Category Archives: Solar Power

Sputtering Target: An Overview

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Thin films are required for several processes—from manufacturing touch panels and glass to solar cells and displays. These layers are manufactured using a process called sputter deposition. The sputtering target is a vital piece in the procedure.

This article will cover all you need to know about sputtering targets.

Let’s dive right in.

What is a Sputtering Target?

A sputtering target is a raw material that helps produce thin films used in sputtering deposition/coating. It helps to coat different materials called the substrate. Substrates can be glass, displays, solar cells, etc.

Sputter targets can be circular, like the one shown below. Similarly, they can come in powdered form.

what is sputtering target

Source

Sputter coating occurs in a sputtering system. The image below shows what this system looks like. The sputtering system is a vacuum chamber with a controlled pressure of 0.5 to two pascals. 

applications of sputtering target

Source

The coating process begins with the introduction of argon gas until the system attains a low-pressure argon-filled environment.

Sputtering targets are usually negatively charged. Since argon has a positive charge, it is attracted to the target. When it collides with the sputtering target, it ejects atoms from the target surface. There is also a magnetic material/array in the system that reinforces the ejection of these atoms.

Then, the ejected atoms travel opposite the target to coat the substrate layer-by-layer until they form a uniform thin film.

One of the most popular target materials used as sputtering targets, especially for semiconductors, is aluminum. This is thanks to its versatility and superior heat resistance. However, you still need a certified aluminum powder supplier to get the best possible coating quality.

4 Uses of the Sputtering Target

The sputtering target is a vital piece for coating most of the materials you use today. In this section, we will discuss the four popular uses of the sputtering target.

1. Semiconductors

The sputtering target is necessary to create several thin layers in semiconductors. These include microchips, flat panel displays, etc. The target is an integral part of the wiring and barrier layer of the semiconductor.

Besides, in wafer manufacturing, these targets are necessary to produce conductive layers and metal grids. The importance of the sputtering target further extends to chip packaging, where it is used to manufacture the wiring layer and metallic layer just below the bump.

The targets used for semiconductors are the most demanding when it comes to purity and technology. They will not meet the required electric performance if the impurity level is higher than required. This can lead to circuit damage. Metals such as Aluminum, Tantalum, Titanium, Copper, etc., are recommended for the process. A mil-spec supplier can help ensure this purity.

2. Solar Cells

The sputtering target is an integral part of thin film solar cells, which is the second and one of the most efficient generations of solar cells. With the target coating, this generation promises 10 to 20 years of lifetime with the best payback time.

There are many targets used for solar cell coating. The first is cadmium telluride (CdTe) sputtering target. This target works with the least carbon footprint and water usage during the sputter deposition process. With CdTe, you also don’t have to worry about energy deficit in the short term. However, cadmium is a component of the target, which can be toxic.

Another target used is the CIGS target. CIGS is the combination of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. Films prepared using CIGS show superior light absorption and power-generating potential.

You can also use the gallium arsenide target, which maintains its efficiency even at overly high temperatures. It is most suitable for solar cells used in areas with high radiation and ultraviolet rays, such as aerospace.

3. Low Radiation-Coated Glass

Energy-saving glass or low radiation-coated glass is replacing the traditional glass today. This is partly because of its aesthetics and its energy-saving and light control capabilities. The magnetron sputtering technique is used to manufacture this low radiation coated glass.

Silver sputtering targets are very popularly used for energy-saving glasses. This is due to their elevated conductivity, ductility, and malleability. Another material is chromium sputtering target. This target can make a film as tiny as 2 to 10 micrometers. Chromium is hard, doesn’t wear off easily, and can resist impact. These are the features you want in your glass.

Titanium sputtering target is perhaps the most versatile choice. Whether you’re using it for semiconductors or low radiation-coated glass, it slots in seamlessly.

Other important target materials to note are the zinc tin target, silicon aluminum target, and titanium dioxide target.

4. Optical Glass

Sputtering targets are also necessary components for making coatings of sunglasses, optic filters, eyeglasses, and other optics glasses. You can superimpose these thin films on these optical components. These thin films further optimize how light is transmitted or reflected in the optical glass. In essence, sputtering targets are responsible for the anti-static safety property of lenses and other visors.

