Specifications

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which output different voltages for different applications. Since we are using a 12-volt
battery we are going to also have to pick a panel, which outputs a voltage of 12-volts.
The panels will also have to wire in parallel such that we don‟t double the voltage by
each panel that is added respectively. The panels will also have to match the Voc
because if we do not we will have voltage fluctuations and it will not charge the load
correctly. The panel will be best used in areas where sun is highly available. Sun is a
very important creator of energy and will contribute to creating 50 percent of the energy
to charge our battery. We will also have wind power, which will be discussed, in a
different section.
Figure 24 - Thin Film Array Panel Layers
Permission Pending
As you can see in the figure above the solar panel is made up of layers. There is a think
transparent layer that coats the panel. This is the conducting coating it acts as a
protective layer and also is a reflective material that lets the useable light into the array.
The array cannot use all forms of light. As you know visible light is made up of many
colors and it cannot use some of the spectrum of light. This light is usually not able to
penetrate this layer and is sometimes reflected back. The transfer of energy happens I
the substrate. This is where the electrons are transferred to the output storage device.
4.1.7 Power Calculation Sensors
In order to calculate the power being used by a device, there are two quantities that
must be known; Voltage at the devices terminals and the current draw of the device.
When this knowledge is applied to this particular application, it is noticed that the power
to all loads of the battery will be at least initially supplied with the instantaneous voltage
of the battery. These loads include the power inverter and the cigarette lighter socket.
Even though the power inverter will eventually power the 120VAC outlets, the USB
charging port, and the microprocessor, all of this power will initially be supplied through
the connection between the inverter and the battery. This means we simply need to
know the current in the leads to the power inverter and the instantaneous voltage of the
battery.