Monday, October 4, 2010

Working by the light of my battery and a solar panel

I am working this morning by the light of a solar/battery powered light!

I have 10 watt solar panels for sale at $50.00 plus shipping!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

emergency power back up

12 volt power kit every thing included except the battery. $299.00 plus shipping. This will easily light up a room and drive a fan or 12 volt tv.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

solar mounts for small panels

I am testing several ways to mount my solar panels. It seems if you have a big array you are set but us small fry with one or two panels seem to be left to our own devices. I will have some ideas soon.

Joe

12 volt solar wiring

More neat info from ALTE

Properly sized wire can make the difference between inadequate and full charging of a battery system, between dim and bright lights, and between feeble and full performance of tools and appliances. Designers of low voltage power circuits are often unaware of the implications of voltage drop and wire size.

In conventional home electrical systems (120/240 volts ac), wire is sized primarily for safe amperage carrying capacity (ampacity). The overriding concern is fire safety. In low voltage systems (12, 24, 48VDC) the overriding concern is power loss. Wire must not be sized merely for the ampacity, because there is less tolerance for voltage drop (except for very short runs). For example, at a constant wattage load, a 1V drop from 12V causes 10 times the power loss of a 1V drop from 120V.

Use the following chart as your primary tool in solving wire sizing problems. It replaces many pages of older sizing charts. You can apply it to any working voltage, at any percent voltage drop.

Determining tolerable voltage drop for various electrical loads

A general rule is to size the wire for approximately 2 or 3% drop at typical load. When that turns out to be very expensive, consider some of the following advice. Different electrical circuits have different tolerances for voltage drop.

LIGHTING CIRCUITS, INCANDESCENT AND QUARTZ HALOGEN (QH): Don't cheat on these! A 5% voltage drop causes an approximate 10% loss in light output. This is because the bulb not only receives less power, but the cooler filament drops from white-hot towards red-hot, emitting much less visible light.

LIGHTING CIRCUITS, FLUORESCENT: Voltage drop causes a nearly proportional drop in light output. Flourescents use 1/2 to 1/3 the current of incandescent or QH bulbs for the same light output, so they can use smaller wire. We advocate use of quality fluorescent lights. Buzz, flicker and poor color rendition are eliminated in most of today's compact fluorescents, electronic ballasts and warm or full spectrum tubes.

DC MOTORS may be used in renewable energy systems, especially for water pumps. They operate at 10-50% higher efficiencies than AC motors, and eliminate the costs and losses associated with inverters. DC motors do NOT have excessive power surge demands when starting, unlike AC induction motors. Voltage drop during the starting surge simply results in a "soft start".

AC INDUCTION MOTORS are commonly found in large power tools, appliances and well pumps. They exhibit very high surge demands when starting. Significant voltage drop in these circuits may cause failure to start and possible motor damage. Follow the National Electrical Code. In the case of a well pump, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

PV-DIRECT SOLAR WATER PUMP circuits should be sized not for the nominal voltage (ie. 24V) but for the actual working voltage (in that case approximately 34V). Without a battery to hold the voltage down, the working voltage will be around the peak power point voltage of the PV array.

PV BATTERY CHARGING CIRCUITS are critical because voltage drop can cause a disproportionate loss of charge current. To charge a battery, a generating device must apply a higher voltage than already exists within the battery. That's why most PV modules are made for 16-18V peak power point. A voltage drop greater than 5% will reduce this necessary voltage difference, and can reduce charge current to the battery by a much greater percentage. Our general recommendation here is to size for a 2-3% voltage drop. If you think that the PV array may be expanded in the future, size the wire for future expansion. Your customer will appreciate that when it comes time to add to the array.

WIND GENERATOR CIRCUITS: At most locations, a wind generator produces its full rated current only during occasional windstorms or gusts. If wire sized for low loss is large and very expensive, you may consider sizing for a voltage drop as high as 10% at the rated current. That loss will only occur occasionally, when energy is most abundant. Consult the wind system's instruction manual.

More techniques for cost reduction

ALUMINUM WIRE may be more economical than copper for some main lines. Power companies use it because it is cheaper than copper and lighter in weight, even though a larger size must be used. It is safe when installed to code with AL-rated terminals. You may wish to consider it for long, expensive runs of #2 or larger. The cost difference fluctuates with the metals market. It is stiff and hard to bend, and not rated for submersible pumps.

HIGH VOLTAGE PV MODULES: Consider using higher voltage modules and a MPPT solar charge controller to down convert to the system voltage (e.g. 12, 24 and 48V) to compensate for excessive voltage drop. In some cases of long distance, the increased module cost may be lower than the cost of larger wire.

