Solar Panels, Solar Energy and PV Systems - Contractors Solutions Inc.

Solar energy derives from the depths of our sun. It endures a continuous stream of thermonuclear explosions, caused by hydrogen atoms fusing with helium atoms. The result of this process is the radiation that comes straight to our earth's surface. The idea of the solar panels is to convert this solar radiation into a recyclable electric energy, which are then stored into batteries for our use. Everyday, the sun's radiation provides enough solar energy to meet the earth's energy needs for an entire year. Solar panels' purpose is to gather this energy and convert it into energy needed for our modern life.
Most solar panels are constructed with crystalline silicon, which is produced only for use in photovoltaic (solar) cells. Some alternative solar panels are made from a different silicon, called "amorphous silicon." These are more efficient, durable, and thinner than the crystalline panels. Newer solar panels are constructed using other materials than silicon. These are made by implanting carbon nano-tubes, or quantum dots, into a treated plastic. Unfortunately, these 'plastic' panels only have an efficiency of .11% of their silicon-based counterparts. However, a short-term solution for this dilemma is to have the plastic panels generate electricity from light outside the visible light spectrum. Some experimental plastic solar panels have been created to absorb infrared energy, and also absorb light from the visible spectrum. These two together increase the efficiency to about thirty percent.

The power that these solar panels produce vary depending on certain variables. The maximum efficiency of a photovoltaic cell, being 1/5m in diameter, is an electric current of approximately 2 amps at 2 volts. However, the earth's atmospheric interference disables the panels to be as effective as those exposed directly to the sun's rays. Unfortunately, the photovoltaic unit can reduce effectiveness over time, due to overheating and physical wear. As solar cells become less proficient, excess energy is released into its thermally conductive substrate as infrared heat. The quality of the solar panel is vital in the amount of power it produces; as well as the materials and technology used in the construction, and the amount of time the solar panel has been in use. When purchasing solar panels, it is sensible to look beyond size and look at the dollars/watt ratio instead.
LUMOS Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Module LS 290