Author: Marvellous Kalu

Marvellous Kalu is a freelance blog writer. She writes blog posts that attract a specific target audience, engages them, and generates leads for a business.

For high converting blog posts, do reach out to her at kalumarvellous99@gmail.com

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Solar Energy News

6 common misconceptions about solar

The high increase in the number of panels installed yearly shows the vast opportunities and benefits of installing a solar panel in your home or business area.

Solar energy is the use of energy from the sun to produce energy. Although there are various behind the scene processes that occur before electricity is made available to power your appliances, solar energy remains a sure way to reduce pollution in the environment and save the planet.

Solar as with many other inventions has its myths and misconceptions. Everyone you meet has a say about solar. Some could be positive and others negative.

However, I  have come to realize that the opinion of people influences our purchasing decision and that is the reason I have put together this article to address some of the myths you are likely to hear about solar.

Here are 6 common misconceptions you will probably hear as you interact with people about solar.

Common misconceptions about solar

1. Solar panels will harm the roof

 

This is one common misconception. People often think that the presence of a solar panel on their roof will harm their roof.

Some also think that the installation of solar panels on the roof will mean breaking the roof. Both of these thoughts are wrong.

Solar panels do not harm your roof rather, they enhance the durability of your roof by shielding it from harsh weather conditions, dust, dirt bird droppings, and other things that could make the roof deteriorate.

Also, the installation of solar panels on the roof does not require breaking the roof. Solar panels are easy to install and as a bonus, the part of the building where the rooftop solar is installed remains cool even in hot weather conditions.

 

2. Inverters get hot, catch fire and burn down houses

Yes, inverters could catch fire. However, such incidence is rare as solar experts ensure they install the right type of inverter which could withstand, deliver and function properly. 

Not all inverters are created equally. There are different varieties of inverters. It is, therefore, the duty of your solar installer to source the best inverter for your home or business place.

Are you having issues locating a trusted solar expert?

Contact us to help.

 

3. Solar panels do not work in cloudy weather condition

Many believe that solar panels do not work in cloudy weather and that is not true. Solar panels do work even on cloudy days. The only hindrance is that they do not perform well on cloudy days as compared to sunny days.

One thing you should know is that solar does not need heat to generate electricity. All it needs is light from the sun. So, even on cloudy days, your solar panel is estimated to generate about 10-25%of its normal power output.

 

4.Solar is expensive

While this is true, it is also exciting that you know how the price of solar power is rapidly decreasing. Solar panels are cheaper now when compared to when they were first invented.

The price of solar power has rapidly decreased over the years. One more thing to know, with the installation of solar panels, you get to save money and this is a high return on investment.

 

5.Solar panels do not work at night

The essence of installing a battery is to make electricity available to you when needed even at night. The batteries effectively harness energy from the sun during the day to be used at night to power your devices. So, you do not need to fear.

6. Maintenance is not feasible

Maintaining your solar panels and batteries is now an easy thing to do which is less stressful and impactful.

All you need to do is contact your solar installer and discuss how often the panels and batteries should be maintained. It could be twice or thrice a year depending on you and your installer.

 

How we can help

We are a solar energy expert with over a decade of experience in the industry.

Deciding to go solar is of tremendous benefit. We are here to guide you through every stage. Contact us here.

 

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Solar Power

7 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GOING SOLAR

One shocking statistic about going solar is this; in 2018, the United States had 64.2 GW of installed solar, enough to power 12.3 million American homes.

Amazing right?

Yeah I know. That is because the sun produces enough energy every second to cover the needs of the earth for 500,000 years. The sun is that powerful and for this reason, a lot of people are excited about going solar. Going solar is one huge decision to make that can tremendously change your life home and environment forever.

The benefits of solar energy are numerous and as such, it is advisable to go solar. While this may seem like a good decision to make, there are certain things that you must consider before you go solar. Read carefully before making that decision.

Things to consider before going solar

1. Roof assessment

One of the first things you should consider before going solar is your roof. You need to assess the quality of your roof to ensure that it is facing a direction where the panels can get enough sunlight. Do not choose an area surrounded by shades as the panel will not produce at maximum efficiency under a shade. Also, the roof assessment will be assessed to ensure that it can withstand the weight of the solar panels.

