ABOUT PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. They may be installed on premises which are not connected to the electricity grid, or they may be installed on properties which are connected to the electricity grid. In the latter case, the photovoltaic panels are connected to the grid, so that surplus electricity can be sold to the grid. Financial incentives, such as preferential feed-in tariffs, apply in several countries including the USA.

The electricity is created by photons from sunlight colliding with electrons, which are then moved into a higher energy state, creating electricity. The solar cells require protection from the environment, and are usually packaged behind a glass sheet. However this does not apply in all cases, and photovoltaic roofing material is available. This provides roof waterproofing and photovoltaic electricity generation in a single sheet product, with no glass or frames.

LEADING USA MANUFACTURERS

The following leading manufacturers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects, including online catalogs, designs and materials, and care and maintenance.

The Solar Energy Guide. The Solar Energy Guide is not a manufacturer of panels, but provides a useful consumer guide to the use of panels by homeowners. The website contains the following sections: Solar Energy, PV Homes, PV Sytems, Off Grid, Grid Tied, Grid Tie Backup, PV Panels, PV Cells, Cost, Facts, Pros & Cons, Lighting, and Electric Generators.

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Solar Home. Solar Home, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been an online supplier of solar products for the home since 1998. It offers a wide range of photovoltaics. Its rigid glass panels range in power from 1 watt to 20 watts. Solar Home also supplies rollable solar panels; these take the form of a lightweight flexible sheet which serves the dual purpose of roof covering and solar power generation. Other products supplied by Solar Home include: Inverters, Composting Toilets, Solar Fountains, Generators, Pumps, Solar Pool Products, and Solar Water Heaters.

Kyocera. Kyocera, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has its USA base in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is one of the world's leading manufacturers of solar energy products. The main product in its photovoltaic panel range is the d.Blue Module. The name derives from the dark blue colour of the panel; the module frames are colored black. The d.Blue Modules are available in 205, 180, and 135 watt panels. All carry a 20-year power output warranty. The Kyocera Solar website contains a product catalog, a dealer locator, a PV calculator, and a section on Understanding Solar.

Evergreen Solar. Evergreen Solar, headquartered in Marlboro, Massachussetts, is a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic panels, which has been operating since 1995. Evergreen Solar uses a 'string ribbon' manufacturing technique; this creates a thin film of silicon by drawing two parallel wires through a silicon melt. This avoids the energy-intensive casting and machining and cutting of large silicon blocks. Evergreen Solar supplies photovoltaic panel modules with 180 watt, 190 watt, and 195 watt power. There is a 5 year workmanship and a 25 year power warranty.

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Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd. It is financed only by Google advertising; no payment is received from included websites.