Solar energy has been around for almost a hundred years. But it is now becoming more popular amongst home and business owners.
Are you considering it? There are many people like you.
Why do people like solar energy?
Most people like solar energy because we can use it to save money on electricity bills.
Still, most people don’t understand how solar panels work.
Sometimes I feel also don’t.
In this article, we touch on some questions people like.
But, before we do, let’s answer this question:
What are solar panels?
Solar panels have many definitions.
The easiest one is: it is a technology that converts light from the sun.
They turn particles of energy called “photons” into electricity.
From there, they generate electrical power for our homes, factories, offices, etc.
It is one of the cost-effective renewable energies in the United States and the world over.
The below stats on solar on panels attest to it:
- At least 16.4 million American homes use solar panels.
- Solar energy in America reduces 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide yearly.
- At least 92.7 billion solar panels are in use throughout the world.
- The average cost for solar energy is between $10,000 and $30,000.
Is It Safe to Walk On Solar Panels?
Your solar is on your roof, and you are wondering if it’s safe to walk on it?
You may want to walk on it to fix it or check if everything on your roof is okay.
But before you can climb up there, you need assurance that they are safe.
Put differently, you want to know if the solar panel can electrocute you.
Solar panels are pretty much safe to walk on. Word of caution: avoid walking on them because your weight may damage cells.
In some cases, render them non-functioning.
Can Your Solar Panels Break?
Yes! Solar panels can break when you put too much pressure on them.
Once they fail, you may have to replace them, which will cost you more.
Example: John (38) owns a house in Hawaii where his family spends more on electricity bills.
A week ago, John’s family received their first solar energy. He wants to climb the roof to check the solar panel, but he is unsure if that would be safe.
After calling his service provider, John receives the following advice:
- Make sure that you don’t step on your solar energy machine. Your weight might break the solar panels.
- Stepping on your solar panel may break your solar cells. And breaking those would mean replacing the entire solar energy machine.
- Avoid stepping on your solar panels with dirty shoes.
Can a Broken Solar Panel Still Work?
Let’s say John doesn’t heed his service provider’s advice.
He decides that he will go up there and check out his solar panels.
He was wearing his dirty shoes and all.
After all, his solar panel has cost him a lot. So, it must be a quality product.
After stepping on his solar panel, it breaks.
Oh no, did John lose his solar energy? “Well, I can still fix it.” He thinks to himself. Can he? What can you do when you find yourself in the same situation as John?
- You claim the damage from your insurance.
- If you have the technical know-how, you try to fix it. Or call an expert to help you.
- If you break one cell, you can replace it, and your solar energy will work again.
- Or, you can buy another one.
Which applications use solar panels?
Some applications are suitable with solar panels; others are not. Some industries use solar panels while others don’t.
Applications include the following:
- Photovoltaic power stations
- Rooftop solar PV systems
- Stand-Alone PV systems
- Solar hybrid power systems
- Concentrated photovoltaics
- Solar planes
What Types of Solar Panels are they?
There are many types of solar panels; they include the following:
- Monocrystalline solar modules: These are small solar panels that take less space. They are efficient as large solar panels.
- Polycrystalline solar module: These kinds of panels are affordable and straightforward. But capable of powering your home.
- Thin-film solar cells: They use substrate and photovoltaic cells to generate power.
- Amorphous silicon solar cells: come with several layers that enhance their efficiency.
- Biohybrid solar cell: utilizes a more natural method of photosynthesis. It also uses organic and non-organic matter.
What are the benefits of using solar panels?
Solar panels offer many benefits to homeowners and businesses.
Some of them include:
- Solar panels don’t emit pollutants. Thanks to the clean energy that they use, they can reduce their carbon footprint.
- Solar panels help us save on high electric bills: Who wouldn’t like using free electricity?
- You don’t need any planning permission: – All you have to do is contact a solar panel specialist. They install it for you right away.
