Feb
12
2012
The portable solar power generator works on the concept of converting the energy from the sun to consumable form. The energy that is converted can be used anywhere be it office or home. The solar power generators perform this activity with the help of the solar panels. The solar panels capture the light of the sun and covert this light energy to other forms. The solar panels have in built battery
cells that get charged by using the light of the sun and then transfer the energy to the other devices. Some of the portable solar power generators can store the solar energy for about a year. These generators have the capability of converting the direct current to an alternating current so that any electronic appliance can easily run on it.
There are many areas where these portable solar generators can be used. Some people use them while camping while the others use them for places that are not accessible in terms of transfer of electricity. The portability factor of these generators is an added advantage because this enables the easy transfer of the generator from one place to another. Therefore it is best suited for trailers
and campers. These generators are available in many sizes depending upon the amount of power that is required. Some people use the smaller versions of the generator to charge their cell phones or lap tops.
The installation of these solar generators is not that difficult. They are easy to carry and move from one place to another. Most of the solar generators come in the semi assembled format. The buyer has to only set up the panels and connect the chord in order to make the device run.
There are many things the buyer should keep in mind before buying a portable solar power generator. The buyer should make sure that the parts are all assembled so that there is no problem caused while setting up the apparatus. All the elements required in the set up should be checked for their availability and functionality. The buyers should make sure that the generator they purchase
satisfies the power requirements i.e. they should inquire about the size that is best suited for them. If the generators are to be used for temporary purposes then it is important to go for the portable ones because they are easy to carry and mount. If the buyer needs the generator to be set up permanently then a generator of the large size is required.
One feature that makes these generators quite different from the rest is that they are hundred per cent environment friendly. They do not exhaust natural fuels such as fossil fuels like coal. These generators do not emit harmful gases thus they do not harm the environment. They do not require refilling and hence are free from any kind of maintenance. Thus it can be said that the portable
solar power generator are the best options for generating power at places where electricity is not available or for emergency purposes.
From Where to buy portable solar generators
The best place to buy portable solar powered generators is the Amazon store. You may find incredible bargains at Amazon. Use the below search box to find special offers for portable solar generators.
Feb
5
2012
If you are still not using solar power kits for home energy requirements then this article will be helpful to get you started.
Renewable energy is gaining a lot of popularity these years for a couple of good reasons. First: traditional ways to heat and light your home are gradually getting more and more expensive. Do you know how much you spent on electricity last month? Have you taken the time to compare the bill to what you paid for the same month in last year? You will be surprised to see how much the rates have gone up. People can feel a burn through their wallets for energy costs.
Second reason is because of the environment. Do you know that the energy sources we are now using and taken for granted are depleting over time? A renewable energy, as the name suggests, is exactly that: renewable without depleting. If you use solar power kits, the energy you will withdraw comes from the sun. It will no diminish regardless of how many people are utilizing it. Using solar energy will not damage the environment and promote global warming as much as using carbon-based fossil fuels.
Yes, the answer to both the cost and environmental-friendliness is to use modern solar power kits for homes, that let you gain access to relatively cheap and advanced power generating technology.
Solar power kits can be in a number of forms but in principal, they are for providing more heat or more electricity to your home. But the most common form of solar power kits for homes is the solar panel.
A number of photo voltaic (PV) cells will be found in a solar panel. PV cells turn light energy, or photons, from the sun into direct current (DC). The photons caused an electron to be displaced in the silicon compound in a PV cell, and when the cells are linked up, this causes a flow of current. The current can be retained and used to power many common appliances. By converting the direct current into alternating current (AC), it can be used to power household appliances in the home we are so used to, like lights, television, rice cooker, fridge, washing machine and many more.
Setting up a solar power for home is easy, but many people usually use a combination of renewable energy systems along with staying on the grid as a contingency plan for power. Because one drawback of using solar power is its reliant on the Sun all the time. What if the weather is cloudy or raining? Or what about at night? For such reasons, it is always wise to have a utility company and other renewable energy such as wind power as backups.
