Hi i am looking to install solar panels for my home but would like to try and do it on my own to save a bit of money…
But I keep reading the term "panel photovoltaic" or "photovoltaic panel" I don’t know what this means, could someone give me some advice.

Hi Tas, A Photovoltaic panel is the individual collector, or cell, electrically connected. They form photovoltaic modules, better known as a solar panel. The photovoltaic panel is arranged in arrays, or many panels fitted together in a grid.

Now I feel smart.. In basic terms panel photovoltaic means solar panel..

I went to this site http://build-your-own-solarpanels.com

It will give you a better understand of solar power works.. Hope this helps

Solar cells convert the energy of incoming light to electric energy; a good quality cell operates at an efficiency of 15%. Each person in the United States uses energy (for lighting, heating, transportation, etc.) at an average rate of 11 kilowatts . Although sunlight varies with season and time of day, solar energy falls on the United States at an average intensity of 200 W/m^2.

Assuming you live in an average location, what total solar-cell area would you need to provide all of your energy needs with energy from the sun?

The correct rate is 11kWhr per day. 11kw would be a horrendous amount of power.(maybe Al Gore uses it at this rate)

I will calc it at your rate for problem sake. (this is not real life by the way, there are lots more variables, length of day, etc)

200W/m^2 * 15% = 30w/meter

11kw / 30w/meter = 366m^2

On a side note I think mastering physics is a crappy program, made for lazy physics teacher that dont ever care about application of knowledge.

Photosynthesis is used by plants and a semiconductor-based solar cell both harness solar energy. what are three ways these two systems are similar and three ways they are different?

Also what is Thermodynamics and how does it apply to each system?

Same
Absorb solar energy
Transform into useful from
Best oreinted perpendicular to suns rays

Different
chemical vs electrical
self produced vs factory produced
ridged vs fexable

http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx
http://hyperphysics.info/?cx=partner-pub-6503468025187103%3Akxag2b-tx0r&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=thermodynamics

I highly recommend using hyperphysics.info search for all your physics related homework.

Cheers!

I am very interested in making solar panels in Karachi, Pakistan. But cant figure out where i get solar cells? If there is some DIY methods please tell me.

you do google search and contact the companies which manufactures solar panel..or contact an expert in this field..

What is the best Solar, Wind Energy Diy Guide.I am good with my hands and have a lot of time. Might give it a go.

I bought this. It works - http://diysolarpanelsfordummies.blogspot.com/

can provide the power necessary to, at the very least, avoid a precipitous drop-off in the human population due to energy starvation?

Is the problem that they’ve never had a decent course in physical chemistry, and thus lack the understanding of how physical principles pertain to the science of economy?
Stu,

It’s ExxonMobil, and I’ve never worked for them. On the other hand, one of the primary conspirators behind the AGW fraud is the Rockefeller Crime Family, which made their fortune from the ExxonMobil cartel (formerly Standard Oil).

Very true, but seems to me that the upper eshelon is also full of many hipocrites. Al Gore is making bank by trading carbon credits…which doesn’t actually reduce Co2 levels, but spent $10,000 in utility bills. One of the more active enviromentalists has a home with redwood floors.
The governors and senators traveling to Copenhaugen made a larger carbon footprint than most when they flew in style to the conference, meanwhile bilking money from the taxpayer for this little luxurious weekend to which Pelosi won’t answer any questions on.
Seems to be one big corrupt venture into catering to themselves and stiffing the taxpayer.
As for a ‘Green" source of power, Nuclear power plants are pretty green and have limited waste, yet congress stands in the way of building new ones. The Obama administration is also trying to shut down the coal industry even though we are the ’saudi arabia’ of coal.

Hi, i need help to determine parts required for a complete solar project for my seniour Engineering designing class.The panels have to be integrated with special mirrors to enhance production of power.
I need a list of all the parts required.It should include all the sensors and stuff.

It’s your project, you should do the work, but you have the order wrong.

first task is to develop a set of specifications, such as voltage, current, time, amount of sun.

then do a design based on those specifications

Then develop a parts list based on the design.

PS, most solar cells and panels have max temperature limits, and using mirrors may exceed those limits and cause damage.

.

I know that Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City offers certs in solar energy. What other colleges offer these?

these sites will help u 2 to get courses on solar related subjects……

www.mccae.org/

www.luna.edu/course/ASE202/
www.emagister.co.uk/wind_energy_courses-ek1205.htm

Some states like TX and NJ will subsidize solar energy 40% worth.
But the technology to date has been quite costly in spite of these states’ subsidizing the cost. However, solar energy is starting to turn the corner cost-effectively in the past year or two.
Why is there no serious encouragement from the federal gov’t to encourage homeowners to install solar energy panels by offerering subsidies or rebates for installing it?
Would this be a good idea?

great idea…but the time hasent come yet. I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:

http://how-to-build-cheap-solar-energy.blogspot.com/

I am doing a science fair project that deals with solar energy. i was just confused with the part that deals with measuring using a digital multimeter.

Can anyone help me by explaining how to do this project? It is online at …

http://sciencebuddies.com/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Energy_p004.shtml?fave=no&isb=c2lkOjEsaWE6RW5lcmd5LHA6MixyaWQ6NDcyNzAxOA&from=TSW

This is the multimeter I am using:

http://www.frys.com/product/4108273

Questions:
Is the V symbol with a squiggly line on the top the one I use to find the open circuit voltage? Or
is the V with a dashed line on top and a full line?

What do I use to measure the short-circuit current?

*** I already have the red and black clips from the solar panel connected to the ones of the multimeter. I need to know how to measure the maximum power available from the solar panel. Also, if someone can explain this project in simpler terms it would be helpful. I think I already know what I am supposed to do, but I am just confused.

(So, am I supposed to tilt the solar panel at different angles then measure the maximum output from each position and see which angle produced the most output power?)

THANKS!!! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, the sooner the better. I hope to place 1st place this year and the more time and effort I put on this project, the better.

The red V with squiggly line is AC power. That is what the house runs on and is on the output of an inverter, which you don’t have. The V with the dashed line is DC power. That is the output of the solar panel, you’ll use that for measuring the voltage.

To measure the current, move the red lead to the A plug and move the dial to Amps. Measure across the leads.

You’ll see when you tilt the panel at different angles, the output will change as the sun hits the panels straight on.

Please watch this short video showing how to measure panels. http://www.altestore.com/video/video-Solar-Panel-Testing-v3/