Tag Archives: Solar Panels

The future of solar power: Flexible solar panels

As the popularity of solar energy grows, so does the selection of solar equipment that is made available. The big trend in solar energy right now is flexible panels.

Flexible solar panels have many advantages over traditional framed solar panels. The flexible solar panels are lightweight so there is less worry in the installation process and during use. They can also be installed on a semi-permanent basis because they are very easy to remove and install elsewhere.

Probably the biggest advantage is that they can be manufactured in any size or shape so they can be used in unconventional places.

In the past, the biggest disadvantage of the flexible solar panels is that they could only power low-wattage devices however that has changed significantly in the past year as new solar technology has been introduced. The newest flexible panels that are available for commercial applications have the ability to collect more energy than earlier versions.

In the future, we will be seeing even more advances in solar energy products based on this emerging technology.

Solar & LEDS: Tech company’s new and improved business model

Applied Materials announced this week that it was planning a major restructuring of it’s business. The goal? To place a “primary emphasis” on LEDS and crystalline silicon solar panel technology.

This restructuring would effect the bottom line of the company in many ways including the elimination of 400 – 500 jobs and the closing of their thin-film solar technology lab among other plans.

The future of Applied Material’s solar technology would focus on the crystalline silicon solar product development over the thin-film solar business. Historically, crystalline silicon (c-Si) has been used in many solar cells as a light-absorbing semiconductor although it is considered a relatively inefficient for light absorption. It also requires a considerable thickness (several hundred microns) of material.
Despite this, it has proven to be desirable because it produces stable solar cells with good efficiencies (11-16%, which is half to two-thirds of the theoretical maximum). It uses process technology developed from the huge knowledge base of the microelectronics industry.

Deal Alert! 50W Solar Panels Prices Slashed!

Don’t you wish you could save some money heating your house? Here’s a super deal you won’t want to pass up.

If you’ve been waiting to start building a solar energy system, you’re in luck. We are offering our 50W Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels at a outrageously low price of $299.99. We only have 6 4 left, so don’t delay! We expect the 50W solar panels to sell out quickly at this price. We’re trying to get more, but we can not be sure we will be able to.

Multiple 50W Solar panels can be connected in series for more voltage, or in parallel for more current. Use these to in part to build complete on grid and off grid solar power generating systems. Excellent for use with deep cycle battery banks and solar charge controller regulator.

Added benefit: Our solar panels are made of Monocrystalline silicon. Mono-crystalline has been proven to be the best and most efficient raw material used in PV cells. Use Mono-Crystalline panels to capture the most energy from solar power.

Solar energy is a small investment that delivers big benefits. Once you are harnessing the power of the sun’s rays, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

Solar Energy in China: Here Comes the Sun

Growing demand for renewable energy sources has skyrocketed all over the world, but no where is this more evident than in China.

Take a look at the city of Rizhao where miles of dark tubing cover the roofs of apartment buildings and private homes. The reason? Using solar powered hot water heaters is mandatory in Rizhao. In fact, due to requirements such as this one, China has become the largest producer (and consumer of) solar hot-water heaters. Rizhao’s commitment to solar energy is deep: it has pledged to become the very first city in China to become carbon-neutral.

The good news for all of us is that the surge in solar panel requirements has created more supply, and thus lower pricing for all of us. The lower prices help make solar energy more affordable even here in the US.

As new panels are shipped to us, we will be passing on the new lowered prices to our customers. West Florida Components has just lowered our prices on all new solar panels by an average of 16%. Good news for all of us!

Choosing Batteries for a Solar Energy System

When putting together a solar energy system, like any other project, having the proper parts and tools for the job is paramount to overall success. With quality components and a little bit of know how, you can design and install your very own solar energy system whether for dedicated appliance use or as a complete replacement for conventional electric energy. Choosing the right parts is a big step in the process, and once you’ve decided which type of solar panels to use and how many you’ll need, the next logical step is to find appropriate batteries.

The most important step in choosing batteries for your solar energy system is making sure you purchase a bank with corresponding voltage to the panel array you’ve designed. The voltage of individual battery units on the market is 2; depending on how many individual battery units come in the bank, the voltage of the unit itself will be 2, 4, 6, 8, and so on. Once you’ve established the correct voltage for your battery bank, you can browse the available types and models to arrive at the perfect unit for your system. There are four basic kinds of battery banks widely available for purchase: marine models, and “industrial strength” varieties which include flooded, gel, and AGM features.

The marine models, commonly used on boats and small vehicles such as golf carts, tend to be the least inexpensive, and may be an option for small solar projects or those requiring solar powering for a limited period of time. In the long run, however, purchasing an industrial battery bank will save money. Flooded battery types are an economical option, with a moderate price and a reasonable longevity. These types release gas while charging, and so are not suitable for indoor use. Gel batteries, while a little more expensive, do not release gas allowing for indoor use, and come with a slightly longer life expectancy. Finally, AGM batteries may cost more, but have numerous benefits, including the longest longevity available, lack of gas or other leakage, and superior efficiency.

