The newest solar panels are designed to have an even longer life expectancy than the older models as older panels have a tendency turn brown in the clear substrate that the solar cells are mounted in. This discoloring reduces their power output. Utilizing new plastics in the construction of panels has all but eliminated this discoloration. Advances in new solar panel technology have been in the area of power density with the newest panels being the same size as the older panels, but producing more power per square foot.Older panel arrays usually made either 12 volts or 24 volts, and you’d use multiple panels in series for 48 volt home power systems. Now that 48 volt systems are the norm and 12 volt systems are becoming very rare, high-voltage panels are commonly available, running at 65 volts or more. The higher voltage results in a much more efficient array due to lower line losses. These panels can’t be connected directly to a battery bank, they will require a different type of controller.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers. These new controllers can increase the output of any solar panel by 15-20 percent by trading volts for amps (and vice versa) to adjust the array output to changing conditions (clouds, snow on the ground, the angle of the sun). They also accept high voltage input directly, so we are frequently seeing 100-135 volt solar arrays. You then simply tell the MPPT controller what voltage your battery bank runs at, and it automatically adjusts your array. The results are greatly increased output on overcast days, and greatly increased output when the sun is not hitting the panels at an optimum angle. MPPT makes expensive mechanical trackers less and less cost effective. Please be aware that geographical location can and will determine overall efficiency.
Solar roof shingles. These inexpensive solar panels don’t make as much power as their big brothers. But because of the price and simplicity of the rack used for mounting and wiring them, you can cover your entire roof with panels (or at least the south-facing part).
University of Toronto researchers have developed a spray on photovoltaic materials using nanoparticles sensitive to infrared rays. This spray has the potential to allow the creation of solar cells that can harness five times more of the sun’s energy. See report.
For large commercial solar projects, OKSolar offers products, design and support that are being used to supply power to remote hospitals, military installations and other large remote sites.
Additional report on trough design advancements. Parabolic Trough Solar Field Technology
