| Model |
Type
|
Watts 1
|
Watts 2
|
Amps 1
|
Amps 2
|
Volts 1
|
Volts 2
|
Volts 3
|
Size cm
|
Weight
|
Price
|
| BX- 65 |
CiS
|
65
|
80
|
2.33
|
2.55
|
24
|
31
|
44
|
64 x 124
|
12.4
|
$550.00
|
| USNX - 80 |
Cis
|
80
|
100
|
5.2
|
5.7
|
12
|
16
|
23
|
858 x 1064
|
14.4
|
$660.00
|
| USNX- 120 |
Cis
|
120
|
150
|
8.1
|
8.8
|
12
|
16
|
23
|
858 x 1670
|
|
$990.00
|
Poly crystal panels are the least efficient of the crystalline variety. They were developed in the early 1980's by Solarex, to address the issues of high energy production cost, and low packing density, prevalent with the then existing, circular, "ingot" based, Mono crystal cells.
Poly crystal cells are a square "ingot" based technology, that omit the second refinement step necessary to form mono crystal. The material is less pure, and more susceptible to current and voltage drop with increasing cell temperature. They have a characteristic speckled blue appearance, displaying the large grain structure and titanium anti reflective coating.
Because they are very susceptible to temperature, they need to be de-rated by at least 20% at cell operating levels of 50 deg C, which is typical under field conditions. The larger crystalline panels are actually two separate 36 cell modules within a single unit.
Mono Crystal panels date back to the 1950's and early space exploration, which was their main use.They have basically changed very little since that time. The production of Mono crystal solar cells is a tedious, convoluted and high energy process.
Quartzite rock ( Silicon Dioxide ) is reduced in large arc furnaces to form metallurgical grade silicon,(MG-Si). It is then further refined via the Siemens process into semiconductor grade poly silicon ( SeG-Si) which is primarily used in the electronics industry. The poly silicon is then refined into mono silicon by the Czochralski process. Its as simple as that !
The time and energy taken to produce cells in this manner is not consistant with the ethos of environmental sustainability, that the proponents of such products claim to be the main benefit of them. It takes many years before a nett energy gain occurs from their use.
"The BX-65" represents the new generation of high technology, thin film, photo-voltaic generators."
Based on Copper , Indium and Selenium ( C.I.S ) and featuring solder less, monolithic, one piece construction, ( like the cells in solar calculators and watches ) the BX-65 is constructed in Japan by SHELL / SHOWA, one of the world's longest standing and experienced solar cell manufacturer's. The output ratings are conservative, due to their excellent temperature stability, and broad band radiation response. The panels are all black, including the frames, and are of the finest quality construction. They are aesthetically superior on any roof.