Solar Panels - Solar PV Modules

Solar Panels - An Introduction

Photovoltaic solar panels, also known as solar pv modules or solar electric panels, generate power when exposed to high levels of light. The photovoltaic effect was discovered in 1839 by nineteen-year-old Edmund Becquerel.

Modern pv modules were first developed commercially for NASA and the space race in the 1950's. With no moving parts, solar pv is a silent and reliable method of producing electricity in remote locations.

High quality solar modules have power performance warranties of 20 years on the larger panels, with an expected life of 60 years or more. An early commercial pv system, now 46 years old, is still producing power within warranty guidelines.

Solar pv panels are currently available in three main silicon-based technologies. Monocrystalline cells are the most efficient and also the most expensive. Polycrystalline cells are almost as efficient as mono and they are less expensive to manufacture.

Amorphous pv modules are the most cost effective and they perform better than the other types in cloudy conditions, however for the same power output they require more installation space.

More > How do solar panels work ?

Latest Industry Developments

Over the last few years the solar pv industry has seen a huge increase in demand. In 2008, worldwide module production increased 80% on the previous year. As a result of the global economic slowdown in 2009, prices are now at an all time low.

Nanosolar are developing printed solar cells, using a nano particle ink. They have recently launched their product on the market, although prices are still very high. The end goal is to massively reduce solar panel production costs.

Meanwhile, biological solar pv materials are being developed by Biosolar - reducing the need for petroleum-based plastic solar cell components.

Sunpower's 'back-contact' cells are hitting 21.5 % efficiency and the latest Sanyo HIT (hybrid monocrystalline & amorphous) panels are giving power outputs of approx. 200w per m2 in good sun.

Flexible and folding pv panels are also available, offering convenience, portability and ease of fitting. This type of solar panel needs to be robust to withstand regular movement and flexing.

Off-Grid Solar Electric Applications

At the EDC we supply commercial, industrial and domestic off-grid solar power systems. This covers a diverse range of applications including remote data monitoring, water pumping, wireless communications and off-grid buildings.

Solar pv panels are also ideal for mobile battery charging use in boats, yachts, motorhomes and caravans. Solar panels extend the life of most battery based power systems, as batteries like being on a regular charge.

Find out more about your specific application for solar pv in our applications section.

Selecting Solar PV Panels

If you need any general information regarding the planning of an off-grid solar pv system, you may like to visit the information section of this website. 

If you would like any project specific advice or prices, our experienced system design team are able to design & cost a bespoke power system to your exact requirements.

For full technical data regarding our solar pv panels, please see our webstore links below where you can find the latest prices as well as download product brochures, data sheets and installation manuals.

 Sanyo solar panels - high efficiency HIT hybrid pv cells, 210w to 240w.

 Sharp solar panels - polycrystalline 210w solar modules - only £ 614.04 + VAT each.

 Sunpower solar panels - high efficiency monocrystalline back contact pv cells, 90w.

 Lorentz solar panels - high efficiency monocrystalline back contact pv cells, 20w to 90w.

 Kyocera solar panels - quality polycrystalline pv modules, 40w to 210w.

 Suntech solar panels - polycrystalline pv modules, 20w to 140w.

 Flexible solar panels - triple junction battery charging modules, 5w to 32w.

 Folding solar panels - triple junction battery charging modules, 10w to 34w.

Related Pages

© EDC 2010

Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK, NR32 3LX