Posts Tagged ‘discount’
January 31st, 2011 | 
Author:
Starting Up With Solar Panels
At USD$800 for a 170 watt solar panel many of us are scared at the cost of buying enough solar panels to power our home. Well, for a home that uses 3Kwh/day it’s around USD$14,000; however, we have a secret that can cut down that cost significantly. It happened by “accident” actually. (forgive the pun)
We were driving down Highway 401(Canada’s busiest divided highway) and noticed an accident ahead. The driver had crashed into one of those mobile signs which indicate to change lanes. The sign was completely ruined, but the panel which was ON TOP didn’t seem to be damaged. We called the company up the following Monday and the receptionist answered “Yes, the signs get hit all the time, and yes, we could probably have the cracked panels after the insurance company looked at them.”
BINGO
It turns out that this company installs 5- 65 watt solar panels on each unit. After getting the company approval we toted away 13 slightly damaged solar panels. After we got them home we tested the current on each of them. It turns out that only two of them were damaged beyond being usable. In total we picked up over 200 watts of panels for the price of the gas it cost to drive there!
We’ve now shown you a source of no-cost solar panels, but we should also know about the different kinds of solar panels because in the last 10 years there have been some amazing advances in this field.
Tried and True Monocrystalline…
For many years monocrystalline solar modules have been the mainstay of the solar market. Those iridescent blue faced panels you have been seeing on rooftops are probably of this type of panels. They have distinct rounded individual solar cells visible from all angles stacked in very uniform rows. This type is produced from a single silicon ingot or crystal. Manufacturing costs are very high because of this process making them the most expensive solar modules on the market. They are, however the most space efficient type of solar panel making them the correct choice when space is at a premium. Monocrystalline cells have a life expectancy far exceeding 25 years, probably over 50 years. The only real problem with this type of cell is it’s fragile nature making it a requirement that it be mounted in a very rigid frame.
Polycrystalline…
Polycrystalline modules are manufactured from a block of multi-crystalline silicon. They are usually square and have a varied, almost mosaic-like appearance. Only slightly less efficient than monocrystalline modules they are cheaper to manufacture and thus cost less money. You can expect the same great lifespan as monocrystalline cells too.
Thin Film…
Recently a new product was introduced into the market that could provide some much needed answers for solar power users. Amorphous silicon PV or thin film technology could make rigid solar panels obsolete if some better research is done. Thin film panels are produced by applying silicon material on glass or stainless steel, or more commonly between two pieces of flexible laminate material. Solid or rigid thin film panels are in use by flexible laminated thin film panels are more popular.
The flexible panels can be applied to any surface and sometimes used as roofing material. Most customers like the almost seamless blending of solar panels right into their roof top. Saving you the cost of regular shingles or steel roofing, thin film solar panels are a good choice. These panels are not nearly as efficient at converting light to electricity when compared to mono or polycrystalline solar panels- not nearly by half.
You would need twice the space to accommodate their installation. From a manufacturing standpoint they do absorb light more efficiently though, allowing for a thinner design and less material being used in their manufacture. The real benefit, because less material is needed, is in the simplified manufacturing process resulting in lowered costs to build. The lower price has pushed thin film panels to the lead in price per watt of output.
About the Author
Andrew Oke is very interested in Renewable Energy.He has 16 years experience living off the grid, and has completely built his own renewable energy system. Visit his website at Living Off The Grid
Are Solar Panels Going To 300 Watts Soon?
|
|
Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter $189.95 This inverter provides household power on the go. It converts battery power to 120 V AC household power, allowing you to power up office equipment and household appliances from your vehicle. This unit is ideal for such appliances as microwave ovens (1000 watts or less), coffeemakers, laptops, TVs, video game consoles, CD and DVD players, cell phone chargers, and more. Power equipment and applia… |
|
|
Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter $299.95 5000W PEAK POWER 2500W CONTINUOUS POWERUSB OUTPUTLED FUNCTION/STATUS METERMONITORS POWER CONSUMPTION 2 AC GROUNDED OUTLETSREMOTE ON/OFF CAPABILITYIDEAL FOR POWERING MICROWAVE OVENS 1/2 HP SUMP PUMPS & VACUUMSUPC : 028377312700Shipping Dimensions : 13.00in X 11.20in X 5.50inEstimated Shipping Weight : 7.6… |
|
|
Volt Meter/DC Digital LED Amp Volt Meter + Shunt /200V 200A /Blue $19.55 Advantage: Good linearity Small Temperature Drift High-accuracy measurement Automatic over-range indication Work stable Adopts ultra-bright blue LED display Low Power consumption Over-range indication Easy installation Ideal for use with: Use in cars, boats, planes and Testing Devices for measuring voltage and current Is widely used in equipment and electromechanically device… |
|
|
SunPlug Solar Charger Fishing Stool and Bag. It charges cell phones and iPod/iPhone. $139.99 This Camouflage SunPlug solar bag helps to organize and charge your portable electronics and supply you a sitting stool in the wild. *** It charges most portable electronics with 10 heads provided including iPod and most cell phone tips and PDAs, GPS. It’s an ideal bag and stool for fishing sports and outdoor activities…. |
|
|
The sCharger-5 is a Powerful Compact Solar Charger that can Both Charge and Actually Run At The Same Time, iPod, iPhone(3, 4, & 4S), Droid, HTC, Samsung, and Many Other Portable Devices Directly from the Sun $139.95 Powerful Solar Charger for iPod, iPhone, Motorola Droid, HTCs, Samsung, Android phones and most all other small electronic gadgets including GPSs, kindles, nooks, portable gaming devices and even USB batteries. Works very well on the iPhone 4S. It even charges the iPad in good sunny weather.This is not an ordinary small solar charger. These use high efficiency solar cells like the ones used in ind… |
|
|
Schumacher SP-200 Solar Battery Maintainer $24.99 The Schumacher SP-200 2.4-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer trickle-charges your 12V battery and extends battery life. It’s easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. It provides 2.4 Watts of clean solar power for your auto, motorcycle, ATV, or riding mower batteries and even works under cloudy conditions. It’s environmentally safe, with no electricity needed for operation. 2.4W of clean sol… |
|
|
Rule 24 Marine Rule 360 Marine Bilge Pump (360-GPH, 12-Volt) $12.67 Rule Submersible Bilge Pumps give you BIG value for your dollar! Rule submersible bilge pumps have set the standard for the industry for many years. They are the first choice of yachtsmen and commercial fishermen throughout the world. More innovations in bilge pump design have come from Rule Industries than any other manufacturer. Totally submersible; Compact, efficient, maintenance-free; Silent r… |
|
|
Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit $279.95 Dead batteries got you down? Soak up some sunshine with this 60 – watt Solar Kit! Solar power: efficient, abundant and FREE. Looking for a little juice? Solar may be the answer! These super-efficient crystalline Solar Panels were designed for use with cabins, outbuildings, RVs, boats… anywhere running electrical line is not practical. A 7-amp charge controller and 200W inverter help use the sun’… |
|
|
Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller $55.00 The Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 30 amps of array current and up to 500 watts of solar power. The controller will continuously display the charging current or battery voltage on the LCD digital meter, and also automatically indicates the charged condition of your batt… |
Posted in 
Tags: 