Solar Panel Manufacturers and Prices

13 Nov

Solar Panel Brand

Peak Power Watts

Cost US$ per Solar Panel

P=Poly M=Mono T=Thin film

Module Efficiency

Price per Watt

Origin

Canadian Solar

245

$250.00

P

15.23%

$1.02

China

Canadian Solar

280

$279.00

P

14.59%

$1.00

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-235PX

235

$225.00

P

14.61%

$0.96

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-235PX

235

$264.38

P

14.61%

$1.13

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-235PX ZEP

235

$217.00

P

–

$0.92

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-240P

240

$212.40

P

14.92%

$0.89

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-240P

240

$228.00

P

14.90%

$0.95

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245M

245

$274.40

M

15.23%

$1.12

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245P

245

$227.85

P

14.61%

$0.93

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245P

245

$239.00

P

15.23%

$0.98

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245P

245

$240.00

P

15.23%

$0.98

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245P

245

$220.50

P

15.20%

$0.90

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-245P

245

$191.97

P

15.20%

$0.78

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-250P

250

$222.50

P

15.54%

$0.89

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-250P

250

$225.00

P

15.54%

$0.90

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-250P

250

$278.13

P

15.54%

$1.11

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-250P

250

$202.97

P

15.54%

$0.81

China

Canadian Solar CS6P-255M

255

$262.65

M

15.85%

$1.03

China

Canadian Solar CS6X-280P

280

$313.60

P

15.63%

$1.12

China

Canadian Solar CS6X-300P

300

$288.00

P

15.63%

$0.96

China

Conergy

250

$220.00

P

15.20%

$0.88

China

Conergy

250

$245.00

P

15.20%

$0.98

China

Conergy

240

$230.00

P

14.40%

$0.96

China

Conergy CGY-51116, PH 255

255

$245.44

P

15.50%

$0.96

China

Conergy CGY-51125, PH 250

250

$240.62

P

15.20%

$0.96

China

Conergy PE 250P

250

$199.97

P

0.152

$0.80

China

DMSolar

158

$134.00

M

–

$0.85

China

DMSolar

250

$320.00

M

–

$1.28

China

EcoSolargy

235

$237.95

P

–

$1.01

China

EcoSolargy

240

$209.00

P

14.00%

$0.87

China

Hyundai

230

$195.50

P

14.20%

$0.85

Hyundai

250

$225.00

M

15.50%

$0.90

Hyundai

248

$248.00

M

15.30%

$1.00

Hyundai HiS-255MG

255

$244.80

M

15.80%

$0.96

REC 250PE Black

250

$248.00

P

15.80%

$0.99

REC Solar

235

$183.30

P

14.20%

$0.78

Sharp ND-240 QCJ

240

$244.00

P

14.70%

$1.02

USA

Sharp ND-240QCJ

240

$226.00

P

14.40%

$0.94

USA

Sharp ND-250QCS

250

$310.00

P

15.30%

$1.24

USA

Sharp ND-250QCS Poly

250

$275.00

P

15.30%

$1.10

USA

Solar World SUNMODULE SW250 MONO V2.0 FRAME

250

$225.00

M

14.90%

$0.90

USA

Solar World SW 265 Mono

265

$298.00

M

15.81%

$1.12

USA

SolarWorld SUNMODULE SW245 POLY, V2.5 FRAME

245

$229.00

P

14.61%

$0.93

USA

SolarWorld SW 255 2.5 Silver / Black

255

$270.00

M

15.20%

$1.06

USA

Sonali SS230

230

$190.97

P

15.00%

$0.83

Stion Solar STL140 140 Watt Frameless CIGS

140

$138.04

T

13.10%

$0.99

USA

Stion Solar STN130 130 Watt CIGS

130

$105.82

T

12.00%

$0.81

USA

Stion STN135 135 Watt CIGS

135

$113.81

T

12.40%

$0.84

USA

Suniva MVX 250-60-5-701

250

$295.00

P

15.20%

$1.18

USA

Suniva MVX-250-60-5-7B1 250

250

$250.00

P

15.37%

$1.00

USA

Suniva OPT-270-60-4-100

270

$335.00

M

16.60%

$1.24

USA

Suntech PLUTO240-WDE

240

$200.00

P

14.50%

$0.83

China

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Solar Power Inverter Basics

25 Oct
Solar Power Inverter

Solar Power Inverter

The majority of modern devices run on 220 volts AC, the Power Inverter will be the heart of your Solar Energy System. It not only converts the low voltage DC to the 220 volts AC that runs most appliances, but also can charge the batteries if connected to the utility grid or a AC Generator as in the case of a totally independent stand-alone solar power system.

