Solar
Solar power, a renewable energy source that is quickly growing in popularity, is the focus of the articles in this section on renewable energy.
Solar Module Efficiency: Where Does It Matter?
Feb 20th
Efficiency is a good thing. It can make cars go farther on a gallon of gas, and light bulbs brighter at the same wattage. But when it comes to solar cells, what exactly do we mean by efficiency? And how important are efficiency ratings when choosing a solar electric system? The answer may surprise you.
Simply put, the “energy conversion efficiency” of a solar cell is a measure of input vs. output. If 100 percent of the sunlight energy striking a solar cell could be converted into electrical energy, the cell would be “100 percent efficient.” However, the laws of physics apply to everything. Some energy always escapes through heat and reflectance — and efficiency is taxed further when individual cells are connected to form a usable solar “module.”
Today’s best-selling modules typically range from 12 to 18 percent in efficiency. Tremendous R&D investments throughout the industry keep these efficiency ratings rising. Companies like Kyocera pursue efficiency improvement as a strategic priority, because in the long term, better efficiency will make solar energy feasible in more and more applications. For these reasons, as buyers seek a common metric for comparing solar modules, it is natural to ask: Should efficiency be that metric?
Efficiency and Cost
For years, energy conversion efficiency was the most important variable influencing the cost of solar power. This was especially true when the raw materials for producing solar cells, like highly purified silicon, were in short supply. Greater efficiency meant getting the same amount of power from less silicon. However, the industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. Silicon supplies have expanded dramatically and their cost has stabilized. Finally, mass production has created unprecedented economies of scale — influencing the price of solar power more than the cost of raw materials. In fact, the declining price of solar modules over the past five years has had almost nothing to do with improvements in energy conversion efficiency.
Where Solar Efficiency Matters Most
Improving energy conversion efficiency is a strategic priority for most solar module manufacturers because it holds the key to opening new applications for photovoltaic technology. Efficiency improvement helped bring solar electricity out of the lab and into the NASA space program in the 1960s. It helped create terrestrial applications for solar energy in the 1970s, and it also enabled residential and commercial solar power starting in the 1980s. The dream of solar energy costing less than conventional power will be achieved someday, in part, through better efficiency. But what about today?
Today, solar modules with higher efficiency ratings generally cost more. Because of this, buyers may equate efficiency with quality and reliability, although they are not necessarily related. They may also assume that installing higher-efficiency solar modules guarantees you’ll produce more power. But is this really the case? In a word, no.
For today’s consumer, module efficiency matters most where space is limited. Obviously, your rooftop system can’t be larger than your roof. If the available space isn’t enough to meet your power goal, then you may need higher-efficiency modules. But for the needs of most home and business applications, space is not the limiting factor. In some cases, in fact, a user could install a greater number of lower-efficiency modules and actually produce more energy for the same total investment. It pays to compare.
What Are You Actually Buying?
For the consumer, it’s crucial to understand what you’re actually buying when you install a solar electric generating system. You’re buying electricity, measured in kilowatt hours. It is not the efficiency rating that runs your appliances; they run on kilowatt hours. For this reason, if you’re considering solar power, estimating the system’s long-term, real-world output, in kilowatt hours, is much more useful than comparing efficiency ratings.
The Dashboard Analogy
One helpful analogy is the dashboard of your car. The speedometer measures speed at any given moment, the way “instantaneous output” may be measured in a solar installation. Like a car, which rarely (if ever) operates at top speed, your solar installation reaches “peak rated output” only on the best part of the best sunny day.
A car’s odometer measures miles traveled, the way a solar electric system measures “kilowatt hours produced.” This is the most important gauge of a solar installation’s usefulness. Kilowatt hours are the power you use. If you can accurately estimate the number of kilowatt hours a system will produce in a year, you can estimate when your investment will pay for itself.
