Solar Panels

Five applications of Renogy solar systems

Renogy is a well-known brand focused on designing solar panels, solar kits, charge controllers, inverters, deep cycle batteries, battery chargers, accessories, and wiring. Solar panels or solar kits from Renogy as well as its components develop Renogy solar systems.
Renogy solar systems have a wider range of applications including cabin, boating, RV solar as well as solar for other outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. On the other hand, Renogy solar systems have broader applications for commercial solutions such as in agriculture, logistics, and information technology.

1. Solar home systems

Renogy solar systems are used as power back systems during power outages. They can also be used for cottages or small remote areas and semi-permanent installations that need power on an occasional basis. Renogy solar systems are also used to support sustainable living using solar energy. Examples of Renogy solar systems for powering homes include: Package 1: Tiny House, (1200 Watts), Package 2: Cottage (2500 Watts) & Package 3: Villa (4800 Watts).

2. Agriculture:

Renogy solar systems are used for irrigation purposes to power solar water pumps especially for remote areas not connected to the grid. Renogy solar systems power generators, lighting, water pumps etc. thus powering agriculture with sustainable energy. Learn more about Renogy solar systems for agriculture.

3. Logistics and solar for RV vehicles

solar panels Renogy solar systems are used in freight trucks providing off-grid power to power liftgates, HVAC systems, entertainment etc. For instance the Renogy 400W Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit with 30A Charger Controller is designed for off-grid solar panel system, Caravan, RV, boat, Green house Solar panel system.

4. Street lighting and Information Technology (IT)

Renogy solar systems are used to power street lighting and security cameras. In IT, Renogy solar systems are used to power data centers helping businesses to run greener and smarter at the same time. Renogy solar systems power the Internet of Things (IoT) networks helping businesses to stay connected with real-time analytics. Learn more about Renogy solar systems for street lighting and information technology(IT).

5. Outdoor activities

Renogy solar systems have portable solar solutions for powering your outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, boating helping to support sustainable living. For instance, the Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W Portable Generator is an all-in-one portable solar power system specifically designed for mobile, off-grid applications, and is ideal for emergencies.

Four (4) types of Renogy solar kits

Renogy is an American solar brand that was started as a small project by students at Louisiana State University. Today, Renogy is a well-known international company that has specialized in the solar photovoltaics technology with applications ranging from solar PV for recreational vehicles, boating, camping as well as solar applications for isolated areas and remote homes. In particular, Renogy is well-known for its four (4) types of Renogy solar kits, including starter kits, premium kits, RV van solar kits and bundle solar kits.

1) Starter Renogy solar kits

Renogy starter kits are designed for solar customers that are new to solar. These Renogy starter solar kits are great for mainly off-grid solar PV applications, including but not limited to RVs, trailers, boats, sheds, and cabins. Specifically, the main purpose of Renogy starter kits are used to recharge and monitor a 12-volt battery bank and the Starter Kits come with basic, easy to install components which are available in 50W-400W. You can check out these PV systems on Amazon.

50 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Starter Kit.
100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Expansion Kit.
100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit w/Wanderer 10A Charge Controller. See it at Amazon.
100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit.
200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit.
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit

2)Premium Renogy solar kits

Premium Renogy solar kits offer higher solar efficiency, safety and reliability. Unlike Starter Kits, Premium Kits include additional features such as higher efficiency panels, a Bluetooth module and a MPPT charge controller which increases charging efficiency and performance. These solar kits have a wider application in farms, remote areas away from the grid, boats etc. Renogy Premium solar kits have wattage of between 100W to 800W. You can check out these PV systems on Amazon.

100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit.
200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
300 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
600 Watt 24 Volt Solar Premium Kit
600W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Premium Kit w/Rover 60A Charger Controller
New 800 Watt 24 Volt Solar Premium Kit
800W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Premium Kit w/Rover 60A Charger Controller

3) RV van Renogy solar kits
RV van Renogy solar kits are designed for off-grid solar panel system, Caravan, any recreational vehicle (RV), boat, motorhome or a mobile application. Because, these are mobile solar applications they are equipped with additional components such as flush mount charge controller and a cable entry housing unit. Solar kit wattage range between 100W to 320W. You can check these PV systems on Amazon.

100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase w/o Controller
100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase with Voyager
100 Watt Eclipse Solar Suitcase w/o Controller
100 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit
100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase
200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase
200 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit
200 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase w/o Controller
200 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase
300 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit

4) Bundle Renogy solar kits

Bundle Renogy solar kits are designed for off-grid solar systems and have 100 watts or 200 watts or 300 watts monocrystalline solar panels. They also come with solar components needed to expand on a system already existing system or just solar components needed to complete the system already in place. Bundle Renogy solar kits include the following as shown on Amazon.

Renogy 12V 100W Monocrystalline Bundle Kit solar panel, Black
Renogy 12V Monocrystalline Bundle 100W Solar Panel,30A Charge Controller 9in Adaptor Kit,A Pair of Branch Connectors, w PWM
Renogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Bundle 100W Solar Panel,30A Charge Controller 9in Adaptor Kit,A Pair of Branch Connectors
Renogy Panel Monocrystalline Solar Bundle Kit, 300 Watt

A review of solar water pumps with different uses.

Having a solar water pump in your home is one of the best things, not only due to its efficiency but also because it can help you significantly save on costs. Solar water pumps have been around for years now, and a lot of people use them in their homes or businesses.

