Imagine a world where electricity is as common as power-supply, and where every home is equipped with a solar panel system that provides its own power. Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be great if you could live your life without worrying about the cost of electricity or whether you can afford to run the air conditioner on a very hot day? Wouldn’t it be even nicer if you could generate electricity day & night, as opposed to relying on a utility company to provide it?
Well, the world is not exactly as you imagine it to be – not yet, at least – but you can certainly take a step in the right direction. And for those of you who are serious about going green, it’s time to gear up and get started. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already well along the road to sustainability, the following will provide you with a great deal of information about setting up and using a solar energy calculator to determine how much energy you’ll be able to generate with your solar array systems.
Setting Up A Solar Calculator For Effective Use
When selecting a solar calculator, you need to make sure that it’s been designed to simplify the process of calculating the energy that your solar system will produce. Many calculators on the market are extremely complex and include a lot of unnecessary features that only serve to obscure the actual calculations that you’re here to perform. Using such a device could seriously slow down the process of estimating how much energy you’ll produce, potentially increasing the amount of time you spend trying to figure things out. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to get your house or office powered by solar.
As the old saying goes, simplicity is the key to efficiency. Make sure that the calculator you purchase is as straightforward as possible, and that it doesn’t bombard you with a ton of unnecessary features. Ideally, you want something that looks a little bit like this:
- SIMPLE
- PERFORMANCE
- READABLE
- DURABLE
- ACCESSIBLE
- FOUNDATION
- BEST
Keep in mind the attributes that are most important to you, and make sure that the solar calculator you choose has them. It’s also a good idea to perform some research online before buying a product, in case there are any issues pertaining to your area that you should know about. This way, you’ll be sure to get the best experience from your new solar gadget.
What Type Of Solar Panels Do I Need To Generate The Most Energy?
There are several different materials that make up solar panels, and each one has its perks. Mostly, you’ll want to look into which one is best for your situation. Your top priority should be power, of course, but you also want to make sure that the material is weather-proof and won’t break down quickly under heavy exposure to the elements. In many cases, you’ll need to go for materials that are more powerful than those widely used in other applications. In some places, such as Germany, you’ll need to go for much more high-quality solar panels if you want to generate a significant amount of energy. Here’s a short list of what you should look out for in terms of material and design:
- High-quality Sunlight-sensitive Material
- Fully-customizable Design
- Tough Skin
- Toxicity Free
- Long-life
- Sustainable Manufacturing Processes
The above features will make your solar panel much more effective at generating energy. If you can combine a few of them, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your energy bills and live a more ecological life.
How Many KiloWatts (1000 Watts) Do I Need To Generate?
This is the most basic and vital piece of information, and it will have a direct impact on how much energy you’ll be able to generate with your solar panel system. Ideally, you’ll want to find a minimum of 300Watts per day, so you can start benefiting from the energy that your solar array is generating immediately. Anything less, and you’ll be depriving yourself of the most value out of this wonderful new technology. Here’s a short list of what you should avoid and look out for in terms of kWt:
- Over 1000 kWt (1000 Watts)
- Poor Quality
- Barely functional
- Shiny coatings
- Bubble wrap
- Over-priced
- Tin Can Type
- Poor Durability
Tin can type is a material that’s been around for many years and is still widely used. Essentially, it’s the material that the cans that beer and other beverages are sold in are made of. Typically, the cans are designed to prevent any of the contents from being spilled during transport and storage. So, while they’re completely safe and effective for use in those environments, they’re not necessarily built to withstand the elements. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions or just forget to take care of your solar panel regularly, then you might see some issues with this particular type of material. It’s good to look for alternatives, such as aluminum or plastic.
How Many Solar Cells (Semiconductors) Do I Need?
This is another vital piece of information, as the number of solar cells you have will directly impact how much energy you’ll be able to generate. As much as possible, you want to utilize as many solar cells as possible to get the most out of your solar energy, so it’s a good idea to look into buying more powerful and more efficient solar panels, if you can. Here’s a short list of what you should avoid and look out for in terms of solar cells:
- Low-quality Solar Cells
- Barely functional
- Over-priced
- Short-life
- Shiny coatings
- Flaws
Barely functional solar cells are completely useless, and it’s a great idea to avoid purchasing anything of this nature. Essentially, these are the cells that are typically found inside alarm clocks, radios, or other small electronic appliances that require very little current. As a general rule of thumb, never buy anything with an exorbitant price tag that isn’t necessary.
What’s The Difference Between Panasonic, Sharp, And Sanyo?
Panasonic, Sharp, and Sanyo are some of the most reputable and well-known companies in the solar energy field, and they all provide high-quality and reliable products. If you live in Australia, then you’ll want to go for Panasonic solar panels, as they provide some of the best and most efficient devices available. In the US, you’ll want to go for the Sharp brand, and in Europe, you’ll want to purchase Sanyo parts.
The above companies have been around for many years and have a well-deserved reputation for providing only the best products. Additionally, their warranties are some of the most generous in the industry, meaning that if anything does go wrong with your solar panel system, you’re covered.
Which Fuse Should I Use?
There are several different fuses that you can use to prevent energy loss in your solar panel system, and it’s important to select the one that’s right for your needs. If you have a heavy daily use, then it’s a good idea to get a few heavy-duty fuses. In terms of cost-effectiveness and long-life, you’ll want to go for a 3- or 4-way fitting, which can handle high currents and prevent overheating. If you live in a cold climate, then you might want to get some type of heat-resistant fuses, as well. If you have a shaded array, then it’s a good idea to get a fuse that’s been approved for outdoor use. Some good brands to look out for are:
- Amity
- Cambria
- Excelsior
- Silent Spring
- Vivamus