Posts Tagged ‘Appliances’
Joseph Stark asked:
A lot of you reading this will be interested in building your own homemade solar panels. You will have read lot of information on them, but I am sure there is one question you would like answered above all, how effective are they or do they really work?
I first put together my first homemade solar panels quite some time ago now and I have had a good result so far. Whilst many claim you can get energy savings of up to 80% off your usual power bill most of you will find that you don’t reap this much initially, especially with your first homemade solar panels. The best way to start down the road of energy self sufficiency is to start small, aim to power a few devices at first, you will still be slashing cash off your monthly bill and possibly selling excess energy back to the grid.
Once you have made your first one, it is simply a matter of rinse and repeat, so you can become more and more dependent on solar energy. Perhaps initially look at running a few appliances such as your laptop, radio, television or even lighting, in time you will be able to add more and more as you build up your familiarity and expertise with the process.
You will still need to run some appliances, such as mains run ovens and air-conditioning using the power grid, as they draw massive amounts of energy, much more than even conventional solar power systems can provide (although there are some products like cookers that are now being produced that are designed to run on solar energy). As you increase the number of your homemade solar panels you will find you can get close to the 80% figure many enthusiasts have obtained.
So the short answer is yes! Homemade solar panels really do work!
Content
A lot of you reading this will be interested in building your own homemade solar panels. You will have read lot of information on them, but I am sure there is one question you would like answered above all, how effective are they or do they really work?
I first put together my first homemade solar panels quite some time ago now and I have had a good result so far. Whilst many claim you can get energy savings of up to 80% off your usual power bill most of you will find that you don’t reap this much initially, especially with your first homemade solar panels. The best way to start down the road of energy self sufficiency is to start small, aim to power a few devices at first, you will still be slashing cash off your monthly bill and possibly selling excess energy back to the grid.
Once you have made your first one, it is simply a matter of rinse and repeat, so you can become more and more dependent on solar energy. Perhaps initially look at running a few appliances such as your laptop, radio, television or even lighting, in time you will be able to add more and more as you build up your familiarity and expertise with the process.
You will still need to run some appliances, such as mains run ovens and air-conditioning using the power grid, as they draw massive amounts of energy, much more than even conventional solar power systems can provide (although there are some products like cookers that are now being produced that are designed to run on solar energy). As you increase the number of your homemade solar panels you will find you can get close to the 80% figure many enthusiasts have obtained.
So the short answer is yes! Homemade solar panels really do work!
Content
Anna Hart asked:
Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!
Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.
1. Solar panels using monocrystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection.
2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection.
3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells have lower conversion efficiency, and take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat.
Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.
Size and Number of Solar Panels
Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.
Placement of Solar Panels
Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat’s configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.
The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.
In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable.
How to Install Marine Solar Panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.
Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:
1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.
2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.
3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.
Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.
First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.
Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power.
Helpful Tip
Pre-packaged marine solar panel kits take the guesswork out of installation.
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Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!
Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.
1. Solar panels using monocrystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection.
2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection.
3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells have lower conversion efficiency, and take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat.
Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.
Size and Number of Solar Panels
Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.
Placement of Solar Panels
Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat’s configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.
The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.
In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable.
How to Install Marine Solar Panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.
Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:
1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.
2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.
3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.
Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.
First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.
Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power.
Helpful Tip
Pre-packaged marine solar panel kits take the guesswork out of installation.
Content for WordPress