SOLAR ELECTRICITY: HOME PV - PHOTOVOLTAIC

Solar modules are the core of any Solar PV system, and are based on solar (photovoltaic) cells, which are made of special materials called semiconductors, usually silicon.
PV Solar Modules: The Sizing Problem

Solar modules collect the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. The number of modules (connected to form a rooftop array) will depend on your needs, climate and on the modules wattage.
PV Home And Non-Home Uses

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are used to produce electricity for residential use and also in calculators, watches, parking meters, and Vans, Boats and Recreational Vehicles...

Concentrating Collectors

Concentrating collectors are a rather marginal option in the solar market. They use parabolic and mirrored surfaces to concentrate and get sunlight energy. They are able to generate very high temperatures, and are mainly used on commercial applications. They demand direct sunlight and do not perform well in climates with low levels of direct sunlight.

They are scarcely used on residential applications. They are expensive and involve a large set of demanding requirements and configurations. They are used in large projects and electrical generation. The true alternative concerning solar panels for residential applications is between flat-plate and evacuated-tubes solar collectors.

Evacuated Tube Collectors

Evacuated tube collectors are a more recent technology than that of flat-plate collectors, and a more promising one. This type of solar collectors can be used in most climates and applications, but despite recent decreases on prices, they still are more expensive than the average flat-panels.

They are the best solution for demanding applications, that is, applications demanding higher water temperatures.

Solar Liquid Flat Glazed Collectors

These panels can be used in solar domestic water heating systems and for central heating (integrated in systems involving forced air systems, radiators or radiant heating). They are a flexible, tested and competitive option. They are by large, at present, the most common type of collectors in moderate and sunny climates.

Solar Air-Flat Glazed Panels

Solar air-flat glazed collectors are mainly used in solar space heating, and may be tied to forced air systems. They have some advantages over solar liquid-flat panels (they produce heat earlier and later in the day than liquid systems, they do not freeze and the negative consequences of eventual leaks are minimal) but they are also less efficient than liquid collectors, and aren’t as flexible in their applications.

Solar Flat Unglazed Panels

Solar-flat-unglazed collectors are used in swimming pools and simple house space heating (typically, solar air heaters with no heat storage, designed just to heat a room or a small part of the house). Unglazed panels are used in applications demanding low temperatures. They have a wide range of applications in sunny climates, where they can replace more expensive solar collectors.

Solar Collectors Choice

There are two main types of solar heating collectors:

- flat collectors (glazed and unglazed);
- evacuated-tubes collectors

Other types of solar collectors comprise: ICS (Integrated Solar) and concentrating panels. These last panels are rarely used in solar home applications.

Choosing the type of collector depends largely on climate conditions, price and on the type of application. Below we draw some some rough conclusions about the most suitable solar panels for several solar applications, taking into account the climate, price and type of application.