Solar panel systems have always been criticized as bulky and unattractive. New cheap solar power technology is beginning to make such feedback a thing of the past. While everyone agrees solar energy is a clean, cost-effective power source, there has often been one problem. The solar panel systems tended to be large and rather cumbersome. Frankly, they don't add to the visual appeal of a home. While solar energy panel designs have improved over the years, a new development concerning shingles is getting plenty of attention.
Photovoltaic shingles are a major design breakthrough for people that have a distaste for big solar cell systems. These shingles are, well, shingles. They replace the shingles on a roof, but have the look of a regular roof. Though they're black, they don't standout from the roof in the style of panels. Instead , they just look like a regular roof and many people can't tell the difference. Obviously, this continued design is much better than the bulky designs of panel systems.
The technical breakthrough that makes this leading edge technology possible is the invention of thin film photovoltaic power cells. Known as “amorphous silicon thin alloy technology”, the designers basically stepped back from standard solar energy panel designs and did a little bit of thinking. What they realized is the materials used in panels weren't the only ones that might be used. Without getting overly technical, the design team created a solution where better cells could be built on a steel substrate. Each super thin cell was tailored to capture different spectrums of the daylight. When layered on top of each other, they became extremely efficient at making power.
The ultimate result is a system that can sit at once on the roof of a home or building, is more efficient than regular solar cells and much more appealing from a visible viewpoint. If your excuse for not using solar during the past was the size of the system, you need to rethink solar. Will this advanced technology become the breakthrough we've been waiting for in solar energy? It already is if you consider just the following:
1. The U. S. Armed forces is building a solar powered community using it.
2. Museums in Beijing, China are converting to it.
3. Habitat for Humanity is using the system on plenty of the houses it builds.
4. Lockheed Martin is playing with the technology as a energy source for high altitude flights.
In the opinion of many experts, this leading edge technology represent a major breakthrough in solar electricity. With energy costs exploding, solar represents the most practical answer to lessen our dependence on limited oil and natural gas resources. Fortunately , the sun will provide free power for the foreseeable future.
Please visit my website for more information on renewable home energy and instructions on how to build a solar panel from scratch.
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