Solar panels are the most visible part of your solar system. There are many manufacturers worldwide, with widely varying quality, efficiency, reliability, warranty and output power. As an independent company, not tied to any manufacturer, REAL seeks out the very best product for your application. In particular, we ensure that panels for microFIT and FIT grid-tie systems meet the Ontario content requirements of the Ontario Power Authority and that suppliers are able to provide long-term warranty support for their product.
Traditionally, solar cells are constructed with crystalline silicon, which is also used in the semiconductor industry. Other solar cells are assembled by depositing amorphous silicon alloy. Solar cells constructed using amorphous silicon technology are more durable, efficient, and thinner than their crystalline counterparts.
Individual cells are assembled into solar panels with a continuous transparent face, cell-to-cell connections, a protective supporting layer, a junction box for external connection, and a rigid aluminum mounting frame. The final product is extremely strong, capable of supporting the weight of an installer or wind loads exceeding 80 miles per hour.
Different power levels are available, depending on the number of cells assembled into a frame. Power levels from 80 watts to 250 watts are commonly available, with panels used in grid-tie systems normally being in the 180 watt to 250 watt range.
Only a fraction of the energy in sunlight is converted to electrical energy by solar panels, as sunlight contains energy in a wide band of wavelengths and solar cells operate in a narrow band. Commercially available panels normally operate at between 11 and 15 percent efficiency. The remaining energy of sunlight is converted to heat, which will, over many years, cause damage to the silicon with loss of performance. For this reason, we use panels that are guaranteed to lose not more than one quarter of one percent performance per year over 20 years, and we take special care in mounting to ensure that there is good airflow under the panels to carry off heat.
While solar panels are highly visible, what is not obvious is that there is a complex supporting structure of standoffs and mounting rails that must be carefully attached to the structural members of a roof, the trusses or joists that are underneath the sheathing and shingles. The panels are extremely strong, but a poorly constructed mounting system will not withstand high wind loads. Also, extreme care must be taken to ensure that every screw that penetrates the roof membrane is completely sealed against water penetration under all load conditions. As experienced professional installers, we know how to deal with all kinds of roofing materials and we are obsessed with doing the job right.
Traditionally, solar cells are constructed with crystalline silicon, which is also used in the semiconductor industry. Other solar cells are assembled by depositing amorphous silicon alloy. Solar cells constructed using amorphous silicon technology are more durable, efficient, and thinner than their crystalline counterparts.
Individual cells are assembled into solar panels with a continuous transparent face, cell-to-cell connections, a protective supporting layer, a junction box for external connection, and a rigid aluminum mounting frame. The final product is extremely strong, capable of supporting the weight of an installer or wind loads exceeding 80 miles per hour.
Different power levels are available, depending on the number of cells assembled into a frame. Power levels from 80 watts to 250 watts are commonly available, with panels used in grid-tie systems normally being in the 180 watt to 250 watt range.
Only a fraction of the energy in sunlight is converted to electrical energy by solar panels, as sunlight contains energy in a wide band of wavelengths and solar cells operate in a narrow band. Commercially available panels normally operate at between 11 and 15 percent efficiency. The remaining energy of sunlight is converted to heat, which will, over many years, cause damage to the silicon with loss of performance. For this reason, we use panels that are guaranteed to lose not more than one quarter of one percent performance per year over 20 years, and we take special care in mounting to ensure that there is good airflow under the panels to carry off heat.
While solar panels are highly visible, what is not obvious is that there is a complex supporting structure of standoffs and mounting rails that must be carefully attached to the structural members of a roof, the trusses or joists that are underneath the sheathing and shingles. The panels are extremely strong, but a poorly constructed mounting system will not withstand high wind loads. Also, extreme care must be taken to ensure that every screw that penetrates the roof membrane is completely sealed against water penetration under all load conditions. As experienced professional installers, we know how to deal with all kinds of roofing materials and we are obsessed with doing the job right.
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Solar Panels