Using a water solar water pump can help you save on energy costs, and the fact that it’s environmentally-friendly makes it even more worth it. There are plenty of solar water pump brands on the market to consider. But how do you know the right brand to choose from? That’s a question we plan on answering here today.

Check out some of the popular solar water pump brands that you can easily find online for example on Amazon.com.

1. Lewisia 10W Solar Water Pump

Lewisia solar water pumps are always the most ideal to consider. The Lewisia 10W solar water pump has a higher wattage rating and includes unique spray water patterns. It features interchangeable fountain heads that are suitable to customize what they create. The pump also has a longer cable length and a filter bag included.

The filter helps to prevent dirt from blocking the pump. There’s also an included metal bracket, and there are two ways to install the solar panel. You can assemble it on the ground or use screws to mount on the wall. You can also use this model to water your backyard farming.

The Lewisia 10W solar water pump helps you create a tranquil environment, and you can start hearing the running and calming water sounds in just minutes. The efficiency and affordability of this solar water pump make it ideal to consider. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com for more details.

2. BACOENG DC 12V Ranch & Farm Solar Water Pump

When it comes to choosing BACOENG solar water pumps, the DC 12V ranch & farm solar water pump is ideal. It features a 12V power, simple structure, and fewer components, plus it is effortless to maintain. Repairing this water pump is also quite easy since it doesn’t cost much.

The BACOENG DC 12V solar water pump has a stable performance with less power cost, excellent anti-corrosion ability, and a larger flow. This solar water pump is suitable because it’s ideal for all the drainage of aquaculture graziery, drainage, mineral industry, industrial, and shipping.

However, the drawdown of this solar water pump is that it’s not suitable to immerse into water for a long time. There are two types of the BACOENG DC 12V solar water pump, and they include:

The zinc plater BACOENG DC 12V solar water pump is not suitable for immersing into the water for a long time.
The stainless steel BACOENG DC 12V solar water pump has a filter screen made with aluminum.

Both of the versions are powerful and easy to use, plus they have a large flow. They have a diverse power supply, which makes them suitable to use. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com for more details.

3. ECO-WORTHY 100W Deep Well Solar Water Pump

The ECO-WORTHY 100W deep well solar water pump is one of the best ECO-WORTHY solar water pumps. It features a large flow and is quite durable. The pump is made of high-strength stainless steel and comes with a full copper motor. The good thing about this solar water pump is that you can charge it anywhere you are. That means it is portable and you can carry it wherever you go.

Therefore, you won’t have to use other energy sources, which helps you reduce consumption and energy conservation. However, the pump must not work without water for a long time, as it may lead the water pump’s lifespan to be shortened. Also, this solar water pump provides remote watering without electricity, which means you can use it in your garden, tank filling, and farm irrigation. It is highly recommended to regularly clean the solar water pump to keep it in good condition. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com for more details.

4. ASC Solar Water Pump for Fountain Pool and Pond

ASC solar water pumps have excellent features, and affordability is one of their best factors. For less than $100, you can get this ASC solar water pump on Amazon, which comes with battery/timer and LED light. It also has 3 operation modes which include:

4-hour timer
Continuously on
Daily 4-hour timers for a variety of needs.

It features a low voltage and a filter that recycles the same water. It is a fully-powered solar pump that works day and night, thanks to the LED and battery. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Another thing that makes this solar water pump suitable is that it doesn’t produce noise. It has the sound of gentle running water when in use. An internal clock usually records the starting time, the fountain pump, and the light automatically turns on at the right time daily.

5. Solariver Solar Water Pump

The Solariver solar water pump moves a lot of water without the need to plug into the grid. It is an ideal water pump for water features, large fountains, aquaponics, hydroponics, streams, ponds, and waterfalls. You can also use this solar water pump in greenhouses, animal troughs, and rainwater collection.

It is a durable, efficient, and submersible brushless magnetic pump. It has adjustable flow control, dry-run protection, and a removable pre-filter, which helps prevent debris from clogging the impeller. It’s not toxic to fish, frogs, or other aquatic animals. It is a 20-watt solar water pump.

It has a simple plug and play feature that enables you to start pumping water faster. You won’t have to put up with any complicated hassling or rewiring of extension cords in your yard. Therefore, this Solariver solar water pump provides you with convenience. You can find this solar water pump on Amazon.com

6. AEO 12V-24V 196 GPH Solar Water Pump

solar fountain water pump

The AEO 12V-24V GPH solar water pump is quite efficient and is specially designed for DIY projects. It is an ideal solar water pump for pond circulation, aquariums, greenhouses, aquaculture, boating, and solar education, among many others. The solar water pump also comes with a proprietary 2-pin waterproof connector, and you can also set it without much strain.

This solar water pump can generate up to 200 gallons of water per hour under full daylight power. The good news is that it doesn’t require any wiring, and it is fully submersible in fresh or salty water. The pump has been specially designed with sturdy aluminum, which makes it quite durable and has a ground stake.

It has a long 16-foot cord that provides you with excellent flexibility for placing the panel and pipe. The brushless motor is well made to provide 24/7 functionality for over 20,000 hours. You can find this solar water pump on Amazon.com

7. Pumplus 12V 100W Solar Water Pump

The Pumplus 12V 100W solar water pump has an efficient system that offers the best solution for remote watering without the need for electricity. You can use this pump in your garden, farm irrigation, or for filling your tank. It provides a large flow due to its 12V water pump max flow: 3 m³/h, large delivery volume, which helps it to deliver high pressure.

