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Frequently Asked Questions - Solar Photo-Voltaic Panels

What are Photo-Voltaic Panels ?

Do Photo-Voltaic Panels gather electricity constantly ?

Are all Photo-Voltaic Panels the same ?

What are Photo-Voltaic Panels ?

Photo-Voltaic ( or PV ) panels gather sunlight and convert it directly into electricity.  Traditionally , these devices have been ‘solid state’ silicon-based photocells.  Now we are seeing the emergence of new technologies that use the same processes as plants – gathering more energy over the day by using all light, not just direct sunlight that shines directly into the cell, at peak times of the day.

HPS will always uset the most efficient PV panels available.

Do Photo-Voltaic Panels gather electricity constantly ?

Because PV panels require light, they don’t operate in the dark.  Older, silicon-based, panels work best when sunlight is shining onto them at the optimum angle.  Newer technologies like high efficiency silicon, mono and multi crystalline structure provide more energy for lower cost than ever before, even when sunshine is at less than peak levels or optimum angles. As these new technologies become proven and cost effective, HPG will use them as well. 

It should be noted that whatever PV panels are selected for a particular installation, Hybridyne's Patent-pending Conversion/Inversion Technology ( CIT )  will deliver approximately 30% more annual yield from the same sunlight.

This is because most "inverters" ( the device that extracts the raw electricity from the panels and converts it to usable electricity to sell to the grid ) DO NOT operate well at less than perfect conditions.  Consequently, much of the electricity which should be harvested is wasted, because the inverter simply ignores it.

Hybridyne's CIT, on the other hand,  will deliver more electricity ( and thus more revenue ) because :

1. the electronics starts gathering electricity earlier in the day, before traditional "inverters" start

2. the system keeps gathering electricity later in the day, after traditional "inverters" shut down

3. all throughout the day, the CIT gathers electricity very efficiently

Are all Photo-Voltaic Panels the same ?

The commonly-available " main stream " types at the moment are :

• monocrystalline silicon
• polycrystalline silicon
• thin film

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.  We prefer the 'normal' silicon panels because thin film panels ( while less expensive ) are yet to be proven in efficiency and longetivity.

Regardless of the type, different manufacturers manufacture their panels differently, and the result is different levels of quality in :

• longevity - all panels degrade over time, but well-made panels can go many years without the degradation being significant, while low-cost panels often degrade significantly in the first few years .  Panels that degrade too quickly produce less electricity and are thus ultimately less financially attractive
• rating - all panels are given a 'power output rating' in watts which is supposed to express how many watts of power the panel will generate under perfect lighting conditions.  We have found that many panels are mis-rated, so the customer doesn't get as much output as he is paying for
• yield - some panels give a higher yield over a broader range of lighting conditions.  Since no day is 12 hours of perfect maximum illumination, the better a panel performs in 'marginal' light, the more electricity will be generated over a day/month/year

Hybridyne's practice is to always use PV panels that have the highest longevity and deliver the highest yield.  While better panels are more expensive, the increased electricity generated will more than offset any increased 'first cost' and give our clients a better return on their investment