2. Trusted experts

Before going solar, you should consider how and where you can find a trusted solar expert. Finding a reliable and trustworthy expert can be a daunting task but we at AWPS can make that easy for you. We are a solar company that focuses on catering to the solar needs of Nigerians. You can trust us to make your solar journey easy. Contact us here.

3. Cost

Financial analysis of the decision to go solar is one thing to be considered. The cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel varies.  See our catalog to get an idea of the cost.

  

4. Source of electricity

You will need to decide your source of electricity. Would you still want to be connected to the grid or would you want to depend solely on your solar panels? That is a choice you need to make.

 

5. Lease or purchase

Would you want to purchase a solar panel for yourself or would you want to lease one for a specific period? That is one thing to consider before going solar.

 

6. Batteries

You may consider adding a solar battery to your installation. A solar battery stores charges from your solar panel and makes it available for use when needed. Solar batteries will be of good importance if you want to depend solely on your solar panels and if you also intend to run your appliances even during a power failure.

 

7. Maintenance

How often would you be willing to run a maintenance routine on your solar panels? Twice or Thrice a year? This is also an important aspect to put into consideration. Maintaining your solar panels and batteries is a must-do as it can enhance the efficiency of your system and you need to consider how often you want it done.

Final thought

Going solar is a huge decision to make and as such, adequate attention and consideration need to be made.

Having doubts about going solar?

Reach out to us and we would schedule a call with you.

 

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Solar Energy News

Benefits of installing rooftop solar panels

A rooftop solar panel refers to solar panels that are installed on the roof of buildings. You probably must-have seen them in many buildings and wondered why people did bother installing the solar panels on the rooftop rather than choosing another location.

There are tremendous benefits of installing rooftop solar panels. Here are few reasons why rooftop solar panel installation is preferable.

Benefits of installing rooftop solar panels

1. Direct sun

Solar panels generate electricity by the direct action of sunlight on the photovoltaic cells contained in each solar panel.

 

When solar panels are installed on your roof, direct sunlight strikes the panels and generates electricity.

Another advantage is that there is rarely any obstruction to the action of the sun on your solar panels when they are installed on rooftops.

 

2. Space and convenience

The installation of solar panels on the rooftop created more space in the compound. Rooftop solar panels make room for convincing and allow easy navigation to different areas in the compounds.

 

3. Utilization of vacant roof

The installation of solar panels on the roof helps you utilize your vacant roof.

 

4. Low maintenance

Solar panels are easy to maintain and the installation of solar panels on the roof even makes it easier to maintain as raindrops tend to wash off first which could block or hinder the efficacy of your solar panels. Quick installation

Solar panels are quick to install and are of good benefits in the long run.

 

5. No noise, zero emissions

Rooftop solar panels make no noise whatsoever when generating electricity. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that can be effectively tackled by the use of solar panels.

 

Other hazardous emissions released from the combustion of fossil fuel are drastically reduced by the installation of solar panels.

Giving us a stable and healthy environment.

 

7. Climatic changes

Rooftop solar panels and solar panels, in general, produce no greenhouse gases. If the use of solar panels is implemented widely, they can help reduce the effect of climatic change and give us all an eco-friendly environment which would greatly impact our health.

 

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Solar Power Solar Projects

Energy Saving Tips: How to Conserve Energy at Home

Conservation of energy is an essential and ideal thing to do if you want to get the best out of your utility bills most especially if you use a prepaid meter.

To conserve energy, you need to cut down the amount of energy consumed in your home. While this may sound like hard stuff to do, it is quite simple and easy to do if you follow the tips outlined and explained below 

 

Keep in mind that these tips will work for your home, office, and any other place where you need to conserve energy. So, let’s dive in.

 

9 sure-fire energy saving tips

1. Use LED bulbs

One way to conserve energy and get the best out of your payment is to replace all standard bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs.

Standard bulbs consume a whole lot of electric current than the LED bulbs. Although quite expensive when compared to standard bulbs, LED bulbs are energy-efficient are a better choice in the long run.

