Tag Archive | "solar panel"

Wiring Up Batteries and Solar Modules

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We are going to describe and illustrate the process of connecting batteries in series or parallel and combination of both. Installation of the solar system and batteries require wiring up configurations in the form of series, parallel and combination of both.

These wiring up configurations can be learned easily. Once learned with interest, then this task becomes easy and simple like a pie.

Two Terminal Points

All devices that generate direct current have negative and positive terminal points. Current or electrons flow from the negative terminal to a positive terminal. This flow is possible through the load. Just for the purpose of an easy explanation, we would represent it to a battery device or solar module device.

Series Wiring

In a series wiring, we connect the positive terminal of one device to the negative terminal of another device. It is key to remember that voltage remains additive when we wire devices in a series. If we say, our devices are capable of producing 12 volts each. Then four devices will produce 48 volts. Suppose that these devices are batteries then their total battery pack is 48 volts. However, if they were solar modules and each produce 17 volts. Then they will produce a total voltage of 68 volts.

Rule Of A Thumb

Another rule of thumb about series circuits is the similarity of current or amperage in a series circuit. Now suppose that batteries where these devices with a rating of 12 volts @ 220 amperage hours. Then total value of the series becomes 48 volts @ 220 amp hours.

Circuit Value Of Solar Modules

Solar modules with a rating of 17 volts @ 5-amperage hours make total circuit value of 68 volts @ 5-amps. In the example given above, two batteries with 6 volts @ 350 amps wire in series yielding 12 volts @ 350 amp hours.

Behavior Of Current And Voltage

Suppose devices were solar modules with a rating of 17 volts @4.4 amps. Then this series of circuits would yield 34 volts @ 4.4 amps. Keep in mind that in the series of circuit current stays the same while voltage is additive.

Parallel Circuits

In parallel circuits, connect the positive terminal of the first device to the positive terminal of the subsequent device, negative terminal of the first device to the negative terminal of the subsequent device.

Key To Remember

Key: In parallel circuits current and voltage behave just opposite to the series circuits. Voltage stay the same while the Current is additive. Suppose each device discussed in this example is capable of producing 350 amp hours while both can produce 700 amps at a same voltage.

Voltage Of Battery Devices

Let us say that these devices were batteries then total voltage of 12 volts @ 700 amp hours will yield. Solar modules will produce 17 volts @ 4.4 amps and each will result in 17 volts @ 8.8 amps.

Solar Modules Wired In Parallel Series

Four 17 Volt @ 4.4 Amp solar modules wired in parallel series yields 16.6 amps total @ 17 volts. Now suppose these devices were batteries with a rating of 12 volts each @ 220 Amps hours. Then this parallel circuit result in 12 volts @ 880 Amp hours.

Series/Parallel Circuits

Hold of your nerves because something wild is going to happen. We have learned almost everything about the series and parallel circuits. Now it is a time to understand a combination of the series and the parallel circuits.

Combination Of Series And Parallel Circuits

It is simply a combination of both the series and the parallel circuits. They wired together in the parallel setting. Suppose two separate pairs of batteries with 6 volts wired together in series and parallel ways.

Raising Amp Hour Rating Of A Battery

Suppose you desire to raise the Amp hour rating of a battery pack. You want to run your appliances longer. You demand to wire the battery pack in such a method as to retain the battery pack at 12 volts. You desire to raise the charging capacity of your solar panels.However, you demand to wire the solar modules in such a method as to retain the solar array at 34 volts. Well, series & parallel are the merely method to do that.

Increasing Charging Current

In fact, you increase your charging current when you wire the solar modules or batteries in parallel circuits because current is additive. Hence increasing run time or amp capacity would increase charging current. For solar modules, we need batteries with a voltage of 17 or 34 volts. When we wire solar module system, we get 12 or 34 volt requirement.

Voltage Produced By Batteries

Wire the batteries in individual sets that will give you the voltage that you need. Let us say that you demand 24 volts but have six-volt batteries on hand. Now wire four batteries of 6 volts in a series to yield 24 volts.

