Today, we’re diving into the different types solar technologies and which ones are right for your home. The term “solar energy†simply refers to the energy that comes from the sun, generally in the form of light or heat. Much of the energy we use each day can be traced back to the sun’s energy. Think about it. Biofuels like ethanol and wood are the result of plants turning sunlight into energy to grow. The wind is a result of different levels of heating from the sun around the Earth, causing air to move that we then capture with wind turbines. And yes, even fossil fuels like oil and coal are the result of plants turning sunlight into stored energy millions and millions of years ago. These plants then died, got buried deep beneath the ground, and gradually morphed into fossil fuels.
So if most energy is from the sun, what do we mean then when we say “solar energy technology� Well, solar energy technologies are those that turn sunlight directly into useful energy, like electricity. Solar energy options cut out the middle-man, or the middle millions of years, as the case may be.
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
Now in order for a solar lighting system to perform reliably, the solar panel and battery must be sized for the period of longest nights, shortest days and cloudiest weather, all of which occur at the same time each year. Historically, the solar industry has addressed this worst-case scenario by seeking out the most efficient lumen per watt DC lamps and over-sizing the system for the rest of the year. That translated to DC fluorescent bulbs, bigger solar panels, more batteries, higher costs and less-than-appealing appearance.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
So if most energy is from the sun, what do we mean then when we say “solar energy technology� Well, solar energy technologies are those that turn sunlight directly into useful energy, like electricity. Solar energy options cut out the middle-man, or the middle millions of years, as the case may be.
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
Now in order for a solar lighting system to perform reliably, the solar panel and battery must be sized for the period of longest nights, shortest days and cloudiest weather, all of which occur at the same time each year. Historically, the solar industry has addressed this worst-case scenario by seeking out the most efficient lumen per watt DC lamps and over-sizing the system for the rest of the year. That translated to DC fluorescent bulbs, bigger solar panels, more batteries, higher costs and less-than-appealing appearance.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
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