Even with all the good things solar power kits for homes can bring to you, too many people get hung up on the initial cost of setting up one. It is true that initial setup cost for purchasing and implementing a solar power kit is high, but what many people fail to realize is that a lot more money will be saved in the form of savings on monthly electricity bill.
Depends on the size of your home and how much you want to generate power solely from solar energy, the initial investment cost will vary. Principally the more solar panels you install, the more power you will receive and generate, which basically means the lesser you will spend on your electricity bill.
Before you go out and purchase a bunch of solar power kits for home and install them, it is important to understand how much energy is used in your home. Accurate assessment of your energy consumption, at least on average, so that you will know what setup you should go for to adequately supply your energy needs.
Now is the best time to consider a serious alternative sources of energy, given the rising energy bills and the toll fossil fuels take on our environment. And the best available solution now is, solar power kits. Using them, we will save our hard-earned money, and our planet Earth.
Nov
20
2011
Solar energy is the energy for the future. Photovoltaic Solar power (PV solar) is a process of generating electricity from direct sun’s radiation. This is one technique of harnessing solar energy.
Working of Photovoltaic (PV)
a) As a first step the sunlight is collected by photovoltaic panels or solar panels or otherwise called as photovoltaic modules.
b) The sunlight is then converted into electricity.
Working in detail.
Sunlight falls in the solar cells which are made up of specially treated semiconductor material like silicon.Photovoltaic modules consists of solar cells. That is Photovoltaic modules are made up od electrically connected or wired solar cells. Solar cells convert sunlight or solar energy directly into electricity by means of photovoltaic effect.
The theory of photovoltaic effect is electric current is produced by certain materials when exposed to sunlight. When light falls on these semiconductor material they absorb the photons ( Sunlight is composed of Photons) and they release electrons. As electric energy is flow of the electrons, these free electrons released are captured resulting in the production of electric current.This is the technique employed here in solar cells or PV modules.
The photovoltaic modules output ranges from from a few watts to 100watts DC power. Commercially available photovoltaic techniques are thin film and crystalline silicon.The installation of photovoltaic cells in a big way will be beneficial for generation of electricity to fulfill the commercial need or residential need. For this large scale requirement, we need Photovoltaic array which is obtained by combining multiple modules.
Selection of solar cell or PV array plays a very important role in production of Photovoltaic solar power.
Application of Photovoltaic systems
Its application is spread in wide areas. Following is the list.
1) Most common and familiar example is photovoltaic solar powered calculators and watches. This will fall in the category of small scale application.
2) PV solar power is used in home appliances such as fans, coolers, television, Refrigerators etc.
3) Used in commercial sector for the production of electricity.
4) Used in cellular phones and radios.
5) wide application in the field of recreational vehicles, sign boards in road sides, street lights, parking lights, outdoor lighting and much more.
6) This can play a vital role in lighting remote villages.
Things to be kept in mind before planning for a photovoltaic solar power set up
1) There should be a rough calculation on how much solar radiation potential can be received by the module in the area planned for the set up.
2) The climatic or whether condition plays an important role. Different regions around the world experience different climatic conditions.
3) The modules must be kept in a position such that it receives maximum sunlight during the day hours.
4) There may be obstacle of shadow by the nearby building or trees over the modules. So this point must be taken into consideration.
5) The place where the module is installed must be a plain surface and not with ups and downs.
6) After this one need to decide how much power need to be generated to meet he needs.
Thus Photovoltaic solar power system can prove cost effective method to illuminate our future.
Oct
24
2011
If you don’t like to use large PV solar panel cells then solar power shingles is the alternative solution. I will explain what solar power shingles are and how to use them at home.
Solar power shingles on the roof
The earth is full of natural resources including energy. When we look around us, we see the forces of earth and we realize that they could be a source of energy. You look at the water, you think hydro power. You feel the wind, you think wind energy. You feel the sun’s heat, you think solar energy. When you see all these, you tend to wonder, why we struggle with developing other forms of energy instead of investing the same money on equipment that will put these forces into use. One of the ways to put solar energy into use is the use of solar power shingles.
These shingles are quite new compared to other ways of capturing solar energy. Solar shingles help in turning the roof of any home into a source of energy that is environmentally friendly and can be recycled. Furthermore, they represent durable roofing materials which protect your home from bad weather.
