Flexible Solar Applications

Disadvantages of collectors

Although the number of advantages prevails, the disadvantages of solar panels should also be mentioned. Unfortunately, they are relatively expensive, as well as their installation will be about several thousand dollars. However, it is worth remembering that this is only a temporary cost, as the costs incurred will pay off in the future in the form of energy savings.A lesser disadvantage is also the fact that, unfortunately, the heating of water or the production of electricity during heavy cloud cover drops significantly.

In general, if we list the above advantages and disadvantages of solar heating, its positive qualities prevail, but the high cost of the installation and installation itself repels us from investing capital. However, this does not change the fact that this purchase pays off very quickly, making solar panels a good solution not only for private houses, but also for apartment buildings.

Types of solar panels

Those who have already had to deal with solar panels are probably aware that they are silicon and film. Silicon modules are usually divided into the following categories:

• monocrystalline;
• polycrystalline;
• amorphous.

Polycrystalline modules are made from medium purity crystals. Silicon is first melted and then cooled under special conditions. They are suitable for use in areas of low solar activity. The appearance of the element is characterized by a heterogeneous color - from dark blue to bluish. The efficiency of polycrystalline elements is 12-15%.

If you need to choose a system for a private house, which is located in temperate latitudes, you can stop at polycrystals. This option would be good for giving. In terms of cost, polycrystals are cheaper than monocrystalline panels, but with the right installation, the amount of energy received from them will be quite enough.

Modules made of single crystals have an even dark blue or black color. They are more in demand among buyers.In the production of silicon, it is first shaped into a cylinder, and then cut into thin slices. This process takes a long time and is considered very expensive - hence the high price of single crystals.

The efficiency of such elements will be higher than that of polycrystals up to 20%. It is better to use them in climatic zones with high solar activity. To be honest, which modules are better to choose - of course, single-crystal. However, their high cost is often a barrier to purchase.

In addition to mono- and polycrystalline cells, there are batteries based on amorphous silicon. They are notable for the fact that they can work effectively even in conditions of constant cloudy weather and rain. Silicon is converted by electricity into silicon hydrogen, due to which it is deposited on the substrate. It turns out a thin layer of a substance with a high degree of permeability.

Many have probably heard of such know-how as film modules. They are produced in the form of rolls, which can be rolled up or spread out anywhere at any time. Film elements are suitable for installation over a large area, and they are based on a durable film made of polymeric materials. While they are difficult to find in the general sale, but there is no doubt that soon they will appear everywhere.

The cost of the kit and the main technical characteristics, payback period

Prices for ready-made kits mainly range from 30,000 to 2,000,000 rubles. They depend on the devices that make them up (on the type of batteries, the number of devices, the manufacturer and characteristics). You can find budget options costing from 10,500 rubles. The economy set includes a panel, a charge controller, a connector.

Standard kits include:

• energy module;
• charge controller;
• battery;
• inverter;
• shelving *;
• cable *;
• terminals*.

* Provided in the extended configuration.

Standard Equipment

Specifications are indicated in the instructions for use:

• Power and dimensions of panels. The more power you need, the more profitable it is to buy larger batteries.
• System energy efficiency.
• The temperature coefficient shows how much temperature affects power, voltage and current.

So, for example, a set with a capacity of 5 kW C3 of a network solar power plant from the Hevel company - based on heterostructure solar modules - is suitable for covering the needs of energy supply for a private house or small business facilities: pavilions, cafes, shops, guest houses, etc. d.

The Hevel network solar power plant allows you to save on electricity bills, while increasing the power supplied to the facility. Autonomous and hybrid solar power plants Hevel are equipped with rechargeable batteries, so they eliminate power outages, and also help out if there is no connection to the main network at the facility.

Qualified managers of Hevel will help you calculate energy consumption and choose the most suitable kit for your home, as well as perform installation and commissioning of solar power plants.

A long-term official warranty for modules, an official warranty for all components, quality conformity certificates - this is what distinguishes a reliable supplier.

All developments, solar modules and cells undergo multi-stage quality control, as well as strength and wear resistance tests, which allows us to speak with confidence about the reliability and durability of modules and structures, as well as provide a guarantee for Hevel products - up to 25 years.

