Industrial Solar Panels - Not Just for Industrial Use

An industrial solar panel is a photovoltaic (PV) panel used as a primary component of a solar power system. The panel is the part that actually collects the sun with the use of a material that can readily lose an electron to produce a flow of electricity. Industrial solar panels are often available for use by contractors, government customers, industrial customers, and residential home owners. The applications are far ranging and may surprise you because they go far beyond the home and hot water heating applications we generally associate with solar energy. As technology improves, the uses expand and cover more applications.

Many of the most important uses for industrial solar energy are for remote locations, although more and more companies are finding that it makes economic sense to install solar energy for applications that are grid-tied (connected to a utility power source). An example of a remote, non grid-tied use of industrial solar panels is for operating railroad crossing signals and traffic signals. They are also convenient for telecommunications, illuminated road signs, or other energy consuming items that are not located near power lines. Residential applications can range from running simple outdoor lighting systems, fountains, or solar ovens to complete off-grid houses with no need for fossil fuels. Some people start with one application, such as a solar powered hot water heater, and progress until they get the vast majority of their electricity and heat from solar power. Industrial solar panels can reduce the need for fossil fuels in industrial and residential environments.

Northern Tool and Equipment has a product called the 'Northern Industrial Solar Panel'. This panel is a twelve volt solar battery charger that is designed to work well in many weather conditions. It has an LED light that tells you when it is charging. It has an aluminum frame and contains polycrystalline cells. This panel is sold to industrial contractors as well as to individual home owners.