Q:Is there such a thing as portable solar panels? Can these be obtained for say a mobile homes / caravans etc.

Yes there are lots available in many different types for instance take a look at www.okorder

Q:what percentage of sunlight is converted into electrical energy in a solar panel?

Around 20%

Q:Can solar panels be used for outdoor lighting?

Yes, solar panels can be used for outdoor lighting. In fact, they are an efficient and eco-friendly option for providing illumination in outdoor spaces. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be stored in batteries and used to power outdoor lights during the night. This eliminates the need for connecting to the electrical grid and reduces energy costs. Additionally, solar-powered outdoor lighting systems are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for various outdoor applications.

Q:what are solar panels?

A solar panel is a device that collects and converts solar energy into electricity or heat which can be used by (for example) nearby buildings. Solar photovoltaic panels can be made so that the sun's energy excites the atoms in a silicon layer between two protector panels. Electrons from these excited atoms form an electric current, which can be used by external devices. Solar panels were in use over one hundred years ago for water heating in homes. Solar panels can also be made with a specially shaped mirror that concentrates light onto a tube of oil. The oil then heats up, and travels through a vat of water, instantly boiling it. The steam created turns a turbine for power. The basic element of solar panels is pure silicon. When stripped of impurities, silicon makes an ideal neutral platform for transmission of electrons. In silicon’s natural state, it carries four electrons, but has room for eight. Therefore silicon has room for four more electrons. If a silicon atom comes in contact with another silicon atom, each receives the other atom's four electrons. Eight electrons satisfy the atoms' needs, this creates a strong bond, but there is no positive or negative charge. Silicon atoms combine for years to produce a large piece of pure silicon. This material is used on the plates of solar panels. Combining silicon with other elements that have a positive or negative charge can also create solar panels.

Q:I am planning to run a couple of dc motors on solar current. I have a couple of 450mA 4V, 200mA .5V, 00mA 9V solar panels with me. I need to run a pair of .5A 9V motors. Suggest me a circuit along with other equipments I might require. For your info, I am trying to build a solar powered drone / UAV

I don't think it is enough solar power. Your motor requires .5A x 9V = 3.5 watts. The solar cells are .450A x 4V x 2ea. = 3.6 watts, .2A x .5V = .3 watts, .A x 9V = .9 watts total solar = 4.8 watts. The problem with connecting the cells in series to get the right voltage, like the two 4V cells in series with the .5 volt cell (total 9.5 volts) is that the .5 volt cell limits the maximum current to only 0.2A. If you paralleled that with the 9V cell, you would get 9 volts at 0.2 + 0. = 0.3A, too low to operate the motor at its design current and voltage. The best you could do is put the two 4V cells in series, and in parallel with the 9V cell (a blocking diode might be a good idea, but probably not required for such a small array). That way you get 8 volts at 0.55 amps.

Q:All I ever heard is how easy it is to get solar panels for a persons home. I live in Arkansas and to do my house it would cost 25000 that I dont have and No state incentives. So where do I go and get these free solar panels? Thanks for the help

Sorry this is so long. I live in north west arkansas. I have solar on my home. I installed them myself. Did not cost me anywhere near 25 grand. Solar will pay you back if you get incentives or not. I have said this a hundred times but people just don't seem to understand or can't do the math. You are renting from the public utility. You have nothing in the end but a stack of payment stubs. There is no way to get a return on your investment. You paid them money and have nothing. Nothing at all .. Well maybe good service. But still nothing. If you check it out most solar electric systems last 30 years or longer. If your electric bill is 00 dollars a month. do the math. 00 dollars a month for 30 years is $36,000 dollars you would normally pay the public utility. So why not buy your $25,000 system, you just made $0,000 right there on the spot. Now add in 3.5% cost of living per year for each year for the next 30 years on that 35,000 you pay the public utility. Then you have to keep in mind you do not pay taxes on any electric you make yourself. You do not pay fees on your own power. You do not pay the cost of fuel incresses every time the price of oil goes up. In the end you saved $00,000. So it is free even if Arkansas don't give free handouts like other states. I even know people who say they are waiting for some one to make a cheaper solar module. That will not happen because even if they make it for half the cost (like evergreen is doing) it will still be sold at standard market value not production cost. The real problem with solar is it is hard to come up with the upfront cost. But renting solar panels is comming but that is the same as just renting power from the public utility. I wish you luck but it will be a while before Arkansas will make any moves on renewables. They just in 2007 made it law that the public utilities have to let your roll your net metering over to the next month if you over produced.

Q:Can the solar panels available be coated with a material (to improve it's looks) and not alter it's efficiency?

No. The only coatings I am aware of are those that reduce reflection so more light gets through the protective surface to the actual cells. Anything thing that affects appearance is going to be reflecting light back to the viewer and the photons of that light are not available for electricity or heat. If the appearance of the panels offends you, then they need to be concealed by a fence of panels around them that do not throw shadows on the panels.

Q:we are planing to move out of the grid. we need to operate constantly 2 laptops online - does any one can tell us how much solar panels we shall need to make sure of that?

Create okorder

Q:solar panels are way too expensive to buy, can they be homemade cheaply? i want at least 500 watts. everyone on the web sells these instructions, but i'd like a link to free info, if it is really possible for a non-sciencey person to make. thank you

Build okorder

Q:Can solar panels be used for camping or outdoor activities?

Yes, solar panels can be used for camping or outdoor activities. Portable solar panels are designed specifically for such purposes and provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to generate electricity in remote locations. They can charge batteries or power devices directly, allowing campers to have access to electricity even when they are away from traditional power sources.