Solar energy is the energy that comes from the sun. The solar energy from the sun is enough to give us all the energy we need. It is also important to note that all forms of energy. From fossil fuels to wind energy can be traced back to energy originally supplied by the sun. Learn more about solar energy.
HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY REACH THE EARTH.
At this point, the intensity of solar radiation. Varies with the square of the distance travelled. Between the earth and the sun.For you to understand how solar energy travels to reach the earth. There are several factors to be considered.
Atmospheric clarity
Distance of travel through the atmosphere
The angle of incidence.
ATMOSPHERIC CLARITY.
This is the condition of the atmosphere at any time of the day. When I talk about atmospheric clarity, I refer to the state of the atmosphere. Below is a list of the conditions:
Clear
Cloudy
Raining
Dusty
Windy
For this reason, it is important to note that the best days for solar gain are clear and dry.
Cloud cover, rain, humidity air pollution and dust in the atmosphere, all reflect, absorb, and scatter solar radiation. Therefore, energy reflected back into space, is lost to us.
Absorbed radiation heats the atmosphere. And is responsible in part for the wind that turns the wind turbines. This bad thing is the absorbed energy is not available for direct collection.
Direct radiation, and some that are scattered by the atmosphere, makes up the total radiation available to solar collectors.
DISTANCE OF TRAVEL
The quality of solar radiation reaching the piles of the earth’s surface. It is affected by the distance it travels through the atmosphere. The energy that is not scattered is absorbed by:
Moisture
Gases
Dust.
The greater the distance travelled, the greater the sun’s energy is lost in the atmosphere. When you study the distance travelled by solar energy through the atmosphere, you will realise that it is affected by:
Time of the day
Latitude
Season
Altitude.
At sunrise and sunset, the sun’s energy must travel through far more atmosphere than in the middle of the day.
Latitude also affects the distance the sun’s energy must travel through the atmosphere. The closer you are to the equator, The less atmosphere between you and the sun.
Regardless of where you are, you receive more solar energy in summer than at any time of the year.
Altitude above sea level also affects how much solar energy you receive. A person at a higher altitude will receive more solar energy than a person at a lower altitude. This is because when you are at a high altitude, the distance of travel through the atmosphere to the earth’s surface is reduced.
SOLAR ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND INCIDENT OF RADIATION
What is the solar angle of incidence? This is the angle at which the sun’s ray strikes the earth’s surface. It is this angle that determines the intensity of the solar energy reaching the earth’s surface. I know you may be asking as to what is the solar intensity. This is the amount of solar energy or sunlight striking the earth’s surface.
How does the angle of incidence affect the intensity of solar energy? Let us take an example of the sun at midday. At midday, the sun’s ray strikes the earth’s surface at a right angle. This shows that the intensity of solar energy is higher at midday than at either sunrise or sunset.
The other thing to note is that when the sun strikes the earth’s surface at a right angle. The sun’s rays are closely packed, and cover a small area, but with high intensity. When the sun’s ray strikes the earth’s surface. Let’s say at 45 degrees, the sun’s ray covers a wide surface area but with reduced solar energy intensity. The intensity of solar energy reduces with the reduction of the angle of incidence.
How is solar Energy used in real life?
I would like to say that with the increase in the cost of conventional forms of energy. More people are looking for alternative forms of energy. Not only are we faced with an increase in the cost of energy. But the pollution of the environment as well. Therefore, more and more people are looking for alternative forms of energy. That contributes to protecting the environment. Thus maintaining a clean and green environment.
I will highlight ways in which solar energy is used, by limiting the discussion to two methods of capturing solar energy. The methods used to harvest solar power are:
Solar thermal collectors and
Solar electric collectors
Below are the various specific ways solar energy is used.
Solar hot domestic water
Solar pool heating
Solar electricity
Other uses of solar energy.