Square Wave power inverters 

This is the least expensive and least desirable type. The square wave it produces is inefficient and is hard on many types of equipment. The square wave it produces is inefficient and is hard on many types of equipment. These inverters are usually fairly inexpensive, 500 watts or less, and use an automotive cigarette lighter plug-in. Do not even consider one of these types of power inverters for a home system.

Modified Sine Wave Power Inverters

Modified-sine wave power inverters produce a power wave that is sufficient for most devices. Modified Sine Wave inverters are usually better in typical solar applications when electric motors are not involved. It produces an AC waveform somewhere between a square wave and a pure sine wave. Modified Sine Wave inverters, sometimes called Quasi-Sine Wave inverters are not real expensive and work well in all but the most demanding applications and even most computers work well with a Modified Sine Wave inverter. Because the current is not alternating perfectly, the stepped waveform of the modified sine wave inverter causes the inverter to generate an irritating buzz However, there are exceptions. Some appliances that use motor speed controls or that use timers may not work quite right with a Modified Sine Wave inverter. And since more and more consumer products are using speed controls & timers,

True Sine Wave power inverters 

True sine wave inverters are very efficient and have a very accurate waveform to the true sine wave. This inverter circuit can convert 12 volt DC voltage into AC voltage of 220 volts with a Modified Sine waveform or better known as the “Modified Sine Wave Inverter. A True Sine Wave power inverter produces the closest to a pure sine wave of all power inverters and in many cases produces cleaner power than the utility company itself. It will run practically any type of AC equipment and is also the most expensive. True sine wave inverters are a little pricier than modified sine wave inverters because of the reduced noise and their strong compatibility with certain devices, such as electric motors. This is the better option if you value silence, or want optimal performance from electric motors, such as those found in an electric water pump. Many True Sine Wave power inverters are computer controlled and will automatically turn on and off as AC loads ask for service.

Grid Tie Power Inverters

A “grid-tie” solar system is one that ties into the power grid, pulling electricity from the grid when needed, then pushing excess electricity back into the grid when the local customer isn’t using the full capacity being generated by PV panels (photovoltaic). If you are connected to normal Utility company power and just want to add some Free Sun Power electricity to reduce your electric bill and you do not need a totally independent system, it is possible that a Grid Tie power inverter will suit your needs. With a Grid Tie power inverter, whatever electricity that your solar panels produce will reduce the amount supplied by the utility company, in effect lowering your bill. And, if you are producing more power than you are using, you can actually sell the extra power back to the utility company. As long as the grid stays up, it’s a clever solution because it reduces or even eliminates the customer’s electric bills while generating “clean” energy.

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Comaprison -12 V Solar Panel Vs 24 V Solar Panel

28 Aug

12 Volts PV’s Vs 24 Volts PV’s

Solar Panel

Solar Panel

Your energy consumption should determine the voltage of your power system. You should not have continuous currents greater than 100 Amp. The higher the current (measured in Ampere or Amps) the bigger the components need to be. High currents require large diameter cables and fuses, both of which are expensive. By doubling the voltage you get double the power (Watt) at the same current.

·         The 150 watts solar panel is a 24 volt. You need 4 six volt batteries or two 12 volt batteries. The solar panel puts out 6.25 Amps at peak. The converter will use up from 5% to 10% of the 150 watts.

Multimeter

Multimeter

·         If you plan on the down converting by MPPT Type Controllers use 24v PV’s and batteries

·         Use the 12v PVs with a PWM Controller.

·         If you have long runs from the panels to the battery, wiring your solar panels for higher voltage can greatly reduce the cost of the wire run (higher voltage, lower current, smaller wire for same drop).

·         The advantages of higher voltage are, you can use smaller wire, and have less voltage loss.

·         a 12V DC power system are recommended for lower loads, like if you need a little light in a shed or caravan and wish to wire it yourself than a 12 Volt system is more suitable.

·         Larger panels are preferred because there are fewer mounts and electrical connections required

·         Rule of Thumb:

  1. 1,000 Watt = 83 Amp @ 12 Volt
  2. 2,000 Watt = 83 Amp @ 24 Volt
  3. 4,000 Watt = 83 Amp @ 48 Volt
  4. 20,000 Watt = 83 Amp @ 240 Volt

 

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Design of cable for Solar Panel Connection

23 Aug

It would be a good idea to buy your panels in even numbers, making it convenient to wire pairs in series if you want to change, say, from a 12 volt to a 24 volt system. To connect the components of a Solar Energy System, you will need to use correct wire sizes to ensure low loss of energy and to prevent overheating and possible damage or even fire. Table given below show wire Size (Top Row), Current in Amperes (First Column) and Max length of cable (Values inside the Table):-

