Solar Energy Panels

Before we deal with the specifics of solar energy panels(photo voltaic modules, solar electric panels), let us emphasize that energy efficiency and conservation is the single best way to reduce our electrical bill.
Let us actively explore and incorporate all avenues of efficiency before pursuing a solar electric system for our home.
That having been said, solar power is an exciting option that is becoming more prevalent every year. We have to do our best to provide upto date information on the existing modules.
The module manufacturers are doing a tremendous job of updating their technology, thus rendering some modules obsolete.
Because of increased popularity of solar panels, manufacturers are having difficulty keeping up with demand and panel supply and price can change rapidly.
Solar electricity is a fascinating top. For really feeding our curiosity, there are some books on Photovoltaics: Design & Install Manual available ion the market. For greater updation/knowledge, a visit to the exhibitions /concerned shops is necessary.
Solar panels (Photovoltaic of PV modules) vary in length and width and are often about 2 inches thick.
There are a side selection of PV modules: framed modules, foldable modules, rollable modules and laminates for the roof. Framed modules are the industry standard, most cost effective and applicable for most applications. Foldable Solar Panels are lightweight and can fold up and fit easily in a backpack.
Flexible / Rollable Solar panels are also lightweight, but bulkier than the foldable panels. Many people use these rollable panels on boats because they are durable and can be easily stowed after use. Roofing solar panels (laminates) are becoming more common, but are still available on a limited basis for now.
Generally these thin-film laminates are more expensive per watt and require more square footage to produce the same wattage of equally sized framed module.
The number of solar panels we need depends primarily upon the amount of electricity we are trying to produce and the insolation in our area. Insolation can be throught of as the number of hours in the day that the solar panel will produce its rated output. This is not equivalent to the number of daylight hours.
We will find solar panels in a variety of wattages. Watts are the main measure of a solar panel along with nominal voltage. For a rough idea of how many watts of solar we will need, let us start by dividing our electrical usage (in watt-hours per day) by the insolation in our area.
Bump that number up by 30-50% (to cover system inefficiencies) and we will have an idea of the number of watts of PV we will need.