2. Use a fan when possible

Continuous use of air conditioners also contributes to the high electricity bills you pay. Air conditioners consume a lot of energy and therefore are not ideal to use always.

A fan always comes as a perfect substitute for the use of an air conditioner. The fan helps conserve energy which is just what you want to do.

3. Purchase energy-efficient appliances

As with the bulbs, it is of high importance that you purchase only energy-efficient appliances. When purchasing appliances such as iron-dishwasher er, washing machine,e, and other appliances, ensure you go for energy-conserving ones.

They are proven to be energy efficient although they are quite expensive when compared to others and they are a good return on investment for you since they conserve energy and save you the stress of high electricity bills.

 

4. Poor connection/electrical issues

The poor connection could be one reason for energy loss in the home. To conserve more energy, you need to contact an electrician to run a check on all writing connections and repair all electrical issues.

 

5. Turn off all appliances when not in use bet you didn’t know how much energy has been consumed by the appliances you left, on the whole, going out. Or did you know?

Well, if you did Kudos to you and if you didn’t know, there’s how it works.

Leaving your appliance on when not in use contributes to the vast amount of energy consumed by you. So, the next time you aren’t making use of an appliance, do turn it off.

 

Even something as minor as your phone’s charger ought to be the end off when not in use as this enables you to conserve more energy.

6. Shut all windows and doors when using an air conditioner

When using an air conditioner, do ensure to shut all windows and doors to conserve energy and get the best out of the power consumed by the air conditioner.

7. Home audit

Once in a while, conduct an audit on your home energy. A home audit gives you insight into the best ways to improve the energy efficiency and quality of your home.

 

8. Watt rating

Perform an exact rating on all your appliances to ascertain which one consumes so much energy and map out strategies to replace high energy consuming appliances with low energy consuming ones.

9. Go solar

One way to reduce the amount you spend on electricity is to get the most out of the free energy made available by the sun.

Install a solar panel and save yourself the stress of high electricity bills. There are many benefits of installing a solar panel.

Installing a solar panel gives you an edge over others as you become independent of the utility company.

To find out more about solar panel installation, contact us here.

 

Final thought

Conserving energy is an ideal thing to do. As above, you can follow those tips to conserve energy.

I would love to hear from you, what other ways do you conserve energy at home.

Categories
Solar Energy News

Benefits of buying a house with solar panels in Nigeria

Solar power has always been a good investment to make. Are you considering purchasing a new home and you are in between deciding on purchasing one with solar panels and one without solar panels?

 

A personal opinion would be to purchase that with solar panels. However, I wouldn’t want you to take my words for it. I would want you to explore further and acknowledge the benefit of having a home with solar panels.

Solar panels could save you the hefty bills you pay for electricity and apart from that, you get more and more out of the investment.

Over the last few years, solar panels have been installed in more houses than before. In U.S alone more than 12.3 million Americans installed solar panels in their home in 2018. That shows how beneficial solar-powered houses are. 

You may also read: Benefits of solar energy

Here are some reasons you should purchase a house with solar panels.

5 Solid Reasons You Should Purchase a House With Solar Panels

1. Generate your sustainable energy

Purchasing a house with already installed solar panels gives you the ability to generate sustainable energy. You become independent of a utility company and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels which is great for you.

In Nigeria, there is heavy dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are used in powerhouses and they increase the carbon emission in the environment. If you purchase a house with solar panels, you are sure to be generating your sustainable energy which leaves no noise pollution or carbon emission on the environment.

2. Constant electricity

On a sunny day, you are sure to get the most out of the sun’s free energy which can also be stored for use on a cloudy day if you have solar panels already installed in your home. 

With good batteries added to the installation, you are sure to enjoy constant electricity which NEPA (or any other utility company) cannot give you. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night and doing all you want to do with electricity all because you have a home that is powered by the sun.

That’s one advantage of buying a house with solar panels.

3. Save money

An average home in Nigeria spends nothing less than #10,000 on electricity bills per month and this doesn’t include the money spent on generator bills too.

Let’s do little calculations for the money spent on running a generator.

Taking that the price of petro is #150/liter and diesel is #190/liter. You use a generator which operates using petrol and you buy a minimum of 3 liters a day.

