Buy Most Efficient Solar Cells In UK: SANYO HIT Photovoltaic Cells

It was in October 2008, when there was this news about high efficieny generating solar cells claiming to be having efficiency ratio of 40% (See details: Low cost PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels: High Efficiency of 40%). However, it appears that there was no further development on that. But now, Sanyo has come out with what might be termed as the most Efficient Solar Cells to be made available in the United Kingdom by Sanyo, which will be from the HIT series of Photovoltaic Solar Cells. Photo sourced from http://solar.sanyo.com/hit.html

What is the claimed efficiency rate in the Most Efficient Solar Cells?
It is reported that the solar cells of the HIT series from Sanyo will have the efficiency rate of around 21.5%, which is learnt to be the highest among all those currently available.

What makes this an important development at this time is that the HIT series photovoltaic cells have managed to pass the MCS accreditation.
This MCS accreditation, is a kind of certificate that is given to small scale companies which are in the technology for generating thermal energy or electrical energy from renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power, etc. This MCS accreditation is also a mandatory requirement for companies before they can start marketing such products in the UK markets for common consumers.
Another benefit for the MCS accreditation is that there is a FIT scheme (called Feed In Tariff scheme) popular in Europe (not just UK), which offers monetary incentives for using power generating setups from renewable energy resources. The HIT photovoltaic cells can now be used under the FIT scheme and the monetary benefits can be claimed by the users.

What are the other benefits of the SANYO HIT Photovoltaic Cells?
Sanyo has the benefits listed on their website. The following benefits are the ones which can be thought about:
These cells are claimed to be far more efficient than the common photovoltaic cells. They have high efficiency rate of around 21.5%.

Since they are having high efficiency ratio, they can generate more energy using less no. of cells. So the first benefit is less no. of cells are required to produce more or same amount of power generation (see related Solar Panels Energy: Angle of Solar Panel Tilt Correlation: Google Experiments)

Secondly, since less no. of cells are required, the amount of space required for installing the solar panels is comparatively less which makes it other major benefit

Solar Panels Installation Guide: Step-By-Step Guide to Install Solar Panel

In the previous article, Solar Panels Costs & Price, we provided you with the information about the Costs & pricing of the SOlar Panels from various companies and sizes. In this article, we will aim to provide you with the Step by Step Guide to Installing Solar Panels at home. This article will serve you as a checklist for Solar Panel Installation Guide.
We aim to provide this article as a basic checklist for someone who wishes to get into the installation of solar panels at his home or office. Some of the common brands of Solar Panels are Aten Solar, Evergreen, BrightWatts, BP Solar, Kyocera, Sharp and Mitsubishi.

Let's begin with the basic and first steps to Step by step guide for installing solar panels:

· First of all, identify whether it is really feasible and practical to install solar panels at your desired location. If you happen to live in a ice covered region which does not get sunlight for 10 months in a year, then there is no point in going for solar panel installation. So, start by conducting an energy audit to identify what amount of electricity can be generated at your location.

· If your energy audit report shows that it is feasible and practicle to go for solar panel, then identify the space at your location where you can install solar panels. This can be a space on your roof top, in your courtyard, the frontlawn or even at the window panes. After identifying the possbile locations, measure all of the area and categorize it as per the availability of the solar energy. See next step for more details.

· This is crucial step. You must identify which area is getting the solar energy throughout the year and daytime and which area is getting limited solar heat and energy. To quote an example, if you have a flat rooftop, you are sure to get soalr energy all throughout the day and the year (except for some rainy/winter days). Hence, they form the maximum energy absorbing areas. Other category will be the one which may not get full soalr energy. Say your courtyard is receiving solar energy only for a 5 hours a day because in the morning, it is in shade due to a nearby building. Then comes the vertical window panes, which may have a completely different reception time and area. So ensure that you capture all the information correctly, and write it down in a tabular format, to ascertain which areas will be most profitable and efficient for installing solar panels.

· The next step would be to identify the size and areas for the purchase of solar panels. We have covered the Prices of different size solar panels in this article, for an indicative purpose.

· After deciding the sizes are areas of the solar panels, identify the rigth mounts for your solar panels. This will depend largely on the location and the orientation (horizontal/ vertical/ slanting) of the soalr panel installation.