Solar shingles are very flexible which means that they can suit everyone. You see, they can easily integrate into the exterior design of most homes. They have a dark blue color which makes them look like regular shingles. If you are a homeowner who does not like noise or in essence being extraordinary, solar shingles can suit you as they are undetectable to the naked eye and also have an aesthetic value. They can be an alternative to the large solar panels which are usually mounted on the rooftops of homes.
Just like cars, solar shingles come in varieties. There can be solid shingle-sized panels, systems with thin solar film, and semi-rigid silicon cells. Most of the solar shingles can be attached straight onto the roofing cloth whereas there are some which can be intermixed with the usual asphalt shingles.
Using solar power shingles
The good thing about these shingles is that they are glued to each other and this means that they will be kept from shifting which can be caused by winds. Solar power shingles in no case use glass for their protection compared to the usual solar PV cells. Instead, the newer designs use flexible and powerful thin film. Due to this efficient material, they are much more effective as compared to regular shingles.
Solar power shingles cover a large area of the roof and absorb more sunlight. In general, each photovoltaic shingle produces not less than 13 watts of electricity. Since a lot of light is absorbed by the shingles, underlying ventilated plywood is needed. This acts like an under-decking. There is a wiring that converts the direct current into alternating current for home use.
The electricity that is generated can be used in grid-tied or off-grid systems. The grid-tied systems are used to power home appliances and to sell the excess power to the utility company. The off-grid systems can power appliances, backup appliances, and store electricity in batteries for future use.
All in all, investing in solar power shingles is a wise idea in the long run. With the power it generates, you can either choose to sell excess power or save it for future use.
Oct
17
2011
Everybody talks about alternative energy and solar power is in the top of the list. But what will be the future of solar energy? Will it be practical to use it in household and for industrial purpose? Let’s see which direction solar energy is heading to.
The future of solar energy lies on the indigenous hands of people who never tire out from thinking of ways in order to make life easier to live. With the advancement in the technology, the boom of the Internet age and a lot of other things, there will come a time when people will turn their backs on whatever is conventional. This can be good and bad in many ways, depending on who is looking at it and from what perspective.
But people’s quest for the advancement and development of everything that surrounds them provides lots of negative effects as well. Here are only some.
1. Sometimes, people neglect the environment and how to properly take care of it for the mere fact that they are greedy to get their ideas done no matter what the consequences to the nature will be. Such advancements create harmful effects in the whole state and balance of nature. How many times have you heard about forest denudation or grave floods that kill people? All these occurrences can also be rooted to the activities of men that suffice for their own good without so much consideration for their natural habitat and the nature.
2. With the continuing advancement of everything that surrounds people, the generational gap becomes wider and wider. Old folks will fight for the benefits of the conventional tools and mediums. The newer generations cannot afford to sit on those old ways to do things. They are a slave to the continuing technological developments.
It is okay to initiate change. It is good to find better ways to do things. But people must be cautious in achieving this. They must think about everything around them before they even start on their venture to newer and better ways to achieve greatness.
The Innovations
As of today, solar energy is one of the best options that people have with regards to alternative power sources. This has already evolved. There was a time when you can only avail such power source when the sun is present and that is during daytime. With the genius of the people behind the development of this resource, they were able to create green gas that can produce electricity. This is done by splitting water properties into hydrogen and oxygen. Both gasses will then be grouped into a cell that will be the electricity source.
The same geniuses estimated that the entire planet can rely to an hour of sunlight for its one year electricity consumption. Solar cells have been developed to produce electricity from the energy coming from the sun. The panels for such technology can also be used to heat water and cook food. There are now the solar heating, solar cookers and solar furnaces as add-ons to this innovative venture.
There are now hydrogen based cars. These are fueled by the split hydrogen in water. The solar cells also power the satellites that orbit through the surface of the Earth. This is the reason why there are advancements that people benefit from such as satellite phones and TV, accurate weather forecasting, even the development of the GPS technology and a lot more.
There are a lot of benefits that people can gain from the future of solar energy. You just have to think that whatever you do or however you use such technology for your own good, you must always think of ways to protect your environment first to be able to get the most out of such improvements.