A dashboard “miles-per-gallon” readout displays your car’s efficiency. In a car, this is a very useful rating, since it tells you how far you can go on a gallon of gas. But on your roof, efficiency does not predict how many kilowatt hours a solar module will generate. In fact, two 300-watt modules with different efficiency ratings should generate the same amount of power, given the same sunlight exposure. For today’s buyer, the main difference is size — the higher-efficiency module is slightly smaller than a lower efficiency module of the same wattage.
Getting What You’ve Paid For
In the end, the “return” you receive from investing in solar power depends on three variables: cost, annual power production, and longevity. Your installer can inform you of the first – the cost to install and maintain your system over its expected lifespan. Your installer can also estimate the system’s annual production of kilowatt hours, which can help you estimate how many years it will take to recoup your investment. But what about longevity? Can you trust a 25-year warranty from a manufacturer that has only been in business a few years? This may be the most important question.
Fortunately, you can review unbiased research analyzing the performance of various technologies and brands side by side, and form your own conclusions.
Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre
Some of the most advanced research in real-world solar performance is publicly available from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC), an independent demonstration facility for commercialized solar technologies. This government-funded public showcase features a broad range of solar power technologies from manufacturers like BP Solar, First Solar, Kaneka, Kyocera, Sanyo, Shurjo, Sun Grid, Sunpower and Trina Solar. Observing different solar installations under the same real-world conditions allows meaningful comparisons of performance among various brands. You may be surprised by what the data show. Anyone can view live data feeds comparing the performance of various solar technologies at no charge. Visit www.dkasolarcentre.com.au for more information.
In summary, if you’re shopping for solar, don’t get distracted by peak ratings or efficiency percentages. These are calculated under laboratory conditions and may not predict your system’s real-world performance.
Look for a solar module that delivers the most kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt — with minimal degradation over time. Has the manufacturer been around long enough to see its earliest products go out of warranty? Are its oldest modules still delivering trouble-free performance? Will that manufacturer still be around in another 25 years? The answers to these questions will predict your satisfaction better than any individual performance rating.
Written by Cecilia Aguillon, Kyocera Solar, Inc. Cecilia Aguillon is director of market development and government policy for Kyocera Solar, Inc., recognized as a world-leading supplier of solar electric energy products since 1975.
First Solar Sets World Record for CdTe Solar PV Efficiency
Jan 17th
First Solar sets world record for CdTe solar PV efficiency
First Solar Inc. has set a new world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) solar module efficiency, achieving 14.4% total area efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab confirmed the record, which eclipsed First Solar’s prior record of 13.4%. First Solar updated its module efficiency roadmap in December 2011 to the increased goal of 14.5%-15% average efficiency for its production modules by the end of 2015, and the process improvements developed for the record-setting cell and module continue to be implemented as part of that roadmap. The average efficiency of First Solar modules increased from 11.4% in 2010 to 11.7% in 2011 and is expected to reach 12.7% in the fourth quarter of 2012.
eMeter launches meter data analytics platform
eMeter has unveiled the newest version of its flagship product, eMeter EnergyIP, an industry leading energy information management platform. eMeter EnergyIP 7.5 improves upon the company’s state of the art meter data management platform with powerful new data collection and validation tools. Combined with out of the box integration with eMeter’s Analytics Foundation, eMeter EnergyIP 7.5 provides utilities easy access and powerful insights to all data collected through advanced metering information (AMI). eMeter’s Analytics Foundation’s capabilities enable utilities to analyze outages and events, monitor loads, gauge AMI health and even protect revenue – as fast as the data is collected with zero impact to business critical operations.
Masdar City installs TVP Solar’s flat solar thermal panels for air-conditioning
Masdar City and TVP Solar have completed installation of a field of TVP Solar’s MT-Power high-vacuum flat solar thermal panels for the solar cooling plant at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Masdar City is testing TVP Solar’s MT-Power panels for potential future use to meet the air-conditioning requirements of the city. TVP Solar expects the MT-Power panels to provide over 70% solar-to-cooling conversion efficiency operating at 180 degrees C to drive a double-effect absorption chiller. The panels capture diffuse and direct light, thus providing at least 30% higher energy output than any concentrating collector. TVP Solar plans to deploy further MT-Power solar fields during 2012 for solar air-conditioning applications with double stage absorption chiller in a hybrid natural gas/solar system configuration that will operate on a 24/7 basis, covering peak and base loads.
