Solar Module Descriptions: 

A solar panel, or photovoltaic PV module, is a device that is composed of solar cells and which, when struck by photons of light from the sun, generates an electrical current which can then be used to power DC or AC electrical loads.

Electrical Characteristics 

Mechanical Characteristics

Features 

• Guaranteed positive tolerance 0/+5w ensures power output reliability

• Strong aluminum frames module can bear snow loads up to 5400Pa and wind loads up to 2400Pa.

• Excellent performance under low light environments (mornings evenings and cloudy days)

• 12 years for product defects in materials and workmanship and 25 years for 80% of warranted minimum power.

• Certifications and standards: IEC 61215.

• Manufactured according to International Quality and Environment Management System (ISO9001, ISO14100).

FAQ

Q: What kind of loads can I run on PV?

With a correctly designed PV system you can power almost any electrical load. However, as the load size increases the expense also increases. Loads like hot water heaters, air conditioners, room heaters and electric stoves should be avoided. The added cost of trying to power loads like these is very cost prohibitive. If these loads have to be powered it will be a lot less expensive to change the appliance to use an alternative fuel type like propane.

Q: When do I need a charge controller and why?

The safest way to figure out if you need a charge controller is to take Battery Amp Hour Capacity and divide this by the Solar Panel max. power amp rating. If the quotient is above 200, you don't need a controller. If the number is less than 200 than you need a controller.

For example if you have a 100 amp hour battery and a 10 watt panel, you take 100 and divide it by .6 (600mA) and you get 166.6. Since this is less than 200 you need a charge controller. If you have a five-watt panel in the above example you take 100 divided by .3 (300mA) and you come up with 333.3. Since this is larger than 200 you do not need a charge controller. However you still need a blocking diode, to prevent the battery from discharging to the panel at night. So as a general rule of thumb you don't need a charge controller unless you have more than five watts of solar for every 100-amp hours of battery capacity.

Q: What is PV & how does it work?

PV stands for photovoltaic. Photo = Light and Voltaic = Electricity. A solar cell converts light to electricity.

A solar cell is made of silicon. Computer chips are made of this same material. Basically, when light strikes the surface of a solar cell some of it is absorbed into the silicon. This light energy bumps the electrons loose and causes energy to flow.

By packaging approximately 36 solar cells together a solar panel or a solar module is created. When you have more then one solar panels you create a solar array.