Did you know that the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is sufficient to meet all of the world’s energy needs for an entire year? Solar energy systems use photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors to focus solar radiation on converting sunlight into electrical energy. This power has three possible storage methods: can be stored thermally, in batteries, and converted to electricity.
How is the solar energy source different from the traditional energy source? The traditional method of obtaining power is costly, and ineffective, and will result in rising utility rates. Solar energy is a free, natural source, on the other hand. Solar panels are all that is required to capture solar energy. In the old or traditional way, it is necessary to burn fossil fuels to create power. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which pollutes the air and water. Power may be generated by solar panels without emitting any harmful emissions. Sunlight is converted into electricity using a natural process called photovoltaics that has no negative environmental effects. Solar energy is an investment in the equipment needed to greatly lower the carbon footprint of your home. But how much is the cost of the solar panel and how to install a solar panel at home? Is it worth it?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOLAR PANELS?
MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANEL
Did you know that it is the most advanced and also the oldest solar panel? As the name implies, silicon solar cells with a single crystal are used to create monocrystalline solar panels. Pure silicon is sliced into wafers and molded into bars to create these solar cells. In order to increase the solar cell’s ability to generate power, the cell edges are reduced, softened, and smoothed throughout this procedure. This creates a distinctive appearance for the monocrystalline cells despite being highly time and resource-consuming. Monocrystalline Solar panels are high-end panels since they are made from silicon that has the highest purity possible. Although monocrystalline cells are more expensive, they typically offer higher efficiency and a longer lifespan. The cells offer a higher power output because they are made of a single crystal. Monocrystalline cells also have a uniformly black appearance. They are therefore the best option for anyone seeking a contemporary black solar panel.
POLYCRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANELS
Polycrystalline panels, often known as “multi-crystalline,” are frequently regarded as mid-range panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are more inexpensive but are less effective.
Polycrystalline cells are built of silicon, just like monocrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline cells, on the other hand, are created by melting a lot of (Poly) silicon crystal fragments together. Because of this, polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, they don’t produce solar energy from the sun for as long as monocrystalline panels do. This is due to the fact that each cell contains several crystals, which limits the freedom with which the electrons can move.
Raw silicon is combined and melted to create polycrystalline panels, which are then poured into a square mold to form wafers. Contrary to its monocrystalline competitors, polycrystalline cells do not need to have all four sides sliced. As there is less waste as a result, this is beneficial for the environment. In general, the procedure is quicker and less expensive than producing monocrystalline solar panels. After that, the wafers are put together to create a polycrystalline panel.
The blue finish, rectangular shape, and speckles of polycrystalline cells serve as indicators because each cell contains several crystals and because of the way sunlight bounces off these crystals, they appear blue and spotted.
THIN-FILM SOLAR PANELS
The thin-film solar panels are flexible, and thin, and have a low profile in comparison to the monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. As opposed to the crystalline wafers used in monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, the cells inside the panels are about 350 times thinner.
Layers of semiconducting substances, such as silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide, are used to create thin-film solar panels. The glass layer on top, which helps to reflect sunlight, is sandwiched between transparent conducting layers and the semiconductor layer. Thin-film solar panels can occasionally be made of silicon, although these are not the same as solid silicon wafers. It is actually a non-crystalline kind of silicon.
In comparison to crystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels often have lower efficiency and power capabilities. They can produce a lot of solar energy but need a lot more roof area because their efficiency is only around 11%. The shortest warranties apply to them because they also have a tendency to deteriorate more quickly than crystalline panels.
Even so, thin-film panels are still useful in the solar sector. Thin-film panels can be employed for a variety of applications since they are more flexible. In order to allow property owners who dislike the look of solar panels to still go solar, solar materials can also be molded into solar roof tiles or shingles.
So if you’re planning to install a solar panel in your Bria Home. Which type of solar panel fits perfectly for you? The project and budget are always factors in selecting the best solar panel. Due to their affordability, polycrystalline solar panels outperform monocrystalline ones in residential buildings. However, monocrystalline panels are still used. For instance, monocrystalline cells are a preferable option if the property has a smaller roof due to the panels’ higher efficiency. Due to their lightweight nature, thin-film solar panels are excellent for larger projects like those for commercial or historic buildings, even though they are hardly ever employed in residential homes. The cost of a solar panel also depends on the kind of solar panel you’ll purchase.
Of course, before deciding on installing a solar panel, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using solar panels as a source of energy.
The fact that solar energy is a totally renewable energy source is the most significant advantage of solar panels among all its other advantages. It is always accessible and used everywhere in the world. Solar energy never runs out, unlike some other energy sources. We will be able to access solar energy for as long as there is a sun. Yes, solar panels are too dependent on the sun but can still be useful during overcast and wet days but their effectiveness is reduced. Also, remember that solar energy cannot be collected at night. Good thing, we live in the Philippines. We do not have a winter season here.
When it comes to the factor of cost, buying a solar system requires a significant up-front expense. The cost of a solar panel covers the wiring, installation, batteries, inverter, and solar panels. However, as solar technology is always improving, it is safe to predict that prices will decrease in the future. Additionally, since you will be using some of the electricity your solar system has produced to satisfy your energy demands, your energy bills will decrease. Depending on the size of the solar system and how much electricity or heat you use, you can save a variety of amounts on your utility bill. And good news, after covering its initial cost, you can expect cheaper spending on maintenance and repair work.
So, are you now planning to install a solar panel at your own Bria Home? In solar panel installation, you should plan properly is the first step on how to install solar panels. Prepare the location and installation method for your solar panels. This entails figuring out how to fit your solar panels within the given area after assessing their measurements. Additionally, you need to know how much weight your roof is capable of supporting. It would be a wise decision to complete all necessary repairs and renovations before you begin installing your solar panels if you believe that your roof won’t be able to hold solar panels or that it will soon require repairs. The direction the sun rises and its locations at crucial times are additional considerations when considering how to install a solar panel at home. This will increase how much of the sun’s rays your solar panel receives! For more information on how to install a solar panel at home, read more here!
So, the question is, is installing a solar panel system worth it? Although solar still has a ways to go, the future is more promising than ever. Solar is more cost-effective, more environmentally friendly, and more effective. Let me answer your question with a question, too. Why spend more on home energy when there is finally a better choice available?
Are you still having doubts about the life-changing power of the solar source of energy? Bria Homes also promote the use of renewable energy too. According to Red Rosales, President of Bria Homes, “Solar-powered streetlights reduce our dependence on conventional energy. They are widely known for being long-lasting and economical to use, requiring almost zero maintenance. The absence of external wires also lessens the potential for accidents such as electrocution and overheating.” Yes, they installed solar-powered street lights in their communities nationwide. Read more here: Bria Homes promotes renewable energy
