No matter where you are on earth, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In the norther hemisphere the sun tracks more to the south that is why positions of panels and windows to the south take advantage of the sun the best.

You need to consider not only the direction but the tilt of the solar panels too in order to get maximum efficiency.
I have included sole links about solar position and positioning solar panels. Hope it helps.

Green Job Training 80 WATT SOLAR PANEL Grid Tie Inverter Direct Monocrystalline

Moultrie Feeders MFH-SP6 6 Volt Solar Panel $36.2 Moultrie Feeders MFH-SP6 6 Volt Solar Panel

Brunton 81-000009 Explorer – Foldable Solar Panel $78.38 Brunton 81-000009 Explorer – Foldable Solar Panel

Tacktick Solar Panel for Hull Transmitter $122.71 Solar panel suitable for supplying power to a Micronet T121 Hull Transmitter or T122 Wireless NMEA Interface.Features:Small footprintEasy installation splays Product : TACKTICK SOLAR PANEL FOR HULL TRANSMITTER Manufacturer : TACKTICK Manufacturer Part No : T138 UPC : 5037707001387

Solar Energy: A Uk Assessment : Report Of The Panel Convened By Uk-Ise $349.4 Solar Energy: A Uk Assessment : Report Of The Panel Convened By Uk-Ise

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In todays increasing environmentally conscious society, reducing our carbon footprint is seen as a social responsibility. Furthermore, as traditional sources of power become evermore expensive, energy derived from renewable sources are becoming more attractive and sought after.

Herein lies the beauty of using the most efficient solar panels we can find as a means of providing some or all of our electrical power. Furthermore, the accessibility and affordability of efficient solar panels means that they are no longer looked upon as quirky but rather as innovative, sensible and ultimately cost-effective.

It is estimated, given the world governments’ increasing commitment to the use of renewable energy sources, that by the year 2030 some 14% of the world’s energy will be provided by solar power.

The term solar panel actually describes two types of device, to give them their technical names:

1. Solar photovoltaic modules

2. Solar thermal collectors.

Solar thermal collectors use the sun’s energy to heat water (in domestic use) or other fluids. A good solar hot water panel is able to provide an average household with around a third of its annual hot water supply.

However, it is with the photovoltaic modules (solar panels to you and I) that we will concentrate on here. These panels use solar sensitive cells to convert light energy from the sun into electricity and thereby provide a clean source of energy with no waste by-products.

For the science minded, photons from sunlight knock the electrons into a higher state of energy thereby creating electricity, passing the current so produced through a photodiode to power equipment or to recharge batteries.

Solar cells are interconnected and assembled into panels which require protection form the environment to allow them to continue to work effectively. Consequently, these panels are placed into a frame made of metal, plastic or fibreglass and glass fronted. The construction of the frame within which the solar cells are housed is vital. This is because the solar cells themselves are commonly made of wafer-based silicon and due to their being brittle they need protection from the elements, particularly impact from hail, wind and snow and from moisture, which would corrode the metal contacts and connections. A solar panel installation usually consists of multiple panels called an array.

The use of solar panels is becoming evermore popular and production has been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48% each year since 2002.

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are increasingly being integrated into new domestic and industrial buildings either as a principal or an ancillary source of electrical power. In new builds, the arrays are incorporated into the roof or walls of the building and roof tiles with integrated PV cells can now be purchased.

For existing buildings, arrays can be retrofitted usually on top of the existing roof structure. Alternatively, arrays can be located separately and connected by cable to provide the power supply for the building. Arrays are usually installed in a position angled so as to allow access to as much sunlight as possible to increase their efficiency.

This article was written by A R Forshaw.

For more information please see http://most-efficient-solar-panels.blogspot.com/

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One reason is the amount of land taken up. As the questioner pointed out… “acres and acres” of land would be needed. Open land (what there is left of it) is needed for crops (read: FOOD) for forests (read: CARBON SINK –and human sanity!), for habitat for animals and birds. (For an eye opener do some research on how many bugs we’d have if we didn’t have birds — O! M! G! Without lots of birds, we will either drown in hordes of insects or in toxic chemicals trying to kill the insects, and end up killing ourselves instead.)

Even in the desert, habitat is destroyed by building acres and acres of solar panels, then you still have the inefficiency and huge cost of the transmission lines to get that power to where it’s wanted. Even the more-efficient parabolic reflector method takes up a lot of space, and still requires the large — and ugly — transmission towers marching across miles and miles of the countryside.

