Smaller and more efficient solar energy panel...

"help for smaller roofs"

The Green Platform, back in August, reported on efforts by a German based company to produce a smaller panel, that was more efficient.

This would allow homeowners with smaller roofs to still install a large PV panel system on their available roof space.

The makers claim it will also lower installation costs as fewer panels will be required to produce the same output as current larger panel systems.

The panel was revealed at the PVSEC conference in Hamburg  in September.

photo credit: bortescristian

Today's weather - cold morning with bright sunny skies

If you've already got your solar panel installation up and working, then despite the shortness of the days, this morning is a real bonus for electricity generation.

Firstly, temperatures (in Derbyshire) were down to just above freezing, and secondly, the skies are clear with very bright sunshine.

We've already discussed how photovoltaic (electricity generating) solar panels work more efficiently in cold temperatures and with the sun, un-impeded by clouds, today should be a great day for generation levels.

Are you keeping a note of how efficient your panels are? What sort of readings did you get for today? Do share...

photo credit: vivek jena

Get your home ready for solar.

Don't forget energy efficiency in the solar rush

With all the Government incentives currently available for installing solar panels, it's no wonder there's been a rush of homeowners, eager to cash in on the maximum feed-in tariff rates.

Because of the rush, many homeowners are forgetting to take simple steps before the installation, to make the most of the energy produced once their installation is complete.

There's little point in saving money in one area if you're only going to continue wasting it in another. It'll diminish the return on your investment and certainly won't be doing the environment any favours either.

But all is not lost - take a look at our handy guide to making the most of your solar installation.

Most solar companies will offer you some form of energy audit. This is a critical first step as it helps you determine exactly how much energy you really use, and can help you reduce that amount. Essential if you're looking to be totally self sufficient - you don't want to be paying for generating capacity you don't really need.

Review your home's appliances - washing machines, driers etc come in all budgets and flavours but there's little point in generating free energy if it all goes to power an un-efficient appliance. Consider renewing or upgrading (or just using less) any hungry appliances.

And on the subject of appliances - if you're buying new energy efficient models, then make sure you make full use, whenever possible, of their energy saving features like low temperature settings or eco wash programmes.

A double glazing salesman once told me that the majority of homeowners who'd had energy efficient double glazing fitted didn't reap the rewards of their new windows by turning their room thermostats down a notch or two. Your home doesn't have to be tropical - so turn the thermostat down by a degree or more.

Have you seen the light? Take a careful look around your home and see if you can't replace any old bulbs with energy efficient ones. Why not go one better and incorporate LED lighting?

Finally, review your homes insulation. There are a few initiatives around at the moment promoting energy efficiency with offers and grants on wall and loft insulation. Re-visit hot water tank and pipe lagging - can it be improved or updated? Any additional insulation will only save you energy.

The same goes for draught excluding - check windows, doors and especially letterboxes. Draught excluder is cheap to buy and easy to fit, but reducing the amount of cold air that gets into your home, increases the energy savings as you'll find you need to heat your home less.

Most, if not all, of the above we should all be doing already, what with the increases in fuel bills, but it's even more important to review your home's efficiency if you're about to embark on a solar panel installation - if you really want to make the most of this amazing technology and are serious about maximising the return on your investment whilst also lowering your regular energy bills.

Reducing your overall energy usage isn't a bad thing for the environment either, but of course you already knew that.

photo credit: daniel novta

Solar panel breaks World Record for efficiency

Over at Clean Technica, they reported how a Californian solar panel manufacturer had just received their official Guinness Book of World Records entry certificate for producing a solar panel that in tests, had an efficiency of 22.4%.

Available for both commercial and domestic installations, the SunPower panel is the first panel get over the 20% barrier.

Although Clean Technica themselves admit that solar panel records are being broken on an almost daily basis, the end result should be cheaper, more efficient panels available for everyone.

I'm sure we'll all look forward to that.

photo credit: d'arcy norman

Teenager's simple invention makes solar panels 40% more efficient

A 19 year old student has invented a simple and inexpensive solution which could have a huge impact on solar energy writes the Vancouver Sun.

The design increases the efficiency of solar panels by 40% purely by keeping the panels perpendicular to the sun's rays.

The device designed by Eden Full is driven by simple bi-metallic strips which expand during the day and contract when it's cooler.

No motor means less moving parts and vastly cheaper to produce.

