So do you want to know about the thin film solar panel? I understand how a lot of people want to use solar energy to power their homes. Solar panels are a viable solar energy source, both environmentally and economically.

I am a green person myself; I use solar systems to power my own home. And guess what?

I was able to save a lot of money on my electricity bill, and so can you!

Now let me ask you a question- You all know the traditional thick panels, right?

Of course, you do. Most of you have seen these on many roof tops.

Get this- Thin film solar panels are the newer, thinner type of panel that has the potential to make solar energy much more affordable.

Thin panel versus thick panel

The main reason why solar units have not been widely affordable in the past is because thick panels are made of expensive materials, and they cost much to manufacture.

On the other hand, thin panels are made of much cheaper materials, and the cost of production is almost 3 times less than that of the first generation of panels, which means that they are much more affordable.

Thin film also means that the solar cell is smaller, lighter weight, and more flexible than traditional cells. Thin systems pack more wattage in less space.

Unlike thick panels that need a steel structure to hold them in place, thin film solar panels can be integrated into the roof or wall itself.

Warning: Thin film panels are very practical to use, there are small portable solar units that can be carried with you anywhere you go.

With new thin film solar panels the price of solar systems is coming down!

You can see available thin panels on the market by clicking here

You can still buy the components from your local hardware and do it yourself.

Check this out to learn how to build your own solar panel

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Newmen

Earth is part of the Solar System. It provides everything that allows us to exist. That isn't expected to change until the Sun begins its expansion to a red giant in about 1.1 billion years.

“When the Sun does begin to bloat up, it will go quickly, sweeping through the inner Solar System in just 5 million years. It will then enter its relatively brief (130 million year) helium-burning phase. It will expand past the orbit of Mercury, and then Venus. By the time it approaches the Earth, it will be losing 4.9 x 1020 tonnes of mass every year (8% the mass of the Earth).
But the habitable zone will be gone much sooner. Astronomers estimate that will expand past the Earth's orbit in just a billion years. The heating Sun will evaporate the Earth's oceans away, and then solar radiation will blast away the hydrogen from the water. The Earth will never have oceans again. It will eventually become molten again.
One interesting side benefit for the Solar System. Even though the Earth, at a mere 1.5 astronomical units, will no longer be within the Sun's habitable zone, much of the Solar System will be. The new habitable zone will stretch from 49.4 AU to 71.4 AU, well into the Kuiper Belt. The formerly icy worlds will melt, and liquid water will be present beyond the orbit of Pluto. Perhaps Eris will be the new homeworld.”

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