As technology constantly advances there are many new green technologies released each day that can help us improve our energy efficiency. One of these technology is "thin-film solar panel." How are thin-film solar panels being used by consumers today? How compare against traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels?
How solar cells work
Since each solar panel built with a lot of individual cells of your important to understand how these cells. According to GE, "Solar cells convert one form of energy (Sunlight) into another form of energy (electricity). When sunlight is reduced or stopped, for example, when a cloud passes in front of the sun or when the sun sets in the afternoon, the conversion process slows down or stops altogether. When the sun, the conversion process resumes. Solar cells do not store electricity. At night, a solar electric system needs some form of energy storage, usually batteries, to draw instead of solar cells. "
What is a thin film solar panel?
A thin panel is named more for its manufacturing process in its actual size. Considered by many as part of the second generation of photovoltaic cells, thin film solar panels use a manufacturing process that involves applying several layers a reactive substance thin sunlight on a base material.
What are the benefits of thin film solar panels?
Unlike their "thick film" cousins, thin-film panels use much less raw material in manufacturing. Besides thin film cells can be manufactured in a process of large area. This process can be continuous and automated. Another unique characteristic of the thin film is its ability to be deposited on flexible substrate materials. This means thin-film solar panels can be integrated into roofing tiles and other architectural products. thin film are also much lighter than traditional photovoltaics.
Creating thin film solar panels
Like many new technologies not everything is positive. While thin-film solar panels can provide a "green" way of making electricity is important we realize its environmental cost underlying. thin film, like other solar panels are very energy intensive to produce. They also require valuable limited resources such as silicon, copper and cadmium.
Traditional vs. Thin-Film Solar Panels
While the efficiency of solar cells can vary widely from 6% for amorphous silicon based solar cells, to 42.8%, non-commercial purposes, the multi-junction cells research laboratory. The most common commercially available solar cell type is the "polycrystalline Si," which offers between 14-19% efficiency. While thin-film solar panels are gaining ground in efficiency, at present, is on offer between 7-9% efficiency.
With lower rates Efficiency Why should I consider the thin-film solar panels?
Thin-film solar panels lighter than traditional crystalline photovoltaic materials. Thanks their lower weight can be installed on a multitude of places you would never be able to install traditional solar panels. Consider a ceiling installation, thin-film Solar panels are simpler to install because it can avoid large, ugly and expensive roof-mounted racks. Why would you want to install a grill when you can simply photovoltaic thin-film bonds rolled on its roof? According to a recent article in Mother Earth News takes only "five to 10 minutes of each sheet PV to a roof. "
Thin-Film Solar Panel Prices
If you are willing to negotiate the loss of efficiency for more options flexible installation will most likely be surprised to know that thin film panels are competitively priced compared to similar sized solar panels traditional. Depending on where you buy your panels you should find at a price of between $ 4 and $ 5 per watt. Remember to include the installation cost of your purchase price total, because the thin-film solar panels require less labor to install.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Incentive and rebate programs vary widely depending on where you live, but due to the volume available I encourage you to search for incentives and discounts online. Base Details of State Incentives for Renewable Efficiency (DSIRE), led by North Carolina Solar Center, is a great place to start. You can find the DSIRE here:
- rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm?&CurrentPageID=3&EE=1&RE=1"> http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm?&CurrentPageID=3&EE=1&RE = 1
While thin film is not for everyone they can offer some people in a flexible way to add solar power to your home or business. In today's market, thin-film panels are already competitive and technology improvement can expect to increase their efficiency. Solar panels can gradually reduce our dependence on fossil fuels based on power. Residential electricity generated by fossil fuels is the third main contributor of CO2 emissions in the United States.
Do your part to fight global warming - Going solar.
50 watt solar panel
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New - Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus - 11406
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