The student has already tested her design out in a remote African village and still receives valuable feedback from villagers via a camera she bought and left with them on her visit last year.

Eden has just won a $10,000 award as well as receiving a Fellowship which should net her $100,000 in funding and mentorship.

So look out because one day, you could find a little piece of Eden on your solar panels.

photo credit: stig nygaard

New Panel efficiency means the Moon's glow can generate power

Technology develops in leaps and bounds and the world of solar panel efficiency is no exception.

Now engineers have developed a solar panel so efficient that it will actually generate energy from the Moon's glow.

This latest development could see the end of battery storage systems for homeowners, especially those in remote places that don't have mains electricity.

The technology was originally developed by NASA as an emergency power source for Shuttle missions and planned Moon shots where astronauts would need to fly around the dark side of the moon.

photo credit: kabsik park

Solar Panels unaffected by Winter

PR Fire reports that energy efficiency specialists, Enerfina, are trying to raise public awareness of renewable energy by providing useful information about the reliability of solar panels.

Despite one of the harshest Winters for some years, solar panel installations around the UK still performed well.

PV Solar panels work on light rather than heat so clear sunny days in Winter work just as well as in Summer. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the electronics inside solar panels work more efficiently in the Winter.

The only problem is the amount of available light with the shorter days and more chance of heavily overcast days. During Winter, panels can typically receive between 50% and 5% of Summertime radiation.

Finally, any snowfall that covers your solar panels will greatly impede their performance. Enerfina warns homeowners of following their installers advice on the best way to remove snow accumulations without damaging the panels or endangering themselves.

photo credit: maria keays

Space exploration technology could make solar panels dust free

Self cleaning technology used on the solar panels of space exploration craft could be applied to solar panels on Earth a new study claims.

Dust is a real problem for solar panels - a layer of dust just one-seventh of an ounce per square yard can decrease a solar panels power conversion by 40%.

When the team studied solar panels in Arizona, they found 4 times that amount is deposited onto solar panels each month. The figure is even higher for the Middle East, Australia etc which are planning large solar panel installations.

The proposed technology doesn't use any moving parts or water. When you imagine how big the task of cleaning 50 football fields worth of solar panels is, then this self cleaning technology becomes very useful indeed.

If you'd like to read more, then visit Softpedia here.

photo credit: meddygarnet

How to keep solar panels working efficiently during Winter

When looking out at the dark mornings and dark evenings, you could be forgiven for thinking solar panels don't work in the Winter at all.

However, there's still plenty of daylight to be had and whilst the shorter hours mean you won't generate much, you should still be able to generate a little.

So, if you've got solar panels already fitted and installed, then there are one or two 'housekeeping' chores you can carry out to keep your solar panels working at their most efficient.

Basically, anything that stops light reaching the panels is going to have an adverse effect so it's a good idea to give your solar panels surface a clean to remove any accumulation of dirt or grime.

Probably best not to attempt climbing on the roof for this one, try an extendable handle mounted squeegee with a little soapy water.

The panel should generate enough heat to melt a few snow flakes but for heavier snowfalls, consider clearing the snow off of the panel section.

There are also a number of specialist cleaners available for solar panels that work with a hose pipe attachment - a bit like a car cleaner system - so ask your local installer - they have details of what's recommended for your solar panel brand. Don't forget to follow the manufacturers instructions.

That's it. Keeping your solar panels clean or free from heavy snowfalls will make a big difference to how they perform for you during the winter.

photo credit: brian kusler

What's that Skip? Cheaper Solar Panels?

Australian research is working on a project that is concentrating on making solar panels cheaper, whilst also making them more efficient.

They're working on a 'spray-on' coating for solar panels. A new technique they're hoping to have commercially available for 2011.

At present, coatings have to be applied in a vacuum. It's hoped the new process will mean its possible to skip that part of the process in the manufacture of solar panels. The new method will use a spray-on hydrogen film and a spray-on anti-reflective film. This new manufacturing process could trim down production costs by $5 million in capital equipment costs per medium sized factory, meaning the manufacturer would be able to offer the solar panels at a much cheaper rate.

The second part of the project relates to making the solar panels more efficient at generating power. Current solar cells operate at anywhere between 5% and 24% efficiency.

Read the full article at Alternative Energy News by clicking here.

photo credit: subhash chandra