That alone sums up to #450/day, #3,150/week, #13,500/month and #164,250/year.

Looking at that of diesel using a minimum of 3liters daily gives #570/day, #3,990/week, #17,100/month, and #208,050 / year.

This a just a rough estimate of how much you spend in running a generator every day.

Investing in purchasing a house with solar panels is worth the money.

4. Little maintenance

Unlike the generator used in powering most homes in Nigeria, solar panels are easier to maintain. A typical generator will require monthly or bimonthly maintenance which could be expensive most times.

For solar panels, maintenance occurs 2-4 times a year and it is relatively cheap depending on the company.

5. Improved home value

If you are looking for a good investment to make, then you should purchase a house with solar panels. Homes with solar panels are valuable in the market right now. They are considered an asset that can be sold for a much higher price than was purchased at a much faster rate.

Final thoughts

Before purchasing a house with solar panels, you should find out about the size of the panels and how much electricity it generates. Smaller solar panels produce a small electric current which may not be enough to successfully power your home appliances.

 

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Solar Energy News

7 solar tips that can save you money when you know them

Solar power is the conversion of energy derived from the sun(solar energy) into electricity. This electricity derived from the sun can be used in powering your appliances at the home, office, farm, or any other place the installation was made.

 

One thing you should keep in mind is that the sun offers this free energy to you daily.

So, as long as there is sunlight, there will be solar energy.

An amazing fact about solar energy is that energy released to the earth by the sun in one hour can be utilized by everyone in the world in one year.

This means that there is an abundance of solar energy released hourly. This energy is of huge impact on the earth as it can transform the earth greatly.

Benefits of going solar

Here are some crucial benefits of going solar

  1. Installing solar in your home aids in improving your home value.
  2. It makes you independent of the utility company as you get to produce your own electricity using the right components.
  3. Going solar helps save the planet as you get to contribute to the reduction of carbon emission.
  4. It helps improve your health 
  5. Reduction in noise pollution and other kinds of pollution is another benefit of going solar.

While installing a solar energy system at home, your farm, office, or any other place you desire is a nice investment and an economical change to make, it is also necessary that you know solar tips that can help you get the most out of your investment and save you money.

Rather than spending money always, these tips will help you have more money and get the best out of your investment.

Solar tips you should know

1. Know how it works

The first thing you should know is the step-by-step basic process of how solar energy works. This is crucial because when you get to know more about a particular thing, you get to appreciate it more.

And hey,  you do not need to know much about the technical jargon or the whole electrical phrases and application.

All you need to know is the basic process of how your solar energy system works.

2. Heavy appliances during the day

 

During a sunny day, there is a release of so much free energy from the sun. One way to utilize this free energy is to use your heavy appliances during the day as the energy is being released.

This enables you to get the most out of your solar energy system. So, heavy appliances such as a heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and others should be used during the day.

3. Add a battery

The major duty of the solar battery is to store energy for use. Solar energy isn’t produced at night but adding a battery to your installation would make electricity available to you always even at night hereby preventing blackout.

4. Switch to energy-efficient appliances

One way to make your power last longer and save you money is to switch from using energy consulting devices to using energy-efficient appliances.

For example, instead of using the yellow bulb which could consume 40, 60, 80, or 100 watts, consider switching to an LED bulb which is more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run.

5. Clean your panels

 

Dirty panels can cause a decline in the performance of your panels and the system as a whole. Solar blockers such as dust, leaves, water, sand, ice, bird dropping, and others can limit the functioning of your solar panels.

To maintain your solar panels, you should clean your panels regularly at least 2-4 times a year.

6. Avoid shade

Solar panels do not function effectively under a shade. To get the most out of your panels, you should keep them away from shade and install them in a place where direct sunlight can do justice to them.

7. Maintain your batteries

 

You should get to find out the type of solar battery that was installed for you and know the routine maintenance of such a battery.

Your batteries just like any other appliance purchased are prone to damage if you do not handle it the right way.

Therefore, you must learn how to maintain your batteries or you can contact your installer to conduct routine maintenance for you.

