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PV TECHNOLOGY FOUNDAMENTALS
PV MANUFACTURERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
There are significant differences between the best performance and the theoretically predicted value for each
material; closing these gaps is the subject of ongoing research (see figure).
PV technology basics
PV systems are like any other electrical power generating systems, just the equipment used is different than that used
for conventional electromechanical generating systems.
Other reasons batteries are used in PV systems are to operate the PV array
near its maximum power point, to power electrical loads at stable voltages,
and to supply surge currents to electrical loads and inverters.
In many stand-alone PV
systems, batteries are used
for energy storage. Figure
shows a diagram of a typical
stand-alone PV system
powering DC and AC loads
Types of PV Systems
How Are Photovoltaic Systems Classified?
component configurations,
Since there is no electrical energy storage (batteries) in direct-coupled systems, the load
only operates during sunlight hours, making these designs suitable for common
applications such as ventilation fans, water pumps, and small circulation pumps for solar
thermal water heating systems.
Matching the impedance of the electrical load to the maximum power output of the PV array
is a critical part of designing well-performing direct-coupled system.
For certain loads such as positive-displacement water pumps, a type of electronic DC-DC
converter, called a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is used between the array and
load to help better utilize the available array maximum power output.
Direct-coupled PV system.
PV technology basics How PV Cells Are Made
The process of fabricating conventional single- and polycrystalline silicon PV
cells begins very pure semiconductor-grade polysilicon - a material processed
from quartz and used extensively throughout the electronics industry.
crystalline silicon
The polysilicon is then heated to melting temperature, and trace amounts of
The conventional technology that supports boron are added to the melt to create a P-type semiconductor material.
more than 85% of today's PV market is
Next, an ingot, or block of silicon is formed, commonly using one of two methods:
based on wafers of crystalline Si. 1) by growing a pure crystalline silicon ingot from a seed crystal
drawn from the molten polysilicon
Production capacities are expected to more or 2) by casting the molten polysilicon in a block, creating a
than double in the next three to five years, polycrystalline silicon material.
and the products are proven and accepted
Individual wafers are then sliced from the ingots using wire saws and then
in the markets. subjected to a surface etching process. After the wafers are cleaned, they are
placed in a phosphorus diffusion furnace, creating a thin N-type semiconductor
Single-crystal ingots are pulled from the layer around the entire outer surface of the cell.
melt, or polycrystalline ingots are cast in a
crucible that is consumed in the process. Next, an anti-reflective coating is applied to the top surface of the cell, and
electrical contacts are imprinted on the top (negative) surface of the cell.
Technical advances include the growth of
ingots as big as 300 kg, the growth of An aluminized conductive material is
multiple ingots with melt replenishment, deposited on the back (positive) surface of
and the reduction of consumable materials each cell, restoring the P-type properties of
and energy costs. Significant R&D effort the back surface by displacing the diffused
phosphorus layer.
has been focused on reducing defects,
improving doping, and automating the Each cell is then electrically tested, sorted
growth process. Still, for single-crystal Si, based on current output, and electrically
the best commercial module efficiencies connected to other cells to form cell
are only about 15%. circuits for assembly in PV modules.
Toll Free:
800-510-4815
Phone:
781-275-6000 http://www.spirecorp.com/spire-solar/turnkey-module-production-lines/index.php
Fax:
781-275-7470
Spire offers SPI-LINE turnkey production lines for
Email: module manufacturing at production capacities ranging
email@spirecorp.com from a few hundred kilowatt up to 50 megawatts per
year and beyond.
http://www.spirecorp.com/spire-solar/turnkey-module-production-lines/index.php
Roof Systems
Awning Systems
Spire manufactures its own BIPV modules, so it has the flexibility to produce
custom and one-of-a-kind designs. These can be integrated into unique
application solutions.
Let Spire produce your next custom BIPV modules. Contact Spire at
pvsales@spirecorp.com to discuss your manufacturing needs.
* Each module is individually tested to ensure field performance meets or exceeds specifications.
* Solar cells are matched to reduce internal losses and the possibility of hot spots.
* Rugged, durable anodized aluminum frame makes for strong, stable mechanical mounting.
* Industry standard EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) and Tedlar construction protects solar cells from
mechanical and environmental stress.
The power of PV
* Photovoltaics (PV) provide clean, quiet, reliable electricity from sunlight.
* No moving parts to wear out.
* No emmisions - power that's good for the environment.
* The Sun - a limitless, readily-available power source.
PV manufacturers > > LOCAL INNOVATIVE PV COMPANY
SunPower Solar
Solar cells are semiconductor devices that directly convert sunlight into
electricity. Our A-300 solar cell has a rated power value of 3.1 watts and a
conversion efficiency of between 20% to 21.5%.
