solar power systems
Marine solar power systems are becoming more popular among sailors not only because they can keep lights and appliances running, but also because they are quieter. The source of energy is also free and abundant. Installing a marine solar power system on your boat, however, is different from setting up a solar panel for your home. Here we look at what you need to look out for.
There are many pre-packaged marine solar power systems in the market. If you are just starting out and have some cash to spare, do yourselves a favor and go for these instead of being adventurous and try to DIY the first time. However, if your boat design requires that you do a customized job, then you have no choice.
Even when you are buying the system off-the-shelves, there are things you need to be aware of. Firstly, you will need to ascertain the amount of electric power (watt) you need. Just simply make a quick note of all the power consumption of your lights and appliances and add them together. This can be done by taking note of the total amps you need multiplied by the number of hours it will be running. Divide this number by 2 to get the wattage you need. After that, multiply the wattage by $20. This is a rough estimate to tell yourselves how big a system you need which also translates to how much it is going to cost you.
Another aspect you should take note of is that there are different types of solar panels. Just to give an example: Solar panels manufactured using monocrystalline cells have high efficiency in generating electricity, and take up less space, but lack shade protection. Shade protection is the ability for the panels to continue generating electricity even in shaded environment. This feature is important especially for sailboats. Marine solar power systems using polycrystalline cells also have high efficiency, uses even less area, but still lack shade protection while panels using amorphous silicon cells have lower efficiency, uses more area, but do have shade protection.
Most marine solar power systems come with a mounting kit to secure the system. Some kits are flexible types that can be attached to canvases or decks while the rest are hard ones are only suitable for decks. Most kits will have these components: solar panels to collect photons from sunlight and produce a charge, charge controller to regulate the charging of batteries and prevent overcharging, and batteries to store the charges supplied by the panels. The system generates 12 Volt DC current. If you need to power devices that require AC power, add an inverter to the marine solar power system. This is usually sold separately.
George Tho is a DIY enthusiast. Using solar energy to power appliances and lights is a great way to power your boat and reduce pollution, if you are the adventurous type, find out how you can build your very own marine solar power system with less than $200 even if you are a complete DIY novice.
Author’s review website on clickbank products: http://www.clickbankproductreview.com
Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
|
|
Apple iPhone 4 GSM 4S OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19
$28.99 OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19 Now charging your iPhone 4 is as simple as setting it down! Complete solutions are pre-pack bundles pairing a Powermat one position charging mat and a receiver to provide a seamless upgrade to wireless charging. Charge your iPhone 4 with the Powermat 1Xi and Receiver Case for iPhone 4. Powermat 1X Wireless Charging MatSMALL PROFILEFITS ANYWHEREThe ... |
|
|
Solio Mono by Solio
$59.95 115167 Features: The solar cell is both durable and powerful for quick charging Integrated, rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery can be charged with the sun or plug it in to a USB outlet Stores power up to one year Works with most mobile phones, MP3 players, PDA's and GPS's right out of the box (additional adapters are available) Specifications: Size: 47 x 13 x 85 inches Internal batt... |
|
|
Artwork of Solar Power Satellite station in orbit Photo Mugs
Artists impression of a Solar Power Satellitestation in orbit above Earth. One method proposedto solve Earths energy problems is to place inorbit giant assemblies of solar panels which wouldconvert the Suns energy into electrical power abeam it to Earth in the form of microwaves..... |
|
|
Cosmic Voyage (IMAX) [VHS]
$5.34 As a primer on up-to-date scientific theory about the nature of the universe and our place in it, Cosmic Voyage is visually sumptuous and just plain fun. Shot in the mind-blowing IMAX process, this combined live-action and computer-generated production has (even in video format) an immensity of scope befitting its grand subject. Beginning, lyrically if unexpectedly, in Italy's magnificent Venice, ... |
|
|
Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens
$19.99 Mr. Beams Intelligent LED Battery-Operated Lights Motion Sensor LED Spotlight Features MB360 Spotlightat a Glance: Battery-powered, wireless LED spotlight Attach anywhere Designed to work in all weather conditions Motion sensor with a range of up to 30 feet A... |
|
|
Nite Guard Solar NG-001 Predator Control Light, Single Pack
$16.67 The Nite Guard solar-powered night predator light is a maintenance-free unit that keeps nocturnal predators away from your birds, livestock and property. Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 3 x 1 x 2, Removal Of: Nocturnal predators, Single, Pair, or Set: Single, Power Source: Solar, Indoor/Outdoor Use: Outdoor, Material Type: Sealed temperature resistant plastic, Includes: Auto on/off... |
|
|
Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch for Lights and Motors
$35.89 The Honeywell RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch for Lights and Motors helps you save money by ensuring that your lights come on only when you need them. This unit works with incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use. It also works with ceiling fans, bathroom fans, pond pumps, and pool pumps. Featuring three operating modes and sev... |
|
|
Cosmic Voyage (IMAX)
$4.88 As a primer on up-to-date scientific theory about the nature of the universe and our place in it, Cosmic Voyage is visually sumptuous and just plain fun. Shot in the mind-blowing IMAX process, this combined live-action and computer-generated production has (even in video format) an immensity of scope befitting its grand subject. Beginning, lyrically if unexpectedly, in Italy's magnificent Venice, ... |
|
|
A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems
$46.55 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
|
|
Learn Sun Power:(DVD) How to Set up Batteries, Inverter, Charge Controller, and Panels for a Complete Off-grid Solar Energy System
$39.95 If you want to put together a solar power system yourself this DVD is for you. Although it covers an off-grid system it is just as helpful for someone who wants to be partially on grid but would rather set up the system themselves. This is not an overview but rather programmed instruction. This DVD shows, step-by-step, how a 650-watt, off-grid, do-it-yourself solar-panel system was set up. The sys... |
|
|
Large Scale Solar Power Systems (Hardcover)
$130.57 Description not available. |
|
|
How to Solar Power Your Home Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Paperback)
$15.98 Reveals how to search for, buy or build a solar power system for one`s home, in a book that also looks at the real estate prospects for an solar-powered home. Original. |
