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Solar Electric Panels – Which One for What Use? Find out how to make sure you choose the right solar panel for your needs.Solar Electric Panels: The use of solar technology is rapidly becoming more mainstream. Unfortunately, unless you’re a “techie” it seems there little information available to help the average person make sure they’re choosing the best solar electrical panels for their need.
Understanding the basics of solar power and how it is converted, store, and used will help you to make the right choices of solar panels. Price is not he only factor to consider as you make your reviews. Where you live and your local environment will play a major part on your selection.
A stand-alone solar electric system is one that operates independently of another power generating system. These are often used to generate lighting, heating, cooling and in remote areas to provide DC current.
The most popular solar electric panels (also called photovoltaic panels or PV panels) are made from silicon. PV systems can be grid tied ( tied into local utility), off gird, or stand alone systems.
Based on how they are made they are divided into three categories, single-crystal silicon, multi-crystal silicon, and amorphous.
Thin-film photovoltaic panels use less semiconductor material than the standard crystalline silicon technique. Thin film products are made by sequentially depositing thin layers of different materials into a very thin substrate.
Two thin-film products are currently available, amorphous silicon and copper indium gallium disclenide (CIGS) Both of these thin-film solar modules have less manufacturing processes and can be deposited on cheaper substrates such as plastic, glass or metal. This directly affects overall cost in a positive manner allowing these two products to be very competitive in the markets.
The amorphous systems absorb a wider spectrum of visible light allowing the system to produce electricity from even dusk and dawn spectrums. This can be a definite advantage in locations where sunshine is limited and low light overcast skies are more prevalent. Even though these systems can use more light spectrums, their overall efficiency is typically lower than traditional systems.
Using solar calculators to determine your needs can help you make the best decision for your system.
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