Size/Amps

#12

#10

#8

#6

#4

#3

#2

#1

#1/0

#2/0

4

22.7

36.3

57.8

91.6

146

184

232

292

369

465

6

15.2

24.2

38.6

61.1

97.4

122

155

195

246

310

8

11.4

18.2

28.9

45.8

73.1

91.8

116

146

184

233

10

9.1

14.5

23.1

36.7

58.4

73.5

92.8

117

148

186

12

7.6

12.1

19.3

30.6

48.7

61.2

77.3

97.4

123

155

14

6.5

10.4

16.5

26.2

41.7

52.5

66.3

83.5

105

133

16

5.7

9.1

14.5

22.9

36.5

45.9

58.0

73.0

92.0

116

18

5.1

8.1

12.9

20.4

32.5

40.8

51.6

64.9

81.9

103

20

4.6

7.3

11.6

18.3

29.2

36.7

46.4

58.4

73.8

93.1

25

3.6

5.8

9.3

14.7

23.4

29.4

37.1

46.8

59.1

74.5

30

3.1

4.8

7.7

12.2

19.5

24.5

30.9

38.9

49.2

62.1

35

2.6

4.2

6.6

10.5

16.7

20.9

26.5

33.4

42.2

53.2

40

2.3

3.6

5.8

9.2

14.6

18.4

23.2

29.2

36.9

46.5
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Photovoltic or Solar Power Inverters

21 Aug

Solar Panels (Including small wind turbines) produce DC electricity. DC Current is used to charge a battery bank in off-grid systems or sent directly to a grid tie inverter which feeds the electricity directly to the electric grid. A Solar Inverter, or PV Inverter, converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary commercial appliances. Following types of inverters are most commonly used with PV Power System:-

Off Grid Solar Inverters

Off Grid Solar Inverters

  • Stand Alone or Off Grid Inverters. These inverters are primarily intended to be used with PV Energy for a home or business that is either totally disconnected from the electric utility company or it can also be used for providing emergency backup power to homes or businesses that currently use the power from an electric company. Inverters with the built-in AC charger option are particularly well suited to providing seamless backup power.

    Grid Tie Solar Inverter

    Grid Tie Solar Inverter

  • Grid – Tie Inverters. These are the inverters connected to your electric utility company and do not use a battery bank. Grid-Tie Inverter systems tend to be lower in cost owing to the fact that they do not use batteries. However, if the utility company’s power goes down then your system will also shut down.

    Hybrid Solar Inverter

    Hybrid Solar Inverter

  • Hybrid Inverters. These inverters are primarily used for grid-tie purposes but also have the added feature that they provide backup power to your home / office when the electric utility fails. These are best for the places where electricity goes away frequently.
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Batteries for Solar Power System

21 Aug

Car Battery

Car Battery

Batteries are very vital source to store power in Solar Power System. Normal car batteries are cheap and require some maintenance; you need to fill mineral free distilled water periodically. You have to check the battery regularly for level of distilled water. Cable connection needs to be clean and tightened. Many battery problems are caused by dirty and loose connections.  

There are three main types of batteries that are commonly used in renewable energy systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Deep-Cycle-Battery

Deep-Cycle-Battery

  •  Flooded Type Battery: These are Lead acid batteries that have caps to add water. Many manufacturers make these types for Solar Energy use. Trojan, Surrette, and Deka are probably the most well known. They are reasonably priced and work well for many years. All flooded batteries release gas when charged and should not be used indoors. If installed in an enclosure, a venting system should be used to vent out the gases which can be explosive.

    Gel Battery

    Gel Battery

  • Gel Type Batteries : The gel cell uses a silica additive in its electrolyte solution that causes it to stiffen or gel, eliminating some of the issues with venting and spillage. Venting is therefore not required and they can be used indoors. This is a big advantage because it allows the batteries to maintain a more constant temperature and perform better.

    AGM Battery

    AGM Battery

  • AGM Batteries : Absorbed Glass Mat batteries are the best available for Solar Power use. A woven glass mat is used between the plates to hold the electrolyte. They are leak/spill proof, do not out gas when charging, and have superior performance. They have all the advantages of the sealed gel types and are higher quality, maintain voltage better, self discharge slower, and last longer. The Sun Xtender series by Concorde Battery is an excellent example of AGM batteries.
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Solar Panel Connection in Series

17 Aug

Solar Panel Connection in Series. When a solar panel is connected in Series, the Current(Amperes) remains same but the voltage(Volts) increase as you increase the number of panels. Example can be if you connect two 12 Volt, 8 Amperes panels in series, the output Current(Amperes) would remain 8 Amperes but Voltage (Volts) available would be 24 Volts(12*2=24).