Grid solar power plant "Hevel" C3

Application area

It is logical to use them only in field conditions, because thin-film solar panels are easy to deploy and install on the roof of a tent, trailer, etc. In such a situation, it is not always convenient to carry heavy structures. Therefore, such batteries can become a real salvation for all people while traveling. With the help of them it will be possible to charge the phone, a flashlight.

It is not always logical and convenient to use them as large power plants. In order for them to show a good result, you need to install thin-film solar panels on a large perimeter. That in the end result will cost serious money. Find out if it is worth installing a wind farm at home.

Video about modern film batteries

Connection types

You have already bought photovoltaic cells for solar panels, batteries and all other components. It remains to determine the type of power supply for your home. They are:

1. Autonomous. In this case, your house is powered only by solar panels and has nothing to do with general electrification.
2. Related. Panels are connected to a common network. If household appliances consume a small amount of energy, then the stationary network is not used, the current is taken from the battery. In case of excess of demand, electricity is also consumed from the general network. It should be borne in mind that without a network, the batteries themselves will not work.
3. Combined are similar to adjacent ones.But in this case, the excess electricity received by the panels does not go to the battery, but to the general network.

Which system and panels to choose is up to you. Before buying, consult with several experts, because such systems are purchased for more than one year. With the right connection, they will delight you for a long time.

Application of solar panels

The operation of solar energy systems is based on the principle of the photoelectric effect, which is one of the laws of physics. If we briefly describe its action, then all the energy received from solar panels is converted into microscopic discharges of electric current.

The sun is an almost unlimited and inexhaustible source of energy. Even that small part that reaches the surface of the earth is enough to receive electric current with sufficient efficiency. Modern solar-powered installations are becoming more productive, they are actively used in industry and in everyday life.
In a private house and in the country, they serve as the main or additional source of electricity. There are more options and options for installing them. The benefits of these devices are especially noticeable in the absence of a centralized power supply. When working solar panel, all costs associated with the purchase and installation of equipment pay off within 5-10 years, depending on the cost of the components used.

A completely different situation is when it is planned to use solar panels in apartments of multi-storey residential buildings. There are many difficulties here, mainly of a technical nature, so their installation in apartments is impractical.This is especially true in areas where there are no power outages.

First of all, it will require a lot of coordination with various authorities, which in itself is quite difficult. In addition, the expensive panel cannot be properly installed with complex control circuits. Its useful power will not be fully realized, since sunlight hits the surface of the solar cells in a limited amount. Installation work is extremely inconvenient, and the number of suitable places for installation is limited by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony.

In general, the task is of course solvable, but its practical implementation will cost much more than in a private house.

You should also consider the equipment that needs to be properly placed. The kit includes not only solar panels for the home, but also a battery, a charge controller, an inverter. All components require a certain area, and the battery also needs a separate room.

Device and principle of operation

Flexible solar panels function thanks to such a phenomenon as photovoltaics. Here you need to understand that light does not only act as a wave, it is also a stream of particles called photons. Directly the process of obtaining electricity as a result of the transformation of photon energy is called photovoltaics.

Primitive prototypes of solar modules in the modern sense were developed in the middle of the last century, since then they have undergone significant external and functional changes. But in any case, the photoelectric effect is the merit of semiconductors. They call a special segment of materials that differ in the structure of the atom.Variants of the n-type have extra electrons, while the p-type semiconductors are characterized by a lack of electrons in the atoms. A photocell is formed by combining two types of starting materials, in tandem these materials become the base of a two-layer product.

Solar modules are formed from individual solar cells, initially the structures had a rigid shape with a reinforced metal frame. Over time, products began to lighten, which led to the development of flexible solar panels - they are softer and more reliable than prototypes.

The panels work according to the following principle:

1. The N-layer receives the sun's rays in contact with the surface of the photocell.
2. As a result of the interaction of photons with semiconductor atoms, excess electrons are “knocked out” from the latter.
3. Particles that have gained freedom move to the p-layer, join atoms with a lack of electrons.
4. As a result of the interaction, the lower layer becomes the anode, and the upper layer becomes the cathode.
5. A direct current is produced, it is adapted to charge the battery.