Our A-300 solar cell is designed without highly reflective metal contact
grids or current collection ribbons on the front of the solar cells. This
feature enables our solar cells to be assembled into solar panels that exhibit a
more uniform appearance than conventional
solar panels.
PV manufacturers > Overview Available Solar Panels
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/bpsolar.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/evsopa.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/geensopa.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/innergy.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/global-solar-energy-flexible-solar-panels.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/kyocera.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/issopa.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/mitsubishi-electric-solar-panels.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/martrix.html
PV manufacturers > AVAILABLE SOLAR PANELS
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/solarpanels.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/sasopa.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/ase.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/sunwize.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/siemens.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/kaneka.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/unisolar.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/iowathinfilm.html
http://www.affordable-solar.com/affordablesolar/yingli.html
PV solar panel specifications BP Solar BP-4170S, 170 Watt Solar Panel
Unavailable in 2005
BP Solar BP 4170S
170 Watt 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Electrical Specifications
Maximum Power: 170 Watts
Nominal Voltage: 34.7 volts
Voltage at Pmax: 34.7 Volts
Current at Pmax: 4.9 Amps
Warranted minimum Pmax: 161.5 Watts
Short-circuit current: 5.4 Amps
Open-circuit voltage: 44.0 Volts
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions (LxWxD): 62.8 x 31.1 x 1.97 inches (1595x790x50) mm
Weight: 34 lbs (15.4kg)
Solar Cells: 72 cells in a 6x12 matrix connected in series
Output Cables: MC Connectors RHW AWG# 12 cable with polarized
weatherproof DC rated connectors
Diodes: Three 9A, 45V Schottky by-pass diodes included
Construction: Front: High-transmission 3mm (1/8th inch) tempered glass; Back:
***Unavailable in 2005*** Tedlar; Encapsulant: EVA
BP Solar BP-4170S, 170 Watt Solar Panel Frame: Rugged clear anodized aluminum alloy type universal frame
1561 Your price: $999.00 pad Limited Warranty: 25 years
BP Solar BP-4170S, 170 Watt Solar Panel Quality and Safety Listings
ESTI, CE, TUV, UL Listed
Note: These panels must ship via truck freight due to size. Please call or email
for a shipping quote and to order.
PV solar panel specifications
170 watt-783.00 160 watt 799. 160 watt 725. 150 watt 699.
Most expensive
170 watt- 999.00
125 watt 629.00 125 watt 599. 80 watt 520. 65 watt 457. 60 watt 462.00
Cheapest
50Watt=354.00 40watt+353.00 30Watt 259.00 20watt 234.00
10 watt Solar panel- 149.00
PV solar panel specifications
$539.00
Electrical Specifications
Maximum Power: 115 Watts
Voltage @ Power Maximum: 17.3 Volts
Current @ Power Maximum: 6.65 Amps
Open-circuit Voltage: 21.5 Volts
Short-Circuit Current: 7.26 Amps
No. of Cells: 72
Max. Series Fuse: 15 Amps
UL System Voltage Rating: 600V
TUV System Voltage Rating: 800V
Evergreen Solar EC-102-GD, 102 Watt Solar Panel
$499.00
Mechanical Specifications
Length: 62.5"/1588 mm
Width: 25.69"/653 mm
Depth: 1.39"/35 mm
Weight: 28 lbs/12.7 kg
GE Energy GEPV-072, 72 Watt Solar Panel GE Energy GEPV-065, 65 Watt Solar Panel
Your price: $459.00 Your price: $449.00
The P3 Portable Power Pack is used worldwide to provide users an alternate power generator for charging lead-acid, Nickel
Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries. The P3 will enable extended missions,
provide energy security, restore power silently and can provide power for remote, portable surveillance equipment.
A primary battery can only be used once. Secondary batteries can be recharged several hundred times. Recent studies show
that a P3 solar charger pays for itself in fewer than fifteen recharges. That is equivalent to several hundred FREE BATTERIES!
Twice the power to weight ratio of alternative solar generators, the P3 is ideal for situations requiring power renewal to batteries
and mobile electronics. The P3 Portable Power Pack folds for easy transport and storage
PV solar panel specifications
Applications
Water pumping
Communications
Outdoor lighting
Rural electrification
Recreational vehicles
Stand-alone or grid-connected AC applications
Applications
Kyocera KC200GT, 200 Watt Solar Panel * Residential roof top system
Kyocera KC190GT, 190 Watt Solar Panel * Large commercial grid tie system
Kyocera KC200GT, 200 Watt Solar Panel
* Water Pumping Systems
$879.00
* High Voltage stand alone systems
Specifications:
KYOCERA has perfected its new surface Max Power: 190 Watts
treatment technology and is introducing it Max Voltage: 26.1 Volts
on a new line of panels named d.Blue, for Max Current: 7.28 Amps
its dark blue color. Dimensions (LxWxD): 56.2"x39"x1.4"
Weight: 40.7 pounds
The newly developed treatment method
processes multi-crystalline silicon cells in
order to produce a surface texture that
minimizes surface reflectance and
maximizes output. The result is a
maximum conversion efficiency of 15%,
one of the highest conversion efficiencies
in the polycrystalline panel industry.