As was pointed out by others, solar makes more sense when done by individuals or small groups.

Now think of all the rooftop space in cities! You have people living and working directly under a possible site for solar panels. The panels would also create shade that would lessen the cooling needs of the same buildings. In Europe I understand there are cities and towns where almost every roof has solar panels. That is space that is NOT habitat or used for crops! (Except some buildings’ rooftops are now being used for rooftop gardens for FOOD! Another creative and wonderful idea!)

Solar could be just one answer. There will be many answers. Some large-scale, some done individually– home by home, building by building. But huge solar “farms” probably are not going to be a final answer.

Wind towers take up a lot of space too. They make noise that, if close to a home, is considered by many to be quite objectionable. The towers are huge, the blades are huge. They often kill birds that try to fly past. If you think it’s ok to kill birds, read up on the status of many bird species (declining), and where we’ll be insect-wise if we lose too many of our birds!

Wind turbine towers need to be very carefully sited in order to catch the winds, but not sited on the birds’ flyways. And of course they are very often the same, because birds use consistent wind current flows during migration to be able to travel so far without using as much of their own energy. Consistent wind currents are what the wind towers need also. There is a new design that is shaped different, more like a thick vertical tube, that operates something like the “squirrel-cage” fan, as opposed to a “blade” fan. These could be safer for birds. I do not know enough about them (yet) to say any more.

Wind power would need the same miles and miles of inefficient transmission lines as solar power needs when done in large “wind farms.” Even if an individual puts up a wind turbine, he/she will have to deal with huge batteries (I saw one installation that had a 2- or 3-car garage-sized building for the batteries) and they’ll also need transmission lines to get the power to their own home, even if it’s nearby.

I personally don’t like the wind towers on the landscape. They’re very tall, much taller than they look in pictures. I also know that we need, NEED the birds to keep insect populations down, if for no other reason!

Conservation (just plain using less) almost always is the most efficient way to save energy. That comes first. Do everything you can to simplify your lifestyle. Insulate and tighten your home; turn the heat down a bit in the winter, and the cooling up a bit in the summer. Drive less, share rides, drive slower, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle, and keep it well-maintained. Don’t do it alone, do it all with friends: compare notes, check how you’re doing. Make it a group or neighborhood thing. Don’t think of it as a YOYO (You’re On Your Own) project; it’s for all of us to do, and it’s easier when done together.

DIY The Cheapest Solar Panel System EVER Cheap Solar Power

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Solar panels and photosynthetic life forms both utilize the photoelectric effect discovered by Einstein, who won a Nobel price for this discovery. Light absorbed by solar panels or chlorophyll molecules will cause an electron to be emitted. These electrons are turned into electricity by solar panels. The living cells turn the electrons into energy stored in the glucose molecule through a complex biochemical process.

Lizards and other animals, including vultures and humans, may bask in the sun to absorb heat. Some solar panels do not generate electricity, but heat.

How solar Panels can create Domestic Hot Water

Solar Thermal and Biomass Energy $149.67 Solar Thermal and Biomass Energy

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THERMAL APPLICATION SOLAR $1.5 THERMAL APPLICATION SOLAR

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I think they are experimenting with all kinds of materials for PV cell construction.

Cadmium telluride
Copper-Indium Selenide
Gallium arsenide (GaAs)
Light-absorbing dyes
Organic/polymer solar cells

I don’t know what the environmental impact of these things is, if anything.

If you’re looking for negatives to solar power, crystalline silicon cell manufacturing is very energy-intensive. It involves molten silicon which must be heated to 1600 C or 2900 F.

The cells have to spend a long time in the sun to produce more energy than it takes to make them.

The Power of the Sun – The Science of the Silicon Solar Cell

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells $41.31 Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

Silicon Photovoltaics: Crystalline Silicon Silicon Solar Cells Polycrystalline Silicon Photov $14.14 Silicon Photovoltaics: Crystalline Silicon Silicon Solar Cells Polycrystalline Silicon Photov

Amorphous and Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Modeling, Material $218.79 Amorphous and Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Modeling, Materials and Device Technology provides a comprehensive overview of materials for application in thin film solar cells. It is the first book that compares experimental and computer-modeling methods, combining the state of the art in technology with the latest insights in device modeling. A wide range of experimental issues are explored, from materials and basic device physics of thin film solar cells to potential mass production facilities for solar panels. The modeling section presents an approach to integrated optical and electrical modeling of complete devices, including optical light trapping, and describes the physical materials parameters related to amorphous silicon that are crucial for successful modeling. The increasing importance of multijunction cells with different bandgap components for thin film silicon cells is reflected in a description of the latest breakthroughs acquired experimentally and by modeling. Concluding chapters describe what can be learned from combined modeling and device fabrication, indicating potential future methods of amorphous silicon solar cell optimization. This book will prove invaluable to researchers in the amorphous and microcrystalline silicon field and the physical and experimental approaches will be of interest to researchers investigating solar cells or other film devices for large area applications.

