Tag: Solar power

Categories
Plumbing

How does a solar hot water system work?

Solar hot water systems are environmentally friendly and reduce home energy costs.  These systems use the heat of the sun to warm your water, but the exact mechanisms vary.

Roof-mounted systems place large solar collectors on the roof, usually facing north, also known as a themosiphon system. Water held within the collectors is heated and then collected in a tank that can be installed on the roof or at ground level. Hot water rises to the top of the tank where the outlet valve waits. As water cools, it drifts to the bottom of the tank and is recycled through the collector to be warmed again. These types of systems will need to be installed by a professional who can check your roof to make sure it’s reinforced enough to carry the load.

Split systems use solar collectors on the roof and a tank on the ground. A pump moves water between the two locations. In this system, only the panels are installed on the roof, but the actual tank is mounted on the ground. Since the system is separated in this way, it’s unable to circulate the water adequately, so you will need to purchase an electric pump.

Both systems heat water using the suns rays.

When selecting a solar hot water system, consider your water usage in the kitchen and bathroom / Source: Buildtech homes

Why use solar hot water systems?

Solar hot water is more energy efficient than electric heating options. It uses fewer fossil fuels and has a lower carbon footprint. Some even come with solar cells to power the pumps so that these units are carbon-neutral in operation. However, many are made of materials that are anything but carbon neutral, so examine all claims objectively. In addition, the use of free solar energy makes a big dent in monthly energy bills, so most systems pay for themselves fairly rapidly.

Will shade impact my system?

A solar hot water system should be placed in full sun during the day. If you don’t have a shade-free location large enough for an appropriately sized solar collector, solar hot water heating may not be the answer for you. Most systems use a booster with gas or electric capabilities to help your system work at night or on cloudy days. If you do choose to go solar, your booster will simply power on more often.

How often will I run out of hot water?

The same booster that helps your system work in cloudy or shady conditions protects you from the nuisance of running out of hot water. Most boosters can be turned on manually, which means you’ll have to wait for your hot water. Others are set to turn on any time the water drops below a certain temperature. The latter option gives you less control over your bills but provides added convenience.

How to select the right size for the system

Make sure you get the size you need for your house. Consider how much water you use every day, keeping in mind that the typical person uses about 50 litres each day. If you think you use more than the average, whether for showers or washing clothes, look for a system that holds at least 300 litres in the tank. If you live alone or use less water than most people, a smaller tank may be adequate and more affordable.

Installing your hot water system

Once you purchase one that is the right size, the next step is to put it in the right location. Generally, a technician will help you with this process. The goal is to ensure that you are getting as much exposure to the sun as possible. North facing parts of your home’s roof tend to be the best. It may be necessary to make changes to this based on the structure of your home’s roof. You do not want anything overhead that will block the sunlight from hitting the solar panels.

One of the things to consider about your solar hot water system is the insulation you are using. To ensure that you get the most out of this heated water, make sure you do not lose heat. Insulating the storage tank and the pipes leading from it to the taps can help accomplish this. Be sure to choose materials that are acceptable according to the manufacturer.

Maintaining your solar hot water system

Once you have it in place, you need to maintain it. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for doing this. Generally, you will need to ensure that the solar panels remain dust free. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when it comes to replacing the sacrificial anode. In most cases, the extent of cleaning these involves nothing more than a soft brush and water to remove debris.

Solar hot water systems can help reduce home energy bills / Source: Ryza Homes

Installing in an apartment

Solar hot water options for apartments

Though most people living in apartments assume they have to deal with the high cost of traditional water heaters, there are some options to consider. If you live in a building block of units, try installing an individual storage tank, which is connected to a central collector located on the roof. It heats the water that gets sent to each apartment. This commercial system uses a pump to ensure water is circulating continuously. If you live in a villa or townhouse and have some money to spend, consider an individual solar hotel water system, though its important to keep in mind they can be difficult to install.

Apartment heat pumps

Some people who live in apartments wont be able to access solar hot water systems in a traditional sense. Thats when you should consider a heat pump, which uses a quarter of the energy of regular electric hot water systems. They take the heat from the surrounding air to heat the water you’ll use in your apartment.

Getting approval for solar hot water

Installing a solar hot water heater in an apartment building requires the approval of the corporate body. Hopefully they say yes and you can begin the steps to instal it. But they may find it impractical or too expensive to consider installing solar hot water heaters for all the apartments to use.

