There are several different styles of Kyocera solar panels and they are designed to cater to a specific need. The original commercial products from Kyocera were built for the portable solar power market and were created to supply a reliable amount of 12VDC power for campers and RV’s. These have been improved through the years and are still available today. Later models have been adapted to work in both commercial and residential solar markets and are available in voltages up to 60VDC or higher for these settings.

Even though Kyocera solar products offer some of the best efficiency on the market, their real value is that they do this at a lower price than their competition. Even though there may be other panels with a slightly higher efficiency rating, they are much more expensive and as a result they provide less of a value for consumers. The Kyocera panels strike the perfect balance between efficiency and cost, which helps them stay popular with consumers.

Kyocera also help you protect your investment in their products by offering several warranties on their panels. First, they offer a standard 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, which almost every manufacturer offers. They also offer a two-stage warranty on the output power of the Kyocera solar panel products, which is fairly unique in the industry.

The Kyocera warranty guarantees that if the panels fall below their minimum output rating by more than 10% in the first 10 years, or 20% in the first 20 years that Kyocera will either deliver additional modules to make up the difference, or replace the panels.

This is an impressive peace of mind since most panels won’t actually die completely; they simply start to lose their ability to generate their peak power. With the Kyocera panels you are protected if they start to decay over time. This means you can be sure to get decades of use out of your solar power system if you select these Kyocera panels for your solution.

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People can be attracted to solar power for different reasons. Most do want to make difference to green house emissions. Most people going to solar energy want to power their home in order to be off the grid. Or they may want to be protected from service interruptions. Many will adopt a DIY approach to home solar power.

Over the last two years electricity prices have risen in most capital cites and we are almost certain to face more rising electricity prices over and above the cost of inflation into the foreseeable future. Energy demand is projected to grow steadily over the next several decades, and supply will become more constrained (or expensive) as governments from all over start incorporating the cost of CO2 emissions into the cost of generation from fossil sources. This will also act to drive solar prices down, as increased demand creates greater innovation and greater economies of scale. Hence solar is being seen as a solution.

Two types of solar systems are effective in the typical average home: * Solar Hot Water – heats your water * A diy photovoltaic solar panels Power System – creates electricity. The PV solar panel is a panel created to capture solar energy and make it into electricity. PV converts the sun’s rays to useable electrical energy using a series of cells on a solar panel. The energy converted is delivered by hard wiring to the home’s power circuitry. PV is now being used to provide price-competitive, zero greenhouse emission energy to homes and businesses across the country.

The use of PV – photovoltaic technology – is increasing. It has been used to power homes for many years, and with good reason. Sufficient sunshine falls on the USA to provide the nation’s total energy needs. With a few solar modules the homeowner can capture some of this energy, and a diy photovoltaic solar panels project can be very satisfying. The starting point for a diy photovoltaic solar panels system is to gain an understanding of how much power you are currently using; how much power you will obtain from different alternate energy sources, and how much of a percentage of your needs they will supply. You will need to dig out your electricity bills for the last year. Work it out for an entire year and you can then determine the average usage on a true daily average. Add up the number of kilowatt-hours you have used over the year, and divide that number by 365. Now you’ve got your average usage in kilowatt-hours per day. You can then start looking at hooking your solar energy system to the grid-connect systems that are available. You need to think about your location and calculate how much electricity they can produce. These are based on calculators which each electricity supplier or provider will have on their website.

If, for example your household is using an average of 20 kilowatt/hours per day, that means that a 2 kW system producing an average of just under 10 kilowatt/hours per day would provide almost half your electricity needs. Note that these calculations presume an optimum installation. Variations from true north in the southern hemisphere and true south in the norther hemisphere and from the optimum tilt angle will reduce the power output. Solar power for homes is only fully efficient when every photovoltaic cell in every panel in your system is exposed to full sunlight. For diy photovoltaic solar panels for the home, note that even the smallest shadow of a tree branch on one photovoltaic cell can dramatically decrease the efficiency of the overall system. The solar energy collected is converted to electricity through the PV process.

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Wiring Solar Panels in Parallel

Imagine that you are looking at three solar panels lying next to each other on the ground. On the top of each panel is a positive terminal. On the bottom of each panel is a negative terminal. You are going to wire these panels together using the terminals. You have two options. Option one is to run wires along the top, connecting each positive terminal together and to run wires along the bottom, connecting each negative terminal together. This is a parallel solar installation. What happens when you wire your panels in this fashion?

