The Solar Power Modules Report
The Watt Power output of a Solar module is the number of watts output when it is illuminated under standard conditions. Watt Peak (Wp) is the direct current watts output of a solar module as measured under an Industry standardized Light Test.
Solar modules has dropped from around $27 Watt Peak (Wp) in 1982 to around $2.49 Wp today and can be expected to dive much further in the future. At $1 Wp, grid parity will have been achieved and Photovoltaics (PV) will be able to compete with the prevailing price of electricity.
Solar panels that cost less than $1 per watt to produce are on their way, as Colorado State University’s new method for low-cost, high-efficiency solar panels looks set to begin mass production. They will be sold for about $2 per watt to the public, about half the cost of current solar panels. The cost reduction comes from a new, continuous manufacturing process which uses cadmium telluride thin film rather than the more expensive crystalline silicon.
The lowest thin film module price is at $2.49 per watt (1.89 per watt) from a Germany-based retailer. As a general rule, it is typical to expect thin film modules to be at a price discount to crystalline silicon (for like module powers). As thin film manufacturers expand production, prices are expected to drop dramatically.
Solar cells become less efficient at converting solar energy into electricity as their cell temperatures increase. However, the efficiency of Thin Firm CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) semiconductor material is less susceptible to cell temperature increases than traditional semiconductors.
Some sixty companies have announced to start thin film production by 2010. Thin-film solar cells consist of layers of active materials about 10 m thick compared with 200- to 300-m layers for crystalline-silicon cells. The technology allows for more flexible and robust shapes and is more cost effective.
The measurement of kilowatt-hours per kilowatt installed is an important factor. Calculate the average total solar watt output per dollar outlay. In most cases, when you are reach $0.15/kWh or better, you are competitive with your electric company.
Two 80W panels in series gives you 160 W. You still have the same *current* as you get from one panel, but twice the voltage. There are inverters, battery banks and cabling costs to consider. Most families use between 4 and can run up to 20 Kwh per day for heavy users. A 1000w system would produce about 4 Kwh per day. Build your own solar panel with a do it yourself kit and discover this energy saving technology.
Create your unique do it yourself solar power system. Home solar systems can form a vital part of any home emergency survival kit. Solar power kits may help in life saving emergencies, natural catastrophe, or any number of instances where you could be stranded from main power but you have an electrical need