Plan your approach in advance when talking to the body corporate if you believe solar water systems are beneficial. Detail a list of advantages, such as the savings to owners as well as its limited impact on aesthetics. You’ll also want to include information estimating the total cost of installation. The more information you have, the more likely you are of succeeding in your goal.

Contact local plumbers

Choose the right installation professional

Once you have an idea of what you will pay for the process, ask a few questions before you hire an expert to install your solar hot water system. For example, find out if the professional you are considering can help you get any rebates. Rebates can add up to thousands of pounds, so it makes sense to make obtaining them as easy and fast as possible.

Get price estimates from at least a few companies before you make a decision. Of course, you should also make sure the professional you choose has installed plenty of systems like yours. In addition, find out if he or she provides a warranty on installation in case there is a problem with it in the future. Many experts in this field not only install solar hot water systems but also sell a wide variety of them, so they can help you choose the right one for your home.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

How does solar power work?

The sun provides us with an abundance of energy each day, its powerful rays offering an energy solution that keeps high energy bills at bay and minimises the need for damaging fossil fuels. Solar energy is a renewable and powerful source of power, producing more energy in an hour than what is used across the world in a year. By harnessing the sun’s thermal energy and with the right power system, solar panels can generate enough energy to sustain a household’s electricity usage.

How does solar power work?

Solar power systems are comprised of panels, inverters, switch boards, electricity meters and in some instances, a power grid. When a grid is connected to a solar power system, it draws energy from an inverter to power household appliances and any leftover electricity is fed back into the grid. Stand alone power systems are disconnected from a public grid and rely on a battery to store surplus energy to supply electricity during overcast days or overnight use.

Solar power is a green, sustainable and cost-effect source of energy / Source: M Bec Electrical

Stand alone systems with batteries aren’t as common as grid systems for homes but with improving battery technology and cheaper production, batteries are becoming more popular. The appropriate size and capacity of a battery will depend on the amount of power your household spends during the night.

The number of panels you require to power your home will depend on the number of people residing and the frequency of use. Usually, a medium sized home for 2-3 people will require a 3kw system whereas a large home for four or more people will require a 5kw installation to power a fridge, 20 or more halogen lights, multiple air conditioners and approximately five or more loads of washing a week.

What are the difference between an off-grid system & a grid connection?

The difference between the two systems is that an off-grid system is not connected to the community’s main power supply and stores its excess electricity in batteries. A grid-connected solar PV system is connected to the community’s main electricity grid, and the excess electricity is sent into the community grid.

Solar power inverters

A solar power inverter works very much the same way as a travel plug. It converts the electricity from solar panels into electricity that can be used in the home. Electricity used by the solar panels are DC power, and the solar power inverter converts it to AC power, which is usable in your home.

There are many different forms of solar power inverters, and each has advantages. Here are just a few of the many types of inverters available for purchase:

Standalone: convert the DC electricity that is harvested from a battery to AC electricity. Solar panel inverters are used for many home sizes, so they come in a range of different sizes and powers. You can find standalone inverters to run small objects, which put out as little as 100W, and some can run quite large appliances, with an output of 8000W. To determine which size inverter you need, you have to do a quick calculation of the AC load that each of your electric appliances uses currently.

Sychroneous inverters: These inverters harvest energy from your appliances and stores it in a battery. The way this process works is that any excess power you don’t use gets allocated to the main grid. However, if you’re using more than your store, the inverter provides you with the excess electricity you need from the grid. The good thing about this kind of inverter is that it works as a generator in power-outage situations.

Multifunction: Multifunctional inverters are the most expensive ones, but they work as synchronous and standalone converters together, which gives you all the benefits of the above in one single inverter.

Modified sinewave inverters: If your solar power system lacks electric motors, a modified sine wave converter would be an affordable choice for you. The only downside is that they do create a buzzing sound as long as they’re running.

True sinewave inverters: These work very much in the same way as the sinewave inverters. However, they are a little bit more dear since they are compatible with more devices and they’re relatively quiet to run.

Source: Oracle Carpentry/Roofing Sydney

What’s a solar booster?

 Solar panels must be used with a solar inverter to transfer the DC energy to AC energy, and a booster works to rev up this process, especially in times where there isn’t much sunshine.

If you have a television that has very poor reception, you were probably told to purchase a higher powered antenna or a signal booster. The higher powered antenna or booster would give you more coverage, more channels and a clearer picture. The solar booster sort of works in the same way for your solar panels.

