Q:How do solar panels affect the aesthetics of a building?

Solar panels can have both positive and negative effects on the aesthetics of a building. On one hand, solar panels can enhance the visual appeal of a structure, adding a modern and sustainable element to its design. They can be integrated seamlessly into the architecture, creating a sleek and futuristic look. On the other hand, some people may find solar panels visually unappealing, especially if they are not well-integrated or if they cover a significant portion of the building's surface. Ultimately, the overall impact on aesthetics depends on the design, placement, and integration of the solar panels.

Q:I know that there is a life expectancy for solar panels, and I suppose, the technology involved. Any information?

Ive been using the same solar panels for 5 years, have move a few times so they last a lot longer than the roofs weve had over us. I am teaching my kids how to build wind generators, because we keep having power failiures when the wind blows. and recently its got very windy. I charge banks of battery's and keep my office running from dc-ac converters.

Q:Can solar panels be used in areas with high humidity or saltwater exposure?

Yes, solar panels can be used in areas with high humidity or saltwater exposure. However, it is important to choose solar panels specifically designed for such environments, as they need to be corrosion-resistant and have proper sealing to prevent any damage from moisture or saltwater.

Q:Could you throw some long scientific words in with your answer so I can impress my teacher, I'm looking to expand my scientific vocab. Thanks

Actually Photovoltaic cells also called solar cells in collection forms solar panel. Photovoltaic cells consist of silicon for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

Q:Why might energy from the solar panels sometimes be near zero even in the summer?

Hey Cosmic, forget about Wayfare and Jenny here, but I have to say your question is a bit vague. When you say the panels produce near zero, how near? Are you using a watt meter, ammeter, or some other sort of metering device. Solar electric, or photovoltiac panels are made almost entirely of silicone wafers. Same as computer chips, when they get hot, the resist the flow of electrons. This is why most panel manufacturers advise installers to upgauge wiring if the temperature falls below 40 degrees F (5C) regularly. Below 0 C, you have to upgauge 2 wire sizes. A good quality panel will put out 50% of its rated power in very cold climates, so it stands to reason that they will put out substantially less in hot weather. Many people think places like the SW United States is great for solar because it's always sunny. In Las Vegas for example, they have 27 sunny days a month, and in August, the temperature frequently reaches 50 degrees C (20F) so people with photovoltiac panels are not even getting half their rated power on a good day. I'm not sure this is what you are asking about. Our home has been powered by the wind and sun for 2 years now. In the summer in the upper midwest, the days are warmer of course, but also much longer than in the winter. So our batteries will frequently fill up by 2:00pm, and the charge controller will taper off the solar charging the rest of the day to minimize overcharging. If you were to check the meters at 3pm, you might notice only 3 or 4 amps coming in when the array is rated at 42. This is normal for us in July and August. These are some reason why a solar array produces near zero in the summertime. Take care Cosmic, Rudydoo

Q:Dose a solar panel need the entire range or spectrum of sunlight to produce power?

I think it's in the Ultra-Violet range because Solar Panels will still put out almost full power on an overcast day.

Q:Maximum size of solar panel i have to use is - 8 * 5 feet - this is the limitation given to us.

Just buy solar panel has output rated 500 watt.

Q:it is just for a simple project, but i am looking for a cheap, low cost, around one to two volts solar panel regulator uld y'all please help?

duh, circuit city.

Q:I want to build a solar panel

Did okorder / . This will absolutely save yourself!

Q:I am looking at a need of roughly 30w/hour need per 24 hour period. I have spent several hours now looking for information online and have found plenty of info regarding the panels themselves, but information regarding the batteries backups have been slim. I understand that there is a 5-7 hour peak time to collect the energy. I am looking for information regarding the batteries themselves. How do the batteries work, what size batteries should I look for, and what is the life expectency for the batteries? Any website links would also be appreciated!

Solar panels have their own characteristics and generate current depending on the intensity of sunlight falling on them and not on the temperature. Direction of the panel also makes lots of difference. Nowadays very thin panels are available at very high cost. The more area a panel occupies it generates more current. The current generated by a panel cannot be readily used since the current and voltage varies with the load connected to it. So normally a regulator is used to have constant voltage and constant current to come from the panel. This charges the battery. You have to calculate the total/normal current from the charger and then find the AH of the battery. When you have calculated the AH of the panel/charger then you can divide the AH of the battery by the AH of the charger/panel and find out the time taken to fully charge the battery. You also have to remember that there is a de-rating factor to be taken into consideration in the battery.