When you wire your solar panels in parallel, the total voltage output remains the same as it is in a single panel. The amperage output becomes the sum of the output of each panel. For example, say each of your panels produces 12 volts and 3.5 amps. The total output of your panels, when wired in parallel, would be 12 volts and 10.5 amps. What would your total output be if you had six panels instead of three? Your voltage output would remain the same, 12 volts, but your amperage would increase to 21.

Wiring Solar Panels in Series

Now look back at those three unwired solar panels lying next to each other on the ground. This time we are going to wire them in series. Instead of wiring the positive terminal of one panel to the positive terminal of the panel next to it, we are going to wire the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of the panel next to it. Do this for each panel, and your array will be wired in series. What is the result of this?

When you wire your solar panels in series, the amperage remains the same, and the total voltage output becomes the sum of the voltage output of each panel. Using the same three 12 volt, 3.5 amp panels as above, we can see the difference. Wired in series, they now produce 36 volts at 3.5 amps. What if we hook up our three other panels? Correct. Our amperage remains at 3.5 and our voltage output jumps to 72.

When to Use Each Respective Wiring Style

Which wiring style should you use? Well, that depends on the system that you want to charge. Let’s say, for example, that you want to use solar power to charge up your RV while camping. An RV, as you know, uses a 12-volt system; therefore, you would want your solar panel system outputting 12 volts. So, if you have two solar panels and each produces 12 volts at 3.5 amps, you would want to wire them in parallel, which would keep the volts at 12 and increase the amperage to 7.0. If, on the other hand, you have two solar panels and each produces 6 volts at 3.5 amps, you would want to wire them in series, which would increase the volts to 12 while keeping the amps at 3.5.

You may be wondering what the effects are, in regards to total power output, of wiring panels up one way or the other. The answer is that there are no effects at all. Total power is measured in watts. To figure out the total wattage of your charging system, simply multiply your amps times your volts. For example, say you have one system producing 12 volts at 10 amps and another producing 120 volts at 1 amp. Which produces more power? Neither.

12 volts X 10 amps = 120 watts

120 volts X 1 amp = 120 watts

For simple reference in regards to the difference between parallel and series wiring, just remember that parallel wiring = more amps, and series wiring = more volts. With a sound understanding of the differences between parallel and series solar installations, you are now ready to design and build your own solar panel system.

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When it comes to turning sun power into usable electric energy, solar panels (PV cells) stand at the forefront. These panels are constructed of wafer-thin silicon and use a process called the photo-electric effect to convert sun energy to electric energy.

Solar cells are currently being used to power a wide range of products. They include… watches, automobile battery chargers, cell phone chargers, calculators, backpacks, home security lights, and many more. Solar cells that power personal electronics and appliances are basically smaller versions of the larger solar panels you would use for home energy.

Increased convenience is one of the reasons solar powered camping equipment is gaining popularity. Recreational vehicles (RVs) are also being fitted with solar powered components for the same reason.

If you are new to solar powered energy, the best way to learn more is through DIY books and guides that cover the subject. Even if you are not ready to convert your home to sun power – a good understanding of solar technology can be very beneficial knowledge. As the cost of oil and electricity continue to rise, the sun will become a very important alternate energy source.

There is also good news on the horizon as new advances are being made in solar energy technology. These advances are helping make solar-powered products and equipment less expensive and more efficient.

Even the Department of Energy, which oversees the country’s solar research efforts, has installed the new 205-kilowatt, high-efficiency solar array on the roof of their Washington, D.C. headquarters. This panel is designed and built by Silicon Valley-based SunPower Corporation.

