Solar
Panel -
Solar Panels
Welcome to
Solar-Part.com. We are pleased to feature a wide range of products and
information technologies that make solar panels power and renewable energy
sources possible. Please browse our store for many great deals on
everything from panels and batteries to chargers and lights – all powered
by the energy of the sun. Our learning center contains enough product and
technology information for consumers to discover how these options can
work for all.
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Winter is
here: consider saving energy and money through solar technology. Heating
and lighting needs for the average American home generally account for
half of its entire energy expenses. Even taking advantage of just a few
solar appliances is certain to offset some of that burden.
Sunlight is
an abundant resource which, when harnessed by PV systems, is a great tool
for offsetting energy consumption. Solar panels transform sunlight into
usable forms of energy for on- or off-grid applications. Wired together in
modular array systems,
solar panels
allow custom, expandable design to meet a variety of energy demands, from
powering a remote pump to lighting an urban home. |
Solar panel manufacturing
technology
In
crystalline silicon
solar cells, the
orderly arrangement of atoms results in the efficient conversion of
sunlight to electricity. A typical crystalline silicon solar panel
consists of a transparent glass surface, an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)
encapsulant, a Tedlar rear layer and an aluminum outer frame.
Because it uses less semiconductor material
thin-film deposition is easier and less
expensive than crystalline silicon-ingot growth techniques because it uses
less semiconductor material. The three principal thin-film technologies
are amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium
gallium diselenide (CIGS). These processes produce high-efficiency modules
that can be built directly into roofing shingles for aesthetic
architectural considerations.
Effective
string-ribbon
manufacturing combines conventional crystalline silicon and emerging thin
film technology. The high-temperature, molten process contributes to a
double yield over conventional solar panel construction per pound of
silicon for high material efficiency.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems
In addition to solar panels, a photovoltaic (PV) system requires a
mounting structure to tilt panels toward the sun, an inverter to convert
panel-generated direct current (DC) into appliance-friendly alternating
current (AC), battery storage to compensate for unfavorable weather
conditions, and a charge controller to regulate battery operation.
Grid-tie systems are interconnected to
the utility network. Wired with a synchronizing inverter, grid-tie systems
feed surplus electricity back into the local utility. The utility acts as
an infinite storage system, eliminating the need for batteries. Grid-tie
systems are aligned with many government-sponsored incentives.
Off-grid systems are stand-alone systems designed for
RV,
cabin, remote, backup and
portable power
applications. Because they do not rely on the electrical grid, off-grid
systems require
batteries to offset
lesser power production due to prolonged periods of inclement weather.
Hybrid
off-grid systems use a gasoline, propane or diesel generator to compensate
for solar power production that is insufficient for energy demands. Then
add solar panels as the budget allows, reducing generator run time.
Even with
the significant initial cost of solar power systems, the renewable nature
of PV technology, low system maintenance, and numerous tax incentives make
solar panel systems an attractive investment for powering homes and
businesses.