What flexible solar panels look like

Semiconductors are expensive materials, most often selenium and silicon are used for flexible solar modules. Direct current is converted into alternating current, which can be consumed by familiar electrical appliances. To make products light and thin, film variations are equipped with polymer sputtering in tandem with aluminum conductors.

Battery, controller and inverter parameters

The minimum battery capacity is calculated in such a way that normal power is provided to consumers in the dark. If during this period electricity is consumed in the amount of 2-3 kWh, then the battery should contain a similar supply of energy.

As an example, which batteries to choose, you can take a 12 V battery with a capacity of 200 ampere-hours. Theoretically, it can give out: 12 x 200 \u003d 2400 W or 2.4 kW. However, batteries cannot be completely discharged, otherwise they will quickly lose their qualities and fail. The maximum discharge of specialized batteries is allowed only by 70%, and automotive - by 50%. Therefore, in fact, they will need twice as many, otherwise a mandatory annual replacement will be required. The total operating capacity of the batteries is calculated based on daily consumption data.

Battery efficiency should also be taken into account. For example, in conventional devices it is about 80%. That is, with a full 100 percent charge, only 80% is given. This indicator depends on the magnitude of the charging and discharging current. The larger it is, the lower the efficiency.

The efficiency of a running system largely depends on the parameters of the inverter, the efficiency of which is 70-80%. Here, too, electricity is lost in the order of 20% when the direct voltage is converted to alternating voltage. As a result, the total losses of the battery and the inverter can reach up to 40%. This problem is solved by increasing the battery capacity and the number of solar panels used. It should be noted that when using a PWM controller, losses increase by another 20%. This can be avoided by using the MPPT controller.

Disadvantages of silicon devices

In addition, not all of the energy is converted into electrical energy under the influence of light: it is partly reflected back from the surface, the other part of it, without being absorbed or converted, passes “outside”.

Recommended:

• Solar panels work at night and in cloudy weather
• Monocrystalline solar panels: comparison with analogues, advantages, price - TOP-6
• Thin-film solar panels: advantages and disadvantages, price, characteristics

In addition, it can lead to thermal vibrations in the crystal lattice and be spent on the recombination process, i.e. destruction of electrons with "holes", which is accompanied by the release of heat.

Solar panels - what are the prospects for "green" energy?

In our time, when the environment is going through far from the best of times, humanity is seriously preoccupied with the search for energy sources that will not completely destroy the ecosystem and will not end on their own in a few decades. People have sharply turned their eyes from oil and coal to the Sun, wind and waves. Power plants are being built around the world that use these “clean” resources, but they are still few and cannot fully provide the population and industry with energy.

the future of electricity is in the sun

The future of green energy

One of the most promising options for the development of environmentally friendly energy is solar. Its essence is to receive energy directly from the Sun, the light of which in sufficient quantities enters the Earth. Initially, energy came from our star to the surface of the planet, where it was converted into heat or into organic matter with the help of plants. It was plant remains, such as oil, gas, coal or peat, that were used by mankind for its purposes.

Direct conversion of sunlight will allow the process to be carried out in a different, shorter cycle. This will reduce energy loss and its duration. In addition, in the next five billion years, the flow of light will not disappear, and, therefore, this source of energy can be considered practically eternal.Another advantage of using the Sun is that there is no waste from it. No radioactive semi-decayed materials need to be buried underground, at the bottom or in space.

Pros and cons of solar electricity

— Low degree of environmental pollution;

- Short energy accumulation time (at best, there is no light half the time);

— High cost of equipment;

— Complexity of creation and use;

— Dependence on weather conditions.

According to scientists, in twenty to thirty years, most of the energy on Earth will be extracted from light.

Principle of application of solar energy

There are two ways to get energy from sunlight - through heat or directly.

