Your Questions About Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells
Charles asks…
what is the prospect of solar cells becoming really succesful?
Solar cells have two problems: 1 high cost 2. low efficiency What are the prospects that either of these is going to change ?
admin answers:
Pretty good. The real question is how long will it take for either to change.
First off, the efficiency of solar cells has already grown by leaps and bounds, with the disadvantage being that the methods with the greatest efficiency are very expensive.
There’s a couple of ways to improve the efficiency, perhaps without the associated increase in cost.
1) Increase the spectrum of light that can be converted to electricity. Currently, solar cells only convert a very small range of light frequencies to electricity. You could theoretically expand that range by combining different materials in a solar array, but if the crystal lattices of the different materials differ too much efficiency also suffers.
A new development, discovered during development of LEDs rather than solar cells, could expand the range of frequencies that could be converted to electricity without increasing the cost. Indium gallium nitride holds the promise of increasing efficiency to 50 to 70 percent (the best current solar cells run around 30%). The material is very defect tolerant, meaning the crystal lattices don’t have to match so precisely, decreasing the cost of production, plus it has a high heat capacity. Of course, a p-type version compatible with indium gallium nitride still needs to be developed, but if one is found, the efficiency of solar cells would leap while the cost would plummet.
2) Increase the number of electrons emitted in response to being struck by photons of light. Current solar cells can convert one photon of solar energy to one electron with the rest being lost as heat. Nanotechnology could increase that to three electrons per photon of solar energy, increasing solar cell efficiency to around 65%.
Richard asks…
How does surface area affect energy solar cells?
Can someone explain to me how surface area affects energy solar cells in a simple way?
Thanks!
admin answers:
Likely in the same way acreage area affects farming. More space, more potential.
But productivity isn’t necessarily a linear logical thing. I mean what if the farmer doesn’t water his plants enough? And in the same light, what if less efficient material is used in solar cells?
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SEOH Energy Conversion Kit for Physics
 | An ideal product to demonstrate the conversion of energy produced from different sources into different forms of energy. With ease it shows how Wind Energy (windmill), Mechanical Energy (hand generator), Chemical Energy (batteries) and Solar Energy ( solar cell) can be used to generate electrical energy and how electrical energy is converted to Sound Energy (buzzer), Light Energy (led) and Kinetic / Motion Energy (motor). The kits comes in a molded styrofoam box with cavities to hold the parts f | |
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Thermal Design: Heat Sinks, Thermoelectrics, Heat Pipes, Compact Heat Exchangers, and Solar Cells
 | The proposed is written as a senior undergraduate or the first-year graduate textbook,covering modern thermal devices such as heat sinks, thermoelectric generators and coolers, heat pipes, and heat exchangers as design components in larger systems. These devices are becoming increasingly important and fundamental in thermal design across such diverse areas as microelectronic cooling, green or thermal energy conversion, and thermal control and management in space, etc. However, there is no te | |
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Ultra Bright Hand Solar Energy Dual Powered 3 LED Flashlight Light Lamp Battery-free Energy-saving SFLD9-4780
 | 100% brand new and high quality battery-free Flashlight 3 super bright LEDs light greatly help to find your way to home Nice combination with the hand cranked and sun powered Economic, energy saving and environment friendly Built-in micro generator, you will never be out of light Convenient control with a push button, easy operation Squeeze it for a while or get enough solar energy, it will work Slim size and light weight, easy to take around Portable handheld design, you will never be lost in t | |
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The Advantages Of Using Solar Power for Home Use
What Is Solar Power?
The term solar power refers to basically any type of method that involves harnessing energy from the sun in order to convert it into electricity. There are many practical and beneficial advantages to using solar power, especially in regards to using solar power for home use, with some of the benefits including: solar pool heating systems heat pool water to extend the swimming season’s heating costs solar hot water heaters can replace any existing conventional water heaters and can thereby greatly reduce utility bills photovoltaic cells are solar panels that have no moving parts, and yet they are still able to convert sunlight directly into electricity which can be used to satisfy all of a home’s electricity needs.
The most basic uses for solar power for home use are that of: heating the pool, hot water heating, and other forms of electricity. In regards to solar power for home use for that of heating a pool, solar energy is actually used for heating swimming pools than for any other use in homes. There are over 300,000 pools that are currently being heated by solar energy in the United States alone. As well, solar pool heating equipment is so reliable that the warranty coverage for the products actually far exceed that of such things as automobiles and household appliances.