Coating with the target material can help you elevate the luster and lifetime of the optical glass. It also minimizes abrasion and increases the glass’s thermal conductivity.

The targets used in this case are similar to the ones used in the energy-saving glass coating. Their difference lies in their manufacturing procedure.

There are two popular sputtering processes for optical glass coating. The first is ion beam sputtering. This involves bombarding the target with high-energy ion beams. This will help eject the target atoms and form a hard, dense, and smooth film on the optical surface.

The other sputtering process is advanced plasma sputtering. This process uses a hot cathode to eject the atoms instead of high-energy beams. This process gives you smooth and hard coating on the optical surface, reinforcing its stability. It is a very versatile process. Thus, it is the preferable choice for high-volume and more demanding coating processes.

In Conclusion

From automobiles to electronics and other applications that require thin films, the sputter target is integral. It helps you add more functionality and durability to the substrate. There are various types of target materials, each suitable for various purposes. Some of them include zinc, titanium, CIGS, CdTe, and others.

These targets have various applications. You can use them to make components of semiconductors and solar cell coatings. They also come in handy when you want to coat energy-saving and optical glasses.

Going Green with Solar Power

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There is no question about it; fossil fuels are still prevalent today. However, when it comes to long-term power and energy solutions, there are other viable options. Although many countries, businesses, and households have adopted renewable forms of energy such as wave, wind, and solar, there is still ground that needs to be covered. Additionally, there are plenty of benefits to adopting solar power.

benefits of solar power for communities

Doing Your Part for a Healthier Planet

Solar power, which we can harness thanks to the ingenious invention of the solar panel, is a renewable form of energy that never runs out (unless there are extended periods of cloud cover). If you are a homeowner or company and wish to do your part in being a part of the solution, consider installing solar panels.

One thing you are more than likely pondering, however, is the cost of implementing solar power in your home, business, or in aid of your community. And this is a definite factor when deciding how and where people acquire their electrical needs. However, over time, the panels pay for themselves, which ultimately leads to saving money.

In the end, the importance of using renewable energy cannot be stressed enough. People can quickly reduce their carbon footprint by opting for this form of power, which has a ripple effect. If more people choose to install solar panels to supply their electrical needs, the demand for the burning of fossil fuels will decrease drastically.

Solar Power and the Upliftment of Communities

Other benefits and subjects of importance for this energy source are that it can lead to community development and upliftment. Those living in urban areas with electrical infrastructure may take this for granted. Many communities do not possess the luxury of tapping into this, and this is one-way solar can be of immense help.

It leads to schools being able to offer access to electronic means of learning and access to resources, such as children being able to utilize the internet and engage with computer programs.

People in rural areas are allowed to do everyday tasks. These may include cooking, lighting their homes, washing and ironing clothing, watching television, communicating with people via the internet, and using appliances such as fridges to keep food fresh.

what is community solar

What is Reaped from Solar Power

This is but the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous reasons to consider solar power. Leading on from the previous points, you will play your part and may wear the badge of honor that you are socially and environmentally responsible.

After the initial payout, solar panels only rely on the sun to generate electricity. Your electricity bill will lower or potentially even allow you to go entirely off-grid, leading to years of future savings. The best solar panels last an incredibly long time, some even up to 25 years. The batteries where the power is stored may need replacing more frequently, but they also have good lifespans.

The price of installing solar is on a general downward trend, which is more than likely due to an increase in demand, allowing suppliers to sell them at a cheaper cost. When it comes to producing solar panels, you will be glad to hear that the energy used to make them is far outweighed by their eventual output.

Consider Joining the Solar Revolution

Humanity has long had to be coerced into doing things that are good for our planet, our home.

Earth is still the only habitable planet we know of. It deserves care and a dedication to seeking viable options to ensure that future generations are left with a healthy and sustainable world. And to top it all off, solar power can supply communities with off-grid electricity where they would not have had it before.

5 Solar Panel Facts You Might Not Know

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Over the last decade, it seems that the cost of electricity has risen in most areas. This is one of the reasons why so many people are getting solar energy systems installed in their homes. Due to its rise in popularity, we have seen prices for solar panels and other equipment needed to make your home more eco-friendly decrease.