Amorphous and Microcystalline Silicon Solar Cells $215 Amorphous and Microcystalline Silicon Solar Cells

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Until regulations catch up with technology, solar installations will fit into a gray area as do some air conditioning and plumbing applications.

Strictly speaking, to the extent that plumbing is involved a plumbing license would be required and a plumbing inspection should take place. To the extent that electrical work is required an electrical license is required and an electrical inspection should take place.

Currently plumbers install boilers all the time and the electrical connections do manage to be completed although electricians are not present and on most residential jobs no separate electrical inspection is done. I have seen central air conditioning installed without an electrician ever present on the job and no inspection taking place.

Different parts of the country will have different local regulations. I doubt that the federal government would be able to override this trend. Our constitution says that what is not federal belongs to the states.

Simply selling units without an installation is an entirely different matter. A retailors license and all that it requires should be all that is necessary.

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The Solar Water Heater Handbook: A Guide To Residential Solar Water He $65.83 The Solar Water Heater Handbook: A Guide To Residential Solar Water He

Build your own solar water heater $2.32 Build your own solar water heater

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How To Install A Solar Water Heater: Closed Loop Antifreeze System $2.43 How To Install A Solar Water Heater: Closed Loop Antifreeze System

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When buying a recreational vehicle (RV), you have the option to choose a vehicle that comes with a gasoline generator or one that uses solar energy. These options are important because it supply the power needed to charge the on board battery bank.

An RV that uses a gas generator is cheaper in comparison to an RV that uses solar panel. When the motor home is parked, you can have a constant supply of electricity to the living compartment by firing up the generator.

However, a gas generator is noisy and creates a lot of pollution. When you are in the natural wilderness, the last thing you want to do is pollute it with smoke and loud noise. Using a generator can be expensive also because you have to constantly top it up with gasoline.

Many RV owners would rather opt for the solar power system option. It is clean, efficient, zero pollution, no gasoline required and also minimal maintenance. All you have to do is wipe it clean once a week.

The drawback on an RV with a solar power kit is the high cost. A typical system that can produce 440 watts of power will cost upwards of $3,000! It is a great option but some people don’t think it is a worthwhile investment.

Is there a cheaper alternative? As a matter of fact, there is. You can buy a regular RV and then install the solar panels via a Do It Yourself (DIY) approach.

However, there is a caveat. You must be able to understand electrical wiring diagrams and know how to configure electronic gadgets by reading its user manual.

A solar system for a recreational vehicle is actually quite simple. There are only 4 keys components which are the solar panels, charge controller, battery units and power inverters. There are also a couple of smaller parts such as volt meter, amp meter, DC disconnect, cut off fuses and system monitor.

All of the solar components can be purchased off the selves from major hardware stores around the country. You can lower your investment budget if you were to do your shopping during holiday period or when there is a shop bargain or discount.

What would be the average cost to setup a homemade RV solar power system? A generic solar energy setup which can produce about 460 amp hours of electricity will cost approximately $1,500. The next step is to find a good solar system step by step instruction manual with technical diagram.

Looking for more ideas on how to use solar power for RV? Learn how to build your own DIY solar system by downloading a free copy of “30 Solar And Wind Power For Homes Videos” e-book at http://www.diysolarenergy.info/