Fast Expanding Solar Energy on the Mind of Many for 2012
Jan 16th
Amidst an increasingly tough consolidation phase resulting in a number of high-profile company closures, a trade petition that resulted in the U.S. Commerce Department initiating an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation on Chinese PV imports and the fact that the highly successful Section 1603 Department of Treasury Program did not get extended last year (though there is still hope that it will this year), lies the fact that America’s fastest growing industry, the solar energy industry, had a stellar year – despite all the hurdles popping up in its path.
Fact is, the movement in America towards solar is growing stronger every day: For the fourth consecutive year, an independent poll by Kelton Research found that approximately 9 out of 10 Americans (89 percent) think it is important for the United States to develop and use solar energy. What is even more spectacular is the fact that support for solar is greatly non-partisan: 80 percent of Republicans, 90 percent of Independents and 94 percent of Democrats are in rare agreement when it comes to the earth’s most powerful and most abundant energy resource and its development. At a time when politics are characterized by a lack of consensus within parties let alone across party lines, this constitutes a rather unprecedented unanimity.
What is even more encouraging is that Americans are also in agreement on the need for federal investment in solar energy and the need for the government to provide incentives for it. Well aware of the fact that traditional and non-renewable energy sources like oil, natural gas, and coal have received billions in government support – and continue to do so, despite the fact that these energy sources have long matured — the great majority of citizens (82% to be exact) feel it is only fair to award solar the same assistance, whether it be in the form of grants or tax credits. If consumers are receiving tax credits for purchasing energy efficient appliances, for example, it seems logical in the public mind to extend the same support when “doing the ultimate deed” and investing in the energy future of the country by installing a photovoltaic or solar thermal system. Translated into party affiliation again, 71% of Republicans concur with the notion of federal support for solar, 82% of the Independents, and 87% of Democrats.
This resounding success for solar stems from the fact that solar won hands down when those surveyed were asked which energy source they would support financially if they’d be in charge of energy policy. Solar is almost twice as popular as the next highest scoring energy source: 39% of Americans see the benefit of financial assistance for solar, followed by a mere 21% for natural gas. Coal and nuclear power are trailing far behind in the single digits (nine and three percent respectively). Especially young and working-age Americans who are hard pressed for jobs as only their grandparents have been before during the great depression, realize that solar’s potential for job creation and economic growth is far greater than that of any other energy resource.
In 2011, the solar industry grew faster than any other job sector in the United States, at a staggering 26% growth rate.
Currently more than 100,000 Americans are employed installing, manufacturing, or selling solar products and this number is expected to grow by another 24% over the course of the next year. The majority of green collar workers are employed by small to mid-size businesses installing solar technology—exactly the kind of businesses that make up the back bone of the American economy and that had to struggle the hardest to survive the recession, oftentimes by having to lay-off experienced and trusted employees. The fact that these businesses can hire again, and have even disclosed to hire 25% more workers in 2012, is a strong sign that economic recovery has a green driver. Also the manufacturing side has plenty of reason to be proud since in 2011 the U.S. was a $2 Billion net exporter of solar products, even only with China. Over the last two years, 27 new manufacturers have begun production in the United States; a multi-billion economic investment and a clear sign of market confidence.
The solar boom is of course aided by the fact that the price for even higher performance and quality engineered technology, be it high-efficiency modules or innovative, time-saving racking systems and many other features, has dropped 30% since early 2010. From $60 per watt in the mid 70s, a watt of produced silicon PV modules has dropped to about $1.50 today. The immense number of PV installations in Q3/2011- 449MW- alone confirms the sunny outlook for solar in the United States: never before has this much solar been installed in any quarter before. Not only a record quarter but also a phenomenal 140% growth over Q3/2010 and more than all installations of 2009 combined.
