Solar Panels: Heating or Electric!
Posted: November 24th, 2009 | Category: BusinessIt’s imperitive that you realise that solar panels have two distinct funtions: generating heat and producing electricity. It’s important to know which type you need for a particular job, because they are not interchangeable. That aside, both will be of benefit to you if you are contemplating saving on energy bills.
See How Solar Panel to Make Energy or Heat Systems Work Here
Solar thermal collectors use energy from sunlight to heat water and other fluids, such as oil. The liquid is heated by the sun as it runs through tubing, hoses, or coils in the panel. You would use this sytem for heating pools, hot tubs etc. These panels can also be used for baseboard heating units and hot water flooring systems for heating building interiors. You will find that once this type of system is in place it is sufficient for all heating requirements
Solar photovoltaic cells create DC (direct current) electricity. The panels normally contain a semi-conductor material (silicon) which interacts with sunlight to produce electricity. This power can then be used for all your domestic requirements: t.v., computer, to name but a few The panels are only able to produce electricity when they are receiving direct sunlight.
Using Solar Panel to Make Your House or Pool Warm
To ensure that you have continuous energy twenty four hours and through all weathers you can include a back-up battery unit with your system. You can use less expensive lead-acid batteries (like you car uses), but it will be necessary to make sure they are filled with distilled water in order to maintain their charge. You can also use more expensive batteries. Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries don’t require maintenance to keep their charge. Freeze-resistant gel batteries are ideal for colder climates.
Both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems typically use glass panels to encase their collection systems, and both need access to direct sunlight. Ideally, the panels should be situated in a south-facing location that supplies optimum exposure to sunlight during the day. Solar panels can be used in almost any geographical location, but they will not be as effective in regions that have a high number of overcast periods during the year.
It’s prudent to have a back-up supply in place even if you live in a sunny climate. Backup generators can be fueled with biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle. And the generators will come in handy if your battery storage fails, or whenever there is an unexpected stretch of cloudy days.
Take On the Problem By Constructing Your Own Domestic Source: Find Out Here