Because solar energy is still fairly new technology, many people still know very little about the industry. To help you out, we have compiled a few interesting facts about solar panels which you might find interesting.

As the industry grows, you will probably be hearing much more about solar panels and the benefits of using this eco-friendly method to provide energy for your home. Below are solar panel FAQs to remember:

solar-energy-diy

 

1. The First Solar Panel Cell was Discovered in 1941

Although it seems like solar panels have only been around for the last few decades, the world’s first solar panel cell was invented by Russell Ohl in 1941. Shortly after the invention of the first solar panel cell was invented, Bell Laboratories came up with the world’s first commercial panel in 1954.

Although it seems we are still at the stone age of solar power, photovoltaic (the conversion of light into electricity) was discovered by French scientist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839.

2. In the Long Run, Solar Power can help Save you Money

Although the initial cost of installing a solar system in your home might be frightening, the overall running cost of the system can save you a lot of money. Although prices of installation and equipment are becoming more affordable, it still is expensive for the average household.

However, try to keep in mind that you won’t ever have to pay to heat or cool down your house again (assuming your solar panels power system can provide enough energy throughout the year for your home). The average household spends $1,300 annually on their electricity bill.

Throughout the world, it seems more and more governments are trying to encourage homeowners and business owners to invest in solar panels. Lots of governments have offered people incentives and tax breaks in the hope that the number of households using this eco-friendly method will increase. In some states in America, people who purchase solar panels are eligible for a 30% tax break. Also, some states allow those who own solar power to sell their excess energy, so they can make some profit from their system.

3. A Communal Effort

Community solar systems are becoming more common these days. Instead of just having an individual solar system in your home, more communities are investing in community solar systems instead.

Over the last 15 years or so, instead of each household having individual systems installed, whole communities are getting together and investing in a system that will provide energy for the entire community. If you are considering making your home more eco-friendly, why not speak to others in your community to see if everybody on the block is interested in getting a communal solar system installed instead?

what-is-community-solar

4. The Industry is Growing Extremely Fast

Between 2018 and 2010, the number of households and businesses having solar power installed in their buildings grew 23 times in the United States. Solar power is not only becoming more appealing to homeowners in the United States, but it seems like people all over the world are deciding to go green and install solar power systems into their homes.

China uses more solar power than any other country on the planet. The Chinese government has been offering the residents of the country plenty of incentives that has resulted in many people installing a solar power system in their home.

If you are thinking about installing a solar power system inside your home, check out Solar Panels Network USA for more information. If you are still on the fence about joining the solar power movement, ask them for advice.

5. Maintaining a Solar Power System

Maintaining your solar power system tends to be fairly cheap too. In fact, once the system is fully installed there is actually very little maintenance needed. Apart from cleaning the panels now and again, and making sure that it’s getting sunlight and not shaded, it should work smoothly. You may have to trim some trees at times but that’s about it.

solar-panels-pigeon-issue

Most solar panels have been installed on a tilted roof, so when the rain hits it will clean any dust and dirt from the panel so you won’t have to clean it too often.

Most solar power system suppliers offer 25 year warranty, but it is not too uncommon to see a quality solar power system last for 40 years. If your system does manage to last for that length of time, you can imagine how much money you will save on electricity.

5 Things You Can Do About Pigeons Under Your Solar Panels

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Solar paneling has changed the way we look at renewable energy sources today. In addition to the increasing power charges, solar paneling provides a workable solution with a one-time investment. Like everything, there are pros and cons attached with solar panels. Birds are attracted to solar panels that act as a source of shade and protection. Being a bird lover, I would have been happy about it. However, that is not the case here. Bird droppings can cause a lot of damage to solar panels over extended periods of time.

We list some of these damages below:

  • Bird dropping deposits eat on the solar panels’ surface.
  • The accumulation of bird droppings over time can cause a lot of damage.
  • It blocks sunlight and reduces the overall efficiency of panels.
  • Nesting materials deposited under panels can hinder airflow, causing it to overheat and cause more damage.

How to Keep Solar Panels Safe from Pigeons?

So how do we deal with this problem? There are several ways to take care of this. We list 5 things you can do about pigeons under your solar panels below:

solar-panels-pigeon-issue

1. Meshing or netting

Meshing or netting is a very convenient way of keeping the solar panel safe from pigeons. All you need to do is first have the area under the solar panels cleaned. After that, it’s as simple as putting the mesh clips onto the solar panels. The meshing runs over the edges and seals off the way for the pigeons to enter.

