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Archive for November, 2009

Photovoltaics

November 30, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Cells

The history of “Photovoltaic”

history-solar-photovoltaics

The history of “Photovoltaic” (PV) industrial development has been running about 50 years, and have been many studies done in the hope that one day could produce cheap solar cells and feasible compared with artificial electricity (hydro or nuclear) to solve the problem of availability of environment friendly electricity at all levels of this world.

In the late 19th century, solar electricity discovered by German physicist named Alexandre Edmond Becquerel accident where the sun rays fall on the solution of electro-chemical research materials, so the charge of electrons in the solution increases, there is no scientific explanation of the event. Not until the early 20th century, Albert Einstein called the discovery of this natural electrical event with “Photoelectric Effect”, which is the basic understanding of the “Photovoltaic Effect” (Albert Einstein got the Nobel Prize in Physics). Albert-Einstein-Imagination

“Photoelectric Effect” comes from Einstein’s observations on a plate of metal release “photon” particles of light energy when exposed to sunlight. Photon continuously urged metal atoms and form a particle “Photon Energy”-is the wave of light energy.

Ultraviolet light waves, light that are high charged photon energy and short wavelength, while red light (infra-red) is low charged photon energy and long waves.

Then around the year 1930, research continued and related to discovery of the “Quantum Mechanics” concept, to create new technologies “solid-state”, which then the Bell Telephone Research Laboratories company create the first solid Solar Cell.

Year 1950 – 1960, technology of solar cell design and efficiency continued and applied to the spacecraft (photovoltaic energies). In 1970’s, the world encourage “renewable” alternative energy sources and environmentally friendly, then the PV is applied to the “low power warning systems” and “offshore buoys” (but the PV production could not be much because it is still “handmade”).

Just in 1980, the PV companies joined with government energy agencies in order to produce the PV cells in large numbers, so the price of solar cells can be more suppressed as low as possible.

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Solar Systems

November 29, 2009 By: Admin Category: General

solar-systems2

Solar system consists of a star called the sun and all the surrounding objects. These objects, including eight known planets with elliptical orbits, meteors, asteroids, comets, dwarf planets, and natural satellites.

Believed that the solar system formed 4.6 billion years since the last and is the result of clumping of gas and dust in space which form the sun and the planets surrounding it.

The solar system is located on the edge of the Milky Way galaxy at a distance of about 2.6 x 1017 km from the center of the galaxy, or about 25,000 to 28,000 light years from the center of the galaxy. Solar system around the Milky Way galaxy center with a speed of 220 km / sec, and it takes time for 225-250 million years for the once around the galactic center. By the age of the solar system about 4.6 billion years, our solar system that has been around the galactic center as much as 20-25 times since formed.

Solar system endured by gravitational influence of the sun and the equivalent system of the solar system, which has a center line of a year light velocity, marked a sprinkling of comets called the Oort cloud. There is also a plate-shaped Oort cloud in the inner solar system that are recognized as the inner Oort cloud.

Caused by a longitudinal planet’s orbit, distance and position of the planets versus the sun position changed based on the position of planet in the orbit.

Origin of the Solar System

Many hypotheses about the origin of the solar system have been presented by experts, including:

Nebula Hypothesis

Nebula hypothesis was first proposed by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) in the year 1775. This hypothesis then perfected by the Marquis de Laplace Pierre in 1796. Therefore, the hypothesis is better known as nebula hypothesis Kant-Laplace. In the early stages of the solar system was still a giant fog. The fog was formed from dust, ice, and gas called nebulae. Elements of the gas mostly hydrogen. Because the its gravitational force, the fog was shrinking and turning in a certain direction. As a result, the temperature heats up and the fog became a giant star called the sun. Giant sun keep on shrinking and its rotation faster. Further gas rings and ice flew around the sun. Due to gravity, these gases condense along with the decrease in temperature and form inner planets. In the same way, the outer planets formed well.

Planetisimal Hypothesis

Planetisimal hypothesis was first proposed by Thomas C. Chamberlain and Forest R. Moulton in 1900. Planetisimal hypothesis says that our solar system formed as a result of another star who nearly crashed into the sun.

Star Tidal Hypothesis

Star tidal hypothesis was first proposed by James Jean and Jaffries Herold in 1917. Tidal hypothesis is very similar to the star planetisimal hypothesis. But the difference lies in the amount of the sun first.

Condensation Hypothesis

Condensation hypothesis originally put forward by the Dutch astronomer named GP Kuiper (1905-1973) in 1950. Condensation hypothesis explains that the solar system formed from a spinning giant fog ball forming giant discs.

