Solar Panels

Solar Panels

The utilization of solar panels is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity that's capable of powering remote appliances or even partially powering your home or workplace.

There are two main forms of solar cells in existence today and these are "solar electricity panels" and "solar hot water panels". The two different technologies available allow you to either generate electricity or provide a hot water supply.


As time goes by we begin to see new, increasingly efficient solar panel designs. This continues to make the use of photovoltaic power more viable to homeowners and businesses over electricity sources derived from fossil fuel sources.

It's unlikely we will see heavy industry using photovoltaic electricity for quite some time due to the much larger energy demand that industry requires, however, with increasingly efficient solar power technologies becoming available, photovoltaic electricity systems may be able to one day power large industrial facilities.

As the technologies surrounding the use of photovoltaics improve, we are likely to see a much greater, widespread use of solar cells.

Solar Electricity Panels
Solar (or photovoltaic) cells are a very useful way of providing electricity to remote areas where the use of electricity may be essential yet the laying of high voltage cable may not be viable. The best example of the importance of solar energy to provide electricity in remote locations can be found in space. For many years, satellites have been using solar panels to catch the sun's rays to provide power to the equipment on board.


Photovoltaic cells can be aligned as an array, as shown to the top of this page. There are many advantages of using a solar cell array with various panels fitted along a mounting system. One of the main advantages is that we are able to combine various numbers of cells to provide a greater output of electricity and this method makes solar electricity a viable option to contribute to powering small homes and businesses. Large scale arrays are capable of powering larger homes and businesses.

The increasing efficiency of solar energy technologies means we are able to purchase and install panels knowing we are likely to receive an efficient means of harnessing energy from the sun's rays to turn into electricity for use in our homes.

It's possible for a household to receive its full amount of electricity from solar energy through the use of solar panels, yet this is unlikely in most cases. The costs involved with supplying a whole house with electricity from photovoltaic panels would be quite high for the average homeowner. The use of solar electricity in the average home is still a viable option to provide a substantial amount of electricity helping to reduce energy bills over the period of operation.

Solar Hot Water Panels
The use of solar panels to heat water is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to the cost savings associated with this method.

A good solar hot water panel system is able to provide an average household with around a third of its annual hot water supply. While this may not sound much, it can reduce energy costs by a considerable amount.

Some installations combine both solar hot water panels with solar electricity panels, helping to provide reduced energy costs whilst harnessing a renewable and clean source of energy.

The combination of a solar hot water panel with other renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or a home wind turbine can work quite well in providing a source of cheap, clean, and renewable energy for our homes.

Integration is key for the success of a solar electricity system, so be sure to consult an expert in this field when planning any installation. Reputable renewable energy installation companies should be able to provide advice on the most appropriate solution for your area and personal requirements.

Clean Energy Sources

Clean Energy Sources

The use of natural energy sources to provide heating and electricity is rapidly increasing in popularity among homeowners.

The increasing use of natural and renewable energy sources is needed to help take the burden off our current dependency on fossil fuels. The significantly high level of fossil fuel products burnt each and every day is polluting of the air and surrounding environments and may also be contributing to climate change.

By making the switch to natural and renewable energy sources, you will be doing your part in helping to improve the quality of the environment and the air we breathe. Although many other issues need to be addressed, making the switch is a large step forward in the fight for a cleaner environment.

With increasing evidence suggesting the burning of fossil fuels is contributing towards climate change, now is the time to switch to alternative means of generating energy.

Clean Energy Ideas was launched in 2007 in an attempt to try and educate visitors to the importance of the use of renewable energy sources. You will find lots of educational material throughout the website, and much of this information relates to how you can get involved in energy conservation and producing your very own natural energy.

The many different natural and renewable energy technologies highlighted throughout the website are by no means breakthrough. Many of these renewable energy technologies have been around for years and as time goes by are increasing in efficiency and benefiting from technological innovation.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Natural Energy Sources

Below are just a handful of the many advantages relating to the use of natural and renewable energy sources:

The sun, wind, tides, and geothermal activity are all renewable.
After the initial cost of; solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal energy systems, the only cost to the consumer relates to any required maintenance. You could even sell excess electricity back to your national grid.
No more price rises from gas, energy or electricity companies. You could be fully carbon neutral, eliminating your dependency on the remaining reserves of fossil fuels.
Use as much or as little of the renewable electricity you're able to generate without feeling guilty for any wastage.
By switching to the use of renewable energy sources we're able to make the remaining oil, gas and coal supplies last longer.
Government grants may be available for some natural energy projects depending on your location.
Below, you can see a selection of the disadvantages relating to the use of clean energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels:

The initial cost of renewable energy systems can be expensive.
It can be very difficult to switch your current energy or power supply to the use of renewable energy, but you could get close with a realistic budget and the implementation of different renewable energy technologies such as a wind turbine and solar panel combination.

Reducing the Effects OF Global Warming

There are many other steps you can take to reduce the effects of global warming which are unrelated to the use of natural energy sources. Many of these steps are easy, affordable and can start at home.

Something as basic as regular recycling can have a significant impact on the environment whilst saving energy during the manufacture of new products.

Carbon emissions are a direct result of not only heavy industry and transport but also the average household. Energy efficiency and conservation is a key aspect in reducing the effects of global warming, and there are steps that can be taken around the home to achieve this.