All Posts in "SOLAR ENERGY"

What You Need to Know About a Solar Water Heater System

Solar water heater system is an energy saving method that helps the environment by using sunlight to heat water. It can be installed directly or indirectly. There are several advantages of this type of heating system. You can save on your cost of ownership, but the biggest benefit is the savings you can get at every level of demand.

Direct vs indirect

When looking for a solar water heater, you’ll have to choose between a direct or indirect system. Direct systems use a single loop to heat the water and are suited for warmer climates. However, these are not as efficient as indirect systems and are more expensive. They also increase the risk of heating losses in the boiler.

Indirect systems circulate the collected heat from the collector to a storage tank in the basement. This reduces the chances of losing heat through the pipework. Unless you have a very cold climate, an indirect solar system is likely the better choice.

The most basic configuration is the thermosiphon. With this system, a hot liquid is pumped from the tank to a solar collector. Solar radiation heats the liquid and then it is pumped back into the tank.

Passive vs active

If you are considering investing in a solar water heater, you should know the difference between a passive and an active system. Active systems are the more efficient and cost effective of the two. However, they can be complicated to install. Hence, it is best to consult a professional.

Passive … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — November 24, 2022 in SOLAR ENERGY
The Latest in Solar Technology

There’s been an explosion of new technology in the field of solar energy in recent years. Some of these new advances include Organic solar cells, Printed solar, and Polycrystalline vs. monocrystalline PV panels.

Thin solar panels

Thin solar panels are a promising new type of solar technology. These flexible cells can be printed and laminated to a variety of surfaces and are easy to transport and install. In addition, the cells produce 18 times more power per kilogram than traditional solar panels.

A new startup, Active Surfaces, has recently launched. This company has developed a thin, flexible solar cell that can be laminated to a variety of surfaces. The material, Dyneema, is an ultra-lightweight composite fabric that weighs only 13 grams per square meter. It’s also UV-curable, making it a durable and strong substance.

Other companies, such as Hanergy, are investing in research for the development of thin-film solar cells. Currently, the company has six R&D centers in the Silicon Valley area and Sichuan, China.

Organic solar cells

Organic solar cells are one of the latest advances in solar technology. They are made of carbon-based materials, like graphene, and absorb light from the sun. Their advantages include high power conversion efficiency and low cost. However, these devices still have a lot of room for improvement.

One problem that has limited organic solar cell development has been the lack of dissociation of photogenerated charge carriers. In order to overcome this limitation, researchers have proposed several strategies. Among them, a multicomponent strategy … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — November 12, 2022 in SOLAR ENERGY
The Best Solar Panels for Home Use

If you’re looking for the best solar panels for home use, there are a number of options available. There are different brands to consider, such as Mission Solar, ADT Solar, Silfab, LG NeON H BiFacial, and JA Solar JAM60S20.

LG NeON H BiFacial

LG NeON H BiFacial solar panels are one of the highest-performing modules on the market today. These solar panels feature a transparent backsheet to maximize sunlight absorption. They use the latest half-cell technology to produce a high power output. The solar panel is comprised of 144 monocrystalline n-type bifacial NeON cells sandwiched between 2.8mm anti-reflective tempered glass.

Although this solar panel is priced higher than most other competitors, the quality is impressive. The manufacturer uses high-purity N-type cells to eliminate the effects of light-induced degradation. This ensures that the panel will be able to perform well for up to 30 years.

LG also features Cello Technology to increase the performance of the panel. This reduces electrical loss and improves light absorption. It also eliminates boron- oxygen defects that can lower the efficiency of the panel.

JA Solar JAM60S20

JA Solar JAM60S20 solar panels are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly way to power their homes. These bifacial modules are suitable for both smaller and bigger roofs. They offer great power and efficiency for the money. Moreover, they don’t require much maintenance.

These panels are designed with multi-busbar PERC monocrystalline cells. This type of cell absorbs more sunlight than traditional solar panels. The cells are … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — October 23, 2022 in SOLAR ENERGY
Off-Grid Solar Power Systems for Homes

Getting off the grid solar power systems for your home will save you money on your electric bills. There are a few different types of systems that you can choose from.

These include DC, Photovoltaic, and Hybrid systems.

DC solar system

Off-grid solar power systems allow you to have the freedom to live in a more remote or rural area. It also allows you to get away from the electric company and save money.

In order to have an effective off-grid solar system, you need to know the key components. These include an inverter, charge controller, and solar panels. The inverter converts the energy from the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by the home.

Similarly, the charge controller controls the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery. This is important because it prevents overcharging the batteries. You may want to install a fuse to protect your system from overcharging.

You should also consider incorporating a deep discharge protection feature. A backup generator keeps the power stored in the batteries when the sun is not producing enough.

For larger off-grid projects, you may want to add fuses to the system to protect the inverter, charge controller, and batteries. Keeping these three in line helps prevent overcharging and overheating.

Photovoltaic system

Off-grid solar power systems for homes offer the best solution for a low carbon footprint lifestyle. This system allows you to live off the grid, even in remote areas.

An off-grid system can help … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — October 5, 2022 in SOLAR ENERGY
Portable Solar Panels Backpacking

Portable solar panels can be a lifesaver if you are backpacking. They can be very easy to carry in your pack and will help to keep your batteries charged. But there are some factors to consider when buying your portable solar panels.

Goal Zero Nomad 10

The Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a powerful portable solar panel that is ideal for backpacking. It features an integrated USB port, a foldable design, and a sturdy kickstand. This compact panel charges a variety of small devices and can also be used with a power bank.

The Nomad 10 comes with two monocrystalline solar panels and is capable of generating about 20-30 Wh per day depending on the weather conditions. It’s small, easy to pack, and can be mounted to trees, tents, or even a backpack.

It’s surprisingly small and lightweight, weighing only 544 grams. In addition, it has a foldable design that allows it to fit in a small pouch.

Its integrated USB port makes it easy to charge your devices and power banks. Moreover, it’s waterproof.

BioLite 10+

BioLite SolarPanel 10+ is a portable solar panel that can provide you with a power supply while backpacking. This device is capable of charging smartphones and other electronic devices directly in the sunlight, allowing you to get recharged in a pinch. The built-in battery also allows you to store energy for future use.

Aside from its impressive versatility, the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ has a rugged design. It features a folding design and a … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — September 27, 2022 in Portable Solar Panels