Published on: 06 December 2018
Last Updated on: 29 February 2020
Solar panel systems have taken the world by storm, and it’s not just in ‘sunny’ countries like Australia where solar panel installations have become immensely popular. In the UK, more homeowners and householders are opting for solar panels as well, and the fact that the cost of installing your own solar panel system has gone down tremendously in the last few years has contributed to its popularity. But if you are thinking of having a solar panel system installed, there are some major considerations you need to think about as well. For one, solar panel installations need to be done in the proper way and with the proper accreditation in order for you to take advantage of the government’s Feed-in Tariff programme. What else do you need to consider, then? Here’s a list of the essential factors you need to consider when installing solar panels in your home.
The investment:
Truth be told, having a solar panel installation isn’t a cheap affair. It is an investment, and it’s best you know this from the start. But the good news is that the cost of a typical solar panel installation has already gone down by as much as 50% compared to the cost of a system eight years ago. But here’s the thing: while it’s not cheap, you are guaranteed to recover your investment over time, especially since your energy bills are going to be lower and you can even earn extra money through the Feed-in Tariff scheme. With the scheme, whatever extra energy you have that you don’t use can be sold back to the grid, and you will receive payments from the government every quarter for this.
The supply of energy:
Your solar panel installation will still work quite well even if you are in the UK, with its inclement and unpredictable weather. Of course, the system will work best during the sunnier seasons, but it doesn’t mean that it won’t produce energy whilst it’s winter time or when it’s cloudy. But while it is still within reason for you to expect your system to generate energy, even on cloudy days, you can never really tell how much the system will produce. What you can expect, though, is that your energy bills will definitely be reduced – sometimes by as much as 40 to 50%.
Where to place them:
The placement of your solar panels is of utmost importance as well, so you also have to consider this, as confirmed by the specialists in solar in Manchester from Atlantic Renewables. Whilst your solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to work, they will have to be installed by a professional, preferably one who is accredited by the MCS (this is so you can get your Feed-in Tariff). The location of the solar panels matter, and so does the angle of placement. Make sure other buildings or structures or trees don’t overshadow your roof; but if this is the case, you have the option to install your solar panels on the ground as well.
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Before you choose the right solar battery, you first need to learn what AC and DC coupling means. Your solar battery storage system determines how effective your solar air conditioning will be.
There are two main ways to connect your power sources when you add battery storage to your solar energy system. AC and DC are the two main types of voltages used to conduct electricity.
Let’s find out what differentiates these two battery systems.
What is the Difference Between AC and DC Power?
AC stands for Alternating Current, and it means electric power first flows in one direction and then the other. This is the type of electric current on the main grid, and it’s suitable for your solar air-con.
DC power, on the other hand, stands for Direct current, and it means electricity flows in one direction only. This is the electric power that your solar panels generate from sunlight. The energy stored in your home’s solar battery is usually DC power.
Since your solar panels generate DC power and your solar air conditioning and other home appliances need AC power, you need a solar inverter to convert this energy to AC electricity. There are three main types of solar inverters in the market;
Traditional Inverters
This first type of inverter is also known as the central inverter because it draws power from your solar panels. If you have a solar air conditioner at home, you’ll need this kind of converter to keep it running.
It is usually a box that’s installed next to your home’s breaker box. It functions by combining all DC energy from your solar panels and converting it to DC power so that you can use your solar air conditioner Malaysia.
Micro-Inverters
The second type of inverter is an in-built component on individual solar panels. They are small inverters found on the backside of your panels. They allow your panels to individually and independently convert the harnessed DC power to AC energy.
DC-Optimizers
Lastly, we have the DC-optimizers that are devices that also go at the back of individual solar panels. Unlike Micro-inverters, they don’t convert DC to AC. Instead, they optimize conditions to ensure your home’s central inverter has an easy time converting DC to AC power. These converters work in a hybrid solar energy system that includes a traditional central inverter and in-built solar panel inverters.
Is a Battery DC or AC?
Batteries, like solar panels, store and produce DC power. Since your home’s electricity is AC, it means batteries in devices have converters that turn the AC power to DC energy.