SOLAR TRACKING: Use a solar tracker (e.g. Zomeworks or Unirac) so that a smaller array can be used, particularly in high summer-use situations (tracking gains the most energy in summer when the sun takes the longest arc through the sky). The smaller PV array will require smaller wire.

WATER WELL PUMPS: Consider a slow-pumping, low power system with a storage tank to accumulate water. This reduces both wire and pipe sizes where long lifts or runs are involved. A PV array-direct pumping system may eliminate a long wire run by using a separate PV array located close to the pump. Many of our solar water pumps are highly efficient DC pumps that are available up to 48V. We also make AC versions and converters to allow use of AC transmitted over great distances. These pumps draw less running current, and far less starting current than conventional AC pumps, thus greatly reducing wire size requirements.

How do I mount my solar panel?

This is a neat little article from AltE University

How To for Solar Panel Mounting

Solar electric panel arrays for stand-alone systems are installed in many unique and innovative ways. However, there are common issues involved in any installation, whether the array is fixed or tracking, mounted at ground level, or on a pole or building. The array orientation and tilt angle considerations are discussed in the article Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Panels): Overview.
Roof mounting of solar panels that run flush with the roof's surface.

The objective is a solidly mounted solar panel array that will last for many years and withstand all kinds of weather. Regardless of whether you buy or build the mounting structure make sure it is anchored and the modules are restrained. Several manufacturers make mounting structures designed to work with almost any solar panel model. This hardware is intended for multiple applications and different mounting techniques and considerations like wind loading have been included in the design. Using this mounting hardware is the simplest and often the most cost effective. Customized array mounting structures can be expensive. Consider the characteristics of various mounting materials:

* Aluminum - lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminum angle is an easy material to work with, holes can be drilled with commonly available tools, and the material is compatible with many PV module frames. Aluminum is not easy to weld.
* Angle Iron - easy to work with but corrodes rapidly. Galvanizing will slow corrosion but mounting brackets and bolts will still rust, particularly in a wet environment. The material is readily available and brackets can be welded easily.
* Stainless Steel - expensive and difficult to work with but will last for decades. May be a good investment in salt spray environments.
* Wood - inexpensive, available, and easy to work with but may not withstand the weather for many years--even if treated with preservative. Attaching modules to a wooden frame requires battens or clips to hold them in place.

The foundation for the array should be designed to meet the wind load requirements of the region. Wind load depends on the size of the array and the tilt angle. Ask a local contractor how to anchor your array to withstand the wind expected in your area.


Changing the tilt angle of an array to account for seasonal changes in sun altitude is not required. For mid-latitude locations, a tilt angle change every three months is estimated to increase energy production about 5 percent on an annual basis. For most applications, the additional labor and the added complexity of the array mount does not justify the small increase in energy produced.
Passive solar trackers automatically move solar panels to face directly into the sun without using any electricity.

If tracking of the solar panel array is desired, the recommended trackers are single-axis units that require little control or power. One kind of passive tracker is driven by a closed Freon system that causes the tracker to follow the sun with adequate accuracy for flat-plate PV modules, such as the Zomeworks. In high wind areas a powered tracker may be preferred. Pole mounted trackers that support 4 to 12 PV modules are available and often used for small stand-alone systems, particularly water pumping applications. The tracker manufacturer will provide all the array mounting hardware and instructions for securely installing the tracker. The amount and type of foundation for the pole-mounted tracker depends on the size of the array being supported. Reinforced concrete with anchor bolts is recommended. The foundation and frame should be designed to withstand the worst case wind expected in the area. The movement of the array should be checked to make sure the path is clear of obstructions.

In general, roof mounting of solar panels is more complex than either ground mounting or pole mounting. Roof mounts are more difficult to install and maintain, particularly if the roof orientation and angle are not compatible with the optimum solar array tilt angle. Penetrating the roof seal is inevitable and leaks may occur. Also, it is important to achieve a firm and secure attachment of the array mounting brackets to the roof. Attaching the mounting brackets to the rafters will provide the best foundation, but this may be difficult because module size and rafter spacing are usually not compatible. If there is access to the underside of the roof, 2 x 6-inch blocks can be inserted between the rafters and the attachment made to the blocks. Attaching the array to the plywood sheathing of the roof may result in roof damage, particularly if high winds are likely.