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS
Evacuated tube collectors
For you to understand and appreciate solar thermal collectors. It is desirable to know that there are two types of solar thermal systems. What are these two ways of capturing solar thermal energy? The first one is passive and the second one is active.
A passive solar system captures the sun’s energy as it enters a building without relying on a motor-driven circulator or fan. Once the captured energy is in the house. It can be stored in the mass of the building and distributed by natural means.
An active solar thermal system. Collectors capture the sun’s energy as heat. Then the collector transfers the heat through a liquid. The heated fluid is moved through the collector by a motor-driven circulator or fan. The heated water is then transferred or taken where it can be used immediately or stored to be used later.
SOLAR HOT DOMESTIC WATER
In all solar hot domestic water, the system starts with the collectors. It is worth to know from the word go. To say that there are basically two types of solar thermal collectors.
Standard flat-plate collectors and
Evacuated tube collectors.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT SYSTEMS
The direct system also known as an open-loop system circulates potable water directly through the collector. The heated water is then stored in a water tank.
The indirect system also known as a closed-loop system, circulates a non-portable liquid. Often a non-toxic antifreeze, between the collector and the heat exchanger. Which eventually heats the water.
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SYSTEMS.
The thermal heat collector systems can further be classified as either being active or passive.
An active system, a circulator is used to move either water or an antifreeze liquid through the collector. While a passive system relies on natural means to move water or an antifreeze liquid through the collector.
I know you might be asking, what system is the best. Honestly speaking, the climate is a determining factor in the choice of the system to use. In areas that experience freezing in winter and cold seasons, a less efficient and more complex indirect system must be used. In places where freezing is not an issue, a simple direct system should be used.
SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
To have a complete solar domestic hot water system, the below-listed system components should be present. Depending on the system used, all or some of the components must be present in the system.
Though this space is dedicated to solar hot water, you can also learn how to wire a conventional electrical geyser switch wiring circuit.
Solar thermal collectors
Supplemental water heaters
Hot water storage tank
Piping
Collector coolants
Expansion tanks
Heat exchangers
Circulator
Backflow preventer
Thermal static mixing valve
Supplemental heat bypass
Isolation valve
An AC collection loop control
A DC collection loop control.
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR.
This is the most important or the heart of any solar system. Most solar hot water collectors are mounted on the roof. These collectors can either be standard flat-plate or evacuated tube collectors.
SOLAR HOT WATER STORAGE TANK
There are basically two ways to store water in a solar hot water system. The more common approach is to use a pressurised tank containing potable water that has been heated by the solar array.
The second method is to use an unpressurised tank containing potable water heated by the solar array passed through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can either be inside or outside the tank.
SUPPLEMENTAL WATER HEATER
All types of solar hot water heaters that operate the whole year, should have a supplemental source of supplemental or backup water heaters that are used to boost the temperature of the solar-heated water.
PIPING
All solar hot water systems rely on piping running from the collector to the tank. Over the years, copper smooth pipes have proved to be the most reliable.
COLLECTOR COOLANT
The type of coolant used depends on the system in use. In direct systems, portable water is the coolant used to transport heated water from the collector to the storage tank.
While in an indirect system, a non-portable liquid is used to transport heat from the collector to the storage tank.
EXPANSION TANK
The coolant expansion tank is required in an indirectly filled closed system to cope with the expansion and contraction of the collector fluid to maintain near-constant pressure in the system.
HEAT EXCHANGER
This is an important part of an indirect system. It transfers heat from the collector coolant to the portable water.
CIRCULATOR.
Circulators also called pumps, are used in active systems. Both direct and indirect.To circulate water between the collector and the storage tank.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER
A backflow preventer is used in indirect systems. The work of this component is to prevent non-portable liquid from being drawn back when there is a loss in pressure or a leak in a heat exchanger.
ISOLATION VALVE
Two-way valves for isolating key components make repairs or replacements possible without draining the entire system.
AN AC COLLECTION LOOP CONTROL
In active systems using AC-powered circulators, it is important to provide a means of controlling the AC circulator.
