Solar PV technology has improved at an impressive pace over the last few years. From panels to accessories, there’s lots to learn about solar PV. If you’re new to solar PV, then make sure to start with the posts in solar PV Basics. If want more detail, then this category could be just right for you.
Some of this information could be useful for designing a solar PV system. On the other hand, make sure to talk to someone in the industry before you settle on a final design. Solar PV technology and regulations are changing all the time. An expert can update you on any recent changes.
Mixing and matching solar panels can be very useful at times. For example, a mixture of large and small panels might help you fit the most capacity onto a small roof. Or you might want to add extra panels to an existing solar panel system. However, mixing and matching solar panels can cause problems when …
Why Use DC Over-Sizing? There are two main components in any solar panel system; the (DC) panels and the (AC) inverter. Conventional wisdom states that the inverter should be rated for the same power output as the panels. However, it’s becoming more and more common to have a higher power rating for the panels than …
There’s no doubt about it: Shade is not good for solar PV panels. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about the true effects of shade. So let’s clear up the misconceptions. Knowing more about solar and shade will help you design a solar PV system that’s both more productive and more cost effective. Christmas …
This is an idea I had a few months ago. After lots of research I’ve decided not to develop it, at least for the moment. However, I will share the proposal in case it might be useful for somebody else. Perhaps you’ll build on the idea or adapt it idea for a better use. Click …
d-Lumen: A Proposed System for Cost-Effective Water Heating From Solar PV Read More »
Efficiency is one of the most talked-about topics in solar, but also one of the least understood. So what does the efficiency of a solar panel really mean? Definitions Solar panel efficiency is the electrical power output divided by the available solar power. For example, if a solar panel produces 400W of electricity from 2000W …
Solar panels depend on light from the sky to make electricity. Therefore, facing them the right direction will allow your panels to produce the most power at the most important times. Read on or watch the video to find out why South is often, but not always, the best direction for solar panels in Ireland. …
If you’ve looked into solar PV, you’ve probably heard words like “all-black”, “bifacial”, or “all glass”. These terms refer to what’s on the back of your PV panel. Backsheets matter because they affect the appearance and performance of your PV system. Read on to learn about the four types of solar panel backsheets. White EVA …
The basic difference between solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar thermal is that PV produces electricity while thermal produces hot water. But which is the better option for Irish households? Potential Savings are Higher With Solar PV Forgetting to turn off the immersion is the nightmare of every Irish householder. And it’s true that it takes …
To make the most of your solar PV system, you’ll probably want to store some energy to use during the night. Learn about the two ways you can do this: Power diverters and batteries. Power Diverters Power diverters send surplus electricity from your solar panels to your immersion. Your immersion then uses this surplus power …
“What exactly is solar PV” explains that solar PV panels turn light into electricity. “So”, you might say “how does that electricity get from the solar panel to the appliances in my house?” Well, the most common way is with a grid-tied solar PV system, which I will outline here. First of all, where does …
