Since
the days of the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels and,
even more importantly, oil, have served as the primary
energy source for all mechanical systems in the world.
However, as per estimates, these sources are likely to
be exhausted by 2050. In such a scenario, dependence on
alternative sources of energy is on the rise. One of the
most prominent sources of alternative energy resource is
solar energy.
One
of the most efficient devices to tap solar energy and
harness it to generate electricity is solar panels.
Panels are available in various powers (ranging from 5
Watts to 150 Watts). Availability of sunshine, period of
use, and the appliances which would use the harnessed
solar power determine the specific requirements of the
panel.
The
most popular and widely used solar panel is the 10 Watt
solar panel (or, SP 10). They have replaced the earlier
MSX10 solar panels and can be put to a large number of
uses – varying from small power consumption projects,
powering electric fences (up to one acre) and even for
charging small electric tools. The 10 Watt panel
comprises of continuous trickle feed maintaining and can
be used to extend the usability of any type of 12 Volt
battery as well.
The
10 Watt solar
panels have a peak output capacity of 660mAh at 16.8
Volts. They can function at an efficiency of around 70
watt-hours per day (or, 4.62 amp-hours per day), and
weighs 1.6 kilos. They connect to the PS100, CH100,
PS12LA, PS512M, or the battery base of a CR23X, CR3000,
CR5000, 21XL, CR7, or CR9000X. The dimension of these
cells is 397 x 278 x 25mm, and they generally function
best in the presence of 7 hours of peak sunlight
availability. The guaranteed minimum power availability
is 9 Watts.
No
external charge controller is required to support the
functioning of these 10 Watt panels, in case the battery
being used has an efficiency of more than 70 Ah. In case
the panel is used to charge 240 Vac devices, an external
inverter is however required. The requisite amount of
cable (5m) comes with the 10 Watt panel
sets.
If
you do not need too much power for your home which is
the case with most homes, then the 10 Watt solar
panels are great. They can generate small amounts of
energy, which are only adequate to run small gadgets,
like small fans, am/fm radios and cell phones. These
panels are portable, and this feature provides the users
with an added advantage as well.
The
advantaged of solar power are many. To begin with this
alternative energy is eco-friendly and so when you opt
for this, you can contribute to clean up the
environment. When you get solar panels for your home,
you can also gain from the many alternative energy
incentives that are offered by local authorities. Solar
power will also save you money on your power bills. This
is why it is such a good idea to get solar power for
your home, and luckily you can now install one yourself.
You will just need to know where to set it up and how to
do it, how to wire the system, where to get the parts
and the batteries from cheaply and also the safety
precautions.
