entire solar panel house. They are the first step in the collection and harnessing of solar energy. Without them, no solar project, not even making a small solar panel, can get underway.
But exactly how do solar panel systems work?
How Do Solar Panel Systems Work?
Regardless of what solar panel project you jump into, a homemade solar panel and a store-bought solar energy panel are very similar. Let’s look at how they actually take sunlight and create energy.
Home solar panel systems and huge commercial solar panel systems work the same way:
- Photovoltaic (transforming light into energy) cells are arranged on a thin-film solar panel
- This thin sheeting is then mounted onto a flat rectangular frame and angled to face the sun
- These solar panels collect heat from the sun’s rays
- Heat is transferred to common household electricity by a solar inverter
- The electricity usually runs through a charge controller before being stored in batteries for later use
This is why solar panel efficiency runs so high. There are very few steps involved, so very little energy is lost in this process. Unlike electricity, which is most commonly created by burning coal and storing energy at some distant power plant, solar energy is clean and localized. You own your own solar power plant.
The Simplicity and Pride of Homemade Solar Panels
Simplicity and pride are also some of the reasons so many homeowners opt to build their own “homemade solar panel.”
- It is fun
- It is educational for the whole family
- It can be started on any budget
- The size of solar panels can be tailored to fit your needs and space limitations..
- You can start small and ramp up production as your budget allows
Even though making a home solar power panel is relatively easy, the low cost of “ready-to-go” all-in-one home solar panel systems has most consumers purchasing rather than learning the processes of solar panel construction.
Applications of Home Solar Panels
A home solar power panel is generally used to collect sunlight for conversion into energy for lights and heat. This is a very simple process for the “average Joe” to understand. He can feel the heat and see the light the sun emits, so channeling the solar panel output to things like water heaters and light bulbs just makes sense.
Most of the monthly energy cost savings for the normal homeowner are created by these two applications:
- Water heaters
- Light bulbs
However, these are not the only ways that solar power panels can be employed in a home solar panel project.
Advanced Uses of Solar Power Panels
Did you know that solar ovens are quite a common feature in the modern solar energy-powered home?
- Require more solar energy than light bulbs or water heaters
- Many solar power panels and more space are needed
- Heat an oven to 400 degrees
- Require more batteries, a larger inverter, and a higher upfront cost
Other household devices that can benefit from solar energy include:
- Solar-powered dishwashers
- Solar-powered freezers
- Solar-powered refrigerators
Yes, solar-powered energy is solar-powered, but that does not mean it cannot be converted to cooling energy. As you can see, the incredible versatility of the simple solar energy panel cannot be overstated. Anything that runs on electricity can be powered by a solar energy panel.
Solar Energy in Outdoor and Professional Use
Solar professionals and outdoorsmen alike have long understood the power of the sun’s rays and used them to harness energy.
Imagine being out in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight when your battery dies. It is very reassuring to know you have a battery backup that has been charged by energy collected in solar power panels built onto your boat.
Final Thoughts on Solar Power Panels
So, whether you want to build your own solar panel or purchase pre-made all-in-one home solar panel systems, the process is fun, easy, and low-cost. The savings are instantaneous. You help create independence for you and your family. You see your impact on Mother Earth.