Solar Heating Storage Tank

The storage tank of the solar water heating system substitutes for the normal hot water tank used in conventional heating systems.  In most instances, the system is combined with a supplemental system using conventional fuel to provide for instances where there is not enough heat generated.  There are two types of solar water heating systems that homeowners can choose from: active and passive.

The main difference between the two types is that with an active solar water heating system circulating pumps and controls are used in the operation.  Majority of these systems require the use of storage tanks that have ample insulation.  The use of an additional inlet and outlet connected to and from the collectors allow for the proper distribution of hot water.  With two-tank water heating systems like this, the water is preheated before it goes into the conventional water heater.

With solar water heating systems that use only one storage tank, normally the backup heater is used in conjunction with the solar storage in a single tank.  This means that the storage tank functions for all types of heating systems in the household regardless if there is a backup or none.

Water Heating Solar Collectors

In the context of solar water heating systems, there are actually three types of solar collectors to consider when dealing with domestic applications.  In order to make the right decision on what type to use, it is important to have an idea what they are all about.
Flat-plate collector.  These types of solar collectors are insulated and come as weatherproofed boxes which are equipped with a dark absorber plate under covers made of glass or plastic polymers.  In terms of solar water heating, this type of solar collector would be ideal for solar pool heating or other outside application.
Integral collector-storage systems.  Sometimes referred to as batch systems or simply ICS, they make use of one or sometimes more tubes or black tanks within an insulated glazed box.  The cold water initially passes through the solar collector where it is preheated.  

The water then flows into the conventional backup water heater where reliable hot water source is stored.  This type of solar collectors are normally installed with these water heating systems in mild-freeze climates because of the possibility of the outdoor pipes freezing due to severe cold weather.
Evacuated-tube.  These types of solar water heating collectors make use of parallel rows of transparent glass tubes.  Every tube has a glass outer tube as well as metal absorber tubes that are attached to a fin.  The coating of the fin absorbs the solar energy but prevents radiative heat loss.  These types of solar collectors are popularly found in solar powered water heating systems installed in the United States for commercial applications.

 

Active Solar Water Heating Systems

If you opt to use active water heating systems powered by solar energy in your home or building, it is extremely important to know that there are actually two variants that you can choose from:
Direct circulation.  In this system, the pumps circulate the water in the household through the collectors and eventually into the home.  This type of system works efficiently in climates where freezing rarely occurs.
Indirect circulation.  This makes use of pumps that circulate a non-freezing heat transfer fluid via the collectors as well as the heat exchanger.  This is how the water is heated before it flows into the home.  
This is ideal in countries where freezing temperatures normally occur.

Passive Solar Water Heating Systems

In terms of cost, passive solar water heating systems are usually less expensive compared to active systems.  However, in terms of performance, these systems are commonly less efficient but more reliable.
These are also known to last longer presumably due to less moving parts.  There are two types of passive systems you can consider:
Integral collector-storage.  These are most ideal in localities where the temperature seldom goes below the freezing point.  Households experiencing significant daytime and evening hot water requirements
can also benefit from this type of solar water heating systems.
Thermosyphon.  With this type of solar water heating system the water usually flows through the system when the warm water begins to rise as the cooler water sinks.  The collector in this case should be
installed under the storage tank in order for the warm water to rise into the tank.  These are reliable systems, but the construction and design of the roof must be taken into consideration because of
the weight of the storage tank.

Having an idea of how solar water heating systems work including the vital components involved will help homeowners decide which is best for them.

In the context of how to install solar PV panels, it is important to understand how cheap and green electricity is generated using sunlight.  Solar electricity systems, which are known as solar PV (photovoltaics) are responsible for harnessing the energy generated by the sun using photovoltaic cells.

People must understand that these cells found in solar PV panels do not need direct sunlight to function properly.  This means that even in an overcast day, people can expect power to be generated for lighting and appliances.

There is a huge possibility that solar PV panels are the future when it comes to powering homes.  At the moment, the initial cost of installation is deemed as a bit expensive. However, this is expected to drastically decline as the deployment becomes more widespread.

