Are solar cells a new technology?
A1: Modern solar cells with practical efficiency
were invented in the early 1950s, and have been
used to power satellites since 1959. They became
popular for terrestrial applications in the mid-1970s,
mostly for remote telecommunications, navigational
aids and other rugged, remote industrial uses
including microwave, TV, radio and cellular repeater
stations. They have been powering urban applications
such as roadside emergency telephones and traffic
sign boards since the mid-1980s. With prices dropping
steadily, they are now becoming affordable for
urban homes and businesses.
Q2. Do solar cells store energy?
A2: No. Solar cells just convert sunlight into
an electric current that must be used immediately
or stored in batteries to be used later.
does photovoltaic (PV) mean?
A3: The direct conversion of light into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into
electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell,
electrons are dislodged, creating an electrical
current. Photovoltaic cells power many of the
small calculators and wrist watches in
use every day. More complex systems provide electricity
to pump water, power communications equipment
light homes, and run appliances. Beyond the utility
power line, PV is often the lowest-cost means
to provide electricity, and almost always simplest
and cleanest to operate.
The cost of PV
has fallen by 90 percent since the early 1970s.
Photovoltaics are producing electricity for critical
loads from the polar ice caps to the tropics to
satellites in outer space. There is a strong market
today in developing countries to provide rural
electrification with solar panels, which replace
kerosene lamps, batteries, and wood fires at a
far lower cost than the central station power
are also making inroads as supplementary power
for utility customers already served by the grid.
Currently costly compared to most conventional
choices for grid power, Photovoltaics is still
a very small part of the energy make-up of any
country. However, more and more individuals, companies,
and communities choose PV for reasons other than
cost: because of a desire to develop a clean,
sustainable energy source, interest in a clean
back-up power source, a need for placing power
generation right at the source with no fuel, noise
or moving parts; and an attraction to a power
technology that can be built right into building
roofs, facades, canopies and windows
is a PV cell?
A4: The smallest semiconductor element that converts
light into electrical energy (DC voltage and current).
is a PV array?
A5: An interconnected system of PV modules that
function as a single electricity-producing unit.
The modules are assembled as a discrete
structure, with common support or mounting. In
smaller systems, an array can consist of a single
is a solar cell and a solar module?
A6: A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic (PV)
cell, is the smallest element that converts light
into electrical energy. Each cell is made of
silicon like a computer chip. The silicon is treated
so that it generates a flow of electricity when
light shines on it. Solar modules are series of
solar cells wired together.
is a PV system?
A7: A PV system is a complete set of components
for converting sunlight into electricity by the
photovoltaic process, including the array and
the balance of system components.
is PV conversion efficiency?
A8: The ratio of the electric power produced by
a PV device to the power of the sunlight shining
on the device.
panels are made of amorphous type solar cells.
What is the difference between amorphous cells
and polycrystalline cells?
A9: Amorphous solar panels contain no cells per
say but are created rather through a deposition
process which actually forms the silicon material
directly on the glass substrate. To understand
this a bit clearer, think of it as spraying the
silicon onto the glass in very thin layers. This
film which gives amorphous panels the "thin-film"
nick name, is laser patterned which interconnects
instead of physical connecting tabs which eliminates
a mechanical connection that can break down and
fail. The amount of silicon used in this process
produces a film, which is often up to 100 times
thinner than that of a polycrystalline cell. Furthermore,
amorphous type solar cells are better at generating
electricity in all lighting conditions.
solar electric systems safe?
A10: Yes. Solar cells are mostly silicon, the
primary component of sand. There is no exhaust
and no toxic materials to leak out of the system.
The electricity coming through the inverter is
just like the electricity coming from household
wall sockets; you should use the same care you
would with utility power. All components are approved
for utility interconnection and are installed
according to standard construction practices.
solar power systems good for the environment?
A11: Yes! Energy created through our solar electric
system produces no pollutants. Our smallest system
typically cuts greenhouse gas emissions as effectively
as 50 trees.
well do solar panel withstand, and work in, inclement
A12: In cloudy weather, solar modules work, although
they produce less electricity than on a sunny
day. Under a light overcast, the modules might
produce about half as much as under full sun,
ranging down to as little as five to ten percent
under a dark overcast day. If the modules become
covered with snow, they stop producing power,
but snow generally melts quickly when the sun
strikes the modules; if you brush the snow off,
they resume operation immediately. Our modules
can withstand one inch (2.5 cm) hailstones at
50 mph (80.5 kph).
my panel be left outdoors without a protective
A13: Yes. The Solar Module has been weatherproofed
and can be mounted outdoors without any additional
Q14. The LED on the panel does not light
up. Should I be concerned?
A14: The LED indicates that your unit is receiving
daylight exposure. If it is not lit, it may mean
that you are not exposing the unit to enough
daylight. Please position the solar panel to maximize
its exposure to the sun. If this does not trigger
the LED to work, it is possible that the LED is
burnt out. The LED may have a more limited life
span than the panel. This in no way reflects on
or affects the performance of the solar panel.
If the LED light is not blinking and you feel
you have sufficient daylight, test the solar module
with a solar voltage tester or a multimeter.
Q15. How does a solar outside light work?
A15: In principle it is very simple: A solar panel
is used as a generator, which converts light to
ele- ctricity. That makes it a "solar generator."
