Nowadays, there are still a lot of famous companies offering the panels all over the world. My questions is, how could I figure out what is the difference between two big companies for the same type modules? For example, Sunpowe and Shott, the same type, what is the difference should I pay more attention and decide to choose?

Thanks so much for reply.

Best wishes.

Helen

Usually, its the cell efficiency. You can have a higher output from a solar panel, in a smaller area. Also, Sunpower cells are the most efficient in the world, and are mono crystalline cells, Schott uses polycrystalline cells. Monocrystaline cells have higher effeciencies at lower light levels.

Thanks so much, TonyB.

I have seen so many articles show that in US the people prefer the solar panels from Sunpower. Of course , I am not sure about the real price for Sunpower panels.

And how do you think the panels from Chinese Manufacturerers such as Suntech or Yingli as they are all listed company in stock market, which means that they could guareetee the warranty as well.?

Thanks again.

Best wishes.

What a great project! My son and I have created the solar cell using copper flashing. We have a few questions regarding what is actually taking place and would like more information.

1. With our multi-meter we connected the black lead to the cuprous oxide sheet and connected the red lead to the copper sheet. Our test results always showed a negative value, why?
2. can you direct us to a web site that has a visualization (diagram, graphs, schematic, etc.) of what is taking place.
3. we noticed when we took the plates out of the salt water solution and were still holding them in our hands we were still getting a read out on the multi-meter. Is this because we became the conductor of electricity?
4. Beside the amount of light hitting the cuprous oxide what is controling the amount of generated electricity? Is it the size of the plates? Is it the amount salt water? Is it the distance between the two plates?
5. We made two solar cells in jars. one is generating more energy than the other. They are the same size but one was "cooked" a little (3-5min) longer than the other, could this be why?
6. We could generate up to .117volts and 185microamps. This is considerably more than what you were generating. Does this sound possible?

Thanks for your help!