Specifications

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Figure 46 - Thin Film Array Solar Panel Specifications
The photo above shows the type of panel we will be using in our project. As you can
see it is very flexible and we will be using this panel to cover the dome. This panel is
made by Honeywell and is readily available for purchase. This particular solar panel can
be cut to conform to different shapes. This is one of the main advantages of using this
material. This type of panel is also cheap because it is created using a very cost
effective manufacturing process. They are disadvantages of using this solar panel. One
of the main disadvantages is that it doesn‟t produce energy as effective as other panels,
which are available on the market. We well only be using this power source to charge a
battery which is not that difficult of a task and since we are also including wind power it
is not the only source of power in our system.
They are some types of Thin Film Array, which must be covered by glass due to
elements that can damage the surface of the material. We found that there are Thin
Film Arrays that do not need to be covered by glass because they are covered with a
transparent element, which causes the material to flex and also protects it from the
elements. Using non-conductive rivets, which will secure this to the metal, will mount the
panels to the metal. There will be a rivet approximately one foot apart with a spread of 6
to 8 inches. This will secure the panels to the metal and cause it not to move in the
wind. Since we are using wind as a power source we will have to make sure that the
panels are secured tightly to the metal backing. We do not want air to go under the
panels, this will cause the panels to lift and can create problems in the reliability of the
system. These panels are flexible but they are not made to move due to damper and
wind resistance.