Moreover, installation of solar PV panels rarely has other costs involved in the future including maintenance.  This is because maintenance of solar PV panels usually only require clearing of dust and debris in order for the owner to enjoy continuous, free, and renewable energy.

How do Solar PV Panels Operate?

Before learning how to install solar PV panels, it is equally important to know how they function to appreciate the manner of installation involved.  The PV cells are manufactured from semi-conductor materials like silicon.

As sunlight touches the cells, an electric field is generated across the layers.  In this context, as the sun shines brighter, the greater energy can be produced by solar PV panels.  There are multiple PV cells in each panel or module which is normally mounted on the roof for maximum effect.

The unit of measurement used in relation to the power generated by solar PV panels is kWp or kilowatts peak.  Usually solar PV panels are in rectangular or square shape, however, the PV cells themselves come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the layout intended by the owner.

Solar tiles which are a type of solar PV panel take the place of conventional roofing tiles to create a complete solar panel system of the roofing.  In terms of cost-effectiveness, solar tile systems do not present as much savings as solar PV panels, especially when the planning and aesthetic value is taken into consideration.

Solar PV Panels Installation Checklist

For those who have bought their first solar PV panels, it is important to make sure that all the necessary tools for installation are at hand.  This will ensure that the installation process will not be unnecessarily stopped midway simply because there is a tool or component missing.

Also, take into consideration your technical ability before attempting such a job.  There are many professional installers that can do the job at a reasonable price without much hassle on your part. Should you decide that the installation process for solar PV panels is a do-it-yourself project, you need to take care of the following:

• Tools – there are some basic tools which you must have handy before beginning the installation like:

• Tool belt

• Hammer

• Nail

• Screwdriver

• Drill

• Ladder

2. Local zoning regulations – check the zoning regulations of the city to make sure that there are no special provisions covering solar PV panels

3. Permits and other legalities – if you are living in an exclusive neighborhood or community, the homeowners association may require securing permits especially when there is a certain design that must be observed

Mounting Solar PV Panels

To make the installation process a bit easier, it is important to follow the steps outlined below in order to ensure that the solar PV panels will get maximum sunlight exposure.  Keep in mind that there are professionals that you can consult (not necessarily do the installation) for a minimal fee to ensure you are doing the right process.

1. Identify which part of the roof the solar PV panels will be installed in.  Normally the consideration would either be the west or east side of the roof since it allows for the greatest exposure to available sunlight.

2. Compute the latitude tilt.  If your home is located below the twenty five degrees latitude, the solar PV panels need to be tilted in the value of your latitude location.  If you are at the twenty five degrees latitude, the solar PV panels should be tilted twenty five degrees.

If you are beyond twenty five degrees but not over forty degrees, add five degrees for every five degrees of latitude after twenty five.  Beyond forty degrees latitude, the tilt of the solar PV panels should be twenty degrees more than the actual latitude.

3. When positioning solar PV panels on top of the rafters, the mounts should be about four feet apart from each other.  Rely on the blueprint of your home or stud finder to ensure that the rafters are properly identified.

4. Carefully drill holes into the rafters without splitting them.  These will be used for the steel bolts which will fasten to the solar PV panels mounted on the roof.

5. Use the steel bolts to secure the mounts while making sure that the area around the bolts are sealed.  It is ideal that the thermal envelope remain air tight during the installation of the solar PV panels.

6. Attach the solar PV panels to the mounts.  An interface is included on the panels to make them fasten easily to the mounts on the roof.  Ensure that the space between the base of the solar PV panels and the roof is more than three inches.  This will allow airflow to go through the space and ensure that the solar PV panels maintain their peak efficiency.

7. Upon completion of the mounting process you can continue with the connection to the electrical supply.  If you do not have the technical skill level to deal with this, a qualified electrician should be consulted.  Never experiment with electricity.

If you have done everything right, then you should begin enjoying your free and renewable energy source without having to worry about costly monthly electrical bills.  However, as seen above, installing solar PV panels alone and without professional assistance requires a lot of effort and know-how. If you want a worry-free installation process from the planning to the connection of the electrical supply, then look for qualified professionals to install your solar PV panels.

With the shift to alternative sources of energy being encouraged, some solar panel grants are being offered by the government to assist in their funding and installation.  The grant amounts are sizable enough to allow homeowners to invest in technology for renewable sources of energy.