How to Install Solar Panels : Battery Banks for Solar Energy

Brunton SolarFlats Rigid Solar Panels (Spring 2010) $219.99 The SolarRoll Rollable Solar Panels by Brunton provide power to recharge – even when youpre not around. Keep the snowmobile battery charged-up while it sits idle all summer long with a SolarFlat 5. Go a step further and mount a SolarFlat 15 to the roof of your RV or camper and continuously charge your battery everyday – or charge your boat battery while youpre out on the water. FEATURES of the SolarFlats Rigid Solar Panels by Brunton Amorphous solar cells for high low-light performance Reverse flow protection Weatherproof Durable ABS plastic frame Blue LED indicator light Link multiple like-units together for even more output Integrated battery overcharge protection Use up to five together with SolarController for perfect charge control SPECIFICATIONS for SolarFlat 1.8: Weight: 1 lb. Max output: 1.8 Watts Overall dimensions: 14 in. x 5 in. x 0.6 in. Warranty: One-year Included:10 ft cable – Vehicle cable – Link adaptor cable (SF 15) and Battery clamps SPECIFICATIONS for SolarFlat 5: Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz. Max output: 5 Watts Overall dimensions: 14 in. x 13.3 in. x 0.6 in. Warranty: One-year Included: 10 ft cable – Vehicle cable – Link adaptor cable (SF 15) and Battery clamps SPECIFICATIONS for SolarFlat 15: Weight: 9 lbs. Max output: 15 Watts Overall dimensions: 38 in. x 13 in. x 0.6 in. Warranty: One-year Included: 10 ft cable – Vehicle cable – Link adaptor cable (SF 15) and Battery clamps

Solar Controller 12v Battery Charge Regulator $21.98 Brunton F-SOLRCON Solar Controller 12v Battery Charge Regulator Brunton F-SOLRCON Solar Controller 12v Battery Charge Regulator Features: • Prevents overcharging 12 volt batteries when continually using solar panels • Can handle up to 100 watts of electricity • Made In: China

How Do Solar Panels Work? $28 Among recent concerns about the use of nonrenewable fuels such as oil and coal, scientists have been trying to discover alternative ways of making energy and electricity available. Sunlight is a free, unlimited resource that hits the Earth with more energy in an hour than the people of the world use in a year. The colorful How Do Solar Panels Work? reveals how researchers are working on ways to harness the power of sunlight through solar panels and delves into the science behind this pollution-free energy source.

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The components of a solar panel are designed to be inert: they sit exposed to the environment for 20 or more years with little degradation.
The creation of photocells is not so benign: it takes a fair amount of strong chemicals and energy to produce a photovoltaic panel. The payback, economically and in terms of environmental damage (tradeoff on energy/chemicals used to create it vs. CO2, Hg etc. reduced during cell’s lifetime), may take twenty or thirty years.

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The “true” cost of solar panels for a solar electric system on a residential house is largely determined by rebates and incentives. The current market rate for a solar electric system is around $8-10 per installed Watt. How many Watts you need is determined by your electricity usage. You can find out more about sizing a solar electric system here….

http://howto.altestore.com/Articles-on-Renewable-Energy/Solar-Panel-System-or-PV-Systems/How-Many-Solar-Panels-do-you-need-in-your-solar-Array/a88/

If you already have a very efficient house and lifestyle, it might be worth looking into a solar electric system. If not, you’re much better off investing your money into energy efficient appliances and fixtures and trying to make your electricity usage as small as possible.

Just to give you an idea, there really isn’t a “typical” house so a solar electric system can range anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000. It is all about minimizing your electricity usage before you look into renewable technologies.

If you want to see some prices on some solar panels, you can see them here.

http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Panels/c541/

Hope this info helps.

-Dave C.

DIY Solar Panel System Cost

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Much like the Mars rovers, I would lay them flat. The rovers however also have the ability to follow the sun while they are stationary so they can absorb the maximum amount of energy, but I doubt yours will be as complex as NASA’s

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Our Solar System $5.68 Six board books in this colorful set, all shaped to resemble the Sun and its planets, explain the solar system in pictures and text that will appeal to kids. The books in this set, all subtitled iLittle Book of Facts/i are as followsliMarsliUranus, Neptune & PlutoliSaturn & JupiterliOur SunliVenus & MercuryliEarth & Moon/ulThe books are handsomely packaged in recessed spaces inside a sturdy cardboard box. The box features additional colorful illustrations of its own on its bottom panel and inside cover, plus a pair of sturdy snaps to keep the lid shut when its time for kids to put their books away. The fact books are filled with interesting information. For instance, open the book on Mars and discover that its average temperature is below freezing, and that its only about half the size of Earth. Or open the book on the Sun and learn that its more than 90 million miles away from us on Earth. Kids discover the rings around some planets, the most spectacular of them being around Saturn. They also learn about the moons that orbit many planets other than our own. Heres a wonderful introduction to astronomy for boys and girls, and an invitation for them to go outside and study the night sky.

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