What types solar cells are better for use in solar panels?
Q. Amorphous cells, Polycrystalline cells, Single-Cell Solar cells can you tell me which one is better according to power produced?
Asked by Priya - Tue Mar 4 10:32:21 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. They are too expensive ,and the pay out will probably not be very good. Note of caution !! mount them very sturdy as they have a lot of surface so a little wind can tare them up.
Answered by JOHNNIE B - Tue Mar 4 10:51:15 2008

What are the environmental factors when using solar cells as an energy source ?
Q. I am doing a project on the energy usage of solar cells. Other than pollution, because it is a category in itself, what are the environmental factors when using solar cells?
Asked by Cullen - Sun May 10 17:44:26 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You don't have to use special water to clean rooftop solar panels. You can just hose them down. Other than what was already said (temperature, pollution), weather of course. Solar cells are only 50% of their full capacity when it is cloudy. And of course the obvious - time of day. They don't work at night. None whatsoever. Solar energy is clean, infinite, and renewable. The only downside to solar energy is that it is expensive. In time, I believe that it will become more cost-effective. 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… [cont.]
Answered by Gena - Sun May 10 17:51:26 2009

What range of light frequencies do solar cells produce current at?
Q. Does anyone know the range of frequencies or wavelengths? I'm thinking mostly of common silicon solar cells. If anybody knows where a plot of current vs frequency is that would be great too. Thanks.
Asked by mrlexington - Mon May 5 14:01:45 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. For first generation solar cells they produce current at the sunlight wavelengths. See graph from the link. You can probably find a current vrs. frequency plot somewhere but certain things have to be fixed for this to occur such as the incidence angle of the light and the exact type of cell. Normally you see plots of quantum efficiency. I got you started. Interesting science.
Answered by Scanner - Mon May 5 15:19:48 2008

Can anyone recommend solar cells and solar panels for a physics experiment?
Q. I am doing a physics experiment where I need to compare the efficiency of the two. Solar panel for radiation>heat water and solar cells for radiation>electrical energy. Can anyone recommend me some cells and panels which have lots of information about their performance, efficiency etc? Many thanks!
Asked by Sam B - Mon Mar 31 05:07:43 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes I have it.
Answered by Sudhir Nainawati - Tue Apr 1 07:53:51 2008

PHYSICS: How large a collecting area of solar cells would be necessary to produce a 1-gigawatt power plant?
Q. Hard homework problem I don't understand. Above the Earth's atmosphere, we receive about 1400 W=m2 of energy from the Sun. If you could convert 100 per cent of this energy into usable electricity, how large a collecting area of solar cells would be necessary to produce a 1-gigawatt power plant?
Asked by Physics_Hard_YES - Tue Dec 4 01:49:31 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The energy received by 1 m = 1400 watt Energy required to be produced = 1 giga-watt = 1 x 10^12 The area reqd. = 1x10^12 / 1400 = 714285714 m ... ... ...= 714 .28 Km ... ... ...===
Answered by Joymash - Tue Dec 4 02:58:11 2007

Relationship between number of solar cells and power out?
Q. I'm trying to find the relationship between the number of solar cells and power out, in a lab-size experiment, with the solar cells connected in parallel and series. Is the relationship linear or logarithmic?
Asked by May T - Thu Nov 13 17:48:14 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you get to choose the load for maximum power out, then the power out should be linear with the number of cells. Think of a solar cell as a constant current source, with the limitation that it will not exceed a certain voltage. So if you're getting maximum power out with a load of L ohms, if you have 2 series solar cells, you should have a load of 2L for max power out. Or, with 2 parallel cells, a load of 0.5 L.
Answered by roderick_young - Fri Nov 14 16:54:48 2008

How do I clean my solar cells before soldering?
Q. I recently bought some solar cells and a white layer has built up on the grid lines (the front contact is silver) the back contact is aluminium silver, what is this layer and how do I remove it?
Asked by Confused Chemist - Thu Aug 27 07:13:24 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. My first suggestion would be to use rubbing alcohol check out the video on the first source referenced. For cleaning solar panels, mild soap and water does the job too. The following articles that indicate there may be more to the cleaning that meets the eye when making the solar cells.
Answered by bwise - Thu Aug 27 07:45:17 2009