Twin Star Hypothesis

Twin star hypothesis originally proposed by Fred Hoyle (1915-2001) in 1956. The hypothesis suggests that firstly our solar system was two stars of similar size and adjacent to one of them exploding leaving small fragments.

History of discovery

Five nearest planet to the Sun than Earth (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) has been known since ancient times because they all can be seen with the naked eye. Many people in this world have their own names for each planet.

astronomerDevelopment of science and technology in the five centuries of observation and bring people to understand the celestial bodies are liberated from the veil of mythology. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) with his refractor telescope capable of making human eye “more sharply” in observing celestial bodies, which can not be observed by naked eye.

Because Galileo’s telescope could observe more sharply, he could see many changes in the appearance of Venus, as Venus Crescent as a result of position changes of Venus against the Sun. Venus around the Sun reasoning further strengthened its heliocentric theory, namely that the sun is the center of the universe, not the Earth, which was initiated by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543). Heliocentric arrangement is the sun surrounded by Mercury to Saturn.

Galileo telescopes continue to be improved by other scientists such as Christian Huygens (1629-1695) who discovered Titan, Saturn’s satellites, which were nearly 2 times the distance of Earth-Jupiter orbit.

The development of the telescope is also well balanced with the development of motion calculations of celestial bodies and relationships with each other through the Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) with Kepler’s Law. And the peak, Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) with the law of gravity. With these two theoretical calculations that allows the search and calculation of the celestial bodies further.

In 1781, William Hechell (1738-1782) discovered Uranus. Careful calculation of Uranus orbit concludes that the planet is disturbed. Neptune was discovered in August 1846. The discovery of Neptune was not enough to explain the interference of Uranus orbit. Pluto was later found in 1930. When Pluto was discovered, he was known as the only celestial object that was after Neptune. Then in 1978, Charon, satellites which make a circuit of Pluto found, previously mistaken for the real planet because it does not differ greatly with Pluto. Astronomers later found about 1,000 other small objects in the back of Neptune (called trans-Neptunian objects) are also around the Sun . There may be around 100,000 of similar objects known as Kuiper Belt objects (Kuiper belt is part of the trans-Neptunian objects). Dozens of celestial bodies including the Kuiper Belt Object that is Quaoar (1250 km in June 2002), Huya (750 km in March 2000), Sedna (1800 km in March 2004), Orcus, Vesta, Pallas, Hygiea, Varuna, and 2003 EL61 (1500 km in May 2004). The discovery of 2003 EL61 is horrendous because of this Kuiper Belt object known also have a satellite in January 2005, although smaller than Pluto. And the peak is the discovery of UB 313 (2700 km in October 2003) which was named Xena by its discoverer. Except larger than Pluto, this object also has a satellite.

List of planetary distances

List of planets and the average distance of the planet with the sun in the solar system is as follows:

57.9 million miles to Mercury
108.2 million miles to Venus
149.6 million miles to Earth
227.9 million miles to Mars
778.3 million miles to Jupiter
1427.0 million miles to Saturn
2871.0 million miles to Uranus
4497.0 million miles to Neptune

There is also asteroids circle, mostly around the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Because of its rotational toward each axis, equator is the longest circumference in each planet and star.

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Solar PV

November 28, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Cells

Solar PV In Architecture

Revolutionary of photovoltaic applications in the architectural building has undergone rapid development, starting from ordinary technology to high technology in the 3rd generation, they are:

1. First generation (the 1980s)

solar-pv-first-generation

PV panel module with an iron framework just mounted on the field of building flat roof with a brace (tracking).

2. Second generation (the 1990s)

solar-pv-second-generation

Photovoltaic cells (PV) developed more integrated part of building materials: roof materials (tiles, shingles).

3. Third generation (year 1997)

Rows of PV modules as atrium cover

Rows of PV modules as atrium cover

Rows of PV modules as a canopy

Rows of PV modules as a canopy

Chip / PV module was developed into a whole architectural integration in building materials and advanced applications.

Applications of PV Third Generation

a. Form of shingles (thin film crystalline)

thin-film-crystalline

Rows of PV modules as roof cover

b. Form of cladding (curtain walls)

curtain-walls

Rows of PV modules as a facade covering

In general, the energy utilization of solar PV have been popular in the world in the field:

  • Housing & villa / lodge (the most common areas far from power lines).
  • Commercial (offices, hospitals, institutions, and bus stop lighting, street lights).
  • Industry (telecommunications, power generation, water pumping stations, electric backup).

