Ultra-Thin Solar Panels - Harnessing the Power of the Sun on the Road

At the core of every solar panel are its photovoltaic cells which are made to convert light into a flow of electricity. When photons from the sunshine get into contact with the atoms they release the electrons which creates the electricity. These cells are sandwiched with a semi-conducting compound like Silicon which is often doped with Boron or Phosphorus to add extra electrons with a negative charge.

Phosphorus is usually put into the top layer whilst Boron is doped in the bottom silicone layer. With all these compounds and materials solar panels started out really thick compared to solar panels used today which range from 32mm to 40mm. As of recently the market has seen even thinner solar panels with a width of 22m including the protective frame whilst the panel inside is only 3mm thick. In the future we'll be able to use panels thinner than a single piece of hair.

Why Ultra-Thin Panels?

Compact

You can store them in a small compartment in your RV or any other vehicle since they are pretty slim. Ultra thin solar panels can be folded and they can also be carried like a suitcase thanks to a handle on the frame.

Quieter

If getting away from a busy city is your prime goal then thin solar panels are what you need, since they make less noise than a generator. You can enjoy nature's calming sounds and divine landscapes without being interrupted.

Fewer Emissions

There are also fewer emissions going out in the air when using ultra-thin panels. Solar panels in general are less pollutant than generators which unlike panels need to follow emissions guidelines. Although rare, generators can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Low Cost

Solar panels can easily last you for a decade despite the initial cost, but in recent years the price of solar panels has dropped significantly. You won't have to spend money on fuel or moving parts, once you got it that's it.

What To Consider

Temperature Coefficient & Hours of Sunshine
Solar panels experience what is called a temperature coefficient which results in a 0.3% power reduction per °C. This happens when the panel is exposed to a temperature above the ambient level of 25°C. But you also need to pay attention to your location and the number of hours the sun shines a day.

Angle

Positioning ultra thin solar panels is going to depend on your location in order to harness as much from the sun as you can. Angle plays a major role and it is not the same for people in Sydney and for people in Hobart for example. The angle of the panel will be the same as your longitude angle which can be determined pretty easily.

Energy Demands

Your panel will need to satisfy the need of your devices or to be more exact their respective wattage. To determine this you'll need to divide the wattage (W) by the voltage (V), which in this case is 12V. This will give you the current (A) of the appliance/ device which you will then multiply by the (approximate) number of hours you'll use it a day and you'll get its total power consumption for a day which is measured in Ah (amp hours). Your thin solar panels will need to top the total Ah of all of your devices.

Direction

The direction of your panel should be towards the opposite hemisphere or rather pole. Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere you should always position your thin solar panels towards the geographic north pole. Magnetic north is where the point of the magnetic field faces downwards whilst true (geographic) north is the point where the lines of longitude on the northern axis meet on a map.

Getting the Most Out of It

Check Connections

To keep ultra thin solar panels working at their best simply make sure you check the connections from time to time. These are usually Anderson connectors which need to be sprayed with electronic contact cleaner and blown with an air compressor – this will get rid of dust and gunk.

Avoid Voltage Drops

Make sure you have the regulator placed as close to the battery as you can to minimize its length and thus power losses. The extension cable needs to be long enough and of the right gauge so it is able to carry the current without there being an excessive voltage drop.

Keep it Clean

In order for your panels to work at their best their surface needs to be as clean as possible as any debris no matter how small, can affect efficiency. Even a small piece of a leaf can make a big difference. Clean the panel using warm water and a piece of soft cloth or a sponge, don't put a lot of pressure when wiping it and make sure it is cooled off before you start cleaning it.

Always use distilled water and never walk over the panel, just soap it and then remove the soap with a low pressure hose and leave it to dry for about 30 or 45 minutes. There are solutions specifically designed for cleaning solar panels which contain chemicals that won't harm the glass.