DC batteries use the same solar inverters that your home uses to convert the stored DC energy to AC power. AC batteries, on the other hand, have an in-built inverter that directly does the conversion.
AC Vs DC -Storage Architecture
Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these two battery storage systems helps you choose what is best for your home.
DC-Coupled Systems
The DC-coupled system is designed to connect directly to the main grid the same way as your solar panels. In which case, a hybrid inverter is required to create a synergy between the solar battery and the solar panels.
Strengths
There is less energy loss because it’s a one-way conversion.
Your system makes you eligible for Net Energy Metering if your solar panels can generate excess energy.
It is a simple system which translates to lower costs.
It is a smart option for people who’re just beginning their solar energy journey.
Weaknesses
If you already have a PV system, incorporating it is complex and costly.
AC-Coupled Systems
The AC-coupled system operates with two solar inverters; a conventional inverter and an additional storage inverter that charges your solar battery. It might seem like a complicated system, but it is very easy to setup. However, as compared to the DC-coupled system, it’s less efficient because it has to be charged.
Strengths
It is way more flexible than the DC-coupled system. The inclusion of two inverters allows you to adjust the location of the battery at will.
It is compatible with all kinds of solar inverters.
It is a cost-effective solution for people that already have a PV system.
Weaknesses
The system is slightly less efficient as compared to the DC-coupled system because of the AC-DC-AC conversion.
The system will have more points of failure because you’ll have one inverter in a different location.
Which Is Better for your Solar and Storage Needs?
If you already have a solar energy system at home, you should go with the AC-coupled system because it’s flexible and easy to set up. However, if you’re just starting your solar journey, you should go with the DC-coupled system; if you generate excess energy, you get to sell it to the main grid.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between these two solar battery systems helps you make the right purchase. Ensure that you work with a professional who understands what is best for your home. Solar energy systems are here to stay, and you might as well jump on the bandwagon because it’s a system that pays for itself.
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There is no need to carry your heavy, bulky generator anymore. With solar panels from the market, you can now find a way to have a hassle-free trip when you go out.
Solar panels for the outdoors are the best thing that you can bring along with you because they will be able to power up your devices while you are outdoors.
How To Select The Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity?
Solar panels are great for powering small devices like cell phones, GPS units, and hand-held radios. Solar panels can be used for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The solar panels for outdoor activities must be able to withstand some rough handling.
1. Choose The Right Size And Shape For Storage Ease
When you're looking for solar panels for outdoor activity, the first thing you'll want to consider is the size and shape of the panel. The most common size is 15 inches by 15 inches, but you can also find smaller and larger sizes.
If you're planning on using a solar panel in a backpack while camping, smaller size is easier to carry. However, a larger size may be needed if you plan to use the panel in a stationary location or on a boat.
2. Get Flexible Solar Panels
When choosing a solar panel, you need to think about your situation and how you will use it. The solar panels for outdoor lights should always be flexible. Unless you are not going to select the portable one, you cannot get the full advantages.
For example, if you're going to be camping, you want to make sure you get something that's small, lightweight, and portable. Camping flexible solar panels at Sunyee are going to be the best option for outdoor activity.
Flexible solar panels are the best choice for outdoor activity. The reason is that flexible solar panels are very light, strong, waterproof, and can be bendable to about 180 degrees. This is the coolest thing about flexible solar panels for the outdoors. In the past, you could only find rigid solar panels for sale.
They were heavy, noticeable, and not very portable. Due to the advancement in technology, flexible solar panels are now made. They are very light, portable, and durable. The best part is that they can be folded and carried around easily.
3. Understand The Different Types Of Portable Solar Panels
Just like any product, there are different types of portable solar panels to choose from. Each of these comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding them is the key to choosing the right one for your needs. The first thing which you should consider while selecting solar panels for outdoor and their capacity.
This is measured in watts. The higher the capacity, the faster your gadgets will charge. The second thing to consider is the material used to make the panel. Generally, portable solar panels are made of silicon and aluminum.
