PV Gap

Bryan Said:

Do rooftop photovoltaic systems affect birds?

We Answered:

well i guess they will burn them if they jump on the panels...haha just joking bro..i dunno

Mary Said:

Are photovoltaic systems the same thing as solar panels?

We Answered:

No

"Solar panel" is a generic name for several types of solar collectors that may come in the modular form of panels. Adding additional panels will increase the amount of sunlight collected and the available energy.

There are at least 4 general types:1

--Photovoltaic panels are used to produce electricity. These have many different sub categories.2
Solar thermal hot water panels. These have two major sub categories:
--Flat panel collectors generally have a black target which conducts heat that is collected in water pipes3
--Vacuum tube collectors have modular double walled tubes. There is a vacuum between the tubes. Often water does not flow through the tubes. Instead a phase change material collects the heat and transfers it to a header where it is transferred to a water flow.4
--Solar thermal air panels have no liquid in the panels. The sun heats a target which heats an air flow over it. Air is used to transfer the heat. These are often made in place, are the cheapest panels and have no freezing issues.5

Photovoltaic panels are about 8 to 22% efficient for purchase and slightly over 42% efficient in the lab. Solar thermal panels can be from 60 to 80% efficient. It is sometimes part of a design to get as much energy from solar thermal panels for heat, hot water and air conditioning before using the less efficient and more expensive photovoltaic panels.6 Solar thermal panels can be used to drive a stirling engine and produce electricity. 7

Willard Said:

Can I make my own Photovoltaic Solar Cell?

We Answered:

You can make your own cells but the efficiency is so horribly low you'll be lucky to register it on a voltmeter. Most people won't have the facilities to make and process silicon so you have to find some other materials.