Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials, primarily crystalline silicon. They are usually installed on roofs, and their efficiency is influenced by geographical location and sun exposure. A grid-tied system allows users to supplement their solar production with utility power, while off-grid systems have higher installation costs but provide long-term savings on electricity bills.

1. The Solar Photovoltaic Panel Process: Technical definition and description<br /> What are Solar PV Panels?Photovoltaic panels (PV) conduct energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Photo stands for light, while voltaic means electricity. The panels are made up of PV cells which consist of semiconductor material, such as crystalline silicon, which absorb sunlight and store it. The cells are typically combined into modules or panels to create solar panels. by Catherine Daccache<br />Did you know?<br />PV cells have been around <br />for ages! You have probably<br />seen them in watches, <br />calculators, and electric <br />road signs. But it wasn’t until recently that engineers have turned to them to produce solar electricity for houses and utility grids. The main reason for this is because they lower the amount of oil and natural gas used to power and heat homes. Moreover, they are 100 % environment-friendly as they emit absolutely no pollution into our atmosphere. <br />3836035185420<br />Are Solar PV Panels Right For Your Home? <br />Geographical location matters! It is important to consider how many peak sun hours your system will get. The ideal sun exposure time is from 9 am to 3 pm. People living in stormy, cloudy, and foggy areas might have more trouble getting sufficient power from their solar panels, and in turn might need to install more solar panels on their rooftops. However, because solar electric systems only produce power during clear skies, many consumers connect their solar system to a utility power grid, which is a fancy word for a local solar power supplier in your region. The utility power grid then provides additional electricity if need be. This type of system is called a grid-tied system, as opposed to an <br />off-grid system, in which you do not pay for additional power from a local supplier. <br />35515552404745The 13 \"
PV hotspots\"
in each province and territory in Canada in terms of yearly PV potential for South-facing PV panels with latitude tilt<br />Where are PV panels installed? <br />Most PV panels are installed on solar south-facing roofs, or can rotate on an axis, as illustrated in Figure 1. They are parallel to the roof’s slope in the northern hemisphere, and are installed on solar north-facing roofs in the southern hemisphere. <br />Figure 1<br />Solar Panel Costs <br />Installation depends on whether your system is grid-tied or off-grid. Typical off-grid installation amounts to an approximate $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 CAN per kilowatt hour. <br />Electricity bill fees depend on how much of the household is powered by solar panels. Also, the more energy-efficient the household is prior to the installation, the smaller and less expensive the system will be since there will already be a reduced consuming of electricity. <br />Installation fees also differ by location. If you reside in a state or area with generous incentives to install solar panels, you are more prone to rebates, low interest loans, and perhaps tax exemptions for “going green”. <br />Solar Panel Savings<br />Reduces costs of energy over time and adds value to the household.<br />It is cheaper to save electricity than to generate it. Solar energy is free once solar panels are installed, which makes it rewarding in the long-run.<br />Savings depend on two factors: 1) the amount spent on current electric bills. 2) the amount your solar panels will provide. For instance, if a household uses 1000 KWH per month and it costs $ 200 CAN, then installing solar panels that provide 250 KWH each month will reduce $ 50 CAN off the bill. <br />At the Micro LevelHow Do Solar Panels Work?<br />At the Macro Level<br />Helpful Links on Solar Panels: <br />Resources: <br />