It is a lightweight pump with a compact size that is easy to use and carry wherever you want. We highly recommend using a flexible hose since it makes it easier to operate it. Another thing that makes this solar water pump suitable is that it is easy to use. You can quickly hook it up to the solar panel, controller, battery, car, or a boat.

It also features an update 2.0 controller with 4 working modes. The USB charge controller helps to protect the solar pond pump from working continuously. What’s more, it is a durable solar water pump. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com
for more details.

8. KKmoon Solar Water Pump

KKmoon solar water pump is a solar-powered fountain pump suitable for fountains, water displays, and waterfalls. This solar water pump runs automatically, which saves you time and alleviates all the hassle of trying to make it work.

It doesn’t require any battery or electricity because it is fully powered by natural light. It creates a relaxing environment in your garden and has 6 spray heads that you can easily replace. It is suitable for bird bath, small ponds, fish tank, oxygen water circulation, and garden decoration. It also includes a nozzle base and one adapter. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com.

9. SOONHUA 1200mAh Backup Battery Solar Fountain Water Pump

The SOONHUA solar water pump has a 1200mAh backup battery and is fully powered by sunlight energy. It doesn’t require external electricity to run, and if the power goes off, you can use its backup battery that can last up to 6 hours. It also has 6 different spray nozzles for providing different water patterns.

The solar water pump has a light sensor water level detector that automatically stops functioning at night. Also, when there isn’t any water, the pump automatically stops working to protect the motor. The good thing is that it doesn’t require a manual restart to run again.

You can use the SOONHUA 1200mAh backup battery solar water pump for various things such as fountains, fish tanks, and garden decoration, among many more. Learn more about this solar fountain water pump on Amazon.com.

10. Amarine Made DC 12 Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

The Amarine Made DC 12V farm & ranch solar water pump is made of motor that includes a rotor, bearing, and base, and its body has an impeller and mechanical seal. This pump is made of stainless steel and features the best electric protective device and a waterproof seal.

It is a convenient solar water pump with a simple structure, less components, and it’s easy to maintain and repair. The pump is made with high-quality materials resistant to corrosion that is durable and compact.

It is a coaxial machine with high mechanical efficiency and stability. Its stable performance makes it ideal to use, and the good thing is that it saves power. It applies the same voltage power, and you can use it in your garden, fish pond, and any other place. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com.

11. FVILIPUS Solar Fountain Pump

solar irrigation

FVILIPUS solar fountain pump has six (6) optional sprays that you can connect separately. It is effortless to install this solar water pump in your garden, swimming pool, pond, or terrace.

When using this solar water pump, your work becomes easy because you can quickly adjust the water’s height by changing the nozzle. It can easily float on water, and it also has a cordless design.

Since it doesn’t require electricity, it helps you save on energy costs. The pump can also inflate your water features, cool the surrounding environment, and provide a wonderful water fountain for your birds. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com.

12. XKTTSUEERCRR Solar Water Pump

The XKTTSUEERCRR solar water pump runs automatically and doesn’t require any battery or electricity. It works with full sunlight energy, and it can easily decorate your garden, pool, or aquarium. Its efficiency makes it worth the price, and eco-friendly design enables you to use it efficiently.

It has low carbon consumption, and you can put it in water without straining too much. It is easy to install this solar water pump, easy to use, and start within seconds. Therefore, the solar water pump is specially designed to make your work easier. Learn more about this solar water pump on Amazon.com.

In conclusion, solar water pumps come in all shapes and sizes and have different features and applications. When you’re planning on buying any solar water pump, you have to ensure that you check all the features that are included that will be ideal according to your needs.

June 20, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

Solar parts for your solar photovoltaics (PV) system

Global Solar Supplyis a company based in the US that supplies solar parts for solar installers and contractors in the US and beyond. Global solar supplyspecializes in the provision of solar panels, solar batteries, solar inverters and other accessories for the construction and maintenance of renewable energy systems throughout the USA and beyond.

Global solar supply purchase solar parts in large quantities to be able to offer its customers with good prices to save them money in their individual purchases. It is a cutting edge company and specializes in the supply of solar panels, systems parts and cables and is considered as one of the largest cross-sector suppliers of solar renewable energy systems in a wide range of industries, including the finance, construction and agricultural sectors. This blog attempts to capture some of the solar parts for a solar PV system that you can search, buy at the website of Global solar supply.

Solar Panels and other solar parts

Solar panels are the main components for a solar PV system and the most popular solar panels include the monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Global Solar Supply has a vast variety of sizes and types from small to large, flexible to rigid with wattage ranging from 5 Watts to 360 Watts. The key attributes considered when buying solar panels are the solar panel efficiency, cost, warranty and technology type. Global Solar Supply has solar panels for on-grid and off-grid solar PV systems, including solar kits for pre-wired solar kits as well as RV and small off grid solar kits. Some of the solar panels supplied by Global Solar Supply include small solar panels with a capacity ranging between five (5) watts to 190 watts and large solar panels with a capacity of greater than 200 watts.

Solar inverters and other solar parts

When solar power is produced by solar panels is in direct current (DC) and solar inverters convert it into alternating current (AC) that is required by homes and businesses. The most popular solar inverters include string or centralized inverters, micro-inverters and power optimizers. Global Solar Supply offers a wide range of solar inverters and accessories including micro-inverters, hybrid inverters, mobile rated inverters, inverter monitoring and hybrid inverters.