Oct
10
2011
Harnessing the sun’s energy efficiently is not an easy feat. The sunlight is so widespread that finding the most effective way of capturing it requires advanced knowledge and technology. There are several technologies for utilizing solar energy and all are unique and are dedicated for specific applications.
First up are the photovoltaic cells or commonly known as solar cells. These are probably the best known way of harnessing the energy’s sun. Whenever one talk about solar power, the first things that come to mind include having panels and panels of photovoltaic cells or PV. These cells contain semi-conductors, commonly are made from silicon, which absorbs the light from the sun. When sunlight hit the surface of the silicon, new free electrons are created. As the electrons are channeled out of the silicon, electric current is created.
The second solar power technology is the concentrating solar power systems. This one involves using mirrors to reflect sunlight to one area. Some systems incorporate high tech devices to track the movement of the sun and adjust the mirrors to maximize the amount of sunlight the system receives. The sunlight reflected from the mirrors is used to heat or power a conventional power plant. Other systems channel the light from the mirrors to an area filled with photovoltaic cells.
There are several kinds of concentrated solar power systems, the most popular ones are the solar trough, parabolic dish and solar power tower. The solar trough uses large, U-shaped (parabolic) reflectors to point the sunlight to a tower at the center of the mirrors. At the center tower, hot oil is heated by the sun’s energy and help boil water to create steam which is then used to power convention plants.
The power tower system uses the same concept as solar troughs. Mirrors are used to reflect sunlight to a center tower where a liquid is heated and utilized for the creation of steam which will power a power. The parabolic dish system uses mirrored dishes to focus and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. The size of the dish varies but it is commonly 10 times bigger than an ordinary cable satellite dish.
Another solar power technology used today is the solar water heating systems. This is a simple one. The process involves collecting the energy directly from the sun to heat water or liquids which in turn heats up the water. This is more common in households are ideal for family use.
In order to capture the sunlight, solar panels have to be installed in your home or in the place where you will be needing hot water like a swimming pool area. You will need a big space for this but in the long ru, you will be able to save lots of money from your electric bill.
For commercial establishments, an ideal solar power technology is the transpired solar collector or otherwise known as the solar wall. It involves using perforated solar collectors where outside air passes before it enters the building.
These are but a few of the technologies around which can be used for utilizing the power of the sun. The technologies for harnessing solar energy continue to evolve as new technologies and discoveries are being accomplished. Everything might change in a few years time. Plus, the whole solar power technologies will become more price competitive which will benefit the general consumers.
Oct
4
2011
Not that I’m against using solar energy or anything but there are some disadvantages of using solar energy. My intention is to illustrate these disadvantages so that people can realize the other side of the coin to prepare them and not so much as to dissuade them from using solar energy. I am for everything that can save the planet. View this article as an introduction where we can still improve the current technologies involving solar energy.
High Cost
One of the first and major drawbacks of using solar power is the costs. The expense is considerably higher than the conventional electric installation. From the purchase to the initial installations of the solar panel unit, the cost is a significant factor to consider. The high costs of solar power panels lie on the expensive semi-conductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity.
However, as technology progresses and as the need slowly increases, the costs of solar panels are expected to go down, something on the level of being competitive with other energy resources.
Space
Another to consider is space. We’re talking about installing a solar panel which is not small. It requires a significant amount of space which also helps maximize the amount of sunlight it can collect and convert into electricity. Some households will have the panels installed on their roof others will designate a place for it on the year or on top of a pole. The same space problems will need to be readdressed once you decide to add panels when your current setup is no longer enough for your family’s needs.
Positioning
Positioning is also vital. The solar panels will need to be facing a direction where it will receive the most amount of sunlight in a day. However, there is always a solution. If space does not permit such installations, there are some add-ons that can help maximize sun exposure.
Amount of pollution can impact solar energy
Aside from the location and positioning of the panels relative to the sun, another aspect that you might want to consider is the amount of pollution in your areas. The degree of air pollution in the area might also be a factor in producing electricity. The smog as well as the clouds in the area can affect the amount of sunlight that reaches the panels. One way around this predicament is to purchase more panels so can gather more than enough sunlight to power your home.