Related: Solar Energy Trading and investments,
Low cost PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels: High Efficiency of 40%,
Solar Energy Storage: in batteries, PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels,
Solar Panels: Sources, Installation, Technology Introduction

· For installation on the roof, you may need to use a stud finder to find your rafters. These rafters are required for providing support to the solar panels post installation.

· Identify & Mark the exact places of installation - be accurate in sizes.

· Use lag bolts to secure the mounts after you have drilled them.

· You may have to use the rails to set up the solar panels. They will be setup along the rails.

· Use a conduit to connect the converter in your home to these solar panels that are installed. Ensure that the conduit is suitably secured and won’t get shattered if there’s bad weather

Solar Panels Cost Price: Solar Panel Latest Price per watt

So far, we've been talking about Solar Energy Trading and investments. We also touched upon the topics like Low cost PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels: High Efficiency of 40%, Solar Energy Storage: in batteries, PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels. We also touched upon the topic of Solar Panels: Sources, Installation, Technology Introduction.
In this article, we will aim to cover the pricing & cost factors of installing solar panels. Though utmost care has been taken to ensure that prices reflect the latest information, but it is quite possible that prices may change by the time you read this article and decide to buy. So Here are the Solar Panel Price or Solar Panel Cost for various brands, wattage and types of Solar Panels available.

Solar Panel Brand	Watt	Min. Quantity*	US$/Unit	US$/ Watt
Aten Solar	50	368	$92.50	$1.85
Aten Solar	56	368	$103.60	$1.85
Aten Solar	42	184	$90.30	$2.15
Aten Solar	42	96	$94.50	$2.25
Aten Solar	42	138	$94.50	$2.25
Evergreen	190	56	$530.97	$2.79
Evergreen	190	28	$541.97	$2.85
Evergreen	195	56	$555.97	$2.85
BrightWatts	120	2	$348.00	$2.90
BrightWatts	200	4	$596.00	$2.98
BrightWatts	220	100	$655.60	$2.98
BrightWatts	155	4	$461.90	$2.98
BrightWatts	100	10	$298.00	$2.98
BP Solar	175	40	$532.97	$3.05
BP Solar	190	40	$578.97	$3.05
BP Solar	190	40	$589.00	$3.10
BP Solar	190	20	$598.50	$3.15
Evergreen	180	30	$565.20	$3.14
Evergreen	190	30	$596.60	$3.14
Kyocera	135	20	$431.00	$3.19
Kyocera	180	20	$575.00	$3.19
Kyocera	205	20	$654.00	$3.19
Kyocera	135	20	$438.60	$3.25
Kyocera	180	20	$584.80	$3.25
Kyocera	205	20	$666.00	$3.25
Kyocera	135	20	$445.45	$3.30
Kyocera	180	20	$593.95	$3.30
Kyocera	205	20	$676.50	$3.30
Kyocera	210	20	$694.25	$3.31
BP Solar	190	10	$636.50	$3.35
BP Solar	175	20	$586.25	$3.35
Kyocera	210	20	$705.55	$3.36
BP Solar	175	2	$603.75	$3.45
Kaneka	60	25	$211.96	$3.53
Sharp	208	22	$765.00
Sharp	208	16	$775.00
Evergreen	200	20	$750.00	$3.75
Sharp	208	12	$785.00	$3.77
Sharp	216	24	$850.00	$3.94
Sharp	175	24	$696.50	$3.98
Sharp	170	20	$690.00	$4.06
Sharp	170	10	$700.00	$4.12
Sharp	170	1	$710.14	$4.18
Mitsubishi	175	1	$731.03	$4.18
Sharp	175	1	$731.03	$4.18
Sunwize	175	1	$731.03	$4.18
Mitsubishi	180	1	$753.04	$4.18
Mitsubishi	125	4	$525.00	$4.20
Sharp	175	8	$750.00	$4.29
Mitsubishi	125	1	$550.00	$4.40
XC3i	85	1	$396.00	$4.66

Some of the common brands of Solar Panels are Aten Solar, Evergreen, BrightWatts, BP Solar, Kyocera, Sharp and Mitsubishi

Solar Energy Storage: in batteries, PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels

One of the major benefits of Solar Energy is its free availability and high level of abundance. That is what makes it one of the most attractive sources for energy.

What are the benefits of using Solar Energy?
Here are the benefits for using Solar Energy:

1) Solar Energy is free of cost: You dont need to pay a penny for Solar Energy. That's why countries like Spain, US are using it in an efficient manner.

