Web stories are a great way to scan relevant information on a variety of solar energy subjects without eating up a lot of time – take a look!
What Size Solar System Do I Need?
How many solar panels does it take to power your home? If you have your energy consumption and other details about location and solar panels, anyone can work it out for themselves - DIY solar design.
By Jim Bruce
What Size Solar Panel To Run A Fridge?
The average domestic fridge uses 350kWh of electrical energy per year and would need 300 watts of solar panels to supply it. A 100Ah battery would also be needed to supply compressor motor surge.
By Jim Bruce
What Size Solar Panel To Charge 12V Battery?
Before sizing a solar panel to charge a 12 volt battery you need to know how much power a panel will produce in your location. This depends on the irradiance measure in peak-sun-hours. Average is 4.
By Jim Bruce
What Can A 100 Watt Solar Panel Run
A 100 watt solar panel is a very convenient size - not too big to handle and carry, while big enough to deliver some power. How much much power can a 100 watt solar panel supply and what can it run?
By Jim Bruce
What Are Hybrid PVT Solar Panels?
Hybrid PVT solar panels combine two solar technologies - PV electric and thermal water heating. PV panels are only 20% efficient, while solar water heating can reach 90% with evacuated tube technology
By Jim Bruce
What Affects Solar Panel Output?
What factors affect solar panel output? Certain things are out of our control, like a panel's STC wattage rating, but others, like tilt and orientation affect output can have significant inpact.
By Jim Bruce
Ways To Use Solar Power In The Home
18 ways to use solar panels in the home shows how we can use renewable energy sources to power everyday tasks and saving just a little bit of our planet's resources
By Jim Bruce
Ten Solar PV Installation System Losses
Solar PV system installations have losses associated with them. Some losses are design issues, other are due to component and cable choice while some are impacted and improved by regular maintenance.
By Jim Bruce
PWM Vs MPPT Test
PWM vs MPPT Solar Charge Controllers - Which is better? The only true way to find out is by carrying out practical tests showing solar panel power outputs charging a battery to calculate efficiency.
By Jim Bruce
Is Solar Worth It In California?
By Jim Bruce
Is Solar Tracking Worth It
Auto tracking the sun is used to make sure that solar panels are always at 90 degrees to the sun's rays. This maximizes the electricity output and keeps track of the sun's movement across the sky.
By Jim Bruce
Inflatable Boat With Trolling Motor
When mounted on an inflatable kayak or canoe these small motors that are normally used intermittently for fishing now become the main source of propulsion, turning an inflatable kayak into a cruiser!
By Jim Bruce
Hybrid Solar-Wind Power System
Hybrid Solar-Wind Power Generation System is a renewable energy combination designed to provide energy from wind when sun us not available, and vice versa. The system uses a wind turbine & solar panel
By Jim Bruce
How To Test A Solar Panel Output
By Jim Bruce
How Much Power Do Solar Panels Produce?
With an average irradiance of 4 peak-sun-hours a solar panel will normally produce 4 watt-hours (Wh) per day for 1 watt of the panel rated watts (Wp) - that's 146kWh/yr for a 100 watt solar panel.
By Jim Bruce
1. Are Solar Panels Worth It In Texas?
Is solar worth it in Texas? A solar installation pays for the up-front cost with 9 to 12 years. After that electricity is free! An average price home will increase in value 4% (6000 to $8000)
By Jim Bruce
2. Are Solar Panels Worth It In Florida
Is solar worth it in Florida? Solar is worth it in Florida from two viewpoints: 1. After payback period of 6 to 8 years electricity is free! 2. Solar can add up to $20,000 to a home's value!
By Jim Bruce
2. Are Solar Panels Worth It In Florida?
By Jim Bruce
Are Solar Panels Worth It In My State?
Solar panel installations are taking off in a big way but is solar worth it in your state? Not only do solar systems save on utility bills big-time, but they also add value to your home.
By Jim Bruce
Are Solar Panels Worth It In North Carolina?
Solar panels are worth it in North Carolina from 2 viewpoints. 1. After an average 11.6 years the system cost is recovered so all electricity is free! 2. Home resale value increases 3.5% after solar.
By Jim Bruce
Best Battery Size To Run A Fridge
The average fridge consumes 40 watts of electricity per hour which means 960 watt-hours of battery capacity would be needed to run a fridge for 24 hours. 960 watt-hours equates to 80Ah, so x 2 = 160Ah
By Jim Bruce
Can A 100 Watt Solar Panel Run A Refrigerator?
You may think a 100 watt solar panel just might run a refrigerator on a very sunny day in summer, but don't bet on it! It's safer to use two in summer & four in winter due to irradiance variations.
By Jim Bruce
Can A Solar Panel FAQ
Can a solar panel operate in all weather conditions or behind glass? These questions and more are answered in this story
By Jim Bruce
Can A Solar Panel Overcharge A 12 Volt Battery?
Can a solar panel overcharge a car battery or similar 12 volt battery? Without the use of a solar charge controller a solar panel can overcharge a 12 volt battery and destroy it.
By Jim Bruce
Can A Wind Turbine Run An RV?
A wind turbine can run an RV & is a great choice to work alongside a solar panel installation. A RV Wind Turbine Generator rated 200 to 500 watts can generate 30 to 40kWh per month. Go wind turbines!
By Jim Bruce
Can I Connect Solar Panel Directly To Battery?
A solar panel can be connected directly to a 12 volt car battery, but must be monitored if it's more than 5 watts. Solar panels rated higher than 5 watts must not be connected directly to a battery.
By Jim Bruce
Can You Put A Trolling Motor On A Kayak?
It sounds great fun but can you put an electric motor on a kayak that you carry around and inflate it when you need it? Many people have done this but it does need inflatable kayak motor mods.
By Jim Bruce
Conditions When Solar Panels Work Best
There are some conditions under which a solar panel will perform most efficiently and deliver the most output in watts. Orientation, tilt, heat, maintenance, quality & type of panel all play a part.
By Jim Bruce
Difference Between String & Micro Inverters
Central solar inverters gave way to string inverters, which are used by most domestic solar installations. Micro inverters have advantages in some situations and power optimizers can boost output.
By Jim Bruce
FAQ Solar Panels
Frequently asked questions about solar panels, installation and uses.