Solar Technologies

November 27, 2009 By: Admin Category: General

New Solar Technology

solar-panel-technology

Solar technologies is now highly developed, with some progress is being developed to be used every day.

Below 10 Solar Technologies to note:Pyron-Solar-Triad

  1. Water Heating Solar Panel: Pyron Solar Triad uses a special design, short focal-length, lens in the acrylic concentration to reflect and accept the light, effectively concentrate 6.500 solar power in the form of a small light. The second lens capture light and focus on PV cells. According to related companies, HE Optics System produces 800 times more energy than the silicon solar cells.
  2. Home Solar to Hydrogen Storage: An MIT professor Daniel Nocera, build a company this year to market a technology that can split water and store solar energy. The key of this company is to achieve a breakthrough solar energy to make solar power cheaper.
    “The idea is to use solar panels to power the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen which would be stored in tanks. When people need electricity, the stored hydrogen would put through a fuel cell.”
  3. Solar panel roof that can be printed and painted: If solar power is easy to install as to paint your roof with sunlight resistant paint, it will lower the standard for the installation of solar power at home. This technology called silicon ink, and according to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar cells showed 18% energy savings.Paintable-Solar-Panels
  4. Large Panel Solar Film: SunFab ™ system uses silicon thin film technology to market the largest and most powerful panels in the world and combines inexpensive material.sunfab-system
  5. Organic Solar Concentrators: Engineers at MIT have created a method to transform glass into a high-tech solar concentrator, using color glass to collect and emit light which is usually missing from the panel surface. This technology can create a building for use with glass window film to gather strength. Other companies, GreenSun, has developed a panel of light color where it catch the other parts of the spectrum of the sun, and does not require direct sunlight to work.
  6. Space Based Solar: Japanese are developing a giant space station with solar power generators to transmit solar power to earth from 36.000 km above the earth within the next 30 years. The Japanese Government supports $ 21 billion project, which includes a space station solar power with solar panels cubical 4km, save electric energy of 1 gigawatt, enough for 300,000 homes in Tokyo.
  7. Solar Roads: Solar Roadways concept, will make a way to use glass panels to collect and distribute solar energy to illuminate the light at night and hot in winter, with enough remaining energy to light homes and businesses. Discoverer, Scott Brusaw, estimating each mile of solar panels can be illuminated 500 houses, and is expected to make a panel for 12×12 need cost about $ 5,000.solar-roadways
  8. SunCatcher: Stirling Energy System, contains a solar concentrator in the bowl structure supported by a convex mirror, can be used in Arizona soon. SunCatcher using glass system fitted with a parabolic bowl for concentrating solar power in high-efficiency Stirling engine, with each bowl produces 25.000 watts.sun-catchers
  9. Solar Nanotechnology: Research workers at McMaster University in Ontario has developed a light-absorbing nanowires formed of excellent photovoltaic materials in thin but durable carbon-nanotube fabric. They also use small particles in a flexible polyster film where can lead to solar cells that are both flexible and cheaper than today’s solar cells.
  10. Grid Ready for Solar: Andalay AC solar energy panels, made with Akeena Solar technology, integrate the racking, wiring and electrical grounding components to the panel. According to the company, this will against the damage, a lot of money in saving for 30 year lifetime. Andalay AC solar energy panels produce a safe AC power, and can be a safe installation process for users.

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Solar Tubes

November 26, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Light

Solar Light Tubes


solar-tubes

Initial concept of light tubes developed by the ancient Egyptians, namely by direct use of natural light tubes with reflective material. This is the concept of the oldest and most widespread type of natural lighting of interior space.

Light tubes are also known as “tubular skylight”, “SunScope” or “Tubular Daylighting Device” allow natural light into the darkened interior room of buildings and houses. The people enjoy the natural lighting provided by skylights. However, skylights are often not evenly distribute the light, is the loss of a significant source of energy, and UV light can cause damage to the carpet and furniture. Light tubes, on the other hand, using the sun for lighting interiors without the shortcomings associated with conventional skylights. To prevent the danger of ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the carpet and furniture fading, UV inhibitors formed a dome roof on most models. Another bonus when choosing light tubes is that they provide far more heat slightly, as did the standard skylights. Because of the lack of acceptance of this heat, tubular skylights to save money on air conditioning bills during hot months.