PV Series Connection

PV Series Connection

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Solar Panel Connection in Parallel

17 Aug

Solar Panels can be connect  either in  parallel or in series. Both types of connections have their own use.

  1. Solar Panel Connection in Parallel. When a solar panel is connected in parallel the voltage(Volts) remains same but the current(Amperes) increase as you increase the number of panels. Example can be if you connect two 12 Volt, 8 Amperes panels in parallel, the output voltage would remain 12 Volts but current available would be 16 Amperes(8*2=16).
  2. Solar Panel Connection in Series. When a solar panel is connected in Series, the Current(Amperes) remains same but the voltage(Volts) increase as you increase the number of panels. Example can be if you connect two 12 Volt, 8 Amperes panels in series, the output Current(Amperes) would remain 8 Amperes but Voltage (Volts) available would be 24 Volts(12*2=24).

Circuit Diagram – Solar Panel Connection in Parallel

PV Parallel Connection

PV Parallel Connection

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Solar Panel Charge Controller

31 Jul

Charge controller is used to charge batteries from Solar Panels. Solar panels normal give 15-17 volt, charge controller converts that to 12-14 volt and charges battery. Battery often needs a higher voltage than it already has to charge the battery. Most multistage charge controllers are Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) types. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers are new and much better; these controllers match the output of the solar panels to the battery voltage to ensure maximum charge (amps).

Benefits of Solar Panel Charge Controller

·         Charge controller prevents batteries from being over charged, it will give longer life for battery.

·         The excessive voltage could damage the batteries. A charge controller is used to maintain the proper charging voltage on the batteries.       

Stages of Charge Cycle

1.    Bulk Phase. During the Bulk phase of the charge cycle, the voltage gradually rises to the Bulk level usually 14.4 to 14.6 volts, while the batteries draw maximum current. When Bulk level voltage is reached the absorption stage begins.

2.    Absorption Stage. During this phase the voltage is maintained at Bulk voltage level for a specified time usually an hour, while the current gradually tapers off as the batteries charge up.

3.   Float Stage. After the absorption time passes the voltage is lowered to float level usually 13.4 to 13.7 volts and the batteries draw a small maintenance current until the next cycle.

Types of Solar Panel Charge Controllers

1.   Maximum Power Point Tracking or MPPT Charge Controllers

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. MPPT is an electronic method of capturing the most power from your PV solar modules. MPPT controllers will convert the module operating voltage to battery voltage and raise the output current (amperage or amps) in the process. Convert a higher voltage DC output from solar panels down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries. Most modern MPPT’s are around 93-97% efficient in the conversion. When you connect 150 Watt Solar Panel to your battery through a regular charge controller, your battery is at 12 volts. A MPPT takes that 17.6 volts at 8.5 Amps and converts it down, so that what the battery gets is now 12.5 Amps at 12 volts. Now you still have almost 150 watts. Actually the output of the MPPT charge controller might vary continually to adjust for getting the maximum amps into the battery.

2.   Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Type Charge Controllers

PWM solar chargers use technology similar to other modern high quality battery chargers. When a battery voltage reaches the regulation set point, the PWM algorithm slowly reduces the charging current to avoid heating and gassing of the battery, yet the charging continues to return the maximum amount of energy to the battery in the shortest time. The result is a higher charging efficiency, rapid recharging, and a healthy battery at full capacity.

3.   Most suitable Conditions for Using MPPT Charge Controllers

MPPT’s are most effective in winter and cloudy or hazy days, when the extra power is needed the most. The MPPT work most efficiently under these conditions:

·   Cold Weather. Solar panels work better at cold temperatures, but without a MPPT you are losing most of that. Cold weather is most likely in winter – the time when sun hours are low and you need the power to recharge batteries the most.

·   Low Battery Charge. The lower the state of charge in your battery, the more current a MPPT puts into it. You can have both of these conditions at the same time.

·   Long Wire Runs. If you are charging a 12 volt battery, and your panels are 100 feet away, the voltage drop and power loss can be considerable unless you use very large wire.

4.   Selection of Solar Panel Charge Controller

 

Solar charge controllers are rated and sized by the solar panel or array current and system Voltage. Most common are 12, 24, and 48 volt controllers. Amperage ratings normally run from 1 amp to 80 Amps, voltages from 6-60 volts. For example, if one module in your 12-volt system produces 7.45 amps and two modules are utilized, your system will produce 14.9 amps of current at 12 volts. Due to light reflection and the edge of cloud effect, from time to time increased current levels are not unusual. For this reason we increase the controller amperage by a minimum of 25% bringing our minimum controller amperage to 18.6. Looking through the products we find a 20-amp controller, as close a match as possible. There is no problem going with a 30-amp or larger controller, other than the additional cost.

