| There are two different types of solar panels for | | | | These solar panels can heat building interiors by |
| home use, photovoltaic and solar thermal. Whilst | | | | circulating through an under floor system as well |
| both will save you money and enhance your | | | | as providing for domestic hot water, swimming |
| green image, they both work very differently and | | | | pools and spas. |
| are not system interchangeable. Let me explain: | | | | How to Store up the energy for later use. |
| One sort makes electricity and the other will very | | | | In order to make the most out of the energy |
| effectively heat your water. | | | | that the solar panels for home use have |
| Photovoltaic – the electricity generating kind | | | | generated, we will need some storage system. |
| – generates DC current. Typically they are | | | | For the photovoltaic this usually is a battery |
| manufactured of a semi-conductor material like | | | | storage set up. You can use lead acid batteries |
| silicon which interacts with the sunlight that shines | | | | like those found in cars or more expensive sealed |
| on it to create electricity. You can use this | | | | units that require little or no maintenance. |
| electricity to power up computers and other | | | | There other more specialized batteries like Gel |
| appliances or, if the system is big enough, the | | | | Batteries that are great for the colder climates |
| whole house. | | | | and are freeze resistant. |
| Bit of a downside here though, these solar panels | | | | Both home use solar panel set ups typically use |
| for home use only generate electricity whilst the | | | | glass or plastic to encase the collection systems, |
| sun shines; if it's cloudy then the panels are less | | | | and will require direct access to sunlight. Ideally |
| efficient and may not generate a useable amount | | | | they will need a place that is facing south to |
| of power. | | | | maximize the amount of sun on them during the |
| Solar thermal collectors heat up fluid – water | | | | day. |
| or oil typically-by using the suns energy shining on | | | | Even if you have constant sunshine, it's best to |
| panels with hoses or coils inside them. The sun | | | | have some sort of back up for both systems. |
| heats up the liquid in the coils or tubes and this | | | | Either a generator or connection to the grid. This |
| liquid is usually circulated around the system by a | | | | will keep you powered up if the weather turns |
| pump of some kind. | | | | cloudy for a few days. |