Benefits of using a solar booster

Solar panels often give you their best during clear sunny days. However, on days when it is exceptionally cloudy or dark, you may not get the best use out of them. This may cause you to time your hot showers or electricity use. A solar booster helps to increase your solar panel’s uptake of energy by up to 30%. This helps reduce your energy costs even more.

Besides the obvious benefits of being able to use your electricity and gas for longer, a solar booster can be connected to an off peak electricity or gas source to help you save even more money. Living in areas that are prone to cloudiness, long hours of darkness or extreme shade, makes it harder for your solar panels to work for you. Solar boosters can help them work as they normally would in a sunny area. They won’t give too much optimisation in these areas, but it will help the existing panels run more efficiently.

Installing a solar booster

Although solar boosters are available for purchase at many of the places that carry solar panels, installing them may be a bit difficult. It’s best to have a professional instal the solar booster for you. A professional will make sure that you’re getting the most out of your booster.

Contact local solar panel experts

Solar glossary of terms

How solar savvy are you? If you can’t describe a photovoltaic panel and you’re not sure what a grid is, this glossary of solar panel terms is for you. Here is a basic summary of basic solar power definitions:

Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electrical current that intermittently alters directional course, typically at a rate of 60 times every second.

Amorphous Thin Film is a photovoltaic, silicon-based film, mixed with other substances that is used to cover solar panels.

Charge Controller is a device that controls the amount of power that is sent from the solar panel to the battery tank to prevent overcharging.

Direct Current (DC) differs from an alternating current in that it travels in only one direction.

Feed-in Tariffs are rebate fees that your electric company pays to you when your solar power system feeds energy back into the grid. This fee is higher than the retail rate usually charged for electricity.

Grid Connect Solar Power is a solar power system that connects to the utility company’s grid. Any excess electricity generated by your solar power system is fed to the utility company’s grid.

Monocrystalline is a material, containing one crystal, that is used for semiconductors.

A Mounting System mounts and securely holds photovoltaic panels to the roof of your house.

Off-Grid Solar Power is solar-generated power that isn’t connected to the utility company’s grid and is instead stored in special containers and batteries.

Passive Solar Heating is a method of harnessing solar power to heat living spaces. Examples include storing solar heat and installing glass at the northern points of a house to bring in maximum light.

Photovoltaics is the method of converting light into electricity by using light-converting (photovoltaic) panels, modules or cells.

Polycrystalline is a material used for semiconductors that is made of tiny crystals.

Renewable Energy Credit Scheme (RECs) is a plan that offers cash back for regenerated electricity. According to current standards, a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) stands for a single megawatt hour. These certificates operate through solar power or hot water systems and can help offset the expense of installing them. The quantity of RECs generated by your solar power system depends upon its size.

Shunt Adapter is an adapter that allows you to attach a shunt to a solar regulator, which you can use to precisely record and calculate high-level currents (such as those more than 20 amps).

Solar Inverter is a device that converts a direct current into an alternating current, which is then used in either grid-connected or off-grid systems.

Solar Regulator is another name for a charge controller.

Solar Site Analysis is an analytical tool that provides information about solar shading and helps you identify the best locations for solar power systems.

Solar System Monitoring is the practice of monitoring a solar power system to determine its efficiency. Ammeters and voltmeters are commonly-used analytical tools, and there are also other devices that are designed to measure solar power input and output.

Volt is the unit of force that is necessary to propel an amp of electricity through a resistor measuring 1 Ohm.

Watt is a power unit that is the equivalent of one single joule each second.

Categories
Building & renovations

Top features of an eco-friendly home design

Right now, people are trying to design their homes as eco-friendly as possible. Not only does it help reduce your impact on the planet, but it also can help save your household money in the long run. So, if you’re moving into a new home or you’ve decided to renovate, it’s the perfect time to consider going green. Here, we’ll take you through the main features you can add to make your home eco friendly.

Why build an eco-friendly, sustainable home?

It’s more cost effective and easier to build an eco-friendly home costs a than renovating an existing one. However, there are still many changes and updates you can do to make an existing home more sustainable. Benefits of an eco-friendly home include:

  • Lower utility bills.
  • Your lifestyle actually contributes to make the environment better, helping to minimise the production of greenhouse gasses and carbon dioxide in your home.
  • Better flow of air around your home
  • Low maintenance home

Features of an eco-friendly home

Bamboo flooring

Wood is one of the most popular flooring materials in modern homes. However, the problem with wood, at least as far as flooring goes, is that it isn’t a particularly renewable material. It takes years and years for new forests to grow, and deforestation is a key issue facing our planet today. On the other hand, bamboo grows pretty quickly and makes a great flooring material as well. Therefore, instead of going for traditional wood flooring, going for bamboo is a great move if you want to design your home in an eco-friendly fashion. You can also consider using bamboo for your cabinets and countertops.