A DC COLLECTION LOOP CONTROL.
Just like in an AC power circulator, there must be a way of controlling a DC there must be a way of controlling a DC circulator.
SOLAR POOL HEATING.
In this system, solar is used to heat the pool. Basically, a pool can be heated by using the two systems of heating.
Solar thermal heating and
Solar electric heating system.
Seeing that heating a pool is an important task, but few people need their pools to be heated, therefore, it is not my intention to go into the details of how solar pool heating is done.
CONVERT SOLAR TO ELECTRICITY
Just like in hot solar domestic water heaters, for solar energy to convert to electricity, it needs solar electric collectors. Solar electric collectors convert solar radiation directly into electricity. Solar electric collectors can either be modular or laminate.
When solar energy is converted to electricity, it is in direct current form. Therefore an inverter is used to convert DC power to AC.
TYPES OF SOLAR ELECTRIC COLLECTORS.
The collectors are made from either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. Mono and polycrystalline modules are the majority of solar modules on the market.
Polycrystalline electric collectors are more popular and less expensive than monocrystalline modules. When a semiconducting material is protected by glass and it is not flexible it is called a module. And when it is protected by a flexible cover it is called a laminate.
At this point, it is good to mention that a single solar cell combines to form a module and modules form arrays. Below is a list of the 10 best solar panels.
10 Best Solar Panels
I have decided to put up a list of the 10 best solar panels. This list does not say that the solar panel in the first position is better than the solar panel in the 10th position. However, each solar panel is best for its intended purpose.
1.Newpowa 100w 12v polycrystalline solar panel.
Click here to check the price.
Below is a table of the product descriptions.
Product information
dimensions 35.8 by 26.6 by 1.2 inches.
Item weight 19.62 pounds
shipping weight 20.4 pounds
ASIN B00L6LZRXM
Item model NPA 100-12
Manufacturer Newpowa
Key features and their benefits
Nominal 12v DC for standard output.
Heavy-duty anodized frames;
Rugged design. This enables your solar panel to withstand high wind pressure, hail, and snow loads of up to( 5400 PA.)It is small in size with high efficiency.
Aesthetic appearance. As a result, your solar panel looks beautiful and elegant
2.Renogy 100w 12volts monocrystalline starter kit.
Click here to check the price.
This is a complete starter kit for first-time solar users. It comes complete with the following parts and accessories.
Renogy 100w 12v poly/mono solar panel
30A PWM wanderer charge controller.
One 20 ft 10AWG adaptor kit.
One 8 ft 10AWG tray cable.
One Z-bracket.
Benefits of using this solar kit.
The charge controller has been upgraded to 30A PWM negative grounding. The renogy wanderer. This wanderer charge controller, allows you to expand your system up to 400w maximum power.
The renogy starter kit has an ideal power of 500wh per day. As a result of this output, it can fully charge a 50% 50 AH battery in 3 hours, depending on the availability of sunlight.
Negative grounding controller system. This system can detect polarity reversal hence providing safety for your appliances. Consequently, you are protected from damaging your appliances due to overloading, short-circuit, and overcharging. This feature ensures that this solar starter kit can be used in wider off-grid applications.
It can also be used on a vehicle with a negative grounding system on its chassis.
Application.
The renogy starter kit is suitable for off-grid applications such as:
RV’s.
Trailers.
Boats and.
Cabins.
Product information.
Product dimensions 47 by 1.5 by 20.9 inches
Item weight 19.84 pounds
Shipping weight 22.6 pounds
ASIN B00BFCNFRM
Item model Starter lit 100D
Manufacturer Renogy
3. Renogy 100w 12 volts monocrystalline starter panel
Renogy 100w 12 volts solar panel
Click here to check the price
This solar panel has three good properties, that will help you to solve your solar panel needs.
It is reliable, durable and versatile. I know you are asking how these three quantities of a renogy 100w 12v solar panel will help solve your solar needs.
