Published on: 26 February 2018
Last Updated on: 12 August 2024
With things like global warming and climate change becoming increasingly serious topics for discussion, the question of what we can do as individuals to make a difference is being asked more and more frequently. Sometimes it seems futile and the idea that one person can make a difference seems impossible. But the truth is that if lots of individuals are switched on to change then suddenly it’s not just a single person making a difference, it’s a community or a nation and at some point hopefully a world. But what can you do to make a difference and to start using natural resources more sparingly and sustainably?
Make informed choices :
Just because it is available and it’s cheap, doesn’t mean that it is good. While it might fit your pocket in the short term if it means that your choice is going to contribute to global warming or the rise of the oceans then maybe you need to think twice. Ask questions and tell suppliers what you want. Use a company like Econnex who broker energy solutions across a range of suppliers and make sure you tell them what you want. Price is important, but look to make use of suppliers who use solar and wind as a way of generating electricity, stay far away from old-school fossil fuel solutions. It is possible.
Re-use your water :
If you collect your used water you will be amazed how much you get through on a daily basis. And unless you have implemented a grey-water solution to collect the used water it all just runs into the drains and disappears. Washing machines and showers and dishwashers. Brushing your teeth. Washing the car. These all use water and lots of it. And there is no need for your water to disappear down the drain after one use, it’s not environmentally friendly and it’s expensive. Water needs to be used as often as possible and with a few simple systems implemented it can be done easily.
Solar is real :
The sun has all the energy that we need and it is free. Traditionally storing solar energy has been the biggest problem preventing larger-scale rollouts of solar solutions. But on an almost daily basis, the technology that makes solar power effective is getting better and cheaper. Panels are much cheaper than they were ten years ago and batteries and other energy storage system are getting smaller and cheaper while increasing their capacity to store energy. Solar is the way of the future and it is something that can be done on a home-by-home basis. It is even possible to contribute electricity to the national grid and be a supplier rather than a consumer.
Collect rainwater :
Much like the sun in the paragraph above, rain is another resource that comes from the sky for free. It is clean and free and if we just put in place ways to store it, we could very quickly free ourselves from the need to buy water from the government. It might cost a bit to buy some tanks at the start of the process, but if your plan is to go off-grid and be totally independent then it’s a small price to pay for independence and sustainable living.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Summer is done, and you can already see it by the drop in temperatures and the duration of the day. With shorter days also comes the reduced amount of sunlight during a 24 hour period, which worries some solar panel owners.
Some people aren’t sure how effective their solar panels will be during the colder period of the year. However, as experts from Action Solar assure us, panels work just fine throughout the year; all you need to do is make sure that you optimize them for the season. Here’s how.
Clean Your Panels:
No matter how many panels you have, they are exposed to the elements all the time, and naturally, they get dirty.
However, solar panels are quite durable and strong, meaning that you don’t need to clean them very often and even when you do, you don’t need to go into too much detail.
In fact, if you clean them too often, you might damage them, so it’s better to give them a cursory sweep every month or so and be done with it.
Removing debris like leaves and branches are more important than dusting them, as most solar panels only lose about 7% of their effectiveness when dirty, as researchers from the University of California in San Diego found out.
Adjust the Tilt:
During the summer, the sun falls more directly to the ground, meaning that your solar panels will absorb a lot of the sunlight even without careful positioning.
However, as summer transitions into the fall and eventually winter, the sun will shift and the rays will fall in a more tilted angle.
So, if you want to use as much of the sunlight as possible, you will need to adjust your panels accordingly. Naturally, you should not do this on your own, but rather invite professionals to do it for you. Not only are they skilled in handling solar panels, but they will be able to calculate the optimal tilt and positioning of your panels.
The best solar companies in California recommend realigning your solar panels at least twice a year in order to maximize the productivity of your panel throughout the year and not just in summer. However, if you include the fall and spring adjustment as well, you will be able to actually bring out the maximum from your panels.
Deal with the Decreased Output by Saving Energy:
During the summer, days are longer and usually sunnier than any other part of the year. That’s great news for your solar panels because they will be able to produce more energy.
That being said, you probably spend a lot of electricity just by running your AC all day.
In the fall, on the other hand, you don’t need your AC and the days are still relatively long. So, you will be able to produce a lot more energy which you won’t immediately spend. This is the time when you will be able to bring your electricity bill down by a noticeable margin.
However, as fall progresses, the days will be shorter, which means that you may need to cut some unnecessary electricity spending if you want your bill to remain low; that is until winter rolls around, and you need to fire up your furnace.
The technology behind solar panels is improving every day, and the time when solar panels only used to be productive in the summer are long gone.
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Hello to all the solar energy enthusiasts! Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of a solar park.
If you've ever wondered what a solar park is like and what makes it work so efficiently, you're in the right place. Join us on this solar journey and discover the secrets behind a solar park, with a special focus on Soltec USA's solar tracking systems.
What is a Solar Park?
First, let's get some context. A solar park is a large-scale installation where solar panels are used to convert sunlight into electricity.
These parks can vary in size, from small community projects to massive installations supplying energy to thousands of homes. But what makes a solar park so special and efficient?
The answer lies in the combination of advanced technology and smart design.