Taking care to select the battery bank that’s right for your solar system and its application is an important part of the overall design process, and, if done carefully, can lead to many years of nearly maintenance-free energy enjoyment. Shop with quality in mind and give yourself the gift of peace of mind for years to come.

Solar Panels for Boats

Solar panels can easily be installed and utilized on boats for power. There is very little maintenance required to keep them in working condition and if properly installed, the solar panels should last 10 years or more.

The first decision is what kind of solar panels to buy. The most efficient option are mono-crystalline solar panels. Not only are they efficient, they are the most widely available. You might also consider using poly-crystalline panels which are slightly less efficient as the mono-crystalline type. If you have concerns about shade, you can buy the thin film solar panels.

Your next decision is where to install them on your boat. It is recommended that you install them high and aft on your boat, and in direct sunlight. One suggestion would be to install them maybe over the cabin or above the davits. The goal is to avoid installing them where the shadows might affect their performance. If shadows are an issue, consider installing them on a rail along the stern or over the bimini.

If your solar panels are shadowed, even just one complete row of cells, you will not be generating any power. The solution would be to either move the solar panels to a location that is not shadowed or to use a shade resistant amorphous solar panel.

Keep your solar panels operating at their maximum efficiency by wiping off any residue laying on the surface of the panel. Solar panels generally require little maintenance and are able to withstand the outdoors, so think about how you might be able to use them to power your boat.

Grounding Wire in Your Solar Energy System

As they become increasingly popular among both homeowners and businesses, solar energy systems are helping to create a world full with the possibilities of clean, renewable energy.

The efficiency, affordability, and environmentally friendliness of solar panels and accessories are a far cry from the costly, wasteful, and polluting methods of power generation traditionally used to secure energy for the booming population around the world. But this innovative technology is not without its perils, the foremost of which is the danger of electrical shock and related fires. This serious risk is easily mitigated by the practice of grounding a solar energy system. It’s easy, fast, and inexpensive, and in many places, including the United States, it’s required by NEC laws for most systems and applications.

To “ground” a given electrical system means that it is connected to the earth, which provides a shield between the power conductors and a person or separate object. The practice of grounding solar energy systems is important for a variety of reasons. Most modern systems are installed on rooftops and other similarly elevated spaces to achieve maximum sunlight exposure. While this positioning is optimal for efficient solar panel usage, it also exposes systems to electric wiring, antennae and satellite equipment, and telephone and cable systems which can be prone to breakage and hanging, especially in areas that experience turbulent weather. The common positioning also exposes systems to objects such as tree limbs and debris.

These objects, if brought into contact with a non-grounded solar energy system, can contribute to shortages and create a fire risk too dangerous to ignore. In addition to these accidents, non-grounded systems can cause electric shock when touched by humans and animals, especially those systems which carry a high voltage or are in their veteran years of use.

The process of grounding a solar energy system is a basic one; a “ground” or rod is driven into the earth, preferably at a depth of at least a foot or two, and a proper grounding wire is tied to it. This wire is then attached to the solar energy system, completing the barrier. It is important to note that the grounding set ups of AC and DC systems must absolutely be kept separate, and that excess grounding wire can become a hazard all its own.

With the proper length grounding wire, a simple rod, and a careful attention to detail, you can render your solar panel system both safe and reliable while complying with important regulations.

The post above is offered as an opinion. If you are installing a solar energy system, please consult an expert for exact instructions to protect yourself and your property. West Florida Components accepts no liability for you, your property or your solar system.

New Uses for Solar Energy: Solar Powered Gadgets

A few decades ago, you might have noticed solar panels when driving through rural areas on a radio tower, or perhaps you’d seen them in use at a scientific research facility or on images of the international space station.

These days, it seems like solar panels are popping up everywhere, with many modern homeowners opting to trade in their expensive and inefficient electricity bills for clean, environmentally conscientious solar energy that requires virtually no maintenance and significantly cuts costs over time. From backyard barbeques to complete electric power replacement, modern homes — and offices for that matter — are quickly adapting to the modern solar power trend.

But it’s not just homes that are benefiting from the energy-producing rays of the sun. There is a wide variety of solar gadgets emerging on the modern market, from the ingenious to the entertaining.

There are a great number of portable devices that both businesspeople and vacationers alike depend on for work, play, and communication, the foremost of which is perhaps the laptop. Most laptop owners are familiar with a common frustration associated with their use; while the laptop is certainly portable, it only functions a short while away from its electric energy source. Solar power comes into play for laptop owners with newly-developed laptop battery chargers; imagine getting extra hours of computation, correspondence, or even game playing out of your machine by harnessing the natural energy of the sun.

