Using solar panels is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity to power remote appliances, or even the average home.

There are three types of solar cells in existence today: solar electric panels (photovoltaic), solar hot water panels, and passive solar panels.

 

The different technologies allow us to either generate electricity, heat the water we use, or heat air to be circulated into living spaces.

 

As time goes by, we begin to see new and more efficient solar panel designs. This is making the use of photovoltaic power over fossil fuels much more viable to homeowners and businesses.

 

As the technologies surrounding the use of photovoltaic improve, we are likely to see a much greater, widespread use of solar cells.

 

 

Solar (photovoltaic) cells are a very useful way of providing electricity to remote areas where the use of electricity may be important, yet the laying of high voltage cable may not be viable. The best example of the importance of solar energy to provide electricity in remote locations can be found on satellites. For many years, satellites have been using solar panels to catch the sun's rays in order to provide power to the equipment on board.

 

Photovoltaic cells can be aligned as an array, as shown in the image to the left. There are many advantages of using a solar cell array, with various panels fitted along a mounting system. One of the main advantages is that we are able to combine various numbers of cells to provide a greater output of electricity, and this method makes solar electricity a viable option to power small homes and businesses.

 

The increasing efficiency of solar energy technologies means we are able to purchase and install panels, knowing we are likely to receive an efficient way of harnessing energy from the sun's rays to turn into electricity for use in our homes.

 

It is quite possible for a household to run completely on photovoltaic electricity from the use of solar panels, yet this is unlikely in most cases. The costs involved with supplying a whole house with electricity from solar energy would be quite high for the average homeowner. However, the use of solar electricity in the average home is still able to provide a substantial amount of electricity, thus reducing future energy bills.

 

 

The use of solar panels to heat water is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to the energy and money savings associated with this method.

 

A good solar hot water panel system, as shown here, is able to provide an average household with around one half of its annual hot water supply. While this may not sound much, it can reduce energy costs by a considerable amount.

 

Now imagine if you could combine a solar hot water heating system with a photovoltaic system. The combination of both systems would save you a considerable amount of money on energy and electricity bills.

 

 

Update: The state Energy Efficient Appliance rebate program is now offering a $1,200 rebate for the purchase of a solar hot water heating system.  That, in combination with the federal incentive (applies for both solar hot water and photovoltaic systems) which offers 30% tax credit, makes it the perfect time to purchase these systems now.

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