Posts Tagged solar cells

Build Your Own Affordable Solar Panels

Solar energy is without a doubt today’s number one alternative energy choice. It is no wonder then that one of the most searched for terms on the internet is cheap solar panels.

With the environmental disaster we are seeing unfold off the gulf of Mexico (The BP oil spill) more and more as a society we are finding our consciousness pricked into looking for cleaner and greener ways to help the environment.

For most people the idea of having their own solar system is indeed desirable, but there has always been the major stumbling block of the enormous cost of the solar panels.

Having a solar system installed can cost many thousands of dollars, money that many households simply do not have to spare, no matter how much they stand to save in the long run or how much they want to help the reduce their carbon footprints.

This alternative comes in the form of a DIY (do it yourself) kit. Now I’m sure some of you just tuned out at the thought of building your own solar panels, sounds complicated doesn’t it? Well surprisingly it isn’t, in fact it’s all most child play.

The kits come in the form of an easy to follow video series and instruction manual which you can downloaded in a matter of seconds online

All the materials you need to build your own panels are available from most hardware stores (tip: save even more money by sourcing the parts from your local salvage or junkyard). Armed with the most basic handyman skills, you can assemble your panels in just a couple of days (I recommend freeing up a weekend to give yourself ample time).

It’s a great project to get your children in on, provides them with an alternative to playing computer games all day, gives them a lesson in environmental issues and energy conservation. You won’t believe the buzz they will get when they realize the solar panel they built is powering a laptop etc.

Not only will you stand to save a lot of cash by building your own cheap solar panels as opposed to purchasing them pre built, you will also cut (depending on the number of panels you build and your homes energy needs) anywhere up to 80% (in some cases above this) off your traditional power usage, this can translate to hundreds of dollars saved on every power bill.

So whether you are looking to help reduce your carbon footprint or simply want to save a few dollars, take a look at the following link for side by side reviews of the leading Solar Power Kits and build your own solar panels today.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Some Information About A Poly Crystalline Solar Cell

People are constantly looking for ways to supplement their homes with alternative sources of energy. And one way of providing such is through the use of solar panels. These days, a poly crystalline solar cell is gracing more and more homes. Read on to learn more about what it is and some of its benefits.

Also known as multi crystalline solar cell, a poly crystalline solar cell derives its name from the way it’s constructed. Each cell isn’t made out of a single crystal of silicone, but rather out of numerous crystals. And it’s because of that why its appearance looks like a mosaic, or composed of tiny fragments of glass. From a singular block, wafers of it are thinly sliced and placed together to form a panel.

Basically, there are three types of solar cells: the mono crystalline, amorphous and of course the poly crystalline. The mono crystalline cell is the most efficient yet most expensive, as it uses pure silicone. Manufacturing involves a complicated crystal growth process, plus the appearance may appear smooth and uniform. The amorphous kind, on the other hand, isn’t really made up of crystals, but a thin layer of silicon. It’s the cheapest and the least energy efficient of the three.

Many consumers prefer a poly crystalline solar cell. This is because it’s both affordable and highly efficient. When it comes to durability, its lifespan is comparable to that of the expensive mono crystalline type. It is said that its benefits can be enjoyed for around 25 years, or sometimes even more.

When it comes to conversion efficiency, it can provide 12 percent of it. And what does this mean? Simply put: 12 percent of the sunlight hitting the panel at any given time is converted into useable energy. If you have a square meter of poly crystalline panel under direct sunlight, it’s enough to provide you with around 120 watts to 125 watts of energy.

However, that 12 percent of conversion efficiency is much lower compared to that of a mono crystalline solar cell. But comparing that percentage to the amorphous kind, that’s significantly higher. Since it also comes affordable, this allows for solar power to be available for many households. Certain factors may affect the price range, such as the brand or manufacturer. The design or the supplied wattage also affects the pricing.

Alongside advantages are some disadvantages. A poly crystalline solar cell is designed to work more effectively in cooler climates. Exposed to enormously high temperature, some of its conversion efficiency is diminished. It’s said that exposing it to 50 degrees Celsius beyond what the cell is designed for can reduce its energy converting ability. When it comes to cost and installation, it’s essential to consider factors such as weather conditions and temperatures.

Today, supplementing a home’s grid power source with solar energy is trouble-free. The efficiency and availability of a poly crystalline solar cell makes that highly possible. It also allows for genuine cost-saving benefits to consumers as it’s also highly affordable. It’s durable so it can provide significant energy conversion for many, many years.

Find more details and information about the great selection of poly crystalline solar cells you can find today! When you are looking for a specific poly crystalline solar cell, you will find it fast online!

Tags: , , , , ,

No Comments