Google Tech Talks September 12, 2007 ABSTRACT Learn about Solar Energy and Solar Panel Installation from an Industry Expert · Overview — how solar works, benefits, technologies, market trends · Process for installing system · Key questions to ask & things to look for when considering solar o Size o Cost o Incentives o Return on investment · Solar energy myths Credits: Speaker:Meredith McClintock
Video Rating: 3 / 5

Make homemade solar panels to save on cost.Learn about saving energy in your home with natural or solar power in this free video. Expert: Peter Bonenberger Contact: www.keepearthbeautiful.org Bio: Peter Bonenberger and his wife founded a non-profit organization called the Bear Springs Blossom Nature Conservation. They have members from all over the country and Europe as well. Filmmaker: Mark Sullivan
Video Rating: 4 / 5

by Pure3d

Solar power and wind energy

We hear a lot about so-called renewab

le energy in the modern world. As the effects of global warming – or climate change, depending on your preferred terminology – become more apparent, the need to find a way to generate energy without damaging the Earth becomes all the more important.  
One of the most talked about methods of making energy is solar power. As the name would suggest, solar power involves taking the energy of the sun and using that energy to generate electricity on Earth. While solar power is not a new concept, it is nevertheless looking like it will receive much focus during the search for renewable energies.  
Solar power works by concentrating the heat of the sun in a specific place. To do this, solar panels or heliostats are erected in the sun’s glare, where they capture heat. The surfaces of these panels are usually mirrored or shiny, so as to increase the already potent heat of the sun. This heat is then used to generate electricity through a variety of methods; the most common of these is to use the heat to boil water and general steam, which is then used to power a traditional electricity generator.
Solar power is not infallible as a technology, but it is more reliable than was first previously thought. Despite popular conviction, it is possible to generate electricity using solar panels on overcast days, which opens the technologies up to most countries. For solar power to be truly effective, however, the panels need to be placed where they receive continual sunlight and heat throughout the year. For this reasons, countries such as Spain are becoming the pioneers of solar power – though their scientific advances will eventually benefit us all.
How Reliable Is Solar Power? With solar power being flaunted as one of the realistic alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels, it is only natural that enlightened thoughts are turning to the reliability of the energy it can create. After all, the sun is an intermittent energy source. It does not always shine, with most countries experiencing cloud cover for large portions of the year. There is also the issue that the sun is only available for, at most, 12 hours out of every 24. Could the world’s energy demands really be sustained from what seems like such an unreliable heat source?
The answer is probably no, which is why solar energy is only being spoken of as one of the options for continued energy production. However, solar energy is one of the most viable of the options mentioned, even if it could not meet the entire world’s demands for energy by itself.
The reason for this is simple; the sun is a constant. The sun will continue to shine for as long as there is life on earth; by the time the sun begins to dim, the earth as we know it will begin to die. Unlike the expendable resources of coal and oil, this makes the sun very dependable – it will be here for as long as the world will.
The sun is also relatively easy to ‘tap’ into, as it shines directly onto earth and needs no human interaction for it to work to its full potential. While manufacturing solar panels can be expensive, they are relatively hassle free once created, and the only engineering they require to function is to be pointed as directly as possible toward the sun. This is certainly more viable than having to dig into the earth for coal, or send rigs out to sea to collect oil.
Solar power is, therefore, a reliable energy source. How effective it is a matter of debate, but one should largely assume that much – if not all – of the world’s demand for energy can be satisfied by our most powerful celestial friend.
Solar Power – cutting your energy bills and saving the environment, the concept of solar generated energy has the kind of truths behind it that would make the vast majority of advertising executives salivate.  
Firstly, the environmental considerations of using solar energy are huge. With fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, set to run out at some point; there has been a renewed focus in finding sustainable and renewable energy. Solar power has come to the forefront of such discussions as a viable alternative to the old ‘digging stuff out of the ground and burning it’ way of generating energy.  
The effect this ability for renewable energy which takes nothing from the earth itself is huge. While solar power will never be able to meet all of the Earth’s energy demands, it should certainly be able to sate a large portion of the populace. By switching to such renewable energy that capitalizes on a natural resource, the environmental impact would be significant.
Secondly – and this is where the aforementioned advertising executive would really become excited – solar power could save the average member of the population money. By having solar panels installed, people could save as much as 30% on their usual electricity and heating bills.  
With every year that passes, the general populace becomes more concerned about their own impact on the environment and their own dependence on fossil fuels. As time passes, these people with particular concerns are looking at utilizing other forms of energy. Once upon a time, seeing solar panels on the roof of a normal home would have been alarmingly unusual, but it is now fast approaching the norm. The average household is now capable of saving the environment and saving money – what are you waiting for?
Would Solar Power Save You Money? You’ve probably heard it all before; solar power is the answer to the world’s energy crisis, and what’s more installing solar panels in and on your home will save you money on energy bills. With utility bills, particularly electricity, increasing all the time – it’s no wonder that more and more people are seeking alternatives.
So, basically, the blurb is good. Solar power is good, and it is truly a way forward. At this point, with interest piqued, many will begin to wonder if they genuinely can save money and the environment by investing in solar panels.
Solar panels can be placed anywhere; the most effective place for the average household is on the roof, where exposure to sunlight is at its highest. And while you may feel the stories of cut price energy bills are a little bit too good to be true, the simple fact is by switching to solar power you will save money. Yes, everyone.
Solar panels can replace your dependence on electricity and gas – two of the most used utilities in any given home. For the first few years what you save will be largely offset by the cost of the solar panels being installed, but most companies estimate that people will genuinely be saving money by their seventh or eighth year with solar panels. Reduction in energy bills could be as high as 30% – no matter what or who you are, from a tiny flat to a large six bedroom detached house.
Purchasing and installing solar panels should be seen as an investment rather than a quick fix for your energy bills soaring.

