How to install Marine Solar Panels
How to install Marine Solar Panels
Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!
Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.
1. Solar panels using mono crystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection. They loose 50 percent of their efficiency in high temperature areas. The crack very easily, therefore, must be thrown away. A real environmental negative to use these type panels in the marine area.
2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection. They loose 50 percent of their efficiency in high temperature areas. The crack very easily, therefore, must be thrown away. A real environmental negative to use these type panels in the marine area.
3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells weree first believed to have lower conversion efficiency. Now scientific studies have proven this theory wrong. This type solar cells produce amps from day light til dark, therefore, produce more amps per day. Isn’t this the result you are looking for? They do take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat. These panels work no matter which direction they are facing. They do not loose efficiency in high heat areas. They work even better in cold temperatures down to minus 40 degrees. If you encounter snow even better efficiency because the snow directs more light to the cells.
Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.
Size and Number of Solar Panels
Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.Size does not necessarily mean watts, size means a panel that will produce the amount of amps per day needed.
Placement of Solar Panels
Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat’s configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.
The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.
In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable. However this will not be a factor with Peel N Stick Panels.
How to Install Marine Solar Panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.
Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:
1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.
2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.
3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.
Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.
First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.
Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power. Lastly, ask the folks at Earth Care Solar about the Lithium survival solar charging systems. They come with an extra inverter, the whole system fits in your brief case. Could you use 60 to 90 hours of power to operate your computers, radios, and more? You never know when a complete system on a boat could go down. A great back portable back up system to have aboard.
Helpful Tip
Pre-packaged marine solar panel kits take the guesswork out of installation.
Reducing our Systems to 15.4 volts produced higher Amps using our patented Charge Controllers.
Boating with Earth Care’s Marine Solar Systems and Solar Battery Systems will give you the additional and portable power you need.
Rv Solar Charging with Thin Film Peel and Stick Technology is very popular for RV owner’s! Why drill holes in the top of your expensive RV !
You Know many times you see Rv,s in the camp ground’s or the Rv parks with the ole timer ( me in this case) getting out of the drivers seat and getting set up. Which is normal because this is expected when it comes to traveling, but here’s the delimia when it comes to solar options. Typically the glass panels are installed with rails flat ( which only work during peak straight up sunshine) or rails layed flat during transit for secure travels. Upon arival to your final destination or at least the one you’ll be at for a while the owner needs to get maximum results for their investment, and in order to do this one must set up the rails and lock them into 45 degree angles and make sure the vehicle is parked for maximum exposure. Many times because of just the way travels are you don’t always get that lucky – we all have been there done that, maybe not for solar but if your considering solar consider this; a thin film amorphous peel and stick panel once applied withstands hurricane force winds and generates power from light, yep cloudy days, yep even partial sun, yep morning to night, this eliminates the need to be in an unsafe area on the roof establishing the angles for the glass tops this website will show you options for peel and stick solar panels for rv’s and the installation will be easy, one time hook-up set it and forget it, the controllers will regulate your current and when your aux battery source is full the controller will recirculate the power until they need it never overcharging your batteries or faulting your system we encourage you to learn more and get started on your back
How to Market Your Solar Business
Once you decide on how to start a solar business, how you get the word out about it is the next step. There are many traditional means of advertising, but these can be costly. When starting a business, many people find themselves with more time than cash. While some of these ideas do take some green, others can spread the word about your green business without costing you too much at the outset.
1. Offer something for free. There is something about free gifts, discounts and specials that makes almost any deal look even better. These tactics may reduce your profits slightly, but they require very little cash to be spent on your part.
So what can you offer for free? Installation is a great place to start. Offering free installation as part of a larger purchase package is a good way to get your foot in the door with a particular customer. If you do a good job, it can also be a way to get free word of mouth marketing.
2. Teach a free class or become a part-time teacher at a local institution. The latter of these is less likely, but if you have the credentials and connections, you might even find yourself getting paid to promote yourself.