The meshing or the netting serves precisely the desired  purpose–it keeps the pigeons out of the area below the solar panel. Also, it provides enough ventilation for the solar panels to dissipate heat.

However, one essential thing that you need to keep in mind is not damaging the panels during the mesh installation. In case the panels get damaged, the warranty would be void.

2. Roof spikes

Installing roof spikes around the solar panel is another way to keep the pigeons at bay. The logic is to make the birds so uncomfortable so that they do not dare to sit long enough to make nests on the solar panel.

3. Plastic predators

The birds cannot distinguish between an actual bird or an artificial one. Setting decoys on your rooftop is like having scarecrows in the field. Set up a bird of prey on the rooftop, preferably like a weathervane, so that it moves. The movement of the bird gives an impression of another bird being present. Plastic predators is a very traditional, however, effective method to keep pigeons and other birds away.

4. Cleanliness

We always talk about cleanliness and how important it is to maintain hygiene. Here is a perfect example of the same. Most of the time, the primary reason for the attraction of birds is if they find food. Hence, keeping away all sources of food makes the place inhabitable. Keep the rubbish bins covered with lids.

If there are pets in the house, ensure that all the pet food is being cleaned. Use tightly sealed plastic bags wherever possible. The cleaner your yard and roof is, the lesser is the chance of bird inhabiting the place. Also, with regards to the a flat roof, ensure that you don’t have any edible garbage lying around.

5. Solar panel maintenance

And finally, let’s come to the last part, which is the maintenance of your solar panels. Cleaning up the panels regularly and taking care of any cracks or any mountings issues is extremely important. Ensure that you get the solar panels cleaned and serviced correctly at regular intervals. Clean solar panels don’t attract a lot of birds.

Conclusion

It is extremely crucial to maintain clean conditions around the panels and even around your house. Cleanliness ensures that pigeons or other birds are not attracted to your home. Along with cleanliness, regular maintenance of the solar panels will ensure that fewer birds inhabit your home. Also, it ensures that the efficiency of your solar panels does not dip. There are various companies that offer solar panel pigeon proofing. It is advisable to get a professional maintenance of the solar panels done once a year to ensure maximum efficiency and long lifespan of your home solar system.

The Bright Future of Solar Lighting

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Solar power is an appealing source of energy, considering that it is widely available and sustainable. However, only two percent of the world’s electricity is derived from solar as of 2018. In the past, the production of solar energy has been costly and fairly ineffective.

Good thing, new technological advancements over the past years have propelled this growing reliance on solar by lowering costs. Technological innovations also aim to expand the use of solar by further decreasing costs and improving the efficiency of solar panels.

The Importance of Solar Lights

Although there are many uses for solar power, solar lighting is one of the most prominent. Large electrical products need high energy levels to operate them. This means that it needs large solar panels to collect appropriate energy from the sun.

solar-lights-highway

On the other hand, solar street lighting do not require large sources of energy and can thus be operated off much smaller panels. They provide a higher level of functionality and flexibility since the solar panels can be integrated into the lighting system.

The magnificence of solar lighting is that you can use it often and virtually any time without any cost except for the initial purchase. Direct sunlight is not even required to charge the batteries.  With advanced technology, new models of solar lights can charge even on a cloudy day.

Solar lights are well designed for outdoor usage, removing the need for risky electrical wiring. Excellent placement means maximum charging and the light turns on as the sun sets. While more extensive circuitry is required, solar lighting can also be used for interior lighting.

The Future of Solar Lighting

It is always difficult to predict the future. But by observing current trends in energy usage, solar energy industry, and prospective scientific research, we can catch a peek of what solar lighting could mean for the future:

Materials

Most likely, the materials that go into solar panels will change. Cell phone manufacturers, smartphones, electric vehicles, and cordless power tools all rely on the same rare earth component array that solar panel makers do.

Worldwide stocks of these resources continue to decline. Due to this, scientists have warned companies producing high-tech gadgets to find alternatives (such as iron pyrite or zinc). Experts advise manufacturers to develop their metal recycling and recovery systems.