Taking advantage of free sunlight as much as possible, the pipe hole collect sunlight from the roof dome light collector consists of an acrylic lens, bounce it to the bottom of a tube with a highly reflective interior coating, to pull the lens cap is similar to conventional recessed lighting equipment and diffuse sun light evenly throughout the interior rooms. The tube can be bent and adapted to drive around the garret or ceiling obstructions with small loss of light transmitting and can often be installed in less than three hours. Not like the ceiling of need roof to the ceiling of the timber-framed shaft and covered with drywall or wood panels, and the need for structural modifications, so installation is simple and relatively inexpensive.

solar-spot

Roof mounted dome made of high quality acrylic resin specially formulated to enhance the impact strength, chemical, weather resistance and high clarity.

Light tubes can be installed on almost all types of roof materials, including wood and asphalt shingles, concrete and ceramics, and metals. Thanks to a highly reflective coating on the rod, the tube can work efficiently from sunrise to sunset.

Most of the producers of glass tubular solar roof offers a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and post-installation cracks or discoloration. Tubes solar installation contractors generally offer a 2-3 year warranty for the installation of weatherproofing and storm protection.

The average size of the tubular skylight ranges between 10 and 21 inches (254 and 533 mm), diameter, which effectively light of 100-600 square feet (30,48-182,88 meters), interior space. The main factor in choosing a general measure of the distance between the roof rafters and / or ceiling beams.

Prices range from around $ 171.00 to $ 423.00. Installing a solar tube usually cost between $ 500 and $ 800. Both depend on the size of tubes and features installed.

Light tube options include:

  • Dimmers which allows the natural lighting level of a room that will turn up or down according to demand.
  • Light kit for night time lighting.
  • Ventilation fan kit

Energy-efficient light tubes is an important part of the house and environmentally friendly buildings. Natural light effects on your physical, emotional and psychological well known as the rooms benefit from natural sunlight free will positively impact our environment for future generations. They are environmentally-friendly way to naturally brighten every room, a smart alternative to skylights and artificial lighting.

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Solar Pump

November 25, 2009 By: Admin Category: General

What Is So Fascinating About Solar Pump

solar-water-pump

Solar-powered water pumps are an effective alternative to conventional gas or electric pumps. Modern pumps are powered by solar energy effectively in the world, including India, where they are often used for irrigation and drinking water.

The main advantage of solar pumps is that they work for free. A solar array connected to the pumping mechanism gains all the required power from simple sunshine. This also means that the system independently. There is no need for complicated wiring for the electricity and outside fuel is not needed.

The amount of pollution caused by the use of conventional pump has also completely eliminated. This is a big advantage, especially when used for irrigation on the farms where pollution can possible on site damage. Keeping the fossil fuels from the equation for the pumping of water will reduce potential contamination. In addition, the use of solar energy offers many benefits for agriculture, the farmers, for example, a solar pump used in an area of low-lying, which often flooded or to move the water used to feed animals and plants.

For any system of water pump, both large and small, the installation of solar systems is one of the easiest and most profitable. No long procedures for determining the wiring of the solar panels, and there is no need for extra fuel. Many of these systems, also the digital monitoring and control instruments adding for convenience.

Worldwide, the solar energy is one of the best ways of powering pump instrument. Simple installation, low maintenance, and reducing pollution are just some of the many benefits.

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Solar Cell

November 24, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Cells

What Does Solar Cell Mean?

You may have seen a calculator that has a solar cell? calculator that does not need batteries, and in some cases do not even have the off button. As long as you have enough light, so the calculator can be on at any time and forever. You may have seen larger solar panels, such as in housing or traffic lights, haven’t you? In this article I will review how solar cell work so it can deliver the energy and drive an electronic device.

Today the demand for electricity has become a major requirement in all corners. The presence of power plants sometimes do not solve the need for electricity especially in remote areas where the terrain is always an excuse. Here an alternative energy that can be easily found in nature and can be used as an alternative free energy replacing conventional electricity, because it can turn on household electronics such as televisions, radios and lights.
solar-cell-p-n
Solar cells made from pieces of a very small silicon coated with special chemicals to form the basis of solar cells. Solar cells generally have a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm is made from semiconductor materials incision with positive and negative poles. Each solar cell produces usually voltage 0.5 volts. Solar cells is an active element (semiconductor) that utilizes photovoltaic effect to transform solar energy into electrical energy.

solar-cell-diagram

Solar cells contain a connection (junction) between two thin layers made of semiconductor materials, each of which is known as a semiconductor type “P” (positive) and semiconductor type “N” (negative).

N-type semiconductor made of silicon crystals and there are also some other materials (typically phosphorus) within the limits that these materials can provide an excess of free electrons.

