Q:What is the efficiency of solar panels?

The efficiency of solar panels refers to the amount of sunlight that is converted into usable electricity. It is typically measured as a percentage and can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the panels and the location of installation. On average, modern solar panels have an efficiency range of 15% to 20%, with some advanced models reaching up to 25%.

Q:What is the difference between Photovoltaic Panels and Solar Panels?

Dear friend, Photovoltaic Panels and Solar Panels are the same products.

Q:Can solar panels be used on boats or RVs?

Yes, solar panels can be used on boats or RVs. In fact, they are a popular and efficient way to generate electricity for these mobile applications.

Q:Photo-Voltaic solar panels are very expensive. Most of a home's energy needs are for heating water, heating and air-conditioning. All of these can be met with thermal solar collectors which are much less expensive. The thermal solar panels would heat water stored in a hot water tank which then can be used as hot water, to heat the home, or as the heat source to a Lithium Bromide Absorption chiller to air-condition a home. With the base line needs met without expensive panels and without inefficient energy conversions, only a small Photo-Voltaic array would be needed for the remaining power needs and since those needs are variable, there would still be power to sell to the grid.

I agree with you John and for the same reason already put forth as a negative. Solar thermal is a more mature technology. This is the reason why I spent so much of the last winter studying it. I can be reasonably sure that what I learn will not be obsolete tomorrow with a new technological breakthrough. I built a solar addition/greenhouse to personally study the effects. So solar thermal panels are not the only way to go. With respect to electrical production. I have seen parabolic reflectors coupled to stirling engines and solar thermal trough heaters used to supplement steam generation for alternatively gas fired steam / electrical generation plants. On a trip to China over 4 years ago I noticed solar hot water vacuum tube collectors being sold in their local hardware and big box style stores. These were gravity fed package units intended to have the tank on the roof with a supplemental electric backup. The vacuum tube collectors seem to be one of the latest innovations in this technology. Using phase change materials temperatures in these panels can be produced in excess of 400 deg F. and they are useful in colder temps and on cloudy days. While they are still costly for many applications, I have been discussing the use of vacuum tube collectors with the owner of a laundrymat. Solar thermal will not pay back as well as conservation in many cases of older construction, but it currently seems better than photovoltaic panels. Solar thermal requires more understanding of systems and relative efficiencies. In one way solar thermal is more like the electric car while the internal combusion engine is like photovoltaic. The idea of producing electricity from the sun is a sexier idea. It is also more in line with our paridigm of: just producing lots of energy and to H with any conservation efforts. For that reason it seems to get more press.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on satellites?

Yes, solar panels can be and are often installed on satellites to generate electricity from sunlight for powering the satellite's various systems and instruments.

Q:Do solar panels require regular maintenance?

Yes, solar panels do require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan. This maintenance typically involves cleaning the panels to remove dirt, debris, and any other obstructions that may reduce their efficiency. Additionally, regular inspections and monitoring of the system are necessary to identify and address any potential issues or malfunctions.

Q:Im fourteen and looking for a career I already know solar panels capture the sun and turn it into energy but i would like to know more.

A solar panel is a collection of solar cells (photovoltaic cells) connected together and put in an enclosure. The solar cells work by taking advantage of the photovoltaic effect. The effect is that in a semiconductor P-N junction, when photons of suitable energy strike the junction, an electron and electron-hole pair are generated. This creates a voltage difference between the two sides. When this voltage is applied to a circuit, the electrons are able to flow through, creating usable energy.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on water treatment plants or utilities?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on water treatment plants or utilities. In fact, many water treatment plants and utilities are increasingly adopting solar power as a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, open fields, or even on floating platforms over water bodies, providing clean energy to power the operations of these facilities.

Q:What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal structure, resulting in higher efficiency and performance but at a higher cost. Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple crystal structures, which lowers their efficiency slightly but also reduces their cost.

Q:okay so i want to know if solar panels shine. ------(MY Q'S ABOUT BLINDNESS DOESN'T MEAN PERMANENT OMG I CAN'T SEE! BLIND BUT THAT WE JUST CANquot;T SEE AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE OF THE LIGHT.)------------------------------like if/when they face the sun is there a glare to the people around?-if there is would the person have to look directly at it? -Could it reflect off of other objects and cause temporary blindness or just shine light in person's eyes?-if there were windows and mirrors near the solar panel would it affect a person's sight?-and if it did for how long would it hurt or take affect?-and is this physics? like-solar panels and how they work is that physics or some other category?

The problem with solar panels is that they often come with textured glass. This makes that the reflected light is scattered +/-0°. Therefore the 0.5° sun-disk small as it aprears in the sky will be blown up 40 times to a 20° reflection disk on solar panels. Find more information on zehndorfer.at/en/glaringsurvey Only a glaring survey can tell you exactly when and where you have to expect a dazzling effect.