2) Solar Energy is abundant: Despite being freely available, Solar energy is available in abundance and will continue to do so for billions of years. Dont worry, Sun will not die till we die :-)

3) Solar Energy can be Collected and stored: Any energy collecting device like a battery can collect and hold solar energy. That makes it efficient for use of solar energy in multiple forms. Gone are the days when solar power used to be available only till sunset. With Soalr Storage devices, we can now have energy from Solar sources available 24*7. The application is usually integrated into solar photovoltaic system where energy collected and stored almost instantaneously.

Here is a demonstration of the setup that can be used to store solar energy in a battery: (Image Courtesy SunEnrgyFacts)


In a typical photovoltaic system, sunlight shines upon the photovoltaic modules. Next, solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy producing direct current (DC). This current is stored directly into a battery. Since our home use Alternating Current (AC), an inverter is connected to the battery to convert from DC to AC. With this typical arrangement, solar energy can be effectively used to power our home.

Transformation of Solar Energy:
As per the laws of Energy, any energy form can be easily transformed. Same goes with Solar Energy as well. So what we have here is a system which absorns the solar energy (like a photovoltaic system) and then convert or transform it into a storable form of energy. However, the problem is that photovoltaic cells are not that efficient and the apparatus costs a big sum of money. Although research is going on for improving the efficieny of the cells. Here is an article about Low cost PV Solar Cells & Solar Panels: High Efficiency of 40%

Transmission of Solar Energy
As with any other energy form, the solar energy once stored can be easily transmitted.

Solar Energy: Introduction, Trading, Investment, Risk & Example

In this article, we will talk about the concept of Solar Energy. Topics covered will include Types of Solar Energy, Sectors of Solar Energy, Solar Energy Companies, Investments in Solar Energy and what the various countries across the globe are doing for Solar Energy.
Let's start with the basics.

What is Solar Energy?
Energy itself can never be considered Solar. What it refers to is the source of the energy. Hence, when we talk about Solar Energy, we emphasize the fact that the energy has been sourced from the Sun or the centerpoint of the solar system. However, it does not mean that equipments like Solar Heaters and others are the only instruments to use solar energy. The benefit of Solar Energy is that it is portable, hence the power or energy generated from Solar Energy can be stored in batteries and can be used later. It may be used in car batteries, for illumination purposes, for heating, etc.
Now here is an interesting fact - only a minute amount of Solar Energy actually available is used by us. Rest all is actually not used, i.e. a source which is wasted.

What are the various types of Solar Energy?
Solar Energy can be of various type, depending on the source. Geothermal energy, Wind energy, Solar energy, Nuclear Power energy, and Hydroelectric energy are some of the examples of various types of Solar energy. Though some people may differ on the inclusion of nuclear energy because it is harmful to individual if it goes uncontrolled. However, when used with the right precaution, Nuclear energy is one of the most environment friendly sources. So it is generally considered as a Solar Energy.
Then, taking a step further, some also consider Anaerobic Digestion & Incineration Of Waste also as a form of Solar Energy.

Where is Solar Energy used?
As like any other form of energy, since Solar energy can be stored, it can be used for multiple forms whichever may require energy. Common examples include heating, electric power supply, light energy, and so on. Not only that, effective use of Solar Energy has found usage in Agriculture, Horticulture and even Greenhouse effects. Water Treatment (to make sea water potable) and cooking (Solar Cooker) are other usage of Solar energy. Solar chemical processes use solar energy to drive chemical reactions. Solar energy is also used to run solar vehicles.

Related: Solar Panels: Sources, Installation, Technology Introduction

What are the different types of Solar Techniques?
As per Wikipedia, "Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun."

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Green Energy

Which countries are actively using Solar Energy?
Solar Energy is being used across the globe. obviously the countries which receive a lot of sunlight would benefit from the solar energy, provided they have proper infrastructure to tap that energy. That's why, though African countries receive a lot of sunlight, the usage is low there. US is a big user of solar energy, and so are some of the European countries like Spain and Portugal

Green Energy: Introduction, Trading, Investment, Risk & Example

In this article, we will talk about the concept of Green Energy. Topics covered will include Types of Green Energy, Sectors of Green Energy, Green Energy Companies, Investments in Green Energy and what the various countries across the globe are doing for Green Energy.
Let's start with the basics.