Electrons are sub atomic particles are negatively charged, so that the silicon alloy in this case known as N-type semiconductor (Negative). P-type semiconductor made of silicon crystal in which there is a small amount of other material (typically boron) which caused the shortage of material free electrons. Lack or loss of electrons is called a hole. Because there is no or lack of electrons electrically negative charged then the silicon alloys in this case as a semiconductor type-P (Positive).

Composition of a solar cell, the same as a diode, consisting of two layers, called PN junction. PN junction obtained by staining a pure semiconductor silicon (valence 4) with the impurity valence 3 on the left side, and one on the right impurity stained with valence 5.
solar1

solar1-labels

The effect of the electric field in a PV cell

solar2

solar2-labels

Operation of a PV cell

solar3

solar3-labels

Basic structure of a generic silicon PV cell

Thus formed on the left side that is not pure silicon again and called P type silicon, while the right side is called silicon type N. In the pure silicon there are two kinds of electrical charge carriers are balanced. Positive electric charge carriers called holes, while the negative are called electrons. After a desecration process, in the P type silicon formed holes (positive charge carriers) in a very large number compared with the electron. Therefore, in the P type silicon holes are majority charge carriers, while the electrons are minority carriers. Conversely, in the N type silicon is formed of electrons in a very large number so-called majority carriers, and holes called minority carriers.

In the silicon rod there was interaction between the P and the N. Therefore called the PN junction. When present, the P associated with the positive pole of a battery, while the negative polar associated with the N, then there is a relationship called “forward bias”.

Under forward bias, electrical currents arise in a series due to both types of charge carriers. So the electric current flowing in the PN junction is caused by the movement of electron and the movement of holes. An electric current is flowing in the direction of holes movement, but opposite direction with the movement of electrons. Just to further explain, electrons moving in the conductor material can lead to electrical energy. And electrical energy is called as an electric current that flows in the opposite direction to the movement of electrons.

But, if the P associated with negative pole of batteries and the N associated with positive pole, then now formed a relationship called “reverse bias”. In these circumstances, the hole (positive charge carriers) can be connected directly to the positive pole, while the electrons are also directly to the positive pole. So, clearly in the PN junction there is no movement of majority charge carriers either the holes or electrons. Meanwhile, the minority charge carriers (electrons) in the part P moves trying to reach the positive pole of the batteries. Similarly, the minority charge carriers (holes) in the N also moved to reach the negative pole. Therefore, in a state of reverse bias, in the PN junction there is also output current even in very small amounts (micro amperes). This current is often called the reverse saturation current or leakage current.

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Anything interesting in reverse bias. When the temperature of PN junction raised they will be able to enlarge leakage current. Means that if given the energy (heat), the minority charge carriers in the PN junction grows. Because the light is one form of energy, so if there is light that hit a PN junction may also produce enough energy to generate charge carriers. This symptoms are called photoconductive. Based on the photoconductive symptoms made of photodiode electronic components from PN junction.

In reverse bias, with increasing intensity of light that hit photodiode can increase the level of leakage current. Leakage currents can also be enlarged by increasing the battery voltage (reverse voltage), but the addition of leakage currents were not significant. When the batteries in the reverse bias circuit is removed and replaced with a load of resistance, the provision of light that can cause charge carriers both holes and electrons. If the illumination light is increased, current output was greater. Such symptoms are called photovoltaic. Light can provide enough energy to enlarge the number of holes in the P and the number of electrons on the N. Based on the symptoms of this photovoltaic electronic components can be created photovoltaic cell. Because usually the sun as a source of light, the photovoltaic cell is also called the solar cell (solar cells) or a solar energy converter.
So the solar cell is essentially a large photo diode and designed by referring to the photovoltaic symptoms so that could produce the greatest possible power. P type silicon is the very thin surface layer so that light can penetrate directly reach the junction. Part P is given ring-shaped nickel layer, as a positive output terminal. Under the P is the N type that is coated with nickel as well as the negative output terminal.

To obtain a large enough power required much of solar cells. Usually, solar cells arranged form the shape of the panel, and is called the photovoltaic panels (PV). PV as a source of electric power was first used in satellites. Then PV as an energy source for cars, so there are solar electric car. Now, in foreign countries, PV has started to be used as a roof or wall of the house. Sanyo has made even a semi-transparent PV that can be used as a substitute for glass.

After getting the output of the solar cell is a direct electrical current can be used to load utilized. But also the electric current can be used as a charge stored by the battery to be used when needed, especially at night because there was no sun.

