Comments (0)

By admin, May 31, 2009 4:41 am

how are solar cells (photo voltaic) effected but heat (potentially in /under a ‘green house’)?

Say I want to put some solar cells (cells) on a velomobile (bike). the cells are flat and I want to make the body of the bike with curves. the cells would likely end up under some clear plastic (lexan?) which would likely create some sort of green house effect on the cells.
At what point is this a concern ?
That is if I ride in 95 degrees fahrenheit ,about 35 degrees centigrade, is this gonig to hurt the cells ability to collect solar energy or would it help?
What if I try using a Fresnel lens instead of lexan?
On the flip side at what point would cooling help or hurt?
What can I do to maximize solar energy gain while keeping it simple (i.e. the cell do not tilt to maximize gain but are fixed firmly to the bike)?

Place the cells inside somewhere where they can be solidly mounted. Then use a concentrator where a large collection window can be focused directly on the cells increasing the amount of energy they put out. Someone once said you could by this method get close to 80% more power than if they were just mounted in open sunlight.

World’s First LEED Home: Solar Panels – buildaroo.com

Black Magic, Insta Cling, Jumbo 5% – 1-Pack $11.83 The Auto Expressions Professional Tint Film offers a quality window tint for cars, trucks, vans and home use. This film applies easily by just pressing on and holds instantly by static cling with no glue required. Removable and reusable, the window tints come in various shades and degrees of darkness. The lower the number, the darker the film. For professional-looking installation, all you need is…

Sunforce 11240 1000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Remote Control $191.73 The Sunforce 11240 1000-Watt Pro Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power into clean, stable AC power that is ideal for running home appliances, pumps, and motors. It provides 2000 Watts of peak surge power to get your gear started, and 1000 Watts of continuous power to keep it running. Pure Sine Wave inversion guarantees optimum compatibility with sensitive equipment, computers, motors, t…

Sunforce 11260 2500 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter $449.23 The Sunforce 11260 2500-Watt Pro Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power into clean, stable AC power that is ideal for running home appliances, pumps, and motors. It provides 5000 Watts of peak surge power to get your gear started, and 2500 Watts of continuous power to keep it running. Pure Sine Wave inversion guarantees optimum compatibility with sensitive equipment, computers, motors, t…

Intermatic WH21 Electric Water Heater Timer $41.29 25A, Water Heater Timer, Electric, External Switch, On/Off Indicator Light, Single Pole, Single Throw, 6,250W, 250V….

Sunforce 81096 Solar Shed Light $21.90 Super – handy Solar Shed Lamp! Easily adds illumination to any outdoor space, including garages, greenhouses, barns and gazebos. Compact solar panel power source means no messy wiring and a clean, “green” power source that will never run out! Solar cell drinks up enough sun energy during the day to power the Light for up to two continuous hours come nightfall! Installs easily with included mountin…

The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling $15.74 Passive solar heating and passive cooling—approaches known as natural conditioning—provide comfort throughout the year by reducing, or eliminating, the need for fossil fuel. Yet while heat from sunlight and ventilation from breezes is free for the taking, few modern architects or builders really understand the principles involved. Now Dan Chiras, author of the popular book “The Natural Hous…

The Earth Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book $20.54 The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book is the first to promote the benefits of both passive solar energy and earth sheltering in greenhouse design. This combination results in greenhouses which need no additional heating. The captured sun s energy and that which is stored in the earth is enough for successful year round harvest. Gone are costly heating bills. Gone is the squander of non-renewab…

Got Sun? Go Solar, Expanded 2nd Edition: Harness Nature’s Free Energy to Heat and Power Your Grid-Tied Home $12.35 This straight-talking book cuts through the green energy hype and explains how grid-connected homeowners can be smart about their energy future. Solar and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar techniques and geothermal heating/cooling will enable homeowners to become self-sufficient while protecting themselves from rising utility rates and grid blackouts. With financial in…

Quake Kare Emergency Thermal Blankets (4 Pack) $2.89 This compact blanket provides warmth (retains and reflects up to 90 of body heat), a waterproof and windproof shelter barrier, and a covering to help reduce shock when someone is injured. Emergency thermal blanket to be used as emergency shelter. Also great for camping, hiking, and surviving the cold outdoors. Excellent as liner of sleeping bag….

Gila LES361 Heat Control Residential Window Film, Platinum, 36-Inch by 15-Feet $25.00 36″ x 15′ Insulating Retains up to 55% winter heating Reflects up to 70% summer heat Reduces up to 99% UV rays Safe for duel panes Covers approximately two patio doors, seven 24″ X 36″ windows. Platinum Boxed…