Common Solar Module Design Types

There are three basic module solar designs. The rail structure is attached to the roof by means of posts that are secured into the roof rafters with long lag screws.

Types Integrated Solar PV Panels

One is the mono crystalline ridged frame design offered by some existing manufacturers. The all metal frame provides the structure and strength.

The solar cells themselves and their circuits are totally wrapped in plastic. It is somewhat less efficient, tends to degrade more quickly, and may have a shorter workable live spam. The roof is sealed tightly after the posts are installed to prevent any chance of leaks.

An edge seal is applied to protect the edges of the glass from the infiltration of dirt, water, or other non-friendly substances.

Residential Roof Integrated Solar Energy Modules

A second type of module design is one that allows the module to be integrated into residential roofing materials. It will take time to work out the bugs with these cutting edge products.

The emergence of this more attractive roof integrated product has encouraged many production home builders to incorporate solar systems into their projects. The only deterrent, until now, has been the high price for the systems. A shock resistant, shatter proof glass covers the solar PV cells and provides a clear, low absorption cover for the solar panel. Systems connecting directly to the roofing materials (i. Exciting investments and technology proof of concepts are everywhere.

Integrated Structures: Solar Energy Systems Manufactured in Pieces

The module structure is designed to protect the solar cells from the environment. With the option to rental the entire solar energy system including the ongoing maintenance of the system for up to 25 years, the choices homeowners now have related to renewable energy adoption in their homes is very exciting. replacing shingles or laying flat to the roofing boards) are called integrated solar modules.

The other integrated solar cell product Machining Part offered, by UNISOLAR, is a flexible amorphous technology. They also incorporate well into existing roofing materials like shingles and tiles. It will be the newer solar technologies will increase solar usage dramatically as wells as enhanced financing options to help pay for the residential solar energy equipment. These systems have a life span of 30 years and have been in active use for decades. The first is the standard frame module that you may have experienced in the past. Often this type of solar energy module is called thin film or nano-solar cells. The metal frame is secured around the entire glass laminate. Such a structure can be built on any stable terrain, Precise Stamping Manufacturers can be made of metal or wood, and can hold the modules at any tilt angle or azimuth orientation (note: see previous articles related to sun angles). It is made to blend in with an asphalt shingle roof. The ground mount can also be a pole structure to cut down on foundation work to your home. These solar cells use the same crystalline silicon technology as standard modules today.

. The integrated solar cells have better through put and are gaining in efficiency all of the time. The multi-layered back sheet protects the plastic and cells from abrasions and prevents moisture from getting into the module. This design approach has been used for 30 years and usually involves an aluminum frame that allows the modules to be mounted onto a rail structure of some kind that is then directly attached to the roof.

Solar Energy Options Hitting a Roofs Everywhere

It is encouraging to see new solar energy systems hitting the market with enhanced technology, better integration options, and less complexity. It can be stationary (i.

At the same time, rain water, leaves, twigs, and other debris can also flow under the solar panels. This low profile mount allows the module to blend in to the look of the roof and avoid the retrofit appearance of standard mounted solar energy modules.

Modified Metal Frame for a Ground Mount Module Design

This module design can also be mounted to a ground based frame structure. The module frame design is modified so that it has the same profile as neighboring flat concrete tiles. The modules are positioned above the roof surface, providing space for air to flow under the module, which helps cool the system and makes it work more efficiently. not have a small motor to constantly orientate the solar panel with the sun as it tracks across the sky) or it can use a small motor to track the sun throughout the day and year. Roof mounted systems is a good fit for structures comprised of ceramic tiles and wood & asphalt shingles. It is the frame that is then bolted to the mounting system embedded directly into the roofing structure. It consists of a number of layers to protect the circuit of solar PV cells and to make the module easy to install. This set up has more mounting frame with fewer solar cells connected in series.

New solar energy technologies are on the march. It is hard to refute the good, faithful, and well-established silicon based solar cells. The can result in a solar system that is a little more expensive. This type blends in with the roofing materials and is attached directly to the roof surface. Because the roof integrated systems mount directly to the roof, they do not have the air flow of standard modules therefore the solar cell temperature gets higher, limiting their efficiency. It is also tempered for strength in order to reduce the effects of falling trees or hail. The modules are not mounted to a rail structure but are attached directly to the roof surface.e.e. The manufacturer claims that this module is better in high shade situations. The materials used in these layers determine the cost and durability of the modules