With prices continually decreasing and demand and efficiency exponentially rising, more and more American consumers are the main beneficiaries. Experts even predict that by 2016 solar PV will outperform the cost of coal as well (roughly 9 cents per kilowatt hour), making it a clean energy choice of superlatives: universally adaptable, cost competitive with traditional, non-renewable resources, as well as extremely fast to install. In 2011, almost 2 GW of solar were permitted and installed in the U.S.; in comparison nuclear power plants with an equal capacity take an average of 13 years to complete. As the global demand for energy continues to rise, the U.S. has one of the best opportunities in the world to position itself as a leader in solar energy. Not only does America possess some of the best solar irradiation on the planet and is therefore excellently suited to harvest the sun, but this country’s motivated workforce along with its talent pool in research and development are second to none.
Finally the sunny outlook for solar in the U.S. is bolstered by the fact that by 2014 the U.S. is expected to become the world’s largest solar market and the technology is likely to be the largest source of new electric capacity in America. As we welcome back the brave and commendable veterans of the Iraqi War, the solar industry’s enormous job growth potential represents a much needed opportunity to integrate the heroes of the American spirit back into our economy. I predict that the solar industry will enhance its workforce with many of these well-trained individuals who are adaptable to change and experienced in working with cutting-edge technology. It will be our testimony that we did not take their service for granted and are grateful for the sacrifices they have made for our country. Going forward American solar businesses will grow and take care of their own, while solar adaptation in the United States lets the rest of the world know that we, too, understand the need to diversify our energy portfolio and are ready to mark our true energy independence in the 21st-century.
Written by Sylvia Minton, Public Policy Chair of the Georgia Solar Energy Association. A long time journalist and communications specialist, the Sr. VP of Corporate Affairs for MAGE SOLAR, a complete solar PV systems & components provider,Syliva is a member of the board of directors of the MAGE SOLAR ACADEMY in Dublin, GA, USA. MAGE SOLAR ACADEMY, located at the corporate campus of MAGE SOLAR USA in Dublin, GA, is a premier educational arena for professionals of all levels and occupations in the expanding PV-market.
Wagan Tech Unveils New Portable Solar Power Generators
Jan 9th
Wagan Tech unveils new portable solar power generators
Wagan Tech has introduced new solar plug and play generators that harness the sun’s energy and provide instant access to AC power. The company will showcase the new solar generators, Solar e Power Cube 1500 and the Solar e Power Case 450, at the 2012 International CES, Las Vegas Convention Center. The Solar e Power Series is expected to empower the developing world, where access to electricity is unreliable. Remote villages can now access electricity instantly, according to Alex Hsu, Wagan Tech Vice President of Sales.
Clean Energy completes 68 fueling station projects in 2011
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has completed 68 fueling station projects in 16 states during 2011, including five LNG truck fueling stations on America’s Natural Gas Highway. Clean Energy increased its fueling station project completions during 2011 to support growing natural gas vehicle fueling demand. The completed stations serving transit, refuse and airport/taxi/shuttle operations around the country, as well as locations situated to support the needs of local and regional trucking and small fleets, according to Clean Energy President and CEO Andrew J. Littlefair.
Solar Thin Films plans to develop solar energy projects in Europe
Solar Thin Films Inc. announced that it plans to develop solar energy projects in Europe. The company is in talks with a large European renewable energy developer on several solar energy projects in Europe. The total output of such projects is anticipated to exceed 100 MW. The company stated in a statement that there can be no assurance that any contracts will result from such talks, or that any contracts signed will have successful results.
