One of the problems with photovoltaic (pv) solar panels is their inefficiency relative to other forms of renewable energy. Looking at it one way, this does not seem very important because the energy source – solar power – is free. But solar home energy systems do tend to need a lot of space to produce useful amounts of electric power. It is true that do it yourself solar power assemblies are simple to build, and the materials don’t cost much. Nevertheless, smaller systems would be very welcome, and many solar electric companies, such as Mitsubishi, are rapidly developing residential solar energy systems that will produce pv solar panels with much greater efficiency and at much lower cost.
Costs are likely to be halved every eight years, with improvements in efficiency of 20% to 30% in the same timeframe.
One development uses a type of magnifying glass to squeeze more solar power on to each pv cell. It is called the fresnel effect, which uses optical lenses to beam sunlight on to the PV material. This has resulted in a reduction in size of as much as one fortieth of a normal cell, and there are even better efficiencies expected.
Some pv solar panels are beginning to use new types of polycrystalline cells which produce nearly 25% more power than present systems. Solar power for homes will work better and cost less, and it is not confined to sunny areas either. Contrary to popular belief, pv solar panels work in available light rather than direct sunshine. They do work best in hot countries, where daylight levels are good, but they do also work very well in colder climates, for example Canada and the UK.
Expect developments like these shortly in a solar home near you.
Turning to the vexed question of investment assistance from state and local authorities, there is now a firm move towards more sensible encouragement for the funding of diy home energy systems. For example, the EU has introduced quite ambitious targets for improving renewable energy levels by 2020 in its member states, and this has had a very positive effect on solar energy developments. As a result pv- sourced solar energy is expected to rise from the present 1% to perhaps as much as 12% of total energy usage by that time and, to make this happen, the feed-in tariff system has been introduced in many countries to encourage and sustain renewable energy investment. Several US states already have similar financial incentives.
The feed-in tariff replaces the old idea of partial grants or loans with a mandated price for energy units fed in to the national grid system. This is much more attractive for investors, and will have a great influence on getting a better home solar power system at lower cost.
Solar home energy has always been a favorite project for us, and we know that diy solar power is not only simple but is also very satisfying to make. We know that there are going to be better pv cells available shortly, but it is worth remembering that failure to take action immediately will waste yet more of your money in paying those ever-increasing utility bills.
Building a solar panel will make a big difference. If you would like some professional help and advice, along with some very good quality plans, we suggest you take a look at a kit which, incidentally, we highly recommend. It works very well, doesn’t cost much, and will give you an excellent return very quickly. You will not regret taking our advice.
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