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With energy prices flying through the roof, how does solar power work is a question popping up around many dinner tables these days. Even though it sounds like a winning proposition, the cost of equipment and installation is a major concern when considering going solar. However more grants are becoming available all the time on both the state and federal level to help offset these costs. So rather than focusing on the just costs, it may be a good idea to look at the benefits of solar power for your home.

When installing solar power to a residential or commercial application, the concept is basically the same except for the difference in installation requirements. A house is small and simple but a factory or warehouse needs greater capacity and would require a more complex and involved installation.

Solar panels are lines with a semiconductor than generates electricity when the suns rays come in contact with it. Solar panels can also be constructed to heat both your water and air coming into the structure through your ventilation system. The electricity generated by the solar panels is then routed to your controller/regulator where the voltage/amperage is adjusted to your system’s needs then routed to your electrical system or storage system.

The essential parts of a solar power system consist of: 1. PV panels which are the solar or photovoltaic panels. 2. Current regulator which is a device for controlling the voltage or amperage of the electricity produced by the solar panel. 3 A storage system which is usually a group of batteries that will reserve for later use the power produced by the solar panels when the sun is up.

Depending on your location or the type of installation, solar panels can vary quite a bit in cost, For instance, if the building is industrial, and is located in a remote area, than you would probably use the typical box shaped panels. When it comes to commercial usage, solar panels can both be installed on the large roof space available on top of businesses and industrial buildings and on the ground in arrays of panels to generate even more solar power.

Solar panels can be mounted in a rooftop setup in addition to ground and pole mounts. The ground and pole mounts offer additional design flexibility especially when your structure is in the shade for part of the day. Solar panels can also be equipped with mechanisms that allow them to follow or “track the sun throughout the day maximizing their exposure to the suns rays. One of the largest drawbacks to solar installation is of course sunset. This is remedied by installing a battery array or storage system, or using supplemental power from the utility company power grid.

Solar cells can be built right into the structure’s roof, awning, and window materials for those who are hoping for a more discreet installation that will also serve a dual purpose. If you own a residence and need a new roof, consider that there are available roofing materials with solar cells built in. This new material will provide the same functionality as an asphalt shingle while at the same time, operating as a solar panel. By using the new solar power design you’ll be to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the risk that your home will resemble someone’s idea of a space ship.