Even without the right background or network to find a paid teaching job, you can offer to educate the public for free through workshops or seminars. Be sure to offer a balanced view of other available companies providing solar. How you build trust as a public speaker is to put your listeners’ needs ahead of your own marketing efforts. Your workshops should concentrate on solar in general, not on your particular business.
3. Educate people on the benefits of solar power. There are so many reasons to buy solar, so one of the key strategies here is to understand what a particular potential customer wants out of a solar power solution. Do they care a great deal about the environment? If so, explain the benefits in real, numeric terms. Provide analogies and examples that support and augment your claims. Help them to see the ways in which they will help the planet.
Are they looking to save money by using solar power? If so, again use real data on cost savings to explain both long and short term how they will benefit financially from using solar power. Explore with them the potential tax credits or benefits they can get by choosing solar. Make sure to explain that the longer they have solar power, the more they will save as well. This is particularly true now that energy costs are continuing to rise with no end in sight.
4. Post comments and articles on forums and blogs. Many early adopters and tech-savvy individuals can be found on the Internet in forums and on blogs. Tapping into this critical market can help you build a broader network within the industry and with potential clients. Be sure to provide well-rounded and informative opinions when posting to a forum or leaving a comment on a blog, but don’t be afraid to state clearly that you have something to sell.
If you choose to start a blog yourself, target it broadly. Cast a wide net and don’t simply try to sell your product. You have to build a reader’s trust in your abilities and expertise before you can expect them to want to do business with you. Provide solar how to articles and other valuable information.
This list is naturally not exhaustive. When it comes to marketing solar, how you reach customers is up to you. You can post fliers, pay for advertisements, network offline within the business community and so on. When you’re starting out, it’s helpful to use cost-effective marketing methods. Work on building up a customer base and attracting recurrent sales. You’ll get more business this way with no further marketing investment.
Solar Tiger Hunting Buggies are packed with features to help you conquer rugged terrain. Comes complete with our Peel N Stick Solar System
Visit our website for more details about our New Solar Tiger Hunting Buggies.
Inexpensive Solar Power Generators
Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming very popular because of their size, weight, and durability?
Inexpensive Solar Power Generators
When you’re in the market for information on solar, how do you choose the best sources for building an inexpensive solar power generator? Information on going solar is available via several different venues. The Internet, books and videos can provide valuable information about going solar. How you choose to use the information is entirely at your discretion. Solar power is becoming more widely used as a home power source each year. With today’s economic woes, creating an alternative solar power generator for your home could save a lot of money in the long run.
One of the most important questions people ask about solar: How do you know which information to trust? The answer to that question could be much simpler than you think! The “best” information is the information that best applies to your particular project. Information about how to create a mobile solar power generator wouldn’t be helpful to people planning to fully implement solar power with their homes.
A personal solar generator for your home, cabin, apartment or RV could be a very valuable asset for people who often experience blackouts or brownouts. Even small power flickers can cause computer users to lose valuable time and information. People who work from home often use an uninterruptable power system (UPS) to protect their computers from immediately losing power in the event of a power outage. The use of a UPS is very comparable to the use of a solar power backup generator. Freelancers and contractors who travel a lot benefit greatly from small, inexpensive solar power generators.
Solar: How a Small Backup Generator Can Reduce Energy Costs
Small, homemade crystalline solar power backup generators can be made for under $400 and reliable for up to five consecutive hours of power. Some avid campers and nature lovers have made it a point to take their laptop and solar power generator on camping or fishing trips. They never have to worry about falling behind on work or the latest news while they’re relaxing and enjoying nature. Earth Care Products have lightweight, portable power systems utalizing our rollable and foldable solar panels available for those who are limited on the amount of space they have for storage and weight they can carry.
Installing solar power in your home not only saves a lot of dollars on electricity per year, but your initial investment could also pay for itself within 1-3 years. Solar power also adds to the resale value of your home. Minor improvements to homes often create the biggest buzz and the greatest return on investment
when the homeowner considers selling the home. A home that will save the new owner money on the electric bill and help the environment at the same time would be much more attractive to potential home buyers.
