solar pv kits
Solar Energy Systems Made of Component Parts
The module structure is designed to protect the solar cells from the environment. It consists of a number of layers to protect the circuit of solar PV cells and to make the module easy to install. The materials used in these layers determine the cost and durability of the modules.
The solar cells themselves and their circuits are totally wrapped in plastic. A front layer of tempered glass, covering the solar cells, provides high transparency and low absorption. It is also tempered for strength in order to reduce the effects of falling trees or hail. The multi-layered back sheet protects the plastic and cells from abrasions and prevents moisture from getting into the module.
An edge seal is applied to protect the edges of the glass from the infiltration of dirt, water, or other non-friendly substances. The metal frame is secured around the entire glass laminate. The metal frame gives rigidity and strength to the module and allows the modules to be attached to a mounting system. Common Solar Module Design Types
There are three basic module solar designs. The first is the standard frame module that you may have experienced in the past. This design approach has been used for 30 years and usually involves an aluminum frame that allows the modules to be mounted onto a rail structure of some kind that is then directly attached to the roof. The modules are positioned above the roof surface, providing space for air to flow under the module, which helps cool the system and makes it work more efficiently.
At the same time, rain water, leaves, twigs, and other debris can also flow under the solar panels. The rail structure is attached to the roof by means of posts that are secured into the roof rafters with long lag screws. This method is appropriate for most kinds of roofs, including ceramic tile, wood shingles, and asphalt. The roof is sealed tightly after the posts are installed to prevent any chance of leaks.
Modified Metal Frame for a Ground Mount Module Design
This module design can also be mounted to a ground based frame structure. Such a structure can be built on any stable terrain, can be made of metal or wood, and can hold the modules at any tilt angle or azimuth orientation (note: see previous articles related to sun angles). The ground mount can also be a pole structure to cut down on foundation work to your home. It can be stationary (i.e. not have a small motor to constantly orientate the solar panel with the sun as it tracks across the sky) or it can use a small motor to track the sun throughout the day and year.
Residential Roof Integrated Solar Energy Modules
A second type of module design is one that allows the module to be integrated into residential roofing materials. Systems connecting directly to the roofing materials (i.e. replacing shingles or laying flat to the roofing boards) are called integrated solar modules. The module frame design is modified so that it has the same profile as neighboring flat concrete tiles. The modules are not mounted to a rail structure but are attached directly to the roof surface. This low profile mount allows the module to blend in to the look of the roof and avoid the retrofit appearance of standard mounted solar energy modules.
The emergence of this more attractive roof integrated product has encouraged many production home builders to incorporate solar systems into their projects. This type blends in with the roofing materials and is attached directly to the roof surface.
Types Integrated Solar PV Panels
One is the mono crystalline ridged frame design offered by some existing manufacturers. These PV panels are becoming more efficient and they blend well into the roofing structure. These solar cells use the same crystalline silicon technology as standard modules today. This set up has more mounting frame with fewer solar cells connected in series. The can result in a solar system that is a little more expensive. Because the roof integrated systems mount directly to the roof, they do not have the air flow of standard modules therefore the solar cell temperature gets higher, limiting their efficiency.
The other integrated solar cell product offered, by UNISOLAR, is a flexible amorphous technology. This type of solar panel is referred as thin film, sheet solar, or nano-solar. It is made to blend in with an asphalt shingle roof. It is somewhat less efficient, tends to degrade more quickly, and may have a shorter workable live spam. The manufacturer claims that this module is better in high shade situations.
Solar Energy Options Hitting a Roofs Everywhere
It is encouraging to see new solar energy systems hitting the market with enhanced technology, better integration options, and less complexity. It will take time to work out the bugs with these cutting edge products. With new technology, we think comes (hopefully) a lower cost of ownership. This should enhance the use of home solar energy systems worldwide. It will be innovative financing options that allow homeowners to use the technology that will cause explosive growth.
