Different types of solar panels

[henrymurch]

Hello

I am investigating installing a domestic PV system (15 panels) in Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom. The technology of the panels seems to be moving quite quickly.

What types of panels should I be looking at installing? Most people seem to install poly-chrystalline.

The panels are likely to be installed on a south facing roof in a fixed position.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Henry

[DeltaFox 25]

Polychrystalline is a good choice . You first need to know how much power you need to determind how many you need and what kind . They are in different prices also.
like Evergreen 210 watt panel or something like that.. You have to find out what angel you have to install them at. that makes a differents. are you going to have batteries ?
these are some things you need to know so when you talk to an installer you will know what to ask and what he tells you.

[henrymurch]

The panels are being used to generate electricity to be either consumed directly in the home or fed back to the grid. There is a new feed in tarrif scheme in England for this. The current has to be converted from DC to AC so it can be measured under the scheme rules.

I have no plans to add batteries at present.

[DeltaFox 25]

I wish we could add are solar panels that we make to our house but it's not law .
does the England law pay you for the excess electricity if you make more then you use?? You will have to take some pictures and show us.

[henrymurch]

It is a generous system that for PV units upto 4kw will pay 41 pence per kilowatt hour produced regardless as to how or if the electricity is consumed. You then have the choice to sell the electricity back to the grid at 3p per kwh or consume it yourself (current cost is 8p kwh).

The 41pence payment is guaranteed for 25 years and index linked. You can do larger schemes but receive a low payment. There are similar schemes for wind.

[henrymurch]

I forgot to mention you are only allowed to use panels and installers certified by the government scheme. So no home build or cheap chinese imports

[gortie]

Different types of solar panels

Single crystal silicon solar cells have been the most widely used. They are also the most expensive form of solar cell and are largely responsible for solar energy's reputation as costly.

Polycrystalline solar cells are cheaper than single crystal silicon solar cells but not as effective in energy conversion.

Thin film technology has the distinct advantage of being easier to mass produce than crystal cell technology. It costs less, though its durability is questionable. Thin film is also less efficient than crystal silicon, according to most sources.

[DeltaFox 25]

Thin film does not last as long

[Mike90250]

The technology of the panels seems to be moving quite quickly.

Well, there have been only 3 types in major production.
Monocrystalline (expensive, efficient, reliable)
Polycrystalline (reliable, needs a bit more footprint than poly, for same watts)
Amorphous (thin film, inexpensive)

Thin film does not last as long

Same for Amorphous panels (like the harbor freight 45w)

[DeltaFox 25]

I know a bussnes that has 18 panels and there all dead , and he has not had these very long.

[Mike90250]

I know a bussnes that has 18 panels and there all dead , and he has not had these very long.

Send him here, with the info he has about his system. Likely a fuse blew, or inverter zapped/reset or something simple. to loose 18 out of 18 is very unusual. Or fraud. Or bullet holes. Did he contact the installer or manufacturer ? That's who is going to make it right, not me.

[Jackattak]

Solar panels to power one high-voltage unit

So I am wondering what the best cell type or overall configuration is best to run an air conditioning compressor. I work for a HVAC and here in Colorado the green movement is really taking off. I am trying to stay on the cutting edge by offering central air run by pv cell. I have electrical experience installing air conditioning compressors, but I have no idea what kind of solar technology would best fit a compressor.

[Mike90250]

You want to look at Grid-Tie solar systems. No batteries. Sells power to the electric company if you can't use it all yourself.