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.

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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Solar kits are cost-effective and an economical way to generate power. Why these are so popular and beneficial? There are many reasons for that. These are easy to install and are highly durable. A brief discussion of their great advantages is given here:

Solar kits are environment-friendly

There is no emission of greenhouse gases and other hazardous chemicals in solar power generators. Therefore, all over the world governments are convincing consumers to use solar energy. They also give incentives and make these available to their people.

Residential areas are more likely to suffer from environmental hazards. Solar kits for homes are surely a great way to keep atmosphere clean and pure.

How to install a solar power kit?

Installing a solar power kit is easy. You can do the task yourself after getting full instructions. Reading or watching tutorial videos will help a lot. Illustrations about fitting the supplies are easily understandable.

Alternately, get a professional to do the job. They are trained enough to install the kit properly. It will save time and energy.

What is the total cost for solar power kit?

The initial cost for setting up the system may be high. Thanks to government that offers tax incentives for using various sources of renewable energy. For a ready-made solar system the cost may be $10 per watt. Once you get benefits and convenience of using solar energy, cost does not remain a big issue.

How long will it last?

Solar energy kits are really durable. Their long-lasting feature makes these popular and widely used in the world. These can work for almost twenty-five years or more. In this way, it gives phenomenal money saving.

How solar energy kits work in homes?

Solar energy kits have a grid of photovoltaic cells. These are made from silicon or other semi-conductors. When sunlight strikes the cells, electrons excite.

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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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Nobody likes dark places and also nobody wants increase their electricity bills. Well with the introduction of solar lighting solutions one can escape from both types of situations. Solar lights can easily light your homes as well as decorate your gardens in the best way possible and without affecting your electricity bill. These solar systems are easy to install and easy to use. Following article will show how one can take advantage from these lighting solutions for the indoors as well as the outdoors.

Outdoor Solar Lighting

Outdoor lights powered by solar systems are wireless and very easy to use and also provide greater mobility. You can move these lights to any place according to your needs because all they need is the sun. These solar systems absorb light energy from the sun and then convert it into usable electricity which is then stored in batteries which are also connected with these lights. The electricity is stored in the batteries for later use when there is no light. A photo resistor detects darkness when the sun goes down and then sends a signal to the control panel of the solar light which in turn powers up the light with the help of the energy stored in the batteries in the day time. And hence no electricity is required from the grid which saves money on electricity bills and also keeps the garden lit.

LEDs used in Outdoor Solar Systems

Outdoor solar lighting solutions consist of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The LEDs used in solar systems are very powerful when we look at their performance but use very less amount of energy. Read the full story