Wiring A Single Set Of Batteries

Wire all four batteries parallel to each other until wired jointly in parallel circuits. Every single set of batteries equals 24 Volts at 350 Amp hours. Subsequently five sequence sets wired to every single set in parallel series yielding a battery pack Of 24 Volt @ 1750 Amp hour.

Assistance In Wiring Up Batteries

Always keep in mind that voltage is additive and current stays same in series circuits while current is additive and the voltage remains same for parallel circuit. Need assistance to wire your system call on the number given below. We can furnish you alongside diagrams or each sort of assistance that you could demand to finish your installation.

Enjoying Tax Rebates

American consumer tired of high electricity cost can now enjoy tax credits and generous rebates offered with installation of a solar system throughout the U.S at their homes and businesses.

Solar Power System For Cabin

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The spirit of adventure often takes people to far off places. The traveling to far off places is always fun as one gets to see the beautiful scenery. However, living at these secluded places is a bit difficult due to the non-availability of basic facilities like electricity. Operating a generator may be an expensive option. But the advancement in solar energy has made the provision of electricity at isolated points quite easy.

Solar Cabin

The cabins or small houses at hillside or far off places are the principal get away places for holidays. One gets to enjoy nature while staying at such peaceful resorts. However, their being isolated from the population means that they are away from the national grid as well. This results in non-availability of electricity at such resorts. The road infrastructure exists but living is difficult due to absence of electricity. But the solar energy can be used very easily at these places and the living conditions can be improved.

Solar Power System For Cabins

A solar power system is composed of arrays of solar panels that are used to convert the sunlight into electricity.

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Components Of Solar System

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The solar energy has become one of the cheap means of energy for the domestic users. It has also gained popularity because of its non toxic emissions and being safe for the environment. However, the equipment to tap this energy is quite expensive and relatively sensitive. Therefore, there is a need to understand al the components of the solar energy system so that their preservation and maintenance can be done easily.

Component Of Solar System

A solar system for the domestic users is composed of following parts:-

1. Solar Panels

2. Inverter

3. Charge controllers

4. Control panel and wiring

5 Batteries

Solar Panel

This is the principle source of conversion of light into electric energy. These are made up of photovoltaic cell that converts the light energy into electrical current. This component is installed outside, generally on roofs, and faces the direction of sunlight. The mounting of solar panels may be adjustable to tilt the panels for getting maximum exposure to sunlight.

Inverter

This is the necessary item for conversion of the electric current generated by the panel into current needed for house.

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Solar Powered Motion Detecting Sensor Lights

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In modern world, it is important to keep personal possessions at a safe distance from prying eyes. For safety purposes, the Solar Motion Sensor Lights are now available to consumers for domestic use. These Solar Motion Sensor Lights can be used for security as they are quite cheap and easy to use. These lights are powered by solar energy which makes them a very feasible appliance. These Solar Motion Sensor Lights can be easily placed at those points where other people cannot easy reach.

Solar Powered Sensor Lights for Security Purpose

The benefits of Solar Power technology in this product are many. The Motion Sensor Lights have a power supply available for all times. The energy generation is quite sufficient to power the Motion Sensor Lights throughout the day. The lights activate when it is required and automatically turn off. No excessive wiring is needed above or under the ground for the Solar Motion Sensor Lights.

How Solar Energy is Used in Sensor Lights?

A Solar Power Panel and Motion Sensor Lights are the primary component of the Solar Motion Sensor Lights.

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Using Solar Sunspaces In Homes

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Sun rooms, green houses and “sun spaces” are a few terms that are often used interchangeably. But, there is a difference in all of these. It depends upon the purpose for which these are used. These are all used to retain heat from the sun. A brief note on all three is given below:

Sunrooms

It is a general term used for those home extensions that use natural light and windows. You can convert that extended area into reading room because it has ample light. It can also be used as an area for playing games. Kids would surely love that. Another option is to make it your prayer room or store sacred items in that.