The solar panels grants however would vary depending on the country where you reside.  In fact, it may be possible that no such solar panel grants exist yet in your country to allow for easier shift to alternative energy sources.

The System for Solar Panel Grants

Before underlining the process of how to apply for solar panel grants, it is important to understand the type of system that supports it. In general, owners are paid for each kilowatt of power that is generated.

In order to make use of this, the owner must secure a microgeneration certification from registered installers to ensure that the proper type of certified solar panels is used.  This allows the owner to apply for solar panel grants either from the government or the energy supplier in the area.

Initial costs however may be shouldered by the owner entirely with the money from the grants coming in later to suffice for the full implementation.  Usually within a year’s time the solar panel grants will pay for the entire installation cost on a typical home.

Homeowners that can afford the initial cost will find out that it is a good investment especially in the long term where solar panel grants usually run for a period of 25 years.  This is not far-fetched since most solar panels have a life expectancy of about 30 years.

Qualifying for Solar Panel Grants

Like most grants, solar panel grants have a set of requirements that need to be satisfied in order for owners to avail of it.  To make sure that access to the generous payment methods are available, owners should adhere to the set of requirements and criteria prior to applying for the solar panel grants.  In general, there are very few but strict requirements that need to be followed.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme or MCS

This represents a list of certified installers as well as solar products which have been recognized to have high quality standards.  This means that unless the solar products come from these manufacturers and the installation was made by one of the certified companies, then you cannot qualify for the solar panel grants that are being offered by the government or the electric company.

Registration of Installation

Once the installation process has been completed, the owner needs to register the installation of the solar panels to the appropriate body.  In most instances, one of the benefits of getting suppliers and installers from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme is that they will undertake the registration process for the customer.  This means that there is less hassle in dealing with all the regulations of registration.

Receipt of Payments

Once the registration process has been finished, the owner becomes qualified for the solar panel grants and will receive the appropriate payments.  It must be understood that no lump sum payments are made, rather regular payments based on actual kilowatt generated will be given out.  The guaranteed payment period extends for 25 years with the rate of payment expected to rise yearly based on the inflation.  This means payments will be higher than the previous year.

This is the easiest way for owners to take advantage of the benefits that can be derived from solar panel grants.  It is equally important to understand that it is highly unlikely that any application for solar panel grants will be approved if the supplier or installer is not included in the MCS list.

Benefits of Solar Panel Grants

There is no question that regular payments that will be made to the account of the  owner for the solar panel grants is one of the distinct advantages associated with solar panel grants.  However, more than that, the owner also gets the benefit of free use of electricity from his production.

Essentially, owners of solar panels can maximize the energy potentials by providing power not only to the solar grid but also to their household for free.  In fact, it would appear that they are getting paid to generate power for their home.

Furthermore, because of the potentials for maximizing the power to generate energy, there is a tendency to produce more than what is actually needed or used.  The beauty of this in the context of solar panel grants is that if the owner generates more than what is used, an additional payment per kilowatt will be paid by the electric company or the government.

This makes the entire solar panel grants more beneficial to owners of solar power energy products than ever before.  This also means that it is a truly worthwhile investment for those who have the budget.  Keep in mind that payment under the solar panel grants are virtually tax free for the entire 25 year period.

Why does the Government Encourage Solar Panel Grants?

One of the most common reasons why solar panel grants are being offered by the government is based on its commitment to reduce the number of carbon emissions that directly causes air pollution.  Another reason is that the shift and usage of alternative, and renewable sources of energy provided by solar panel grants will help to secure the future of conventional energy sources which are quickly being depleted.

By using solar panel grants as a means to attract small-scale renewable energy investment, homeowners become government partners in achieving these goals.  The generous return on investment assured by solar panel grants not only makes up for the initial cost shouldered by the homeowner but also delivers a longer lasting return in terms of free use of renewable energy.  This is also the reason why government is encouraging homeowners to get into the solar panel grants program now than later.

During recent years more and more people have been looking towards the solar power solution.  With gas prices going through the roof and without a hint of slowing down, the need for alternative energy sources becomes highlighted.

