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A GLIMPSE INTO A BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURE

A GLIMPSE INTO A BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURE

Solar technologies you would want to watch out for

 

REGINA ROME
Solar Digital Squad
Manila, Philippines
December 1, 2018

 

It’s almost 2019 and the future of solar tech—such as solar panels in the Philippines—is hotter than ever. We’re talking about solar robots, solar drones, double-sided solar panels, solar on water, the works; and the list just goes on and on.

 

Solar boom throwback

A decade ago, when the concept of solar power was merely a lightbulb moment, an idea, a vision, the underlying question sitting on the back seat was: is solar going to make it big? Now, ten years later, the solar boom is just as mind-blowing as the BPO boom of the early 2000s.

Today, the market is flooded with a vast array of solar tech options: crystalline silicon panels, organic and carbon nanotube cells, multi-junction solar cells, thin-film solar panels, solar farms, solar plants, and a variety of other solar power generation hubs. Solar on roofs, solar on land, and even solar on water.

 

Robots that clean solar panels

Solar panels require routine maintenance, because wind blows dirt, debris, or sand onto the panels, and this could lead to energy production loss and efficiency loss. Having the panels cleaned by module-washing companies doesn’t exactly come cheap either. Another option is to wash the panels manually old school style, using rags and hoses. Another option has recently made itself available: robots. These are further classified into semi-autonomous robots that are placed at the end of each row of panels and moved along accordingly, or fully autonomous robots that run on their own. It’s about time to join the rest of the world as everyone moves towards the advancements of the digital age.

 

Solar here, there, everywhere

Building-integrated PV (BIPV) is typically known to be designed into materials so that it is part of initial building construction. Today, this represents all sorts of materials that PV can be placed in: roofs, windows, doors, fences, concrete, tiles, anything. Imagine the implications of this. Imagine a structure that can generate power from all angles and all platforms: roof, walls, floors, doors, gates!

 

Solar tech on a roll

Something new comes up almost every month. Now there are drones that monitor solar farms and conduct preventive maintenance. Then there are developments with the inverters that will contribute to the lower price of solar panels. Then there are two-sided solar panels (referred to as bifacial solar) that capture the sun’s energy and its reflection, which directly results in enhanced efficiency.

In year 2017 alone, the United States installed more than 10 gigawatts of solar. A more rejoicing statistic is the fact that five states in America now generate at least 10% of their electricity from solar. Solar is here and it’s here to stay. Now if only the rest of the world would follow suit.

 

For more information on solar power systems and solar panel prices, click here.

Visit this page, call +63.5040092, or email info@solaric.com.ph

 

 

Regina Rome is a solar analyst with the Solar Digital Squad Research.

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3 Ways Solar Panels Are Becoming More Efficient

3 Ways Solar Panels Are Becoming More Efficient

In what ways solar panels are becoming more efficient?

  1. Both sides of the solar cell are used
  2. Cells are more tightly packed on the panels
  3. Improved textures, materials, and antireflective coatings

 

You have probably heard or read about how solar panels are not at all effective at converting the energy of the sun to electricity. This statement has always been used by those who are critical of solar technology, saying how installing solar panels here in the Philippines does not live up to its potential.

All of these are simply untrue. There is a reason why solar is one of the fastest-growing new sources of energy. In fact, millions of homeowners all around the world have already installed solar panels in their homes. Today, solar energy is mature and ready enough to power the grid and our homes.

This is not to say that there is no longer room for improvement, however. While it’s true that the most efficient solar panels that are commercially available can reliably convert about 24% of the energy of the sun, it is also true that traditional solar cells that are silicon-based only have a maximum theoretical efficiency of 30%.

New technologies are being developed to take the efficiency of these panels up to 50% and more; some of them are only a few years away from being commercially available. To provide more explanation, here are 3 ways solar panels are becoming more efficient:

 

Both sides of the solar cell are used

Most standard solar panels use a black or white ‘backsheet’ to provide a sturdy backing layer to attach the solar cells. But recently, panels that are being manufactured are clear on both sides—allowing them to absorb light from both sides.

This new technology is sometimes called “Bifacial,” which means that both sides of the solar cell can absorb light.

 

Cells are packed more tightly packed on the panels

Have you ever noticed white, empty spaces between the cells and along the edges of a solar panel? These white spaces you see are actually wasted solar panel area.

The corners of the solar cells are cut off which leaves empty spaces. Today, solar cell manufacturers are finding new ways to reduce the gaps or eliminate it altogether. Essentially, this would allow the cells to produce more power.

 

Improved textures, materials, and antireflective coatings

The next time you come across a solar panel, take note of its coloration. If the color of one of the cells in a solar panel is slightly off, this might indicate poor quality.

One of the few indicators of a solar panel’s quality and the ability to produce power is the consistency of the color of the cells. Solar engineers are now developing more consistent manufacturing processes to improve the efficiency of a solar panel.

 

Key Takeaway

While the technology for solar panels has been around for over 150 years, it is still being developed—albeit faster than before. Solar panels are becoming more efficient, smarter, and cheaper. For homeowners, the choices for solar energy solutions have never been more diverse.

Solar technology has continued to improve at a breakneck pace. Mass production and swift solar panel installation here in the Philippines have made it more appealing as a financial investment, paving the way for the next great leap in technology!

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