Rain barrels, Chicken coops and Solar panels: Projects To Get You Off The Grid

Rain Barrels, Chicken Coops, and Solar Panels gives you full step-by-step instructions for 18 projects to help you reduce your carbon footprint, live off the grid, and increase your independence. Learn how to make a backyard chicken coop, wind turbin

Rain barrels, Chicken coops and Solar panels: Projects To Get You Off The Grid

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How Solar Panels & Solar Electricity Works

Solar 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 solar 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 sunshine. Solar panels are often used for remote applications: like powering cabins, RVs, boats and small electronics when grid service is not available. Recently, “grid-tie” solar electric systems have started gaining momentum as a cost-effective way to incorporate solar electricity into our everyday lives. Now we can take advantage of available solar energy while still enjoying the safety net of the utility grid.

How Solar Panels or PV Modules Work

In very basic terms, a solar panel (PV module) is a device that will produce a flow of electricity under sunlight. This electricity can be used to charge batteries and, with the aid of an inverter, it can power normal household electrical devices, or “loads”. PV modules can also be used in systems without batteries in grid-tie systems.

Most solar panels (properly called “solar modules”) are framed in aluminum, topped with tempered glass, and sealed by a waterproof backing. Sandwiched between the glass and backing layers are the photo-reactive cells themselves, often made of silicon. On the back of the module is a junction box that may or may not have two cables coming out of it. If the junction box has no cables, it can be opened to access the electrical terminals where wires can be attached to conduct the generated electricity away from the module. If there are cables already in place, the junction box is usually sealed and not user-accessible. Sealed junction boxes are more common.

Portable Solar Power

There are lots of ways to make use of  solar electricity. One of the simplest is to charge small electronic devices, like cell phones and music players, with lightweight, portable PV modules. These small battery-charging solar panels are even being integrated into backpacks and clothing for maximum convenience. Solar panels can be used individually or wired together to form a solar array.

For larger electrical loads, there are two main types of systems for providing electrical power to homes, cabins and offices, etc: stand-alone battery based systems (also called ‘off-grid’ systems) and grid-tied systems (also known as utility-interactive). You’ll want to decide which system is best for your needs by reading more about both.

Solar Cell Technology

There are several technologies used to make solar cells, the building blocks of panels. The main types currently on the market are:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels Monocrystalline solar panels are often the most expensive due to the manufacturing process, which uses large amounts of highly purified silicon and a great deal of energy. Monocrystalline solar cells are about 13-16% efficient at converting sunlight to electricity.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels (aka multicrystalline) Polycrystalline cell efficiencies range between 11-14% so solar panels are slightly less expensive than monocrystalline ones on a price-per-Watt basis.

String Ribbon Solar Panels String ribbon solar panels use less silicon in the cell manufacturing process than the other crystalline types and achieves efficiencies in the 12-14% range.

Amorphous Solar and Thin Film Solar Panels ProductCategory SolPan Amorphous solar panels, or thin-film amorphous silicon, A-si, are not constructed from individual solar cells, but are made by depositing a photo-sensitive compound onto a substrate. While these solar panels have lower efficiencies, (usually 7-10%), they offer certain advantages. They can often be used in hotter climates since they suffer less power loss than other types under hot conditions. Additionally, many models of the the amorphous technology do not use the typical “glass sandwich” construction, allowing for the creation of flexible solar panels which are also very durable.

CIGS Solar Panels The CIGS technology, or Copper Indium Gallium di-Selenide, uses no silicon at all, and can be made into panels with or without discrete cells. Often this technology is used to make foldable solar panels.

There are also hybrid solar panels which use both crystalline and thin-film technologies to increase energy capture; these modules boast efficiencies up to 19%. Researchers are still working on lower-cost, higher-efficiency alternatives, but for the foreseeable future, these five types represent what is commercially available.

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Tips For Buying Used Solar Panels

Going green is not always the least expensive solution for any family in the present challenging economic reality. In truth, essentially the most costly part of moving to solar power is in the initial phase of buying and setting up your panels.

Even so, you’ll find potential ways of saving money while becoming environmentally friendly such as selecting used solar panels, although this solution does include the warning of being prepared to roll up your sleeves. Your most beneficial option to minimize the cost would be to hire a professional, at least for the installation.