It is important to note that petrol prices will likely never go down and will probably continue to climb in years to come.  The reason is that unlike solar power, these energy sources are not renewable and the fewer the supply, the higher the cost of production becomes.

The quick depletion of these types of energy sources, due to the continued and increased dependency of people and industry affect not only gas prices but virtually everything.  It is important to note that almost everything that people rely on today makes use of an energy source especially during the production phase.

This means that unless the use of solar power becomes more prevalent, there may be a slowdown in the abundance of technology and goods we now enjoy.  There is no definite time when these resources will be completely depleted, but do we need to wait before we look at solar power as a viable alternative?

Reasons to Use Solar Power

Undoubtedly your home or office is connected to some type of energy grid that makes use of coal or hydroelectric power.  These rely on petrochemicals for their construction and maintenance.  It is important to begin investing in solar power infrastructure sources despite the substantially larger initial construction cost.  Eventually, as people begin shifting to solar power, the cost of implementation will go down.  Other convincing reasons to use solar power are:

1. Longevity and durability – Solar power panels are designed to be used for at least 30 years on the average.  This means that for a medium-sized home, a simple setup can result in a consistent source of renewable energy at significantly lower cost in the long run.  Moreover, not only is the solar power panels designed to last a long time, but are also capable of withstanding harsh climates, making them ready for deployment almost anywhere.

2. Unlimited source of power – There is a misconception that solar power is only effective when the sun is shining brightly.  Many people believe that this is the only instance when electricity conversion can occur.  This is however not true.  Solar panels can effectively convert solar energy to electrical or even thermal power even on a cloud-covered day.

The main difference though is the capacity that it bears, which is undoubtedly greater on a sunny day.  So while other people contend and cry over the rising prices of fuel, shifting to solar power leads to unlimited and low cost power year round.

3. Staggered implementation – Setting up solar power infrastructure for your home does not necessarily have to be a one-shot deal.  The entire process can be handled in stages depending on your available budget.  If you are only capable of installing one solar power panel at a time, then this is the best approach for you.

Moreover, contrary to what most people think, the installation process is fairly easy.  In fact, most of the time, services of professionals can be eliminated.  In terms of the reasons for shifting to solar power, this means that it is not only easy to do, but simple as well.

4. Tax incentives – Because of the rising awareness on the need to use alternative energy sources, more federal and state agencies are giving tax incentives as well as rebates to individuals and businesses that opt for solar power.  The international government grants for solar panels amounts are substantial enough that they can build up quite quickly over time leading to significant savings and potential earnings.

This type of thing happens on a global scale outside of just the United Kingdom, like in Australia for example, spending $16,000 in setting up solar power panels can provide rebates of as much as $8,000.  This of course does not include other rebates that you can enjoy in the long term.

5. Global warming – Experts have been sounding the alarm and it is about time that people begin to take action.  Shifting to solar power from traditional fossil fuels can lead to a significant decrease in Carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change.

Although it may take some time before any potential damages to the environment can be experienced, the important thing is to take the first step.  Without a doubt, the use of solar power is a step towards the right direction.

6. Overproduction is not harmful – With the use of solar power there is no waste or spoilage involved.  Basically, when there is overproduction of energy there are two options available: release it back into an energy grid or store the energy.  Releasing the energy into a system grid is a common solution for communities relying in solar power or sometimes referred to as solar energy pooling.

Another option is to store the excess in solar power energy production by installing a capacitor.  The capacitor is a type of device which not only allows for the storage of excess in solar power energy production but is also a convenient solution when there is under production like in the case of extended cloudy days.

For majority of solar power users this means continuous energy supply and elimination of blackouts and energy crisis.  Moreover, this also means that maximum energy potential is achieved.

7. Job production – as dependence slowly shifts to solar power and renewable energy sources, there will be a steady creation and production of jobs.  Currently, there are tens of thousands of Britons working in the solar industry.  This number is expected to rise as the demand and deployment begins to increase.  This means that solar power will not only deliver unlimited energy supply but also more potential for employment.

These are just some of the reasons why investing in solar power is a sound decision.  The availability of solutions on the market today has made the shift to solar power easy for almost anybody.

