Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and water consumption. It can be used on a hyperlocal level by people for their own power consumption, or scaled up to power entire cities and towns. Contact The Amp Solar Company for professional help.
The large black solar panels that are installed on homes and businesses are made of a bunch of individual photovoltaic cells. Each cell is a semi-conductor made of polycrystalline silicon that absorbs sunlight and turns it into electricity. The solar panels are then connected together to create one panel. The most common materials in a solar panel are glass and aluminum, both of which can be recycled easily. Other components like inverters and racking equipment are also recyclable. However, there are still some hazardous materials in solar panels that need to be carefully separated and disposed of properly.
The glass is tempered to be extremely durable and sturdy, and it’s incredibly clear so that as much of the sun’s rays as possible can make it through to the solar cells underneath. SolarCycle then grinds up the old solar panels and uses a patented process to separate out the silver, copper, and crystalline silicon. These materials can then be sold for reuse in the production of new solar panels.
A plastic or Mylar backsheet and a glass cover protect the solar cells from the elements and critters that might try to nibble on them from behind. The backsheet also provides insulation and prevents electric current from passing from the solar panel to surfaces it touches, such as your roof or a window.
The biggest challenge for solar recycling is separating the individual solar cells from their protective plastic and glass enclosures. This is a labor-intensive and energy-consuming process that can expose workers to toxic metals. To improve the recycling process, companies are developing better disassembly tools that can help workers safely access the individual components. There are also new efforts to reduce the amount of rare, expensive, and environmentally harmful materials used in solar panel production.
They’re Easy to Maintain
Solar panels are self-cleaning to a degree, but they’ll need regular cleaning to remove dirt build-up that will decrease energy output. They can also be impacted by environmental factors, such as dust storms and pollen season. The good news is that with the right equipment and a few simple steps, it’s easy to keep solar panels clean and working like new.
The best supplies to have on hand for cleaning solar panels are a soft scrub brush, a water hose with a spray nozzle (for wetting and rinsing), a micro-fiber window cleaning cloth or squeegee, and a solar panel cleaner for stubborn stains. A visual inspection should be carried out before starting the cleaning process, so that you can check for any damage or debris build-up. Once the cleaning is done, a squeegee or micro-fiber cloth should be used to dry the solar panels, removing any residual water residue that can decrease efficiency.
It’s important to note that a thorough cleaning should be conducted at least twice a year, particularly in climates where rainfall is less frequent. You may need to clean your solar panels more often during the winter when snow cover tends to be higher, or if you live in an area with high concentrations of dust and organic matter, which can obstruct sunlight.
In addition to cleaning, homeowners can also protect their investment with strong warranties and power output guarantees from reputable solar companies. Solar panels are a smart and sustainable choice for any home or business, providing a reliable source of energy that can be easily maintained with minimal effort.
If you’re considering a residential or commercial solar energy system, don’t hesitate to contact us to get more information about how our solar systems can save you money and protect the environment. We can answer any questions you have and schedule a free site visit to help determine if solar is the best option for you. We look forward to hearing from you!
They’re Affordable
The upfront cost of going solar can be a major barrier to many homeowners. However, as the technology is no longer new and companies have gotten into the game more aggressively, it’s possible to find quality solar panels that are very affordable. Depending on where you live and your power consumption, there are also financial incentives available. If you want to reduce the initial five-figure bill, it’s worth comparing quotes from different installers.
The type of solar panel you choose also has a major impact on the cost. Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency and power output but are more expensive than polycrystalline. Thin-film panels, which have a thin layer of photovoltaic (PV) material on a substrate, are less expensive than crystalline solar panels but don’t produce as much electricity. Some installers may offer used or refurbished solar panels, which can be cheaper than buying new ones but must be tested and verified for proper functionality.
Solar panel technology is constantly improving, so newer panels are often more efficient than older models. However, even a low-efficiency solar panel can provide sufficient energy for most homeowners. The cost of solar depends on the number and type of solar panels you choose and whether you opt for a hybrid system or a PV-only system, which doesn’t include an inverter.
If you can afford it, paying cash is the best way to go solar. This will eliminate the possibility of high financing fees or interest rates, and it will accelerate your payback period.
If paying cash isn’t an option, consider a solar loan or lease. Solar leases can be cheaper than purchasing a solar system outright, but they do come with some downsides. For example, solar leases typically don’t increase your home value and can be difficult to break free of once you’ve signed a long-term contract. Additionally, leasing solar panels usually doesn’t give you the freedom to pick the exact components for your system and can require a higher payment per month. If you’re interested in learning more about how to make solar work for you, get a quote today.
They’re Environmentally Friendly
Solar panels are a clean, green energy source that helps us combat greenhouse gases and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. While they do impose some environmental costs during manufacture and installation, these tolls are negligible when compared to the damage caused by traditional power sources.
The solar panel process itself is a little bit less ecofriendly, but industry leaders are making strides to address this problem. For example, thinner silicon wafers and lower-temperature processing techniques can reduce energy consumption and material usage. Many manufacturers also use renewable energy to run their plants, further reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, many companies find ways to repurpose production byproducts, further minimizing waste.
Another major benefit of solar panels is that they don’t emit any pollution. This is true even for grid-tied systems, which rely on the electric grid for backup power. Grid-tied solar systems generate a DC current that passes through an inverter to convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most household appliances. In addition, solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to work; they can even produce electricity on cloudy days.
When it comes to the materials that go into a solar panel, the United States has stringent environmental laws to ensure that they aren’t disposed of improperly. While the manufacturing of solar cells involves chemicals that are hazardous to humans and the environment, these chemicals are tightly bound in the glass and plastic of a solar panel and can’t be released into the air or water unless the panel is broken or burnt.
In terms of actual solar panel construction, copper metal conductors and wiring connect the silicon cells together into one large solar panel. The cells are then covered with a protective film and polymer-based materials to prevent leaking or tampering. Finally, a silver coating intercepts the electrons in the silicon and turns them into electricity.
While it’s not yet possible to label solar panels with an ecolabel, the solar industry has made significant efforts to improve its sustainability. The most popular photovoltaic manufacturers have signed on to the Solar Industry Environment & Social Responsibility Commitment, which includes pledges to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses, minimize the use of natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
