So how does a solar panel work? Where does the energy get stored in? How much does one cost for a small 2 family home? How much money would we save on electricity?
These are all good questions but they are open Items. Solar panels work by the reaction of certain elements upon exposure to sunlight.The amount of power generated is Dependant on at least three factors; The size of the solar panel, the type of solar cells used (The specific element and the cell construction) and the amount of sunlight to which the panels are exposed. The answers to these questions may indicate how much you will save (How much does your electricity now cost per KWH and how much do you use in the two family house} and if solar is feasible in your location. You should probable contact at least three of the local companies that do solar installations and listen (with a cynical ear) to their presentations. They are all trying to sell you their product but you after listening to more than one presentation can sort through the BS. Also you might contact your present power provider. They should be able to give you some good advice on alternative energy availability. Good Luck DOCSRG
The first thing to understand is that there is nothing complex about a solar panel. It is nothing more than a collection of solar or PV cells on a board that is fitted to the most appropriate part of your home, generally on the roof. There are guides out there that teach you how to build a solar panel and a windmill for just $50, and it’s very easy to make. Best of all, you can save 70% or more on your energy bill, adding up to thousands of dollars each year in savings. I reviewed both free guides and paid guides and have come up with our top to Build your own solar panels.
it all depends on how much electricity you use for heating/cooling and cooking.......if you just need lights, TVs etc then you could get away with about $5-8,000 US for a system depending on how far north you live.....to go completely off the grid is near $25,000 by the time batteries and inverters and all of that is figured in....
In the short, a solar panel is composed of many solar cells...all tied together and in some sort of a frame for mounting. When energy from the sun hits it, it creates a reaction which can feed electricity through leads to a converter system which takes the Direct Current power and converts it into Alternating Current. If you rewire your house for DC products I suppoes you wo'nt need the converter. but most of these systems are retro-fits. Batteries provide back up source to the system when the sun goes down. So solar is converted to electricity through the panel, which goes to your solar system which both provides power to the house and to recharge batteries. The batteries take over when the sun is down. So you will need to know how much battery capacity you need by calculating the Amp hour rating of your applicances that you normally use at night like Microwave, TV, radio, refrigerator, etc. For some depending on the appliance....water heater (if electric) or stove) then you need to figure out how many panels you need to provide your normal daily energy use, figure out how many batteries you need, set up a distribution system that gives you what you need where you want it and wa la. Once done, you will be off the grid and paying nothing from the electrical utility. Some places due to deregulations allow you to sell excess power to local utilities too, but those systems need to meet tight standards.