Solar batteries and other solar parts

Energy storage or solar batteries is used to store excess solar power for your PV system for off-grid PV systems and on-grid PV systems for communities without net-metering. Net-metering allows stabilization of your PV system with the grid and can also be used as an excess storage option without the need for solar batteries. Global Solar Supply offers a wide range of solar batteries and accessories including but not limited to lithium-ion, flooded lead acid, AGM & GEL, BTS -battery temperature and sensor, cable and lugs, disconnects, battery enclosures, shunts, fuses, circuit breakers, battery chargers and battery isolators.

Solar racking and mounting solutions

Solar panels are usually not secured or attached to the roof directly but are mounted on solar racking and mounting solutions and angled to get the most sunlight exposure. Global solar supply offers solar racking and mounting solutions to help mount or secure solar panels to your structure, including but not limited to rails, end clamps, mid clamps, L brackets, mounts and flashing, Z brackets, TPM (Top of Pole Mounts), SPM (Side of Pole Mounts), grounding and bounding and cable management accessories.

Solar PV monitoring and other solar parts

With today’s solar technology, monitoring of solar electricity is possible using metering and monitoring solar performance accessories. The performance of a solar PV system can be evaluated on a hourly, daily and yearly basis by monitoring how much solar electricity is generated by a PV system. If for instance, the solar performance of the solar panels starts to decline, this can be captured using the solar monitoring software. Monitoring software can also help to detect any defects in the PV system and can recommend repairs for the PV system. Global solar supply offers solar monitoring solutions from companies like Enphase which offer high quality, proven solar monitoring solutions alongside their inverter products.

Solar charge controllers and other solar parts

Solar charge controllers are needed for PV systems with solar panels with a wattage of over five (5) watts to prevent overcharging of solar batteries by limiting the amount and rate of charge to your batteries. Solar charge controllers’ main function is to safely charge a solar battery at the correct charge rates protecting the battery from overcharging and they come in two basic types PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Technology). Both PWM & MPPT are widely used and have similar lifespans to preserve the life of PV batteries. Although, PWM charge controllers are an older technology and therefore cheaper compared to MPPT. Since, charge controllers can be used for several different applications, Global solar supply offer a wide selection of solar charge controllers as well as solar lighting controllers, AC chargers and other applications.

June 2, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

Steps to going solar

An online solar panel calculator is one of the most common tools nowadays for consumers looking to go solar. Online solar tools have become mainstream in countries like the USA, Australia, UK, etc. enabling many online users to make online decisions to go solar. For instance, EnergySage has one of the most popular online solar calculators in the States, and millions of people use this platform each year to research and shop for solar through their network of pre-screened, local installers.

However, not all consumers have access to online tools to help them make online solar decisions because such tools require a lot of investment to create them. For instance, most of these tools have been developed or informed from solar mapping research conducted using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology. These tools can determine the specific solar potential for rooftop solar for both residential and commercial places. The cost for LIDAR remains high and it will perhaps take time before it can be reduced.

Many solar consumers in countries without site-specific solar data can still determine their solar potential manually by performing a few calculations although it can be time-consuming and tedious. As such, this blog attempts to capture the process or steps for how to determine whether solar is right for your house or business, manually without the use of online solar tools which we promote here.

1. Determine the electrical load for your household or business
A very straight forward way to determine the electrical load for your household or business is from your monthly utility bills. You can pick out the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed in your household on a yearly basis and then get the average by dividing by 12 to get the monthly electricity consumption and then divide that figure by 30 to get the daily kWh usage.

To be more specific, you can list all your heavy electrical appliances such as your refrigerator, washing machine, etc. Determine their wattage and how many hours are used by them to determine the number of watt-hours.

Once you complete this step, this will give you a general estimate of your energy consumption. At this point, you can decide whether you need to do something with regards to lowering your energy consumption by implementing energy efficiency measures. For instance, one of the low hanging fruits can be changing all your incandescent bulbs to LEDs. LED bulbs use more than 75% less energy than incandescent lighting which means you can save a huge significant of energy by just switching to LEDs if you are currently using incandescent bulbs.

2. Solar Insolation
Solar insolation is the incident solar radiation onto some object or specifically the measure of the solar energy that is incident on a specified area over a set period. Solar insolation
can be expressed in two ways, that is:

Kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2) per day which represents the average amount of energy hitting an area each day.
Watts per square meter (W/m2) which represents the average amount of power hitting an area over an entire year.

The importance of knowing the values of solar insolation at certain positions on the Earth is to help determine the size and output of your Solar PV system. As such, based on the solar insolation of your location, these values will help to determine the expected output for your solar panels and determine whether your specific location will be good for solar power. There are other factors such as obstructions to your rooftop like trees or building design that will affect solar insolation for your PV system.

There are various ways to determine solar insolation for your building ranging from weather databases in your area. As early mentioned on this blog, today there are various tools that use the LIDAR technology that has simplified this process. However, these tools are country-specific, but some tools like Google Project Sunroof are aiming to have global coverage to have online users just plug their address into the tool to determine solar potential. Google Project Sunroof in addition to providing with your solar insolation calculates how much money a user can expect to save yearly by making use of solar power

Until, we have a resource that can provide online users with specific rooftop solar insolation like the Google Project Sunroof, online users without this specific information can use for instance the Global Solar Atlas
which was developed by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the scale-up of solar power around the world. The primary aim of this Global solar Atlas is to provide quick and easy access to solar resource and photovoltaic power potential data globally, at a click of a mouse.