As for solar power for home use, in regards to hot water heating, water heating is considered to account for approximately one-fourth of the total energy that is used in a typical household, and an electric water heater is, in fact, the single biggest energy user of all appliances in the home. This is incredibly important, as by using solar power for home use, including for hot water heating, can dramatically cut costs, as well as be a conscious choice by you the consumer to save the environment rather than using the sparse fossil fuels of the earth.
As for solar power for home use, in regards to other forms of electricity, there are presently more than 10,000 homes in the United States alone that are now entirely powered by solar energy, and 200,000 homes in the United States use at least some type of photovoltaic solar technology the numbers are also increasing rapidly, as more and more people are learning and understanding about critical issues such as Global warming and Global dimming.
Your Questions About Solar Generators Portable
Sandy asks…
What is the best way to power my refrigerator in my rv when not plugged in?
I have the original generator that came with the rv but it does need some work. I don’t really want to have to run the generator just to power fridge while between places. The fridge is an electric fridge. I had thought about a solar panel or maybe just a smaller portable generator. Any ideas? What do people do when they are between places for 8 hours or so and don’t want food to spoil?
admin answers:
Newer RV refrigerators have a variety of of ways to operate now; propane, 12 volt, and 110 volt power. You can purchase a newer one online. I would recommend a 110 volt or propane combo refer. That way when you are using shore power you can use the 110 volt to power the refer or when you are dry camping you can use the propane feature which is very efficient. Or option b: you can purchase a generator (2800 watt or larger) to power it on 110 volt. Option C opower your 110 volt refrigerator with solar panels would require an invertor (2000 watt or higher) as well as a large array of solar panels drilled into the roof accompanied by allot of 6 Volt (golf cart batteries).
Sandra asks…
Is their a generator small enough that will work with wii?
Is their a generator small enough that is at least 50 watts no more thatn 70watts taht fits a standard size house plug. I will go on a coach bus and i want to bring wii with me but i need a small generator. any ideas where i can get one.
admin answers:
I’m not sure what you mean by generator.. You maybe need a battery system.. But you would need to power a television along with it.. The Wii isn’t really set up as a portable system..
Check the link below.. Some people set up a solar power generator for their Wii..
Good luck..
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Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies HydroWind Education Kit
 | Young engineers can invent their own clean energy applications from fuel cells and renewable hydrogen made with wind and water. Includes a real wind turbine which can inspire kids get to develop their own applications using a zero-carbon fuel. Hydro WindPitch also features LED Voltmeter/Music Maker Module to demonstrate the power created from the wind energy in the form of musical sounds and illuminated LED lights. Includes a complete guide with curriculum on wind energy and fuel cells, an easy- | |
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Your Questions About Solar Energy Generators For Sale
Joseph asks…
I need information resources for a hybrid solar/wind system?
I am building a small cabin (500sf) where grid power is not available. I need information not a salesman’s pitch. Anybody have any experience?? Thanks!
admin answers:
Your hybrid system would have to depend on the location where you are building your cabin. If sun is abundant all year around, solar powered system is advisable. Solar cells are not so expensive now as before. If the wind in the area is normal, there are inexpensive designs for a wind powered system. Both system has to store the power in battery banks.
Both system may easily be used in tandem storing energy to a single battery bank provided that your storage (battery banks) has enough capacity. Too much capacity would also mean higher cost. So the battery bank should just be enough to last until the next charging time (or cycle) normally every day.
Check your planned power requirement and match it with the system you might need.
For emergency cases, you must have a small engine driven generator set for lights and whatever emergency equipment you might have, just in case your batteries run out of power.
For suppliers of these system(s), you should check first for any local distributors and manufacturers closest to your cabin. It would make a difference at maintenance ( or other after sales services).
Jenny asks…
I wanna use golf cart batteries but which one?
I found this system on the internet
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/system/solaredge-8-trina-solar-panel-gridtie-system.html
and i know its already grid tied but still i wanna add in some batteries for emergency situations and people keep suggesting golf cart batteries. What voltage of golf cart batteries should i purchase? they keep saying that the voltage used by the solar panels, the batteries and the inverters must be the same but i dunno how to determine the voltage used by the solar panels in the link above.
admin answers:
Hey Stefan, actually, you can build up a, “hybrid,” solar/battery/grid tie system like you’ve described here with parts off the shelf, but I don’t think you’ll find that package already made up at Whole Sale Solar. You could give them a call and tell them what you want to do, they should be able to give you a quote on what parts are necessary and what the price would be.
