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Solar Panel Basics and Technologies Today

olar Electricity When people think about alternative or renewable energy, the first image that comes to mind is often large blue or black solar panels on rooftops or portable highway signs that have a small panel attached. These panels, also known as photovoltaic modules (or PV modules), convert sunlight into electricity, and they have been the backbone of renewable energy for decades. The Photovoltaic Effect (how sunlight is converted into electrical energy) was discovered over a hundred years ago! Yet widespread implementation of this technology has been very gradual. Only in very recent years has photovoltaics gained wide popularity as an alternative way to produce electricity. In 1958 the first PV modules were launched into space to power satellites. Even today, solar power is the primary source of energy at the International Space Station. On Earth as well, PV has traditionally been used in areas where there is no practical source of electrical power but there is abundant suns
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Portable Solar Panels For Caravans - How to Generate Free Electricity on the Open Road

When you are on a road trip with a group of friends in a caravan, there are a couple of ways you can generate electricity. One of the most common options is to use a gasoline generator. However, many people do not like this approach because a generator is noisy and creates a lot of air pollution. The running cost for a generator is also quite high because you have to constantly top it up with gasoline. When you are out in the wilderness with your friends, the last thing you want to do is pollute it with carbon monoxide and loud noise. As a better alternative, a caravan can use a portable solar panels system to generate electricity. It is a better option because solar energy is clean, does not generate any pollution, low running cost and requires only minimal maintenance. If you are opting to use solar power on your road trip, it would be best for you to make some early preparation. No doubt a solar system for caravan is a good idea, however, you must have certain skill and knowle
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Solar Panel Wiring - Selecting the Correct Wire Gauge is Important For Safety and Efficiency

When you are doing ANY electrical wiring - ask yourself these questions. Do I know what I am doing? Is it SAFE? Should I get a professional to assist? For a DIY project, make sure you really do understand what you are doing, you may be compromising not only safety but also insurance policies. If you are considering a DIY Solar project, we strongly suggest you obtain a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of the build. Solar panels are not difficult to build, but there are both technical aspects and practical points to make your project a success. Depending on the number of panels, your controller and storage, along with how far your cabling will run, you need to make sure that your cables are of the correct gauge (thickness). The wiring within your panel and leading to your storage system needs to be done correctly. Further, when you connect your solar panel array up to your storage system, your supply cable needs to be of the correct size. When you buy electrical cable, rem
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Solar Power Math Problems - Part II, Calculating Wire Size

In Part 1, we discussed how to calculate solar panel electrical circuits to avoid possible safety issues during their installation and use. Our calculated circuit current from Part 1 was 10.585 Amps. Now that we've determined how much current might be produced, I need to select the correct wire size. I'm using type USE-2 cable from the solar panels to the combiner box where the circuit breakers are located. USE-2 cable is UL listed for outdoor use in hot areas (90C) and is also sunlight resistant. The temperature derating of USE-2 in 141-158F is 0.58 [NEC 310.16] Ampacity of USE-2 cable, 10AWG: 40 amps 40 amps times 0.58 = 23.2 amps Ampacity of USE-2 cable, 12AWG: 30 amps 30 amps times 0.58 = 17.4 amps Ampacity of USE-2 cable, 14AWG: 25 amps 25 amps times 0.58 = 14.5 amps The wire size has to be able to handle 125% of the derated PV Source Circuit Current (10.585A), so 10.585A times 1.25 = 13.23A. Our wire has to be thick enough to handle 13.3 amps, so either of the
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Solar Power Math Problems - Part I, Calculating Solar Panel Circuits

Math problems are everywhere when solar power is concerned, not only for reducing power losses, but also for safety considerations. Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires derating and correction factors based on the type of wiring involved and the locations the wires are installed. There's also a default "just because it's solar" calculation with a lot of good reasons related to the NEC's goal of life safety. I installed my system using the 2003 edition, which was the current edition at the time. The first math problem deals with solar panel output. When planning your solar panel installation, technical details for stuff Pmax, Vpm, Ipm, VOC, and Isc are needed for a safe design. Here are the specs for the solar panels I used: Sanyo HIP-180: Pmax 180 watts, Vpm 54.0 volts, Ipm 3.33 amps,  Voc 66.4 volts, Isc 3.65 amps BP Millenia MST-43MV:Pmax 43 watts, Vpm 72.0 volts, Ipm 0.6 amps, Voc 98 volts, Isc 0.8 amps The NEC requires a 'weathe
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Add A Solar Fountain To Your Garden - It Is Hassle Free

There are numerous individuals who couldn't imagine anything better than to add a pleasant drinking fountain to their nursery however don't due to the expense of power to keep the water running continually. They likewise might not have any desire to issue with running every one of the links and ropes underground just to get the ability to the drinking fountain. Which are all substantial reasons why not to include a wellspring in your nursery. Be that as it may, there is solutions...install a sun oriented wellspring. Establishment of sun based wellsprings are exceptionally basic and require no power which implies you don't need to stress over running links and lines nor the power bill so far as that is concerned. There is no power required! These sun based wellsprings are actually a wondrous thing and will draw in flying creatures which are a pleasantly added fascination in your effectively great nursery. The feathered creatures won't just give included view however
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