Reliable
I say that this solar panel is reliable because of its advanced encapsulation material, with multi-layered sheet laminations, that enhance cell performance. What does this do to the panel? It prolongs the life span of the panel. This entails that you will use this panel for decades without replacing it.
Durable
It is durable because it is made in such a way that it can withstand high-pressure wind of 2400Pa and snow loads of 5400Pa. As a result of this resilience, it will withstand bad weather conditions.
Versatile.
This property entails that you are not limited to one application. You can use it for many other applications like RV and camping. You can mount it on the ground, rooftop, and pole. It is compatible with both off-grid and on-grid applications,
Installation ready.
This solar panel comes with pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel. This feature allows you to install it with ease and in record time. Not only does it come with pre-drilled mount holes but it is also for grounding purposes. Click here to check the price.
4. Renogy 10pcs 300-watt 24-volt solar system.
Click here to check the price.
The 10 pcs 3000w is actually a complete system for off-grid large-scale residential, commercial and house applications. Why is Renogy 10 pcs 300w 12-volt solar panel reliable?
It has two qualities that make it a very reliable solar system. It is EL-tested and PERC technology is used to make the solar panels.
I know you are wondering, what the heck it means that the panels are EL tested.EL stands for electroluminescence imaging. It is a test that is done on manufactured solar panels to detect cell inherent defects, such as micro-cracks, debris, bad soldering and inactive strings inside the solar panels.
Hence, you are assured of a very reliable solar panel system.PERC technology,(Passivated Emitter and rear cell) is a technology, that is new and simple, it helps to make solar cells more efficient in converting solar energy into usable electricity with ease. In both low-light and high-temperature conditions.
Durability.
Renogy solar panels can withstand high wind and snow loads. It is corrosion-resistant, as a result, it will last long for extended outdoor use.
Versatile.
It is used in many applications, like in worksheds, garages, camps residential and commercial purposes.
Mounting.
You can mount the panels on either the ground or on rooftops. This gives you the freedom to mount the solar panels in a location that best suits your needs.
5. Renogy 2 pcs 270 watts 24 volts monocrystalline solar panels.
Click here to check the price.
This is a 540w for either an off-grid or on-grid large-scale system. Why is Renogy 2pcs 2700w 12-volt solar panel reliable? It has two qualities that make it a very reliable solar system. This solar panel is EL tested and PERC technology is employed to make the solar panels.
I know you are wondering, what the heck it means that the panels are EL tested.EL stands for electroluminescence imaging. It is a test that is done on manufactured solar panels to detect cell inherent defects, such as micro-cracks, debris, bad soldering and inactive strings inside the solar panels.
Hence, you are assured of a very reliable solar panel system.
PERC technology,(Passivated Emitter and rear cell) is a technology, that is new and simple, it helps to make solar cells more efficient in converting solar energy into usable electricity with ease. In both low-light and high-temperature conditions.
6. ECC LLC 3000w off-grid solar panel kit.
Click here to check the price.
This 3000w is a complete solar system and it's easy to install. It can supply power for households, air conditioning, TV, computers, and lighting. This solar system can produce a maximum daily electrical output of 9kwh in ideal situations.
Complete solar panel kit.
The complete kit comes with the following items.
16Pcs 195w solar panels
6OA charge controller
48v dc inverter
4-string combiner box
12v 100Ah batteries
Click here to check the price.
7.Renogy 800w 12v solar premium kit.
Click here to check the price.
This solar premium kit is designed for an off-grid solar panel system. Suitable for.
Caravan
RV
Boat
Greenhouse solar system.
Because of its sleek design and durable frame, the Renogy premium 100w 12v monocrystalline panel provides you with the highest efficiency per and its perfect for off-grid applications.
The solar panel junction box ingress protection (IP) rate is 65. This provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets.
Complete kit
The complete kit includes.
800W 12v monocrystalline solar panel.
