The Sun's
radiant light is energy that can be converted into electrical energy.
The leaves on trees are a form of solar
cell, producing energy for the tree to grow.
Energy storage, solar electricity,
geothermal systems,
the latest technology - call us about it 610-789-0354.
The least expensive solar cells today are made using thin films of
cadmium telluride. The typical
cadmium telluride cell converts solar energy into electricity with
10 percent efficiency at a cost of about $4 per watt.
Photovoltaic Solar
Panel Orientation
The power output of the photovoltaic solar panels is, of course,
affected by their orientation and their tilt angle to the sun. This
will vary depending on the time of year. A solar system can be most
efficient if the tilt angle can be changed for seasonal sun
movement. The best tilt angle is usually equal to your
latitude. For example, at latitude 38 ° and if
solar panels are tilted at 38 ° they would be perpendicular to
the sun twice a year between equinoxes. The chart on the right
will help to
determine efficiency percentages with varying tilt angles and
orientation. |
Photovoltaic
solar panels made from crystalline silicon
can produce energy for between $2.25 and $3
per watt. CIGS on glass panels can drop that
cost to $1.50 per watt, but, solar energy will not
be able to compete with fossil fuel–based
electricity until it costs less than $1 per
watt.
Orientation Factor
| PV Panel
Tilt Angle from Horizontal |
| Facing |
0 |
15 |
30 |
45 |
60 |
90 |
| South |
0.89 |
0.97 |
1.00 |
0.97 |
0.88 |
0.57 |
| SSE, SSW |
0.89 |
0.97 |
0.99 |
0.96 |
0.87 |
0.58 |
| SE, SW |
0.89 |
0.95 |
0.96 |
0.93 |
0.85 |
0.59 |
| ESE, WSW |
0.89 |
0.92 |
0.91 |
0.87 |
0.79 |
0.57 |
| E, W |
0.89 |
0.88 |
0.85 |
0.78 |
0.70 |
0.51 |
A number of 1.0 on the chart is the most
efficient.
Silicon wafer–based solar cells, which
account for 90 percent of installed solar capacity, are more
efficient, converting up to 20 percent of the sun's energy, whereas
thin-film cells generally convert only about 10 percent. This gap is
expected to close over the next few years, making thin-film
cells—which cost half that of silicon-wafer cells. |
|
A typical solar cell has an efficiency
of 15 percent—about one sixth of the sunlight striking the cell
generates electricity.
Photovoltaic
solar panels made from crystalline silicon
can produce energy for between $2.25 and $3
per watt. CIGS on glass panels can drop that
cost to $1.50 per watt, but, solar energy will not
be able to compete with fossil fuel–based
electricity until it costs less than $1 per
watt. |
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We "make it" happen -
solar energy, photovoltaic, power inverter,
photovoltaic modules, utility metering, batteries,
fabrications, brackets, roof mounting, fabricated parts, energy storage. |
Claims of development for a prototype that converts at 16.5
percent efficiency. IBM's CIGS technology—for copper, indium,
gallium and selenide—is a thin-film approach that will initially be
able to convert at least 15 percent of the solar energy it receives
into electricity. That compares with 19.9 percent efficiency of CIGS thin-film
solar cells.
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| The Sun's
energy reaching the surface of our planet is roughly 1 kilowatt per
square meter. Before entering our atmosphere it is about 20% more: 1.2
kilowatts. At 15% efficiency 10 panels each measuring 1meter by 1
meter would power 1 1/2 bars on an electric heater. 20 panels
would power an electric kettle (when the sun is shining).
for fabricated parts, special parts and custom parts for
anything. Delaware County, fabrications, Bryn Mawr, brackets, roof
mounting, Serving all areas and neighborhoods surrounding: Narberth, Lower
Merion, Ardmore, Havertown, Broomall, Newtown Square, South Philly and
Philadelphia, PA. parts, custom parts, roof racks, solar power, lower
utility bills, wholesale, solar heating. |
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