PV solar panel specifications
Independently Certified
* The ASE-270/DGF-50 is independently certified to meet IEEE 1262,
IEC 61215 and UL 1703 standards
* It is also the only panel in the industry to receive a UL (Underwriters
Laboratories) Class A fire rating
Flexible Versions
A variety of wiring and framing options
are available upon request.
Electrical Data
Power (max): 270 Watts
Voltage: 49.5 Volts
RWE Schott Solar Panels
Current: 5.45 Amps
ASE is possibly the finest module Open-circuit voltage: 60.0 Volts
Short-circuit Current: 6.1 Amps
currently available on the market.
Dimensions and Weights
315 watt, 300 watt and 285 watt modules. Prices Length: 74.5"/1892.3 mm
start are $4.03/watt for cases of (20) modules. Width: 50.5"/1282.7 mm
Call for availablity. Weight: 107 (+/- 5) lbs/46.6 (+/- 2) kg
Area: 26.13 ft sq/ 2.43 sq meters
Characteristic Data
Solar cells per panel: 216
Type of solar cell: Semi-crystalline solar cells (EFG process)
Connections: 10 AWG single conductor, stranded copper with Multi-
Contact connector. Junction box comes with 6 built-in bypass diodes.
More Reliability
* Bypass diode protection for every 18 solar cells in series, thus minimizing power loss, and
mitigating overheating/safety problems
* Advanced encapsulation system ensures steady long-term panel performance by
eliminating degradation associated with traditional EVA-encapsulated panels
* A weather barrier system on both sides of the panel protects against tears, perforations, fire,
electrical conductivity, delamination and moisture
* Patented no-lead, high-reliability soldering system guarantees long life and ensures against
RWE Schott Solar Panels environmental harm should the panel break or be discarded
Higher Quality
* Each of the panel's 216 individual semi-crystalline silicon cells is inspected and power
matched to ensure consistent performance between panels
* Every panel is tested utilizing a calibrated solar simulator to ensure that the electrical ratings
are within the specified tolerance for power, voltage and current
* Panel-to-panel wiring loss is factored into the panel's labeled electrical ratings by testing
through the panel's cable/connector assemblies
Since 1959, Sharp has been harnessing the power of the sun
to improve the quality of life. Today, we are the world's #1
manufacturer of solar cells. In fact, Sharp's high quality,
Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems are used for Sharp 208 Watt Solar Panel SHARP NT-185U1, 185 Watt Solar Panel
everything from satellites to lighthouses, industrial $882.00 $969.00
applications to residential use.
SHARP NE-165U1,
Sharp ND-167U1, 165 Watt Solar Panel
167 Watt Solar Panel price: $727.00
$779.00
Sharp ND-N0ECU,
140 Watt Solar Panel
$669.00
Mechanical Characteristics
Dimensions: 45.86" x 38.98" x 1.81" (1165mm x 990mm x 46mm)
Weight: 26.9lbs/12.2kg
Packing Configuration: 2 pcs per carton
Shell Solar SQ175-PC, 175 Watt Solar Panel Shell Solar SQ165-PC, 165 Watt Solar Panel
$805.00 Your price: $779.00
Shell Solar 85-P, 85 Watt Solar Panel Shell Solar 80-P, 80 Watt Solar Panel
$499.00
PV solar panel specifications Shell ST40, 40 Watt CIS Thin Film Solar Panel
GEA GSA
- IEC61646
- Safety Class II equipment
- CE mark - UL Listed
Kaneka 60 Watt Solar Module - CEC registered
Modules are made with tempered high transmission glass with antireflective
coating, EVA encapsulant, TPT backsheet and aluminum frame with predrilled
holes for mounting. Water proof junction box contains cord grip connectors, bypass
diodes and barrel sleeve connector for use with special pinout connectors (available
with 10 USE 10 ga. below).
Warranty is 25 years. Modules larger than 65 watts are packaged 2 per shipping
box.
PV solar panel specifications
12V systems can be directly powered with PowerFilm Rollable Solar Panels.
As with any solar technology, the solar panel power output must be greater
than the power consumption of the 12V system.
Technical Specifications