Solar Panels for Industrial Applications

We specialize in solar power packages for oil and natural gas pipeline monitoring and automation systems, telecommunications industry, traffic signals, water pumping, off-grid residential electricity, remote instrumentation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs).

To make finding the best system for your needs faster and easier, we provide an online sizing program to determine the amount of solar power you'll need for your particular application.

Solar Panels by Brand

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About Solar Panels

Solar energy begins with the sun. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics, are used to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called "photons", into electricity that can be used to power elecrical loads. Light from the sun is a renewable energy resource which provides clean energy, produced by solar panels.

Solar panels can be used for a wide variety of applications including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and of course for the production of electricity by residential and commercial solar panel systems.

On this page, we will discuss the history, technology, and benefits of solar panels. We will learn how solar panels work, how solar panels are made, where you can buy solar panels, and how solar panels create electricity.

A Short History of Solar Panels

The development of solar energy goes back more than 100 years. In the early days, solar power was used primarily for the production of steam which could be used to drive machinery. But it wasn't until the discovery of the "photovoltaic effect" by Henri Becquerel that would allow the conversion of sunlight solar electric energy. Becquerel's discovery then led to the invention in 1893 by Charles Fritts of the first genuine solar cell which was formed by coating sheets of selenium with a thin layer of gold. And from this humble beginning would arise the device we know today as the solar panel.

Russel Ohl, an American inventor on the payroll of Bell Laboratories, patented the world's first silicon solar cell in 1941. Ohl's invention led to the production of the first solar panel in 1954 by the same company. The new-fangled solar panels found their first mainstream use in space satellites. For most people, the first solar panel in their life was probably embedded in their new calculator - circa the 1970s!

Today, solar panels and complete solar panel systems are used to power a wide variety of applications. Yes, solar panels in the form of solar cells are still being used in calculators. However, they are also being used to provide solar power to entire homes and commercial buildings, such as Google's headquarters in California.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert that light into electricity which can then be used to provide power for electrical loads. Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells which are themselves composed of layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge). Solar panels absorb the photons and in doing so initiate an electric current. The resulting energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their atomic orbits and released into the electric field generated by the solar cells which then pull these free electrons into a directional current This entire process is known as the Photovoltaic Effect.

An average home has more than enough roof area for the necessary number of solar panels to produce enough solar electricrity to supply all of its power needs. Assisted by an inverter, a device that converts the direct current (or DC current), generated by a solar panel into alternating current (or AC current), solar panel arrays can be sized to meet the most demanding electrical load requirements. The AC current can be used to power loads in your home or commercial building, your recreational vehicle or your boat (RV/Marine Solar Panels), your remote cabin or home, and remote traffic controls, telecommunications equipment, oil and gas flow monitoring, RTU, SCADA, and much more.

The Benefits of Solar Panels

Using solar panels is a very practical way to produce electricity for many applications. The obvious would have to be off-grid living. Living off-grid means living in a location that is not serviced by the main electric utility grid. Remote homes and cabins benefit nicely from solar power systems. No longer is it necessary to pay huge fees for the installation of electric utility poles and cabling from the nearest main grid access point. A solar electric system is potentially less expensive and can provide power for upwards of three decades if properly maintained.

Besides the fact that solar panels make it possible to live off-grid, perhaps the greatest benefit that you would enjoy from the use of solar power is that it is both a clean and a renewable source of energy. With the advent of global climate change, it has become more important that we do whatever we can to reduce the pressure on our atmosphere from the emission of greenhouse gases. Solar panels have no moving parts and require little maintenance. They are ruggedly built and last for decades when porperly maintained.

Last, but not least, of the benefits of solar panels and solar power is that, once a system has paid for its initial installation costs, the electricity it produces for the remainder of the system's lifespan, which could be as much as 15-20 years depending on the quality of the system, is absolutely free! For grid-tie solar power system owners, the benefits begin from the moment the system comes online, potentially eliminating monthy electric bills or, and this is the best part, actually earning the system's owner additional income from the electric company. How? If you use less power than your solar electric system produces, that excess power can be sold, sometimes at a premium, to your electric utility company!

There are many other applications and benefits of using solar panels to generate your electricity needs - too many to list here. But as you browse our website, you'll gain a good general knowledge of just how versatile and convenient solar power can be.

Where can I buy solar panels?

Well, right here on this website, of course!

