Manufacturers

Solar cell factory of Shell Solar in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Picture: Deutsche Shell AG

Solar technology systems are high-tech products, and in both Solar Heating and Photovoltaics the respective components are constantly being improved and further developed. The Efficiency of modern solar collectors could be substantially improved by the implementation of ‘intelligent’ regulators and improved storage systems. A modern Solar Heating System delivers up to 90 % of all needed hot water during summer months, and about 50 % during the winter. Numerous and usually mid-sized companies sell such solar heating systems and install them on-site.

First generation photovoltaic modules based on crystal silicon Solar Cells demonstrate efficiencies from 13 to 16 % and are still in use today. The mass-production of solar cells will further improve their cost-effectiveness and thereby markedly reduce the price of solar power. Deutsche Shell AG (Shell in Germany) and BP-Solar both manufacture solar cells and solar modules in large quantities, and since November 17, 1999 Deutsche Shell AG has been operating the world’s most modern solar cell factory in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. On the fully automated production line about 5 million solar cells are produced in one year – an equivalent Power Output of 10 megawatts, or, in other terms, enough power to supply the yearly energy needs of 3000 households. Manufacturers’ addresses can be found in the ‘yellow pages’ section .

Further information:

• http://www.bpsolarex.com/
• http://www.shell.com/rw-br/0,6124,,00.html

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