Tigrinya Version

Energy to "Enlighten"

Table of Contents

1. The different types of silicon
2. Can I use a PV system for cooking & water heating ?
3. What sort of maintenance must I carry out on my system ?
4. What happens if I use the loads for longer hours or add some loads ?
5. What is the difference between a solar panel and a solar module ?
6. Can I use a normal car battery in my solar system ?

1. The different types of silicon

The two most common types of solar module available commercially are those manufactured using crystalline silicon and those using amorphous silicon. The process of manufacturing amorphous silicon (sometimes called thin film) is simpler and cheaper than the process for crystalline silicon. Amorphous silicon however is about half as efficient at converting light to electrical energy as crystalline silicon. For this reason amorphous solar modules are larger and heavier than crystalline modules for the same power rating. Furthermore, amorphous silicon tends to degrade faster than crystalline over time so the manufacturers warranty offered is shorter. 

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2. Cooking & Water Heating

Photovoltaic (Solar Electric) Energy is ideally suited to low power requirements. Higher power demands such as cooking and water heating are best met by more economical alternatives such as bottled gas and solar thermal systems. In contrast to solar electric systems which utilise visible light to generate electricity, solar thermal systems use the sun's heat to directly heat water or cook food. 

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3. What sort of maintenance must I carry out on my system ?

Apart from using your loads for the approximate daily durations specified, there is no maintenance to be carried out on these systems once they have been installed correctly. If the solar module gets very dusty it should be cleaned with a wet cloth. The battery is sealed and maintenance free and should have a service life of at least five years if the system is used as recommended. The PL light tubes have several thousand hours lifetime and will give years of service before requiring replacement. 

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4. What happens if I use the loads for longer hours or add some loads  ?

This will have the effect of draining your battery more than it is designed for and the solar module will be unable to replenish the daily discharge. This means that within a week or so you will find your loads cutting out after shorter and shorter periods of use and you will end up a frustrated solar user. Correct system design at the start is essential for long term sustainable operation. Please contact us for your specific requirements if different from our standard systems.

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5.What is the difference between a solar panel and a solar module ?

None whatsoever ! They are interchangeable terms for the solar generator. A group of solar modules or panels connected together is known as a solar array.

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6. Can I use a normal car battery in my solar system

Yes you can but .............................

• It will require topping up with clean, distilled water at least once per month
• It will last only from one to two years depending on how heavily you use your loads because vehicle batteries are not designed and constructed for regular deep discharges
• Vehicle batteries and designed and constructed to supply large currents for short periods to start a motor then are recharged quickly and immediately by the motor alternator
• Solar batteries are designed and constructed to supply small currents for long periods and to be recharged slowly by a solar module

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