Alternative Energy From The Sun In US

By Joe Maxwell

With gradual depletion of fossil fuels many people understand they have to find an alternative. They are looking for new sources of energy. They are stimulated also by always higher and higher price of the supplied energy connected with lack of the original sources. One of the most important new sources of energy is solar power. It is free and in many areas of US it is in abundance. We can use solar energy by special gadgets and turn it into electricity.

With solar power, you will no longer have to worry about electricity once you've installed the solar power system. Aside from that, you will get clean and renewable energy. When you install a solar power system, you're able to hit two birds with one stone - you're able to save the earth and you can save a lot of money in the coming years. The system can last for about twenty years and that's like a lifetime already. With proper care and maintenance, the system might reach thirty years of service.

In the US, solar power is gaining popularity. Years ago, it would have been impossible to use solar power in homes because it was too expensive. But thanks to modern technology, many homeowners in the US as well as businesses now make use of solar energy. Power bills can surely be reduced thereby saving the environment and the pockets of homeowners or businesspersons.

Many parts of US have abundance of sunlight, e.g. Los Angeles, California. In presence there are so many solar power systems already available. Why then are so rare still these systems in practice? Exploitation of solar energy is still at the very beginning. For higher output we need bigger panels. And big panels dont look nice at the garden or in roof of a house. And we suppose also that the solar panels are also very expensive, over $35,000 for a normal house.

Scientists are still conducting researches and at present, solar power is said to be more efficient now unlike many years ago. Drastic changes were made thereby improving the solar panel's price and appearance. With the invention of the photovoltaic cells, solar power was greatly improved. The cells will be placed on steel substrate to capture sunlight and the energy will be stored within the battery. The photovoltaic panels contain n layers of cells thereby increasing its efficiency. These new panels make use of the 'amorphous silicon thin alloy technology'. Through this technology, the cells are not bulky anymore and highly efficient. With stylish photovoltaic panels, your house or office will still look pleasant to eye with the panel on top.

Aside from the cell, photovoltaic shingles were also invented. Basically, the shingles modified solar panels. If you don't want to use bulky solar panels, this is an excellent choice because of its aesthetic and convenient design. The photovoltaic shingles look like ordinary shingles and are colored black.

The photovoltaic cells and shingles have definitely enhanced the solar power technology. Who knows? Perhaps in the future, experts and scientists will develop smaller cells, panels, etc. Check out LA and see the solar powered homes there. You can now start calculating your home's electrical requirements so that you can determine the right size of the power system. Start with a small project and work your way up but if you can afford to pay for readymade ones, go ahead. - 31812

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