First of all, all golf cart batteries are 6 volt, but the best one is made by Trojan. They are made in California, the model no. Is Trojan T-105. Each one holds 220 amp hours at 6 volts, has 3 cells, and weighs 80 pounds. We only have 4 of them in our hybrid system, really just enough to keep the basic loads in our home running overnight during power outages until the solar array comes back up in the morning. There are other golf cart battery makers, like Interstate for example, but you’ll get the best longevity from a Trojan. Our home has been powered by the wind and sun for 11 years now, we’ve been through lots of batteries in our day, trust me, the Trojan will hold up best. Look in the phone book for a place that sells and services golf carts, they go through batteries by the truckload, that’s where we found ours. There is a great book at the library on battery charging, I’ll list it below.
Our system uses a 1.4 kw solar array made up of Kyocera 120 panels, and has a Southwest Windpower H-40 900 watt wind turbine. The array and turbine all charge our 24 volt battery bank (using 4 golf cart batteries wired in series) through separate charge controllers. The solar array uses a Xantrex digital C-60 controller, and the wind turbine has its own, like most genny’s do. The heart to the system is the Xantrex SW-4024 sine wave inverter. It can stand alone, using battery power to feed AC power to your home, like ours did for years, or tie with the grid and parallel feed, like we have it doing now. The inverter has multiple connections, output, grid connection, generator, battery, and so on. It is programmable to sell/buy from the grid, and automatically switch to stand alone to keep your house running if the grid goes down, as long as your batteries have power. Since you’ll be charging them from the solar panels, this will work fine.
There are probably other inverters today that can do this same thing, but you have to have one labeled, “Utility Interactive.” A utility tie, or, “Grid Tie,” inverter only works with the grid, and a stand alone or, “independent inverter,” only works with the batteries and your loads, but an interactive inverter can do both simultaneously. I’ll warn you that they are not cheap, last time I checked that inverter was a little over $2,000 USD. This is why most of the grid tie systems do not use them, by listing a less expensive grid tie inverter, and then leaving the batteries off the parts list, they can reduce the total system cost by over 30%. It’s up to you what you are willing to pay for.
What I would do first is spend some time educating yourself on all of this. There is a great magazine that gets into the nuts and bolts of this stuff, and has lots of advertisements from vendors like Wholesale where you can shop for prices and kits. Also consider taking the time to get to one of the energy fairs listed in the back of the mag, we did 12 years ago, and this is where it got us today. The magazine liked some of our system so much they ran an article on our place several years ago. If you subscribe, you can check out articles and write ups on lots of peoples homes that work like ours. In the end, you might decide not to get involved at all, and that’s fine, but at least you will be well informed. Good luck Stefan, and take care, Rudydoo
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Go Power! GP-SW1500-12 1500-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
 | Go Power! 1500-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter takes 12 volt DC battery power and converts it to an exact replica of AC houshold power. It is guarenteed to run any load within their wattage range and has a 2 year warranty. This inverter has two GFCI outlets and can use the GP-DC-KIT3 to connect to the batteries with ease. As long as the load is not greater then 1500 watt this inverter will run it and the GP-SW1500-12 can surge to 2000 watt as well as contains all instruction required. | |
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RV Solar Power Kits The Answer To All Of Your Electricity Needs
Solar energy is one type of energy that is virtually inexhaustible. When you compare it to the other types of brute force, such as water or wind, you will find that solar energy is that which can be harnessed with least trouble. At the same time, solar power can be forever. There are millions of people out there who choose to live the solar way, enjoying freedom from bills and dependence on the conventional electricity sources. When they installed their solar panels, they discovered convenience.
The Advantages Of The RV Solar Power Kit
Are you and your family people who love to travel at the drop of the hat in your RV? Are you at the same time piqued by the necessity of parking in certain places because of your dependency on outside electricity sources? Well, the RV solar power kit can provide you relief from this worry.
The RV solar power kit will enable you to produce your own electricity however much you want, whenever you want it. The cost is substantial at the installation time however, your investment can be recovered within a maximum two years, because the solar power kit will provide you free electricity.
Once you have the solar power kit installed in your RV, you can camp literally anywhere (safe) you know without having any worries about light, or how much electricity you consume per day.
