Flexible Solar Power Systems Harness the Sun's Energy Wherever You Go

Sun-generated power is becoming increasingly common, particularly in residential homes. It's nothing new, though it's taken decades to become "mainstream" in North America. Few people, though, have heard of flexible solar power systems.

What if you could generate energy from the sun anywhere on earth? What if you could live or participate in recreational activities without having to be near a power outlet? These are just a few of the reasons that flexible solar power systems, like the Sunlinq solar panel, were created.

In fact, their possible applications are vast. They can be used by the layman for camping and wilderness survival. They can be used to bring power into remote areas and villages with no access to standard electricity.

They can be employed in military camps to charge tools and electronic equipment. They hold possibilities that probably haven't even been considered yet.

Flexible solar power systems are similar to the standard solar panels that most everyone is familiar with. They, like solar panels, are made up of a series of interconnected photovoltaic cells.

Each individual cell is capable of generating a certain amount of power and converting it into electricity. The more cells that a system contains, the more power it can harness and convert.

Flexible solar power systems work in the same way. One major difference is that the cells are attached to a flexible substrate rather than a rigid one.

The second major and most significant difference is their material composition. Residential and similar systems use crystalline silicon as a conductor. Flexible solar power systems use thin-film Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide ( or CIGS).

CIGS is a relatively new material in comparison to standard photovoltaic generators. Its use is increasing for two major reasons. It is much less expensive to produce than crystalline silicon photovoltaics. Secondly, it is more bendable, making it more portable and easier to install.

It's conceivable that Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide photovoltaic generators may become as common as their silicon counterparts. Their use in residential and commercial applications is indeed increasing today.

The biggest factor that is holding these systems back from becoming the new building norm is their lack of efficiency compared to crystalline silicon photovoltaics. They are currently only about 19.9 percent efficient, compared to an efficiency rate of about 22 to 23 percent for a quality crystalline silicon generator. However, this is an improvement over earlier versions of flexible solar power systems, which were only between 18 and 19 percent efficient.

However, when it comes to bringing power to remote locations, nothing beats CIGS flexible solar power systems. They can be taken virtually anywhere on earth. As long as they receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, they are able to generate enough power for small tasks and equipment.

Flexible solar power systems are available with varying numbers of photovoltaic cells. Smaller versions typically generate around 6 watts of energy. This is enough energy to charge small items like MP3 players and cell phones or provide low lamp light. Bigger models, such as military-grade styles, may generate 62 watts of power. This is enough power to charge a laptop or power tools.

Quality flexible solar power systems are capable of generating a sufficient amount of power even on cloudy days. They should be positioned in such a manner that the cells are pointed toward the sun for most of the day, even if it's overcast. Of course, the more direct sunlight they receive, the more power they will generate.

Sun-generation technology is ever-changing and improving. It's probable that flexible solar power systems will also evolve and improve over time.

They may one day be capable of powering electric vehicles or small villages. Whatever improvements they achieve, they are (and already have been) revolutionizing power generation as we know it.