Our solar panel brands include the most respected manufacturers in the solar panel business. These brands include such names as BP Solar, General Electric, and Sharp, among others. We feature only the highest quality solar panels from manufacturers with a proven track record in solar panel technology. With over 30 years in the solar panel business, you can be sure that at MrSolar.com, we know solar panels!

Mr Solar 1-110 Watts - MrSolar.com Brand, high performance multi-cyrstaline cells featuring high energy yields in a wide variety of climates. Built strong with anodized aluminum frame providing for easy mounting.

Solar Panels by Price - See our selection of solar panels available in your price range.

Volume Discounts - We sell a variety of solar panel models in assorted quantities. Perfect for arrays or for multiple remote or off-grid deployments such as for oil and gas pipeline, remote seurity lighting and cameras, or telecommunications equipment.

Global Solar Flex - Flexible solar panels are just that - flexible. They are popular due to their ease of use, portability, and versatility. Flexible solar panels are the idea solution when you need a portable power system that you can take anywhere. Also, flexible solar panels are lightweight and can be folded or rolled-up and easily stowed for hiking, camping, and travel.

XC3 International - As the world of business and technology changes, XC3i is committed to keep up with business solutions and cutting edge technologies that provide professional personnel, market intelligence, and products for the emerging photovoltaic industry. As specialists in the solar electric business, we at XC3i are focused on providing products and services that meet the demanding requirements of a fast paced changing world.

BP Solar - BP Solar is a global company with over 2200 employees focused on harnessing solar energy to produce solar power for electricity. We design, manufacture and market solar electric systems for homeowners, businesses and governments.

General Electric - GE solar electric power systems and products offer high quality, reliable power generation technology for residential, commercial and industrial applications. By partnering with the sun, solar energy can supply local power for on-and off-grid applications with zero noise pollution and air emissions.

Sharp - Sharp is the #1 manufacturer of solar cells worldwide with nearly as much generating capacity as the next three largest manufacturers combined. Our residential solar systems give families the ability to generate their own electricity from the inexhaustible energy of the sun - with no harmful emissions. They are cost-effective, quiet, attractive, safe, and reliable, with only minimal maintenance required over their long operational life. They are the right choice for your home and the right choice for the environment. It is no wonder why so many homeowners are making the move to Sharp Solar.

SolarWorld - The plant is located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, only a few miles away from the Pacific Ocean. It has been in operation for 30 years, producing solar wafers, cells and panels for worldwide distribution.

Sanyo - SANYO is developing clean energy products while maintaining harmony with the global environment. Solar energy, rechargeable batteries, non-fluorocarbon refrigeration, non-CFC air-conditioning and biomedical equipment, electric vehicle power solutions, fuel cells and a research project on worldwide solar power use are areas in which SANYO leads as an environmentally conscientious company.

Uni-Solar - As the world leader in thin film solar technologies and the manufacture of thin film solar electric modules and laminates, we offer the most cost-effective and reliable solution to our customers to supplement their energy needs from solar electricity.

Mitsubishi Electric - Environmentally friendly, Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic systems are used throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences, business, power-generation plants, schools, factories and areas without access to electricity, as well as other applications such highway and stadium lighting.

Photon Solar Panels - The PV manufacturing facility at Photon with annual capacity of 10MW, has the latest equipment required for the production and testing of PV modules and PV systems.

SunWize Solar - From manufactured specialty modules to prepackaged units to site installed systems to an extensive component inventory, SunWize meets your power needs using photovoltaic (PV) technology. Our solar electric systems supply reliable power where and when you need it. We design our products and systems for maximum efficiency and minimum on-site construction time and operation costs.

Suntech Solar - As a leading solar energy company worldwide, Suntech is passionately committed to delivering innovative energy solutions to our customers through a lasting partnership in order to build a brighter and sustainable future.

SolCharger - Lightweight and durable, SunWize SolCharger modules are designed to perform in any environment and for any remote power application. Instead of the standard glass surface, a polymer coating produces a module that is impact resistant and flame retardant. The polymer allows maximum light transmission to the single crystalline cells for high efficiency operation. SolChargers are easy to integrate into load equipment since there is no need for a metal frame, creating a smaller profile than other modules.

ALPS - A complete range of modules from 70 to 230 W made of glass/Tedlar®, guaranteed for 20 years* and which meet the most demanding international standards in terms of quality.