| Solar power has received a lot of attention as one of | | | | cords are not required, almost anyone with a few tools |
| the answers to our energy crisis. The fact that solar | | | | can install them. |
| panels provide energy from a clean and free source, | | | | * Remote Capability. Homeowners and business |
| the sun, makes it a viable option. But many | | | | owners love these systems for their water features |
| homeowners are asking: what sort of system would | | | | and well pumps that can fill tanks or ponds during the |
| work for me? Well of course that depends on your | | | | day when the sun shines and then shut off as soon as |
| situation and what you are looking to get out of solar | | | | the sun sets. |
| energy. Let's talk about your options for small simple | | | | * Maintenance Free. Maintenance is virtually |
| systems and the advantages and disadvantages of | | | | nonexistent and they do not require expensive fuels. |
| each option. | | | | Disadvantages of Direct Solar Power |
| Integrated Solar | | | | DC Power. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) |
| This is probably the smallest of all photovoltaic | | | | power and many appliances require alternating current |
| systems. These can be found where the solar panel is | | | | (AC) power. |
| built right into the appliance that it is powering. For | | | | * Storage. Since these systems don't have batteries, |
| instance calculators, garden lights, fountains, flashlights, | | | | they don't run when it is cloudy or at night. |
| and many other small electronic devices are powered | | | | Solar-Battery-DC Systems |
| by the sun. | | | | Many DC systems can be powered with small panels |
| Advantages of Integrated Solar Power | | | | and battery storage systems. These systems will |
| * Portability. These units often can be moved easily | | | | consist of a solar panel, mounting system, battery |
| and since they are powered by solar they don't | | | | bank, charge controller and the connection to the |
| require power cords. | | | | electronic device. The charge controller ensures that |
| * Maintenance Free. Maintenance is virtually | | | | PV units do not overcharge the batteries. |
| nonexistent and they do not require expensive fuels. | | | | Advantages of Solar-Battery-DC Systems |
| * Batteries. These units have an internal battery which | | | | * Storage. These systems can store the sun's energy |
| lasts much longer than the common battery we're | | | | for use at night or on cloudy days. |
| used to. | | | | * Remote Capability. These systems are great for |
| Disadvantages of Integrated Solar Power | | | | lighted signs, fountains, out-buildings and pumps that |
| * Scalability. General these units are small and the | | | | need to work regardless of sunshine and where |
| power they require is minimal. For larger appliances | | | | access to power is an issue. |
| that consume more energy having integrated solar | | | | * Lighting and Pumping. Since lighting and pumping are |
| panels is not practical. | | | | very popular tasks for photovoltaic systems, there are |
| * Part Replacement. Integrated products usually are | | | | special high-efficiency pumps and lights made exactly |
| hard to take apart and fix. For example, if the battery | | | | for these applications. |
| quits working you may just have to replace the entire | | | | Disadvantages of Solar-Battery-DC Systems |
| unit. | | | | DC Power. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) |
| Direct Solar | | | | power and many appliances require alternating current |
| This is the simplest way to get power from the sun's | | | | (AC) power. |
| rays. Direct solar simply feeds the energy that is | | | | * Cost. Batteries can add significant cost to the |
| collected by a small array to an appliance or pump | | | | installation depending on how much storage you need. |
| without a battery. The system usually consists of a | | | | * Maintenance. Batteries require regular maintenance |
| small panel, a mounting mechanism, and the pump or | | | | and need to be replaced more often than solar panels. |
| appliance. | | | | If you are thinking about a PV power system for your |
| Advantages of Direct Solar Power | | | | needs, you should contact a solar professional. They |
| * Cost. These systems usually are fairly inexpensive | | | | can custom design a solar power solution for almost |
| since they don't require batteries. | | | | any application and location. |
| * Installation. Direct units are relatively easy to install as | | | | For more information on solar panels and power |
| long as the area has ample sunshine. Since power | | | | systems, please visit our website. |