Austin Energy activates 30 MW solar facility in Texas
Austin Energy has activated a 30-MW solar power plant located within the Village of Webberville, Texas. The 380-acre photovoltaic solar farm is comprised of more than 127,000 photovoltaic solar modules. The utility-scale solar power plant is expected to produce more than 61 million kWh of clean solar energy in the first year of operation alone.
Under a 25-year solar power purchase agreement, Austin Energy will purchase the energy at a fixed rate along with the renewable energy credits. The solar facility is expected to generate more than 1.4 billion kWh of clean, renewable energy over 25 years. The activation of the power plant marks the first utility-scale solar deployment for Austin Energy and helps bring the utility one step closer to achieving a 35% renewable energy mix by 2020.
Solar Breakthrough: Cheap Quantum Dot Solar Paint
Dec 29th
Researchers have reduced the preparation time of quantum dot solar cells to less than an hour by changing the form to a one-coat quantum dot solar paint.
How?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are coated with cadmium sulfide (CdS) or cadmium selenide (CdSe.) The composite nanoparticles, when mixed with a solvent, form a paste that can be applied as one-step paint to a transparent conducting material, which creates electricity when exposed to light.
Although the paint form is currently about five times less efficient than the highest recorded efficiency for the multifilm form, the researchers predict that its efficiency can be improved, which could lead to a simple and economically viable way to prepare solar cells.
The scientists responsible for the research breakthrough, Mathew P. Genovese of the University of Waterloo in Canada, with Ian V. Lightcap and Prashant V. Kamat of the Radiation Laboratory and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, will be publishing their study in an upcoming issue of the American Chemical Society’s publication Nano.
During an interview with PhysOrg.com Professor Kamat, John A. Zahm Professor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry and an investigator in Notre Dame’s Center for Nano Science and Technology (NDnano) and who led the research, explained, “Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals which exhibit size-dependent optical and electronic properties. In a quantum dot sensitized solar cell, the excitation of semiconductor quantum dot or semiconductor nanocrystal is followed by electron injection into TiO2 nanoparticles. These electrons are then transferred to the collecting electrode surface to generate photocurrent.
The holes that remain in the semiconductor quantum dot are removed by a hole conductor or redox couple and are transported to a counter electrode. If we can optimize the paint preparation, it should be possible for anyone to open a bottle (or a can in the long run) and apply it to a conducting surface. This will decrease the variability between lab to lab or person to person as one encounters in a multi-step process. Having fewer fabrication steps and ambient preparative conditions should provide an economically viable transformative technology.”
During their research the scientists tested a number of different compounds, but found that a composite of mixed CdS/TiO2 and CdSe/TiO2 nanoparticles performed best, particularly when the CdS and CdSe was deposited directly on the TiO2 nanoparticles as a coating.
Describing their work they said that the nanoparticles were suspended in a water-alcohol mixture to create the binder-free paste, which was then applied to conducting glass surface and annealed at 200 degrees Centigrade. When coated on a glass electrode, the paint has an overall power conversion efficiency exceeding 1 percent. Although some multifilm quantum dot solar cells have efficiencies greater than 5 percent, the scientists believe that using different quantum dots and further optimization could significantly increase the efficiency of the paint.
Potential uses could include painting electronic devices such as cell phones to recharge their batteries, along with larger electrical devices such as computers, while rooftops, windows, and cars could be coated as well.
The scientists’ work has attracted some major governmental interest and the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences is funding their research.
Professor Kamat concluded in a Notre Dame press release, “We want to do something transformative, to move beyond current silicon-based solar technology. The best light-to-energy conversion efficiency we’ve reached so far is one percent, which is well behind the usual 10 to 15 percent efficiency of commercial silicon solar cells. But this paint can be made cheaply and in large quantities. If we can improve the efficiency somewhat, we may be able to make a real difference in meeting energy needs in the future. That’s why we’ve christened the new paint, Sun-Believable.”