What are some things that are powered by solar cells?
Q. I need things that are powered by the cells, not solar modules and not solar panels. Just the individual cell. those are all powered by solar modules (except the penis and I'm not sure about the calculator). Think small. It has to be powered by A solar cell.
Asked by Chris B - Tue Apr 7 20:22:18 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Nothing. PV cells don't pack much of a punch on their own. They're only used to create modules, and modules are only used to create arrays. Even a calculator requires a small array. Basically, if you were to use a PV cell alone it wouldn't be for the purpose of providing power. You would need to use it as a light sensor because there simply isn't anything that will run on that low of voltage.
Answered by Me - Tue Apr 7 21:50:17 2009

Can anyone please help me with this question on solar cells?
Q. Go to one or more local stores that sell electronics equipment. Make a list of all the products you can find that are powered by solar cells. What conclusions can you make about the kinds of products that are made to be solar-powered? What other products do you think could be solar-powered?
Asked by HP fan - Thu Feb 26 22:25:24 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you can't make it to a regular store, at least Google "solar powered products", and browse a few of the web stores. Here are some hints of what to think about: Are the solar powered products high-powered or low-powered? Are they more or less expensive than the alternative? Are they more or less portable than the alternative? Are they larger or smaller than the alternative?
Answered by roderick_young - Sun Mar 1 13:18:59 2009

how many square meters of solar cells would be required to meet its energy requirements?
Q. In a sunny location, sunlight has a power density of about 1 kW/m2 . Photovoltaic solar cells can convert this power into electricity with 16% efficiency. If a typical home uses 385 kW/m2 of electricity per month, how many square meters of solar cells would be required to meet its energy requirements? Assume that electricity can be generated from the sunlight for 8 hours per day.
Asked by LinzMimsie - Sun Mar 15 18:13:06 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. about a million
Answered by 'Novaaaa man - Sun Mar 15 18:24:47 2009

Would it be possible to line the inside of a pool with solar cells?
Q. I was wondering if you could use solar cells, instead of tile, to floor a pool? Would the water effect this? Would this be a dumb idea? Thanks to the first two responses! I was wondering though, would the water not magnify the light?
Asked by Giyad S - Wed Aug 6 14:01:01 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You probably could, but from an efficiency point of view it might be silly to keep your solar panels at the bottom of a 10' hole, since that will shorten the number of hours per day of sun they get. You'd probably also have to be careful with the connections, to make sure the water doesn't get behind the panels and cause a short. Update: I don't think the water would magnify the light. I'm saying this only because I scuba dive, and the deeper you go, the darker it gets. Now, putting a curved lens over your solar panel will help. But since the surface of the water is flat, I don't think it will be beneficial.
Answered by Jon - Wed Aug 6 14:04:48 2008

how can you make your own solar cells for solar panels?
Q. i see these things all over the internet on how to make 'home made solar panels' but all of them require you to buy the solar cells and nothing tells you how to make your own. So how can you make your own solar cells?
Asked by xeso G - Wed Aug 19 16:39:20 2009 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Firstly, to address the link pointed out by bwise; that's hardly what constitutes what we mean by a "solar panel" is it? sure that can be a solar cell, but I'd like to see anyone build an array of these and get 175W of energy and compare the size difference between what we mean when we say "Solar Panel". Ok, to the asker, i a not sure what you are referring to when you refer to these online "guides"; but if there is anyone one out there that has a a process of building solar panels from materials made in the home, not only is he going to become a billionaire but also I want a share of it :-) So, just to give you an understanding of what a solar "cell" is made up of and the complexity of the process in producing it, you will understand… [cont.]
Answered by unknown - Wed Aug 19 19:45:28 2009

How fast do solar cells convert light into electricity?
Q. Can any type of solar cell/solar panel convert light into electricity instantaneously? It does not matter if the amount of electricity is extremely small or not, just as long as it can be detected immediately. Is this possible?
Asked by Vern - Wed Mar 4 12:30:18 2009 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. at the speed of light
Answered by Mason - Wed Mar 4 12:33:14 2009