New solar energy technologies are on the march. Exciting investments and technology proof of concepts are everywhere. It is hard to refute the good, faithful, and well-established silicon based solar cells. These systems have a life span of 30 years and have been in active use for decades. The only deterrent, until now, has been the high price for the systems. With the option to rental the entire solar energy system including the ongoing maintenance of the system for up to 25 years, the choices homeowners now have related to renewable energy adoption in their homes is very exciting.
At Solargies, our mission is to spread the use of renewable energies as simply as possible. We provide U.S. homeowners the option to rent a solar electric system. We also offer entrepreneurs a no cost method to build their own solar energy business. Find out how at: => [http://www.EcoCrews.com]
Solar Energy Foundation, solar PV in Ethiopia – 2009 Ashden Award winner
|
|
A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems
$46.55 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
|
|
Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller
$78.52 Prevents overcharging of 12volt batteriesProtects battery from overcharge and dischargeFor use with 12 volt Solar Panels and batteries onlyHandles up to 30 Amps of Array currentHandles up to 500 Watts of solar powerMaintenance free protection of your solar panel and batteriesMaintains battery voltageMaintain 12 volt batteries in a fully charged state1 Year Warranty... |
|
|
Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller
$64.89 The Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12 Volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12 Volt solar panels, and can handle up to 30 amps of array current and up to 450 Watts of solar power. The 60022 will provide maintenance free protection of your solar panel and batteries. The controller will automatically indicate the charged condition of your battery on the ... |
|
|
Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel with Sharp Module
$499.95 The Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel Module will give you several more reasons to love the sun. It provides the power you need, while helping you save money and protect the environment. This panel is ideal for homes, cabins, remote power, back-up power, and 12-Volt battery charging. This panel comes with compatible wiring, accessories and a voltage tester to help ... |
|
|
Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio
$89.99 The Midland Base Camp Radio combines the emergency power of a Dynamo Crank with GMRS 2-way radio technology. The XT511 includes AM/FM radio, All Hazards Weather Alert radio, clock with alarm and an LED flashlight to make it the most versatile product of its kind. Ideal for hiking or camping enthusiasts because of its precautionary tool for any emergency situation. The 2-way radio lets users commun... |
|
|
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden))
$9.54 The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North Americaânow in an updated editionWant to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether youâre looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how... |
|
|
OWI Frightened Grasshopper Kit - Solar Powered
$0.01 An educational robot and mini solar toy. He's small, but he's an attention-getter! Explore the potential of solar power with this neat science item. The Frightened Grasshopper Solar Powered Bug Teaches about forms of alternative energy. Shows how solar energy can be used to generate electricity. Illustrates how radiant energy from the sun can be transformed to electrical energy with a PV cell A mo... |
|
|
Solar Electric House Kit - Solar Electric House Kit
$29.95 Build an environmentally friendly miniature house with working appliances. This kit, ideal for any classroom or science fair project, provides the main components to power a solar ceiling fan and light bulb. You construct the house from the included blueprint using the kit's solar panels and materials you provide. When completed, the house is a working demonstration of solar thermal, solar energy,... |
|
|
Kit, Solar Electric House
$29.95 Solar Electric House Kit - Build an environmentally friendly miniature house with working appliances. This kit, ideal for any classroom or science fair project, provides the main components to power a solar ceiling fan and light bulb. -- You construct the house from the included blueprint using the kit's solar panels and materials you provide. When completed, the house is a working demonstration o... |
|
|
Solar Powered Rechargeable External Battery Pocket Charger for the Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV705 - uses Gomadic TipExchange Technology
$44.95 What better power source to tap into to get your Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV705 powered all the time than the sun! It's easy with Gomadic's new Solar Powered Charging Battery Pack. Compact; lightweight; and very rugged; our solar charger will be the perfect addition to your travel arsenal. Capable of being charged by either a traditional plug-in power source or via exposure to the sun; ... |