Written by. Dr. John C.K. Daly for OilPrice.com. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr. John C.K. Daly. For more information on oil prices and other commodity related topics please visit http://oilprice.com
Insight Into Green Mountain’s Social Media Strategy
Dec 26th
Sarah Smith, the Senior Environmental Analyst for Green Mountain Energy Company, discusses Green Mountain’s social media strategy and the role that it plays in the company’s relationship with their customers.
Renewable Energy Markets 2011: How To Stay Clean
Dec 21st
Jennifer Martin, the Executive Director of the Center for Resource Solutions, talks about the role the Renewable Energy Markets Conference has in the discussion of better incorporating renewable energy into the generation mix.
India Embraces Solar Power, Says Price Will Equal Thermal Power in Five Years
Dec 15th
Economic South Asian superpower India has firmly embraced solar power, advancing the target date by five years for selling solar-generated electricity at the same rate as electricity generated by fossil fuel plants, from 2022 to 2017.
According to government officials, the reason for moving the date forward is plummeting tariffs in the latest solar development projects, a trend that they believe is likely to continue.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Joint Secretary Tarun Kapoor said, “The prices will come down further next year and will continue to fall. Earlier, our aim was that solar power will achieve grid-parity by 2022, but looking at the upbeat response from the industry, we have now reduced our target to 2017. Some big names from India have proved that a large investment will soon be possible in solar projects, as huge as 2,000 megawatts. There are other reasons as well. Internationally, the price of solar cells has come down and with improved technology, the cost of operation as a whole has been reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency.”
All is not yet completely sunny for India’s solar energy drive, however. Kapoor noted that several solar projects benefiting under a state program offering favorable tariffs to build 20,000 megawatts of capacity have already been delayed, adding that developers may lose contracts if deadlines are missed, commenting, “Two of the projects are behind schedule. In a few months, we should have a clear picture.”
The pair of miscreants are Entegra Ltd., whose majority shareholder is MW Corp Pvt., which has yet to begin building a 10 megawatt solar-thermal plant in Rajasthan and Enterprise Business Solutions, cited for delays in an October deadline to build a 5 megawatt photovoltaic plant in Punjab.
Entegra Ltd. is disputing New Delhi’s claims of sluggish performance, with its Chairman Mukul S. Kasliwal commenting that his firm faced problems raising financing for its $38 million development but that the company expects to complete the Rajasthan facility plant by its 2013 deadline. Shifting responsibility for delays to the Indian government, Kasliwal commented in an interview, “We haven’t started because we’re not going to do something that doesn’t make sense financially. Had we been allowed to function as an SPV (special purpose vehicle), then we would’ve finished financing long ago.”
Despite the travails of Entegra Ltd and Enterprise Business Solutions, other members of India’s burgeoning solar energy community are optimistic about the government’s latest pronouncements. Azure Power CEO Inderpreet Wadhwa, whose company has secured government contracts to establish solar projects to generate up to 35 megawatts said, “Solar has the same potential as personal computers had in 1970′s. Technology innovations and improvements in manufacturing would drive down costs further.”
Support for India’s solar ambitions comes from some heavyweight fiscal analytical groups. Ernest and Young partner Sanjay Chakrabarti observed, “The extent of price reduction since 2008 has been very sharp. Although solar prices will continue to drop the fall in future may not be so sharp.”
Kapoor is under no illusions however as to why foreign companies are closely following India’s interest in solar energy, noting wryly, “The only reason is that India is an emerging market and one of the few countries where solar energy is encouraged at such a massive level.”
And that emerging market is potentially lucrative indeed, as last year the Indian government launched its “National Solar Mission,” whose objective is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country as quickly as possible.
The program’s goals are nothing if not ambitious, as the government had initially hoped to boost the nation’s solar capacity by the equivalent of about 18 nuclear power plants by 2022, a date that’s now been brought forward by five years.
Investors, anyone?
Written by. Dr. John C.K. Daly for OilPrice.com. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr. John C.K. Daly. For more information on oil prices and other commodity related topics please visit http://oilprice.com
Why Solar Power’s Reliance On Utilities Is Growing
Dec 15th
Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association, discusses the current status of the solar industry and why the utility’s role in the growth of the solar industry is growing.