If a roof mount is required, be sure to allow a clear air flow path up the roof under the array. The array will operate cooler and produce more energy if it stands off the roof at least 3 inches. Flush mounting solar panels to the roof of a building is not recommended. The modules are more difficult to test and replace, and the performance of the array is decreased because of the higher operating temperatures.

Monday, August 30, 2010

more work on solar savior project

Once again yesterday was a fun day, I played ham radio and solar electric projects. I worked by the light of my 500 watt inverter being fed by a 10 watt panel. I have wired my entire basement so I can turn them all on for hours if need be. I use a marine battery, a controller and a 500 watt inverter and walla, my lights work. I can easily fire up a small soldering iron too.

I am rebuilding a small emergency kit I made with a 160 watt modified sine wave inverter, a 7 amp hour battery, a controller and a small 200 ma 5 watt solar panel. I should have the project up and running again in a day or so. If you want to learn more about how to do this I can teach you or guide you for my rate of $25.00/half hour. I am very generous with my time :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

I worked by the light of my 500 watt inverter!

I was up and atom early this morning and went down to the ham shack and was working on my solar back up kits and starting a wind generator kit. Yes I am busy. Bottom line is I worked exclusively or almost by the light of my 500 watt inverter and my florescent. I had no problem working or walking or playing. Call me at 913-244-6132 if you want more information of how to do this!

Joe R

Thursday, August 26, 2010

A neat article

I believe in having a back up solar/wind energy system to start. A back up system is far less costly and will work very well in a pinch.

Joe Rossini


Residential vertical wind turbines and solar panels for the home – Federal tax incentives for clean renewable solar power from energy star tax credit

There is a growing trend in American that involves the use of clean renewable energy. Americans are becoming more energy independent as they install solar and wind power systems in their homes
. The energy star tax credit provides some incredible tax incentives for homeowners
interested in installing a system in their home.

When it comes to choosing a renewable energy system, two of the most popular choices are solar and wind power. By taking advantage of our natural clean energy resources, you can save on both your taxes and electric bill. Choosing a system is a matter of personal preference; however, it is always a good idea to take a look at what is abundant in your area. If you live in a sunny part of the country such as the sate of California, you may want to consider solar power.

Once you have decided on the type of system you would like to install, the next step is to determine how much energy you would like to produce. In general, the more energy you would like to produce, the more you should expect to pay. A great way to get an idea of you energy needs is to examine your previous electric bills. Take a look at your highs and average to get an idea of how much you should produce.

Use this number when shopping around for a solar or wind power system. For most, a system that supplies 100% of the homes electricity is not affordable. Many choose to only supplement their home power with a clean energy system.

Author: Greg Jackson

Another use of a 10 watt solar panel

I am charging my old John Deere tractor battery up by the light of the sun! 10 watt, 17 volt, .5 amp $50.00 plus shipping get one today!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

working by th elight of my 10 watt driven battery

I am up late and am working very easily by the light of my battery and inverter. You can work very nicely with a battery driven, solar juiced system. E-mail me at jrossini@rossini.com for more information.

Huntsville Ham Fest

I had a great time last weekend at the Huntsville, Alabama ham fest. I displayed 10 watt, .5 amp, 17 volt solar panels and sold several. I met several nice ham radio operators and answered a bunch of very good questions about solar power and back up power capabilities.

I believe a nice emergency power kit would consist of at least 1- 18 amp hour or better battery, one 600 watt power inverter, one regulator and of course one 10 watt solar panel. This configuration would easily trickle charge a battery to run a station like a Kenwood TS 50 on low power.

If you are interested e-mail me at jrossini@rossini.com.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Using solar/battery power today

I have been using my inverter fed by my 17 volt 1 amp solar panel. The light has been on for me all day. For the last 3 hours my wife has used two lights fed by another solar panel and 700 watt inverter. Oh yes we still use good old KCPL for other things in the room.

I am testing two new 10 watt panels hooked in sreies charging a 12 volt battery and driving a 1 amp dc fan. The set up has been working fine all day in maximum sunlight here in KC today.

If you want a 17 volt .5 amp solar panel I have them and are selling them for $59.00 plus shipping

Saturday, June 12, 2010

power outages and emergency power

The last several days, the power has fluctuated and through it all my solar power back up has kept my lights on. The beauty of our system is the lights stay on and away we keep working.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Insurance and solar

A quick interesting snippet: What is an acceptable insurance rate for solar panels ?

Insurance companies do not seem really prepared about solar panels: they often don't discriminate between hot water or photovoltaic plants, and rates offered are hectic.

Bottom line...call your insurance reps and get an idea of how your agent covers your solar installation.