The methodology for the Global Solar Atlas is location-specific that involves three main different models i.e. solar radiation model, air temperature model, and PV power simulation model. Solar radiation and air temperature modeling result in a series of pre-calculated data layers that can be retrieved at (almost) any location on the map. Additional information about a possible PV system type and configuration are used for the PV power simulation, which is calculated on-demand using Solargis internal algorithms and databases. For more information, see the details of the methodology of the Global Solar Atlas.

However, like every online tool, the Global Solar Atlas can only provide solar estimates and the figures you get are preliminary to provide you with an estimation about your solar potential. It is always advisable to obtain the final word of a licensed and experienced solar installer to make an actual assessment for your solar PV system. Online materials suggested on this platform only provide estimates. For instance, the objective of the Global Solar Atlas is to provide reliable introductory-level data to help policymakers, researchers, and commercial solar companies take better decisions. For project-specific analysis of large -power plants, the data available via the Global Solar Atlas is suitable only for preliminary analysis.

The Global Solar Atlas provides an opportunity to do site prospection and pre-evaluation of the potential of solar energy in different countries and areas. For instance, in our context, you can check the solar energy potential for a specific site for instance for your home or business. In this case, you can determine how much electricity will be generated and in what time. Also, analysis of the averaged solar radiation components for specific locations helps with planning and pre-evaluation of opportunities for solar energy projects.

3. Determine capacity of solar panels or how many solar panels you need
Once you have determined the solar insolation which is sometimes referred to as “peak sun hours” measured in kWh/m2 per day, it is easy to estimate the capacity of solar panels or how many solar panels are needed. The term “peak sun hours” refers to the solar insolation which a particular location would receive if the sun were shining at its maximum value for a certain number of hours. Each peak sun hour is defined as one hour when the intensity of sunlight (solar irradiance) reaches an average of 1,000 watts of energy per square meter (roughly 10.5 feet). Since the peak solar radiation is 1 kW/m2, the number of peak sun hours is numerically identical to the average daily solar insolation. For example, a location that receives 8 kWh/m2 per day can be said to have received 8 hours of sun per day at 1 kW/m2. Being able to calculate the peak sun hours is useful because PV modules are often rated at an input rating of 1kW/m2.

Also, there are various solar panels out there of different sizes ranging from 500-watt solar panels, 300-watt solar panels, 250-watt solar panels to 1watt solar panels, and so on. However, it is good to know what size of solar panels to pick depending on the size of your rooftop or anywhere that you want to place them to harvest solar energy.

Once you have estimated your average kWh used monthly in step one (1) above, it is easy to estimate the capacity of solar panels needed in your building. Let us say that you use an average of 1000kWh per month, to get the daily kWh usage divide 1000kWh by 30 to get about 34 kWh daily usage. Assuming you want to off-set the 34 kWh daily electricity usage with solar panels at 100%, using a 250-watt solar panel and your site location is getting 4 hours of sunlight per day that means 250W multiplied by 4 hours which is 1000 watt-hours per day or 1kWh a day.

Since you are consuming 34kWh daily, then you need 34 solar panels each with a 250-watt power rating. This is just a rough estimate and a lot of other factors such as cloud cover, system design, etc. will affect the sizing of your system. However, to help you make the decision to contact a solar installer in your local area, doing a preliminary feasibility study will help you to make a good decision on whether to pursue solar for your home or business. Other factors such as solar panel efficiency and whether your solar panels come with warranties are important while conducting your research.

Remember, the above example assumes you are going solar 100% however, considering you have a net-metering arrangement in your area, you can decide to off-set your current usage at 75%, 50%, 30%, and so on. For instance, if you decide to off-set your current electricity usage at 50%, this means 34kwh/day multiplied by 0.50 which is equal to 17kWh/day which means you will only need 17 solar panels each with a 250-watt power rating.

Depending on the amount of electricity usage you want to offset using solar panels, you will probably need to invest in some additional equipment often referred to as balance-of-system
to condition the electricity, safely transmit the electricity to the load that will use it, and or store the electricity for future use. For off-grid systems or those not connected to the grid, you will need batteries and a charge controller to store excess power produced during the day and use it at night when there is no sunshine. Grid-connected PV systems you will need power conditioning equipment such as solar inverters to convert your DC generated power to AC to comply with your power provider’s grid connection requirements.

This article just provides the initial steps that can help you figure out how to go solar. To get specific information about solar panels and balance of system, please contact a solar installer in the local area. If you are in the USA, this solar calculator can help you locate a solar panel cost calculator and obtain multiple solar quotes from your local area. Learn more here.

May 20, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

Why energy storage systems make sense for renewables

Energy storage systems enable the ability to store excess renewable electricity for use at a later date. For instance, when it comes to solar power, energy storage is used within off-grid or hybrid solar power systems, which require power to be used at night when there is no sunlight or as a backup solution during power outages.
There are various technologies for energy storage depending on how energy is stored for later use, including but not limited to pumped-hydro, compressed air, flywheels, batteries, and thermal energy storage. In addition, new energy storage technologies are currently under development such as flow batteries, supercapacitors, and superconducting magnetic energy storage. You can learn more about these energy storage systems at EPA.gov.

Batteries as energy storage technologies are becoming increasingly important to the power industry and for powering electric vehicles. One of the batteries that have become widely used is the lithium-ion battery which has been implemented in many locations, especially in the USA. The Tesla Gigafactory is one example where batteries are produced for energy storage systems for solar PV systems and electric vehicles. As such, solar produces clean energy during the day and Tesla’s Powerwall can store energy to power your home at night or during an outage.

