If you are living in LA with solar panels to harness the energy of the sun, you are not alone. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power budgeted $30 million annually for residential solar rebates, and this year approximately 1,500 applications for a total of $70 million have been filed. Los Angeles residents are installing solar panels at a more rapid rate than anticipated.

Every day the sun’s rays hit your roof and the solar panels on it; the LA solar panels converts that into electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic. Advances in solar electricity products and utility regulations make generating solar power easy and affordable. The center of the conversion is the solar panel. The panel may be one large cell, but is more likely a serious of cells wired together.

Types of Solar Panels

There are three basic types of solar panels available: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Both crystalline types are supported by an aluminum frame, covered with glass. The thin film can be used in a rigid frame or flexible frame. In LA, the solar panels most commonly used are the monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

Crystalline solar panels may be installed on a roof or on the ground in a rack. Thin film panels are used on a roof. The crystalline panels are more durable and have a longer life span. The crystalline panels are the preferred panels by many, although with technology rapidly moving forward the thin film panels will likely gain popularity. Of the two crystalline types, monocrystalline panels are usually the more efficient type.

Monocrystalline panels use one large sheet of silicon cut to the size of a panel making one large cell. Metal strips are placed over the panel to conduct electricity. Polycrystalline panels use several small cells put together.

Thin films have no crystalline silicon and can be applied directory to a metal roof or integrated into roofing shingles. These panels are produced quicker, cost less, and are more versatile, but are currently the least efficient type of solar panel.

Regardless of the type of solar panels you choose, it’s still an excellent way to use a renewable energy source which benefits the environment, future generations, and your pocketbook. Even without significant rebates, electric costs in LA with solar panels are said to be reduced by almost $700 annually. It’s at least worth a little research and consideration.