In the last few years, the price of solar power has decreased significantly, making it more affordable for businesses and homes. This has led to a rise in popularity of decentralized energy sources such as solar power. However, due to the technological advances that make up solar-pumping systems today, along with the efficiency gains made over the years, there is more than one way to contain energy from the Sun.
Active Cooling Technology
Active cooling technology, such as chillers, are used in conjunction with solar power to maintain a constant environment for the collection of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Without proper cooling, the cells will overheat, resulting in irreparable damage and a decrease in efficiency. However, along with the increased efficiency comes a reduction in power generation. With active cooling, the system operates at its maximum potential, creating more energy than is needed simply to run the pump. This is significant, as most standalone solar power systems only generate a small amount of electricity.
Since the late 1990s, the price of solar power has halved, declining from $25 to $12 per watt, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. This has made it much more affordable for homeowners and businesses. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends $2,300 per year on electricity.
Building Integrated Photovoltaic
Integrating photovoltaic solar into a building’s structure is another way to increase efficiency and decrease costs. When integrated PV (photovoltaic) systems are used, all the solar panels are mounted on the exterior of the building. This creates a weather-proof enclosure that protects the panels from wind damage and heavy snowfall. It also keeps the interior of the building cool in the summer, reducing the need for air-conditioning. If you live in a hot environment and suffer from overheating, you can opt for a building integrated PV system that employs active cooling technology to regulate the temperature internally.
The building integrated PV system (BIPS) is one of the safest and most efficient energy storage systems available. It is made up of a special building material, which acts as both the structural support for the building and the internal surface for the solar panels. This material is called an “anti-microbial composite” and is commonly used in the manufacturing of sports equipment.
Passive Cooling Technology
Passive cooling technology, like fans and air ducts are used to regulate the interior temperature of the building. Since all the components are housed inside the structure, there is no need for additional equipment (e.g., chillers or air-to-liquid heat pumps). In a passive cooling system, the air is simply moved from one area to another, thereby maintaining a steady temperature throughout the building. While this may be sufficient for some homes, large commercial buildings usually require more accurate temperature control using one of the active systems described above.
Underfloor Heating
One of the most remarkable aspects of solar power is that it can be used to heat water for use in home or industrial applications. This is possible due to the large number of photosynthetic organisms (algae and plants) that are found near the Earth’s surface. These organisms use the Sun’s energy to convert water into energy-rich chlorophyll, which can be used by us to generate electricity via a solar cell.
Plants and algae can reduce the demand on our energy supply by producing more energy than is needed to sustain life. Since these organisms don’t need to be maintained at a constant temperature, they can function effectively at room temperature, making them ideal for underfloor heating applications. In this case, radiant heating elements, such as ceramic or metal tubing, are laid out under tiles or cement slabs, and connected to a small heater that is powered by a photovoltaic cell. The photocell is also used to regulate the temperature internally.
Other Ways to Contain Energy Solar
Although the above approaches are all viable options for homeowners and small businesses who want to harness the power of the Sun, it is not always the best solution. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you might want to consider installing small wind turbines, which can be used to generate electricity. This option has several advantages. First, and most importantly, it doesn’t require any additional capital expenditure (e.g., buying expensive equipment such as a chiller). Second, it doesn’t generate any harmful byproducts (e.g., carbon dioxide). Lastly, it can be operated simply by attaching a small turbine to a motor. All these factors make it an attractive option for homeowners and small businesses who want to cut costs while generating their own electricity.
To determine the best option for your needs, it is important to think about how much electricity you need and want, where you want to put the equipment, and how much maintenance you can afford. When choosing a power generation system, we recommend speaking to a professional who can give you advice on which option is best suited for your needs.