Solar panels or photovoltaic modules are assembled with crystalline or silicone based cells that form a module or panel.  The modules or panels are specifically designed to absorb the sun's photovoltaic properties. Typically there are multiple solar panels that make up a solar system, but universally they all send the DC Power to either an inverter or charge controller.  This depends on whether you are constructing a “grid tied” system or an “off grid” system.  A grid tied system’s inverter converts the DC Power to usable AC power and an off grid system keeps the power in DC form, but evenly distributes the power to batteries for storage and later usage.  These are the primary systems that are sold for solar systems.  Each type of system is capable of having a “battery back-up”.

Solar panels are a relatively simple piece of equipment, because they are only used to capture sunlight. There are only a few questions one has to answer when finding the proper solar panels to suit your needs.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Is my goal to reduce my electric bill or to have electricity in the event of a power failure?
• Do I want to mount my system on my roof or on the ground?
• How much power do I want to generate?

Once you have answered the previous questions you are ready to make a decision of whether to use solar panel modules or thin film laminate.

Solar Panels are mounted on both roof tops and ground mount systems and can even be used with solar tracking devices so the panels are always pointing directly at the sun.

Thin film is typically used on a flat metal roof and one particular brand interlocks so the laminate can be made water tight and provide shading.  Thin film can also be used on a “Membrane” surface which is a type of “PVC Plastic” that is generally used on flat commercial roof tops.  The thin film sticks to the surface of the roof and varies in length and width.