Solar Panel  Types

A more detailed look at the types of panels that are used for capturing the sun’s energy

 There is a need to change our mentality when it comes to considering a solar energy-based lifestyle over the current fossil energy-based lifestyle. The former is a renewable source of energy that is free, “green” (i.e., good for the Earth) and in unlimited quantity; the latter, a source that seems always in danger of running out. The major functions of free solar energy are providing light, heat, and generating electricity.

The three main solar types available for today’s homes are: (i) the hot water panel; (ii) the air heating panel; and (iii) the electric solar. These solar collectors appear as big black pieces of rectangles, which are typically placed on the roofs or walls of homes. These black rectangles are actually solar panels of photovoltaic cells put together to bring you heat, hot water or electricity.

Solar Panels That Provide Hot Water

Amongst the three functions of solar energy, the heating of water via solar panels is the most efficient way of using solar energy. It is also the longest used application of solar energy. Hot water solar systems are very functional in all types of weather conditions, making them a more popular choice as compared to electric solar.

The solar panels are preferably placed close to the location where the hot water is required, as heat is quickly lost through transportation. An alternative to using panels for hot water is evacuated tubes, although this method is not as common. One of the more common applications for solar hot water panels or tubes is for heating swimming pools – commonly known as solar pool heaters.

Solar Air Heaters

South-facing walls prove to be the best position for the solar air heater panels to catch even the winter rays. Although solar air heaters look similar to solar hot water panels, they work quite differently: they are made to move hot air instead of hot water, generating heat for indoor environments. Solar air heaters use baffles to encourage air flow, as well as the sets in PV modules, which are used to power up the fan. The air is sucked from the adjoining room or space into a bottom vent via PV modules, heated, and then released back into the room through a top vent.

Solar Electric Panels

Solar electric panels are made from photovoltaic (PV) cells. These PV panels are actually PV modules that come in many different sizes, according to the application. For instance, a small piece of PV module can be found on a solar calculator that is outfitted to gather and store energy from the sun, generating an electric current to operate the calculator. The bigger applications - a few hundred pieces – of PV modules are used for bringing energy into homes. These PV modules are one inch thick, 3 x 5 foot rectangular pieces that are installed on the rooftop to best capture the sun’s energy (photons) before exciting the electrons to produce electricity through an inverter. This