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solarcharger

Premium Solar Charger

Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device – Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups is available from amazon . This product has been purchased by  many.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

• Portable Battery and Charger – Charge Via Solar Power (up to 50%) or USB Port (USB cable included)
• 1500mAh Battery and USB output will charge USB powered devices including cell phones, Mp3s, & more. Output?DC5V±5% 600mAH Max. Solar charge: 120mA
• Charging and capacity indicator on back show charge status and remaining power level
• Includes Mini USB Charge Cable & 2 Window Suction Cups. Ships in environmentally friendly, easy to open packaging
• Features built-in twistable LED flashlight – Flexible & adjustable positioning design great for camping, reading, driving, & more

Technical Details

• Model: XTG-SOL1500

Product Description

The XTG Technology ultra-slim “Solar Portable Battery and Charger” is the perfect solution for emergency power and power on the go. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a built-in Lithium Ion battery that can be charged using the provided USB cable or using sunlight via the solar panel. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a USB output to charge your cell phone, smart phone, Mp3, Bluetooth headset and more on the go (using your device’s existing USB cable). This is the perfect unit for campers, travelers, gadget enthusiasts, hikers, and power hungry consumers. It also includes a fully adjustable powerful LED light ideal for reading and more. NOTE: The unit will only charge up to 50-60% when using the solar charging – Great for emergency power. Use USB charging to charge the internal battery fully.

• Environmentally friendly, solar powered above-ground pool heater
• Designed for any size of pool; no electric or gas connections
• Increases pool temperature up to 5 degrees in one week
• Includes a protective cover
• 1-year limited warranty

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Extend your pool season and save energy with the AquaLivin’ Solar Heater. This easy-to-install heater is compatible with most pumps and designed for all sizes of above-ground pools. With the protective cover, the heater can increase temperatures by 5 degrees F in one week. With no gas or electric connections, this is powered entirely by the sun making it eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
Product Description
Heat your above-ground pool the green way, using only the sun’s solar energy. The Solar Pool Heater provides an unbeatable price to performance ratio. You can add weeks to your swimming season with the free energy from the sun heating your pool.

With built-in blocking diode technology, this solar charging kit is built to protect against battery discharge at night. You may also use this kit to maintain the charge on any 12-Volt battery for clean, silent operation of various electronics, such as deer feeders and landscaping pumps. The included charge controller features a built-in ultra-bright blue LED charging indicator, and is a great choice for automobiles, recreational vehicles, tractors, all-terrain vehicles, boats, electric fences, telemetry and more.

About Amorphous Solar Power
Amorphous solar panels are created by spraying silicon on to glass in very thin layers, and are commonly known as thin film solar panels. This process allows them to be better at generating electricity in all lighting conditions, including cloudy or shady environments. Sunforce amorphous solar panels are weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. They have a maximum operating temperature range of -40 to 176-degrees Fahrenheit, require virtually no maintenance, and are also effective on cloudy days. They can even withstand impacts from one-inch hailstones at 50 miles-per-hour.

The Sunforce 50048 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit gives you another reason to love the sun — it’ll help keep your batteries charged. This kit is excellent for cabins, remote power, back-up power, and 12-volt battery charging. The kit includes a PVC mounting frame, 7 Amp charge controller, 200-watt inverter, and wiring/connection cables. And with the built-in blocking diode technology, this charger kit is designed to protect against battery discharge at night. You can also use this kit to maintain the charge on any 12-volt battery for clean, silent operation of various electronics, such as deer feeders and landscaping pumps. The 50048 features a built-in ultra-bright blue LED charging indicator, and is a great choice for automobiles, recreational vehicles (RV), tractors, all terrain vehicles (ATV), boats, electric fences, telemetry and more, and it is even effective on cloudy days. This battery charger kit is made of durable ABS plastic and amorphous solar cells and has a maximum temperature range of -40 to 176-degrees Fahrenheit

BP Solar is a subsidiary company of BP. It is the solar power company and is a known international manufacturer and installer of photovoltaic solar cells known as the BP Solar Panels. The company has been involved in the solar power industry since 1973 with headquarters located in Frederick, Maryland. Currently, the company’s product facilities are based in China, India, Spain and the United States and with a workforce of over 2,000 people from all over the world.

History of Photovoltaics
The international solar power industry provides solar panels or cells which have the ability to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The concept was initiated by concerns about energy security as well as global warming. Through years of researches, it has greatly improved and advanced the technology of photovoltaic industry thus reducing its prices and at the same time, increasing the market demand by about 25% every year.

The demand for solar cells has also changed. Starting out to provide power supply for remote areas and powered consumer products like toys, calculators and watches in 1980s up to early 1990′s, its uses then shifted to and focused on developing power plants and building-integrated photovoltaics for grid connected applications by the year 1995.

