Q:Do solar panels require a backup generator?

No, solar panels do not require a backup generator. They generate electricity from sunlight, so as long as there is sufficient sunlight, they can provide continuous power without the need for a backup generator.

Q:I am going to be building green in the next couple of years and i need an idea of how many solar panels i need in addition to a wind turbine to sufficiently handle a workshop, house, green house, etc. and what the approximate cost will be.

Solar panels will come down in price each year from now on.. so any price now would not help you much. I just bought a panel for $00... What you have to compare is the type, output, size, durability, warranty, and other features.. The prices vary a lot, depending on these variables. Another option you may want to consider is just buying green power from a provider. Texas and New York now allow this... Other states will deregulate soon I hope. To learn more about the details, along with specific instructions and the ability to comment and discuss or ask questions; go to

Q:I want to get a solar panel to run a fan (or two) for swamp coolers.I'm not looking to power 20box fans, just maybe some of those auto fans.What the heck kind of panel do I need? What is a power inverter and what does it do?Will I lose all my power if I use a 00' extension cord?How do I choose what I'm going to need?

Here is one that can work for a small swamp cooler, but if you want to build a larger one, use multiple fans. This model uses .4 amps at 2 volts DC. 2 X .4 = 5 watts. You'll want about 6 watts per fan for the panel, so if you had 4 of these fans, at 5 watts each, look for a 25 watt or so sized panel. The panel should have a Volts Open Circuit (Voc) rating around 8 volts, that is normal for a 2 volt system. Then you can just wire the fans, in parallel to each other, to the output of the panel. I read an article in Home Power Magazine about a guy who did this to ventilate his crawl space. He only wanted the fans to run when it was dry weather outside, like when it's sunny. The panel not only powered the fans, but were perfect for sensing when it was sunny. You can do the same thing with the swamp cooler. This fan was clipped from Marlin Jones website, they sell small electronics and such, the link is below. They do not sell solar panels, but I've found OKorder to be a great source for them. We have two small arrays here that run LED lights in parts of our home, and charge cell phones, ipods and small electronics. Take care Jorge, Rudydoo

Q:Can anyone give me some info on how to figure how many panels needed for a 0 volt 2 amp pool motor. Thanks/ Run 5 hours a day

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Q:The colder a solar panel gets the more efficient it seems to be. As the panel warms, it loses some efficiency. Why is this so? Please explain in a way you would expect a high school kid to understand it, as I am a high-schooler and i have to explain this to other high-schoolers.

Absolutely temperature matters. So what do higher temperatures do to solar photovoltaic panels? As temperatures rise, the efficiency of solar panels decreases. Heat causes electrical resistance to the flow of electrons. On days where the temperature is more than 75 degrees, the electrical resistance makes the voltage fall thereby producing less kilowatts per hour. Your roof is much hotter than temperatures on the ground. That’s why solar panels are not mounted flat to a roof. There’s usually a few inches of spaces between the panels and roof so air flow can easily pass through and cool the panels down. There are some photovoltaic panels that are designed specifically to operate in hotter temperatures. These panels have a higher temperature coefficient. This is especially important in high heat climates like Arizona or New Mexico, but probably wouldn’t make too much of a difference in New England (except maybe this year). If someone lives in one of these areas, they should speak to a solar installer to make sure they are using they right equipment for their region. Please note: Solar thermal panels used to heat water can withstand high temperatures without any degradation. In fact, hotter temperatures would actually be better for these types of modules.

Q:I want to make 2V 4.5A solar panel to charge my battery used in my RC car project. I just like to know how should I amplify the current for 4.5A. I need the total circuit diagram. Can anyone help me. Please. I need some affordable methods please.

To increase current, you connect the cells in parallel. But I think you really mean you need 4.5 watts rather than 4.5 amps of current. For an RC car, 4.5 amps would be huge, literally a regular car battery. So I think you mean you need a 2v, 4.5w panel. That would make more sense for an RC car battery. I went on OKorder and bought a 2v, 5 watt panel for about $30.

Q:Do I just run the wire from the panel into the charge controller and then to the battery AND can I simultaneously draw energy from the battery while it is being charged by the panel?Is it as simple as hooking it up like that?

I okorder / for excellent inspirational info within my blog to help not only our world and its creatures, but to also open peoples hearts and minds to many amazing wonders that life has to offer. I also have lots of info in my blog to help fuel peoples imaginations to many possibilities that can be found only in the minds eye. Along with lots of environmental info, amazing environmental pictures and videos (These videos show the beauty of this world and what life can be like if people take the time to appreciate life’s true beauty). Let us all strive for a greener/brighter future by helping to create a solid foundation for future generations to build upon, so we can hand them a beautiful world, filled with never ending awe and wonders!! Where peoples differences and uniqueness are accepted, where we all live as one, helping one another so that we can all play our own mysteriously beautiful melodies in the never ending, awe inspiring, song of life :-) I truly have faith in humanity and believe that someday our lives and the world in which we live will truly be transformed for the better.

Q:Can solar panels be installed in a desert environment?

Yes, solar panels can be installed in a desert environment. In fact, desert regions are highly suitable for solar energy generation due to their high levels of sunlight and low cloud cover. The dry and arid conditions in deserts also help in reducing the maintenance and cleaning requirements of solar panels.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on ground-mounted structures?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on ground-mounted structures. In fact, ground-mounted solar panel systems are a popular choice for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. They offer flexibility in terms of location, orientation, and scalability, making them an ideal option for areas with limited roof space or shading issues. Ground-mounted structures can be customized to optimize solar panel angles for maximum energy production and are easier to install and maintain compared to rooftop systems.

Q:Can solar panels be integrated into buildings?

Yes, solar panels can be integrated into buildings. In fact, many buildings today incorporate solar panels into their design to generate clean and sustainable electricity. These integrated solar panels can be installed on rooftops, facades, or even as part of the building materials themselves. This integration helps to maximize energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs for the building occupants.