The first way is much easier. To do this, it is necessary to direct the rays to some object that will heat up, collect heat and conduct it further along the cycle. As an example, we can take the system of cooking with the help of the Sun.

conversion of solar energy into heat

To do this, a special system of mirrors is installed, which collect light and direct it to the dishes, heating it. Of course, high temperatures cannot be reached in this way, but such a system is quite suitable for heating something.

conversion of solar energy into electricity

The second method implies the presence of a special element that converts the energy of light quanta directly into electricity. It is much more expensive, but the efficiency of such devices is much higher. Currently, such systems are used to create solar panels - flat panels that convert light.They are used quite often, mainly as an additional source of energy. In European countries, entire "farms" are being created, consisting of such panels with a large area, replacing other power plants.

green energy storage

The advantage of such panels is that they can be placed on any horizontal surface - roofs, lawns or, say, caps.

Special attention should be paid to the use of such systems in astronautics, where, due to the inability to provide vehicles with fuel, solar batteries occupy the main place in energy generation.

The sun is an inexhaustible and powerful source of energy, which is distinguished by its availability and purity. That is why advanced developments in the field of clean energy are carried out precisely in the field of light processing.

Limitless applications of solar panels

Use of solar energy

In addition to meeting the individual needs of consumers of electricity, solar energy is used in various areas of life:

1. Aviation. Thanks to solar energy, aircraft can go without fuel for some time.
2. Automotive. The panels can be used to charge electric vehicles.
3. The medicine. Thanks to the developments of South Korean scientists, the world saw a solar battery, which is used for devices that support the functionality of the human body by implanting under the skin.
4. Cosmonautics. Solar panels are installed, for example, on satellites and space telescopes.

These are just a few examples. In addition, solar panels are widely used to provide electricity to buildings, as well as entire settlements.

We hope that the above advantages and disadvantages of using solar panels will help you decide whether you should turn to alternative energy sources.

The principle of operation of a solar power plant at home

A solar power plant is a system consisting of panels, an inverter, a battery and a controller. The solar panel transforms radiant energy into electricity (as mentioned above). Direct current enters the controller, which distributes the current to consumers (for example, a computer or lighting). An inverter converts direct current into alternating current and powers most electrical household appliances. The battery stores energy that can be used at night.

Video description

A good example of calculations showing how many panels are needed to provide an autonomous power supply, see this video:

How solar energy is used to generate heat

Solar systems are used for water heating and home heating. They can provide heat (at the request of the owner) even when the heating season is over, and provide the house with hot water for free. The simplest device is metal panels that are installed on the roof of the house. They accumulate energy and warm water, which circulates through pipes hidden under them. The functioning of all solar systems is based on this principle, despite the fact that they may be structurally different from each other.

Solar collectors consist of:

• storage tank;
• pumping station;
• controller
• pipelines;
• fittings.

According to the type of construction, flat and vacuum collectors are distinguished.In the former, the bottom is covered with heat-insulating material, and the liquid circulates through glass pipes. Vacuum collectors are highly efficient because heat losses are kept to a minimum. This type of collector provides not only heating with solar panels of a private house - it is convenient to use it for hot water supply systems and heating pools.

The principle of operation of the solar collector

Popular manufacturers of solar panels

Most often, products of Yingli Green Energy and Suntech Power Co. are found on the shelves. HiminSolar panels (China) are also popular. Their solar panels produce electricity even in rainy weather.

The production of solar batteries has also been established by a domestic manufacturer. The following companies do this:

• Hevel LLC in Novocheboksarsk;
• "Telecom-STV" in Zelenograd;
• Sun Shines (LLC Autonomous Lighting Systems) in Moscow;
• OJSC "Ryazan Plant of Metal-Ceramic Instruments";
• CJSC "Termotron-zavod" and others.

You can always find a suitable option for the price. For example, in Moscow for solar panels for a home, the cost will vary from 21,000 to 2,000,000 rubles. The cost depends on the configuration and power of the devices.

Solar panels are not always flat - there are a number of models that focus light at one point

Battery Installation Steps

1. To install the panels, the most illuminated place is selected - most often these are the roofs and walls of buildings. In order for the device to function as efficiently as possible, the panels are mounted at a certain angle to the horizon. The level of darkness of the territory is also taken into account: surrounding objects that can create a shadow (buildings, trees, etc.)
2. Panels are installed using special fastening systems.
3. Then the modules are connected to the battery, controller and inverter, and the whole system is adjusted.