Cost

New designs will be developed to absorb more light and convert light energy more efficiently into electricity. Upcoming solar light models will also be less costly to build than existing designs to outperform current solar cells.

solar-steer-lights

Electricity producers and consumers are more likely to embrace solar power if it is as costly or more affordable than others. Any changes to current designs of solar cells should reduce overall costs to be widely accepted.

Silicon solar cells are likely to persist to fall in price and be manufactured in large numbers in the near future. Additionally, research will continue on alternative models for solar cells that are more powerful and less costly.

With the bulk production of solar cells and emerging technologies, these developments will continue to be made possible.

Solar Power Usage

As the fight against climate change is escalating, so will the demand for renewable energy sources. Solar power will play a significant role in combating global climate change.

Solar could also spread to developing countries in the form of microgrids. Microgrids are distributed installations of electricity generation that provide energy to a limited area like a town, community, or a neighborhood.

Solar microgrids are an effective way to electrify remote communities in Africa or Southeast Asia. It is most effective for developing nations where it is too costly for electricity companies to connect far-flung towns to the power network.

Transparent Solar Cells

This advanced form of solar cells is adequately transparent for many new applications. Researchers developed a model that includes organic salts that absorb enough UV and infrared light to turn solar radiation into energy

Picture this sort of solar cell on the screen of a smartphone or a car’s windshield. Ultimately, transparent solar cells are more appealing than the conventional dark-colored panels and have a wider range of uses.

Final Thoughts

The use of solar lighting dates back to a thousand years ago when man first discovered fire. However, it is also very much the present and will be a significant part of the future. Solar lighting is here to stay until the sun shines its last beam, and as technology advances, the developments can grow over and over again.

Convinced yet of the bright future of solar lighting? If so, look no further than www.heisolar.com. HEI is a global leader in providing highly efficient solar lighting products. The company offers a range of outdoor solar lighting solutions for your home, business, or property.

Why You Should Install Solar Panels on Your Property

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Many people are now realizing the importance of using solar energy. Remember that solar energy has now become more common in renewable energy. Most homeowners are installing solar panels on their roofs so that they can benefit from solar energy. Both business owners and homeowners can take advantage of solar energy. Besides the obvious financial benefits, there are also various good reasons why it makes sense to use solar energy rather than fossil fuels. This post explains why you should install solar panels on your property.

beginners guide to renewable energy

Reduce energy bills

Regardless of where you live, there is always enough amount of sun that can power your home at net zero energy consumption. You can generate a lot more solar energy on warm spring days. Even better, on hot summer days, you can generate solar energy that can be enough to run your air conditioning system.

Even if you live in an area that is usually cloudy, you can still receive a couple of hours of sunlight each day. On the other hand, sunny areas can get at least 5.5 hours of sunlight each day. While sunny days can help to generate more solar energy, solar panels can keep on getting energy from the sun when it’s cloudy. Diffused or indirect sunlight can still assist to power your building. It’s worth mentioning that cloudy days can generate between 10 and 20 percent of the energy produced on sunny days. If you decide to install solar panels, you can visit 4 Solar Estimates for help.

You can start saving right away

You can spend a lot of money on your energy bills. Solar energy can lower or even eliminate these energy costs once you install the solar panels. Besides, they also give you long-term savings because it’s free to get power from the sun.

Also, solar panels can significantly increase the resale value of your property. Most home buyers understand the importance of having solar panels, especially when they don’t need to make any investment and installation. Solar panels can also extend the lifespan of your roof because they tend to protect it from the elements like snow, debris, and rain. Above all, they can make your home more energy-efficient during the summer since the sun doesn’t hit directly on your roof. Instead, the solar panels absorb the sun to keep your home’s temperature lower.

pros and cons of solar PV

Help the environment

Solar panels can get pure and clean energy from the sum. Therefore, you need to install panels so that your home can help fight greenhouse gas emissions and lower your dependence on fossil fuels. Electricity is usually produced from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. When they burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, they produce harmful gasses that are the leading cause of air pollution.

Fossil fuels are not good for the environment, and they are also finite resources. Renewable energy can improve your health. On the other hand, natural gas and coal plants lead to water and air pollution that can harm you. Hence, you need to replace fossil fuels with solar energy.

