Using Flexible Solar Panels To Power Marine Batteries
February 18th, 2012Harnessing the energy from the sun is not a new technology although recent improvements have been made to make it suitable for use in a wider range of devices. Solar panels are employed to convert sunlight into electricity. These panels work due to photovoltaic effect wherein the photons that strike its surface knock the electrons off their orbit to release energy that is changed by a p-n diode into electrical current. This principle likewise applies to flexible solar panels which are made from thin yet strong materials. The manufacture of these panels is different because a thin film of amorphous silicon is deposited on the panel’s surface instead of mounting individual polycrystalline solar cells and framing it. Since this type of panels is pliable, minimal storage space is required because you can roll them up when not in use. Flexible solar panels generally have low voltage so its common application involves supplying electricity to battery chargers. At present, researchers are conducting studies to enable a cost-effective way of producing higher efficiency flexible panels.
Since solar energy is renewable, more people are finding ways of maximizing its use in personal and commercial settings. One practical function is charging batteries for vehicles. Boats for instance have marine batteries that deliver the required starting power in the engine. In order for these devices to work longer, solar energy can be collected via flexible panels to power marine battery chargers. About 4 watts or less are produced in the process but since marine chargers do not eat up a lot of electricity, this amount of energy will suffice. Take note though to use marine battery chargers suitable for the intended application. In this way, risk of overheating and other probable damage to the batteries are avoided.