The electricity is used to charge a battery while
there is daylight--even under cloudy skies. The
battery powers the light at night, turning it
on at dusk and turning it off at dawn, or at some
earlier time if chosen.
use solar outdoor lights?
A16: Thousands of commercial grade solar outdoor
lights have been in everyday use since1990, lighting
residential streets, country roads, traffic and
adver-tising signs, transit shelters, park- ing
lots, national and municipal parks, recreation
areas, and military installations. These lig-
hts are so dependable that an utility has installed
them at their own switching centre to get light
when " electric wired" power fails.
They have survived through hurricanes and earthqua-
kes. Remember those giant blackouts.
are solar lights so dependable?
A17: Because each light has its own power plant--a
solar generator is energized by the sun. The generator
is guaranteed for twenty years-which keeps an
ultra reliable battery charged to de- liver lighting
power whenever it is needed. There is some charging
every day, even when it is cloudy.Solar lights
don't depend on faraway generating stations, high
voltage transmission li- nes and switches, substations,
transformers, and wires or cables. Though these
are very reli- able on average, the failure of
any one of these elements will extinguish hundreds
and som- etimes thousands of lights all at once,
often at times when they are vital, like in hurricanes
or snow storms and ommunities are plunged into
kind of batteries are used in Miss Solar lights?
A18: All Miss solar lights use special Ni-MH/Ni-Cad
batteries, lead acid batteries or capacitors that
perform extremely well under harsh
environmental conditions. Specifically, they are
sealed, rechargeable batteriesthat provide a large
energy capacity for their size and deliver
extremely reliable power output over a long period
do LEDs compare to a normal incandescent light
A19: Miss Solar lights use LEDs (light emitting
diodes) for their light source, which are far
more efficient in their power consumption than
incandescent bulbs. Incandescent lamps expend
much of their energy in the form of heat dissipation
(85%), whereas LEDs waste relatively lit-tle energy
is Miss Solar light warranty?
A20: All Miss Solar Lights come with a 1-year warranty.
long will a solar panel last?
A21: A well-made panel will last for 20 to 25
years. If after this period the cover has started
to deteriorate, it is cheap to recover the panel
and it will operate for a similar period of time.
the products need direct sunlight?
A22: No. Ordinary daylight is all that's required,
as long as the product is placed so that the solar
panel is not obscured in any way, such as under
hedges or under roof overhang.
easy is it to install the lights?
A23: Couldn't be easier just unpack, follow the
simple assembly instructions. There are no wires
or cables to lay, so you can move the light
around the garden as you wish. Totally safe to
use ar- ound ponds asit's low voltage. No live
cables to become a hazard.
long do the lights stay on for?
A24: As a general rule solar lighting performs
best during the summer months-mainly because the
longer days enable a full charge to be achieved.
Adverse weather and short winter days do affect
performance, as charge times are reduced in relation
to hours of daylight and the stren- gth of the
light. Your solar light will always come on, but
the length of time may be reduced.
is the life span of solar lights?
A25: Our lights have been tested to 11,000 hours.
Replacement bulbs and batteries are available.
they require any maintenance?
A26: Only an occasional wipe to ensure optimal
performance of the solar panel.
other benefits are there?
A27: There are a number most notably all products
are running costs free! They are also environmentally
friendly with no external power supply.
long will they run at night?
A28: Solar products require direct sunlight for
maximum efficiency. Factors such as place- ment,
cloud cover and time of the year all affect nightly
lighting times. For best results, units should
be placed in open areas,away from bushes trees
or structures that cast shadows on the unit's
solar cell. Most units run up to 8 hours at night..
does solar outdoor lighting compete so well with
"electric wired" lighting?
A29: Solar outdoor lights may seem expensive before
the real costs of installing "electric wired"
lights are added up for the years of service
that are to be expected. Solar outdoor lights
have no charge for running wires or trenching,
no charge for putting in transformers and meters,
and no recurring electric bill.
will this product benefit both remodelers and
homeowners? Will it save money or energy? Is it
the latest style or trend? (This question is for
our Building & Commercial Series, such as
Light Emitting Paver and Ground Star)?
A30: These tiles will end up saving both money
and energy; plus, their simple beauty will quickly
become the latest style and trend. First, they
will save money, mainly in this respect: They
util- ize a new energy storage component. Unlike
rechargeable batteries, which must be replaced
every two to three years, these tiles use an energy
storage component, known as an ultra ca- pacitor,
which is guaranteed for at least ten years,and
may last almost indefinitely! Ultra capa- citors
are very efficient at storing and delivering energy,
but, unlike rechargeable batteries, their ability
to store and deliver that energy declines very
little with age and use; thus the tiles are almost
maintenance free for life. This means that they
can be permanently installed in unserviceable
locations and then forgotten about. In addition
to this, the ultra capacitors are made of non-hazardous
non-polluting materials, which present no environmental
hazards or human safety concerns. The solar cells
built into these tiles will gather enough energy,
even if not located in direct sunlight or on rainy
days, to power the lights for at least 12 hours.
So they also save energy because they do not need
to be connected to a manmade energy supply. They
are much easier to install than any other outside
lighting, since they do not need to be wired to
a power source; or have rechargeable batteries
replaced periodically. In addition to this, the
elegant beauty of their simple design and their
inviting soft glow will make them a we- lcome
addition to the decor of any garden, patio, driveway
or walkway. They will most certainly become both
the latest style and trend.