| Solar Energy Systems Made of Component Parts | | | | materials (i.e. replacing shingles or laying flat to the |
| The module structure is designed to protect the solar | | | | roofing boards) are called integrated solar modules. |
| cells from the environment. It consists of a number of | | | | The module frame design is modified so that it has the |
| layers to protect the circuit of solar PV cells and to | | | | same profile as neighboring flat concrete tiles. The |
| make the module easy to install. The materials used in | | | | modules are not mounted to a rail structure but are |
| these layers determine the cost and durability of the | | | | attached directly to the roof surface. This low profile |
| modules. | | | | mount allows the module to blend in to the look of the |
| The solar cells themselves and their circuits are totally | | | | roof and avoid the retrofit appearance of standard |
| wrapped in plastic. A front layer of tempered glass, | | | | mounted solar energy modules. |
| covering the solar cells, provides high transparency and | | | | The emergence of this more attractive roof integrated |
| low absorption. It is also tempered for strength in order | | | | product has encouraged many production home |
| to reduce the effects of falling trees or hail. The | | | | builders to incorporate solar systems into their projects. |
| multi-layered back sheet protects the plastic and cells | | | | This type blends in with the roofing materials and is |
| from abrasions and prevents moisture from getting | | | | attached directly to the roof surface. |
| into the module. | | | | Types Integrated Solar PV Panels |
| An edge seal is applied to protect the edges of the | | | | One is the mono crystalline ridged frame design |
| glass from the infiltration of dirt, water, or other | | | | offered by some existing manufacturers. These PV |
| non-friendly substances. The metal frame is secured | | | | panels are becoming more efficient and they blend |
| around the entire glass laminate. The metal frame | | | | well into the roofing structure. These solar cells use the |
| gives rigidity and strength to the module and allows the | | | | same crystalline silicon technology as standard |
| modules to be attached to a mounting system. | | | | modules today. This set up has more mounting frame |
| Common Solar Module Design Types | | | | with fewer solar cells connected in series. The can |
| There are three basic module solar designs. The first is | | | | result in a solar system that is a little more expensive. |
| the standard frame module that you may have | | | | Because the roof integrated systems mount directly to |
| experienced in the past. This design approach has | | | | the roof, they do not have the air flow of standard |
| been used for 30 years and usually involves an | | | | modules therefore the solar cell temperature gets |
| aluminum frame that allows the modules to be | | | | higher, limiting their efficiency. |
| mounted onto a rail structure of some kind that is then | | | | The other integrated solar cell product offered, by |
| directly attached to the roof. The modules are | | | | UNISOLAR, is a flexible amorphous technology. This |
| positioned above the roof surface, providing space for | | | | type of solar panel is referred as thin film, sheet solar, |
| air to flow under the module, which helps cool the | | | | or nano-solar. It is made to blend in with an asphalt |
| system and makes it work more efficiently. | | | | shingle roof. It is somewhat less efficient, tends to |
| At the same time, rain water, leaves, twigs, and other | | | | degrade more quickly, and may have a shorter |
| debris can also flow under the solar panels. The rail | | | | workable live spam. The manufacturer claims that this |
| structure is attached to the roof by means of posts | | | | module is better in high shade situations. |
| that are secured into the roof rafters with long lag | | | | Solar Energy Options Hitting a Roofs Everywhere |
| screws. This method is appropriate for most kinds of | | | | It is encouraging to see new solar energy systems |
| roofs, including ceramic tile, wood shingles, and asphalt. | | | | hitting the market with enhanced technology, better |
| The roof is sealed tightly after the posts are installed | | | | integration options, and less complexity. It will take time |
| to prevent any chance of leaks. | | | | to work out the bugs with these cutting edge products. |
| Modified Metal Frame for a Ground Mount Module | | | | With new technology, we think comes (hopefully) a |
| Design | | | | lower cost of ownership. This should enhance the use |
| This module design can also be mounted to a ground | | | | of home solar energy systems worldwide. It will be |
| based frame structure. Such a structure can be built | | | | innovative financing options that allow homeowners to |
| on any stable terrain, can be made of metal or wood, | | | | use the technology that will cause explosive growth. |
| and can hold the modules at any tilt angle or azimuth | | | | New solar energy technologies are on the march. |
| orientation (note: see previous articles related to sun | | | | Exciting investments and technology proof of |
| angles). The ground mount can also be a pole | | | | concepts are everywhere. It is hard to refute the good, |
| structure to cut down on foundation work to your | | | | faithful, and well-established silicon based solar cells. |
| home. It can be stationary (i.e. not have a small motor | | | | These systems have a life span of 30 years and |
| to constantly orientate the solar panel with the sun as | | | | have been in active use for decades. The only |
| it tracks across the sky) or it can use a small motor to | | | | deterrent, until now, has been the high price for the |
| track the sun throughout the day and year. | | | | systems. With the option to rental the entire solar |
| Residential Roof Integrated Solar Energy Modules | | | | energy system including the ongoing maintenance of |
| A second type of module design is one that allows the | | | | the system for up to 25 years, the choices |
| module to be integrated into residential roofing | | | | homeowners now have related to renewable energy |
| materials. Systems connecting directly to the roofing | | | | adoption in their homes is very exciting. |