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Directory of Solar Panel Manufacturers

7 Apr

Directory of Solar Panel / Solar Cell Manufacturers

Australian Solar Manufacturing (Australia)
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels with a nominal voltage of 24 volts and outputs from 170 – 200 watts, with cell efficiencies of 16.5 to 18%.

Manufacturing website – http://www.australiansolarmanufacturing.com.au

SilexSolar (Australia)
Monocrystalline silicon panels producing 170 to 180 watts, having efficiencies of 13 to 15% at a nominal 24volts.
Monocrystalline silicon panels producing 180 to 190 watts, having efficiencies of 14 to 15% at 24 nominal volts.
Monocrystalline silicon panels producing 240 to 270 watts, having efficiencies of 14.4 to 14.7% at nominal 32 volts.
The panels are divided into 3 sections with by-pass diodes to reduce the effect of partial shading.

website – http://www.silexsolar.com/

Blue Chip Energy (Austria)
solar panels/modules with outputs of upto 225 watts.
Building Integrated solar panels/modules.

website – http://www.bluechipenergy.at

Canadian Solar (Canada)
panels using thin mono or poly crystalline cells, and having outputs upto 240 watts.
monocrystalline panels with outputs of 255 to 265 watts and an efficiency of upto 16.47%.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in sizes upto 2m x 3m, with power outputs of 55 to 115 watts/sq m.

website – http://www.canadian-solar.com

Astronergy. (China)
monocrystalline panels with outputs of 75 – 235 using cells with an efficiency of upto 17%.
polycrystalline panels rated at 200 – 230 watts, using cells with an efficiency of 14 – 16%
thin film silicon panels with outputs of upto 125 watts and an efficiency of 9%

Astronergy website – http://www.astronergy.com

China Ningbo Star Solar Co.,Ltd  (China)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs ranging from 5 to 250 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs from 5 to 250 watts.
amorphous silicon thin film solar panels with outputs from 3 to 15 watts.
flexible amorphous silicon thin film solar panels with outputs from 1.5 to 32 watts.
portable folding solar panels with outputs of 60 to 160 watts.

website – http://www.chinasolarcontroller.com

China W.E. Solar Energy Technology (China)
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 35 to 300 watts.
polycrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 35 to 280 watts.
solar trackers, single and double axis, for systems of 1-10Kw

website – http://www.solar-we.com

CNPV Solar Power (China)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs of 5 to 305 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs of 130 to 300 watts

CNPV Solar Power website – http://www.cnpv-power.com

Cotech  (China)
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 0.3 to 300 watts, designed for stand alone and grid tied systems, using their own solar cells having efficiencies of upto 18%.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 0.3 to 300 watts, designed for stand alone and grid tied systems, using their own solar cells having efficiencies of upto 17%.

Cotech  (China) website – http://www.cotechsolar.com

ET Solar Energy Limited   (China)
PV solar panels with outputs from 70 to 280 watts, either moncrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, for use in grid-tied and off-grid systems.
Building Integraded solar momdules for a wide range of applications.
solar panel trackers.

ET Solar Energy Limited   (China) website – http://www.etsolar.com

Goland Century   (China)
monocrystalline silicon 12, 24 and 32 volt nominal solar panels with outputs from 2 to 250 watts. Goland Century

Goland Century   (China) website – http://www.szgoland.ne

J A Solar  (China)
monocrystalline silcon solar panels with outputs ranging from 155 to 325 watts and moduloe efficiencies of 12.1 to 16.8%.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs ranging from 200 to 320 watts and efficiencies of 12.2 to 16.4%.

J A Solar website – http://www.jasolar.com

Ningbo BEST Solar Energy S&T    (China)
monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels

Ningbo BEST Solar Energy S&T website – http://www.cnbestsolar.com/

Ningbo National Hi-Tech Park Sunshine Technology Co., Ltd.    (China)
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 22 to 280 watts.

Ningbo National Hi-Tech Park Sunshine Technology Co., Ltd. website – http://www.chinesegrid.com

Pekai Solar  (China)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with rated outputs of 5 to 300 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with rated outputs of 5 to 280 watts.

Pekai Solar website – http://pekai.com

QJ Solar   (China)
monocrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of 85 to 260 watts.
polycrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of 165 to 300 watts.
Modules are guaranteed for 25 years at 80% of their minimum rates output

QJ Solar website – http://www.qjsolar.com

Shine Solar    (China)
monocrystalline solar panels with outputs of 20 to 280 watts.
polycrystalline solar panels with outputs of 35 to 280 watts.
building integrated solar modules.

