Solar panels use light energy or photons from the sun to produce electricity through the process called photovoltaic effect. A single solar power installation is made up of several solar roof panels.
A typical photovoltaic system is made up of an inverter, an array of panels, an interconnection wing and a battery component. The load carrying part of the module can be located at the back or at the top of the system. Most of the modules use wafer based silicon cells or thin film solar cells that are made from silicon or telluride. The majority of flexible solar panels are made from thin film cells.
For Cars
Flexible solar panels are considered the most portable, lightweight and convenient panels available in the market today. There are hundreds of flexible panel types that come in a wide variety of sizes, voltages and wattages, ensuring that homes and businesses find the right system that best suits their needs.
These flexible cells are made into modules by laminating them in colorless fluoropolymer on the front and a compatible polymer on the other side. The flexible photovoltaic panel market is expected to grow over 35 percent by 2019.
Some of the popular uses of this type of solar panels include portable battery chargers, portable lighting system, portable solar power and even automotive solar charging. Whether you own a private yacht, an RV or an ATV, you can now install cheap solar panels to help you save up on gas.
Efficiency
Unlike the traditional rigid monocrystalline solar panels, flexible solar panels don’t have to be encased in rigid frames for shipping. They take up less space and reduce shipping cost. These flexible panels are also lighter and easier to install.
Although they may not be very efficient, in terms of energy production, compared to the traditional silicon solar cells, this is likely to improve in the future. According to a research study, these solar cells have achieved 20 percent efficiency, which is already quite competitive for today’s solar cells.
Encased solar panels usually last for decades and today, industry experts are currently testing these flimsy solar panels on how long they can go.
Boats
The birth of flexible solar panels has created a lot of attention in the energy sector. The biggest advantage these thin panels have over the traditional ones is perhaps the cost.
These thin solar films are made just like the way encapsulated panels are manufactured but with more cost effective materials. Its thin and lightweight feature makes it easier for consumers to apply them into different types of roof surfaces.
These thin, solar films can be directly applied to siding, windows, cars, windows, roof tiles and so much more. Take these solar cells when boating, camping, or move them around the house for the best sunlight source. These foldable panels can also be used to generate domestic solar power.
Conclusion
There are three kinds of solar power technology being used today for the production of solar cells.
The amorphous or thin film technology produces efficient and flexible solar panels that functions similarly to the conventional models. The same process used in the making of encapsulated solar cells are implemented but without the use of rigid silicon wafers. Instead, the silicon film is layered on a flexible plastic or metal and then topped with protective layer. This technology may not be as efficient as the traditional ones, but further advancement studies are currently being done.
In order for you to produce the same amount of energy savings with the traditional panels, you need to set up 30 to 50 percent more surface area for these thin films.