Solar Power Systems

Sun Free Energy

sun

Solar Power Systems

Solar power systems create free energy from the Sun. Solar power system are using the sun to the process light or heat into an energy source.
It is becoming a reliable renewable energy alternative to regular power sources like coal powered electricity in urban areas. Solar Power systems are even been used in outer space to power satellites and even the international space station. Solar power system as renewable energy sources are used in homes for lighting, electricity generation and water heating. Renewable energy like solar power is becoming even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continue to rise. Solar panels both thermal and photovoltaic are designed to collect the free energy from the sun.

Different applications of solar power.

Once the solar energy is collected by the solar panels installed the solar power has to be converted into energy either electrical or heat. Solar thermal application processes involve using the energy from the sun to directly heat air or liquids. The process of photoelectric application involves the use of photovoltaic cells to change the energy into electricity.

Solar power challenges.

Solar power poses no harm to the environment. There is an abundance of solar power available. one hour of sunlight beams enough energy to planet earth to satisfy our energy needs for a year. Even though so much free renewable energy reaches earth every hour of the day less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand is sourced through solar power. Why are we using so little of this freely available solar power ?

  • Cost is currently the main factor. Technology to produce electricity from the sun is still more expensive as burning fossil fuels
  • Storage of solar power. Solar power does not work at night, so energy captured during the day still has no efficient and cost effective way of being stored.

Even though solar power has its challenges it is still a very good choice going forward. Solar thermal energy for hot showers and baths is already proven very cost effective and is growing in popularity. Once the initial investment in solar thermal power is made the solar power is free and reduces your fossil powered energy by about 30%.

Solar power is also very economical to use in remote areas where it is expensive to provide common fossil powered electricity. Your off grid systems with battery backup prove to be very successful in those areas.

Solar Panels

Solar Panels can be divided into two different types. You have the Photovoltaic Solar Panels and then you have your Solar thermal collector. Both use the energy from the sun and convert it to power or hot water.

Photovoltaic solar panels & solar thermal collectors can be used independently of each other or in combination. They both serve a different purpose.

Photovoltaic solar panels.

Photovoltaic solar panels collect light from the sun and converts this light into usable electricity. These solar panels can be connected to a battery system to store electricity for use when the sun is not shining. You can have grid tied systems which means you are still connected to the main electricity grid. Off grid systems are stand alone systems where one is not connected to the main electricity grid to have uninterrupted power a battery backup system is required.

Solar thermal collectors.

Solar thermal collectors convert the solar energy received from the sun into hot water or hot air. These solar panels are commonly used in South Africa for heating pools, heating water for use in showers and baths. Considering hot water requirements for a modern household are a major contributor to electricity bills. Investing in solar thermal collectors is a worthwhile investment which should pay for itself. They are also a great solution for the many areas in South Africa which have not been electrified. It will provide cheap hot water for our daily needs.

Solar thermal collectors are more commonly installed than Photovoltaic solar panels due to the technology being simpler and more affordable. If electricity keep rising then we might see more installations of photovoltaic solar panels.

Solar Pool Heating

Solar pool heating is an affordable way to heat your pool to a comfortable temperature for a once of investment in Pool Solar Panels. After the initial investment there are basically no running cost to heat your Pool. Solar Panels for solar pool heating can be installed quickly by the professionals or you might opt for the DIY route. Either way solar panels for pool heating are an affordable investment which is going to give you years of swimming pleasure.

Some advantages of a solar pool heating are

  • You can extend your swimming season with a few months.
  • No running cost once installed. It uses the free energy from the sun
  • Environmentally friendly as it uses the sun to heat the pool.
  • Solar pool heating is maintenance free.
  • Solar Pool Heating is an investment and increases property value

The only requirement is that you run your pump during the day while the sun is shining instead of during the night. As you have to run your pump/filter in any case to keep your pool clean there should be no extra cost at all for a free heated swimming pool.

Combine the solar pool heating with a solar blankets, solar blankets also known as thermal blankets will stop heat loss from the pool at night. Another benefit of solar blankets is reduced loss of chemicals and a cleaner pool.

In conclusion invest in solar panels to enjoy your warm pool more and for a longer period at no running costs courtesy of the free energy provided by the sun.

Now if only the pool could maintain itself.

Solar Pool Heating

Heated Swimming Pool