Shine Solar website – http://www.shinesolarworld.com

Skybasesolar (China)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 170 to 200 watts and an efficiency of 13.3 to 15.7%.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 225 to 300 watts with efficiencies of 13.8 to 15.7%.

Skybasesolar website – http://www.skybasesolar.com

Sungen    (China)
amorphous silicon thin film panels with outputs of 90 to 100 watts at a nominal 48 volts.
monocrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs from 180 to 250 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs of 210 to 295 watts.

Sungen website – http://www.sungen.com

Sungold Solar  (China)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels rated at 12 volts nominal and outputs of 75 to 140 watts.
monocrystalline silicon solar panels rated at 24 volts nominal and outputs of 150 to 180 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels rated at 12volts nominal and outputs of 115 to 140 watts.
polycrystalline solar panels rated at 16 volts nominal and outputs of 160 to 205 watts.
polycrystalline solar panels rated at 24 volts nominal and outputs of 240 to 280 watts.
folding solar panels rated at 12volts nominal and outputs of 20 to 170 watts.

Sungold Solar website – http://www.sungoldsolar.com

Suntech    (China)
monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels (ranges vary in different parts of the world)
semi-transparent panels to be used in place of glazing.
solar panels to be used in place of roofing tiles.
solar panels designed for off grid situations ranging in poer output from 5 to 140 watts

Suntech website – http://www.suntech-power.com

Trina Solar   (China)
monocrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of 175 to 210 watts.
polycrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of 220 to 285 watts.
Building Integrated (Architectural PV Glass) solar panels/modules

Trina Solar website – http://www.trinasolar.com

Trony  (China)
thin film silicon panels with outputs ranging from 0.5 to 65 watts.
Building Integrated solar panels including semi-transparent glass.

Trony website – http://www.trony.com

Yingli    (China)
polycrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of upto 230 watts and efficiencies of upto 14.3%.
Modules are produced for residencial and commercial rooftop systems, plus utility scale ground mounted systems.

Yingli website – http://www.yinglisolar.com

Photowatt    (France)
mono and polycrystalline panels/modules.
Building Integrated solar panels/modules.

Photowatt website – http://www.photowatt.com

Siotec  (France)
A Concentrating PV module mounted on a 2 axis tracker with, an output of upto 2.3Kw and an efficiency of 26%. The modules use fresnel lenses concentrating light onto multijunction silicon solar cells.

Siotec website – http://www.soitec.com

Aleo    (Germany)
monocrystalline silicon panels rated at 180 – 238 watts, with an efficiency of upto 13.8%.
polycrystalline silicon panels rated at 175 – 230 watts, with an efficiency of upto 14.0%.
The company will also produce customised panels (abnormal sizes) to customers specifications.

Aleo website – http://www.aleo-solar.de

Alfasolar  (Germany)
polycrystalline panels with outputs from 12 to 130 watts.
polycrystalline panels having pyramid structured glass, trapping more light from oblique angles, with outputs of 195 – 215 watts and an efficiency of 16.2%

Alfasolar website – http://www.alfasolar.de/

Avancis  (Germany)
Copper-Indium-Selenium thin film photovoltaic panels with an attractive all black appearance, having an efficiency of upto 13.7%.

Avancis website – http://www.avancis.de/en/

Bosch   (Germany)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules.
amorphous silicon thin film solar panels/modules.
CIS thin film solar panels/modules

Bosch website – http://www.bosch-solarenergy.com

Centrosolar  (Germany)
crystalline silcon solar panels with outputs from 190 to 240 watts.
thin film solar panels.
The company also manufacture their own mounting system for easy mounting on roof

Centrosolar website – http://www.centrosolar.de

Q-Cells   (Germany)
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules designed for large scale systems.
CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin film solar panels/modules with efficiencies of upto 13%

Q-Cells website – http://www.q-cells.com

Scheuten  (Germany)
mono and pollycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules.
solar Panels/modules designed for industrial scale systems.
Building Integrated solar panels/modules.

Scheuten website – http://www.scheutensolar.com

Schott Solar   (Germany)
monocrystalline, polycrystalline panels/modules including panels design to replace a roof as opposed to being mounted on top of a roof.
The company also produces thin film silicon panels/modules, including semi-transparant used as tinted windows.

Schott Solar website – http://www.schottsolar.com

Signet Solar   (Germany)
thin film silicon on glass panels/modules with outputs of 100 to 400 watts. The larger panel has an area of 5.7 sqm and is claimed to be the world’s largest.