The Infrastructure of a Solar Park
We need to know its main components to understand how a solar park works. Here are the key elements:
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are the heart of any solar park. These photovoltaic devices capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity.
In a typical solar park, thousands of panels are arranged in long rows, all oriented to maximize sunlight capture.
2. Inverters
The electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC). For this electricity to be useful in our homes and businesses, it needs to be converted into alternating current (AC).
This is where inverters come in. These devices transform DC electricity into AC, making it compatible with the power grid.
3. Solar Tracking Systems
This is where the magic really happens. A solar tracking system allows the panels to follow the sun's movement throughout the day.
Instead of remaining stationary, the panels move to maintain optimal orientation to the sun. This can significantly increase the amount of energy produced.
Soltec USA is a leader in this technology, offering high-end solutions that maximize energy efficiency.
4. Transformers and Substations
Once the electricity has been converted to AC, it needs to be transmitted to the power grid.
Transformers step up the voltage of the electricity so it can travel long distances without significant losses. Substations manage the distribution of this electricity to different destinations.
The Role of Soltec USA's Solar Tracking Systems
Solar tracking systems are a vital part of an efficient solar park. Let's delve into how they work and why they are so important.
A solar farm has unmatched functionality when it comes to creating sustainable energy resources. But, maintaining a solar farm is equally important in terms of utilizing it efficiency.
One such matter of maintenance is having a solar tracking system for your farm.
Here are some of the solar energy tracking functionality which can make running your solar farm even easier.
There are three types of solar tracking:
Manual Solar Tracking
Manual solar checking is the most tedious one in a solar farm. This is when a person has to literally walk towards every solar panel, check the energy level, and then tilt the panel towards the sun from time to time.
The solar panel cannot remain at a tilt towards the at all times, as this risks damage.
Passive Solar Trackers
Passive trackers consist of an internal mechanism consisting of a liquid reaching a boiling point. When one exposes the panel to the solar radiation, the liquid begins to boil. Hence, this is a sign that the saved solar energy is being utilized.
During utilization, the liquid evaporates. Once there is no boiling liquid in it, then there is an imbalance in the solar panel. This automatically causes the panel to tilt towards the sun.
Automatic Solar Trackers
Automatic solar tractors have even higher mechanisms. They consist of electric motors, and hydraulic cylinders which change the position or tilt of the panels on their own.
It is a fully automated process with very little human interruptions, which is again limited to cleaning & maintenance (when necessary).
This form of automatic solar tractor can be divided into two parts:
Single axis solar tracker: This tracks the movement of the sun from east to west, ensuring proper collection of the solar radiation.
Double-axis solar tracker: They have two axes that tilt from east to west and north to south. This type of solar tracker is perfect for commercial solar farms that run completely on solar energy.
Maximize Collection
As a commercial solar farm, you should always opt for the automatic solar tracker, as it improves its collection efficiency.
The position of solar radiation changes throughout the day. Mornings are when you get the highest solar radiation from the east. Then as sunset approaches, the strength increases towards the west.
Therefore, a solar radiation only facing one side doesn’t guarantee maximum collection. This is why trackers play such a crucial role.
Adaptability
If your solar farm is on a higher altitude or a location with heavy clouds, a solar tracker’s adaptability is of great assistance.
Thus, an automatic tracker can locate the spot where solar radiation is the highest and collect it efficiently.
Gets More Sunlight
The sun is up way before we are!
Plus, we do not register the solar radiation at dawn and dusk to be strong enough to generate solar power.
Turns out they are!
Therefore, the tracker will help to efficiently get the most of the sunlight throughout the day.
Advantages of Solar Parks
If you are still contemplating whether you should install a solar farm for your personal and commercial purposes, then keep reading.
We understand the matter of budget. Yes, installing an entire farm is a matter of high investment. However, understanding the advantages that you can utilize for years to come will definitely make it cost-effective.
1. Clean and Renewable Energy
If sustainability is what you are striving towards, then look no further. Fortunately, with the help of modern technology, we are able to utilize a very important natural resource.
With further improvements, we are now able to bring that to our everyday domestic usage.
With solar-powered everything, you are using clean, renewable energy. This leads to less air pollution, a major decrease in your carbon footprint, and, overall, contributes to a better future.
2. Low Operating Costs
Once a solar park is up and running, operating and maintenance costs are relatively low. For example, Soltec USA's tracking systems require minimal maintenance thanks to their robust and efficient design.
3. Job Creation
The construction and operation of solar parks create jobs in various areas, from engineering and construction to maintenance and administration.
4. Energy Independence
Solar parks can help communities become more energy-independent, reducing their reliance on energy imports and improving energy security.
The Final Note!
A solar park is a masterpiece of engineering and sustainability, combining solar panels, inverters, transformers, and advanced solar tracking systems.
These components work together to efficiently and sustainably convert sunlight into clean, renewable electricity.
Plus, we hope this article was able to provide you with a clear and fascinating insight into the functions o a solar park.
Next time you see a solar installation, you'll know that behind those panels is a complex network of technology. Matched with design that is working tirelessly to harness every ray of sunlight.
The energy of the future is here, and it's brighter than ever!
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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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