When it comes to batteries, there are various types of battery storage systems that use different technologies based on chemistry that enables energy storage capability. For instance, solar batteries used to store excess solar power include four (4) types of batteries, including AGM, GEL, Flooded, and Lithium-ion batteries. These solar batteries use different chemistry or chemical composition to enable energy storage capability. For example, lithium-ion batteries as a group have the advantage of high specific energy as well as high energy and power density relative to other battery technologies because of their chemistry. Lithium-ion batteries usually have a cathode made of a lithium metal oxide, while the anode is often made of graphite.

The advantages of Li-Ion batteries are that they last longer, are more efficient, have a greater energy density, and require no maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Great applications for li-ion batteries include backup energy storage for residential and commercial places. Lithium-ion batteries are also used by installers and power utilities to ensure a long-term, hassle-free, emergency backup power supply. In general, energy storage has become an important component for variable renewables such as solar and wind to enable excess power to be stored in batteries when solar or wind generation is high to be later used when power generation is low.

Against this background, this blog attempts to capture about four (4) reasons why energy storage systems are increasingly used with renewable energy systems:

1. The reducing cost of energy storage systems and the increasing demand of variable renewable energy

Because of the increasing demand of energy storage technologies, their cost has been falling rapidly and by the year 2030, IRENA estimates that the installed cost of battery storage systems could fall by over 50%. The declining cost in the wind and solar and the increased focus on adding renewables to the grid is driving the interest to lower the cost of energy storage. For instance, the price of lithium-ion batteries has fallen by about 80% over the last five years according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) enabling the integration of storage into solar power systems. Also, there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of energy storage that is been deployed. A market research firm, Wood Mackenzie Power and Renewables has forecast that energy storage systems will increase to top 5.4 gigawatts and the market value is forecast to increase from $720 million today to $5.1 billion in 2024.

2. To increase solar and wind penetration in the grid

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy into the grid, energy storage has become an important component for variable renewables such as wind and solar. Utilities are using energy storage systems to counter the intermittent nature of variable renewable energy. Energy storage systems store excess electricity during off-peak periods and use it when the demand for electricity is high. Using energy storage systems help to stabilize the grid with the increasing penetration of variable renewable energy.

3. To reduce time of use (TOU) charges and other charges

Energy storage for renewable energy consumers can help to save more energy when the utility bill charges such as consumption, demand, and time of use (TOU) charges are well applied and understood. Energy storage systems can help to reduce demand charges by charging for instance batteries when the demand at the facility is low and discharging when the demand at the facility is peaking or high i.e. applying peak saving. Also, energy storage can reduce TOU charges by charging when the energy cost is low (e.g. in the middle of the night) and discharging when the energy cost is high (e.g. late afternoon). By reducing demand charges and TOUs, renewable energy consumers can reduce their utility bills significantly by charging and discharging when it is needed.

4. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel sourced electricity

Energy storage can allow renewable energy consumers to displace more fossil fuel sourced electricity by storing any excess power generated during the day in the case of solar power and discharging during peak hours when it is highly needed. New energy storage systems can allow storage of electricity generated from wind and solar on shorter time frames to smooth variability, and on longer cycles to replace even more fossil fuels. For instance, new energy storage systems like flow batteries have relatively little degradation of their fluids or electrolyte solutions giving them longer charge-discharge cycles and longer life spans. They can also be scaled to match growing needs relatively by increasing the amount of fluid in the tanks. As such, reducing electricity sourced from fossil-fuels or reducing fossil fuel dependence will eventually help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

Solar batteries for your-solar PV system

Why solar batteries?

A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electricity through the electrochemistry process. A battery can be made up of one or several electrochemical cells. Each electrochemical cell consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte allowing the flow of electrons between the two electrodes and electricity is produced. Generally, batteries store energy for later use and can have many applications such as powering equipment or gadgets not connected to the grid. Also, solar batteries are used to store power from solar panels for later use perhaps at night when there is no sunshine or during cloudy days when less power is generated by solar panels.

What are solar panel batteries?

Solar batteries are devices that are built using the electrochemistry technology and contain electrochemical cells that are connected in series with 2 electrodes immersed in the electrolyte solution and a circuit formed between the electrode and the electrolyte to produce an electrical current. The electrochemical cells are the ones that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. There are several types of solar batteries that are used in connections to store electricity that is tapped from the solar system. However, the most common solar batteries include the lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

Lead-acid batteries generally used in motor vehicles and are low-cost compared to all other types. They are generally bulky but have a relatively large power due to their ability to supply high surge currents considering their volume and relative weight.
Lithium-ion batteries are known for their best energy density and a very slow loss of charge when not in use and commonly used for portable electronics such as cellphones and electric vehicles. A popular example is Tesla Powerwall.

When are solar panel batteries needed?

Solar batteries are useful to store excess electricity for your solar photovoltaic system in cases where:

You want to supplement power from the grid with your solar power to reduce electricity costs.
You are completely not connected to the grid and you use solar panel batteries’ to store electricity for later use.

1. Supplementing your grid-connected solar power system with batteries:

Through net-metering, a solar power system can be connected to the grid to help feed excess electricity to the grid or draw it to supplement your energy demand. Feeding excess electricity to the grid through net-metering comes with incentives such as reduced utility bills. However, in areas where net metering policies either don’t exist or are limited, adopting solar batteries can help to store excess electricity and use it when it is much economical to do so.