60A MPPT charge controller
8 set Z-mounting brackets and branch connectors.
Adapter kit
Fusing components for the protection of your charge controller and batteries.
8. ECO LLC 2300w complete off-grid solar system kit
Click here to check the price.
This solar kit has a maximum daily electricity output of 7kwh. You are encouraged to use 2pcs 300Ah 12v batteries, to combine a 24v system. It’s ideal for household applications.
Airconditioning.
TV.
Refrigeration.
Computer.
Lighting.
Complete solar panel kit.
The complete kit comes with the following items.
12Pcs 195w solar panels
6OA charge controller
24v dc inverter
6-string combiner box
12v 300Ah batteries(Not included)
Click here to check the price.
9.Windy Nation 300w (3pcs 100w)12v solar panel kit.
Click here to check the price.
This solar panel kit is designed for:
RV
Cabins
Homes
Remote area power use.
Complete kit includes
3pcs 100w polycrystalline solar panel.
30A P30 L solar charge controller(w/LCD display and user-adjustable settings.)
40ft of UL-listed 12AWG solar cable.
All necessary PV connectors and solar mounting hardware.
3pcs batteries 100Ah AGM(Maintenance-free)Deep cycle batteries.
PWM solar charge controller has a user-adjustable setting, which allows you to set parameters according to your needs. The LCD screen display shows.
System amperage.
Voltage.
Amp-hours.
Temperature.
DC load draws.
This system allows you to buy a complete solar system at once, thus saving you money and time.
10.Renogy 4pc,300w 24v monocrystalline panel 1200w.
renogy 4 pcs 300w 12v
Click here to check the price
The 4 pcs 300w is actually a complete system for off-grid large-scale residential, commercial and house applications. Why is Renogy 4pcs 300w 12-volt solar panel reliable? It has two qualities that make it a very reliable solar system. It is EL-tested and PERC technology is used to make the solar panels.
I know you are wondering, what the heck it means that the panels are EL tested.EL stands for electroluminescence imaging. It is a test that is done on manufactured solar panels to detect cell inherent defects, such as micro-cracks, debris, bad soldering and inactive strings inside the solar panels.
Hence, you are assured of a very reliable solar panel system.PERC technology,(Passivated Emitter and rear cell) is a technology, that is new and simple, it helps to make solar cells more efficient in converting solar energy into usable electricity with ease. In both low-light and high-temperature conditions.
Durability.
Renogy solar panels can withstand high wind and snow loads. It is corrosion-resistant, as a result, it will last long for extended outdoor use.
Versatile.
It is used in many applications, like in work sheds, garages, camps residential and commercial purposes.
Mounting.
You can mount the panels on either the ground or on rooftops. This gives you the freedom to mount the solar panels in a location that best suits your needs.
Click here to check the price.
A buying guide for solar panel systems.
1. Know your warranty. There are several different types of product warranties, and it pays to know the difference. Under no circumstances should you accept a verbal warranty. Written warranties can either be full or limited. As long as a product is covered by a full warranty, the contractor must replace or repair the item free of charge.
Don’t skip the fine print. Make sure the system warranty is clearly spelt out.
2. Ask the salesperson to put any verbal claims about the system's performance in writing. You may want to look elsewhere if he or she backs down after making such claims.
3. Don’t make an emotional buy. Take the time to talk to system owners of systems similar to the one you are considering. Get names of installers who have happy customers and those who don’t.
4. Don’t assume the lowest price is the best deal or the highest will result in the best job.
5. Don’t finance a system if you can pay cash. Interest on the loan makes the payback period much longer.
6. Don’t buy from a contractor who requests a down payment of 50%or more. That is a good indication the company is undercapitalised. The contractor is either buying the equipment for your project with the down payment or, worse, paying bills from earlier jobs. The deposit should not be more than 25% to 33% of the total.
Have you used any of the products discussed? Tell me about your experience.
SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM FOR THE HOME.