Use recycled or sustainable materials

Most of us buy furniture in retail stores. However, companies that make that furniture usually don’t care too much about the effect their work has on the environment. Take a look at it this way – almost all readymade furniture is made of particle board which is one of the least durable board products out there. On the other hand, if you decide to turn to experts who make custom furniture, you can ask them to provide you with furniture made out of sustainable materials. On top of that, if you turn to local experts, you’ll also be reducing transportation waste. This option can be expensive, so as an alternative aim to look for local suppliers who sustainably source their material.

Where possible, use locally sourced and sustainabe furniture and materials / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

This methodology of sourcing sustainable or recycled products should be applied across your entire home – especially when it comes to building materials.

Plant life

No matter if you’re renovating or designing your new home, you’ll always be looking for ways to decorate it. While paintings and beautiful lampshades are something you can always go for, you might also want to think decorating with plants. Plants can filter air in your home, getting rid of any harmful chemicals from it. Moreover, these can help you reduce noise and stress. Of course, there are plenty of amazing potted plants that are guaranteed to add some style to your home.

For bonus sustainability points, consider planting a veggie or herb garden so you can grow your own food.

Led lights

Chances are you’ve already heard that LED lights are an absolute must when going eco-friendly. LED bulbs make a great option since they both last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs. In fact, according to recent reports, by switching to LED lights, you could actually end up saving about 20% on your energy bill. Of course, with everyone going for LED lights, you can now find these in almost any shape or colour. This makes LEDs a perfect option for spaces like pool areas and kids’ rooms.

Use sunlight

Where possible, install solar panels to make use of the sun’s energy for your heating, cooling and lighting. Solar is a sustainable energy source, and will also save you money in the long run.

Another great way to make your home green is to let in as much sunlight as possible. This will both reduce your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Also, if there are any small rooms in your home, sunlight is always going to help you make them look larger. One of the best ways to let sunlight in is to install a few extra double-glazed windows. If you opt for these, you’ll use your cooling and heating equipment less and thus reduce your energy bill even more.

Harness sunlight in your home as a sustainable source of energy, heat & light / Source: Source Architects Pty Ltd

Making your kitchen eco-friendly

There are plenty of ways to make their kitchens green. Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned, you can use materials such as bamboo for your kitchen cabinets and countertops. Here are a few other ideas for making your kitchen eco-friendly:

  • Start a compost to reduce your biodegradable kitchen waste and improve the sustainability of your home and zero-waste living
  • Install a rainwater tank
  • Use recycled glass for your splash-back – as opposed to the standard glass or quartz

Making your bathroom eco-friendly

The bathroom can be one of the most non-environmentally friendly rooms in a house because of high water use, chemical cleaners and other issues. Your bathroom, however, doesn’t have to be harmful to the environment with these environmentally friendly ideas.

Ditch the chemicals

Many bathroom cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals that are bad for the environment and your health. Opt for natural, organic cleaners instead. Even many regular supermarkets now have “green” cleaners that use orange oil, tea tree, lavender and baking soda to clean, disinfect and freshen your bathroom. You should also steer clear of pesticides by purchasing organic towels, wash cloths and bath robes.

Hire a green plumber

Hire a green plumber to make your bathroom use less water. A green plumber can inspect your plumbing and fix any leaks that are wasting water. In addition, a green plumber can install a grey water system that uses your sink, shower and laundry water to flush the toilet.

Water efficient fixtures

Your toilet, sink faucets and shower heads release a lot of water. You can reduce your water usage by installing low-flow toilets, sink faucets and shower heads. These low flow fixtures work just as good as their water wasting counterparts, they’re just kinder on your pocket book (because your water bill will be cheaper) and more friendly to the environment. You can probably instal the sink faucets and shower heads yourself if you’re handy, but you might want to hire a plumber to instal the toilet.

Solar water heating

Solar powered water heaters are a great way to reduce your energy consumption. If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sun, you can instal a battery backup or gas powered backup to heat your water on overcast days.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

Solar panels: What are they & how do they work?

How do solar panels work?

