Photovoltaic (PV) cells make up solar panels. These cells are made up of silicone wafers that feature boron and phosphorous solutions. One side of the wafer is designed with a boron solution film while the opposite side is covered with a phosphorous solution. Amorphous cell solar panels, mono-crystalline cell solar panels and poly-crystalline cell solar panels are three types of solar panels available to consumers. Despite the slight difference in price between solar panels, they all function to convert solar radiation into usable electricity.
Flat plate collectors are designed to heat a given supply of water without burning fossil fuels. A flat plate collector system can be custom-designed to supply the needs of the consumer. These devices feature a water- or oil-filled piping system that is heated in the presence of solar radiation from the sun. Larger flat plate collector systems can heat thousands of gallons of water each day.
Solar devices may be associated with high initial purchase costs; however, the energy saved from employing solar devices can dramatically offset a consumer's long-term energy costs. The energy savings enjoyed by consumers with solar devices pays for the device and the cost of installation within 10 years of employing the device. Amorphous panels, mono-crystalline panels and poly-crystalline panels are available in the $8 to $11 range per watt. Poly-crystalline panels are found at the lower end of this cost spectrum and mono-crystalline panels are found at the higher end. An 80-gallon flat plate collector system can be professionally installed for typically less than $4,000. Commercial-grade flat plate collector systems that provide up to 1,700 gallons of hot water daily can run upwards of $50,000.
Many state governments in America offer their residents incentive programs to install solar devices on their property. Tax rebates can largely offset the initial purchase cost of a solar panel system or a flat plate collector system. Wyoming residents that install solar devices for their homes can qualify for as much as $3,000 worth of assistance to install the solar devices.