Solar thermal panels are rated with efficiencies ranging from 50% to 78%, producing about 1000 BTUs per square foot per day - or 290 Watt-Hours per day per square foot. Electric solar panels have efficiencies ranging from 11%-15% and produce about 12 watts per square foot - or 72 Watt-Hours per day per square foot. Also, electric panels typically cost more than thermal panels. For the same financial investment, a thermal system produces 5 times more energy than an electric system.

an approximate rule of thumb one 2.5sq mtr flat panel collector will provide nearly 1000kWh of free energy per year. In the summer months the panels can produce temperatures of well over 100 degrees C, depending on circulation flow rates

Yes. According to an article published by the national renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today's solar panels will produce as much energy as it takes to make them in about four years.

Eye Saver is efficient because it controls light from escaping through the top of the bulb, thereby directing more light (than a standard incandescent bulb of similar wattage) onto the work surface. (back to top) Eye Saver gives off the same amount of heat as a conventional incandescent bulb of similar wattage. (back to top)

The type of fabric, core material, wall surface, design layout, and size of the job are all factors that will determine cost. Most fabrics range in price from $6.50 to $30 a yard; core materials can run from $0.25 to $3.00 per square foot. A complex layout that has many obstacles, such as, windows or electrical outlets will add to the price. Panel height, layout, vertical/horizontal seams, and the substrate to which the panels are installed on (drywall, stucco, block, concrete, etc.

The performance of a photovoltaic array is dependent upon sunlight. Climate conditions (e.g., clouds, fog) have an effect on the amount of solar energy received by a PV array and, in turn, its performance. Most current technology crystalline photovoltaic modules are about 12 to 13 percent efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. Some modules provide as much as 20 to 21 percent efficiency. Further research is being conducted to raise this efficiency to 23+ percent.

This is by far the most asked question and the most difficult to answer. There are just too many variables. A simple rectangular home without many interior log walls would be considerably less per square foot for a similar size home with interior log walls, additional corners, stairs and handrails, etc.

A square is an area of 100 square feet. This, however, is not coverage square feet. Many years ago, the industry elected to calculate these 100 square feet on the total out-to-out width of the panel. For example, a 3' coverage, screw-down panel is figured to be 3.19 feet wide. Other panels, such as standing seam or architectural types figure squares by actual coverage of the panels. Hey, we didn't write the rules, we just follow them!

The size of a Solar PV panel is measured according to the number of electrical units it can produce under ideal conditions. The smallest system size usually installed on a domestic property is 1 kilowatt peak (kWp). This means that under optimum conditions, the Nu-lok Solar PV system will produce 1000 watts at any given time. In the UK, a 1 kWp system is expected to produce at least 750 kWh (kilowatt hours) every year.

Yes. According to an article published by the national renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today's solar panels will produce as much energy as it takes to make them in about four years.

this time, we do not have solar panels that store energy for use at night or during cloudy conditions. We are, however, working constantly at getting high quality solar products to increase our selection. We are aware that this is an in-demand item and hope to have them available very soon. Please check back with us. For more information about Solar Fountains, please visit the About Solar Fountains section of our Buyer's Guide.

Although there are rare exceptions to the rule, most solar panels are either bolted to or mounted on the existing roofing material and must be removed before a new roof can be installed. Because solar panels are charged using a type of antifreeze, they will have to be removed and reinstalled by a licensed plumber who can insure that the job is accomplished properly.

The panels are made in the USA. The fabric is made in South Korea, and the panels are assembled in the USA.

Absolutely! NexGen's patented interlocking flange creates ultra strong joints that are impervious to air infiltration. When a sprayed application of polyurethane insulation is used, an R-Value in excess of 12 is achieved!

Buy one with an ENERGY STAR® Label. ENERGY STAR® Homes are designed to use at least 30 percent less energy than required by the national Model Energy Code. To achieve ENERGY STAR® status, a home must be validated by a Home Energy Rater - a certified, third party inspector who audits and tests the home. Home buyers can also save money on their mortgages. ENERGY STAR® Mortgages give home buyers easier access to preferred financing.

This is mainly about avoiding heat loss (see above), but you can add heat exchangers (with appropriate filters to prevent them getting clogged up) for added efficiency. These take a high proportion of the heat from discarded air and use it to warm the new fresh air supply. Venue operators have a duty of care to workers under Health and Safety regulations. A casino worker recently won an out-of-court settlement of around £50,000.

Depending on the available sun shine the ecological payback is less then two years. Typical conversion rates of solar modules are 12 to 15%, meaning that 15% of the energy that falls onto the module’s surface area is converted into DC power. Even at 12% the overall energy generated by the cells over the expected life span of 50 years is a tiny fraction of the energy used to build all components of the system.

Equals a square 12 inches on each side and can be any thickness. It is typically used to measure engineered panel products that are less than 1" thick, including plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard and oriented strand board.

The array size you need depends on your average electrical usage, climate, roof angle, shading problems and many other factors. To approximate the array size you need, multiply your average daily electrical demand in kilowatt-hours by 0.25. The result is the approximate size of solar array, in kilowatts, needed to meet your electrical demand.