What Steven Cousley Does

Home Solar Electricity: Module Solar System Designs
Module Structure of Solar Energy Systems

The module structure is designed to protect the solar cells
from the environment.  It consists of a number of layers to
protect the circuit of solar PV cells and to make the
module easy to install. The materials used in these layers
determine the cost and durability of the modules.

The circuit of cells is encapsulated in plastic. A front
layer of tempered glass, covering the solar cells, provides
high transparency and low absorption. It is also tempered
for strength in order to reduce the effects of falling
trees or hail.  The multi-layered back sheet protects the
plastic and cells from abrasions and prevents moisture from
getting into the module.

An edge seal is applied to protect the edges of the glass
from the infiltration of dirt, water, or other non-friendly
substances. The metal frame is secured around the entire
glass laminate. The metal frame gives rigidity and strength
to the module and allows the modules to be attached to a
mounting system.  Common Solar Module Design Types

There are three basic module solar designs. The first is
the standard frame module that you may have experienced in
the past.  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.  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.

At the same time, rain water, leaves, twigs, and other
debris can also flow under the solar panels. The rail
structure is attached to the roof by means of posts that
are secured into the roof rafters with long lag screws.
This method is appropriate for most kinds of roofs,
including ceramic tile, wood shingles, and asphalt. The
roof is sealed tightly after the posts are installed to
prevent any chance of leaks.

Modified Metal Frame for a Ground Mount Module Design

This module design can also be mounted to a ground based
frame structure. Such a structure can be built on any
stable terrain, 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).  The ground
mount can also be a pole structure to cut down on
foundation work to your home. It can be stationary (i.e.
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.

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.
This is often referred to as a roof integrated module
design. The module frame design is modified so that it has
the same profile as neighboring flat concrete tiles. The
modules are not mounted to a rail structure but are
attached directly to the roof surface.  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.

The emergence of this more attractive roof integrated
product has encouraged many production home builders to
incorporate solar systems into their projects. This type
blends in with the roofing materials and is attached
directly to the roof surface.

Types Integrated Solar PV Panels

One is the mono crystalline ridged frame design offered by
some existing manufacturers. These PV panels are becoming
more efficient and they blend well into the roofing
structure.  These solar cells use the same crystalline
silicon technology as standard modules today.  This set up
has more mounting frame with fewer solar cells connected in
series. The can result in a solar system that is a little
more expensive. 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.

The other integrated solar cell product offered, by
UNISOLAR, is a flexible amorphous technology. Often this
type of solar energy module is called thin film or
nano-solar cells. It is made to blend in with an asphalt
shingle roof. It is somewhat less efficient, tends to
degrade more quickly, and may have a shorter workable live
spam. The manufacturer claims that this module is better in
high shade situations.

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 will take time to work out
the bugs with these cutting edge products. 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.

Although these new technologies are coming, it is hard to
argue about the time tested, silicon solar cells that have
been up and running for over the past 30 years. The only
deterrent, until now, has been the high price for the
systems. 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.

—————————————————-
At Solargies, we plan to make the right Eco-friendly, green
solutions available to the American homeowners. My role
involves the leadership, communication, and the education
related to the adoption solar energy system rentals. We
provide homeowners the option to rent a solar electric
system and avoid the huge, upfront investment in solar
technology. Learn more at: =>
http://www.solargies.com/solar_panel_rentals.htm