Solar technology based in photovoltaic cells has become increasingly more popular as the years have rolled by. Photovoltaics were first used primarily in space dating back in the 1960s. As time went on you could easily find this technology in consumer items like solar calculators that often don't use any traditional batteries. Eventually panels and shingles came into the consumer marketplace to be used for private energy collection. To understand how the panels themselves work you need to understand photovoltaics. Here is the rundown of a basic system (there are other options to consider).
Background Deep cycle lead acid batteries are the simplest as well as the oldest battery. It was actually invented back in the 19th century and you will most commonly see it used under the hood of cars and trucks, making it the 'bestselling batteries.'
Although there has been interest in solar energy for more then a century, interest stagnated in the twentieth century when coal and petroleum were plentiful. However, starting with the scarcity of gasoline in the 1970s, people began to again look at the possibilities with solar energy.
The decade that began unprecedented solar energy growth was in the 1990s. It is said that solar energy use increased by about 20 percent each year-year after year. And that growth continues, largely to dramatic improvements to the technology of solar panels. This improvement has made solar panels more efficient and less expensive.
Engineering Now that you understand the basics of the chemical reaction let's talk about the engineering. Batteries can be broken down into energy or power. Batteries will be optimized to be either high power (release large amounts of energy quickly) or high energy (they can store large amounts of energy and release it for a long period of time).
Controller and Inverter
Between your solar panels and battery you have a charge controller which prevents the batteries from being overcharged or drained too much helping to extend the life of your battery. Once the batteries are fully charged the controller will not allow any current from your panels to enter the battery and conversely if your battery is drained to a certain level the controller will not allow any more energy to leave.
Thanks to innovative technology, solar panel companies have been able to produce more efficient panels at a lower cost. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the average cost of an installed watt has decreased by 24.4 percent in 2013.
Deep cycle batteries will have thicker electrodes (than a car battery) for increased energy density and be spaced farther apart. The extra space allows the sulfate debris that builds up to fall down below the plates into a storage area. Deep cycle batteries are larger, heavier, and give off a lower current than a car battery.
Lifespan The lifespan of lead-acid batteries varies greatly and is based on a number of factors. The first is the style of battery as discussed above; high power or high energy. The quality of the materials and manufacturing also plays part in the lifespan of a battery but ultimately the largest decider in a batteries lifespan is its use and maintenance. Heavily abused batteries in a car by people who don't know better won't last long while a larger, well maintained battery on a yacht can last twelve years.
Background Deep cycle lead acid batteries are the simplest as well as the oldest battery. It was actually invented back in the 19th century and you will most commonly see it used under the hood of cars and trucks, making it the 'bestselling batteries.'
Although there has been interest in solar energy for more then a century, interest stagnated in the twentieth century when coal and petroleum were plentiful. However, starting with the scarcity of gasoline in the 1970s, people began to again look at the possibilities with solar energy.
The decade that began unprecedented solar energy growth was in the 1990s. It is said that solar energy use increased by about 20 percent each year-year after year. And that growth continues, largely to dramatic improvements to the technology of solar panels. This improvement has made solar panels more efficient and less expensive.
Engineering Now that you understand the basics of the chemical reaction let's talk about the engineering. Batteries can be broken down into energy or power. Batteries will be optimized to be either high power (release large amounts of energy quickly) or high energy (they can store large amounts of energy and release it for a long period of time).
Controller and Inverter
Between your solar panels and battery you have a charge controller which prevents the batteries from being overcharged or drained too much helping to extend the life of your battery. Once the batteries are fully charged the controller will not allow any current from your panels to enter the battery and conversely if your battery is drained to a certain level the controller will not allow any more energy to leave.
Thanks to innovative technology, solar panel companies have been able to produce more efficient panels at a lower cost. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the average cost of an installed watt has decreased by 24.4 percent in 2013.
Deep cycle batteries will have thicker electrodes (than a car battery) for increased energy density and be spaced farther apart. The extra space allows the sulfate debris that builds up to fall down below the plates into a storage area. Deep cycle batteries are larger, heavier, and give off a lower current than a car battery.
Lifespan The lifespan of lead-acid batteries varies greatly and is based on a number of factors. The first is the style of battery as discussed above; high power or high energy. The quality of the materials and manufacturing also plays part in the lifespan of a battery but ultimately the largest decider in a batteries lifespan is its use and maintenance. Heavily abused batteries in a car by people who don't know better won't last long while a larger, well maintained battery on a yacht can last twelve years.
About the Author:
SimpleRay was founded in 2007 with one goal: simplifying solar for homeowners, busineses, installers and non-profits. We believe in the importance of Siliken solar panels, wind and other renewable energy products to the future of our global community. We offer inexpensive solar panels for sale that will help to save costs on your energy bills.
No comments:
Post a Comment