A solar panel is a photovoltaic panel that absorbs light and heat from the sun and produces electricity from it for use in your home. The panel is usually made of silicone photovoltaic cells that are placed between plastic sheets and glass. There are three common panel options, monocrystaline, polycrystaline, and thin film. The most common is polycrystaline because it is an affordable solution and one that has good overall performance. The monocrystaline models are more efficient, but they cost more to install. The third option, a thin film, is useful for smaller scale projects and needs.

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Houses use alternating current (AC) electricity so you’ll require an inverter to convert the DC power from the solar panels to the AC power that your home uses.

Solar panels are a sustainable source of energy / Source: Jenson Electrical

On-grid vs. off-grid systems

An on-grid solar power system is connected to the electric company’s grid. Any extra electricity your solar panels generate that isn’t used by your home is sent to the electric company.

An off-grid power system is not connected to the electric company’s grid. Instead, any excess energy created by your solar panels is stored in backup batteries that can be used to power your home during times that your solar panels are not creating enough energy.

Choosing a solar panel

The main factor to consider when purchasing a solar panel is wattage and size, which will generally be based on the size of your home and the amount of power you need. It is best to work directly with a local solar power professional to determine the specifics of your setup, as they have the experience to fit the right solar panel to your particulars.

Wattage matters

The most important factor to consider when sizing solar panels is the amount of wattage that can be generated. The number of watts the panel can output is often displayed on it. If a panel has a 200 watt capability, that means it will generate 200 watts of electricity per hour. But, keep in mind that is during peak sunlight conditions and at a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius.

You will find that models come in a variety of different sizes. Some are very small at around 50 watts. Some are much larger, up to 230 watts. Some may generate even more than this. You will want to realise, though, that these ranges are based on optimal conditions. In most cases, you can expect a drop by about 15 percent in their overall performance since conditions will not be optimal all of the time.

Size matters

Aside from wattage, you also have to consider the actual size of the solar panel itself. The size is a factor because it will need to fit on the structure you have chosen for it. In most cases, the smaller the wattage is, the smaller the physical size of the panel will be, and of course the opposite is true: the larger the wattage, the larger the panel. Look for panels that are capable of producing enough power for your needs, but that also fit well on your roof space. You will need to ensure that the solar power system fits right now, but also think about what your needs may be in the long term. You may be able to expand the solar power system in the future. If you do expand later, you need to consider if you will need to remove all existing panels and start over or just extend what you have presently.

Installing solar panels

Solar panels need to be properly installed to work at their most efficient level. They can be installed on top of your home’s roof, on top of an outbuilding or on top of poles You should try to have them to placed on the south side of the roof so that they get the most sunlight. If possible, ensure they are angled to face towards the sun. If you have a pitched roof, this is easy to do. If you have a flat roof, you may need to install framing to provide for this necessary angle.

Solar panels should be installed where they will receive the maximum amount of sunlight / Source: Hot Water Heroes Pty Ltd

Consult a professional to get a right-sized, properly-designed, and properly-positioned solar panel system for your home. It should be large enough to generate enough electricity to make it worth the cost. Most solar panels systems can be completely installed and running in one day.

Saving money with solar panels

If the solar panels generate too much energy, creating an excess, you can sell that to the power company for extra cash. When you feed the power grid, the power company will pay you one of two ways:

  1. It can pay you a net feed tariff, which pays only for the excess energy generated or,
  2. It can pay a gross fee tariff, which pays for all the electricity the solar panels generate.

Varying from region to region, the solar panel tariffs are guaranteed to be one or the other. This saves homeowners a great deal of money.

Depending on the amount of electricity, your solar panels may reduce your need for traditional electricity to nothing, or very close to it. This could potentially save hundreds of dollars on your utilities bill just by eliminating your dependence on the main grid. As the cost of electricity rises, you can sit comfortably, collecting credits on your utility bill thanks to your solar panels. Those credits can be used for less-productive months, or you can have them paid out in cash.

Contact local solar panel experts

A sustainable choice

One of the greatest benefits of solar panels is their contribution to the environment. Solar panels are much more earth friendly than burning coal, which is where most Australian electricity comes from. If you’re a heavy electricity user, it’s especially important to mitigate the damage of your use, such as releasing greenhouse gases and depleting fossil fuels, by installing solar panels.

The solar panels use the power of the sun to generate electricity, placing almost no burden on the environment. The sun is renewable and readily available. Though manufacturing and disposing of the solar panels does have an impact, they are ultimately far superior to other methods.