Farmers have learned to harness solar power for use on tobacco, wheat, corn and livestock farms. By use of solar powered lighting among other things, farmers have learned to solar power saves time and money. The initial investment is minimal when compared to the costs of setting up a full electrical system for various areas of their farms.
Utilization of solar power for farm use helps the environment just as much as it helps the farmer’s bank account. Fossil fuels are used in the process of making solar components, but the products themselves emit no harmful pollutants into the surrounding environment. Informational websites and books can help you determine if solar energy is right for you.
Solar How to Websites and Books
Solar how to websites are very convenient sources of information. Another great resource for solar know-how is books. Several books from the Evil Genius series, McGraw Hill’s DeMystified or even the Dummy series can help even the newest solar rookie understand the basics. When shopping for information or products, it’s a great idea to take your reading materials with you. When approached by a store representative, ask specific questions regarding solar how to.
When searching the web for information on how to implement solar power, be very specific with your search words and use quotes where appropriate. Simply searching your favorite search engine for solar generator information will bring up a lot of useless information that doesn’t apply to your particular project. Try using quotation marks when searching. Instead of just searching for solar power generator try “solar power generator” to target the phrase or any other phrase you’re searching for.
Make the Best of Solar How to Information
Website, books and videos are great sources of information. Each resource can provide information on everything solar. How would you find the best prices for solar? How would you build your own solar generator? Knowledge is a great foundation for any project.
Solar power isn’t rocket science, but the more you know, the better the end results will be. Before making the decision to fully integrate solar power, do your research. The more you understand, the more smoothly your project and transition will go. The Internet, videos and books are very valuable resources to help answer those questions and many, many more.
Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants
Solar Garden Lights Ease Energy Costs
Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming very popular because of their ease of installation and durability?
Solar Garden Lights Ease Energy Costs
The current trends of today’s economy and rising fuel costs make it difficult to have money to spend on the little pleasures in life. Gardening is a popular hobby for many people. Many homeowners take pride in their landscaping abilities and wish to show off their hard work and effort. This can be a difficult task with the current rise in electricity bills and energy costs. Alternative energy sources are a viable way to cut those costs. Using solar power may seem like a daunting task, but there are simple ways to use solar energy.
Homeowners and renters alike can benefit from do-it-yourself projects that harness solar energy and reduce electricity bills. One simple and inexpensive project is the installation of solar garden or yard lights. These types of lights can allow a garden to be stylishly illuminated while still saving on energy costs. They are a convenient and aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden or landscape.
Solar garden lights store and generate their own power during daylight hours and release that energy at night. A typical landscape light uses 12 volts of electricity and requires bulbs. Solar garden lights contain solar panels that harness the sunlight. This is especially convenient for homeowners and renters who do not have outdoor electrical outlets. These solar panels charge the interior LED (light-emitting diode) battery. A photoresistor activates the battery when it detects little or no light, causing the lamp to illuminate. LED batteries are inexpensive and have an average lifespan of two years. One LED solar light emits the same brightness as a 2 watt bulb. LED battery powered lights run for about 100,000 hours, while an incandescent bulb runs for only 3,000 hours on non-renewable energy. Solar garden lights on average remain lit for 10 hours per night.
Solar garden lights require the simplest installation of any solar lighting. They can be placed in any area of the yard that receives direct sunlight. Most solar garden lights are mounted on stakes that can easily be driven into the ground. These types of solar lights require no wires or underground digging. Some also have the option of being strung together so they can hang along eaves or awnings.
Solar garden lights are available in various styles, colors and shapes. They can be stylish additions to any garden. Solar garden lights can be used to illuminate a path or walkway. There are also floating solar lights that can be displayed in a pool or pond. Another convenient type of solar light is a solar deck light. These lights are small and can be placed along stairs, making decks safer for nighttime use. They are made from plastic and are weighted down to avoid being blown around by wind.