If the solar cell is used for storage into the battery, then the resulting voltage magnitude must be above the battery specification. For example the battery used is 12 volts, the voltage produced by solar cell must be above 12 volts in order to perform charging.

We recommend that before carrying out the charging battery should be empty because the incoming flow will be filled with the maximum. The unit capacity of a battery is the Ampere-hour (Ah) and these characteristics are usually found on the label of a battery. For example a battery with 10 Ah capacity will fill up for 10 hours with the solar cell output currents of 1 Ampere.

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Solar Applications

November 23, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Power

Solar Energy Applications

Solar energy technologies use energy from the sun to produce heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, commercial and industrial.

There are a variety of technological applications that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy. Technology can be read further below.

Photovoltaics System

Solar cells work by converting sunlight directly into electricity. The electrons in the semiconductor material, the material used to capture sunlight, will move when the sun’s energy in the form of photons hit it. Solar energy is forcing the electrons to move, occur continuously, and consequently there is also a continuous electricity production. Process, which turns sunlight (photons) into electricity (voltage), called the photovoltaic effect.

Solar Cell Module

Solar cells are usually organized into modules that each module can consist of 40 solar cells. Some modules can be arranged to form a PV line fitted with a fixed angle facing south. Or even could be placed in a sun-tracking device, to get more solar energy throughout the day. Several rows of PV could produce enough power for a house. As for industrial applications or power companies, hundreds of lines of PV can be linked to form one large PV systems and sufficient to meet the electricity needs.

Thin Film Solar Cellthin-film-solar

Thin film solar cells use several layers of semiconductor material with a thickness in the micrometer scale. Technology allows to create solar cells integrated into rooftops to the skylights. Even solar cells are designed for applications having the same power with actual roof.

Concentrated Solar Cell

concentrated-PVSome solar cells are also designed to work with concentrated sunlight. Solar cells are integrated into the sunlight collector which usually uses a lens to focus it onto the solar cells. There are several advantages and disadvantages by using this technique when compared with flat plate solar panels. Its main objective is to use a minimum of expensive semiconductor material while increasing efficiency with more solar energy doubling of the cell surface. But because the lens must be directed to the sun, the use of collectors limited by location or region that get the most sunlight. Almost the same as flat plate solar panels, this technology can also be mounted on sun tracking devices are simple, but most use a sophisticated device. As a result, the use of solar cell technology is still limited to the power company, industry and large buildings.

Solar Cell Performance
Solar cell performance can be measured by looking at its efficiency in turning sunlight into electricity. Only a certain energy range from the sun which can efficiently converted to electricity, and most of it is reflected or absorbed by the material forming solar cells.

Because some of these, then the efficiency of commercial solar cells is only 15%, or about one-sixth of the sunlight that produce electricity. The lower efficiency, the more wide solar panels needed, and that is, the more expensive price to be paid. Increasing efficiency solar cells while maintaining low prices is a challenge that must be
solved. Until now, little by little these challenges can be overcome, as evidenced by the efficiency of the current 15% which in the 1950s, the efficiency is still less than 4%.

Solar Water Heaters

solar-water-heaterShallow water in a pond or lake tend to hotter than the water in the deeper places. This occurs because the sun can heat the bottom of a pond or lake in the more shallow areas, and that means water that was on it become hot too.

With the same principle, the sunlight can be used as a water heater in the building and swimming pool. Most of the water heating system that uses the sun as a source of heat, consists of two main parts: the sun collector and storage tank. Collector commonly used are flat plate collectors. Collector consists of a thin flat box with a transparent top cover and facing toward the sun. Small pipes in the box with liquid, which can be water or other liquid, to be heated. The pipes are attached to a black plate that serves to absorb heat from the sun. After the heat formed in the collector, the fluid inside the pipes get hot.

Hot liquid is then flow to the storage tank which usually larger and thermally insulated better than conventional water heater storage tank. Systems that use a liquid instead of water, usually using the liquid to heat the water through the pipes like loops formed in the tank.

The system used can be active or passive systems, but the most commonly used is the active system. Active system works depends on the pump to move fluid from the collector to the storage tank. While passive systems rely on gravity to work with and the nature of water to circulate when heated.

The system used for the swimming pool is much simpler. Pool filter pump is used to drain water through a collector of sunlight, which is usually made of plastic or rubber, black, and hot water then flows back to the pool.

