cheapest solar panels
How much energy could be generated by adding solar panels to the Alaskan Pipeline?
Using low-end, i.e. cheap, solar panels, based on existing technology, how much energy can be generated by adding solar panels to the total length of the Alaskan Pipeline? And if possible, how does that compare with the energy of the oil being pumped through the pipe. Not sure what the light cycle is along the pipe.
Probably very little, it’s at such a high latitude. Anchorage gets way less than half the annual sunlight that LA does, for example:
http://www.solarpanelsplus.com/solar-insolation-levels/
The trans-Alaska pipeline is about 800 miles long. Let’s assume you could fit 1.5 metres wide of panels all along the pipeline, and the efficiency of these panels is 10% (First Solar CdTe are the cheapest, and 8-10% efficient modules. Silicon is more expensive but generally higher efficiency).
The surface area is 1.9 million square metres, which will receive an average of 4 million kWh/day at Anchorage levels of sunlight, or make 0.4 million kWh/day of electricity (ofc, lots more in summer than in winter!)
0.4 million kWh is the energy content of about 2,300 barrels of oil.
However, you must remember that here you’ve accounted for the efficiency of the solar panels but not the efficiency of the oil. If you burn the oil in a car engine, you’ll average 12-20% efficiency in general (and that’s not accounting for the energy needed to dig up, process & distribute the oil or make the solar panels). Assuming you’re using the oil to drive, it’s equivalent to about 10,000 barrels of oil per day, or 3.65m a year.
Cheapest Solar Panels and Energy Bill Savings
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Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller
$17.37 The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x... |
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Moonrays 91249 Solar-Powered Black Plastic Post-Cap LED Lamp Light
$7.23 SOLAR POST CAP LIGHT - Installs in minutes (screws included) durable black plastic construction with plastic lens. White LED and AA NiCD battery included # 97125. 4.13 tall.... |
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24 pcs Tenergy Nicd AA 1000mAh Batteries for Solar power, Solar Light Malibu etc
$19.99 Battery Features and Benefits * 24 Brand new high quality AA 1000mAh Size high capacity rechargebale NiCd batteries * Ideal for for applications such as scanners, cameras, solar lattern, emergency lights, portable devices, control (RC) toys, and backups. * High capacity and long run time. * Very long cycle life and Rapid battery charge up * Significant savings (70% or more) from any re... |
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Fi-Shock SS-440 Solar-Powered Low Impedance 10 Acre Medium-Duty Electric Fence Charger
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Two's Company Bee Happy Dancing Solar Flower, Set of 2
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Intex Krystal Clear 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover
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Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter
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Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter
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Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller
$78.52 The Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12 volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12 volt solar panels, and can handle up to 30 amps of array current and up to 450 Watts of solar power. The controller will continuously display the charging current or battery voltage on the LCD digital meter, and also automatically indicates the charged condition of your ba... |
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Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit
$279.95 Dead batteries got you down? Soak up some sunshine with this 60 - watt Solar Kit! Solar power: efficient, abundant and FREE. Looking for a little juice? Solar may be the answer! These super-efficient crystalline Solar Panels were designed for use with cabins, outbuildings, RVs, boats... anywhere running electrical line is not practical. A 7-amp charge controller and 200W inverter help use the sun'... |
