PV Gap

Peggy Said:

Any drawbacks for solar panels?

We Answered:

There are a number of good answers here, but keep in mind that power generation is only one use of solar panels. They can also be used to gather heat directly from sunlight, and range from simple home made panels (for example, see http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Spa… ) to sophisticated vacuum tube collectors (http://www.siliconsolar.com/solar-evacua… ). These systems provide relatively high efficiency, since they don't convert sunlight to electricity, and they can be used to supplement or replace energy used for space and hot water heating - some of the largest residential uses of energy.
Like any other appliance or household system, solar panels used to collect heat will require periodic maintenance. Hope this helps.

Sarah Said:

What is more important for a solar panel, voltage or amperage?

We Answered:

Actually you need at least 15 volts to charge a car battery.

If you have a large array, say 2000 watts, a lower voltage means a very high current, which means very heavy wire, which is expensive, and bulky.

in the example, 2000 watts at 12 volts is 170 amps. This requires a very thick cable. If you have to run it 50 feet, and lose only 1 volt, then you need resistance less than 0.006 ohms which is 0000 wire. Very expensive.

But this size installation would usually be connected for 96 volts or higher, which is a current of 21 amps, which is a much smaller wire size. 21 amps would require #7 wire, a lot cheaper.

Even at lower power, the wire size is still a significant part of the equation.

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Katrina Said:

Solar power energy?

We Answered:

Solar energy was a direct outcome of early observations of semiconductors at Bell Laboratories where they invented the transistor.

Solar energy is economical now, and it is functional. The economy must be viewed as something where the payback is a few years.

Solar energy is widely accepted.

Solar energy does not produce greenhouse gases. It is not controlled by someone else. It will not run out. The energy source is freely available to everybody.

The direction of solar electric panels is toward amorphous (as opposed to crystaline) photoelectric cells. Of course, there are new projects starting that use the thermal energy to heat water and other materials, producing electricity with boilers and generators.

Connie Said:

Will my meter run backwards if I install solar panels?

We Answered:

It wont run backwards, but it will run a lot slower...and thus reducing any increase in your bill.

Edwin Said:

what are the advantages and disadvantages of a cooperation with africa considering solar energy?

We Answered:

That would be a good idea but the problem that there could face would be the money. Africa would face hard time if they decide to spend there money on solar panel rather than food for the dying children.
The advantages would be probley save more money .