A growing trend among solar powered landscape lighting is rope lighting. This type of lighting involves a string of LED bulbs that are encased in clear plastic tubing. The tubing protects against weather and allows for flexibility. Solar rope lighting works much the same as solar garden lighting and does not require electricity. These lights also come in a variety of colors, and some models have twinkle or blink settings. Rope lighting can be used to trace a path or walkway or be mounted along a house or deck. It could also be used as outdoor decoration for holiday seasons.
Solar garden lights are sold at most major retailers and home improvement stores. They are the most energy efficient choice for outdoor lighting. Solar garden lights are affordable; pricing increases are usually due to style and color choice.
Renewable energy is both environmentally friendly and economically vital. Solar power is an important resource in the effort of homeowners and renters to lower electricity costs and use renewable energy sources. Solar energy allows people the luxury of small pleasures, like garden lighting, while being affordable and eco-friendly.
Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants
Converting an RV to Solar Power
Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming an RV Owners delight Who wants to drill holes in the roof of an expensive RV?
Converting an RV to Solar Power
There’s never been a better time to convert to solar power. North Americans are only too aware of the ramifications of the continued use of non-renewable energy sources. Global warming and greenhouse gases are terms understood by even the youngest of citizens. The possible impact of ignoring the warnings could have devastating consequences for future generations. “Solar how to” is on the minds of many social and environmentally-conscious individuals.
Environmental concerns extend beyond the front door. RV travelers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of converting to solar power. Many have become traveling ambassadors for the cause. They stand to set a new trend when it comes to relying less on hydro-electric energy and more upon natural sunlight when traveling.
* The number one reason that RV vacationers are reluctant to go solar is the notion of cost.
* The second is the perceived hassle involved. Both of these may be misconceptions. RV owners may find on closer review that the cost is not as great as believed. The long term savings will likely far outweigh the initial cost of conversion. Plus, the greater travel options may decrease the hassle involved in RV traveling.
Solar power is energy generated from the sun. Solar how-to for RV’s involves the placement of solar panels atop the roof of the vehicle. The panels reflect the sun’s rays and help convert it into energy. This energy can produce heat, electricity and even cooling.
The benefits of converting an RV to solar power are tremendous. Just a few of them include:
* Less reliance upon access to an electrical outlet. One of the first things RV travelers look at when planning a trip itinerary is electrical accessibility. Many campgrounds have limited numbers of sites with electricity. This can sometimes make it challenging to find a convenient travel route. Conversion to solar power eliminates the need to plan travel around electrical access. Solar power opens up more campground options. It also makes outback RV travel a possibility.
* RV solar systems can be tailored to fit needs. Power needs differ according to RV size, number of appliances, etc. Some travelers may wish to simply run an engine battery on solar power. Others may decide to convert all parts of the vehicle, including hot water heaters and kitchen appliances to solar energy. All of these needs can be accommodated by installing the right kinds and number of solar panels.
* Solar systems can be expanded as needs change. RV owners may want to start by converting batter power to solar energy. As other appliances are added or switched over, more or larger solar panels can be added to accommodate the expansion.
* Cost savings. Total savings will depend upon the extent to which an RV is used. Frequent travelers stand to save the most money in the long run. Travelers who spend weeks or months traveling each year stand to save thousands of dollars. The savings realized are twofold. First, reliance upon outside energy sources is reduced. Plus, the need to pay extra for campsites with electrical outlets is eliminated.
Almost any and every make and model of RV can be converted to solar energy. The age of the RV doesn’t matter. However, newer vehicles may be more easily converted than older models. The type of conversion kit needed will depend upon the size of the RV. The number of appliances and the size of the battery will also play a critical role.
Solar how to kits for RV’s are available where RV’s are sold. Kits are also available online. It’s important to determine exactly what your particular needs are before you purchase a solar power kit. It’s important to have your solar kit installed by a professional unless you have experience in this area. Incorrect installation may reduce performance level or cause malfunction within your RV.
Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants
Using Solar Energy on the Road: A Guide for RV Owners and Campers
Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming an RV Owners delight Who wants to drill holes in the roof of an expensive RV?