Read more information about Solar Power and wind energy here:

http://www.tinyurl.com/26q3yaz

Renewable energy for the homes focus of conference
Organizers of an upcoming renewable energy conference here are working to take their message mainstream, saying that opportunities to tap into power from natural resources at home are no longer reserv
Read more on Provo Daily Herald

Renewable energy for the homes focus of conference
Organizers of an upcoming renewable energy conference here are working to take their message mainstream, saying that opportunities to tap into power from natural resources at home are no longer reserved for the wealthy or for off-the-grid fanatics.
Read more on FOX 13 Utah

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How To Build Solar Panels

The 2003 northeast blackout affected 45M people in eight US states. For residents in the area who have alternative power sources such as solar panels, the party continued with no curfew. Lights, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning all continued to function properly. The US electrical grid is in dire straits according to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations last year, which means solar panels and alternative sources of energy are proving to be a much more secure option. Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the benefits of using solar panels, since solar electricity is considered “green” and emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. Each home solar power system could save 2650 pounds of CO2 per year (30 tons over its lifetime). “The next industrial revolution will be based on these clean green technologies,” – Tony Juniper director of Friends of the Earth. Your utility bills will be greatly reduced using solar energy (after all, sunlight is free); so although you’ll have an initial outlay, you’ll save money in the long term. Regular solar systems can incur substantial installation costs; however, government incentives are available. Tax credits can be obtained from the federal government, for solar power, as per the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Psychological Every square meter of the surface of the earth receives around 164W of solar power. In fact, enough energy could be generated to supply the whole world with electricity just by covering one percent of the Sahara desert in solar panels. There’s so much more solar energy than we could ever use up, and that’s why it’s such an exciting option. The problem is, you can’t run a car or a TV with sunlight or heat. This is where solar panels come in – their job is converting solar power into a form of energy we can use – such as electricity. By connecting to the grid, people who create solar energy can be paid by the utilities for any extra electricity they produce. Accounting for a solar energy system’s electricity production and allowing homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the utilities, net metering is allowed in 30 states. A single, reversible meter is the one most often used. As electricity is produced by the solar energy system, on-site demand is fulfilled first. Rather than storing the excess energy in a battery, it is channeled instead, into the grid, reversing the electric meter. The utility company will credit the homeowner at the end of each metering period. You can store excess electricity for a cloudy day. There are two options for power on days without sunlight – if your home is attached to the national grid that can be your backup supply, otherwise you can store excess solar energy in batteries. Batteries are also used for night-time use. How many times a battery can be discharged and recharged is what determines whether it’s suitable for solar cells. The amount of electricity required, along with the size of battery will determine how long power will last during dark periods. How is solar electricity created? You’ll need a solar panel, which is composed of a number of solar cells. The solar cell absorbs some of the photons (light particles) from sunlight. Each photon contains a bit energy when absorbed this power starts a means of releasing an electron inside the solar cell. As the photon is soaked up, electric wiring on either side of the cell enable a current to flow. In this way, the solar cell produces electricity, that may be used immediately, or stored inside a battery for future use. Solar cells are joined together to create solar panels. Because a single solar cell is unable to supply enough power for most purposes, they are attached to create solar panels. Solar panels can be found in many types and sizes, the most typical of which produce up to 50 Watts of electricity and consist of silicon solar cells. Solar panels can also be interconnected to be able to generate more energy. Solar panels are large flat, rectangular structures, roughly the size and shape of a door. Each panel is made of individual solar cells (power collectors) covered with glass. Each 8-sided cell is about the size of your palm, with a bluish-black color. Much like battery cells, solar cells are also developed to generate electricity. The difference is, solar cells use sunlight to create electricity, and not chemicals. These cells are also known as photovoltaic cells. The process of producing electricity from solar panels is advanced technology, and yet quite simple to explain. When the sunlight shines onto a solar cell, photons (light particles) are bombarded onto the upper surface of the cell. This leads to the photon carrying its power down through the cell. The power is then received by electrons in the lower layer. The electrons use this power to cross the barrier to the upper layer and are able to exit into the circuit. And it is the electrons flowing through the circuit which supplies the power for our lights and appliances. Electricity generated using photovoltaic cells is not the only form of solar energy available. Solar-thermal panels are used to yield hot water instead of electricity. Solar-thermal panels and solar panels have different methods of creating solar power – there’s no electricity when using solar-thermal panels. Both panels look alike; however, where photovoltaic panels soak up light particles into solar cells, solar thermal panels capture heat through a sheet of black glass. Water is heated as it trickles by means of the panels, after which it is lead into the home water system. The entire world uses less power in a year than the sun transmits to the earth’s surface in just sixty minutes. Designing (or redesigning) your house to make the most of sunlight and heat is using passive solar power. Two ways to benefit from the sun’s heat: add another south-facing window and more insulation to your roof – this will increase the amount of heat and make it last longer. These ‘passive’ elements can be added