Solar Power

Key Differences Between The Solar Panels Brands

Copyright (c) 2010 Aaron Dicks

Within the solar industry there are many different technologies. The main contenders on the field are monocrystalline and polycrystalline; however there are other technologies available to the end user. Thin-film photovoltaic cell (TFPV) is an exciting technology that is receiving a lot of attention in the press at the moment. It can cover large areas and has a flexible application. However it is less efficient (6%-8%) than other technologies and the large area needed to make it a viable option means it is not currently a realistic option for domestic purposes in the UK.

Polycrystalline was the original crystalline technology and it is more efficient than thin film. However, because it has a lower efficiency (12%) this technology is currently being superseded by monocrystalline which is currently the dominant technology in the UK domestic market. Sharp are the largest manufacturer within this technology and they have over 45 years’ experience in the solar industry. In fact a quarter of panels currently being installed worldwide are Sharp.

Sharp are a UK based company and their panels are manufactured in Wrexham, therefore helping reduce your carbon footprint further! All Sharp solar panels contain three bypass diodes per panel, a five year product warranty and a 25 year (80%) Power output guarantee. One of the most popular monocrytalline panels on the market is the Sharp NU 185. Its popularity is based on the fact that it is one of the most cost effective and reliable panels on the market and has an efficiency rating of 14.1%. The Sharp NU 235 is another great option that has an efficiency rating of 14.3%. If you are looking for a panel that is suitable for slate roofs then the Solar Century 185 with its black uniform look is ideal. It has a higher efficiency than the Sharp panels (14.7%), a 5 year warranty and an output guarantee of 25 years (80%). If you’re interested in a higher wattage panel then the SunGrid 260 is ideal. It has an efficiency of 14.5%, a 10 year warranty, a 25 year (80% power) output guarantee and a positive tolerance of + 5%.

Hybrid is the emerging cutting edge technology within the industry and is made by placing a layer of thin film PV on top of a monocrystalline panel. This means it is more efficient as it combines the properties of both technologies to convert more of the light energy into usable electricity. Sanyo are the market leaders in this technology and the Sanyo 235 solar panel has the highest efficiency in the UK currently, at 18.6%.

About the Author

Solar PV
can be installed by any
Solar PV Installers
firm accross the UK. For more information on the options available to you, visit http://www.evoenergy.co.uk

Nu Energy

Broan 353 1140 CFM Gable Mount Powered Attic Ventilator $74.57 Broan 353 1140 CFM Gable-Mounted Powered Attic Ventilators Quiet, High-Performance Operation for Inside-the-Attic Applications Galvanized Steel Housing, Ribbed for Added Strength Mounting Brackets Simplify Installation 1140 CFM for Attics up to 1630 sq. ft. 14″ Diameter Steel Blade Specially Designed for Maximum Air Movement Operates Automatically Adjustable Thermostat Built-in Thermally Protected…

Concept Green Energy Solution Inc. CGS1250-B 0.5-Watt 1250mAh Battery Solar Panel Solar Charger, Black $13.38 Solar Charger 1250mAh .5wsolar panel Lithium Polymer Batter USB cable with Apple Mini Micro adapters Compatible with iPhoneiPod and most Digital devicescolor Black. For best performance charge overnight before using…

Yoga Shakti $16.89 Internationally acclaimed vinyasa flow yoga teacher Shiva Rea revolutionizes the instructional yoga video genre with Yoga Shaktithe first user-personalized practice DVD designed to immerse practitioners in the free flow of shakti, the dynamic, creative fire of the universe.Filmed on location in India and the Maldive Islands on stunning digital video, Yoga Shakti integrates tradition and modern inn…

Goal Zero Escape 150 Adventure Kit W/ Escape 150 Battery & Boulder 15 Solar Panel $285.00 Goal Zero Escape 150 Adventure Kit w/ Boulder 15 Solar Panel & Power Pack. GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of USB, AC and DC devices anywhere and at anytime. Providing a perfect blend of portability, power, and ease-of-use, GOAL ZERO products feature full solar energy systems -solar panels, power packs and accessories – each designed to work in concer…

Etón American Red Cross ARCFR160R Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger (Red) $27.80 Small but mighty, the Eton American Red Cross Microlink FR160 multipurpose radio keeps you informed and prepared for emergencies or travel. This AM/FM/ NOAA Weather radio keeps you informed when the power is out or when you re in the great outdoors with no power or batteries. Bright 3 LED flashlight. Hand crank and Solar powered. USB Charger to hand crank charge any USB device such as MP3 pla…

Midland ER102 Emergency Radio $40.00 The Midland Emergency AM/FM Weather Crank Radio features emergency power of a Dynamo Crank to recharge the internal batteries, plus an AM/FM radio, LED flashlight, thermometer and All Hazards Weather Alert radio. A special added feature is a visual alert for the hearing impaired. Ideal for hiking or camping enthusiasts because of its precautionary tool for any emergency situation. The ER102 will a…

Eton Mobius NSP300B Rechargeable Battery Case w/ Solar Panel for iPhone 4 and 4S (AT&T and Verizon models) $73.01 Mobius iPhone 4 solar charging case/backup battery; extends the battery life of iPhone 4 up to or over 2x Enhanced monocrystal solar panel rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack durable protective case slim form factor. *Mobius has been apprved to be patible with the iPhone 4S by Apple. Black…

IOGEAR Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free Speakerphone Car Kit GBHFK231 (Black) $24.47 Hands-free munication with solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphoneMultipoint technology allows seamless switching between 2 Bluetooth devicesSuperior echo cancellation and noise reductionDedicated volume and mute buttons provide intuitive user experience1 full charge provides up to 11-13 hours continuous talk timeCompliant with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 2 1/8″ W x 1/2″ H x 3 5/8″ D*Before mounting the car …

Eton Mobius Solar iPhone 4 Charger Case Charge and store extra power for your iPhone4®. Drawing energy from a highly efficient solar panel or direct USB charge, this versatile iPhone 4 case charges your phone and also stores up to 1800 mAh of power – doubling your battery/usage time. It features a rechargeable lithium ion battery with power switch, USB cable for direct charge/sync, and solar/battery charge indicator lights. Great for b…

Solar Energy Essentials for the Homeowner: Common Questions about Solar Energy for the Home Solar Energy Essentials for the Homeowner is the latest in a new Green series of titles by best selling Kindle author Blake Webster.Purchasing a solar energy system for the home can be a very rewarding experience, but it also requires a substantial investment.Explore commonly asked questions about solar energy for the home that include topics ranging from basic installation to money saving approac…