What is Green Energy?
Energy itself can never be considered Green. What it refers to is the source of the energy. Hence, when we talk about Green Energy, we mean that the source through which the energy has been produced is NOT harmful to the atmosphere and environment and are non-polluting. This may include sources which do not significantly increase the carbon dioxide (CO2) content in the atmosphere.

What are the varius types of Green Energy?
Green Energy can be of varius type, depending on the source. Geothermal energy, Wind energy, Solar energy, Nuclear Power energy, and Hydroelectric energy are some of the examples of various types of Green energy. Though some people may differ on the inclusion of nuclear energy because it is harmful to individual if it goes uncontrolled. However, when used with the right precaution, Nuclear energy is one of the most environment friendly sources. So it is geenrally considerd as a Green Energy.
Then, taking a step further, some also consider Anaerobic Digestion & Incineration Of Waste also as a form of Green Energy.

Where is Green Energy used?
As like any other form of energy, Green energy is also used as a form of electricity, for heating and for cogeneration.

What are the comparison figures for carbon emission for Green Energy as compared to other energy?
Some stats are available on Wikipedia for a comparative analysis. Nuclear Energy produces just 3.3 grams of carbon dioxide per KW-Hr of produced power. Compare that to 400 grams for natural gas and 700 grams for coal.

Related Articles: Green Mutual Funds  Low Cost Mutual Funds & Alternative Energy Mutual Funds

Which countries are actively using Green Energy?
Green Energy is being used across the globe. Considering Nuclear Energy to be a part of Green Energy, France leads the world in that as 75% of the electricty it uses comes from Nuclear Energy. Then US and UK are also using Green Energy significantly.

How can one buy or trade Green Energy?
Green Energy can be traded or bought through the Green Energy Providers. These are the utility organizations which have electricity retailing arrangements and make energy trading possible

Future Energy: Future Energy Development: Introduction, Example, Risk, Investments

In this article, we will talk about a common concept called Future Energy - basically describing the developments and alternatives available to the rapidly depleting traditional sources of energy like the fossil fuels. We will cover the topics like What is Future Energy, and Example of Future Energy, What can be the shape of Future Energy, What will drive the Future Energy needs.
Though the media, especially the internet, is flooded with numerous examples of Energy Development, nobody is clear on what shape will the energy requirements of future will take and how will we be able to fulfill them. In this article, we list some of these Future Energy developments expected to happen. No, we are not going to list the same old alternative fuels like Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biomass, Nuclear Energy,etc. but we will list some of the technologies which are still in the nascent state and it may take over the traditional methods of Energy Generation.

Fossil Fuels as energy source face the danger of extinction. It is even alleged that USA led the war on middle-east countries to gain access to fossil fuels. Whatever may be the consequences, the fact is the fossil fuels will deplete some day and we will be forced to look at alternate sources of energy.

Use and transformation of CO2 to Fuel using Nanotube technology: Considered to be a breakthrough technology for energy needs, if it materializes. It is an optimistic technology to convert the exiting carbon dioxide which is available in excess in the atmosphere of earth. Not only that, people are getting worried about the extra amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, so if this tech finds its way, then we will have a breakthrough.

Self Heating Eco friendly Houses: Another optimistic venture. This is more of a community inititative for people who believe that they should work in accordance with the nature and built houses which are not only eco friendly, but are also equipped with somethings which allow natural heating and cooling as required.

Related Articles: Green Mutual Funds  Low Cost Mutual Funds

Extracting Energy through Solar Roadways: Given the length (and breadth) of the highways across the country (and the world), a considerable amount of area is covered with Highways and roads. We are seeing a lot of interest in research for converting the normal road highways to what is called Solar Highways, which will mean converting the normal roads or highways with a road system having solar cells capability, and if installed on the whole of American inter-state highways, it can power the entire country even with a 10% solar efficiency. It may be costly in the initial stages, but is expected to give great results.

Related: Wind, Solar, Biomass, Geothermal - Which Fund/Stocks Should I Invest?

Hydrogen as a fuel from non-food items: We are aware that when hydrogen is burned, the only emission it makes is water vapor, so a key benefit of hydrogen fuel is that when burned, carbon dioxide (CO2) is NOT produced. Hence, Hydrogen fuels do NOT pollute atmosphere to that extent. At the same time, work is on to see if the Hydrogen as a fuel source can be made available from non-food sources. Keep watching, a lot of innovation is set to happen.