However, expertise isn’t a requirement when purchasing used solar panels, but it can help to have a guideline whenever making this type of a purchase. Be conscious that technology gets better over time and solar panel utilization is comparatively new. In fact, a number of of the earlier panels are still being used at present. The very first thing you’ll notice is that older panels tend to be bigger than more recent panels when evaluating wattage, however when you have the available area, it will be a lower cost option for becoming environmentally friendly.

Make sure not to ignore visible damage, for example broken glass, and missing or damaged connections. Only you can decide your level of skill, and if you are ready to attempt repairs such as soldering then you should really be able to repair broken connections making use of a soldering iron using 2% silver.

The most important aspect is the output measurement that you receive using your digital meter; make sure to evaluate in complete sunlight. To help test out used solar panels, measure over the plus and minus terminals of each solar panel. Just after setting your digital meter to measure DC voltage, a 12 volt solar panel needs to display around 21 volts in complete sunlight. Be aware that a battery is always essential for being able to store the solar energy and that will to some degree increase the initial cost.

Through the long haul, though, maintaining a photovoltaic panel is as basic as cleaning off the panels every two weeks to eliminate debris and there can be a bit of additional work needed in maintaining the battery. Before final set up, check that absolutely no shadows are thrown over the solar panels and that the system faces south using the proper tilt angle.

One additional factor of a developing technology is that demand pushes the repair and maintenance sector that goes with the technology. Becoming a handy individual does actually become important dependent on exactly where you are located.

Don’t forget to look into the tax credits supplied by state and federal government for additional financial savings for your principal dwelling that may contribute about 30% of the total cost. Check with your individual tax representative prior to purchase to get a realistic expectation of just how much you will have to pay up front, and whether your state gives you added reimbursement.

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Countless Advantages of Solar Panels

The price of power has been increasing incessantly and a great deal of individuals have currently begun looking for option power sources. It would be tiring to turn out to be dependent on our local utility companies all the time. Sometimes our ever so trusted local utility businesses are no so trustworthy at all because unanticipated power outrages have been more common these days. Alongside with that, there come the year round rate hikes that inspired several consumers to consider solar power or solar panels as an option. In reply, a lot of producers have already released effective solar panel systems for both residential and commercial use. But how do these solar panels really work? How can we Make a Solar Panels at Home? Would they cost a great deal? The write-up is all about exploring the fantastic advantages of solar panels.

Solar panels take up power from the solar. They can stock up this energy within silicon chambers and produce an adequate quantity of electrical energy to energy a home or company. Electrons within the silicon paneling are stirred by contact to the solar during the day. Once stimulated, they extricate themselves from the silicon and are transformed into electricity. There are a great deal of different types of solar panels available in the marketplace today. Portable solar panels have also turn out to be extremely popular during the recent years with campers, hikers, and anybody who needs energy away from their homes. These days, an ever-increasing figure of individuals use their cell phones and laptops for each personal and company use.

Packed in solar panel units can be used to power these tools. In the same way, campers can use these panels to stock up energy all the way through the day, certain that they will have a steadfast power source during the evenings. Installing these solar panels necessitates a main upfront deal. The price of these solar panels will vary depending upon the size of the paneling system required and the kind of panels used. It is a extremely great investment although since a full-bodied solar panel system will persist to transport power from the solar at a cost that remains practically stable. Having a solar panel system at home effectively reduces your monthly electricity bill and your carbon foot print at the same time. These solar panel methods are also very cost-efficient if you select to buy the DIY ones than buying the pre-assembled solar panels. You also have complete control over the capacity of your own solar power system. Solar panel kits are an additional well-liked option. In most instances, these kits hold the resources essential to bring together a solar panel, leaving the assembly and setting up to the user. This is an eye-catching option for many consumers because it is typically significantly less expensive than paying for pre-created panels and their installation. Perhaps the most interesting choice, although, is to build your personal solar panel. This in effect entails finding and purchasing the supplies that you would find in a solar panel kit, and then assembling them yourself. There is bounty of good quality solar panel plans accessible online.

For much more information about DIY solar panel methods and on how to Make Solar Panels at Home , you may log onto: http://yourownsolarpanel.org/.

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