during the building of a house or during major refurbishment. Adding solar panels would be called active solar power. Many people believe that you need continuous sunlight for a solar panel to work, whereas in fact, solar panels convert any form of light that hits them, and will still be effective even on gray days. For overnight energy you have one of two options. Remaining connected to your regular electric supplier means that whenever your solar panels are not working (for example at night), your energy is drawn from the supplier. Or, you can set your solar energy system up to store add-on electricity produced by the panels during the day, in batteries, and these can provide any energy you need after dark. Free, renewable power sources should become more essential as oil reserves decrease and global warming rises. Of all alternative energy sources available, the solar energy system has become the most popular since it is silent and produces no pollutants. The most common practice is to fit photovoltaic panels while continuing to be connected to the electric grid. The energy generated by the solar panels is then used by the owner, and any surplus is directed into the grid. This means not only will you be able to draw on the grid after dark when your panels are not capturing sunlight, but you can also be remunerated for the extra electricity you create. Water solar systems are efficient in lowering water bills by at least 50% and up to 70%. Apart from the environmental benefits of solar power, the fiscal benefits make it worth the effort. Even more can be saved by utilizing both solar water panels and PV panels. Solar technology grants are on hand to help fund the considerable initial installation costs of a solar power system. DIY solar panels are starting to become more prevalent as people recognize the difference in set-up costs. Fossil fuel sources are becoming more expensive and providing more difficulty, resulting in more worth being placed on solar energy. As pollution and global warming intensify, conventional energy sources are no longer a viable option. Renewable power sources, by definition, are limitless, unlike fossil fuel. As time progresses, the continued upgrades made to solar technology, along with rising prices associated with traditional energy supplies will result in solar power becoming more inexpensive. Daryl Hannah and Orlando Bloom are among a growing group of stars committed to doing more for the environment than just recycling and driving hybrid cars. These superstars have switched to using solar panels and other renewable energy sources in their homes, reducing their energy use. Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) is preparing to have his island in the Bahamas powered completely by solar power instead of generators. Larry Hagman (best known for his portrayal of JR in “Dallas”) is the proud owner of one of the biggest residential solar power systems in America, reducing his electric bill from ,000 to ,000 per year. The BP Solar Neighbors program – brainchild of A-list actor, Edward Norton helps low income households to benefit from solar energy systems. Through the BP Solar Neighbors project, for every solar power system sold to a famous person, BP donates one to a low income family. Brad Pitt, Alicia Silverstone and Rhea Pearlman are just three of the many stars who have taken part in this project. This project could possibly be contributing to the 30% annual growth of BP’s solar division. Global energy company Shell has forecasted that within the next thirty years, around half of our planet’s power will be sourced from renewable power options. General Electric and Total are just two of the major corporations joining Shell in a joint sustainable energy project. A compelling spotlight has been focused on the demand for sustainable energy sources following the recent BP oil spill. Focus on renewable power and solar technology in particular, has increased following the significant consequences of the oil spill. The statistics for global power use are interesting, and may be unexpected to some. Over 25% of worldwide energy usage is consumed by America, despite accounting for barely 5% of the global population. Not only will Israel’s 100mw solar energy plant supply over 200,000 people with electricity, but they are preparing to develop a second plant which, at 500mw will have an even bigger impact. Japan uses fifty percent of all solar panels created throughout the world, and Bavaria contains the world’s biggest solar electricity system. Taking all of this into consideration, America has huge promise regarding solar energy. By powering your house with solar panels, it is possible to save money in 2 ways. Using solar power firstly means lower electricity bills. Secondly, the utility company will compensate you for the excess electricity your panels create if you remain connected to the grid. The average solar system takes about 18 months to have made up for the installation costs; making your own solar panels would mean you’re saving from the beginning. Recently, a rise in home-owners making their own solar panels demonstrates that people have found a way to get past the high investment needed for installation. With solar system installation costs still very high (between ,000 and ,000 for the typical American home), DIY solar panels have become more popular. Many people find they’re easier and less complicated than they may have thought. Following the right instruction guide will ensure safe and effective DIY solar panels. Going with the DIY solar panel option means not just long-term utility bill savings, but it’s a way to save cash in the thousands in initial outlay. The worth of a home can be increased with the addition of a solar power system. The US Dept of Housing and Urban Development has reported that a home’s property value increases by ,000 for every ,000 annual utility bill savings. Energy efficiency is an attractive benefit to a possible buyer of your home. Apart from the long-term savings to a potential home-owner, a solar system means independence from the grid, providing more security. Unlike neighboring houses still relying on the utility company, a solar-powered house will continue to run as normal – a benefit which is reflected in its value. Many people believe that if they don’t use a south-facing roof their solar panels will not work, but in fact they will still prove efficient on a roof that faces east or west. Another choice which is very effective is a ground-mounted system – constructed in a flat area with no shade. The ground-mounted solar panel is built by fixing it to a pole which is cemented into the ground. If you’re not connected to the grid, you can arrange for your solar system to store excess electricity in batteries – which will then provide your night-time energy.

