| As environmental concerns about greenhouse gases | | | | which contains a mat black pipe which 'snakes' through |
| increase and fossil fuel sources deplete, renewable | | | | the panel. As water is pumped through the pipe its |
| energies such as Solar Power are increasing in | | | | temperature increases and it is then stored in a tank |
| popularity. Solar Power is a true 'Green' energy source, | | | | for later use. |
| not like hydro electricity that cause huge environmental | | | | A Compact system will have a solar collector and a |
| damage and often used electricity to pump the water | | | | tank containing the heated water, which are mounted |
| back to top of the system. After initial installation all | | | | together. Usually these systems rely upon natural |
| your power is generate from the suns rays. This will | | | | convection to transfer the heat from the collector to |
| help you on your way to having a 'zero carbon | | | | where it's needed in the tank. |
| footprint' as your not using fossil fuels for energy. | | | | In both water and electric solar systems, solar panels |
| There are two main types of residential solar energy | | | | are usually fitted to the roof and work during daylight |
| generators that come in the form of Solar panels. The | | | | hours, however the solar panels can be sited in the |
| first are solar panels that generate electricity and the | | | | yard of the property but ensure that the panels have |
| second are solar panels that heat water. The later can | | | | a direct 'line of sight' to the sun and are not covered |
| be used to heat the hot water of your property and | | | | by tree's. |
| also heat the property itself using central heating | | | | It is a misconception that solar panel only work with |
| system. | | | | direct sunlight. They will work on a cloudy day but the |
| Solar panels that generate electricity are made up of a | | | | greater the intensity of sun light, the more efficient they |
| collection of photovoltaic (PV) cells. A PV cell is a | | | | are. |
| device that converts sunlight directly into electricity by | | | | The typical cost of a professionally installed Solar |
| the photovoltaic effect. PV cells are made up of thin | | | | Power heating system would be $4000-$6000 |
| layers of silicon, and when sunlight strikes a cell's light | | | | although DIY kits are available at a lower cost. It is |
| absorbing material, chemical reactions release | | | | worth noting, however, that a certain level of skill is |
| electrons, generating an electric current. The greater | | | | required and DIY systems are not eligible for grants. |
| the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of | | | | The maintenance of a Solar Power heating system |
| electricity. | | | | would typically consist of annual check by the |
| Solar panels that generate hot water are quite simple | | | | homeowner and a more detailed check by a |
| in their construction as is the generation of solar | | | | professional installer every 3-5 years. The expected |
| thermal energy. The water heating systems can be | | | | life expectancy of solar panels is 30 years. Enough |
| divided into compact and active. With an active solar | | | | time to pay back the installation cost multiple time over. |
| water heating system, water is pumped to the panel | | | | |