Renewable Energy

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.

Electricity has become one of the basic needs of mankind. A wide range of methods are being used to produce electricity. These methods include hydal, thermal, wind and atomic energy. All of hese procedures require a substantial infrastructure for setting up the production facility. However, the solar energy has become the most promising source that does not need any complex constructions for establishing a power house.

Solar Collectors

Solar collectors are the devices that convert the sunlight into the electricity. These are composed of the arrays of photovoltaic cells and commonly known as solar panels. They come in wide range of sizes and configurations and one can choose one of his own as per the usage.

Characteristics Of Solar Collectors

A lot of work is been done in the field of solar energy. The solar energy is collected by using the solar equipment commonly called as the collectors. Few of the characteristics of solar collectors are discussed below:-

Simple Way To Produce Electricity

Solar energy is a simple way to provide electricity to your home. Using a solar collector is rather easy. There is slight or even no protection necessary.

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The solar energy has emerged as a promising source of renewable energy. The vast potential in terms of heat and light can be capped by use of simple gadgets. The governments are promoting the use of the energy by giving incentives to the citizens. These incentives include tax concessions and leasing facilities.

However, these efforts are of no use if one does not know the correct path of the sun throughout the year. This path of the sun for entire year is calculated by the sun pathfinder.

Sun Pathfinder

Sun pathfinder is an important tool for establishing any plant related to solar energy. It is used to give out the path of the sun at a particular location throughout the year. If one knows the path, he can easily place and position the solar panels in a way that they get maximum exposure to the sun. In addition, the sun pathfinder can be used to locate the sun rooms and other sun related research projects.

Principle Of Operation

The sun pathfinder works on a simple principle of the sun reflection. The gadget is composed of a mirrored half bowl. The reflection of the sun is seen in the bowl and the position of the shadow gives an idea of the sun reading. This reading is further compared with the location card that traces the path of the sun. Read the full story

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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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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The spirit of adventure is the driving force behind the travel industry. A lot of innovation has been made to make the traveling as comfortable as possible. However, the growing fuel prices have proven to be a hindrance in this regard. The busses and RVs are the common transport means for the travelers but they have become expensive to use.

However, with the introduction of the renewable energy resources, this expenditure can be cut down. Converting your RV or bus to the solar energy system is the best solution in modern era.

Advantages For RV

An efficient solar system specifically designed for the RV can provide following advantages to the owner and consumers:-

1. The charging environment of the vehicle is controlled and hence it is bound to give better performance of battery. In addition the battery life is prolonged.
2. The load on the engine and its charging system can be reduced by connecting the vehicle to a solar or wind powered system. Such a system shall provide separate charging facility for the vehicles interior and living areas and hence shall reduce burden on the engine.
3. You can run or operate the normal household appliances without switching on the generator. The solar system provides consistent energy and hence the system is noise free.
4. Economy in fuel consumption and hence the owner can save on the fuel costs.
5. Promote a greener environment which is noise free and minimum emission of gases from burning of fuel in the generators and engine.

Solar Systems For The RV

There is a wide range of solar systems available for the owners to choose from. The owner can select any system depending upon his needs and budget. A few of the most commonly available systems are listed below:-

DC Only System

This is the system involving a set of solar panels attached to a battery. The solar panels are designed and fitted to keep the battery or set of batteries charged. This set of batteries is in addition to the starting battery of the vehicle.

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The research for the alternate energy sources has gained pace in last few decades. A large number of companies are investing huge amounts to develop the renewable energy sources. Solar energy has proven to be a promising field and the solar potential is capped by a number of companies.

This cheap and environment friendly source of energy has gained popularity amongst people and they are switching to solar energy for the household chores as well.

Solar Drive By Google

Google is also aware of the vast potential of the solar energy and they have initiated their solar drive. The company has planned to power its campus by solar energy. In addition, a large portion of the housing facility is also going to be shifted on solar energy.

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The concept of solar energy as an alternative is not new for the investors and energy users. Everybody wants the adoption of an energy efficient system that is reliable and economic. Apparently the task appears a simple one but the problems of initials costs and routine maintenance make it a difficult choice for small scale businesses and domestic users.

Citizenre has progressed in this field and they have come up with innovative ideas to make solar energy an affordable option.

Citizenre And Investors

In order to improve in the field of solar energy and make it accessible to masses, it is essential to attract the investors in this field. Energy investors look for opportunities in energizing the solar flare among developing and underdeveloped countries. The race for creating solar power is higher among developing countries, which are consistently on the look out for cheap energy sources like solar energy. Citizenre has promoted the trend in investors and offers attractive packages for their investments in solar fields.

Solar Energy Is The Cheapest

The cheap power of solar energy is one of the brightest consumer benefits. It results in massive profits and motivates people to install solar panels. The purpose of alternate energy is to reduce overall cost for domestic home users, who are tired of paying heavy electricity bills. In addition, the solar energy brings a respite for the depleting energy resources of the world. Citizenre is working hard to promote solar energy for homes.

The Constraints Faced By Energy Investors

Solar energy projects have not been very successful in few countries and hence the investors are shy of investing greater proportions. Sometimes the research and budget is not available and at times the lack of supportive environment does not allow a solar project to succeed.

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Various terms for renewable energy architecture are used interchangeably. These are “sustainable architecture” and “green architecture”. All of these have almost the same meaning and usage. With advancement in every field of architecture, this area is also expanding.

What does renewable energy architecture mean?

It involves the idea of using those materials and techniques which are environment-friendly. It stimulates and encourages architects to create imaginative solutions for designing sustainable energy-efficient buildings worldwide. It is of course a challenging task.

How renewable energy architecture is environment-conscious?

The answer is simple. Our homes emit carbon in large amount. These are in fact a major source of its emission. There must be a way to minimize domestic effects on global warming. It is through green energy architecture that environment-friendly house structures are created.

Using solar power in architecture

Green energy architecture uses many renewable sources. Solar power is one of these. While a building or a house is designed, various special techniques are used. These enable solar power incorporation into the structure. Many building materials are used that enable using sun energy effectively.

Which devices are used?

Specifically designed devices are needed for providing required energy. Photovoltaic solar panels are installed in the building. These provide electricity for various uses. Sunlight strikes their surface during day time. It is then retained and converted into electric current.

Structure design

Renewable energy architecture differs from conventional architecture. Roofs are designed facing towards the sun. In this way, it enables photovoltaic panels to get sunlight at maximum level. Thus, their efficiency is increased.

Advanced structure

In more advanced form, a moveable structure is designed. It keeps on rotating throughout the day with the direction of sunlight.

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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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The quest for renewable energy sources has continued through out the history. The pace further picked up during the last decade and now the companies are investing huge amounts in research and development of alternate energy sources. The capacity of solar power has been taken note of by the world community and efforts are being made to harness it. SunPower Solar Systems is one of the companies that joined the race to develop solar energy for domestic users.

History Of SunPower Solar Systems

SunPower Solar is a company with its manufacturing done at Philippines. It is a public sector company with its headquarters located at San Jose, California. The company aims at reducing the initial cost of installing the solar energy systems for the domestic users.

Technology Of SunPower Solar

SunPower Solar specializes in manufacture of solar panels and high quality photovoltaic cells. The company also produces good quality roof tiles which are capable for using the solar energy in optimum manner.

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