livinggreen


 * Welcome** to the wonderful and interesting world of //solar panels,// an often used alternative energy source. From toasters to powering multi-million dollar buildings, electricity is used in our everyday lives. As the world progresses and uses more and more electricity, some fear that the electricity powering our lives might soon run out. Solar panels provide a different way of making energy, by taking the energy from the sun and converting it into the power that we use everyday.



media type="custom" key="7972354" Solar panels are energy converters. When sunlight reaches these panels, or thin, flexible,lightweight shingles with protective glass or plastic on the outside, the thin-film photovoltaic receives the rays, then the durable metal fabric converts the solar energy that it recieves into electricity that can be used to power one's home. Solar panels simply soak up the sun and turn solar energy into energy anyone can use as electricity. This type of alternative energy source relies on the sun, and not electricity. There is no electric bill every month if one were to insert solar panels on their roof.
 * What are Solar Panels?**



The process that solar energy is converted into electricity is not complicated. The sun's rays that create positive energy goes into the top of the panel, drops down to the bottom, creating negative energy that's is used as electricity. One can find electricity practically everywhere in their everyday lives. Electricity powers homes, street lamps, buildings, and everything that is plugged into an outlet. Life would be incredibly difficult if electricity did not exist. Solar panels provide an alternative way to create and preserve electricity.
 * How it Works**



Solar panels are very useful. It helps the earth by just using the earth's natural resources that probably will never run out or fall short. The sun's power isn't going to run out anytime soon, so scientists discovered a way to create something that takes the sun's energy and remakes it into electricity that can be used to power almost everything. Of course, nothing is perfect. While some may be wondering, //why doesnt everybody use this alternative energey source?// The truth is, solar panels, like anything, has its pros and cons.
 * Why are Solar Panels Useful?**

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Solar panels save energy They save money once in action They save the environment Prevents electric black-outs Can work in snow and all weather, unlike some cases of electricity
 * Pros**

Solar panels are expensive Solar panels can be difficult to construct They won't work when covered by more than 4 inches of snow, but can work in most weather
 * Cons**

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 * Why Doesn't Every Home Use Solar Energy?**

Solar Panels can be very expensive to install. If one would get a loan from the bank they can pay for the panels rather than pay their electric bill. Someone can pay the bank for a couple months and never paying for the electric bills again. A family-sized system with super-efficient appliances cost approximately $15,000. A minimal package of solar panels and batteries costs about $1000. Installation is even more expansive, and for those who live "off the grid", or far from civilization, installation can be as much as $10 a foot or more! Yet once in use, solar energy can save tons of money on electric bills.

|jdbmihjnh||ssJN "Christian Science Monitor"||sljh','');|Christian Science Monitor, 11/1/2010, pN.PAG, 1p |jdbmihjnh||ssJN "Time for Kids"||sljh','');|Time for Kids, 11/9/2007, Vol. 13 Issue 10, p3-3, 1/3p, 1 Color Photograph |jdbmihjnh||ssJN "Mother Earth News"||sljh','');|Mother Earth News, Feb/Mar2010, Issue 238, p44-48, 4p // Energy for the Future //, 2009, p14-15, 2p, 2 Color Photographs |jdbmihjnh||ssJN "USA Today"||sljh','');|USA Today, 10/06/2010 Voki.com Google images youtube.com bestanimations.com
 * Sources:** Searchasaurus