Categories
Solar Energy News Solar Power

How to maintain and care for your solar battery

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are one of the major components of your solar power system. The battery functions as the storage tank for the electrical current trapped by the solar panels.

One advantage is having a battery is that it holds the electrical current and makes it ready for use whenever you need it. That is, with your battery, you can have electricity power your appliances any time, any day, any weather as long as it is charged.

As a major component of your solar power system installations, you must take adequate care of your batteries. Batteries like any other appliance are prone to damage if not handled the right and suitable way.

Types of solar batteries

There are different types of solar batteries and they all have their distinct features. They include: 

1. Lead-acid batteries

These are one of the longest-used batteries in the solar world. The two main types of lead-acid batteries are

  • Sealed lead-acid batteries and
  • Flooded lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are cost-effective, reliable, and can be disposed of easily. They require to be kept in a well-ventilated room and they have a short life span.

2. Lithium-ion batteries

This is one of the most widely used solar batteries in the world today. They require little to no regular maintenance, can hold more energy, and have a long life span. They are equally expensive and highly inflatable.

3. Nickel-cadmium batteries

They are mostly used in the aircraft industry. They are durable, maintenance-free, and can be operated at extreme temperatures. They are highly toxic too.

4. Flow batteries

 

Care of Flooded lead-acid batteries

Your flooded lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance(once in 2-4weeks). To care for these batteries, you should check your electrolyte level and refill when low.

Ensure you equalize your battery charges every 30-90 days. Battery cable connections should be right and terminal connections neat. 

How to check the electrolyte fluid level

The flooded lead-acid batteries are liable to this kind of maintenance routine. To check the fluid level, you need to open the battery cap and have a look inside to gauge the fluid level.

If low, distilled water should be added to top the electrolyte level. For most batteries, there is a fill line indicating the expected electrolyte level. All you have to do is fill it up to that level with distilled water.

How to clean your battery

When using the flooded lead-acid batteries, spillage of acid may occur. When this occurs, it needs to be cleaned. 

To clean your batteries, get a mixture of baking soda and distilled water. Using a clean brush, apply the mixture and brush the spillage to neutralize it.

 

Care of sealed lead-acid batteries

Sealed lead-acid batteries require less maintenance. Ensure battery terminals are tight. Clean any dust collected by the batteries.

Care of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries require the least maintenance. After installation, you need to occasionally check the state of charge to ensure they are holding a charge properly. 

This shouldn’t be a problem as your installer can walk you through the process. Ensure to check the cables and terminals for proper tightening.

How to safely replace your solar batteries

 

When batteries aren’t properly maintained, their life span may get short. In such cases, it is necessary to replace batteries with new ones.

Avoid mixing old and new batteries. For safe replacement, ensure you contact your solar energy company.

 

Tips for extending battery life

  • Use only distilled water as an electrolyte.
  • Ensure you charge your batteries properly.
  • More batteries equal more connections  So, endeavor you limit the number of batteries used.
  • Never leave your battery uncharged.
  • Equalize your battery often
  • Clean when spillage or dust collection occurs

 

AWPS renewable is one of the leading solar companies in Nigeria. We are dedicated and passionate about what we do. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to guide you as you go solar.

For more information contact us here.

You may also like how solar energy works

How to maintain your solar panels

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Solar Energy News

How To Maintain Your Solar Panels

A lot of questions have popped up in time past about the cleaning of solar panels. While that is something to address, others are quite skeptical about the frequency of cleaning solar panels.

A perfect scenario is this, do you purchase an appliance without properly and frequently caring for it or maintaining it? 

The answer is probably a “NO”.

You see, solar panels just like any other appliance purchased by you need to be cared for and maintained. Maintenance makes it last longer and makes it more efficient.

Why should I clean my solar panels?

Your solar panels need to be cleaned regularly at least 2 – 4 times a year. Dirty solar panels cause about a 20% decline in the performance of your panels.

Solar panels take energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. To get the optimal performance of your solar power system, your panel needs to be clean enough to trap energy from the sun.

Common Solar Blockers

While your solar panels may be kept on the rooftop or ground level, some elements can hinder the proper functioning of your solar panels.