Also, depending on the type of electricity rate structure including time-of-use (TOU) rates as well as demand charges, solar batteries can be used to store electricity to reduce these utility charges. As such, solar batteries will be useful to help to reduce your electricity bill when you understand your TOU and demand charges. TOU rates approach allows utility companies to charge different rates for electricity, where the cost of energy varies based on the time of day it is consumed.

On the other hand, the demand charge is set based upon your maximum hourly power requirement and hence the best way to decrease your electric bill when energy demand is factored in is to decrease your electric bill all at once. As such, utilizing solar batteries will help to lower your overall energy demand thus reducing your energy demand charges as well as high TOU rates. For instance, you can use electricity stored in the solar batteries during high TOU rates and consequently reduce your utility bill.

2. Areas not connected to the grid.

Areas not connected to the grid can benefit a lot from solar power. However, since there is no sunshine at night, you will need solar batteries to store excess electricity produced during the day for later use at night when it is extremely needed for lighting and other uses. About 1.1 billion people around the world still lack electricity and solar-powered mini-grids are well-suited in remote areas as it is much affordable and faster to electrify these areas using renewables than extending the main grid. As such, solar batteries will be needed to help store excess power produced by solar panels during the day and use it at night when it is needed.

How much do solar batteries cost

Just like solar panels, upfront costs of solar batteries depend on the make and model and there are various types and models of solar batteries in the market today. According to EnergySage, solar batteries’ cost before installation range between $5,000 to $7,000 or from $400 dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $750/kWh. This cost does not include the cost of the installation which is done by a licensed electrician. For instance, the 13.5-kilowatt-hour (kWh) Tesla Powerwall 2.0 is priced at $6,700 but has a built-in inverter while the LG’s 9.3kWh Chem RESU battery does not have a built-in inverter and cost about $6,000 to $7,000. However, as mentioned before will vary based on how many solar batteries are needed, the make, and the model of the solar battery. At EnergySage, you can get solar battery quotes from different vendors and compare their different prices.

The EnergySage Solar Batteries Buyer’s Guide

The EnergySage has developed a comprehensive classification system where users can browse and compare several solar batteries’ to evaluate their quality ratings based on their most important aspects such as cost, capacity, power, round-trip efficiency, degradation rate, and warranty.

This classification system captures various battery technical specifications such as performance, durability, warranty, and overall quality, and using this system, the EnergySage has grouped different solar batteries into five different classifications i.e. Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent. EnergySage solar batteries buyer’s guide has captured several solar batteries from different top manufacturers and you can get price quotes here.

The EnergySage platform is a good starting point to assist you with your solar buying decision, however, it will take a licensed solar installer to make a good assessment of your household or business. In particular, a solar installer will assess your power project requirements, your energy requirements to help you decide on your solar panel and battery requirements.

Get started with a solar panel cost calculator from the EnergySage to estimate your solar panel requirements and get more advice about your battery requirements based on your energy profile or consumption.

April 24, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station

Goal Zero Yeti 500X can be powered with the sun or charged using your mains power or using your car and has a lithium-ion internal battery.

It weighs about 12.9 pounds a little bit lighter than the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, another generator that can be powered using solar and that weighs about 13.32lbs. It has a two (2) year manufacturer warranty.

Goal Zero was formed with the idea of providing energy solutions in developing countries that lack the basic access to light. Goal Zero also designs products that can lift the poorest of the poor while at the same time extremely relevant to the richest of rich.

Goal Zero Yeti 500X like the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 has a lithium-ion battery of 500Wh capacity. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable with about 500 life-cycles to 80% capacity (Discharge rate: 0.2C, Full charge/discharge, Temp: 25C) with a shelf-life charge of about three (3) to six (6) months.

The following are the output and input power ratings for the Goal Zero Yeti 500X with regards to the USB port power output, solar panel port (6 mm port for the output and 8mm for the input), 12V car port output and 120V AC inverter (sine wave):

• USB port (Output): 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), regulated
• USB-C port (Output): 5/9V, up to 3.0A (18W max), Regulated
• USB-C PD port (Input/ Output): 5-20V, up to 3.0A (60W max), Regulated
• 6mm port (output, 6mm): 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
• 12V car port (Output): 12V, up to 10A (120W max), Regulated
• 120V AC Inverter: 120VAC 60Hz, 2.5A (300W, 1200W surge) (output, pure sine wave)
• Charging port (input, 8mm): 13-22V, up to 10A (120W max)

The Goal Zero Yeti 500X comes with a 300-watt AC pure sine wave inverter and has a high-speed charging capability through its 60-watt USB-CPD port capable of charging USB-C laptops, tablets, mirrorless cameras, and phones in a fraction of the time.

As such, the Goal Zero Yeti 500X is good to power your outdoor activities such as hiking, backyard camping, backpacking, etc. For Goal Zero Yeti 500X to become a solar generator so that you can enjoy the unlimited free power from the sun, Goal Zero recommends the following solar pairings as recommended by Goal Zero depending on whether it is being used for light usage, standard usage or heavy usage. The below solar panels are sold separately:
1. Light usage: Goal Zero recommends the Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel that charges in 29-58 hours. The Nomad 20 solar panel is rated at 20W with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of between18 – 22V and the cell type of the panel is monocrystalline.

2. Standard usage: Goal Zero recommends the Goal Zero Boulder 50 solar panel that charges in 12-24 hours. The Boulder 50 solar panel is rated at 50 watts with an open circuit voltage of18-20V and the cell-type of the solar panel is monocrystalline.