7 Ways To Maximize Solar Energy In Your Home

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Solar energy is rapidly gaining popularity among many homeowners due to being a reliable and efficient renewable energy source. Investing in a solar system can help you reduce your energy bills.

Solar energy depends on the power from the sun. It’s eco-friendly and can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Finding ways to maximize your solar energy can ensure that the system delivers as much as possible to meet your home’s power needs and save money.

Below is an outline highlighting how you can maximize solar energy in your home:

How to maximize solar energy in your home

1. Perform An Energy Audit

An energy audit can help you gauge if your solar system is fit to serve your energy needs and reduce energy consumption. Different home appliances differ in how they consume energy. Therefore, it would be wise to understand how you use solar energy to adjust the devices that draw more power. Besides being able to know your daily solar power production, some systems include online monitoring technology that offers live feeds and graphs of your solar energy production.

Installing a solar energy meter can give you a detailed audit of individual home appliances, providing you with solar and live-on-grid consumption data. You can study the information you get from the solar meter to determine the high energy use patterns, helping you introduce measures to reduce energy consumption. If you’re looking for the best services in the solar market in Colorado, Bex Solar can install the best solar panels with up-to-date features.

2. Use High-Consumption Appliances During The Day

Your solar panels can only produce electricity during the day since they generate energy from sunlight. Therefore, it would be wise to use as much energy as possible during the day. Appliances that consume a lot of energy include the washing machine, dishwasher, and kitchen stove. Running these appliances when energy production is at its highest can help maximize your home’s energy consumption as you would be using this energy directly as it originates from your solar panels.

3. Install A Solar Battery

Solar energy is produced by solar panels during the daytime when the sun is shining. Solar batteries work by storing the energy your solar panels make for use at night or during storms when there’s inadequate sunlight. Additionally, you can use the solar energy you store in your solar batteries during power outages. Installing solar batteries can help reduce your carbon footprint as they reduce your dependence on the energy from the grid.

4. Use Your Solar Energy Wisely

Each home appliance drains solar energy. The number of home appliances you can run at a go depends on your solar system’s size and the amount of energy the appliance draws. Running them constantly and simultaneously throughout the day can quickly deplete the energy you draw directly from your solar panels, placing unnecessary strain on your solar system.

Using one appliance at a time would be best to ensure that you’re wisely consuming your solar energy. For instance, consider running your dishwasher after using the washing machine, taking a shower after using the dishwasher, or turning on your television after cooking dinner.

beginners guide to renewable energy

It’s also wise to turn off standby mode. Electrical appliances like computers, televisions, HiFi systems, and gaming consoles consume electricity on standby. A single household can have most of these electric devices; hence the standby energy consumption can add up to high figures. Therefore, it’s crucial to use switchable sockets to separate these devices from the circuit when not in use.

5. Insulate Your Home

A poorly insulated home typically uses up more solar energy. You can cut energy costs through home insulation by helping it remain cool when hot and warm when it’s cold outside. Hence, your HVAC systems would require less energy than necessary to keep you comfortable with changing temperatures. Therefore, insulating your home can help you divert the energy you would’ve used for heating or cooling your home for other energy needs.

6. Maintain Your Solar System

You can also maximize your solar energy by keeping your solar system in proper working order. Your solar panels can lose efficiency when they’re dirty. It’s crucial to frequently clean them to free them from dirt, leaves, bird droppings, and mold that reduces the amount of sunlight your solar panels receive. Cutting any surrounding vegetation that blocks the solar panel’s access to sunlight is also crucial. Additionally, scheduling regular maintenance of your solar system by a professional can help you identify issues and fix them in time to avoid costly repairs.

facts about cleaning solar panels

7. Install LED Lights

Due to the glowing tungsten filament, incandescent lights typically emit more heat than light. As a result, they consume more energy, leading to higher bills. On the other hand, LED bulbs use all the electricity they receive to produce light, consuming less energy. Installing LED light bulbs can reduce solar energy consumption, helping you maximize the solar energy in your home.

Conclusion

We are currently living in an eco-friendly world. Therefore, most homeowners appreciate solar energy in their homes as it’s affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly. The guide above can take you through ways to maximize solar energy in your home.

