A Photovoltaic Solar Collector
PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV)
Sunlight can be converted to electricity with photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric modules. PV modules are semiconductor devices usually made of silicon, and contain no liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. They produce electricity as long as light shines on them, making photovoltaic, or solar electric, energy the cleanest and safest method of power generation known. Solar energy is the most reliable, non-polluting resource available. Although photovoltaic cells are still expensive for home use, they are often the cheapest power source for cottages and remote areas.
A Photovoltaic Solar Collector
PV modules generate direct current or DC, the kind of electricity stored in batteries. Incandescent lights can operate on DC, but most electric devices require 120-volt alternating current (AC) supplied by receptacles. A device known as an inverter converts DC to normal 120-volt household current. Inverters vary in the amount and quality of electricity they supply. Cheaper inverters are suitable for compact fluorescent lights, but more sophisticated models are needed to power electronic devices like TVs, stereos, microwave ovens and computers.
Photovoltaic cells come in many sizes, but most are 10 by 10 cm and generate about half a volt. PV cells are bundled together in modules or panels to produce higher voltages. A 12-volt module, for example, has 30 to 40 PV cells and measures about 40 by 100 cm. PV panels are not highly efficient, converting only 12 to 15 percent of the sun's light into electricity, but laboratory prototypes are reaching 30 percent efficiency. Further research will eventually yield cheaper and more efficient cells capable of supplying power to an energy-hungry world.
PV modules can be grouped together to provide various amounts of electricity.
The size of the system, number of modules, battery bank and inverter size depend on
a few factors such as the amount of electricity you need, the amount of sunlight
your sit receives, the number of days you would need without a backup and the peak
electrical demand at any given time. Natural Resources Canada offers a program
called RETScreen that will help determine the size of system that suits your needs.
The free software is offered at
http://www.retscreen.gc.ca
.
Wind Power is an alternative way of generating clean renewable electricity, at an affordable price. A personal power station will sufficiently reduce your monthly electric bill and can provide a reliable back-up if the power goes out. Wind power systems are often combined with solar electric systems to help supplement electrical loads. With two energy sources, the solar electric system can be smaller and reliability is increased.
A Diagram of How Wind Power is Implemented
Whisper Series Wind Generators: The Whisper series of wind generators areideal for cabin and full time home power systems. Sizes range from 900 to 3000 watts and they are easy to install using the optional power kits. WP-H40 andWP-H80 have a balanced three blade designs. The two bladed WP-H175 is a solution or the larger power needs of farms and lodges. This series has a two year warranty. Although the H40 and H80 have similar peak power ratings, the H80 will deliver up to twice as much power in lower wind speeds. Typical output is based on an average wind speed of 16 kph (or 10 mph).
| Model | WP-H40 | WP-H80 | WP-H175 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Power | 900W @45kph | 1000W @38kph | 3000W @43kph |
| Output/Month | 60 kWh | 130 kWh | 333 kWh |
| Rotor Diameter | 210 cm | 270 cm | 450 cm |
| Pipe Size | 2.5 inch Schedule 40 | 2.5 inch Schedule 40 | 5 inch Schedule 40 |
| Weight | 25 kg (55 lbs.) | 35 kg (77 lbs.) | 70 kg (155 lbs.) |
| Voltage VDC | 12, 24, 36 or 48 | 12, 24, 36 or 48 | 24, 32 or 48 |
Wind Generator Accessories
Wind Generator Stop Switch for Air-X: Installation of Air-X Land requires a stop switch to short circuit the output for servicing or to prevent overspend conditions. The short circuit acts like a brake and slows the wind generator rotation down enough to stop the blades by hand. The stop switch also provides over current protection on the wiring and can be installed anywhere between the wind generator and the batteries.
The Roof Mount Kit for Air-X: The AIR Roof Mount Kit has a simple installation and is combined with vibrating isolators that reduces noise and vibration by 80%.
EZ Wire I Upgrade for Whisper Series:Combined regulation and metering for wind systems. Required for the 12 V systems. Available for WP-H40 and WP-H80.
Wind Generator Towers for Air-X and Whisper: The new Wind Generator Towers for (Air-X) from southwest wind power are available in 8 m (27Õ) and 14 m (45Õ) guyed tower kits. Installation can be completed in few hours. Kits provide everything needed: base connector, bolts, locknuts, cable thimbles, clamps and base staples. Pipe and anchor not included. Whisper Tower Kits has much more options for the guyed tower heights. The whisper tower heights range from 24 feet to 70 feet (pole not included).Marine Models for Air-X and Whisper: Air-X has a marine model that has an improved regulator to reduce noise and vibration. Also, whisper series available for the WP-H40 and WP-H80 models, the marine version of these wind generators include powder coated castings and sealed electronics.
Picture of a Wind Turbine
Solcan is an authorized dealer for a number of other energy saving products, for more information on any of these products please contact Solcan by using our contact form.