These elements block sunlight from hitting your solar panels and the amount of solar energy trapped by the panels becomes insufficient to power your appliance. Solar blockers include dust, leaves, water, bird droppings, snow, and dirt in general.

How to Clean Your Solar Panels

There are two ways to clean your solar panels. A. Do it yourself. B.Contact your solar energy company

1. Do it yourself

To clean your solar panels yourself, you will need something to clean it and water. Here are the steps to take.

  • First, you need to get on the roof of your house.
  • Apply water to the dirty panels and use your mop to clean till it is neat.

While this may look easy, it is not always a safe step to take.

2. Contact your solar energy company

A safe measure to take in cleaning your solar panel is to contact your solar energy company.

One reason you should do this is that they are professional and they would know how to render professional and safe services.

If you contact your solar company and discover that they do not render panel cleaning services, request they recommend a professional to handle your cleaning job.

Solar Panel Maintenance Tips

1. Never use an abrasive sponge or soap on your solar panel.

Do not clean your solar panel with an abrasive sponge as this can lead to a scratch on the panel.

When cleaning your panel, use water and a non-abrasive sponge.

2. Do not use harsh materials such as sandpaper, hard brushes, etc to clean your panels. Harsh materials can leave a crack on your solar panel and it isn’t an ideal condition for your panel.

3. Be safe on the roof

If you attempt to do your solar panel cleaning yourself, always be careful to ensure you do not trip off, injure yourself or crack your roof.

4. Look out for dirt. Always look out for the common solar blockers as mentioned earlier.

5.Keep your solar panels out of the shade. This is to ensure you get sufficient energy from the sun.

6. Clean periodically.

You should clean your solar panels at least 2-4 times a year. This enables the smooth working of your solar power system.

7. If damaged, call your solar power company.

Categories
Solar Energy News Solar Power Solar Projects

A Step by Step Process on How Solar Energy Works

How Does Solar Energy work?

You probably must have seen those huge panels on the roof of many houses and have asked yourself “oh man how does this thing work?”. 

Well, I will walk you through the process of this solar energy works. Firstly, you should know that solar energy is the most abundant type of energy in the world today and it is gotten from the sun.

That means the sun generates energy which is converted into electricity and used to power your home, office, farm, or wherever you need your installation to be made.

You can also read solar power for beginners

Solar power is of tremendous benefit to you. Once the installation is made, here are some benefits you would get

  • It improves your home value.
  • Solar makes you independent of the utility company.
  • You contribute to saving the planet by installing solar panels.
  • You have money too.

Component of solar

The solar panels installed on the roof are just one of the components that helps in utilizing the free energy generated by the sun. The components include

  • Solar panels

  • Inverter

Solar inverter

  • Battery

Solar Batteries

How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?

 

1. Absorption

Each solar panel possesses solar cells which can also be called photovoltaic cells. These cells are responsible for absorbing light from the sun. The panels are connected in a series for maximum effect.

2. Electric current

When solar energy strikes the photovoltaic cells in the solar panel, it energizes it and this results in electrons getting loose from atoms. The loose electrons now are put in motion which further creates an electric current.

3. Storage

The electric current generated is stored in your battery.

4. Conversion

The current generated from the sun is a Direct Current (DC) and it is stored as such in your battery. For use in the home or any other place where the installation was made, the Direct Current needs to be converted to an Alternating Current (AC). 

That’s where the inverter comes in.

The inverter converts DC to AC.

5. Ready to use

The converted electricity is ready to use in powering your appliances.

 

A Simple Illustration on How Solar Works

Let’s look at a simpler illustration of how solar energy works. For this illustration,

 

  • The sun is likened to be fuel
  • The solar panel is likened to be a gas pump.
  • The battery is the tank and
  • The inverter is the engine.

Full connection

Here’s how it works

The sun(fuel) hits your panels(gas pump) through a chemical process and the panels turn solar energy into Direct Current (DC).

Your panel determines how much current can be stored in your battery(tank). The bigger your panels, the more energy you get from the sun to store in your battery and the longer you can run your inverter (engine).

The energy stored in the battery is a Direct Current (DC). For it to be used in powering your appliances, it needs to be converted to an Alternating Current (AC) by an Inverter.