Sunrooms don’t necessarily provide heating around the area. These are simple lighted extensions in a home that can be used in various forms.

Greenhouses

Greenhouses are especially made to hold back solar heat. This energy is needed for the growth of plants. Optimal conditions required by plants are not favorable for home living spaces. Moreover, in greenhouses it is important to control high temperature and excessive level of humidity. Otherwise, it is hard for plants to survive.

In a house attached with greenhouse, if windows are fixed in place of insulated walls, house can use more energy.

solar sunspaces and their purpose

Solar sunspaces work differently from greenhouses and sunrooms. These are supposed to collect solar heat that is distributed throughout the home. Since, there is no mechanical equipment or device needed; it is type of passive solar heating.

What are the main advantages of solar sunspaces?

Passive heating system has many advantages over active heating system. Sunspaces are built using techniques that integrate well into the design of a house. These go with the building structure and material, therefore these are not expensive.

Another benefit of solar sunspaces is that these are easy to maintain. There are no solar panels to clean or repair as in other active heating systems.

How sunspaces work?

A combination of direct and indirect solar heat gain is used in sunspaces. They can serve as storage area in the form of an attached room. Where is the solar collector in a sunspace? The space in the attached solar sun space acts as collector. It retains natural sun heat to keep room warm.

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A Review Of SunRun Power

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The need for alternate energy resources has forced the investors world over to devote money for research of alternate energy resources. The power of wing has been utilized for milling of cereals since ages but the same potential for electricity generation is now being capped. Similarly the sun energy has been used for drying of products like meat and onion etc but the same is now being converted into electricity by using the photovoltaic cells. One of the companies investing huge amounts in the field of solar energy is SunRun.

History Of SunRun

SunRun is the first ever company in USA that provides solar panel for residential use on lease. They are in fact the pioneers in solar leasing and also offer the loans for research and development projects in the field of solar energy. The company is based in San Francisco, California. It was established by Ed Fenster and Lynn Jurich, two students that established it right after their graduation from Stanford University.

Goals Of SunRun

The SunRun Company has a set of clearly defined goals. The company was established once the theme of global pollution was very popular and hence the company, right from its inception, has the aim to provide the consumers with an environmentally friendly energy source.

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Solar Lights for Residential Use

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Some people are confused about solar lights for indoors, as they think solar lights only work in the outdoor. In reality, solar lights are now most widely being used for lighting indoor of a residential or office set up. There are various ways by which residential lights can be empowered.

Ways to Empower Residential Lights by Solar Power

Ways to Empower Residential Lights by Solar Power

You can empower your residential lights by sun power energy in various ways. Some of these ways are listed below:

Solar Electricity

Solar electricity is a one way to utilize solar power energy for empowering the residential lights. Sun power energy is converted into electricity with the help of photovoltaic technology. Photovoltaic panels are often built in conjunction with the utility grid power system of a residential or home set up that is using a grid tie inverter. During night time, electricity is drawn from the grid to power all the lights that are installed indoor and also to power other electrical appliances. In this way, you can create credit on your energy bill by producing more energy from your solar system than you actually consume at your home.

Skylights to Harness Sun Power Energy

Utilization of skylights is another feasible way to capture and absorb solar power energy to power the indoor lights. Skylights that are specially designed like the skylights hat are manufactured by Solar Direct increase levels of light to the equivalent of 1800 watts of light, producing 68 percent less heat at the same time. Read the full story

Solar Devices Used Around and In the Residential Places

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These days the solar technology widely spreading and more people are converting their home applications to the solar energy. There are a number of indoor and outdoor lights that work on the solar energy, and this energy is also used in cooling and heating the living space.

Thermal Expansion Tanks

Thermal Expansion Tanks

Expansion tanks are considered as a necessary part of the closed-loop solar water heating system. In this system water does not enters the solar collector. a mixture of water and glycol is used as heat flow/transfer fluid. During the operation the fluid is heated up by solar energy in the solar collector. When the fluid travels to the water tank that is mostly inside home there the heat exchange takes place. When the glycol is heat up it expands therefore, expansion tank is required.