What You Should Know Before Buying A RV Solar Power Kit
When you go for a RV solar power kit, you need to ensure three main things, (i) what type of temperature (minimum maximum) your battery is going to be exposed to, (ii) operating voltage of the solar panels, and (iii) correct usage of charge controllers. If you manage these three factors, you will never have any trouble with the solar power kit you are installing. Each of these factors is crucial to the installation and function of the solar panel.
When you decide on buying the solar power kit, ensure that you know how much total power you need now and in the future so you can buy an adequate power system to support your present and future needs. The solar power system can always be upgraded as well. It is good however, to work out the minimum future requirements as well so the system can be set up once in for all. In this way, you will invest only once and then enjoy the freedom of traveling anywhere you please, anytime you please.
Sunforce 50032 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger
 | The Sunforce 50032 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger gives you another reason to love the sun - it'll help keep your 12V batteries charged. Just plug this helpful 15 Watt battery charger into your vehicle's 12 Volt lighter socket and position the panel to pick up the most daylight possible or connect directly to the battery with included battery clamps. Made of durable ABS plastic and amorphous solar cells, this unit comes with built-in blocking diode technology that protects against battery dischar | |
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Grape Solar GS-S-160-Fab8 Monocrystalline PV Panel, 160-watt
 | The Grape Solar 160-Watt Monocrystalline PV Solar Panel uses high efficiency solar cells (approx. 19-percent) made from quality silicon material for high module conversion efficiency and long term output stability and reliability. Virtually maintenance free. High transmittance, low iron tempered glass for durability and enhanced impact resistance. | |
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Your Questions About Solar Energy Jobs
Ken asks…
What are possible positions (jobs) in solar energy?
I want to work in something that has to do with alternative energy sources such as solar energy hydroelectricity etc. To what type of program i would need to applay and what are the requirements?
admin answers:
I’m just finishing a physics masters in CdTe solar cells. If I wanted to I could go into solar research from here, or get a job with a renewable energy company. A first class (or in some cases upper second) physics degree is sufficient in the UK.
Particularly well paid jobs will generally require a degree. Physics for research and possibly for planning, engineering for designing installations and possibly planning. Mathematicians or other physical scientists may be able to get involved in the actual planning. Non-scientists may be able to get jobs in solar companies in marketing, human resources etc. Physics or electrical engineering would be my recommendation.
If you don’t particularly want to go to university and/or you don’t particularly like maths, then many countries now run practical courses which teach you how to install solar systems in houses and you can get on one of those and be fully qualified to work in installing solar panels.
Carol asks…
what is the best way to break into the solar energy industry?
what is the best way to break into the solar energy industry is still by way of a thorough solar education as provided?
admin answers:
Start by building your own solar cell from recycled materials, but don’t give up your day job. Experiment in your spare time and also take all the solar education courses that are available in your area. Solar energy will definitely be the power of the future as fossil fuels are exhausted.
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Grape Solar GS-400-KIT 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
 | The grape solar 400-watt off-grid solar panel kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including rvs, boats, 12 volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating led lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free. An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. A two diode bypass minimizes power drop caused by sha | |
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Instapark PowerBox Mars100 Fold-n-Go Portable 100-Watt Solar-powered 12V Battery Charger with Built-in Charge Controller & Cooling Fan
 | Converting virtually unlimited supply of solar power to much needed juice for your 12V batteries, the Instapark SPB0104 is a powerful 100 watts, yet compact solar powered battery charger, an indispensable tool for your automobiles, RVs, marine boats and etc. To ensure safety and durability, the SPB0104 is built-in with a 10 amp charge controller which prevents the battery from overcharging and excessive discharging, also there is a cooling fan controlled by a temperature sensor to prevent overhe | |
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How Does A Solar Power Fountain Work?
Solar power has always been the necessary change in order to ensure a cleaner environment for our earth and subsequently us. Everyday, millions make that change whether it is a solar powered battery, home, car or just a fountain everything helps in its own little way.
The Basics Of A Solar Power
Solar power is used for centuries in almost any appliance we have around us but because it is harder to collect and use its direct energy we have appealed to faster versions such as electricity and fuel.
Solar energy is collected through specially designed panels which trap the solar energy and covert it the power we can use efficiently in all our activities from home appliances such as bulbs to car batteries.
The benefits of using the solar power are vast, it not only helps keep our planet cleaner but also saves and makes us money in the long run. We all are painfully aware everyday of the huge electricity bills especially in wintertime as well as the fuel costs. Solar power helps us save by eliminating totally our electricity bill and makes us money by selling the extra energy produced by the solar power kit. Thus, in the long run, you don’t only save but make money as well.