Tips for Using Green Energy to Power Your Life

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Are you interested in using more eco-friendly technology to power your life? And are you trying to find greener methods of energy that are just as efficient as coal, oil, or gas? If so, read on!

Using Green Energy to Power Your Life

Use Green Charging and Power Stations for Your Devices

Think of all the times you charge your phone, plug in a lamp, or plug anything else in. What do you usually plug each of those into? You likely plug it into an outlet in your wall in your home. And unless your home is powered by renewable energy, you’re increasing your carbon footprint every time you plug into the wall.

Though these methods are convenient, they are not the most environmentally friendly. However, there’s a simple alternative if you just grab the right equipment. For example, portable, clean energy power stations, such as a solar powered generator, is ideal for lowering your dependency on carbon-powered electricity. This way, you can do anything from charging your phone to powering a lamp or a box fan while using clean energy.

Using this small green solution is a good starting point for someone environmentally conscious and looking to start making a difference without making a significant investment.

Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home

If you are like most Americans, your house is probably powered by some natural gas, coal, or oil. However, you can flip that all around with an investment in solar panels.

Depending on the sun for power may sound inefficient and unreliable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the years, the capability of solar panels has only increased and become a more dependable solution for homeowners.

Studies have shown that the most efficient type of solar panels to use are ones with N-type or P-type silicon energy cells and are panels that meet the Standard Test Conditions (STC). Thankfully, there are many solar panel manufacturers, so you will have plenty to choose from.

Some outside influences can affect the efficiency of the panels. These panels generally work best when the temperature is between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Though they are made to be durable in colder or hotter temperatures than these, they just will not be as efficient.

Invest in an Electric Car

Though it can be costly, buying an electric car is a great way to be green. You can charge your EV by simply plugging it into your house. This may cause your electricity bill to go up. However, if your home is solar-powered, it will not cost anything to charge your vehicle.

benefits of switching to EVs

Electric cars produce almost no emissions and do not require gas and oil to be drilled up from the ground. Thus making them greener than gas or diesel-powered vehicles.

Most are subject to the rising and falling prices of gasoline. But using an electric car that does not require gas will be cheaper for you when prices are high. The monthly cost of extra electricity will not come nearly as close to the current monthly average for gas prices.

Going Green for the Planet

Every day, carbon emissions are doing more damage to the planet. So while depending more on green energy and less on fossil fuels will help the environment, you’re also doing your part to ensure a better future for you and your family.

You won’t be able to reduce your carbon footprint to nothing overnight, and not all solutions you’ll find out there are budget-friendly. However, if you do what you can, you can set your mind at ease knowing that you’re doing your best.

4 Ways Off-Grid Solar Systems Benefit Today’s Eco-Conscious Families

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Within the past decade we have been hearing more and more about global warming and the need to invest in alternative sources of energy. We have been hearing about the need to reduce our carbon footprint to what is being termed as Net Zero, especially in corporate and government environments. They’ve set a target date of 2050 which is less than three decades from now but is that a realistic goal when little is being done to reduce the carbon footprint within the population at large?

Do we have sufficient sources of renewable energy to meet those goals? As it stands, probably not. This is why it is so important for today’s homeowners to understand all the benefits of alternative power such as off-grid solar systems. They provide benefits above and beyond sustainability. Here are the benefits of adopting off-grid solar systems:

benefits of going off-grid

1. Beyond the Conservation Concept

Today’s eco-conscious families have been told over and over to conserve energy. We are sold energy-efficient appliances and lighting solutions. Even so, those still draw energy from the grid and that means fossil fuels are still being utilised in some way. According to Arizon Australia, an off-grid solar system provider, if every home in Australia had renewable energy, then conservation would no longer be an issue in terms of electricity.

2. Less Dependence on the Rising Costs of Fossil Fuels

If you have recently noticed your power bill on the rise, it is almost certainly the result of the high cost of crude. While reducing your dependence on power generated all, or in part, by fossil fuels, you will be saving your family a healthy amount of money over time. Just the savings on the rising cost of fossil fuels is a major savings in itself because the prices power companies pay for crude are on the rise. Actually, you are paying for that with those higher bills!

3. No More Power Bills!

You might want to, at this point, calculate what you spend on electricity in a year’s time and then weigh that against the cost of an off-grid solar system. Within a short period of time, you will be realising a 100% savings in electricity because the sun doesn’t charge you!

