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As per the title - How do i choose a Solar Panel?

What are the criteria (Watt, Voltage, Technology etc) that I need to take into considerations when I choose a suitable solar panel for my project?

JeeShen Lee
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    Are you trying to power a house or a calculator? How much power do you need? Is there a battery involved as well? – pjc50 Aug 31 '12 at 08:53
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    Just remember the first rule of solar panels: black side up, otherwise ask @Russell. – Olin Lathrop Aug 31 '12 at 12:02
  • @pjc50, i'm looking for information that will guide me finding a suitable solar panel for some of my projects, not one particular project. – JeeShen Lee Sep 01 '12 at 06:19

2 Answers2

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MUCH more information will give you a much better answer

Find average daily insolation by month from Gaisma

Watt hours max per day != Watts rate max x sunshine hours from Gaisma.

If storing in a battery and retrieving the average wWattage you can run continually ~~=

Watts = Panel_peak_Watts x Sunshine hours per day / k

k is a mimimum of about 30 and can be 60+.
Depends on how well you match panel to battery etc.

What are you operating?
what Wattage?
What location?
More ...?

Olin says black side up.
Sometimes its pretty blue side up :-)
Depends on technology used in cells.

Russell McMahon
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I try my best to put up a list, please feel free to add and elaborate.

Solar Panel selection criteria:

  • Watt
  • Dimension
  • Efficiency
  • Technology (Thin Film, Multi-junction)
  • Operating voltage
  • Operating setup (With Battery or Without Battery)
  • Cost

Solar Panel Distributor normally sell by Watt, quotation normally comes in Watt. From what i got from a few manufacturer, averagely they are selling USD4/Watt

JeeShen Lee
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