Solar panels are devices which are capable of converting light to electricity. The name solar panels also describe photovoltaics which literally translate to light-electricity. They are designed by creating a collection of solar cells. Multiple solar cells are spread over a predetermined area so that they can work together in delivering enough electricity to power homes and devices.

The higher the intensity of light that hits the solar cells, the higher the amount of energy produced. This is why spacecraft are commonly equipped with solar panels that are constantly facing the sun to harness its immense energy. In terms of panels, solar concentrators are considered the most efficient at this time.

Pros of Solar Panels

It is understandable that because of the non-renewable nature of current energy sources, their use is regulated by the government. This allows for presumably better use of the energy based on the platform of using solar power to harness electricity. Despite some controversies on the use of solar panels and solar energy, there are some concrete benefits that can be derived from its deployment.

Eliminating Regulation

The use of solar panels allows access to an energy source which does not need to be regulated by the government. The main reason behind this is that they are associated with a renewable energy source and comes from something that is not taxable, the sun.

The elimination of regulations imposed from the use of solar panels is also based on the fact that the amount of energy that is actually consumed is a bit difficult to calculate unlike when it is generated by a power plant.

Almost Free

Many people would argue that the use of solar panels will allow for the generation of free energy sources, which the government cannot impose taxes on much like the energy tax associated with the generation of energy from a power plant. With solar power, the main source is free and there is minimal cost associated with the installation of solar panels.

Unlimited Supply

It is understandable why energy crisis happens, it is because the source of the energy can become depleted. With solar energy however, the supply is virtually limitless barring the sun dying out of course.

This is the reason why homes equipped with solar panels gain access to continued and renewable energy source regardless of whether the sun is shining brightly or if it is covered by clouds. Homes which have been detached from the traditional power grid have shown that they can overcome any potential energy crisis.

Lower Maintenance Cost

For majority of consumers, they do not concern themselves with the cost of maintaining conventional power plants. However, what they do not realize is that whatever costs are incurred, they are eventually passed on to the consumer and become part of the monthly utility bill they have to pay for.

Despite paying a consistent and regular monthly bill, consumers are still exposed to power outages and breaks. In majority of blackouts, the main cause would be a breakdown in the power plant. With solar panels however, since they do not contain any moving parts, the maintenance cost become lower and the frequency of breakdown is also minimized.

This means that homes get a more consistent amount of energy for longer periods. Moreover, maintenance of solar panels normally requires only the clearing of dust and debris that may lower the efficiency over time.

Pollution-free

When it comes to benefits, perhaps one of the greatest benefits associated with solar panels and renewable energy sources is that they do not contribute to pollution. Although cost savings are undoubtedly appreciated, the positive effect it brings to the planet cannot be simply overlooked. Moreover, by using environment-friendly sources, savings are gained in terms of potential cleanups and preparation for meltdowns or breakdowns.

Furthermore, there has been a direct link between pollution and human health. Some studies have established how pollution can negatively affect the health of people. By shifting to solar panels and solar energy, potential cost of hospitalization can be significantly reduced. This in turn makes solar panels a viable alternative to conventional power plants.

Cons of Solar Panels

Looking at the benefits that can be derived from the use of solar panels, some people may believe that there are no disadvantages that can be perceived from its implementation. Unfortunately, there are a number of disadvantages that should be considered when thinking of shifting to solar panels.

Lower Generation without the Sun

One of the greatest concerns when it comes to solar panels and solar energy is the substantial reduction in its ability to generate electricity at night or when the sun is covered by clouds. There are some solutions that you can apply from qualified providers of solar panels to address this common concern.

Cannot be deployed Everywhere

At the moment, with the limited support for solar panels and solar energy, some places on earth are not privileged enough to benefit from its use., however, this is very rare in the UK There are some places where there are extended cloudy skies or night that occurs continuously for a couple of months for example. In these instances, it may be difficult to store enough solar energy to provide power during those overcast days.

Taking into account the pros and cons of solar panels will help you determine if it is the right solution for you to minimize or totally eradicate your monthly electricity bills. But just by looking at the pros and cons above, the pros simply outweigh the cons. Just keep in mind that if you need quality help and installation, it is important to go to professionals to make sure that the solar panels are of high quality.