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Follow Steve Thomas as he checks out a net zero house that generates all its own energy using solar panels. Watch more at planetgreen.discovery.com

by Wayne National Forest

How To Build Solar Panels? Make Your Solar Panel

How To Build Solar Panels

The 2003 northeast blackout affected 45M people in eight US states. For residents in the area who have alternative power sources such as solar panels, the party continued with no curfew. Lights, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning all continued to function properly. The US electrical grid is in dire straits according to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations last year, which means solar panels and alternative sources of energy are proving to be a much more secure option. Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the benefits of using solar panels, since solar electricity is considered “green” and emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. Each home solar power system could save 2650 pounds of CO2 per year (30 tons over its lifetime). “The next industrial revolution will be based on these clean green technologies,” – Tony Juniper director of Friends of the Earth. Your utility bills will be greatly reduced using solar energy (after all, sunlight is free); so although you’ll have an initial outlay, you’ll save money in the long term. Regular solar systems can incur substantial installation costs; however, government incentives are available.

Tax credits can be obtained from the federal government, for solar power, as per the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Psychological Every square meter of the surface of the earth receives around 164W of solar power. In fact, enough energy could be generated to supply the whole world with electricity just by covering one percent of the Sahara desert in solar panels. There’s so much more solar energy than we could ever use up, and that’s why it’s such an exciting option. The problem is, you can’t run a car or a TV with sunlight or heat. This is where solar panels come in – their job is converting solar power into a form of energy we can use – such as electricity. By connecting to the grid, people who create solar energy can be paid by the utilities for any extra electricity they produce. Accounting for a solar energy system’s electricity production and allowing homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the utilities, net metering is allowed in 30 states.

Click to Build your solar panel

A single, reversible meter is the one most often used. As electricity is produced by the solar energy system, on-site demand is fulfilled first. Rather than storing the excess energy in a battery, it is channeled instead, into the grid, reversing the electric meter. The utility company will credit the homeowner at the end of each metering period. You can store excess electricity for a cloudy day. There are two options for power on days without sunlight – if your home is attached to the national grid that can be your backup supply, otherwise you can store excess solar energy in batteries. Batteries are also used for night-time use. How many times a battery can be discharged and recharged is what determines whether it’s suitable for solar cells. The amount of electricity required, along with the size of battery will determine how long power will last during dark periods. How is solar electricity created? You’ll need a solar panel, which is composed of a number of solar cells. The solar cell absorbs some of the photons (light particles) from sunlight.

Each photon contains a bit energy when absorbed this power starts a means of releasing an electron inside the solar cell. As the photon is soaked up, electric wiring on either side of the cell enable a current to flow. In this way, the solar cell produces electricity, that may be used immediately, or stored inside a battery for future use. Solar cells are joined together to create solar panels. Because a single solar cell is unable to supply enough power for most purposes, they are attached to create solar panels. Solar panels can be found in many types and sizes, the most typical of which produce up to 50 Watts of electricity and consist of silicon solar cells. Solar panels can also be interconnected to be able to generate more energy. Solar panels are large flat, rectangular structures, roughly the size and shape of a door. Each panel is made of individual solar cells (power collectors) covered with glass. Each 8-sided cell is about the size of your palm, with a bluish-black color. Much like battery cells, solar cells are also developed to generate electricity. The difference is, solar cells use sunlight to create electricity, and not chemicals.

These cells are also known as photovoltaic cells. The process of producing electricity from solar panels is advanced technology, and yet quite simple to explain. When the sunlight shines onto a solar cell, photons (light particles) are bombarded onto the upper surface of the cell. This leads to the photon carrying its power down through the cell. The power is then received by electrons in the lower layer. The electrons use this power to cross the barrier to the upper layer and are able to exit into the circuit. And it is the electrons flowing through the circuit which supplies the power for our lights and appliances. Electricity generated using photovoltaic cells is not the only form of solar energy available. Solar-thermal panels are used to yield hot water instead of electricity.

Solar-thermal panels and solar panels have different methods of creating solar power – there’s no electricity when using solar-thermal panels. Both panels look alike; however, where photovoltaic panels soak up light particles into solar cells, solar thermal panels capture heat through a sheet of black glass. Water is heated as it trickles by means of the panels, after which it is lead into the home water system. The entire world uses less power in a year than the sun transmits to the earth’s surface in just sixty minutes. Designing (or redesigning) your house to make the most of sunlight and heat is using passive solar power. Two ways to benefit from the sun’s heat: add another south-facing window and more insulation to your roof – this will increase the amount of heat and make it last longer. These ‘passive’ elements can be added during the building of a house or during major refurbishment. Adding solar panels would be called active solar power. Many people believe that you need continuous sunlight for a solar panel to work, whereas in fact, solar panels convert any form of light that hits them, and will still be effective even on gray days. For overnight energy you have one of two options. Remaining connected to your regular electric supplier means that whenever your solar panels are not working (for example at night), your energy is drawn from the supplier.

Or, you can set your solar energy system up to store add-on electricity produced by the panels during the day, in batteries, and these can provide any energy you need after dark. Free, renewable power sources should become more essential as oil reserves decrease and global warming rises. Of all alternative energy sources available, the solar energy system has become the most popular since it is silent and produces no pollutants. The most common practice is to fit photovoltaic panels while continuing to be connected to the electric grid. The energy generated by the solar panels is then used by the owner, and any surplus is directed into the grid. This means not only will you be able to draw on the grid after dark when your panels are not capturing sunlight, but you can also be remunerated for the extra electricity you create. Water solar systems are efficient in lowering water bills by at least 50% and up to 70%. Apart from the environmental benefits of solar power, the fiscal benefits make it worth the effort.

Click to Build your solar panel

Even more can be saved by utilizing both solar water panels and PV panels. Solar technology grants are on hand to help fund the considerable initial installation costs of a solar power system. DIY solar panels are starting to become more prevalent as people recognize the difference in set-up costs. Fossil fuel sources are becoming more expensive and providing more difficulty, resulting in more worth being placed on solar energy. As pollution and global warming intensify, conventional energy sources are no longer a viable option. Renewable power sources, by definition, are limitless, unlike fossil fuel. As time progresses, the continued upgrades made to solar technology, along with rising prices associated with traditional energy supplies will result in solar power becoming more inexpensive.

Daryl Hannah and Orlando Bloom are among a growing group of stars committed to doing more for the environment than just recycling and driving hybrid cars. These superstars have switched to using solar panels and other renewable energy sources in their homes, reducing their energy use. Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) is preparing to have his island in the Bahamas powered completely by solar power instead of generators. Larry Hagman (best known for his portrayal of JR in “Dallas”) is the proud owner of one of the biggest residential solar power systems in America, reducing his electric bill from ,000 to ,000 per year. The BP Solar Neighbors program – brainchild of A-list actor, Edward Norton helps low income households to benefit from solar energy systems. Through the BP Solar Neighbors project, for every solar power system sold to a famous person, BP donates one to a low income family. Brad Pitt, Alicia Silverstone and Rhea Pearlman are just three of the many stars who have taken part in this project.

This project could possibly be contributing to the 30% annual growth of BP’s solar division. Global energy company Shell has forecasted that within the next thirty years, around half of our planet’s power will be sourced from renewable power options. General Electric and Total are just two of the major corporations joining Shell in a joint sustainable energy project. A compelling spotlight has been focused on the demand for sustainable energy sources following the recent BP oil spill. Focus on renewable power and solar technology in particular, has increased following the significant consequences of the oil spill. The statistics for global power use are interesting, and may be unexpected to some. Over 25% of worldwide energy usage is consumed by America, despite accounting for barely 5% of the global population. Not only will Israel’s 100mw solar energy plant supply over 200,000 people with electricity, but they are preparing to develop a second plant which, at 500mw will have an even bigger impact. Japan uses fifty percent of all solar panels created throughout the world, and Bavaria contains the world’s biggest solar electricity system. Taking all of this into consideration, America has huge promise regarding solar energy. By powering your house with solar panels, it is possible to save money in 2 ways.

Using solar power firstly means lower electricity bills. Secondly, the utility company will compensate you for the excess electricity your panels create if you remain connected to the grid. The average solar system takes about 18 months to have made up for the installation costs; making your own solar panels would mean you’re saving from the beginning. Recently, a rise in home-owners making their own solar panels demonstrates that people have found a way to get past the high investment needed for installation. With solar system installation costs still very high (between ,000 and ,000 for the typical American home), DIY solar panels have become more popular. Many people find they’re easier and less complicated than they may have thought.

Following the right instruction guide will ensure safe and effective DIY solar panels. Going with the DIY solar panel option means not just long-term utility bill savings, but it’s a way to save cash in the thousands in initial outlay. The worth of a home can be increased with the addition of a solar power system. The US Dept of Housing and Urban Development has reported that a home’s property value increases by ,000 for every ,000 annual utility bill savings. Energy efficiency is an attractive benefit to a possible buyer of your home. Apart from the long-term savings to a potential home-owner, a solar system means independence from the grid, providing more security.

Unlike neighboring houses still relying on the utility company, a solar-powered house will continue to run as normal – a benefit which is reflected in its value. Many people believe that if they don’t use a south-facing roof their solar panels will not work, but in fact they will still prove efficient on a roof that faces east or west. Another choice which is very effective is a ground-mounted system – constructed in a flat area with no shade. The ground-mounted solar panel is built by fixing it to a pole which is cemented into the ground. If you’re not connected to the grid, you can arrange for your solar system to store excess electricity in batteries – which will then provide your night-time energy.

Brocade’s CTO Dave Stevens explains the keys to the most energy efficient facility.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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by Wayne National Forest

Solar Panel Installation Manual

How to Install the Solar Panel Safely?

Solar panel come in various sizes to satisfy a full range of applications. Each Solar panel is made of crystalline-silicon cells. To protect the cells from the most severe-environmental conditions, Solar panel are made of high transmission rate and low iron tempered glass, anti-aging encapsulation material, and high climate resistant and insulation back sheet by hot lamination, with anodized aluminum alloy frame and junction box.Solar panel are reliable, virtually maintenance free power supply, designed to operate efficiently in sunlight. By Solar panel, the solar radiant energy is transformed into electrical energy for using. Solar panel, usually be used as one fittings of PV solar system. A set of basic PV solar system is consisted of PV Solar panel, Solar regulator, solar inverter, and storage battery.

Solar panel can be used in roof PV solar systems, PV stations, building, and other electric generation application etc widely.

The mechanical and electrical installation of solar systems should be performed in accordance with all applicable coded; including electrical codes, building coded, and electric utility interconnect requirements.

Requirements may also vary with system voltage, and for DC or AC application.

How to Choose the installation angle of Solar Panel?

Solar Panel installation Mounting site
Solar Panel can be used on land except for corrosive salt area and sulfurous area.

Excluded applications include, but are not limited to, installations where Solar Panel are likely to come in contact with any salt water or where likely to become partially or wholly submerged in fresh or salt water, examples of which include use on boats, docks and buoys. Don’t install modules in a location where it would be immersed in water or continually exposed to water from a sprinkler or fountain etc.

Modules are designed for a maximum allowable design pressure of 50 pounds per square foot, about 2400Pa, which may correspond to a nominal wind speed of approximately 130 km/h in certain circumstances.

Actual maximum allowable wind speed may be influenced by module type, mounting configuration, location, and other factors. In no case should modules be exposed to pressures greater than 50 pounds per square foot of uniformly distributed wind, snow, or other loading.

Not install Solar Panel near naked flame or flammable materials.

When choosing a site, avoid trees, buildings or obstructions. Modules should be mounted to maximize direct exposure to sunlight and to eliminate or minimize shadowing. Even partial shadowing can substantially reduce module and system output. Furthermore, partial shadowing can elevate the shaded portion internal temperature, which may lower output and shorten module life.
Solar Panel Orientation of installations
Modules may be mounted at any angle from a vertical orientation to a horizontal one. The appropriate fixed tilt angle and azimuth orientation should be used in order to maximize the exposure to sunlight.

Incorrect orientation of modules installation will result in loss of power output. Modules connected in series should be installed at same orientation and angle. Different orientation or angle may cause loss of power output due to difference of amount of sunlight exposed to the modules.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Solar Panel should face south, and in the Southern Hemisphere, Solar Panel should face north.
Solar Panel tilt angle
Solar Panel produce the most power when they are pointed directly at the sun. For installations where Solar Panel are mounted to a permanent structure, Solar Panel should be titled for optimum winter performance. As a rule, if the PV system power production is adequate in the winter. It will be satisfactory during the rest of the year. The Solar Panel tilt angle is measured between the Solar Panel and the ground.
Use fasteners to fasten the Solar Panel to the mounting support structure. Solar Panel should be bolted to support structures through mounting holes located in the frame’s back flanges only. Stainless-steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and locks washers, are recommended for module mounting. Creation of additional holes for mounting is not recommended and will invalidate the warranty. Solar Panel should not be mounted by supports at the ends.

Mounting support structure should withstand forces from wind and snowfall pressure etc. Mounting support structure should use proper materials and corrosive treatment.

Installation the Solar Panel should has proper ventilation. A clearance of 4.5 inches (about 115mm) or more behind the Solar Panel is recommended to permit air circulation and cooler solar panel operation. Elevated temperatures lower operating voltage and power, and shorten solar panel lifetime. Clearance of 1/4 inch (6.35mm) or more between solar panel is required to allow for thermal expansion of the frames.

How to wire solar panel on installation ?

1)Blocking diodes

Blocking diodes can prevent nighttime battery discharging caused and prevent solar panel from loss of array output and being damaged or destroyed by reverse current flow.

Blocking diodes should be installed in series with each solar panel or series string to prevent possible back flow of energy through the solar panel when solar panel or strings are connected in parallel or used in conjunction with a battery.
2)Overcurrent protection
Whenever necessary to comply with local codes, use a fuse or circuit breaker, rated for the maximum series fuse rating of the module and the system voltage.

Always fuse the connections at the battery for safety. Refer to the solar panel rating label (on solar panel) for recommended fuse size. Also, refer to the charge controller owners manual.

All electrical components should have ratings equal or greater to the system rating. Do not exceed the maximum allowable system voltage as listed on the solar panel label.

3)Grounding
All solar panel frames should be grounded for safety. The support structure must also be grounded unless they are mechanically connected by nut and bolts to the grounded solar panel.

Attach a separate ground wire to grounding holes on solar panel frame with a self tapping screw. solar panel frame is provided with grounding holes. Stainless-steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and locks washers, are recommended for module grounding. The ground wire should be at least the same size as the electrical conductors, ground wires greater than 10AWG is recommended.
 
4)solar panel Wiring
solar panel are equipped with factory installed wires and quick connectors. Modules have been designed to be easily interconnected in series.
One solar panel has a pair of male and female waterproof cables and connectors for electrical connection, that are pre-wired inside the junction box. The cables have obvious marks of the positive and the negative.

The connectors at the opposite end of these wires allow easy series connection of adjacent solar panel by firmly inserting the male connector of a solar panel into the female connector of an adjacent solar panel until the connector is fully seated.

For a series electrical connection, should connect positive (+) connector of the first solar panel to the negative (-) connector of the following solar panel. For a parallel electrical connection, should connect positive (+) connector of the first solar panel to the positive (+) connector of the following solar panel.

The cable typically used to interconnect the solar panel should be stranded or solid copper single-conductor type, rated sunlight resistant, for solar panel and solar panel wiring that is exposed to weather, from 12AWG (4.0mm2) up to 14AWG(2.5mm2) gauge copper wire.

The maximum and minimum diameters of the cable that may be used with the cable connector are 8mm and 6mm respectively. A separate return wire or wires may be required to run the positive and negative terminations of the series string of modules to the load. Male and/or female connectors pre-attached to wires may be used at the string terminations for return wire connections and/or for source circuit box terminations. solar panel have bypass diode(s) installed.

How to Maintenance the Solar Panel?

It is not uncommon for a remote site to be checked but once per year. Under most conditions, normal rainfall is sufficient to keep the Solar Panel glass clean.

Clean the glass with a soft cloth using mild detergent and water. Solar Panel that are mounted, fiat ( 0°tilt andle) should be cleaned more often, as they will not self-clean as effectively as Solar Panel mounted at a 15°tilt or greater.

It is advisable to perform periodic inspection of the Solar Panel for damage to glass, backskin, frame and support structure. Check electrical connections for loose connections and corrosion. Check if mounting support structure and modules are loose. Check connections of cables, connectors, and grounding. Change Solar Panel must be the same kind and type, if need. Solar Panel can operate effectively without ever being washed, although removal of dirt from the front glass can increase output. The glass can be washed with a wet sponge or cloth, wear rubber gloves for electrical insulation.
 

Solar Panel Safety precautions

Solar Panel installation and operation should be performed by qualified personnel only. Children should not be allowed near the solar electric installation.

Avoid electrical hazards when installing, wiring, operating and maintaining the module. Solar Panel produce DC electricity when exposed to light and therefore can produce an electrical shock or burn. Solar Panel produce voltage even when not connected to an electrical circuit or load. Solar Panel produce nearly full voltage when exposed to as little as 5% of full sunlight and both current and power increase with light intensity. Do not touch live parts of cables and connectors. As an added precaution, use insulated tools and rubber gloves when working with Solar Panel in sunlight.

Fall of Solar Panel from high place will cause death, injury or damage. Do not drop Solar Panel or allow objects to fall on Solar Panel, never leave a Solar Panel unsupported or unsecured. If a module should fail, the glass can break a Solar Panel with broken glass cannot be repaired and must not be used.

When installing or working with Solar Panel or wiring, cover module face completely with opaque material to halt production of electricity. Solar Panel have no on/off switch. Solar Panel when exposed to sunlight generate high voltage and are dangerous, Solar Panel can be rendered inoperative only by removing them from sunlight, or by fully covering the front surface with opaque cloth, cardboard, or other completely opaque material, or by working with Solar Panel face down on a smooth, flat surface when installing or maintaining.

Do not artificially concentrate sunlight on the Solar Panel.

Solar Panel can produce higher output than the rated specifications. Industry standard ratings are made at conditions of 1000W/㎡ and 25℃ cell temperature. Reflection from snow or water can increase sunlight and therefore boost current and power. In addition, colder temperatures can substantially increase voltage and power.

Solar Panel are intended for use in terrestrial applications only, thus excluding aerospace or maritime conditions or use with sunlight concentration.

It is recommended that the Solar Panel remains packed in the box until time of installation.

Work only under dry conditions, with a dry Solar Panel and tools, since sparks may be produced, do not install Solar Panel where flammable gases or vapors are present.

Do not drill holes into Solar Panel frame as it will void warranty. Solar Panel ate constructed frame as it will void warranty.
Handled with care, if the front glass is broken or if the polymer backskin is tom, contact with any module surface or the frame can produce electrical shock. Particularly when the Solar Panel is wet, broken or damaged modules must be disposed of properly. Do not disassemble, bend, impact by sharp objects, walk on, and throw or drop etc. keep back surface free from foreign objects. Avoid sharp edges.

Use Solar Panel for its intended function only follows all Solar Panel manufacturers’ instructions. Do not disassemble the module, or remove any part or label installed by the manufacturer. Do not treat the back of the Solar Panel with paint or adhesives.

If not otherwise specified, it is recommended that requirements of the latest local, national or regional electrical codes be followed.

Retain this installation manual for future reference.

Notes
The electrical characteristics are within ±5 percent of the indicated values of Isc, Voc, and Pmax under standard test conditions (irradiance of 100mW/㎝2, AM 1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25℃(77°F).

Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic Solar Panel is likely to experience conditions that produce more current and/or voltage than reported at standard test conditions. Accordingly, the values of Isc and Voc marked on this module should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage ratings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls connected to the PV output.

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by Pure3d

What Is A Solar Power Inverter and Why Do I Need One?

Home solar power systems provide an easy and cost effective way for the average homeowner to generate all the power their home requires with simple sunlight. These systems have continued to improve over the years and are constantly incorporating new and innovative features into their design. One component that has changed substantially in recent years is the solar power inverter.

The Heart of Your System

The solar power inverter is the part of any solar power system that is responsible for the conversion of DC power being generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by the home. In their simplest form they do little more than accept this DC power directly from the panels and connect to your homes wiring panel to allow you to use the free AC power they convert. Even though this seems like a trivial function, these solar power inverters still require a fairly sophisticated circuitry to ensure they generate AC power that conforms to a common standard of 60 Hz and 120 VAC that most homes require.

Expanding Their Functionality

Over the years these simple solar power inverters have taken on additional functionality and can be found today performing several critical functions in addition to their conversion tasks. Most modern inverters are more intelligent than older models and actually sit between the locally supplied utility power to the home and the solar power system itself. They act like a traffic cop for power being supplied to the home and will intelligently switch between solar power when it’s available and to utility supplied power in the evenings when the solar power system is dormant. By being able to sense when the solar power system is active, these modern solar power inverters ensure the home will always have a reliable supply of electricity.

Spin Your Electric Meter Backwards

Many modern solar power systems are designed to actually supply more power during the day than the home is using. These modern solar power inverters are sophisticated enough to send this excess power back up the power lines to the local utility which generates a credit for the home. This way the homeowner can use these credits to help offset the cost of power they need to buy back from the utility in the evenings. Because the solar power inverter is connected to both the home and the local utility, it can guarantee that the free solar power is used by the home whenever possible and the excess power doesn’t go to waste.

Charge Your Batteries at the Optimal Rate

Another duty that many of these solar power inverters have taken on is the charging of any batteries connected to a solar power system. Some homeowners will install a bank of batteries in their home that are charged with the excess power being generated by their systems during the day that can then be used later that evening to lower the amount of power they need to purchase from the local utility company. These batteries can also be used to supply power to the home if the local power utility has a blackout due to a storm. Most modern solar power inverters can handle the charging of these batteries and then convert their stored power for use by the home when needed.

Micro-Inverters Minimize Electrical Losses

One recent innovation to these solar power inverters is the way they are installed. Older systems would typically have a single large solar power inverter that converted all the power supplied by the solar panels. This required long lines be run from the panels on the roof of the home to the solar power inverter that was typically located at ground level near the electrical panel. The challenge with this design was that there was some loss of power because of these long lines and this could reduce the efficiency of the system. Newer systems are being installed with a group of smaller micro inverters that are actually located at the solar panels themselves. By doing the conversion of DC power to AC power right at the solar panel you can eliminate much of the loss that older systems suffered.

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by andresra

Solar Energy Heating System – What They Are

Definition of a solar energy heating system

When radiant energy from the sun gets absorbed by different layers of the atmosphere of the earth, various energy forms including solar energy is generated. The process of conversion of this solar energy into heat (i.e., thermal energy) after capturing and tapping the former is known as solar thermal energy. Space heating and cooling, water warming and heat production processing all make use of the technique of solar energy heating system. Indeed, it is convenient to heat water by using solar power heating systems. For this purpose, a solar collector is made use of. The modern systems are sleek, sophisticated, and count high in terms of efficiency and output quality. As such, these efficient solar heating systems are certainly worth their initial price figures.

Mechanism of working of a solar energy heating system

Flat plate collectors that are glazed and evacuated tube collectors form the principal components of a solar energy heating system that is meant to raise the temperature of water. These water heating systems are mainly used in domestic homes. However, in order to heat up water at swimming pools, plastic collectors that are unglazed are used. Methods of solar concentration are applied for process heating in industries and for other commercial purposes. Greater amount of solar energy is generated by larger number of solar collectors. In general, batteries, an inverter, as well as solar collectors (two or three) form the chief parts of any solar energy heating system. The radiant energy generated by the sun are captured and collected by the solar collector components. DC electrical power is generated from the solar energy, after the latter is captured and processed. Silicon is widely used as the semiconductor element that is used in a solar collector. As soon as the DC electric power is generated, it is directed to the inverter present. The latter transforms DC electric power to usable AC electric current, which, then, can be put to practical usage. The solar power heating systems that do not have the inverter are generally not desirably quick in delivering output. Often, the amount of functional electrical energy generated from the captured solar power is significantly more than what is immediately required by the end users. This is where the batteries come in handy. The excess electrical energy generated is stored in the batteries, so that this electricity can be used at a future date. If there still remains a significant amount of extra electrical power, it can be sold off to the owner of the company. Hence, users can also avail of a way to save money.

A charge controller is generally provided the batteries. It ensures that the batteries, and in turn, the entire solar power unit, keeps on functioning in the most efficient manner possible. Certain hardware, cables and testers are necessary for setting up the unit, and making the batteries work. Hence, these are also provided in a solar energy heating system, in addition to the main components of the latter. However, these solar energy systems might not be able to meet the entire power requirements of a home; nor is it compatible with the various electrical devices in a house. Still, for a practical demonstration of the actual working mechanism of a solar power generator, these units are ideal.

Solar heating system: Health considerations

There are quite a number of additional health benefits that would be available only if a solar heating system is used. In the presence of enough amounts of solar energy, a low temperature of air helps people feel comfortable. The users are also able to cut down on excess electricity expenses in cases where the air is at low temperature levels. The chances of spreading of a number of diseases is also lowered, since pet dander, dust, bacteria, dirt and other viruses are prevented from being flown about across the entire house during the winter season. In cases where the breathing passage becomes too dry, infections might occur in this passage. A solar heating system helps to prevent such a scenario. Solar power systems do not generally disturb the interior arrangements of furniture, since they do not take up an unnecessarily large space. Neither do these systems have blowers, ensuring that no sound disturbances are generated. Thus, the cells are sound-free, and can be kept within the reach of kids as well. In comparison to the traditional baseboard heating units or the forced hot air cells, these solar heating systems offer much greater economic advantages as well. Numerous companies are indeed cropping up by the day, with each boasting to possess the most advanced solar technology. The more efficient systems do cost a bit higher than the other units as well. During the night, these solar heating units need not work either, and the energy stored by the batteries is used at these times. A basic understanding of these systems and their functioning can help you acquire the one you need. Thus, you should ideally select the solar heating cell that would perfectly match your requirements. That would indeed make the world a better place to live in for the future generations.

In order to know the correct technique of setting up a solar energy heating system, you should consult a training guide. Proper installation procedures of the system are also provided, so that it can keep the environment clean. A training manual would also help you know the ideal place for setting up the system, the wiring techniques that should be used, and the precautionary methods that should be adopted. You can also get to know how to get the batteries for free, and the other components at relatively cheap prices. Once all this information is available to you, installing a solar energy heating system becomes much easier.

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