Start With A Solar Power Fountain
Try it out for yourself with a solar power fountain and find out the benefits. A solar power fountain has a solar panel installed on the mechanism device, thus enabling it to work round the clock.
A solar power fountain requires minimal maintenance, such as making sure it receives sunlight and is not pampered with. You will not need any wiring, extra installation or any power supply to keep your solar power fountain working other than the sunlight.
You will soon learn to appreciate not only its simplicity but also the effect it has on the environment in the long run. Everything little change counts in preserving our planet cleaner, healthier and longer.
Other Home Appliances That Are Solar Powered
Today a vast number of home appliances are being introduced on the market for the same purpose of ensuring a cleaner environment and saving us money in turn.
You can find from solar powered batteries to cars and entire homes run by solar power. Solar power is the answer for a better tomorrow. Start today to save money for yourself as well as ensure a better place for our future generations by investing in solar power.
Learn Sun Power:(DVD) How to Set up Batteries, Inverter, Charge Controller, and Panels for a Complete Off-grid Solar Energy System
 | If you want to put together a solar power system yourself this DVD is for you. Although it covers an off-grid system it is just as helpful for someone who wants to be partially on grid but would rather set up the system themselves. This is not an overview but rather programmed instruction. This DVD shows, step-by-step, how a 650-watt, off-grid, do-it-yourself solar-panel system was set up. The system partially replaced a 2-gallon-a-day gasoline-driven generator system and was estimated to pay fo | |
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Your Questions About Solar Generators For Home Use
Joseph asks…
Anyone have any ideas for electricity in woods?
I know this sounds stupid, but I am building a cabin in the woods over a very small stream. I need electricity out there to power some lights and maybe a radio with some speakers. The stream isn’t big enough for hydroelectric power and I was wondering if anybody had any ideas to get electricity out there. Extension cords would be too long, solar maybe if it is cheap, a rechargeable car battery would be too heavy to carry up to charge each time. If you guys have any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
admin answers:
I don’t think it is stupid. I would check out solar, but if not, have you thought about wind? Otherwise maybe a power inverter? I don’t know if they are much lighter than a car battery but they are made for things like this. All I know about them is what I have heard on QVC, but I am sure they are available at home improvement or hardware stores. You could of course get a generator and haul gas, but I wouldn’t, too noisy and pollutes. Keep the radio down and enjoy the woodland creatures.
William asks…
How much (estimate) would it cost to get septic/power/gas installed in a rural area?
Curious how much people think it would cost to get not only a septic system set-up but also some kind of power and gas supply in a rural field in colorado? Assume a trailer home is on the land for a house. (If that matters) 10 acres of land.
admin answers:
Ideally a pond with reed beds is best,this makes a bio-diverse pond the bacteria in the pond eat the sewage,pond about 50-100metres away from property.pond details on net? Solar panels are great for electricity,and are better and cheaper now,some on net from 250,Windmills also good make one via car generator,run cable from alternator to one -way diode to battery, use inverter from battery. Or use gas in a tank, delivered by lorry. Pond 100+ power50+ gas tank usually cheap as you buy gas from them.sy.
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Anker 2nd Gen Astro2 9000mAh Portable Power Bank Backup External Battery Charger Rapid-Recharge (3A Output) Dual-Port Shake-to-Wake Portable Highest-Energy-Efficiency Power Pack for iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4, iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tablets, other Android Smart Phones and Tablets (Apple adapters and Samsung 30-pin adapter not included)
 | The all-new 2nd generation Anker® Astro2 recasts the possibilities of mobile power. Keep multiple gadgets powered up better than ever, whatever your adventure.Packed with power.We figure, the more power, the better. Packed with 9000mAh of juice, and featuring an energy efficiency rate 10% above previous generation Astros and many current standard alternatives, the new Astro2 charges the iPhone 4+ times and large-capacity phones like the Galaxy S4 almost 3 times. Keep multiple devices going your | |
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Solar Generator – “Expeditionary” 201
 | Our field ready Expeditionary kit solar generator provides 12VDC & 110VAC power (US 60Hz) & includes ONE high efficiency UV-weather resistant 10W foldable solar panel designed for durability, fast recharge rate, & multi-environment operation. The 12VDC allows you to plug in most any device that runs with a cigarette lighter type of plug including USB devices. A pure sine wave 180W360W inverter provides AC power for small to medium draw devices such as laptops, lamps, fans, battery chargers, tran | |
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