The inverter converts the current and sends it to your devices for use.

Final thoughts

Now you know how the sun can power your home and minimize cost.

Interested in installing solar panels for your home, farm, office,e or any other place?

Explore our solar products or contact us

Categories
Solar Energy News Solar Power Solar Projects

Solar Power For Beginners

 

 

Solar energy is the most abundant type of energy in the world. It is the energy gotten from the sun. The sun helps us in different ways. For example, it dries our clothes, dries grains, keeps the temperature of the Earth balanced, and many other benefits.

As a beginner, this article will walk you through solar power and frequently asked questions about solar energy.

What is solar power?

Solar power is the conversion of solar energy which is derived from the sun to electricity. It gives you the ability to tap into the resources hidden in the sun. Instead of powering your home, farm, office, and other stations of yours with a generator or the grid, you can power them using the energy from the sun.

The sun which is 14.24million kilometers away from the Earth can release more energy on the Earth in one hour than can be used by everyone in the world in one year.

What does solar power involve?

To effectively enjoy the free energy distributed by the sun, there are some basic components you need to set up. They include:

  • Solar panels: solar panels can be likened to a fuel pump. It captures energy from the sun and stores it in a battery.
  • Batteries: The batteries are likened to a fuel tank that receives fuel from the pump. Energy is stored as direct current (DC) form in the batteries and when needed, it is converted from direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC) by an inverter converter, and electricity is supplied to your home, farm, office, or wherever your installation was made.

How long has solar been around?

Solar has been around for a very long time as the concept of photovoltaic was discovered far back as 1800’s. The first commercial application of photovoltaics was called solar batteries and was used in 1955 by Bell labs. They were used mainly in remote areas to power telephone switches.

Do solar panels generate electricity when it rains?

Yes, they do.

All the panel needs is a little bit of light. Somewhere about 6:30 am is bright enough to produce electricity from your patterns to charge your panels.

One thing you should keep in mind is this, during rainy days, you may not produce maximum electricity. Getting more solar panels can remedy this situation. However, it is expensive so the best you can do during rainy days is to turn off all appliances and let the sun charge your batteries or you use a generator to recharge your batteries.

Can I power my refrigerator with solar?

Yes, you can. A system of about one and a half kilowatt can power your refrigerator, freezer, lights, television, and fans without any problem.

Can solar power an air conditioner?

Yes, solar power can power an air conditioner. Although, it isn’t advisable to run an air conditioner when you have a limited solar budget because it requires more storage (more solar panels and batteries) which can be expensive.

Is the power gotten from the sun as strong as the power that comes from the grid?

Yes, it is.

The power produced is a pure sine wave which is similar to the energy produced by a good quality grid. This doesn’t allow you to get the noise you normally receive from the grid due to poor transformers or cheap generators. It also produces a constant voltage which makes your appliances happy and makes you feel comfortable.

What kind of batteries does AWPS use?

At AWPS, we use lithium ion batteries only. They can be discharged to 90% and will last for 10 years or more. They are backed by a 10 year warranty

Solar is quite expensive. Why should I buy?

Of course, solar is expensive. 

Some reasons you should consider buying solar is this

  1. It saves you from noise.
  2. When you consider the money spent on fuel, (it is quite outrageous). Solar saves you from this expense.
  3. Solar reduces noise and environmental pollution
  4. Health-related hazards that are caused by exposure to fumes are minimized.
  5. Solar saves you from poor practices that can lead to permanent disability.
  6. Maintaining a generator is expensive which isn’t the same as solar. When you install solar, you pay once, and you are covered for a long period.

Yo‏u may also like benefits of solar panel installation for your home.

Solar or inverter?

An inverter is an uninterrupted power supply. It is charged by the grid or your generator. The grid and the generator are expensive

At AWPS, our systems are designed to be a permanent backup. The circuit board of the systems are thicker, they possess cooling fans so they can run for a longer period.

Solar requires no generator unless you purchase a minimal system or run days of cloudy weather. Our system charges using solar, generator, or grid power supply.

 

There you have it, a beginner’s guide to solar power. Have you got questions about solar power?

 

 

Do well to drop them in the comment section.