Solar Panels -- The Engine of your system

Solar Panels are sometimes referred to as PV Panels or modules, which as the name implies (photo meaning “light” and voltaic meaning “electricity”), convert sunlight directly into electricity. A panel is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame, which can then be grouped together to form a Solar PV system.

­Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely.

PV cells also all have one or more electric field that acts to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off for external use, say, to power a home or business. This current, together with the cell’s voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.

That’s the basic process !! From here it gets a bit more technical as there are three primary technologies namely mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline and thin film.

We recognise the need to offer all three technologies so have tried to focus on two key drivers namely quality and value for money. Our first priority is to ensure we are dealing with reputable manufacturers that will be around to honour warranty commitments, this has and always will be the most important factor. There is a significant consolidation of manufacturers going on at present and a number of smaller players will struggle to stay above water as they are reliant on supply of poly silicon, wafers or cells from other companies. A number of key markets in Europe will determine the level of consolidation but it is happening regardless.

The second is to align ourselves with brands that offer value for money and a solid road map for reducing prices. This as we know will ensure the long sustainability of our industry and our individual businesses.

The core products have been separated into categories below:

True Value

LDK Solar -- The largest vertically integrated company in the world today, LDK is listed on the NASDAQ with a market cap of close to 1 Billion dollars. With over 2GW capacity across poly silicon, ingots and wafers, cells and panels LDK is a truly global solar powerhouse. Solar Juice is the preferred partner of LDK in Australia and the only authorised distributor.

BYD Solar -- The only Chinese company with investment from Warren Buffet, BYD has invested significantly in its PV business and will be one of the key players moving forward. Solar Juice is proud to be the only signed distributor of solar products in Australia.

Brand Value

German Solar -- Designed in Germany, Engineered in Germany, Quality controlled by a team of 50 specialists worldwide the German Solar panel is built to the highest standards. Outstanding design thanks to anthracite powder-coated solar panel frame, 5,400 Pa load capacity using 4mm glass the German Solar product has stood the test of time. With a black frame it offers an aesthetic alternative and choice.

German Solar Company Profile | Solar Prospekt

Sharp Solar -- One of the most recognised brands in the world, Sharp offers real value with the confidence of Japanese manufacturing. Our intention is to focus on the 185W and 180W. Both of these are a 60 cell mono crystalline panel. Stock of both the 180W and 185W are now available for immediate shipment.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries -- As a Manufacturer, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries provides confidence in the fact they have been a technology leader for many decades. Solar Juice carries the latest generation tandem junction thin film panels from Mitsubishi.

Local Value

Silex Solar -- the only current Australian manufacturer of solar panels Silex offers consumers the opportunity to support Australian jobs, Australian technology and innovation along with Australian manufacturing. Solar Juice was the inaugural distributor of Silex Solar in Australia.