The Solar panel system works just as efficient on a winter's day as a summer's day just as long as the sun shines all day long.The only problem is the days are shortier in the winter, the weather is usually overcast.We need more energy in the winter because of the bad weather, where as in the summer we need very little. Solar panels can be incorparated with excisting gas central heating systems or with the aid of a wood burner provide a complete independent heating system.
The flate plate system is less efficient,but cheap.It uses flate plate of darkened metal to absorb sunlight and transmit heat.
The evacuated tube system uses vaccum-sealed glass tubes,with a channel of heat-cconducting fluid at the center which tranfers the heat via a pipe.They are very efficient but reports tend to query their reliability long term.
The Photovoltaic Solar panel works on the principle of the movement of ions from positive to negative. Light energy is converted to chemical energy and they are therefore more efficient in countries with hot climates.The amount of electricity produced is low and cost per KW provided high. The electricity can be used on a 12 volt system or with the aid of an inverter be transformed to 240 volts. Some energy is lost during the transformation to 240 volts. They are also used as a backup for wind turbines.
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