This is one company that insures solar and wind: SOLARINSURE

Solar Energy Insurance
Renewable Energy Insurance
Companies, individuals and businesses are all being encouraged to re-think their power sources and integrate or convert to renewable energy sources. With the ever growing concerns on the planet using renewable sources of energy such as bio diesel, ethanol and fuel cells as well as alternative energy devices like solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal are becoming more and more popular.

This is a great opportunity for you to expand or start a small business in small construction and installation. To comply with law it is imperative that you have appropriate insurance cover.

This has meant that insurance companies have had to become 'alternative energy friendly', providing competitive renewable energy insurance premiums to cover these different systems including


* Risk Management

* Solar Installers

* Solar Farms

* Solar Arrays

* Solar PPA Insurance



Few insurances companies have actively embraced this need. Others have chosen to ignore these customers by either refusing to provide insurance cover or charging overly high prices for premiums. Not so with us-our insurance policies are tailored specifically with your business in mind.

Finding a renewable and alternative energy friendly insurance company like ours is a must-you can ill afford not to have insurance cover.

I do not push or endorse any company listed in this article.

Bottom line, start by calling your standard home insurance company. Solar Savior pushes emergency power systems so our solutions do not usually need dramatic alterations to your home. In most cases, our panels can be mounted by a bungee cord :) Right now as I write this article I am using my Solar Savior to light my room because we are having a torrential downpour. :)

If you need some additional information about emergency solar power just e-mail me at jrossini@rossini.com.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

A neat solar article

http://itsgettinghotinhere.org/2010/06/01/mature-the-movement-lessons-learned-from-the-solar-industry/

Test, test, test

This weekend was fun, relaxing and also somewhat of a learning experiment. First, I am testing an extended battery hookup to a UPS to see if it will stretch the operating back up life of a 350 watt UPS. with the help of a local Batteries+ dealer we tried a 32 amp Gel Cell battery and walla a maybe 30 minute back up went to a 3 hour back up and I used the computer during this time period. next up a second battery and the hopes of a 6 hour back up. The computer draws about 250 watts.

Next up was cleaning my outside solar panels and freeing them from grass and dirt etc. I also performed some diagnostics on the batteries. Once again success and a solid 13 plus volt rating regulated coming out of the battery. at my office i have four lights all hooked into inverters and various batteries. My goal is simple, I have emergency power back up during virtually any power black out or storm. It is nice to know that when the power goes out I have lights both 12 volt and 110 and I can run my portable tv and radios. You might ask can I do this and the answer is yes! I sell 12 volt systems that can run 12 volt appliances for hours such as LED lights or small fans. You can check out my site for kits that I sell. You can also put a kit together with my help for specific needs. an example is a barn off the grid , you can depending on your needs easily light a 24 x 36 barn, I have done it! How about running a drill out away from power, I have done that too. There are many potential solutions for you but you must think about your requirements and know somewhat what you are trying to do then call me or e-mail me and I can assist you.

I am also now thinking of hurricane season fast approaching, almost every year thousands lose their power for hours on end. I say be prepared with a Green solution, no gas, no oil, just the sun and batteries and solar panels and you will have power. It gets pretty hot out there or down there in the south with no power, how about a few fans going for several hours, well it is possible.

Ok, more to come,more experiments to build, call me at 913-244-6132 for more information. Take care for now.

Joe Rossini

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Lost your Dish signal because of the weather?

The weather was bad, the rain was hard and out went my sat signal. I brought my portable digital tv and I hooked it up to my solar savior emergency back up system and walla I could watch my episode of Chuck :)

You can light your house!

This is a neat article about a man in Kansas that beat the electric company and his neighbors!

Talk soon.


http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2010/may/14/fire-solar-energy/

Monday, May 10, 2010

can you make a solar/battery emergency kit?

The answer is yes! A good gel cell, a 500 watt inverter, a 15 volt .25 amp or greater solar panel and a regulator and away you go! If you want some guidance just e-mail me at jrossini@rossini.com.

an interesting article about solar and business

This is a neat article about how a small business can justify the expense of putting in a solar installation.

http://www.marionstar.com/article/20100509/NEWS01/5090315/-1/newsfront2/Grants-make-solar-possible-for-small-businesses

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Ham radio

ham radio and emergency communication. I am a ham and prou dof what we do. here is a neat article:

Ham Radio Operator Glen Briggs Receives NOAA Environmental Hero Award

Grundy County Emergency Services Coordinator Glen Briggs received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Hero Award today in Trenton, Mo. Briggs was recognized for assistance to the National Weather Service in meeting its mission to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.
Glen Briggs in action

Held annually in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the Environmental Hero Award honors NOAA volunteers for their tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation’s environment. Briggs was recognized for his long-time commitment to helping provide high quality weather information to Grundy County residents and for volunteer assistance in the severe weather warning program, Andy Bailey of NOAA’s Kansas City National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill said.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such dedicated people as Glen Briggs volunteer so much of their time to help keep their neighbors informed and safe,” Bailey said. “He sets a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more volunteers like Glen Briggs.”

