The friendly professionals at 4SolarPanels can help you decide which solar panels will work best for your project so you get clean, dependable solar power when and where you need it. Solar panels are often referred to as a 'PV' panels, each of which contains a matrix of collector cells that are treated to produce and conduct electrical power when exposed to direct sunlight.

One solar cell can produce about one-half volt of electricity, so capacity of a solar panel is measured by the total voltage produced by the configuration of the solar cells hooked together in each solar panel. The panels are then connected into arrays to deliver the optimum voltage needed by the user. The typical life of a solar panel is at least 20 years. At present, there are three basic types of photovoltaic cells that are placed into solar panels to collect and convert sunlight into the proper type of energy so it can be tied into existing electrical systems.

Monocrystalline Silicon

Monocrystalline Silicon solar cells are currently the most efficient and the most durable, so consequently are the most expensive option for photovoltaic cells, although some designs are starting to be priced competitively. As the name implies, they are made from a single crystal which maintains a continuous lattice structure throughout its matrix. These blocks of semi-conducting crystals are sliced into thin, lightweight wafers. This process produces a clear surface that is free of defects or impurities, thereby increasing the input/output ratio for maximum power delivery for the smallest amount of sunlight that strikes the surface of the collection area.

The monocrystalline cells are ideal for situations where there is limited exposure to direct sunlight since they can convert more energy with less space. The high ratio of energy output per cell delivers an efficiency rating around 15% to 22%, depending on the cell's construction. Monocrystalline cells are typically encased in rigid frames with glass coverings.

Polycrystalline (Kyocera)

Polycrystalline solar cells are not as effective at collecting and distributing solar power, but are less expensive and are appropriate in areas with an abundance of direct sunlight. These photovoltaic cells are manufactured using a conglomeration of crystals that are formed into a block, thereby giving them a "shattered glass" appearance. They can typically reach an efficiency level of 10% to 15%, depending on the quality of the silicon used and the design of the cell.

There are two types of manufacturing techniques that produce polycrystalline cells. The most expensive is cast polysilicon, where the molten silicon is formed into a large block that is cooled and cut into wafers that can be connected to form a continuous current. A less expensive method is called "string ribbon silicon" which involves drawing the molten silicon into thin strips of photovoltaic material that can be integrated with metal conductor strips to generate the electrical current. Polycrystalline solar panels are also encased in rigid frames with glass covers.

Thin Film (Amorphous)

Thin film panels are currently the cheapest alternative because they are not made with crystals or based on a crystalline structure. Thin films are produced using light absorbing base materials like glass or metal that are coated with a thin layer of high-grade silicon. This process reduces their efficiency an average of 7% to 10% and requires more square footage per watt collected, but it is much easier to install and more rugged than glass encased crystalline cells. One big advantage of thin film technology is the final product can be made into lightweight sheets that can double as roofing material and cover a greater range to collect the maximum amount of available sunlight.

Recent breakthroughs in thin film technology are producing multi-layered films that match the output of silicon wafers. There are even "organic" solar cells built from polymers for situations where disposability and mechanical flexibility are important factors.

Basically, each type of solar cell will create and conduct electricity, so selecting the proper one for your circumstances is totally dependent upon your conditions. The professionals at 4SolarPanels will be glad to help you analyze the necessary information and calculate all the factors in your particular circumstance to insure your system is able to harness and deliver plenty of clean, renewable solar energy to meet your power demands.

Type of Arrays for Solar Panels

Another crucial component in determining the best solar panels for your project is deciding early in the process how you will mount the solar panel array to get the most out of the available daylight in your location. The choice of which mount to use directly impacts the amount of effort you will have to make to maintain solar energy on a year round basis. The professionals at 4SolarPanels will help you select the correct mounting array that best fits your particular circumstances.

Fixed Mounts are the lest expensive if you have enough due south roof or ground space and the correct latitude to achieve the right tilt year round. Fixed mount arrays are most common near the equator because the tilt is more constant throughout the year. Solar stations located in the far northern or southern hemispheres can rarely employ fixed mount arrays for year round use. This array is, however, quite suitable for seasonal power generation, such as summer lodges and vacation homes in mountains and other cold regions.

Adjustable solar panels arrays can be tilted manually to maximize the solar input throughout the year. Typically, they need to be adjusted four times per year at about a 15 degree angle to compensate for the tilt of the earth during the seasons. Adjustable solar panel arrays are often placed on ground racks as opposed to rooftops.

Tracking solar panel arrays have motorized brackets that track the sun to collect continuous power during daylight hours. They are understandably the most expensive option and can conceivably result in the most maintenance, but they do increase the productivity of a solar cell by up to 20%. So if continuous production of maximum power is your goal, it is worth the time and money requires to install a tracking array.