With the growth of the popularity of alternative energies, particularly solar power, comes a wave of innovative and cost-effective products that make this form of energy more accessible. One such product is film solar energy, or FeLi as it is commonly called. Developed and brought to market by Canadian company Solarfilm, this product promises to bring the benefits of solar power to everyone’s doorstep. It is, as the name suggests, a thin film that can be attached to any surface to create a small solar-powered generator. It is also relatively inexpensive, costing around US$150 to purchase and set up a single device, compared to a standard solar panel, which can cost as much as several thousand. The potential market for film solar energy is huge, as the UN projects that in the next few years, energy demand will increase by as much as 45%. Many companies, such as Solarfilm, are now taking note of this trend and are working hard to bring solutions to the market. Here, we will discuss the various applications of and benefits from film solar energy.
Generating Electricity At Home
The most obvious use of a film solar energy system is to generate electricity for your home. This is a practical solution for those who want to reduce their energy bills as much as possible. Film solar energy can be used in any country, but the laws governing generating electricity at home vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your local government before setting up the device. If you live in New York, you will need to get a permit from the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (Sealed Electric), and you must also purchase insurance against electrical accidents and malfunction. In California, however, you do not need a permit to generate electricity at home, and insurance is not required. The cost of setting up a film solar energy system is also quite low – around US$150 – compared to purchasing and installing a standard solar panel system, which can cost several thousand. This makes it a much more affordable option, and it brings with it many other benefits.
Off-Grid Use
Another great thing about film solar energy is that it can be used in a variety of ways, not just for generating electricity at home. It’s compact size makes it easy to transport and set up wherever you need it. This is a great solution for those who want to be sure that their power will be available when they need it, especially if they are travelling or in a foreign country. It is even possible to purchase a DIY kit that makes mounting the device quite simple – all you need is a screwdriver, some wire, and some protective gear (wetsuit, eye protection, gloves, etc.). This aspect of the product appeals to people who want to have a backup power supply in case of blackout or other emergencies. A small film solar energy system can store enough energy to serve the needs of a few lights and small appliances (e.g. radio, TV, etc.), so it is suitable for use in areas that have frequent power cuts. In addition, because it’s so compact, it’s quite easy to store away when you don’t need it and bring it out when you do. This is a great solution for people who regularly travel away for work, as it means they won’t have to worry about finding a suitable place to stay each time they travel – they can set up the device wherever they go, and it will provide them with all the power they need.
Reducing Waste
Another practical application of a film solar energy system is for people who want to reduce their landfill waste. Many landfills, particularly in crowded cities such as Hong Kong, discard most electronic devices because they cannot be recycled. This means that all the electronic equipment collected in the city ends up in a landfill until it eventually decomposes. However, most of this electronic equipment still works and can be recycled. This is where film solar energy comes in. It is, in fact, quite easy to dismantle and recycle electronic equipment and appliances using tools such as film solar energy. There is also a company called RecycleNow that buys discarded electronics and returns them to their original form. Many companies, including Solarfilm, work with local councils and other organizations to educate the public about the valuable recyclable materials that are often thrown away as trash.
Innovative Design
One of the main reasons why the UN has placed such a great deal of emphasis on reducing energy waste is that we are running out of space for landfill due to overcrowding. It is quite evident that the product designers at Solarfilm put a lot of thought into creating a product that is both innovative and cost-effective. The product is, in fact, made from recycled plastic bottles, which are both innovative and environmentally friendly. The recycled plastic bottles are processed into solar film that is 20 microns thick and has a protective coating on one side to prevent dust accumulation. This dust, if not cleaned regularly, can degrade the performance of the film, resulting in reduced electricity generation or even total failure of the product. The product is also designed in a way that makes it nearly indestructible, which is great if you’re planning on mounting it on a surface that is likely to shift or be damaged during transport or installation (e.g. wall, roof, etc.). Finally, the product is water-resistant and can withstand heavy rainfall, which makes it extremely reliable.
Durability
Finally, we arrive at one of the most important factors that affect the durability of any product or service – the materials used in its fabrication. The majority of solar film products are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET for short. This is a flexible plastic that is both durable and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in areas where it is prone to damage or wear. You will find that most solar powered generators are equipped with a nylon belt that helps drive the motor, which in turn rotates the blade during electricity generation. This belt can become worn after several months, especially if it is exposed to heavy dust or water, so it is best to replace it at this point to ensure reliable and efficient electricity generation. Another important factor that impacts the durability of a solar product is how it is maintained and cleaned. The cleaner the environment in which it operates, the longer it will last.
The Final Takeaway
In conclusion, we would like to stress two things. Firstly, the environmental benefits of using film solar energy. Secondly, the practical applications of the product for regular people. The first point will be discussed further in this article, but the second one is quite self-explanatory. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that will produce reliable electricity, then film solar energy is the solution for you. The average cost per kilowatt hour in Hong Kong is around US$0.15; this is far lower than the average cost of electricity in Hong Kong (US$0.25). This is one of the main reasons why the number of electronic devices being recycled has gone up over the years – people are realizing the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. If you are interested in taking up recyclable activities, then film solar energy is the solution for you as well, as it will make you stand out in the crowd.