Q:Are solar panels noisy?

No, solar panels are not noisy. They operate silently as they convert sunlight into electricity without any moving parts.

Q:Do solar panels work with any type of heat or only sunlight? I have a bunch of little ideas floating around in my head and Id like to get them on paper but only if they really would work.Also does a concentrated amount of heat on one solar panel piece (quot;xor so) produce a higher or equal amount of electricity than a less concentration over a larger area?

Solar photovoltaics require light, any kind of light. A torch would work, for example. The effect of concentration depends on the amount of light and the material you're shining it on. In CdTe, warmer temperatures and more intense light may lead to better performance. In silicon I think the opposite is true (I don't know though, I've only done research work with CdTe). It depends on properties of the semiconductor, like its band structure. To get an 'order of magnitude' estimate, you may assume a constant efficiency of solar cell so total amount of light (= area * intensity) largely determines the output in standard operating conditions.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on agricultural irrigation systems?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on agricultural irrigation systems. They can provide a sustainable and renewable source of energy to power irrigation pumps, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operational costs for farmers. Additionally, solar panels are compatible with various irrigation system configurations and can be easily integrated to support the water needs of crop production.

Q:I need to know how do solar panels work. I need to know what are they made of.

The term solar panel is best applied to a flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy. But 'solar panel' may also refer to a photovoltaic module which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. In all cases, the panels are typically flat, and are available in various heights and widths.

Q:if so, would it be possible to make (or remake) an organism that could subsist off of sunlight and external heat like plants?

There are, in fact, protozoa that use chlorophyll to harvest sunlight, but the thing is, they also MOVE. So it's not entirely unreasonable that an animal cell could do the same.

Q:Is it possible for the everyday person to increase the efficiency of solar panels that they own? If so, how is it done?

There are 3 (simple) ways to increase the efficiency of a solar panel at home - they all work by increasing the amount of light that falls onto it: . Have the solar panel track the sun throughout the day so that it always faces it; 2. Place a lens (larger than the panel) in front of the panel that focuses the light from the sun onto it. 3. Have mirrors around the panel than redirect light from themselves onto the solar panel. (e.g. imagine a satellite dish with the solar panel at the front and the dish being all mirrored.)

Q:How to Compare Solar Panels? ?

The best way to compare each type of solar panel is selecting them according to your energy need under the same roof. GetBunny, is the source path, where you can easily compare and choose the best suitable solar panels for your needs.

Q:Was at home depot today and a Solar City sales man came up to me, offering me free solar panels. He said he could install them on my garage for free, free installation, free panels. Promised me it wouldn't cost me a dime. This is obviously appealing to someone like me who has a $200.00 monthly electrical bill. Now my question is this. Is this a scam? Are there ANY hidden fees or things I should be weary of?- I understand I may not save tons of money, but if I can save even something as low as $20 a month I would be happy. I live in a sunny area and they seem very interested in my garage roof. Any information would be super-helpful, thank you.

What that means is free, considering the cost of electricity saved, i.e., no additional out-of-pocket costs. It could still be a good deal. For example, your bill is now $200 a month. Maybe the solar drops your bill to $40 a month, and you pay $50 a month to SolarCity for the duration of the lease. One thing to remember, though is that only works if your bill drops to $50 a month or less. If the panels don't produce enough, you may end up paying a $60 electric bill, and still $50 to Solar City, for the duration of the lease. They will also count on getting your federal tax credit, so I don't know how that works into the price. Also, they must make money as a leaseholder or financer, so it shouldn't be as good a deal as simply installing panels and paying for the whole thing up front. We installed solar electric in 2006, and it's still working great. If I had to do it over again, I think I'd get solar hot water first, though.

Q:when solar panels have served their purpose, what is done with them?

Often they get scrapped out or landfilled. Photovoltaics cannot be refurbished. Solar collectors for heating air or water, could be concievably refitted with new clear covering, new insulation, and new heat exchanger, but unless it was a custom installed system you are trying to refurbish, it is more time economical to construct new ones, or to buy new ones.

Q:Can solar panels be used in areas with high levels of seismic vibrations?

Yes, solar panels can be used in areas with high levels of seismic vibrations. However, it is crucial to ensure that the solar panels and their mounting structures are designed and installed to withstand these vibrations. Reinforced and flexible mounting systems, as well as robust frame connections, can be employed to enhance their durability and resistance to seismic activity. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the continued efficiency and safety of the solar panels in such areas.