For the installation of the system, a personal project is always developed, which takes into account all the features of the situation: how solar panels will be installed on the roof of the house, price and terms. Depending on the type and scope of work, all projects are calculated on an individual basis. The client accepts the work and receives a guarantee for it.

Installation of solar panels must be carried out by professionals and in compliance with safety measures.

As a result - the prospects for the development of solar technologies

If on Earth the most efficient operation of solar panels is hindered by air, which to a certain extent scatters the radiation of the Sun, then in space there is no such problem. Scientists are developing projects for giant orbiting satellites with solar panels that will operate 24 hours a day. From them, the energy will be transmitted to ground receiving devices. But this is a matter of the future, and for existing batteries, efforts are directed towards improving energy efficiency and reducing the size of devices.

Solar panels: terminology

There are a lot of nuances and confusion in the subject of "solar energy". It is often difficult for beginners to understand all unfamiliar terms at first. But without this, it is unreasonable to engage in solar energy, acquiring equipment for generating “solar” current.

Out of ignorance, you can not only choose the wrong panel, but simply burn it when connected, or extract too little energy from it.

First, you should understand the existing varieties of equipment for solar energy. Solar panels and solar collectors are two fundamentally different devices. Both of them convert the energy of the rays of the sun.

However, in the first case, the consumer receives electrical energy at the output, and in the second case, heat energy in the form of a heated coolant, i.e. solar panels are used to heat the house.

The maximum return from the solar panel can only be obtained by knowing how it works, what components and assemblies it consists of and how it all connects correctly.

The second nuance is the concept of the term "solar battery". Usually, the word "battery" refers to a device that stores electricity. Or a banal heating radiator comes to mind. However, in the case of solar batteries, the situation is radically different. They don't accumulate anything.

The solar panel generates a constant electric current. To convert it to a variable (used in everyday life), an inverter must be present in the circuit

Solar panels are designed solely to generate electricity. It, in turn, is accumulated to supply the house with electricity at night, when the sun goes down below the horizon, already in the batteries that are additionally present in the power supply scheme of the facility.

The battery here is meant in the context of a certain set of the same type of components assembled into something. In fact, this is just a panel of several identical photocells.

Installation and its cost

Scheme of operation of the solar battery device

The cost of installing solar panels varies at different prices. There are two types of battery installation: roof alteration, replacement of part of the roof with solar panels themselves (the entire roof is removed).

Many people think that the batteries are too big for the roof, but this is not so. Especially for such cases, solar panels are produced, which are very similar, for example, to tiles.

The cost of such installation by modern standards is about $ 50. But the price of a typical installation of batteries is an average of $ 25, again it all depends on the type of batteries for heating the house and power.

Installation takes place in the following order

1. You need to choose the right set of tools.
2. The solar panel is mounted on the roof of the house.
3. The controller is placed on one of the walls of the house (in places inaccessible to children).
4. The battery must be installed near solar panels.
5. The inverter must be mounted in some utility room or higher on the walls.

Low-voltage electronic devices are connected to the controller, high-voltage electronic devices to the inverter. Also, you need to know that in no case should you try to install all the details yourself and start the mechanism.

Just follow a few steps

1. You need to pick up the most free area, without the shadows of trees.
2. You need to fix them in a certain degree and direction. Minimum 180 degrees to the south (with that option, if the house is located in a aligned hemisphere).
3. In winter, batteries do not work well and heat the house, the reason is little sun and snow falling on them. The solution is simple, use a special brush to sweep the snow off the panels or install them on the walls of the house.

The principle of operation of solar panels

Mankind has learned to obtain energy from fossils, water flows and gusts of wind, and has reached the use of light rays. There are even solar modules that absorb the invisible infrared spectrum and work at night. All-weather batteries are effective in cloudy weather, fog, rain.

The principle of operation of any battery is the conversion of the rays of the sun into an electrical impulse.

Often, solar modules run on silicon crystals, and there is an explanation for this. This metal is sensitive to the effects of rays, it is inexpensive to mine, and the efficiency of batteries is 17-25%. A silicon crystal, when exposed to sunlight, forms a directed movement of electrons. With an average battery area of ​​1-1.5 m², an output voltage of 250 W can be achieved.

