Solar Panels on your roof and where else? (part two)

Earlier in the week we looked at Solar Panels in the Transportation Industry, this time around we will take a look at other commercial scale concepts/ideas that take into consideration the advantages offered by the different types of solar cells (mono/multi/amorphous silicon).

When thinking about solar powered applications or devices people usually think about solar panels on top of roof’s, solar panels on remote telecommunication towers or even solar panels on anemometers out at sea. However, as photovoltaics get cheaper, people are becoming more creative with how solar power can be used to substitute some of our daily and ordinary habits.

Take for example, the Wireless Outdoor Speakers from the UK which seeks to replace the need for extension wires or batteries for a portable sound system.

It uses mono-crystalline solar cells to recharge the batteries inside the device and allows you to play music wherever you want. The wireless feature allows you to keep your ipod or mp3 device upto 150 feet away from the speakers.

Another example, called the ‘Solar Bonzai Tree‘ uses ambient light to charge any device that is plugged into it’s ‘roots.’ In the image it is attached to an apple charging dock but there are several options instead of this.

This device is not as practical as a solar panel on your roof however with its aesthetic appeal and direct charging mechanism it makes it a tempting Christmas gift. The solar cells on this will look more familiar to people, as this is a multi-crystalline solar cell, due to its popularity amongst manufacturers.

The following device is attempting to replace battery operated toothbrushes and toothpaste! Instead of using toothpaste it will use the electrons that are generated by an amorphous silicon solar cell, embedded into a toothbrush, to help clean/remove the acid, bacteria and plaque from your mouth.

It is still in the trial phase however the concept is something that makes people wonder what else can one do with the electrons that are generated by solar cells.

These devices each utilize different advantages of each type of solar cell, Mono/Multi and Amorphous Silicon however, when it comes to choosing whether you want mono-crystalline, multi-crystalline or amorphous silicon for your rooftop talk to us about how you can maximize your benefits.

Written by Prateek Chourdia

MEngSc – Photovoltaics and Solar Energy, UNSW

Solar Energy Analyst

Solar Choice

© 2010 Solar Choice Pty Ltd

Source:

Solar Bonzai Tree

http://www.behance.net/Gallery/PhotonSynthesis/121180

Wireless Outdoor Speakers

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/06/12/wireless-outdoor-speaker-also-solar-powered/

Solar Powered Toothbrush

http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html?id=df82688a-4ef9-4334-943c-ecfe3b4cd3b7&k=99762