For those who like to listen to their music out of doors, many audio equipment companies now offer solar-powered headsets, which can provide excellent quality radio, cd, or mp3 tunes without the expense or hassle of batteries; these inventive devices give ‘fun in the sun’ a whole new meaning.

In the garden, solar panels are a great way to provide illumination at night; solar “spotlights” or path lights can be placed throughout the natural landscape without the need for a clutter of wires and cables, and can give your garden a gorgeous night view or help guide your way from the garage once the sun’s gone down.

The increasingly popular use of amphorous solar cells, which are flexible unlike conventional models, are resulting in an array of important applications such as camping gear (some tents feature solar-paneled surfaces), clothing, and more.

With applications from the small and amusing to the truly immense, solar panels are proving an important element of modern energy production. Make this clean and cost-efficient power source a part of your life, and find a solar gadget to delight you and deliver you from electric dependency.

Solar Energy Basics

How Solar Energy Works

Solar energy is a relatively new field of study in terms of practical application, but its existence and effect on our planet is as old as the Earth itself.

The sun undergoes a never-ending series of light and heat producing reactions, comprising and sustaining its fiery mass while radiating these products outward. While some of this radiation is reflected back into space by the upper reaches of our atmosphere, a significant portion passes through and touches the Earth’s surface, powering a variety of natural processes important for the proper balance and functioning of the environment.

But solar energy can be harnessed by humans to power a wide variety of domestic, agricultural, and industrial applications, and is a rapidly-growing technology sector. The importance of moving towards clean, sustainable energy sources is paramount in the modern era, and solar energy provides the most promising and cost-effective solution for many uses.

Solar energy is employed in a number of ways, and can be used in a passive or active scheme, depending on design and desired output. Passive applications for solar energy include conscientious building construction in terms of alignment with the sun for heating and cooling purposes, as well as various greenhouse and farming technologies which allow solar heat to work with maximum efficacy and efficiency. Active uses for solar energy are most often materialized in the form of solar panels, which are accessible conversion tools useful for both large corporations and projects and individual consumers and homeowners.

Solar panels consist of a number of photovoltaic cells, which absorb solar energy and convert it to electric energy for practical use, storing the energy in a battery bank. The special photovoltaic cells contain electric contacts, which generate useful energy with electrons “grabbed” by the cells’ electric fields. These electrons are available to the cells once photons in direct sunlight come into contact with the surface of the panels, and are the key to creating clean, sustainable energy for the home and beyond.

As you might guess, the specific quality of the photovoltaic cells themselves as well as the number of cells laid over the surface of a solar panel help determine the overall efficacy and output of the panel. Factors including shading obstructions, weather patterns, and proper placement all have an impact on the production potential of a given panel and its set of photovoltaic cells.

Though the applications of solar energy vary, the common threads of efficiency and renewable sources render solar power an intelligent and effective way to power human lives without harming the environment.

Solar Energy Systems – Are They Right For You?

Solar energy systems, once reserved for massive industrial and agricultural operations, have seen dramatic developments in efficacy and accessibility over the past few years, allowing business owners, building planners, and homeowners to incorporate these important pieces of green technology into their everyday lives.

Far from being a second-best energy option or merely comprising a fashionable way to power a space, solar energy systems present excellent solutions for entrepreneurs and consumers alike, and are great for the environment, too. But what are the main benefits of these systems, and why are people so excited about this rapidly evolving technology? The answers lie in the ability of solar energy systems to provide efficient power use at an affordable price, resulting in a better environment in our lifetime and for future generations.

Solar Power Controller

Solar Power Controller

As the mainstay of modern solar energy systems, solar panels have become a hot topic amidst the green community. These panels operate by collecting light radiation from the sun and converting it to electric energy, which we can in turn use for a variety of applications. But while many traditional means of acquiring electric power, including coal, water, and nuclear systems, create a significant amount of waste product during processing, and often absorb resources that could readily be used for other applications, solar energy systems with the use of solar panels are entirely efficient, wasting no materials while creating sufficient stores of energy.

But though a smoothly-operating system with great output and a lack of waste may seem to warrant high costs, solar energy systems are actually a very cost-effective way to power homes, buildings, and beyond.

A relatively simple set up consists of components that are easily affordable for both business and home owners. Many users who set up solar energy systems including solar panels find their initial investments recouped with remarkable speed, thanks to the alleviation of costly electric bills and related expenditures. Imagine saying “goodbye” to your monthly electric utility statement and never being shocked by a hiked rate again. It’s an ideal achieved by many through the installation of solar energy systems. And this advantage of price extends to the Earth itself, as well.

Our planet is ruthlessly taxed of its natural resources, providing modern civilization with a host of necessities and luxuries at a rapidly accelerating pace. In the quest to find and implement clean, sustainable sources of energy, solar panels and related technologies are leading the fight against the depletion of Earth’s bounty, and can deliver the promise of a green and healthy planet for people today, tomorrow, and into the next centuries.