Solar Thermal

solar-thermalMost of currently existing power plants use fossil fuels as a source of heat to boil water. The resulting water vapor then turn turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce electricity. But now came into power generation using solar concentrator system, using the sun as a source of heat. There are three main types of solar concentrator systems: parabolic, dish / engine, generator tower.

Parabolic system concentrate energy from sunlight by using a U-shaped length mirror. The mirrors are arranged toward the sun and focus sunlight into a pipe containing oil that extends in the midst of such a parabolic focal point. Hot oil is used to boil water in a conventional steam generator and produce electricity.solar-sm

Dish/engine system using the mirror disk to collect sunlight on a receiver that receive the sunlight and transfer heat to the fluid inside the machine. Heat result in fluid to expand and push the piston or a turbine and produce mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is then used to turn a generator or alternator to produce electricity.

Meanwhile, the generator tower using a mirror in a large number and placed in a large location to collect the sun rays and centralize it to the top of a tower where a receiver is placed. Generated heat melt salt which then flows to heat the water. The steam generated from hot water used to turn conventional steam generator. Molten salt can store heat for a long time. That means electricity can be generated at the sunset or when the sky is very cloudy.

Home Solar

November 22, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Home

Top Guide Of Home Solar

home solar power

Home solar power could actually fun, modern, and even interesting. Limited electricity does not mean sacrificing convenience and comfort provided by the air heater, water heater, and air conditioning.
The design of home solar will save electricity because the walls, windows and floors designed to absorb and store heat energy during the winter and distribute them. And dissipates heat during the summer. Therefore comfort provided by the heating and air conditioning can be displaced.

Here are five basic elements that must be interconnected with each other in designing a home solar.

home solar system

home solar system

Collectors

The large glass windows that are directly related to the sun should be facing 30 degrees to the north and should not be obstructed by other buildings or log starting at 9 am to 3 pm.

Absorbent

Walls, floors and partitions are objects that can absorb and store heat.

Thermal mass

Thermal mass is a material that can store heat from solar energy and is located behind the surface of objects that can absorb heat like the floor.

Distribution

Heat that has been collected and stored, then distributed or in circulation from one room to another. Method to distribute this is conduction, convection and radiation.

Setting

Control tools should be used to utilize energy use that has been collected, such as a thermostat to check the temperature so that it can turn on and off the fan.

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Solar Plant

November 21, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Power

The Largest Solar Power Plant in The World


kyocera-solar-power-plant

Kyocera, one of solar cell manufacturers, build solar cell panels plant in Spain under the auspices of local firms Avanzalia. When the project is completed, this plant becomes the world’s largest electricity plant with a solar power source.

August 2008, the factory is located in the Castile-La Mancha Spain will produce electric power 18 mega watts. Power is enough for 9200 homes. Total 89.3200 Kyocera PV solar cell modules will be installed. 3300 tons of iron needed for iron buffer. It was so big, wide field required 80 acres or equivalent to 100 foot ball court.

Location of the solar plant at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, so that the air temperature is more stable plus the sun in that regions can produce annually 1892 kWh/m2.

Solar Power Systems

November 20, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Power

Grid-connected System

Grid-connected system was applied to many urban areas housing, existing electricity network. The purpose of using solar panels, to save the cost of excessive electricity consumption and help reduce the greenhouse effect caused by the use of fossil fuels which cause excessive air pollution. Electrical energy which is in turn, channeled into the electricity networks that already exist and can be stored in the electricity network. This term is called the Hybrid System, which combine solar power plants with electricity network. Solar systems can also be combined with other power plants such as PV-Generator Hybrid, Hybrid PV-Microhydro, Hybrid PV-Wind and can even be combined into 3 systems of different power to Hybrid PV-Wind-Generator.

The following illustration application of grid connected systems in housing

solar-power-systems

Caption:

1. Solar panels installed at suitable locations to generate optimal power.
2. Inverter (Controller) function to change direct current (DC) produced by PV into alternating current (AC) that can be applied to household electronic equipment.
3. Box distribution function to distribute the AC current through the PV generated electricity network.
4. Discharging the burden of household air-conditioning system.
5. Electric meter show the current of electricity network will b

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Solar Water Heaters

November 19, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Heater

How to Take Care for Solar Water Heaters


solar-hot-water-heaters

Various household needs to be more practical because the presence of technology. One technology that is now beginning to be the belle of the houses is the water heater technology.

At least there are three types of water heaters available on the market. The third type is the water heater with electric power, gas, and solar. If you want to purchase one of the three types of water heater, do not forget to consider safety factors, thrift, and comfort, You can see these factors from the various features on it. Solar Water Heater more practical and energy efficient because it uses solar power.