The Company
BP is one of the largest international energy companies that aim to help conserve the earth’s natural resources by focusing on the innovative and latest cleaner technology which includes the solar power. For over 30 years, BP has proven its reliability and experience in the industry and is currently has installations in over 160 countries.

The Product
It has its 2 new manufacturing plants of BP solar panels, one of which is located in Madrid, the company’s European headquarter, while the second one is at Tata BP Solar, its joint venture facility in Bangalore, India. During the Madrid expansion, BP Solar aims to expand the yearly capacity of its BP solar panels from 55 megawatts to around 3000 megawatts. On the other hand, the Bangalore expansion has added another 300 megawatts to the company’s total annual cell capacity.

The new BP solar panels use advanced screen-printing technology. The company had fully automated the wafer handling that enables the manufacturing lines to handle even the thinnest wafers available, ensuring its highest quality. This advancement is of great advantage since the silicon shortage experienced in the previous years.

How Do Solar Panels Work?
Though making BP solar panels require advanced technology, when linked in to a solar module, BP solar panels are quite easy to use.

iframe>The technology uses the sun’s energy to generate electric current at the junction of 2 materials, the PV technology or the photovoltaic is likely to be the simplest known method of generating power. This is because the photovoltaic cells do not require fuel and creates no emissions. Moreover, the silicon that is being used in solar modules is non-toxic.

In addition to that, the production of BP solar panels makes extensive use of recycled materials. As a matter of fact, it uses waste from other industries as its raw material. Also, these panels can regenerate the energy consumed on its manufacturing process in 1 to 4 years, depending on the location and application.

Our world is truly fast evolving and fast deteriorating. It is our duty to save the world we are living. Not all companies have this community concern. But with BP solar panels, the products offer a lot of benefits as it not only helps the issues of energy consumption and production, but it also addresses the need to conserve the Earth’s natural resources. It’s our home after all.

Go Grab Yourself A Free Report And Learn More About BP Solar Panels And Commercial Solar Power.

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you’re planning on purchasing a solar panel system for your home to cut down on your electric bills, check the following to help you make the right choice:

Manufacturer

It is always best to know who the manufacturer is. There are more than a thousand manufacturers around the world. To ensure that warranties can be claimed without any setbacks or delays, choose the manufacturers who have ready distribution networks near your area.

UL Listing

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has been meticulously testing solar panels for weather resistance, performance, mounting methods and other safety considerations in its testing site in Silicon Valley. Ask if the solar panels are UL Listed.

Rated Power at Standard Test Conditions (STC)

In simple terms, this is what you will ask for if you want to buy a specific wattage. So if you want to buy a 220 watt panel, make sure that the rated power at STC is 220 watts.

Rated Power Per Square Foot

This is the measure of rated power for every square foot. It is also known as the “power density.” The measurement that you will get here is important because the higher its value, the less space you will need for the panels to generate the energy you need. For example, if the solar panel has a rated power per square foot of 20 watts, you could get 220 watts out of 11 square feet.

Solar Power Efficiency or Module Efficiency (in percentage)

This measurement, in percentage, tells you the ratio of the output power to the input power. For example, if the panel generates 100 watts of output power from 1,000 watts of solar power that it receives, the solar power efficiency is ten percent. Between 10.3 up to 19.3 percent is the efficiency of most panels in the market. Pricewise, the higher the efficiency, the costlier the panel.

Rated Power Tolerance

Usually, this is seen as a numeric specification of +/- 5. This measurement means that in certain conditions, the rated power of the solar panel could either increase by five percent or decrease by five percent.

Cell Type

Thin film panels use crystalline silicon applied as film directly on the panels. These do not have crystal-like features making them easier and faster to produce. They are the cheapest but least efficient type of solar panels.

Polycrystalline (Poly) panels, on the other hand, are made up of a bunch of small crystalline silicon cells that are put together. Poly panels are advertised as cheaper than Mono panels.

Monocrystalline (Mono) panels use only one cell from crystalline silicone formed in a large sheet. Mono panels are said to be the most efficient of the three types of solar panels.

So before you start purchasing your solar panels, look closely at the specifications. Always remember that aside from shelling out a substantial amount of money, your solar panels will be with you for at least twenty five years. And good sense dictates that if you’ll live with these panels for at least twenty five years, you should at least try to get to know them better.

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