Currently, not only silicon is used, but also compounds of selenium, copper, iridium and polymers. But they have not received wide distribution, even despite the efficiency of 30-50%. This is because they are very expensive. A silicon photovoltaic panel is perfect for electrifying an ordinary country house or a country house.

Application of solar panels

In addition to astronautics and providing private homes with electricity, solar panels or batteries are used in the following areas:

• Automotive. Eco-friendly transport is gaining popularity, because gasoline and gas emissions pollute the atmosphere, and fuel prices are constantly rising. Solar-powered vehicles are capable of speeds up to 140 km/h.
• Operation of water transport (barges, boats, yachts). Such transport can be found in Turkey. Boats develop a low speed (up to 10 km / h), and this allows tourists to see the sights and magnificent landscapes of this country.
• Energy supply of buildings.In the developed countries of Europe, many municipal buildings and structures fully meet their needs with the help of the energy emitted by solar panels.
• Aircraft building. Due to the presence of batteries, the aircraft in flight can not consume fuel for a long time.

The industry is constantly evolving. Chargers for phones and laptops powered by solar energy have already been invented.

Operating rules

Battery manufacturers always note the fact that the reliability and durability of such devices depends on the operating conditions. There are several simple recommendations with which you can significantly extend the life of the purchased battery:

1. Room ventilation. There is simply no single rule in this case, since everything depends on the situation. If the user uses a standard battery, the capacity of which corresponds to the solar panel battery, then it is simply not necessary to create additional ventilation conditions. In addition, the battery emits a small amount of gases that destroy fungi, mold and bacteria that are dangerous to humans. Such gases are completely harmless to animals and people, so you can not be afraid of poisoning.
2. Optimal temperature. Those who have been using batteries for solar batteries for more than a year know that such devices work best at temperatures from +5 to +15˚С. The main thing is to avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can disable the entire system. In this regard, it is better to install batteries in spacious cellars, basements.
3. Battery capacity. If possible, then it is better to give preference to devices with a large capacity.This is due to the fact that the user will be able to connect powerful electrical appliances that consume a large amount of current. Because of this, a serious sag in the battery voltage is often observed, which is fraught with a complete shutdown of the battery. If the user purchases a battery with a minimum capacity, this may not be enough for the stable operation of the grinder and screwdriver.
4. Battery charge for solar panels. In the course of their work, powerful batteries produce a fairly large amount of gases that need to be effectively eliminated. It is worth noting that some manufacturers have equipped their products with special ventilation holes, which are located at the end. In this case, the situation is greatly simplified, since the user needs to connect a small silicone tube and bring it outside. If desired, you can use a regular tube from medical droppers.

Separately, it is worth considering that the purchase of a large-capacity battery is considered more appropriate, since in this case the user receives many advantages: the charging and discharging processes will occur in the most gentle current mode.

THE QUESTION OF DISPOSAL

‒ Solar panels are a good way to organize the work of street lamps or lighting, but you should not expect great economic benefits from them, ‒ says Konstantin Plotnikov, technical director of the electrical engineering company Tekhnokomplekt in the Dubna SEZ. ‒ The amount of energy generated is unstable and highly dependent on the weather.

By the way! Alternative ("green") energy involves the use of renewable sources, such as wind, solar radiation, tides, Earth's heat.

In our lane, a solar power plant can successfully work "on the fly" from the main one in order to generate more electricity during the daytime and help meet, for example, the needs of industrial enterprises. However, this should be a fairly large-scale object, which, moreover, will require a large area for placement.

It would seem that all these problems can be overcome in order to save the environment. But not everything is so clear-cut here.

‒ The use of solar panels really makes it possible to reduce emissions into the environment, ‒ says Konstantin Plotnikov. ‒ But during the production of panels, heavy metals and various chemical compounds are used, which are not so easy to dispose of later.

Alla Polyakova, Chairman of the Moscow Regional Duma Committee on Ecology and Nature Management:

‒ Alternative methods of generating energy in the Moscow region are not yet well developed. More than half of our days are cloudy. Wind for the full operation of wind turbines is not always enough. However, this should not become an obstacle to scientific research in this area. It is possible that in the future technologies will become cheaper, and Russia will take its rightful place in the global market for new energy.