Signet Solar website – http://www.signetsolar.com

Solar Fabrik  (Germany)
polycrystalline and monocrytalline silicon panels with outputs of 130 – 220 watts, including a range that can form part of a waterproof roofing ie, they can replace part of the roof as opposed to being mounted on it.

Solar Fabrik website – http://www.solar-fabrik.com

Solarwatt  (Germany)
monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels/modules.
semi-transparent panels/modules suitable for building facades

Solarwatt website – http://www.solarwatt.de/

Solarworld   (Germany)
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules.
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with a homogenous black surface.

Solarworld website – http://www.solarworld.de

Sunways   (Germany)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 230 to 250 watts.
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 225 to 245 watts.
Building Integrated solar modules using transparent or coloured photovoltaic cells.

Sunways website – http://www.sunways.eu

Würth Solar   (Germany)
CIS thin film solar panels for residential and commercial uses.
Building Integrated panels.

Würth Solar website – http://www.wuerth-solar.de

Heliosphera    (Greece)
thin film silicon solar panels/modules using a dual structure, with an amorphous and microcrystalline silicon layer, on glass and outputs of 110 to 125 watts.
The company also sell a system enabling their panels to be used inplace of roofing materials.

Heliosphera website – http://www.heliosphera.com

AARA Power System  (India)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules.

AARA Power System

website – http://www.aarapowersystem.com

Pythagoras Solar  (Israel)
solar roof shingles, solar windows, and solar glass curtains for integrating into building designs.

Pythagoras Solar website – http://www.pythagoras-solar.com

Helios Technology    (Italy)
monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs upto 230 watts with efficiencies upto 14.4%

Helios Technology website – http://www.heliostechnology.com

Marcegaglia SpA    (Italy)
Integrated roofing panels in lengths of upto 9m using amorphous, micromorph, and polycrystalline silicon.

Marcegaglia SpA website – http://www.marcegaglia.com

X Group   (Italy)
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 160 to 235 watts, and efficiencies fo 13.2 to 14.5%.
The company also produce a 2 axis solar tracker handling 40 sq m of panels/modules.

X Group website – http://www.xgroupspa.it

Kaneka   (Japan)
semi transparent panels/modules that can be used in place of tinted glass.
hybrid thin film solar panels using polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon panels/modules with an efficiency of 8.2 to 9.0%.

Kaneka website – http://www.kaneka.co.jp

Kyocera  (Japan)
polycrystalline panels/modules with outputs upto 210 watts with an efficiency of upto 16%

Kyocera website – http://global.kyocera.com

Mitsubishi Electric   (Japan)
monocrystalline panels/modules with outputs of 195 to 265 watts and efficiencies of 14.1 to 16%.
polycrystalline panels/modules with outputs of 160 – 190 watts and module efficiency upto 13.7%

Mitsubishi Electric website – http://global.mitsubishielectric.com

Sanyo   (Japan)
solar panels using cells combining monocrystalline silicon together with layers of amorphous silicon. These cells/modules are claimed to suffer less from the effect of higher temperatures on output.
solar panels with outputs upto 250watts and an efficiency of 18%

Sanyo website – http://sanyo.com/solar/

Sharp   (Japan)
Monocrystalline silicon panels/modules of upto 175 watts with an efficiency of upto 14.1%.
Polycrystalline silicon panels/modules of upto 162 watts with an efficiency of upto 12.4%.
Thin film silicon panels/modules of upto 90 watts with an efficiency of upto 8.5%, giving good outputs in high temperatures and lower light levels.

Sharp website – http://sharp-world.com/

Solar Frontier  (Japan)
CIS(Copper, Indium, and Selenium) thin film solar panels/modules with efficiencies of upto 12.2%

Solar Frontier website – http://www.solar-frontier.com

Atersa (Spain)
mono and polycrystaline silicon panels/modules with outputs from 5 to 270 watts

Atersa website – http://www.atersa.com

Isofoton    (Spain)
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 160 – 175 watts at 36 volts nominal, and efficiencies of 12.7 – 13.8%.
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 210 – 230 watts at 48 volts nominal, and efficiencies of 12.5 – 13.7%.
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 180 – 200 watts at 26 volts nominal and efficiencies of 12.1 – 13.4%.
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 205 – 220 watts at 29 volts nominal and efficiencies of 12.4 – 13.3%.

Isofoton website – http://www.isofoton.com

Phono Solar  (Switzerland)
monocrystalline panels/modules with outputs from 75 to 240 watts.
polycrystalline panels/modules with outputs from 75 to 240 watts.

Phono Solar website – http://www.phonosolar.eu

Motech (Taiwan)
polycrystalline panels/modules with outputs of 205 to 280 watts.