Once the cost of that system is paid in full based on what you would have been spending on power, you are going forward into your future never again being billed for electricity!

Trends in Solar Energy Technology

4. Safe During Blackouts on the Grid

There is always a danger of hackers with nefarious intent shutting down the grid. It has happened and it will continue to be a concern because hackers seem to stay one step ahead of computer security software. Then there are natural disasters that can take down the grid for an extended period of time while lines are replaced, best case scenario. What happens when the power plant itself sustains damage that will take months to bring up to its current level of operation? No, it isn’t something out of a dystopian sci-fi flick. It’s a real concern that isn’t easily addressed.

Today’s homeowners are left vulnerable in a number of ways, the greatest of which is probably cost and second to that uninterrupted service. While doing something to reduce our carbon footprint you will realise benefits above and beyond what you had imagined. Isn’t it time you invested in your family rather than Big Oil in which you will get no return on your investment? We believe it is.

How Do You Install Solar Panels?

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Installing solar panels can seem like a daunting task, but it’s really not that difficult. In this article, we will walk you through the steps involved in installing solar panels on your home or business. We’ll also give you some tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started!

mistakes when switching to solar energy

Step 1: Mount Installation

The first step when installing solar panels is to mount the panels on your roof. This may require hiring a contractor to help you with the installation. Make sure to choose a qualified contractor who has experience installing solar panels.

The mounting system will depend on the type of roof you have. If you have a tiled roof, you will need to use special mounts that attach to the tiles. If you have a metal roof, you can use clamps to attach the panels to the roof.

Step 2: Install the Solar Panels

The solar panels must be connected to an inverter, which converts the DC current produced by the solar panels into an AC current that can be used in your home. The inverter must be installed in a location that is protected from the elements.

Step 3: Do Electrical Wiring

You will need to run a wire from the solar panel to your home’s electrical system. The easiest way to do this is to run the wire through the roof and into your attic. Make sure you have a sturdy roof that can support the weight of the solar panel.

You will also need to drill a hole in your attic so that you can run the wire through it. Make sure the hole is big enough for the wire to fit through easily.

Step 4: Connect the System to Solar Inverter

Once you have your solar panel system set up, you need to connect it to a solar inverter. This device converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is what most home appliances use. The inverter should be placed near your breaker box so that it can easily send power to your home’s electrical system.

Step 5: Connect Solar Inverter and Solar Battery

After the solar panels are installed, you need to work with a solar inverter company to connect the solar inverter and solar battery. The solar inverter converts the DC power from the solar panels into AC power, which is the type of power that is used in homes. The solar battery stores energy from the solar panels so that you can use it at night or on cloudy days.

To connect the solar inverter, first turn off the main power to your home. Then, connect the positive and negative wires from the solar inverter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar battery.

Step 6: Connect Solar Inverter to the Grid

After your solar panels are installed, you will need to connect the solar inverter to the grid. This will allow you to sell excess energy back to your utility company. The solar inverter will also monitor your system and provide alerts if something goes wrong.

solar-microgrid

To connect the solar inverter to the grid, you will need to have an electrical permit. You will also need to have your utility company inspect your system before it can be connected to the grid. Once your system is connected, you will be able to start generating solar power!

Step 7: Start Solar Inverter

  • Locate the Start Solar Inverter button on the inverter’s front panel. This button is rectangular and has a small solar icon in the center.
  • Press and hold the Start Solar Inverter button for three seconds.
  • The inverter will startup, and the LCD screen will display the current operating status of the inverter.

Now that your solar panels are installed, you can start generating electricity! Simply follow these steps to get your inverter up and running. With a little help from the sun, you’ll be powering your home in no time.

Summary

Installing solar panels is not as difficult as one might think. In most cases, the panels can be mounted on the roof of a home or building. The process of installing solar panels usually starts with mounting the panels in an area that will receive the most sunlight. Once the panels are in place, wires are run from the panels to a power inverter. The power inverter converts solar energy into electricity that can be used by the home or building.

Finally, the system is connected to the electrical grid so that any excess electricity can be sold back to the utility company.

With a little bit of planning and some basic knowledge of electrical work, anyone can install solar panels.