How Do Solar Heating Panels Work?

There are mainly two types of solar water heaters in conjunction with residential solar power. Evacuated tube and flat plate. The flat solar panels are far more cheaper to make, but they are a lot less effective and efficient than the evacuated ones.

If you live in a climate where you get a lot of sunshine all year round, then the flat panels will do a decent job of heating your water. If you live in a place where there is very little sunshine, they can in fact take heat out of your home.

If you do live in areas with less fortunate climates, then the evacuated tube systems will work for you very well. They are however more expensive.
The evacuated tube solar panels have been around for about ten years, and have proven to be very reliable indeed.

The vacuum tubes are made up of tough glass, with a heat pipe running through it. The solar energy is absorbed into the inner glass coated surface, but the inner silver lining prevents re-radiating. This has a similar effect as a one way mirror that has been optimized for infra red radiation. Over 90% of the suns energy is absorbed which is impressive.

The vacuum wall within this type of solar panel will act like a thermos flask, which will definitely allow this system to be effective in very low temperatures.
So even if you live at the north pole, this nifty system will work very well for you.

Residential solar power has indeed come a long way.

How does residential solar power work?

The method that goes into creating residential solar power consists of:

Solar panels

These will normally be located on the roof of your property, but don't have to be. These will convert the sunlight into
DC power.

Power converter

This will convert the Dc power into AC power, which is the same as what we get from the national grid, and what our household.
equipment runs on.

Electric Panel

Electricity traveling from the inverter now needs to go to the electrical service panel or breaker box. The power will then be distributed
From here to the various electrical points in the home

Electric utility meter

When more power is actively produced than is required in your home, this excess will flow through the electric meter, causing it to run backwards
giving you credit with the electric utility company.

Utility Grid

During the night and at high energy demands in the day, the utility grid will kick in generously supply you with central electricity when the demand exceeds the solar energy system

Residential Solar Power In the Home

Residential solar power works by transferring sunlight into electricity. This is done by the use of solar panels.
When the sunlight is more intense, the more electricity that will be produced.
Based on an average home, around 10 watts per square foot will be generated. This is also determined by the size of solar panels
That are being used. When making your decision as to if you should switch to solar energy, you need to be aware that this form of energy
Is more expensive than utility based power as you will be paying for the equipment for some years. However in the long run it will prove to be cost effective.
There are various reasons that people prefer to go to solar power. For some it will for the environmental friendly aspects and for
others it will be to cutting out of their monthly utility bill payments.