Choosing a water heater with superior features make your water heater work maximum and durable. In addition, there are two ways to keep the water heater remains preserved.

First, consider whether the magnesium anode in the tank is still working to keep water pH neutral in the number 7. Usually, the areas of clean water, magnesium anode can hold up to 5 years. However, in areas that lack clean water, the magnesium anode should be replaced once every year.

If not replaced, the water in the tank will become acidic (if pH above 7) and becomes alkaline (if pH below 7) is harmful to health. In addition, the tank will gradually run into corrosion that can lead to leakage.

Second, check the safety valve periodically. Safety valve is a kind of excess pressure safety device on the tank. This tool will keep the tank temperature remains stable. To avoid blockage of water, raise the safety valve lever periodically.

Solar Efficiency

November 18, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Heater

A Key Element In Solar Water Heater – Efficiency


solar-high-efficiency

Solar energy most often associated with electricity production, while at the other side, the heating is also one form of solar energy use. Heating is not too difficult, in this case the efficiency is the key to maintaining your system from damage.

The sun produces a ton of energy, but solar panel systems are historically very inefficient in converting it. With improving technology, efficiency has improved to the point where most panel systems can easily produce adequate energy to heat up water supply for homes and swimming pools. There are ways that are efficient and inefficient in this process.

To keep your panel from damage, you need to consider the flow control system. The  panel systems take a long time for heating up the fluid because water more or less randomly passes around over this system. This is very inefficient because the panels are forced to heat up a much larger than the actual water you need. This results in damage, not to mention the long wait for hot water.

A flow control system solve efficiency problem by reducing the amount of water must be heated. Most are designed to work on temperature difference strategies. They work by using two sensors. The first is located near the panel used to heat water or fluid replacement. The second are placed on or near the liquid return valve into the panel system. In applied terms, one sensor assesses the temperature of fluid exiting the panel while others assess the temperature of fluid into the panel.

Flow system process by waiting liquid up to temperature set by you. Once the liquid matches the temperature, system switch on the pump circulation and the liquid runs to the preferred location. When the return valve sensor marks the temperature of the water is once again in a certain range of liquid in the panel system, the pump is switched off. This process allows warming time faster, more efficient and less energy is wasted.

Solar solutions coming forward energy debate for many residential energy needs. Countries like Germany are making huge investments in solar platforms and solar technology. Solar can be cost-effective solution for you too. Just keep in mind that the flow system is a must if you want a solar water heater.

Solar Batteries

November 17, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Battery

The Basic Facts Of Solar Battery

batteries-for-solar

Solar power is an effective way to harness the power of the sun, the plants have been doing this for millions of years. Solar energy is cheap, reliable and can produce tremendous power, but only in the daytime. This is the main problem of solar energy utilization. The average home will use less power during the day, and much smaller in the summer which is the peak power (fastest time) for solar panels to generate energy. To be effective this power should be stored.

One popular way to store solar power is to connect the solar panels to the electrical grid, which effectively turn it into a battery. This allows excess energy to be sent back to the electric company, actually make the electric meter run backwards. At night, the power drawn from the grid as usual. This is only as reliable as the existing grid. Each power outages could still affect these solar panels, but no rechargeable batteries should be used.

Rechargeable batteries are known for having a short age, and expensive. They also have low power flow for a long time with good capacity, or they have a high power electrical short time with the poor capacity. Typical batteries, especially lithium ion, has a high capacity to store power, but provides a weak output and recharge slowly. An ideal solar battery will be able to charge quickly, has a high density to save power and can emit as much power as needed. This ideal combination is something that no battery has been able to do until now. It can only be done through the study of nanotechnology.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a way to create a very powerful battery, the dense refill using nanotechnology. Individual parts, which looks surprisingly like a photovoltaic panel is only a thousand times smaller, is assembling his own, self-replication, and aligning itself too. There is no mechanical process can achieve anything similar small, which also contributes to their relatively low cost. They are still in the testing stage and court, but should look widely and production operations in a year. Able to store the power created from sun and wind will soon make fossil fuels obsolete and mysterious.

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Solar Generator

November 16, 2009 By: Admin Category: Solar Accessories

Solar Generators


Solar generators can be useful for the home in various ways. If the power failure occurred, the owner of the house and family are not affected if they have a diesel generator, of course depending on the size. Solar generators can also be used to simply cut the cost of energy use everyday.

Full description after the photos….

solar-generator

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