In the past when i thought of solar power i would automatically think solar panels or more specifically solar photovoltaics however within the last couple of months i ve gained a better understanding of the variety of ways we can harness the sun s abundant energy to help meet our power needs.
How much do solar panels harness.
That s not the case.
The most effective method to convert solar power into electricity is to create the use of solar panels.
For the sake of example if you are getting 5 hours of direct sunlight per day in a sunny state like california you can calculate your solar panel output this way.
Solar thermal power plants use heat from the sun to create steam which can then be used to make electricity.
However they will be a little less efficient each year beyond the 25 year warranty.
Most panels come with a warranty that lasts 25 to 30 years.
Panels can work efficiently for more than 30 years and many are still producing well after 40 years of daily use.
A recent study found that solar panels are viewed as upgrades just like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement and home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of about 15 000 for a home with an average sized solar array.
Electric companies determine how much power a customer has used over the course of a year.
However solar power is an effective solution to reduce energy expenses.
Most solar panels are built with anti reflective glass which means once light enters the panel it will bounce back into the solar cell to harness as much power as possible.
Another way to tap solar energy is by collecting the sun s heat.
The very best thing about solar power is it does not pollute the surroundings.
Solar panels can generate electricity for a long time.
Many people think if it s cloudy your solar panels won t work.
On a smaller scale solar panels that harness thermal energy can be used for heating water in homes other buildings and swimming pools.
Thus the output for each solar panel in your array would.
Additionally there is evidence homes with solar panels sell faster than those without.
Modern solar panels can harness the sun s energy even when conditions are less than ideal.
Don t think adding solar panels to your rig means you re stuck to only camping in high sunlight areas.
How long do solar panels last.
How much energy does a solar panel produce.
5 hours x 290 watts an example wattage of a premium solar panel 1 450 watts hours or roughly 1 5 kilowatt hours kwh.
A family with several siblings can easily reach a monthly consumption of 1 000 kwh.
If the customer has used less electricity than their solar system produced then the customer may receive a bill credit at the end of the year.
In certain circumstances an electric company pays for solar energy if their customer uses less energy than they generate from their solar system.
Solar equipment works in a variety of environments.