“Recreational Vehicle and Camping”
“Powering a home, office, or urban project with solar power has become a popular way to save on energy costs and do one’s part to help save the planet over the past few years. Many private homes, apartment complexes, and company headquarters have found that designing and installing a solar energy system is a great way to save both budget funds and the Earth’s precious natural resources.
But while the solar power market may be mostly geared towards these applications, there is one use for solar power that takes advantage of these great benefits while also being a convenient solution to common powering problems: the RV, or recreational vehicle and camping.
Many RV owners and campers are already keen consumers when it comes to cutting costs and finding creative ways to live, work, and play efficiently. When traveling, having an adequate and affordable source of power is paramount to a comfortable and convenient experience.
The use of a solar energy system can take advantage of an RV’s exposure to sunlight and translate that exposure into significant savings and convenience.
Just as in any modern application, the first step toward setting up solar panels and required accessories for an RV is to take an inventory of the specific items you’d like to power with the solar array. Most appliances found in an RV can be easily powered via a solar energy system. Find the daily watts usage for your RV’s fridge and freezer, water heater, interior lights and accessories, and any other items usually dependent on electric power. Combining the daily watts usage for all items, you can arrive at your required solar energy load, which will serve as a basic blueprint for designing your system and selecting appropriate component parts.
Many manufacturers sell special “RV solar kits,” which include solar panels and basic accessories such as a battery bank, specifically geared towards use in recreational vehicles. These kits may help take the guesswork out of designing and configuring your own system, but can sometimes charge a pretty penny for the convenience. If you’re concerned about cutting costs wherever possible, or you enjoy the fun of hands-on projects, you may wish to create your own set of solar panels and accessories. Choose quality components adequate for your specific application, be mindful of corresponding voltages, and you’re sure to have a blast while you prepare to reap the benefits of free, clean energy that both you and nature can enjoy.
When thinking about solar power to equip your RV or camper, think outside the box. In addition to the traditional solar systems for RVs, you might also consider buying gadgets that would supplement your solar energy system. Here’s a list of some readily available solar powered items:
Water Bottle & Night Light: Take this ingenious solar water bottle on your next camping trip. While it absorbs solar energy during the day with it’s built-in solar panel, you can use it as a water bottle. After dark, it comes in handy as a spare LED lantern. There is a white light mode as well as a blinking red light for distress signal mode.
Light String: Want to make your RV more festive and welcoming? Hang a string of solar powered LED lights on your awning to welcome friends and neighbors. These lights can be used indoors or out.
2-in-1 Hybrid Solar Power Flashlight & Radio: The best of both worlds! Can be run on solar power or hand crank. These combo flashlight and radios come in a variety of sizes and with a range of options. Some even have cell phone charger connectors.
LED Flashlight: Solar charged LED flashlights come in a variety of sizes and brightness levels. The smaller ones are often found with keychain attachments and the larger ones have handles to hang up at night.
Mosquito & Bug Zapper: The solar powered bug zapper often doubles as a lantern. They can be mounted on the side of the RV or in the ground with a stand. Some automatically turn on at night. Models most recently on the market include blue LEDS that attract pests to the zapper.
Cell phone and MP3 Player Chargers: Readily available in most camping stores, these chargers often do double duty, charging both cell phones and ipods or other MP3 players. These are very handy for RV users because you always like to have your cell phone fully charged and using a solar powered charger keeps your energy usage down.
Solar powered gadgets and traditional solar panel systems are readily available, reasonably priced and are a convenient source of power for those in the RV community. Consider supplementing your RV and camping power sources with some solar power.”
Adding to the words of the author above, Earth Care Products offers the Peel and Stick Flexible Solar Charging Panels which remove themselves from the traditional solar panels made of crystalline and other similar features. The main difference is all traditional panels must face the south and tilt 45 degrees in other to capture the peak sun each day. Peel and Stick Panels, by Earth Care, do not have to face the south, in fact utilize light to produce amps. Although capturing the peek sun enhances the peel and stick product, facing the south does not effect the minimum efficiency of the Earth Care Peel and Stick Solar Products.
Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants
