Off-Grid Solar Electric System Explained
November 29, 2009 by admin
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Do you dream of being energy-independent? Then living “off-grid” might be ideal for you. Most of those who live off grid are in remote locations where electric utility service is either not available or very expensive to connect. But a growing number of people are looking at it as a personal lifestyle option.
The Domestic Off-Grid Solar Power Update
There are a couple of important factors involved in living off-grid. First, you’ll need to learn how to use your electricity judiciously. You won’t have to do without it, but you don’t want to waste it, either.
It’s also important that you become familiar with your solar power system – how it works and what type of maintenence is required. It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that comes up. Becoming an expert won’t be too difficult considering the large amount of available information on solar energy. However, it does require some time commitment on your part.
Typically, an off-grid system is made up of nine components
1. The photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.
2. The array DC (direct current) disconnect. This acts as a “breaker” between the system and the array and allows you to disconnect the system to do troubleshooting or fix problems.
Third, the charge controller prevents the batteries from overcharging.
Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity. You will usually need sufficient batteries for 2-3 days worth of stored electricity in case of an overcast period.
Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard. It shows how the various components in your system are doing.
An Article on Off-Grid Solar Energy
6. The main DC disconnect. You will know this better as a breaker which is placed between the batteries and the inverter.
7. The inverter. This component converts the DC electricity that was generated by the solar cells into the AC (alternating current) electricity that powers your household appliances.
8. The breaker panel. This is the same kind of breaker panel that the electric company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.
Ninth, your backup generator. A backup generator may become necessary if there is a stretch of cloudy days and you have used up the power that was stored in the batteries. Conventional fossil fuels can be used for your generator; however, if you’re maintaining a green lifestyle, you will want to use biodiesel.
Now that you’ve seen the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it’s not that complicated to become your own expert. Each component is pretty simple in and of itself. The only motorized parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won’t be using that very much.
A Report on Off-Grid Solar Electricity
Choosing the Appropriate Solar Panel
November 25, 2009 by admin
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All of the electricity needs of your home can be provided by a solar power system if your house has the correct orientation to the sun and adequate space on its roof. Many homeowners who have been interested in using solar power systems in the past have not been able to take advantage of this technology because they either had limited roof space or were somewhat out of alignment with the sun. The result would have been solar panels that didn’t generate enough electricity to justify installation costs. Improvements in solar panel technology in recent years should give hope to these homeowners, as modern panels are more efficient than older versions and are also more tolerant of sunlight that is hitting them at a steeper angle. One common application is with the use of 12 volt batteries and charge controller coupled with a solar panel to make a 12v solar charger.
These newer solar panels are based on improved solar cell technology and better manufacturing techniques that provide a better solution for all solar power installations. The newer solar cells used in modern panels can offer homeowners better power generation than cells that were available even a few years ago because of several different improvements. The biggest advantage of the newer solar panels is that they can generate more energy from less sunlight. This means that they can be effective at generating power for longer portions of the day.Because of this, they can be used to generate electricity for more hours per day. Older solar panels required the sun to hit them more directly and so had a limited range of operation. When the sun was hitting the panel at a steeper angle, these panels would generate little to no energy, like in the early morning or late afternoon. If there were any clouds at all, even if the sun could shine through them, these panels couldn’t produce energy consistently. These newer panels will help many homeowners justify the cost of installing a solar power system because they will produce more energy in all levels of sunlight. This can also be good news for people who have homes with less than perfect alignment with the sun.
These newer solar panels will also allow the average homeowner to entirely eliminate their electric bill with fewer panels. This also means the solar power system will be less expensive since there will be fewer panels used. For people with limited roof space, this can make a significant difference. You can see how much solar power and how many panels you’ll need for your home if you check out Home Solar Power Calculator.
The newer solar panels also will also last significantly longer. Older panels would last 10 to 15 years in a moderate climate before they needed to be replaced. The panels would produce peak power for about ten years and then degrade over time. The solar panels would start to slowly fail as one by one the solar cells failed. As the cells began to fail, the panel would produce less and less power. The newer solar cells will last longer and will also generate more electricity while they are viable. This means that a homeowner will enjoy their benefits for many more years, and makes their investment in solar energy technology an even smarter choice. A great way to save on the cost of solar panels is by building your own home build solar panel.
Living Off-Grid
November 24, 2009 by admin
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You Can Live Off-Grid
The shortage of power, the accelerated use of consumable energy, the ever-growing need for energy resources, the persistant warnings concerning the environment are enough proof to let us know that it’s time we do something. So, what can we do? For starters, why not try living off the grid? If I have startled you with that proposition, let me tell you that living off the grid not only helps the environment and helps conserve energy; it also reduces your electricity bill substantially. Now, that’s a real-life benefit apart from how you will greatly benefit the environment. believe me, you will feel good doing this.
If you would like to discover how you can go off-grid visit:: Living with Off Grid Solar Power
Let us first take a look at the benefits of being off-grid..
• less dependence on exhausting resources: Who wants to depend on public utilities forever? Living off the grid allows you to rely solely on yourown resources and not the ones provided by the government or big companies. How many times have you felt furious when faced with a power outage in the middle of some important project or a party? Wouldn’t it be great to take charge of such factors that affect your life? With alternative power solutions, you can. take a look at this and learn how you can save your money: Find Out How You Can Use Off Grid Solar Power
• When you use naturally available resources, you don’t have to pay a thing!: Think about how you’d feel when you no longer have to pay for the electricity you use. Wouldn’t it be delightful to use all you want and not give a thought to the electric meter? You can take advantage of the abundant, available power that nature herself provides to light your home and prepare your meals. Your quest for power can now be satisfied with solar and wind power solutions.
• Save money by reducing your bill: How would you like to go to your mailbox and never again find an electic bill? Using alternative power solutions gives you a rapid return on your investment, as you will eventually be powering your home for free!
• Preparing the way for a healthier environment: Don’t you want to thank the people who planted trees years ago knowing that the trees wouldn’t grow to maturity for many years to come? They planted those trees for the generations to come. Make the future of your future generations secure by providing them a healthier, more ecologically sound world. Cut down on the use of non-renewable energy sources..
Go to The Sources of Energy That Will Help You Go Off Grid: The Top Three Off Grid Solar Power Review
If your are questioning whether living off the grid is doable, check out alternative energy solutions. You might be surprised to find out that they are not only economically beneficial but very feasible as well.
Reviews On Portable Solar Power
November 22, 2009 by admin
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A lot articles have been written about solar power, its benefits and its advantages. In this article you will find just a summary of most of the information talked about in a lot of them.
The following topics will be highlighted below: how does wind power work, Using Wind and Solar Power and learn to install solar power systems
Quite a substantial number of reviews have been published on solar power. I will attempt to summarize the information contained in most portable solar power review articles. It is now simple to produce solar power on a small scale. As you probably know you can now set up your own solar panels from home and generate electricity for your house.
If you are searching for a system that is relatively small then it would be best to deal with one that you have set up yourself. This will ensure that you do not run into any problems each time you have to take it down and put it up again; since you already know how. What you need to know is when you choose portability you sacrificing the output energy you can produce.
The small portable panels do not create as much energy as the large ones do. Unless you build a number of small portable panels that you will be able to link and run at the same time.
Most portable solar power review articles are flooded with the same information that’s why I have decided to summarize it for you here.
The advantage of small solar panels is the apparent ease of being able to move around with them. You can increase their number. It is possible to connect other panels and increase the outputenergy that you produce. But the size will depend on how much power you want and the term portable really also depends on an individuals perspective.
One can view the panels that are being being used to provide power for big houses as portable when compared to the industrial level. Most portable solar power review articles fail to differentiate between small scale production panels. basically the idea is the same. What you should bear in mind is whichever system you have in mind you can construct one for yourself and its very easy.
DIY Wind And Solar Panels
November 22, 2009 by admin
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Most people are now constantly searching for alternative sources of cheaper energy. Amongst the ones that are now being chosen are wind and solar. In the article that follows the reasons they are becoming popular are talked about in detail.
I will highlight the following details: Wood Boiler For Creating Electricity, solar power efficiency and DIY solar
DIY wind and power systems are taking the frustration out of life. Gone are the days when you had to follow the kids around and make sure the lights are turned off. With solar and wind power once you install it then you won’t be paying any energy costs. The reduction on the money for electricity bills will amaze you. The extra cash will allow you concentrateon other pressing things.
The electrical power produced using wind and solar will never run out. The extra power that you generate can be stored in batteries and can be used whenever the need arises. You can maximise the amount of electricity that you generate by building more panels. Is that not difficult you ask?
No; setting up your own DIY wind and solar power systems is very easy. The back up and support manuals available allow you to be able to construct and install your own system within at least two days. So over a period of a month you can have your house completely running on green electricity. The guides will provide step by step illustrations to make the task easier.
Most of the power sources that have been in use are quite polluting to the environment. The wind and solar power systems do not affect the environment and therefore thought of as green ways of generating power. The only thing that could be stopping you from taking up this is not knowing where to find the material.
This should not be a problem as any recommended DIY wind and solar power system will usually have details about where you can buy the required components. There will also give you a quote on the amount you can expect to pay. But it should not be above $250.
Solar Panels: Are They A Good Option For My House?
November 21, 2009 by admin
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If you’ve been questioning whether your house is a good candidate for solar panels, here are some things to consider. Factors such as the direction that your roof faces and the placement of trees on your property can make a difference. You will also need to decide whether or not you want your electrical system tied to the local power grid. Following is some information to help you decide if solar panels are a good choice for your home.
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A major factor is deciding if your system will be grid tied or off grid. Grid tied means that your electric system will be connected to the local electric utility company. As long as sunlight is hitting the solar panels, they will be generating electricity to run your appliances. During periods when your solar panels don’t have access to sunlight (nighttime, cloudy days), your appliances would be getting electricity from the local utility company.
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An off grid system works independently and is not connected to a utility company. These are more found more in rural locations where utility poles are distant and getting hooked up is extremely expensive. With off grid systems, excess electricity is stored in batteries (similar to car batteries) and a back-up generator is usually utilized. The solar panels provide electricity during periods of sunlight, and at night or during inclement weather, the batteries or generator take over.
For either system-grid tied or off grid-roof pitch and facing direction, and objects that can block sunlight all play a part in placement of your solar panels. For optimum efficiency solar panels require direct sunlight for as much of the day as possible. Large trees that shade the roof as well as taller buildings that might block the sun need to be considered. As each house has various combinations of these factors, each house must be individually evaluated. Accurate measurements and surveys, as well as a site inspection by a qualified installer will provide the necessary information to choose the best solar panel configuration for your house.
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How To Service Your Solar Panels
November 20, 2009 by admin
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If you worry that having solar panels installed on your home will result in costly, time-consuming maintenance, you can stop worrying. Residential solar panels are manufactured using thick glass encapsulate the solar cells and are then affixed to metal racks. As the solar panels have no moving parts, they require minimal maintenance once they are installed.
The Modern DIY Method Is To Undertake Your Own Solar Power Projects
However, this can be affected by your locality, the weather typical for your area, and and the number of trees in your yard. For instance, if you reside in a region where there is a lot of snow in the winter, you may have to spend some time following a heavy snowfall cleaning off the solar panels so the sun can penetrate them. Or if you live in a region that has frequent dust storms, or in an urban area where there is a lot of dirt in the air, you may need to clean the glass panels occasionally to maximize their effectiveness. But if there is a ample amount of rain, that should keep the solar panels clean enough to function properly.
If there are a lot of deciduous trees on your property, including evergreens, you may need to see that the leaves or needles don’t cover your solar panels. But a quick swipe with a broom should do the trick.
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As we know, the solar panels are not the only aspects of the system. If yours is an off grid system, it will include storage batteries and perhaps a back up generator. These things will require more monitoring and continual care than the solar panels themselves. It’s always wise to plan for periodic examinations to ensure that your entire solar energy system is functioning properly.
If your solar panels are connected to the grid, you will still have the inverter as part of your system. It changes the electricity that your solar panels produce into alternating current that your appliances can use. Although it has no mechanical parts, it is an important component and should be regularly inspected.
Solar Energy Future
November 20, 2009 by admin
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Solar energy certainly seems to be the way to go these days, and our sun being our most leading source of renewable energy. People are becoming alot more conscious of the global warming and making solar energy their choice to generate power. How can we ignore the opportunities available to us, when we have the chance to power our homes exclusively off the grid with free clean energy, its certainly clarifies why solar powered homes are so common today.
For another really good article, I would highly recommend. Check out: Solar Energy Costs
In the future it is possible that all non renewable sources of energy will be depleted, Producing energy this way is without doubt a much healthier choice for us and our environment.
The Future Effects and Usage of Solar Energy
Solar Energy in the future will override our current sources of energy and homes will be designed specifically so they employ solar energy entirely.
Solar power is being used around the home for many needs, such as cooking, water heaters, drying clothes. We are already seeing solar powered cars being driven on our roads today.
Its very possible that large industries will run off solar power in the future, because of these industries requiring so much power and energy the use of coal is necessary to help meet their energy needs. . It is all too certain that one day in the future all current energy grids will eventually be replaced by solar energy systems.
Solar Energy And Space
A space shuttle requires enormous amounts of fuel to function. Here too is another area where in the future the energy from the sun will completely dominate this sector.
Transportation And Solar Energy
One day oil will be worn out, We can also expect transportation soon to be controlled by solar power. Like I have already pointed out earlier, solar powered vehicles are already on the roads. We have about 6 solar powered vehicles here where I reside being used on the roads.
Don’t forget to take the time to check out more really good articles about solar energy systems and how you can generate energy of your own. Take a look at: Solar Energy Systems
It has been foreseen that solar energy systems will be up and running everywhereby the year 2020, opening numerous possibilities for solar energy in the future. Much more people are appreciating the importance of solar energy and starting to prepare themselves for the change. Acknowledgment of our current sources of energy and it being depleted one day is more of a reality. So the sooner we can begin using solar the better.
Pollution Control
Unlike our present source of energy, solar energy is clean energy. The pollution rate is already quite disturbing. Our wonderful planet we all live on is gradually being damaged, if we could all consider using solar or wind energy then we could certainly make a difference in our health and the future of our planet.
We can begin by doing some research about solar panels and their construction. A simple way of generating power to your home is with solar panels and the installation is quite a simple process. There are many people today building their own solar panels, with the right instructions and materials there is no reason why anyone could’t do this. At the end of the day, our future will be committed to renewable sources of energy and your best possible choice is solar energy .
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Solar Panels – How Much Energy Will My Home Require?
November 19, 2009 by admin
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If you are planning to install a solar power system in your home, you will need to determine your current rate of energy consumption. Normally, you can obtain this information from your local power company. Using this data as a baseline, you can design your solar energy system to correspond to the needs of your home. The climate in your region will have an impact on energy use, as will the direction your windows face, the number and location of trees on the site, and the kinds of appliances you use.Even the type of light bulbs you use can make a difference. For Ways To Find Out About Cutting Electricity Bills Go To: DIY Make Solar Solar Power Energy
The annual temperature extremes in your geographical area will be a important factor. Being in an area with extreme temperatures will require more power to heat or cool your home than if you live in a moderate climate. In a cold climate, south-facing windows help lower your heating bills. North facing windows in a hot climate can reduce cooling bills.
Mature trees can shade your house in the summer, lowering cooling bills, while the denuded limbs in the winter will allow sunlight in. These factors can all contibute to how much energy you use. In addition, installing adequate insulation in walls, roofs and floors help reduce utility bills in every climate.
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If you can, change all of your appliances to energy efficient models. Newer appliance models often use as much as 50% less energy than older models, particularly if they need repairs and are not working at top efficiency. Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs also makes a significant difference in reducing electricity consumption. After you have evaluated your house for these factors, you can plan to build a solar photovoltaic system by multiplying your average daily kilowatt hour consumption by about .25. This should give you an approximation of the daily kilowatts your solar panels will need to generate in order to supply your current power requirements.
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What is Solar Power
November 19, 2009 by admin
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Solar Power – Energy For Your Home
Solar power energy is the free light and heat radiating from the sun that has been utilized by humans from the beginning of time, using constantly changing and increasingly effective methods. Solar energy along with some other alternate solar resources (IE: wind, hydroelectricity and biomass) account for most of the renewable energy sources on Earth. Only a tiny portion of the available solar energy is gathered or used.
Solar power energy methods give electrical generation by means of heat engines or photovoltaic. Once changed it utilizes are only restricts by human ingenuity. Partial listings of solar uses are space heating and cooling through solar architecture, portable water via distillation and disinfection, day lighting, hot water, thermal energy for cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes.
Application of Solar Power Energy
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Solar technologies are generally categorized as active or passive, based on how they are obtained. (Captured and put to use). Active solar methods use photovoltaic (PV) panels, pumps and fans to convert the sunlight into useable energy. This energy is used to provide the electricity that you use on a daily basis for television, refrigeration, computers, lights, etc. Passive solar methods use materials and designs that obtain the wanted thermal properties; like designing outdoor areas that circulate air naturally and planning the location of a home to best use the Sun.
For additional information about these and other renewable energy solutions please visit http://www.reensol.com/ . A complete list of renewable solutions includes solar, wind, bio-energy, geothermal, hydro, hydrogen and efficiency. Take a quick look first at the efficiency category. This where I would start because you will get the fastest results.
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