At night, you might encounter a problem with relying solely on solar power. Although the solution here is to purchase batteries which you can charge during he day and use at night. You will need a couple of batteries though to be able to sustain your electricity needs through cloudy, stormy or smoggy or foggy times during the day.
As far as solar powered transportation services go, there are still some quirks that need to be fixed before mass production of such vehicles is rolled out. The most noticeable difference is the speed. Solar powered cars are far slower that their counterparts. But again, due to the fast development of the solar car and the technologies that go with it, this drawback will soon disappear.
When you look at the things that I mentioned about the disadvantages of solar energy, you will see that most of them have solutions while others you just need to compromise a bit. I still think that harnessing the power of the sun is the way to go, so these downsides of solar energy are just a small obstacle that we need to overcome.
Sep
26
2011
There are a few countries who are using solar power most when compared with rest of the world. This is a review of those countries who are using maximum solar power as an energy source.
The USA is not a leading user of solar energy for a very obvious reason: they can still afford to buy fossil fuels from the international market. In other countries the oil prices are ten times higher in the US and sometimes going for the alternative is a lot better in the long run. Today, more and more countries are looking at solar energy as a primary source of power. There are several countries which can be considered as at the helm of solar energy technology.
Germany
The number one use of solar energy is Germany. It captures almost 50% of the world market of photovoltaic cells. Nowhere else in the world can you find the most number of households with solar panels installed on their roof tops. Germany has this Renewable Energies Laws (EEG) which passed in 2000. The law certainly helped Germans feel the need to go renewable.
According to statistics, Germans invested nearly US$5 billion in solar photovoltaic systems and have contributed considerable in the growth of the solar energy market.
Although most of the things that we see are solar panels, it doesn’t mean that Germany’s solar industry is not limited to the production of photovoltaic cells for electricity. Other notable usage in Germany includes solar panels for home water heating system. Some news indicate that the German solar hot water market earns fU.S. $1.5 billion per year.
The “solar park” in Arnstein, Bavaria, Germany is one of the biggest photovoltaic plants in the world. It became operational in 2006 and with more than 1,400 PV solar panels, it can produce 12 megawatts of energy.
Spain
The next biggest country in terms of usage of solar energy is Spain. The solar energy usage in the country, more specifically the photovoltaic cells usage, has a world market share of 27%. Spain has no sign of slowing down its aggressive and pro-active approach in solar energy. Solar fields are being constructed one of the latest ones is the 60 MW solar field in Olmedilla de Alarcón, near Cuenca.
There are other big solar plants in Spain and these include the solar park 12 miles outside of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain which have 70,000 PV panels divided into three 36-hectare arrays. The arrays produce an output is 13.8 megawatts and has been powering roughly 5,000 homes since it opened in 2007.
And the rest of the world follow Germany and Spain. Japan and the US still have a market share in the photovoltaic world market. The two countries both have an 8% market share, a far cry from Germany and Spain. Nevertheless, it is quite important that countries continue to improve their status in the world solar market.
Other notable country that uses solar power includes Alegeria, Australia, Italy, and Portugal. Aside from the rich European countries, people in Israel and India are realizing the importance of having alternative sources of energy.
These are the countries on the helm of solar energy technology. But, other countries are slowly catching up. The government of Israel, for example, required all residential buildings to install solar water heating systems in the early 90s. Today, business establishments like hotels and office buildings are trying to use solar power as an alternative from using fossil fuels whose prices continue to soar in the world market.
India is facing a similar energy crisis and they are also looking at solar energy to get them through it.
Sep
19
2011
Still people are not clear how does solar energy work. I am receiving many emails asking the same question. This article will explain how solar power is converted to a usable energy source.
First, solar panels are installed over a flat surface like the roof of your home. Once activated, it absorbs the sun’s rays since the panels are made of semi-conducting materials such as silicone.
Electrons are then knocked off loose from their atoms so it can produce electricity. This process by which light is converted into electricity is better known as the photovoltaic effect.
