Solar energy is the quintessential clean alternative for home use. Despite this, and the growth it is registering around the world, ignorance about it is still widespread. This makes it harder for many of the people who could benefit from this renewable source. So that it does not happen to you, we stop at one of the basic elements of the gear to know the types of solar panels that exist and, thus, be able to take full advantage of clean energy. 

Before you start thinking about installing a solar panel system, you need to make sure that your house, more specifically your roof, is prepared for such an installation. Your roof must be in good condition; If you know that your roof needs to be repaired, then you should do those repairs before installing any solar panels. Otherwise, you will have to remove and reattach the panels during future repairs or replacements. 

You should also make sure that there are no large areas of shade on most of the roof for most of the day, especially during the hours of greatest sunshine. Shade prevents solar panels from operating at maximum efficiency. Once you know that your roof is compatible, it is time to consider the type of solar panel that is most suitable for your home and for what you want to use it, generate electricity, heat water. 

Here at West Wire Solar, our solar power packages include all the products required in the installation of a superior solar power system that will withstand even the most intense sunlight received. 

The classic: photovoltaic solar panel 

Where he says, they should be the ones because, although these panels are the most popular, in extent of use and level of knowledge by the general population, there is no single photovoltaic solar panel. 

Before that, let’s start with the basics. The photovoltaic plates what they do is capture the energy that comes from the sun so that, from there, it is converted into alternating current suitable for feeding the different equipment in the home. In this sense, it is important to keep in mind that a solar panel of this type, by itself, will be worth little or nothing. This is so because the plates are only one of the necessary components for a domestic solar installation that, in addition, will need an inverter and, depending on the use it is given, storage batteries. 

In any case, the panels are the key and the starting point. Therefore, it is important to know that there are many types that exist. To begin with, it is necessary to distinguish between two fundamental ones: monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels. Choosing one or the other will have consequences, both in the price of the installation and in the level of efficiency, among other aspects. 

A point where the two previous panels coincide is the material with which they are made: silicon. Just as photovoltaic panels dominate the market, this material does so in the solar cells of this technology. So much so that it is estimated that 9 out of 10 photovoltaic panels use silicon. 

However, innovation in this field does not stop, so the previous typologies must continue to be added. Bio-photovoltaic panels such as these, from the University of Cambridge, or others such as thin-film panels are beginning to gain ground in a world in which, in addition, many more alternatives are yet to come. 

Solar collectors. 

Those who are not yet involved in the world of clean energies, may not be aware that they are multipurpose. Thus, in addition to generating electricity, solar energy can be used to heat a home, heat a swimming pool, or do the same with domestic hot water. All of the above, of course, provided the proper installation is available. 

Which? The one that, in front of the classic photovoltaic panels, goes to the thermal solar panels or solar collectors. In this case, what would be achieved is that the energy that is recovered from the sun is converted, no longer into electricity, but into usable heat for any of the listed uses. 

Although this is a universe in constant innovation, broadly speaking, the solar collectors that can be found in the market are divided into three classes, ranging from low temperature to high. Between both, the medium temperature collectors, which manage to reach 90 degrees using a cover that prevents heat loss. 

A little less, specifically 50 degrees, reach the low-temperature thermal panels that, with this, would allow the use of solar energy for home heating and to satisfy the needs of domestic hot water. The same uses would be given to medium temperature collectors, which would be suitable for homes and commercial surfaces. 

Finally, there would be the high temperature collectors, which can take it much higher than the previous ones. This typology is oriented to the generation of electricity in thermal power plants, so it is out of residential use. Incidentally, for this purpose, making a domestic solar collector is possible for those who enjoy DIY (Do it Yourself or do it yourself). 

2 x 1: Hybrid Solar Panel 

To squeeze the best out of one (the photovoltaic) and the best out of the other (the thermal collector) comes the 2 × 1 solar panel or, as it is officially known, the hybrid solar panel. As its name suggests, in this case what is offered is a solution that combines the two previous ones, in a single panel, to capture energy from the sun to generate electricity and, also, to produce heat with which to heat domestic hot water or heat a home. 

Thus, the muscle of this type of panel is evident, because it favors both uses and, also, because it represents a significant reduction in the space required for installation. This is so because when opting for this type of mixed panel you go from two installations to one. 

Therefore, this alternative is ideal for those who want to get the most out of the sun, but have difficulties in doing so due to lack of space. In addition to homeowners, those from any other facility (schools, hospitals, etc.) can also go to hybrid solar installations. Also, these panels can be very suitable for your industrial application. 

Select our company, West Wire Solar for the installation of your brand-new solar panels and save a lot of money on energy bills while you contribute to the preservation of the environment.