PV Gap

Alvin Said:

Why must solar panels have a large surface?

We Answered:

for collect more sunlight

Victoria Said:

how much does it cost to make a large solar panel?

We Answered:

Quite a bit if you're talking about one that has a large, useful power output. When you factor in the time, research and prototyping that goes into making an efficient panel, it's best to look into simply buying one off the shelf unless you have a LOT of time and patience to kill. There are several kits on the market for roof installation on homes. They're very popular out in the US deserts. They're still pretty expensive (in the thousands of dollars) but nowadays they last years.

If you go that route, be certain to check reviews as I hear some people spend their thousands only to discover dead cells after less than a year's use. I don't know enough about any one particular brand to suggest one.

Julia Said:

Could Large ice fields be man made by solar panels?

We Answered:

Wha? So you're saying we should use electricity from solar power to freeze water and then move that water to places where the ice has melted? (Correct me if I got it wrong)

It would naturally be much better to just use that solar-generated electricity for critical human purposes, thereby saving on carbon emissions, than using it to do the process you described.

Charlie Said:

how does a large solar panel generating site work?

We Answered:

Like any other solar generating site. For example, an array of solar panels (modules) generates all the power for the Dangling Rope Marina on Lake Powell. It is rated at 250,000 kW. Compare that to my large 6 kW system.

The modules are mounted on racks in a field. They supply power to a humongous battery bank. The batteries are housed in a building of their own. Inverters convert the DC to AC. A standby diesel-driven generator provides minimal power in case of overloading, and to enable the solar system to start from scratch.

I could send you pictures.