Thermal actuator Functions

The main function of the thermal actuator is to prevent the freezing of the water inside the solar collectors or pipes. The actuator also act as tacking system for helping the collector to exactly position itself in the direction of the sun and resets at night so that collector can start functioning in morning. Actuator can be driven thermally or electrically.

Thermal pumps

Thermal pumps are used as an alternative of the energy systems to cool or heat the living space. These pumps draw heat from earth, underground water and from many other sources. The pump uses the temperature of the earth 6 to 12 feet below the surface to preheat or cool the indoor air.

Solar lanterns

Before the invention of the electricity lanterns were used for lighting. Now when you go for camping or a place where electricity is not available lantern are required there. Read the full story

A Guide to Plastic Solar Cells

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Solar technology continues to advance and most products of solar cell technology are under research. In the year 2002, a well known group of U.C Berkley chemists first time discovered a feasible way to manufacture plastic solar cells. Even though, plastic solar cells that were manufactured by using this innovative method were not as efficient as standard solar or photovoltaic cells of that time. However, the new technology brought many useful aspects with it like affordability, flexibility and potential to give renewable electricity.

New Advancements in the Solar Cell Technology

New Advancements in the Solar Cell Technology

Due to the flexibility of plastic, the new technology widened the horizon of solar cell technology. Solar or photovoltaic cells were directly placed into the plastic in which there were tiny nanorods were dispersed between the electrodes. The entire device could be painted or sprayed on materials like clothing or other materials. On such materials the device would generate sufficient electricity to power radios, low-power devices and small computers. These devices are far more convenient than the huge and heavy solar panels that need a confusing or more complex installation. The installation of heavy solar panels can be done only with the help of expert solar contractors.

Increased Power of plastic Solar Cells

The power of plastic solar had increased to great extent since the year 2002, when these cells practically started producing 0.7 volts at the efficiency of 1.7 percent. By the year 2005, these solar cells became able to convert up to 6 percent captured sun power into energy.  Read the full story

California Going Solar

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California has the largest number of homes in the USA which have solar panels installed in their home to convert solar energy into electricity. Solar energy power is getting more famous and is growing rapidly not only in California but also in other parts of the world.The reason for conversion from regular electricity to solar energy is to help eliminate the environmental hazards and utilize the natural resource which is abundant in nature. The solar power energy is new but it is going to go forward in near future because if its cheapness reliability and environmental benefits.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

How Do Solar Panels Work

The solar panels absorb the sunlight. It is then turned into electricity, which feeds into the utility poles hooked up to PG&E’s massive grid.There are some points to be kept in mind that all commercially available solar panels produce electricity only. That is of course good for running lights, air conditioners, microwave ovens and many other appliances but many appliances in our household are running on other fuels, like oil or natural gas. These are heaters, stoves, etc.

Evaluating The Usage Of Electricity

It is essential to evaluate first the total consumption of electricity of the house. Solar panels do not work after the sun sets. So for consuming electricity after dark you will need a battery storage system. Read the full story

Solar Backup: A Solution To Power Failure

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Solar backup systems are one reliable backup support system. In case of power failure this option of solar backup can serve the cause petty well. Inverters will assist in this operation of electricity supply in power failure.

Introduction To Solar Backup

Introduction To Solar Backup
Sunny Backup is one of the common given examples of solar backup. This is manufactured by SMA Solar Technology. This solar backup system can reliably supply power for electric supplies in case of original power failure. Switching of power from one medium to the backup is quick and fast as well. It takes this solar back a total of 30 milliseconds in this conversion. This is as quick as ever even at night. Solar back u system can be installed in existing solar power system. This process is both simple and quiet cheap. Once the backup is installed there are no major side effects to the efficiency. Solar back up can obviously be added as a whole new gadget.

How The Solar Backup Operates?

In normal condition solar power is fed into public network. This process involves use of many inverters. But in case of power failure, the scenario is different. Read the full story