From there, you now have direct current electricity and when this enters an inverter, it is converted into 120 or 230 volt AC (depending on your country) which is the electricity needed to power the home. Of course this is connected to the utility panel in the house so the lights and the appliances will work when these are switched on.
If you are not using that much electricity from the solar energy generated, it is stored in a battery so will be able to supply the house with power during a power outage or at night. Should the battery be full, the excess electricity is then exported to the utility grid if your system happens to be connected to it. When your solar energy runs out, utility supplied electricity kicks in.
The flow of electricity of solar energy is measured using a utility meter which spins backward and forward. It will go backward when you are producing more energy than you need and forward when you need additional power from the utility company. These two are only offset when you pay for the additional energy from the utility company. Any surplus is sod back to what is known as net metering.
A smaller version of this is used to power a water heater inside the home. Using the same principles, homeowners get to convert sunlight into heat to get warm water.
As you can see, transforming sunlight into solar energy is very easy. But why do countries like Germany and Japan use it more often than the US? The answer is because it is much cheaper for them to use this form of alternative energy compared to oil.
Also, although the US initiated this during the 1973 oil crisis, it is not as popular as it was back then because the government neither increased the budget in research for alternative forms of energy nor gave incentives so people will be encourage into doing that again.
Most state regulations also prohibit individuals from installing their own devices even if this is used to give you warm water. Chances are, you won’t even find anyone to do it so you will probably have to do it yourself. Just remember that if there is a problem with the plumbing, your insurance will not cover it. Should the state allow you to install such a system, you will not be entitled to the rebate.
Using solar cells is just one way to make the most out of solar energy. Your other option is passive solar energy which helps avoid heat loss so those inside will not feel too cold or too hot throughout the day. This is used by a lot of homeowners living in the southwest since they do not need that much insulation compared to homeowners who live in other parts of the US.
Now you know how solar energy works. The next step is to use solar power. This is a very important step to save your energy bills as well as protect Mother Nature.
Sep
11
2011
A PV system (photovoltaic system) is a specific system which uses one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It consists of multiple components, including the photovoltaic modules, mechanical and electrical connections and mountings and means of regulating and/or modifying the electrical output.
PV systems are designed to reduce or eliminate the amount of electricity you purchase from the utility especially when there could be a price increase in the next few months.
PV farm
The best part about the PV system is that it generates clean electricity which is clean, reliable and renewable since it does not emit any harmful gases into the atmosphere.
The PV system must be placed in an area that is free from any obstruction otherwise, it will not be able to capture the sun’s rays. A lot of experts say that the south facing roof is best while the east and west is sufficient. If the roof is not available, it can be mounted on the ground.
You should know that PV systems come in various sizes so you should get the one that matches our electrical needs. If you consume about 6,500 kilowatts a year, then a PV system within the 3 to 4 kilowatt range is right for your home. You can measure this by reviewing your past electric bills and making some projections.
Naturally, the size of the PV system will determine the amount of space needed. If you do not use that much electricity, 50 square feet may be sufficient. However, a larger system may require a little over 600 square feet. Just remember that a kilowatt of electricity requires an area of 100 square feet.
Solar energy is converted with the help of an inverter since this is what changes direct current to alternating current. You will also need batteries so excess energy may be stored so you can still use solar energy during the evening or during a power outage.
The size of the PV system is also in direct proportion with the cost. Most cost from $9 to $10 per watt and when you include installation, the bill may reach be from $10,000 to $20,000.
The cost of the PV system should not discourage you from investing in solar energy. People who use it are able to get tax rebates and it will also increase the value of your home. With that, the only thing to do now is to call a reputable solar energy provider.
One other thing you should know about the PV system is that this should also be connected to your grid. For this to work, you have to enter into an interconnection agreement with your utility.
This agreement will address the issue with regards to the terms and conditions under which your system is tied up with them. This also includes what is known as net metering which allows you to bank any surplus electricity that your system generates on the electric grid in the same manner that you will be charged accordingly should you consume more electricity than what you have banked.
You need a PV system to generate solar energy. You just need to know what size of a system you require so this can be installed by your solar provider.
Solar energy has been around for quite some time. In fact, now is the best time to get it if you want to cut your electric bill and do your share to protect the environment.
