Thanks everyone for the feedback!
Thinking that the manu's can space cells accordingly on the surface of the
glass and create whatever % light the end user wants to seep through.
The % of light must slide between 5-15%, depending on manu's specs.
Architecture can meet solar and increase the applicability of the products.
Perhaps someday, they can make the cells see-through (or almost), like
glass.......? Now that opens up possibilities!
Aloha,
Keith
________________________________
From: Phil Undercuffler <solarp...@gmail.com>
To: Keith Cronin <electrich...@yahoo.com>; RE-wrenches
<re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: Bill Brooks <billbroo...@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 9:18 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Bifacial modules
We've got an array of Silicon Energy modules "out back," and in the interests
of scientific discovery and procrastinating from what I really am supposed to
be doing, Kelly, Seth and I just ran a few experiments to see if we can
quantify the amount of irradiation that makes it through the array.
Using a Kyocera module as our reference, we measured ISC with the module in the
plane of the array, then moved the module to the same orientation but
approximately 12 feet behind and in the shade of the SE array, and again
measured ISC. Sun conditions were light wispy clouds, guesstimated 800 W/M2
(pretty darned good for Arlington WA this time o' year), 10:30 local time. We
measured 5.9A ISC in front of the array, and 610 milliamps when in the shade
the array, leading us to say that just over 10% of the available sun will make
it to your orchids.
It should be noted that there is a opaque backing behind each SE cell, so the
only light that makes it through is through the intercell gaps. I've used
Sanyo doubles before, and in those modules the cells are slightly translucent,
so the sun is somewhat visible through the body of the cell itself as well --
sort of like looking through very dark sunglasses. In either case, the
illumination on objects behind the array is a dappled, dynamic light. As Bill
says, it's pretty cool from an aesthetic point of view. My personal .02 is
that there is no finer place to put an array than a shade structure using clear
modules. It keeps everything off the roof, gives shade and makes for a premium
installation option.
Phil
-----------
"When we learn how to store electricity, we will cease being apes ourselves;
until then we are tailless orangutans. You see, we should utilize natural
forces and thus get all of our power. Sunshine is a form of energy, and the
winds and the tides are manifestations of energy. Do we use them? Oh, no! We
burn up wood and coal, as renters burn up the front fence for fuel. We live
like squatters, not as if we owned the property.
There must surely come a time when heat and power will be stored in unlimited
quantities in every community, all gathered by natural forces."
-- Thomas Edison --
On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 7:48 PM, Keith Cronin <electrich...@yahoo.com> wrote:
Bill
>
>
>Appreciate the feedback. One of the questions that I'm seeking to determine-
>how much light will filter through the spaces between the cells to the surface
>below?
>
>
>Lets say for someone that wants to grow orchids- they need low light, as an
>example.
>
>
>Wondering how much light is diffused through the panels to be able to do
>things like grow orchids and or have filtered light to work?
>
>
>As an example: Do any of you have irradiance measurements on any carports that
>have done bifacials and determined how many watts sq m are below?
>
>
>Keith
>
>
>________________________________
>From: Bill Brooks <billbroo...@yahoo.com>
>To: 'Keith Cronin' <electrich...@yahoo.com>; 'RE-wrenches'
><re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
>Sent: Tuesday, November 1, 2011 11:44 AM
>Subject: RE: [RE-wrenches] Bifacial modules
>
>
>
>Keith,
>
>This is easy to test. Simple take an irradiance sensor, turn it upside-down
>and test the irradiance on the bottom surface of any PV array. It will vary
>greatly based on exposure to reflected light and so on, but it will rarely be
>above 100 W/m^2. 10% improvement is an absolute maximum for any bifacial
>technology, and that is on the high side. Any claims above 10% are ignoring
>the physics of sunlight, reflectance of typical materials, and PV.
>
>Nothing wrong with bi-facials. They are beautiful to look at. I would buy them
>based on aesthetics, not on performance.
>
>Bill.
>
>From:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin
>Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2011 1:04 PM
>To: RE-Wrenches
>Subject: [RE-wrenches] Bifacial modules
>
>Hi
>
>Was wondering if any of you have installed bifacial modules and know what the
>% of light that comes through to a surface below the modules?
>
>Looking for a canopy type of installation/ application and wondered if you
>have any #'s?
>
>Thank you~
>
>Aloha,
>Keith
>
>
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