Briggs was commended for his over-all excellent service investing hundreds of hours a year as an amateur radio operations operator assisting the National Weather Service in their severe weather and for specific efforts on May 13, 2009. On that day of the Kirksville, Mo. tornado, Briggs provided real-time information to Pleasant Hill forecasters that resulted in saving countless lives by giving residents time to seek shelter before the tornado devastated the Kirksville area.

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero Award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA and its line offices carry out their mission. The mission of the National Weather Service is to protect lives and property and enhance the National economy.

During a ceremony honoring Briggs this week Bailey said, “On behalf of the many people you’ve helped keep safe in northern Missouri, I am pleased to present you with the 2010 Environmental Hero Award. Your dedicated efforts and concern for your community make our nation a better place.”

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Please visit http://www.noaa.gov.

solar and inverters and batteries

I am working with a local Batteries Plus dealer to find the right mix for a solar project. It appears that Gel cells or AGM sealed batteries are the best. We are going to gang one or two batteries together 35 amp hour or so and hook them into a UPS to extend the life of the power back up. I will keep you posted. Next step is to try this method with a solar/inverter arrangement. Call me or e-mail if yu want to discuss this further.

A new solar cell!

Evergreen Solar unveils its most powerful solar panel yet
Published: 3 hours ago
By James Cartledge
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Massachusetts solar manufacturer Evergreen Solar, Inc., has unveiled a new solar panel that is its most powerful yet.

The company said its ES-A series solar panel is a 215-watt system has a black frame that will improve the aesthetic appearance of solar arrays.

Evergreen, which already produces panels of 200, 205 and 210 watt solar panels, unveiled its new panel at the Solar Expo event in Italy this week.
String Ribbon

Evergreen Solar produces its solar cells with its “String Ribbon” wafer manufacturing process, which produces silicon cells from molten silicon, rather than by cutting solar crystals.

The process means using less silicon per solar cell than conventional technology, allowing a lower cost solar panel, according to Evergreen.

The firm says that with no wasted silicon, the carbon footprint of its panels is up to 30% smaller than that of its competitors, while payback can be as little as 12 months for installed systems.

Scott Gish, Evergreen Solar’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing, said the new ES-A 215 solar panel would provide optimal performance “right out of the box”.

He said: “We are proud to lead the industry in environmental credentials with the smallest carbon footprint and the quickest energy payback of any silicon-based solar panel available today.”

Thursday, April 22, 2010

A neat Earth Day message about solar

This is a cool article about a couple that took the plunge into solar power!

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/04/couple_turn_grand_rapids_homes.html

Power out Solar Savior to the rescue!

A couple weeks ago we had a 6 hour power outage and my solar savior came in handy again. I have emergency 12 volt lights in several rooms and I had then turned on for several hours! Everyone around us was on candle power, we had lights! Yea

On demand emergency power for outside!

This past weekend, we were doing extensive work outside planting ect. I wanted to hear a radio so I brought out a radio and plugged into my solar savior and away it went for over three hours with no real effect on my box. I could have plugged in a TV or a fan too. So if that is something you wish to do just send me an e-mail!

Monday, February 1, 2010

A fun weekend working on solar power

I enjoyed myself yesterday, I worked on my solar panels and tried hard to get more juice from those panels. I know for a fact I have at least four panels doing a darn good job charging batteries. but I have others that well lets say I need to redirect their efforts. Solar is fun, fascinating and sometimes disappointing. When the sun is not shining well the juice does not quite satisfy your needs. Big point..know what you want to run and how much juice it will need then put together your systems accordingly. I am going to double up my solar panels and see how much more charging I can get. I will keep you posted. I also have some dead batteries on my barn application that I will have to replace. I am thinking more and more about 12 volt systems for lighting and fans instead of inverter driven 110 hungry systems. Just my thoughts. Till next post.

Joe

An interesting solar water heater article

http://chronicle.augusta.com/life/home/2010-01-30/soak-sun?v=1264972897