What Is A Solar Panel?
For most of us a solar panel is the little rectuangular bit on our calculator that powers it, not something that can power a house or car. But what exactly is a solar panel? A solar panel (or photovoltaic module) is a series of individual solar cells connected together to make up one large solar panel. Each cell is typically made from silicon which turns the UV light into electricity. Solar panels usually have toughened glass covering the solar cells to protect them. Basically the sun hits the silicon wafers and is turned into electricity, this electricity is then sent through the wiring in the panel to your regulator & batteries or inverter and to the grid. Have a look at our range of solar panels.
There are a few different types of solar panels: amorphous panels, mono-crystalline panels and poly-crystalline panels. Solar panels are rated by their wattage, so a 80w panel is rated to output 80watts in a good hour of sun. In Australia we average annually 4 sun hours per day; so a 80 watt panel would output 320 watts per day. There is a lot of complex detail to how solar panels are made and how they work, but all you need to know is that they turn sun into beautiful clean, green renewable energy.
What Types Of Solar Panels Are There?
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Amorphous Solar Panels
Amorphous panels can be made flexible like the Sunlinq 25w Flexible Solar Panel. Amorphous panels are great for portable solar applications as they offer greater resistance to shade and are often tougher. The UniSolar 62w Solar Panel is glass free, shade resistant and virtually unbreakable. This means that it is perfect for RV's, motorhomes, 4WD's and other portable applications.
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Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels
These are solar panels made from single crystal silicon and are generally more efficient than amorphous panels. Mono-Crystalline panels are usually used for large scale solar applications. They are very reliable and provide good efficiency. The Sharp 175w Solar Panel is a mono-crystalline panel which is used for stationery solar installations.
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Multi-Crystaline Solar Panels
Multi-Crystalline (or Poly-Crystalline) solar panels are made from silicon wafers cut from multi-crystal silicon and are also more efficient than amorphous panels. Poly-Crystalline panels are usually smaller than Mono-Crystalline panels but are slightly less efficient. These panels are used for small-medium scale solar applications. One of the most popular solar panels on the market is the Sharp 80w Solar Panel. This panel is excellent for all small solar applications like RV's and 4WD's. |
What Voltages Do Solar Panels Use?
Different types of solar panels use different voltages. Most smaller solar panels are 12V while larger solar panels are 24V. 12V Solar panels are generally used for applications like RV's, motorhomes while 24V solar panels are used with solar power installations.
What Are The Difference Between The Solar Panel Brands?
Today there are many well known solar panel brands. All of the brands make similar panels with similar outputs. All the panels we sell come standard with a 25 year guarantee on 80% output (so if in 19 years your panel is constantly outputting 70% it will be replaced). Panels are even recommended to last up to 40 years! If you do not see a panel you need on our website ask us about it because we are able to source panels not on our site. We also provide discounts for quantity purchases, be sure to ask us about it. We sell all the major brands including:
- BP Solar Panels
- Sharp Solar Panels
- Suntech Solar Panels
- Sunlinq Solar Panels
- Sunpower Solar Panels
- Solawatt Solar Panels
Do You Sell Solar Panel Accessories?
We have a range of solar panel accessories to suit your needs and budget. We can tailor a complete system to suit your needs, we have: Solar Regulators, Solar Inverters, Solar Batteries and MC Leads. If you do not see an accessory you need on our site ask us about it because we can source many products not on our website.
Do You Have Any Portable Solar Panels?
There are portable solar panels available which mean you can use your laptop at the beach, power some lights camping or power your portable devices. The Sunlinq Flexible Solar Panel is the ultimate in portable solar energy generation. Completely weather-proof and extremely rugged, Sunlinq's are the ultimate portable solar panels.
Further Information About Solar Power?
Solar panels are the main component in solar power systems. At Todae, we specialise in solar power systems. To see our range of solar power installations click here or for more information on solar power click here. Check out our range of helpful and insightful books on solar panels and solar power:
How Does The Solar Rebate Work:
The rebate is federally administered for domestic solar power installations. There are different rebates for grid connect solar systems and stand alone solar systems. The main type of rebate is the PVRP Rebate for Grid Connect Solar Power. Under this rebate you receive $8/watt back (capped at 1000 watts). We will handle all rebate paperwork and submit the application for you. For more info on the rebate go to the Federal Government Site.
You will also be eligible for a REC (renewable energy certificate) rebate, which we will also organise for you. For more info please click here.
Benefits Of Solar Panels:
- The Federal Government’s Photovoltaic Rebate Program along with the Renewable Energy Certificates will help you save money, meaning solar power systems are now more affordable than ever.
- Lightweight and easy to install and use.
- Produce clean electricity and reduce the impact of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduce your dependance on mains power.
- Ideal power solution for caravans, camper vans, RV''s and motor homes.
- Produce clean electricity and reduce the impact of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Add value to your home
- Solar modules can be integrated into the building in the form of windows, walls, roof tiles or pergolas.
- Solar power can supplement or provide all your electricity consumption.
- Most solar modules have a warranty of more than 25 years and there are modules in operation, which were
commissioned over 30 years ago. Solar panels can last up to 40 years!
If you would like more information please feel free to email us or call us on 1300 138 483 and ask us any questions! Our friendly staff will happily answer any question you may have.
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