Watt Really Matters: Bigger is Not Always Better
Dec 8th
Just like you wouldn’t put a Porsche engine in your Beetle or dare to run your lawn mower on a fierce V8-engine, there is an optimal fit for everything. Equally, in the solar energy photovoltaic industry it is about much more than ‘size’ alone. One might think that the higher the wattage of a module is, the more bang it will give you for your bucks—but when it comes to system design, this isn’t always true. The perfect PV-system is a finely orchestrated symphony of watts, square feet, and efficiency.
The basics of this sustainable energy masterpiece are you and the module; to be more specific- the expectations you have for your PV-array and the type of panels that will help you achieve this goal. Aside from huge open solar farms, the average PV-application has to perform within a limited amount of space available. Ideal prerequisites for a solar system are, of course, a south-facing roof or area for a ground-mount that will allow for the magical optimal tilt or pitch without any shading. So you identified your “sunny side” (or close to it)—what’s next? Instinct might tell us to put as many high wattage modules on it as possible, but this is exactly where the engineering rubber hits the road.
Most consumers are under the impression that the higher the wattage of the module they purchase, the more it will yield them and maximize their profits. Let’s take a closer look at this theory. Today the majority of modules range from 180W to 240W but the higher the wattage, the bigger the actual size of the module. Let’s say your garden shed is the ideal spot to be solarized and you have the option of either fitting 240W modules on its 210 sq ft roof or 190W panels—is the higher wattage necessarily better? No. You’ll get more efficiency and power out of the 190s. This is actually not a magic trick but straightforward math.
Panel dimensions being as they are, the 210 sq ft roof space will either accommodate ten of the bigger 240W panels or (drum roll, please) 15 of the smaller 190W panels. Therefore, your solar-math should always include the wattage you get per square foot, in this case: roughly 2.4 kW with the bigger size, higher wattage modules or 2.85 kW with the smaller and lower wattage ones. Granted, this is only a small-scale example but it will add up tremendously over time, system size, and a few other factors a solar buyer should take into consideration.
There are a number of good quality panels out there and their efficiencies are ever improving. Solar Customers, too, can do their part to maximize their gain from this investment. Simple and easy: In order to allow your system to operate at maximum efficiency, your modules should be cleaned at least annually. It completely suffices to simply hose them down with water (never use any abrasives or chemicals on your modules as they could damage the glass, its silicone seal, or cables). Also take into consideration to challenge your installer to offer you the best the market has to offer. It is not just about size, but effectively what you get out of it. Demand high performance modules with positive watt tolerances only, meaning (in the case of a 190 W panel) you will actually get at least 190 W or more out of your panel, never a negative tolerance. This truly is the quintessence of having your pie and eating it too: Smaller size with higher wattages and no losses—it simply doesn’t get any better than that!
Know that your installer will save additional time by selecting a sturdy, easy to install mounting system, like the newly introduced smart snap-and-slide technologies that have just hit the market. Again, quality and product warranty are paramount as the best PV-system is only as good as its weakest link. And then, lean back and let the sun shine. While you reduce your carbon footprint your return on investment keeps growing—and you might be able to get that sports car after all, e-version, of course.
Written by Sylvia Minton, who heads the Public Affairs Chair of the Georgia Solar Energy Association. A long time journalist and communications specialist, the Sr. VP of Corporate Affairs for MAGE SOLAR, a complete solar PV systems & components provider, is a member of the board of directors of the MAGE SOLAR ACADEMY in Dublin, GA, USA. MAGE SOLAR ACADEMY, located at the corporate campus of MAGE SOLAR USA in Dublin, GA, is a premier educational arena for professionals of all levels and occupations in the expanding PV-market. A subsidiary of the international MAGE GROUP, the academy boasts over 10,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art educational technology, indoor and outdoor training and simulation areas.
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