Solar Power Education

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Solar power is the energy source of the future. The alternative, self sustaining, off-grid nature of harnessing the sun’s rays can be very rewarding. Technologies are improving, prices have come down, and the general population is accepting the emergence solar power production. Study the materials below before you purchase your solar components to make sure your parts will be compatible with each other, and that you purchase adequate equipment to power your property.

Types of Solar Panels
We sell two types of panels: Monocrystalline Solar Panels and Polycrystalline Solar Panels. Each has its advantages compared to the other and each work well. They are easy to distinguish as monocrystalline panels consist of black cells whereas Polycrystalline panels have blue solar cells. Mono panels use a monocrystalline-based silicon that allows electrons less resistance. In other words they are more efficient. Their cells peak at around 22% efficiency, and most polycrystalline cells peak at around 18% efficiency. Mono panels fare better on overcast days and typically have a smaller footprint. Fantastic, mono it is…well wait a minute, they are slightly more expensive than polycrystalline ones.

USA Average Daily Sun Hour Chart

Depending on where you live in the United States will determine how many optimal hours of sun, on average, you get per day. This is very important to know when planning your solar power system to make sure you will get enough panels and of the right wattages to charge your battery bank.

Approximate Average Sun Hours per Day
Area A: 6 Hours per Day
Area B: 5 1/2 Hours per Day
Area C: 5 Hours per Day
Area D: 4 1/2 Hours per Day
Area E: 4 Hours per Day
Area F: 3 1/2 Hours per Day

The above figures are calculated based off of the yearly average. There will be more exposure in the summer than in the winter. You will want to subtract approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours off of these figures per day during winter months to make sure you get the right batteries for your needs.