Motech website – http://www.motechind.com

Rich Electric  (Taiwan)
monocrystalline panels with outputs of 165 to 195 watts.
polycrystalline panels with outputs of 130 to 265 watts.

Rich Electric website – http://www.richelectric.com.tw

BP Solar  (UK)
polycrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 40 – 200 watts.
monocrystalline silicon panels with outputs of 165 -175 watts. BP Solar website – http://www.bp.com/

1 Soltech  (USA)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels with an output of 230 to 350 watts and an efficiency of upto 16.2%
polycrystalline silicon solar panels with outputs of 220 to 245 watts and an wfficiency of upto 15%.

1 Soltech website – http://www.1soltech.com

Advanced Solar Photonics   (USA)
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs from 175 to 400 watts.
monocrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with a higher efficiency (16%).
polycrystalline silicon solar panels/modules with outputs of 220 to 240 watts.

Advanced Solar Photonics website – http://www.advancedsolarphotonics.com

Alternative Energies of Kentucky    (USA)
polycrystalline solar panels/modules with outputs ranging from 100 to 280 watts. The panels have an efficiency of upto 18%, and a 25 year warranty.

Alternative Energies of Kentucky website – http://www.aeky.net/

Ascent Solar Technologies  (USA)
thin film flexible panels/modules for Buiding Integrated use, available in 2 or 5m lengths.
small flexible panels/modules for mobile use.
flexible panels/modules designed for extreme conditions including defense applications.

Ascent Solar Technologies website – http://www.ascentsolar.com

Evergreen Solar   (USA)
polycrystalline silicon panels/modules with outputs of 180 – 210 watts, using cells manufactured by the company’s own low cost silicon wafer method.

Evergreen Solar website – http://www.evergreensolar.com

First Solar    (USA)
thin film CdTe frameless panels/modules using toughened glass which are claimed to be cost effective, recyclable and with an average efficiency of 10.9%.

First Solar website – http://www.firstsolar.com/

GE (General Electric)   (USA)
thin film panels using CdTe technology having outputs of 78 to 83 watts
CIGS thin film panels having outputs of 130 to 150 watts.

GE (General Electric) website – http://www.ge-energy.com

Global Solar Energy  (USA)
mobile flexible thin film panels/modules for the outdoor enthusiast, mobile professional, and for expeditions. The panels, which can be rolled up or folded, have outputs from 2 to 62 watts, and weights of 0.2 to 1.4 Kg. Models are available for charging mobile phones, laptop computers, or vehicle batteries.
thin film flexible solar modules having an average efficiency of over 11% and outputs of upto 300 watts, which can be used in Building Integrated Photovoltaics.

Global Solar Energy website – http://www.globalsolar.com

Mia Solé   (USA)
CIGS thin film solar modules with outputs of 120 to 140 watts and an efficiency of upto 13%.
CIGS thin film solar modules designed for large scale low cost systems having outputs of 100 or 111 watts.

Mia Solé website – http://www.miasole.com

Nanosolar  (USA)
panels/modules using the company’s own Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenium (CIGS) thin film solar cells, aimed at utility scale solar power plants.

Nanosolar website – http://www.nanosolar.com

Semprius   (USA)
Concentrating photovoltaic panels for large scale installations with a concentration of 1000 and gallium arsenide-based, multi-junction solar cells, mounted on a 2 axis tracker.

Semprius website – www.semprius.com

Solarmer   (USA)
developing a range of portable panels and Smart Fabrics, that are expected to become available in the second half of 2011.
developing a range of Building Integrated photovotaics that are expected to become available in the first half of 2013.

Solarmer website – http://www.solarmer.com

SoloPower    (USA)
Flexible thin film solar panels using Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide (CIGS) technology

SoloPower website – http://www.solopower.com

Solyndra    (USA)
Modules consisting of glass cylinders housing silicon thin film cells, designed to be mounted horizontally. These modules are aimed at the commercial market, for installation on flat factory roofs, giving easier mounting, more roof coverage, and better ventilation improves cell efficiency in hot weather.

Solyndra website – http://www.solyndra.com

Sunpower   (USA)
monocrystalline panels/modules with power outputs upto 315 watts and efficiencies of upto 19.3%. Sunpower also claim low temperature coefficients for their panel, ie, output will not be as affected by high temperatures.

Sunpower website – http://us.sunpowercorp.com

Uni-Solar   (USA)
A flexible thin film panel/module which can be glued to a number of building surfaces, having the benefit of not using glass and being relativley light weight.
roof shingles for residencial use.
A Thin-film photovoltaic laminate designed to integrate with traditional residential asphalt roofing shingles.

Uni-Solar website – http://www.uni-solar.com

Directory of Solar Panel/ Solar Cell Manufacturers

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