3. Heavy usage: Goal zero recommends the Goal Zero Boulder 100 briefcase solar panel that charges in 6 – 12 hours also sold separately. The Boulder 100 briefcase solar panel is rated at 100 watts with an open circuit voltage of 18-20V and the cell-type of the solar panel is monocrystalline.

According to Goal Zero, the above charge times assume standard conditions of 75 degrees and 1000 watts/meter squared solar radiance. The lower end of the range requires frequent repositioning for faster charge times while the high end of the charge assumes the solar panel is in a fixed position resulting in longer charge times.’

You can also compare pricing or other technical features on eBay.

April 14, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

Jackery Portable Power Station-Explorer 160 Solar Generator

• Jackery is a USA company founded in California in 2012 which specializes in providing outdoor green power solutions.
• The Jackery Portable Power Station is designed for charging cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other smaller electronics because of its lithium-ion battery capacity of 167 watt-hours (46, 400 milliamp hours @ 3.6 volts ). As such, it provides eco-friendly clean power as it does not need any gasoline/diesel to power it and does not emit any fumes or produce a loud noise.
• It is good to power your outdoor activities such as hiking, backyard camping, backpacking, etc.
• There are three (3) ways to recharge the Jackery Portable Power Station, including:
1. You can recharge it using the wall power socket in your home if you are connected to the grid. A full charge takes about 5 hours.
2. Recharge it using the 12V/10A car cigarette lighter port. A full charge takes about 5 hours.
3. Recharge it using the 60W/100W Jackery Solar Saga solar panel (sold separately) or any other solar panel that is compatible with the Jackery Portable Power Station. A full charge takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on the weather.
4. Jackery recommends in case you use your own solar panel to make sure that the output voltage of the solar panel is between 12-30V to be compatible with Explorer 160 solar generator.

• Included with the Jackery Portable Power station is * Jackery Explorer 160 Portable Power Station (167Wh Portable Power Station), 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1*DC to car adapter cable, an AC inverter(110V 60Hz 100W 150W Peak), and 1* user guide.
• The rated output power of the Explorer 160 is 100W and hence cannot power or charge devices that operate more than 100-watt. It powers smaller electronics: like smartphones, tablets, cameras, led lights, laptops, Mini-fridge, etc. It cannot support devices more than 100W such as CPAP, toaster, heater, hairdryer, electric drill, electric kettle, induction cooker, rice cooker, blender, etc.
• Specifications for Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160 are:

 Battery Capacity: 167Wh ( 11.6Ah, 14.4V) ;(46,400mah,3.6V)
 Input (DC 8MM): 12V~30V 42W Max
 1* AC outlet : 110V 60Hz Continuous 100W Peak 150W
 1* USB-C output port: 5V 3A
 2* USB-A output ports: 5V 2.4A
 1* DC Output port (6MM port): 12V/7A
 Dimensions: 7.40*4.59*6.73 in
 Weight: 3.97 lbs

Learn more about the Jackery Portable Power Station or buy it on Amazon.

March 10, 2020 <a href="https://reneenergy.com" title="Visit Alex W.’s website" rel="author external">Alex W.</a>

What is the cost of solar panels?

The solar photovoltaics (PV) technology continues to advance every year and its applications are increasing ranging from on-grid solar, off-grid solar, hybrid solar (PV), and portable solar solutions.

All these applications use solar PV technology as the primary component to generate solar electricity for homes or commercial places. As a result, the cost of solar panels is the main driver of the price of such systems despite whether they are on-grid, off-grid, hybrid, or even portable applications.

Since the year 2010, the price for solar panels has declined by over 70% and continues to decrease by at least 10% every year. Today(2020), the average price per watt for solar panels ranges from $2.57 to $3.35 according to EnergySage.

Comparing this price to the price of solar panels of about $76.67/watt in 1977, the cost of solar panels has declined by over 99% resulting to the use of solar panels to big equipment like 2000MW utility-scale solar PV power plants to even on very small gadgets like solar cell phone chargers.

The goal of research and development (R&D) is to reach higher efficiency and lowered solar panel costs. In addition to first-generation solar panels (wafer-based solar panels), R&D efforts have introduced second-generation solar panels which are the thin-film solar panels and third-generation solar panels that incorporate organic materials such as organometallic compounds and inorganic materials.

A faster and an easy way to know what is the cost of solar panels

The EnergySage provides a platform where you can compare the technical parameters of many solar panels before requesting a quote for them. You can compare and contrast at the EnergySage solar marketplace as there are thousands of solar panels available today that differ in the solar panel type, cost, wattage, and warranty offered.

For more information, you can visit the EnergySage solar panel marketplace to obtain more information about the solar panels you may be interested in and obtain a quote.
For residential systems, the size of residential solar systems ranges from 3kW – 10 kW, and their cost will vary anywhere between $15,000 and $40,000 depending on system size and availability of incentives.

This cost is also dependent on solar PV parts, the labor, overhead, and permitting fees. In general, you will realize that the bigger the system is, the cost per watt is also low. The average price per watt for solar panels ranges from $2.57 to $3.35, and solar panel costs for an average-sized installation in the U.S. usually range from $11,411 to $14,874 after solar tax credits.

Amazon.com is another platform you can use to purchase different types of solar panels, especially for off-grid applications such as portable solar panels for RV, portable solar panels for backpacking, portable solar panels for hiking, portable solar panels for travel trailers, portable solar panels for campers.

At Amazon.com, you can compare pricing for these types of solar panels and reading customer reviews for such types of solar panels. You can also check other different solar PV gadgets such as solar generators, solar phone chargers, solar lighting, and solar water pumping solar panels.