There are basically three types of domestic solar electric systems.
Off-grid
Grid-tied without batteries
Grid-tied with backup batteries.
OFF-GRID ELECTRIC SOLAR SYSTEM
An off-grid solar electric system is one that solely depends on electricity supplied by the solar array.
HOW DOES AN OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEM WORK?
An off-grid solar electric system uses solar electric modules to charge the battery banks through a charge controller. The DC current from the batteries can be converted to AC, using an inverter. Or the DC current can be used directly. This is possible when all loads connected in the house use DC.
SYSTEM COMPONENT OF AN OFF-GRID.
SOLAR ELECTRIC ARRAY
CHARGE CONTROLLER
BATTERY BANK
DC DISCONNECT
MODIFIED SINE WAVE INVERTER
AC DISCONNECTOR
MAIN ELECTRIC PANEL
GRID-TIED SYSTEM WITHOUT BACKUP.
grid-tied without battery
Grid-tie
This is a domestic solar electric system that is connected to the main utility company's electric grid.
Grid-tied systems supply AC electricity into the main circuit breaker box(Distribution board). That is also serviced by the utility power company. This makes it easy for the house to get power from its solar electric modules. Or when this is not possible, from the utility grid.
It is important to note that in this system, the inverter that converts DC electricity from the solar arrays to AC electricity constantly monitors the quality of power from the grid.
Should the power quality from the grid go down or below a certain standard. The inverter shuts down automatically. Until the power utility quality is stable, for about 5 minutes. This feature helps protect utility workers who may be working in nearby areas.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF A GRID-TIED SYSTEM.
SOLAR ELECTRIC ARRAY
DC DIS CONNECTOR
INVERTER
OUTDOOR AC DISCONNECTOR
MAIN ELECTRIC PANEL
UTILITY METER
AC UTILITY GRID
GRID-TIED WITH BATTERY BACKUP.
Grid-tied with battery backup
Grid-tie with battery backup
In the grid-tied solar system with battery backup. The battery backs up supply power to critical loads when the utility power fails. This system is ideal in areas where load shading and utility power failures are common.
A grid-tied system with a battery backup supplies AC electricity. To the main electric panel that is also serviced by the power utility company. The house can get its power supply from its solar module or the utility company.
When utility power fails. The solar electric system switches from the main electric panel to supply AC power to separate the critical load panel.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF A GRID TIED WITH BACKUP.
SOLAR ELECTRIC ARRAY
CHARGE CONTROLLER
DC DISCONNECT
TRUE SINE WAVE INVERTER
OUTDOOR AC DISCONECTOR
CRITICAL LOAD ELECTRIC PANEL
MAIN ELECTRIC PANEL
AC DISCONNECT
UTILITY METER
UTILITY GRID
OTHER USES OF SOLAR ENERGY.
Solar energy has many applications, I will list a few other ways solar energy can be utilized.
Solar attic fans
Outdoor solar lighting
Solar-powered
solar dehumidification
Drying clothes outdoors
Daylighting
Cooking with solar energy
Drying food
Solar desalination
What is solar energy in simple words?
Solar energy is the energy that comes from the sun. The solar energy that comes from the sun is enough to give us all the energy that we need. To power your machines, house for both lighting and entertainment. Solar can be used as a buck or stand-alone off-grid system.
What are the 3 benefits of solar energy?
1. Solar systems have low maintenance costs.
2. Solar energy is renewable meaning that it can not be depleted.
3. When you incorporate solar energy into your existing power supply from your national grid, you can reduce the amount of money that you pay towards electricity bills.
How does solar energy work?
Solar energy works with the help of solar collectors. Solar collectors can either be electric solar collectors or thermal solar collectors. The solar collector collects solar energy from the sun and then transforms it into electricity. The electricity that is produced by an electric solar collector is DC in nature. With the help of an inverter, the DC power is changed or converted to AC power.
Should you have any questions feel free to comment below.
0 Comments