Each of these comes with its own pros and cons. Silicon panels are more expensive than aluminum panels but are also more durable. Aluminum panels are cheaper but are not as durable.
There are many different kinds of solar panels to choose from. You can choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, along with thin film solar panels.
Monocrystalline panels have higher energy efficiency with a lower amount of weight than polycrystalline panels. Thin film solar panels are the lightest, but they are also the least efficient.
4. It Should Be Compatible With Your Electronics
Another thing you need to consider when choosing a solar panel is if it's compatible with your electronics. There is a wide range of solar panels for outdoor available on the market, and each of them may be compatible with different electronics.
If you own a smartphone or tablet that is not compatible with solar power, you can always buy one with a bigger capacity. Most solar panels are compatible with multiple devices; just remember to check the specifications before you buy one.
5. Check How Long It Takes To Charge And Remains Without Charge
If you are going to use a solar panel for outdoor activity, say camping, hiking, fishing, etc. The battery should be able to charge fully, which means at least 8 hours (for those with a low-capacity battery, it is better to bring a solar charger).
But it is better to have solar panels outdoors that can remain at no charge for over a month, which means the battery should be at least 20,000mAh capacity. When purchasing replacement solar panels for outdoor lighting, the battery capacity is the first thing that you must check.
For example, small solar panels for outdoor lighting are more like a decorative part, so when you are starting to add these to your garden, you should always understand what the life span is and how long it will take to get the full charge.
6. Consider the price
Solar panels are a great option for powering outdoor gear and cutting down on the costs of outdoor activities. You can power all kinds of things with a solar panel. The biggest concern is being able to power what you actually want to power.
You'll need to know the wattage of the device before you can start looking for solar panels.
The cost of solar panels is one of the main concerns of people who want to install solar but are not sure if it is worth the investment. The price of solar panels and related equipment can put a big dent in your pocket.
But it is also true that solar power is one of the most cost-effective ways to produce electricity. So, if you are planning to install solar panels outdoors, you have to decide how much you are willing to spend.
7. Durability
Durability is the first thing you need to consider when choosing solar panels outdoors. Solar panels are not cheap, and you don't want to make a bad investment. It is very important to check the glass on the panel. It should be durable and thick, made of tempered glass that is scratch resistant and won't crack under pressure.
The glass needs to be strong enough to withstand wind and to keep the solar panel protected. The panel frame should have a good warranty and be sturdy, but most importantly, it should be made of rust-resistant material.
It must be able to withstand the elements and keep the solar panel safe from rust. The whole frame needs to be strong, not just the legs. A good warranty is also very important, don't settle for less than 25 years.
8. Setting up
When choosing your solar panels for outdoor, the most important factor to consider is how easy it is to set up. If you are going to be using your solar panel for outdoor activity, it will most likely be set up in a place that is not easy to reach.
You don't want to be carrying a heavy solar panel with you while you are hiking or camping. It would help if you also were looking for a solar panel that is light enough to carry around your neck. There are a bunch of solar panels out there that are pretty much ready to go. Just unroll your solar panel and put it in the sunlight.
Wrapping It Up:
These are the qualities that you must check before selecting solar panels outdoors. Outdoor solar panels are not only user-friendly.
These solar panels are the ultimate solution for any place where frequent power cuts happen. Which types of quality do you match up with while selecting any outdoor solar panels? Let us know through the comment sections.
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The "fight" for a cleaner planet has been going on for a long time. People are trying to beat themselves because they and the things they use are the main polluters. Cars and everything that uses fossil fuels are among them, considering their emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere are huge.
At the global level, governments make efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, knowing these are the biggest polluters. That's why the desire to find alternative sources of energy from renewable sources has been present for a long time. While there are already certain options in use, as you can read here, new solutions are constantly coming up with improved performance and lower CO2 emissions.
Alternative fuels are essential for sustainable carbon-free energy supply and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. And while you're probably already familiar with their use, HVO (which stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) might be new to you. This low-carbon liquid fuel has gained attention lately because it seems like the long-awaited solution to pollution issues.
