Solar Panel Design Is Ever-Changing

May 9, 2010 by  
Filed under Solar Panels

A solar panel design has a specific set-up needed to make it work efficiently. The design has been refined over the years. Solar panels started out as very cumbersome pieces of technology. Today, these panels can be used in something as small as a calculator. When deciding on the placement of panels for home use. It’s helpful to know exactly what you need to get an entire solar energy system hooked up and running smoothly.

There are websites that offer a type of calculator for figuring the number of batteries and solar panels you will need to run your household. In case you aren’t always sitting at a computer, there is a tutorial on how to do the calculations manually for later on. Once the number of batteries and panels are decided upon, the proper wiring of the batteries and panels need to take place. Sites that focus on panel assembly will provide detailed information on how to set up the battery and panel system.

PV cells are the common type of cells used in solar panel design. Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy to electricity. These came about in 1954. There are also thin-film cells that are lower in cost and convert energy more efficiently.

Newer additions to the traditional method of panel assembly have recently been developed. Instead of the flat, bulky panels commonly used, smaller nano-towers are assembled into a tiny square. These work to catch tons of sunlight, sort of like blades of grass, only smaller. Even though these 3D panels are smaller, they produce over 60 times more than the older cells used in traditional solar panels.

Someday, this solar panel design will be able to be made affordable for the average consumer, instead of only for people who are able to shell out big bucks to better equip their home with solar powered appliances.

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