When it comes to solar energy and commercial buildings, most people typically think of rooftop solar panels that help reduce the cost of utilities. But there is much more to a solar system than just the panels. There are several different types of solar panels used in commercial buildings that have a different purpose.
The kind you choose will depend on the needs of your building, but each has their own benefits and drawbacks. Here is a look at ten different types of solar panels used for commercial buildings. Each has its own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s important to understand which one is best for your specific needs.
Tidal Solar Panels
Tidal solar panels are an example of hybrid solar technology. This type of solar panel uses a combination of a standard solar panel and a hydroelectric turbine. As the tidal flow pushes against the turbine, it spins the turbine to generate electricity. These tidal panel systems are not common, but they do exist.
It is important to note that tidal solar panels are more expensive than a standard solar panel system. It can be difficult to find a provider of tidal solar panels in the U.S. due to a lack of demand. This type of system may be more commonly used in other parts of the world.
It can be especially useful in places where tidal water flows are significant and reliable.
Tracking Solar Panels
Tracking solar panels have a motor that follows the path of the sun throughout the day. This allows them to produce 25% more electricity than standard solar panels attached to a fixed mounting point. These panels are typically used in remote areas where there is limited access to grid power.
Tracking solar panels can be more expensive than standard panels, but the extra energy generated can help offset the cost. There are different types of tracking solar panels, but the most common are single-axis and dual-axis tracking panels. Single-axis tracking panels track the sun vertically throughout the day. This allows them to maximize the amount of direct sunlight during the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky.
Due to the fact that the sun is lower in the sky at sunrise and sunset, the panels will not be receiving direct sunlight at those times. Dual-axis tracking panels track the sun horizontally as well as vertically and follow the sun throughout its entire path throughout the day. They can maximize the amount of direct sunlight received at any time of day.
Flat Mounting Solar Panels
Flat mounting solar panels are usually attached to a roof with a heavy-duty mounting system. They are often found on large commercial buildings such as warehouses and distribution centers. They are generally less expensive than tilted solar panels, but they will generate less electricity. This is because the panels are not angled towards the sun. Flat mounting solar panels are ideal for buildings that do not receive much direct sunlight.
It is also a good option if you have a roof that is not ideal for mounting tilted panels, you can find it on many commercial property in Bahria. Flat mounting solar panels are often used in areas with heavy snowfall. This is because they can be easily covered and protected from heavy snowfall by a snow cover.
Vocational/ trade training solar panels
Vocational/ trade training solar panels are different from other solar panels in that they are specially designed for use by trade schools and vocational training facilities. They are often low-output systems that are used for training purposes. It is important not to mistake these panels for typical solar panels. They are not meant for utility scale or grid-tied solar systems. Vocational solar panels do not produce enough electricity to be economically viable.
They are often used in training environments where students can learn about solar energy without having a significant impact on the electric grid. These panels are typically low-output and designed to be used in areas that do not receive significant direct sunlight.
Dual-Axis Tracking Solar Panels
Dual-axis tracking solar panels are a more advanced tracking solar panel system. They are more expensive than standard tracking panels, but they produce more electricity. These panels follow both the sun’s vertical and horizontal paths throughout the day. They are typically used on large commercial buildings and rooftop solar systems.
This is due to the fact that they take up more space than standard tracking panels and would be less suitable for use on a smaller rooftop solar system. Dual-axis tracking solar panels are more efficient than standard tracking panels, but they are also more expensive. This can make them less suitable for use on smaller commercial buildings where cost is a major consideration.
Drying & Dehumidifying solar panels
Drying and dehumidifying solar panels are designed to remove moisture from the air. They operate like a dehumidifier or a refrigeration system. Moisture in the air is collected on a sponge-like surface on the panels.
It is then heated up and turned into water that drips into a water collection system. These solar panels are more commonly used in tropical areas where there is a significant amount of humidity in the air.
Drying and dehumidifying solar panels are primarily used for drying and dehumidifying. They are not intended to produce significant quantities of electricity. They are most commonly used in drying agricultural crops and assisting with weather forecasting efforts.
Shading & UV solar panel
Shading and UV solar panels are designed to protect other solar panels from shading and UV damage. It is a significant problem for solar panels. If one or more solar panels are shaded by a nearby object, the electricity output of the entire solar system will be reduced.
Shading and UV solar panels are designed to protect other solar panels from being shaded. They are typically placed on the ground near the other solar panels in the system. Shading & UV have a frame that is designed to divert any nearby trees or tall plants.
They also have an outer frame designed to block harmful UV rays from reaching the other solar panels.
Smart solar panels
Smart solar panels are designed to communicate with each other and other nearby devices. They use sensors, internet connectivity, and other technology to help you better manage your solar energy production. Smart solar panels are usually part of a larger solar system.
They use a central control system to communicate with nearby solar panels and other connected devices. This allows them to provide real-time information about the current energy production of the solar system. It can also allow them to be controlled remotely via the internet.
BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic) modules
BIPV modules are an example of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. This type of solar panel is designed to be an integral part of the building’s structure. This means that the BIPV solar panels are built into the design of the building. They are not easy to see or even know that they are there.
BIPV solar panels are usually found in places where they are less noticeable and do not disrupt the aesthetic appeal of the building. This can make them a good option for commercial buildings that want to take advantage of solar energy but do not want to be overly obvious about it. BIPV solar panels are connected to the building’s electrical system.
They produce electricity that feeds into the building’s system and reduces the amount of electricity that is purchased from the grid.
Conclusion
When it comes to solar energy and commercial buildings, most people typically think of rooftop solar panels that help reduce the cost of utilities. But there is much more to a solar system than just the panels. There are several different types of solar panels used in commercial buildings that have a different purpose.
Each has their own unique pros and cons, so it’s important to understand which one is best for your specific needs.