About The HVO Fuel
HVO implies using cooking oils and similar fatty waste as fuel. That's not an entirely new concept since the use of processed vegetable oils in diesel engines has been known for more than a century. Nevertheless, it's a new hype among eco-conscious consumers because it's plant-based and very clean. Its CO2 emission and the number of PM particles are almost 90% lower than diesel and kerosene, fossil fuels that are still widely used.
The base of HVO is vegetable oil, that is, used cooking oil, such as sunflower, peanut, grapeseed, etc. However, it can also be made of both food-grade and non-food-grade oils (like palm or soy), animal fat residues, and tall oil. In their original state, these liquids could not be used as fuels, so they undergo hydrotreatment. It serves to change their consistency and composition for use in standard diesel engines.
Hydrotreatment involves the use of hydrogen to eliminate oxygen from the oils. This treatment takes place at very high temperatures, and then glycerides, or fat components, are separated. That's a refining process that leaves this new fuel with minimal impurities, meaning that, during its combustion, there will be no harmful by-products and gases. That means less damage to the engine itself but also drastically less pollution.
The Use Of HVO
In general, HVO represents an alternative to fossil fuels, especially diesel, one of the major pollutants globally. So this new energy source can be used in all engines made for diesel. It means that its most common application will be in car engines. Still, it has found its purpose in off-road and agricultural machinery, boats, and generators. Some of the major truck makers have already made vehicles powered by HVO, as in this biodiesel-powered racing truck.
This new fuel from reputable manufacturers like SyntechBiofuel.com is equally usable in modern diesel engines as well as in older types that don't have electronic fuel injection. They will have almost the same performance in operation as if regular diesel was used, only with much less damage to the engine, the entire circuit, and the environment.
Alternative fuels also have a huge potential to become the primary energy source for heating systems. Oil and gas still dominate in this area, but more and more households and industrial facilities are turning to alternative solutions. For instance, heat pumps are a popular yet costly solution.
HVO can be an even better and more cost-effective option if you plan to go green, that is, to switch to it from standard heating systems that use oil or kerosene. This venture won't cost you extra money because there's no need for system modifications and add-ons, as would eventually be the case with heat pumps.
Benefits Of Switching To HVO Fuel
As said, using HVO cuts the emission of harmful gases by up to 90%, depending on what makes the base of this fuel. That results from clean combustion because there are no impurities and PM particles in this processed liquid. Moving on, it means that engines will utilize a higher percentage of fuel, so their consumption will be lower. Simply put, HVO is a cleaner and more economical solution than diesel.
This fuel is also sustainable, as it's made from waste (used cooking oil and animal fat). It also emits much less greenhouse gases than other fuels. As there's no carbon in HVO, there are no toxic and potentially carcinogenic combustion by-products.
Another advantage of using HVO in standard diesel engines is that there is no need for their upgrades. But if you plan to use it as a replacement for heating oil in oil-fired boilers, there might be some minimal changes to your existing system. In any case, this can bring significant savings to both individuals and companies that, for some reason, have relied on fossil fuels until now.
Because it doesn't contain oxygen molecules, HVO has a fairly long shelf life. So you can store it in specialized containers for up to 10 years without fear it will lose its properties and viscosity. For the same reason, HVO's freezing point is lower than that of ordinary diesel. Also, it won't harm the environment in case of accident spillage or leak.
How HVO Differ From FAME?
FAME is biodiesel, which isn't the same as HVO, although there are certain similarities. For starters, both are plant-based. But what makes a significant difference is how they're made. FAME utilizes esterification, which turns fatty molecules into esters and keeps oxygen molecules in it.
As explained, HVO is obtained by a refinery process that removes oxygen from fats, leaving them ester-free, clean, stable, and non-prone to oxidation. So, unlike FAME, hydrotreated vegetable oils can't spoil, thicken, or degrade during storage.
HVO is the fuel of the future, and there are many good reasons for that. It's a clean, non-toxic, sustainable, and economical alternative to diesel. It contributes to reducing the global carbon footprint, bringing no harm to the living world and the environment.
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