Sharp NU 245 watt Solar Panel
The new Sharp NU-E245W Monocrystalline Panel was recently released by Sharp, the UK's leading producer of Solar Panels. Sharp first began research into Solar Photovoltaics in the late 1950's, and began production in 1963. Since then it has produced hundreds of models of solar panels, most recently on the NU (monosrystalline) range. The new panel will give a peak output of 245w, slightly more than the Sharp NU 240W panel alternative.
The physical dimensions of the panel are 1662mm x 994mm (1.6 x .99m) - due to the 60 individual cells within the panel (15.5cm in each length). The modules are dark blue in colour following the same design as the Sharp solar range, and are covered with an anti-reflex, textured surface coating to increase light absorption and therefore panel yield. The mono crystalline silicon solar modules boast impressive efficiencies of up to 14.9%, and incorporate bypass diodes to minimise the loss in output when shading occurs.
The panels themselves are mounted on tempered white glass with a strong anodised aluminium frame with drainage holes - suited for long term use. The connector plug is weather-proof to ensure that it is safe for outdoor use.
Sharp pride them self in providing the best to the solar community. Solar PV panels have no working parts, so customers will find lengthy warranties on them. Each panel undergoes physical, electrical and visual inspection before leaving the factory. On this panel, Sharp give a 5 year product guarantee, a 10 year guarantee for a power output of at least 90%, and a 25 year guarantee for panel output of at least 80%. All of their details can be found on their website.
Because of the range of mounting options for the Sharp NU 245W, it is suitable for ground mounted, on roof, in roof and off grid solutions. A typical install of 10 panels would give a system peak of 2.45kWp - enough to power a large home during daytime hours. The panels are MCS accredited, so are suitable for government grants and feed-in tariffs for supplying excess energy to the national power grid.
Current retail prices (individually) for this solar panel are around 0 / 400, which means you get a good wattage per pound, from a trustworthy manufacturer. Other comparable PV panels are; Sanyo HIT 240 watt, Sharp NU 235 watt, Schott 235 watt and the 235 watt Kyocera panel.
When choosing an installer, if they are in the UK, ensure that they are MCS accredited for the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
QUESTION:
how do I clean my photovoltaic (solar) panels?
I have flat solar panels (like this http://www.sanyo.com/industrial/solar/index.cfm?productID=1232) mounted on my roof. Even after hosing them down, they still have a fine coating of pollen, etc. I really don't want to get onto the roof to clean them, so is there anything out there that will help me get them clean from the ground? Or something to make it easier if I do have to get up there?-
ANSWER:
If yours are covered in glass, like mine, try those window washer thingies that they use in gas stations. I know you will have to climb up there to use them, but it makes it quite easy and quick to clean...
-
-
QUESTION:
Need solar panel with standard 110 volt plug?
I have a Sanyo Ni-MH Battery Charger. It is made to plug into a standard household 110 volt plug. I need a solar panel that this can plug into.-
ANSWER:
Solar panel is DC, battery charger AC, incompatible, buy a solar charger.
-
-
QUESTION:
1.2V AA batteries on Flashlight that specifies 1.5v AA batteries?
I've ordered a Fenix LD20 flashlight. But as specified on amazon.com, "Uses two 1.5V AA (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium ) batteries".
I need/want rechargeable AA batteries, preferably that can be recharged with a USB adapter.
So what I have looked up is, amazon-title: "Sanyo Eneloop 2-AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries with USB Charger". From what I understand, these are 1.2V. Will my flashlight work and omit a sufficient amount of light (i.e. not less than 80% of normal) anyway with these batteries?Note: I am Norwegian - non-US, so whatever optional item you consider better must be available to me via eBay or other services with low shipping (Amazon has changed to extremely expensive, 100$ish shipping to Norway). And again: remember I need the USB charging option (I will be hiking for a long time, and I have an external battery with USB port + solar panel)
-
ANSWER:
Most primary (non-rechargeable) cells are 1.5 doesn't matter if they're AAA, AA, C, D.
"Most" rechargeables are 1.2. There is a slight difference in diameter usually (larger) - this normally has no effect, but I have one flashlight that rechargeables get stuck in - almost impossible to get out - don't force rechargeables into anything.Most anything a non-rechargeable works for a rechargeable will too. They have a shorter run time than a non-rechargeable. I don't see any difference in the brightness although common sense would tell you there should be some.
I have 100s of rechargeables that I use for everything from power tools to flashlights, guitar tuner to digital voice recorders, digital cameras to portable jobsite radios, and my mp3 player.
I do suggest you get an extra set of batteries - and yes any rechargeable battery will charge on any charger designed to recharge that model (AAA, AA, C, D) and chemical makeup battery - you must use a lithium battery charger for lithium batteries. My lithium chargers will charge NiMh and NiCad (don't use NiCad if you can avoid it - I have to for some power tools) - I'm not sure if all will or not - they're a bit hard to come by as are the batteries. A NiNhd charger will also charge NiCads but it will not charge Lithiums.
Lithiums are much better (longer runtime, longer shelf life) than Nickel Metal Hydride and are coming into the market place. I have a rechargeable lithium battery pack for a camera that is really just two AAs - but they cannot be taken apart. I also have some rechargeable CR123 lithium. So far they're hard to find and expensive (but still worth it).
I don't understand the "whatever optional item you consider better" thing - sorry. You stated that you "have an external battery with USB port and solar panel" - don't know what optional item you would need besides that.
You can order rechargeables/chargers off of eBay. Most any brand. There are also many cheap(er) Chinese made ones - I have found them to be good batteries but it takes a while to get them here (U.S.). Shipping was very reasonable and there were no customs charges (sent as "gift").
-
-
QUESTION:
Energy meter recommendations?
Hi allI'm about to sign up for a solar PV system (1.435kw using the Sanyo 205w HIT panels). Can't wait!
My question is, I'm really keen to not only see the energy production/useage, but to also capture it on my PC and hopefully even be able to broadcast it onto the web.
The inverter I'm using will be a SMA Sunnyboy 1.7kw. SMA make a whole range of gadgets to do that. Some of them are perfect in function (like their Web-Box + RS485), but are pretty expensive and perhaps overkill for a residential system. The one I'm looking at most seriously is their RS232.
And then there are stand alone devices like Wattson, Cent a Meter, and Efergy.
My question is, does anyone who has experience with any of these tools have an opinion on which way is the best to go? Or if you have a better way to do what I want, please let me know.
Cheers, and over to you...
-
ANSWER:
Dude. That is cool. There is a couple who put their whole installation journal on the web from Mamouth out in California. They were able to do it but their devices, costs and time to get there seemed difficult. So if you do what you want, you will definitely have problems. But like me, thats what makes our lives fun to live. So party on.I see your system is not integrated. This will be cheaper, but you will run into problems and replacements. Also connecting the feeds will sometimes blow cicuits and crap causing inconvienience.
But hang in there. Eventually, the standards will kick in and the patents will be more plentiful driving the costs down.
-