How can I use solar cells to recharge AA batteries?
Q. I am doing a project for my EE100 class. What I want to do is build a kit car and instead of using AA batteries would it be possible to use solar cells. I have two cells one at 1V and the other one at 2V. wich in series is 3V. That is the equivelent to 2 AA batteries. Or could I use rechargeable batteries and have the solar cells charge them without ever having to remove them from the car. I intend to mount the solar cells on the kit car and wire them into the battery holder. is this even possible?
Asked by Smokey - Tue Feb 20 22:53:44 2007 - - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. You may be able to power the car with your solar cells. In addition to the voltage, you also need to consider the current requirements to drive the motor. While the solar cells may be capable of producing enough voltage to drive the motor, they may not be able to produce enough current at that voltage. If you want to charge batteries from your solar cells this may also be possible, depending on the type of battery you want to use. With smaller solar cells you will probably need to use 'trickle' charging, since this method uses less current over a longer time. You can see what charging methods will work with which type of batteries by checking the manufacturers data sheets. Have a look at this site to get an ideas for the different… [cont.]
Answered by DrewD - Tue Feb 20 23:23:31 2007

What is the best current efficiency of silicon solar cells?
Q. Read somewhere that there was a solar cell with an efficiency of over 40% but is that one a silicon solar cell? Forgot to add this. Mentions about conversion efficiency of silicon based solar cells. IMHO a bit outdated, since it was written in 2002. @tlbs101: and that is a silicon based solar cell?
Asked by muhlange - Sun Jul 1 01:09:38 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The 40% is not Si, but it is multi-junction, to capture a broader frequency spectrum of sunlight. The picture in the link is hard to read, but I believe there is Ge and GaAs as well as other materials. Also, this is a concentrator type cell, achieved by SpectroLab in Dec 2006. For Si single crystal, I believe the highest efficiency is in the 22% range, by Sanyo.
Answered by Robert T - Sun Jul 1 02:51:48 2007

Where do I get solar cells in Chennai?
Q. I would like to do something about the solar energy for our daily basis. If cost of solar cell is affordable, then I would like to do a full-fledged implementation about solar energy convert to electricity atleast to run a fan. Friends! if you could help me in this ?
Asked by godwin79 - Wed May 14 03:18:32 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. i think u r a good user of internet so instead of searching chennai u could just buy from internet
Answered by Pranoy V - Tue May 20 07:48:49 2008

is there really a technology more efficient and cheaper than solar cells? if yes, what is it?
Q. is there really a technology more efficient and cheaper than solar cells? if yes, what is it? can you explain or give websites to me? thanks is there really a technology more efficient and cheaper in producing eletricity or energy than solar cells? if yes, what is it?
Asked by mark - Tue Oct 16 10:51:30 2007 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The inefficiency in solar cells is because they convert from one energy form to another, there are always "losses" when you convert from one form of energy to another. Using energy in its original form is always more efficient. Solar cell designs are becoming more efficient but will always have limitations.
Answered by NONAME - Tue Oct 16 11:21:32 2007

Can Solar Cells reasonably power a house ?
Q. I vaguely remember a video in the past and on it I believe a major Bay Area company ( Google or Microsoft ? ) used Solar Power Cells to power ( or help power ) a buidling.
Asked by my_voice_on_the_net - Sun Dec 23 22:36:10 2007 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. My house is 148% solar power. I sell to the electric company 48% of my electricity. Just got to have generators for emergencies and plenty of batteries and panels and a knowledge in solar power systems. Solar panels can coast a lot but the energy it converts pays for it self and keeps going..
Answered by Takarie K - Sun Dec 23 23:40:43 2007

I have been told by a reliable source that solar cells are draining the energy of the sun and that the sun?
Q. will continue to cool down until we ban solar cells. This is why the earth is now in a cooling stage. Can anyone confirm this.
Asked by Michael S - Mon Jun 23 14:51:39 2008 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Is your reliable source a Senator from Illinois who in his first Senate term has been too busy running for president?
Answered by Harbinger - Mon Jun 23 16:51:24 2008

What is the "dummy cells" in solar cells applications means?
Q. Im reading a book about solar cells application and there was a phrase in an example saying that " dummy cells " gives 985 watt of electricity. so Im little confused .. what are dummy cells please ranjith .. do you have a source for this information?
Asked by fractions - Wed Mar 25 03:03:31 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It might be the additional cells to connected to the solar arrays to maintain adequate voltage, i think it may supply current.. visit more on
Answered by ranjith - Wed Mar 25 03:08:16 2009