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on November 29th, 2011% ![]()
by Tara EvansCreated 1:13 PM on 15th November 2011
I am thinking about installing and paying outright for solar panels on my south-west facing bungalow.
Will I be able to benefit from the higher ‘feed-in tariff’ (FIT) rate of 43p per unit or would I get the new lower rate?
Alan, via email.
Installation rush: anyone wanting to benefit from the higher rate must have their solar panels fitted by a MCS approved installer by 12 December 2011
Tara Evans of this is Money replies:
You must have your panels fitted by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved installer AND have the property registered with the MCS by 12 December 2011 to benefit from the current higher feed-in tariff (FIT) rate.
After that date, the payment for solar panel generated electricity is being cut from 43.3p per kWh to 21p. anyone having solar panels installed before that date will lock in to the higher rate for 25 years, with increases linked to inflation (see more on this below).
The emphasis is clearly on getting your panels installed as soon as possible.
You should ask the installation company to assure you that the process can be completed before this date. You should insist on this as a contractual obligation, stating explicitly that you will receive a full refund if this target is not met.
Without robust paperwork to protect yourself you are taking a big gamble.
Even experienced fitters are struggling to gauge how long it takes to get a property’s system registered with the relevant energy company – a result of the huge workload ahead of the deadline.
If you do not get your panels fitted and registered before the deadline then your annual earnings from exporting electricity to the grid will be halved, from an average of ?1,100 to ?500 per year.
That will extend making a return on your initial outlay – likely to be around ?10,000 – from around 8-10 years to more than 20 years.
To find an MCS approved installer visit mircrogenerationcertification.org
How the solar panels feed-in tariffs work
Thedrive to encourage home solar panels came thanks to the UK agreeing to green energy targets that are going to be very difficult to hit.
The plan is for Britain to get 15 per cent of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020 – compared to 3 per cent when the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive was signed up to.
Thetax-free ‘feed-in tariffs’ scheme means that homeowners who generate electricity from solar power get paid for energy they produce and use themselves, a little bit extra for any electricity they produce, don’t use and put into the grid, and will also see their energy bills fall slightly. There is also a less generous scheme for wind turbines and even domestic hydroelectric systems.
From solar panel, a typical return of ?1,190 a year can be expected, according to Energy Saving Trust figures.the total return is split like this for a typical 2.9kWp household installation:
?1,060 a year from the Generation Tariff (power you make and use) ?40 a year from the Export Tariff (power you make and sell) ?90 a year reduction of current electricity bills
TheGeneration Tariff currently pays 43.3p per kilowatt hour of energy produced. this is index-linked for 25 years, it will rise with Retail Prices Index inflation, and those who sign up at any given time are locked into the rate at that point.
The Export Tariff delivers an extra 3.1p per kWh – 46.4p – for energy exported to the national grid. the EST says: ‘At some stage smart meters will be installed to measure what you export, but until then it is estimated as being 50 per cent of the electricity you generate.’
on November 24th, 2011% ![]()
Solar panels will be added to the roof of the Highway Department garage on Brayton Point Road as part of a contract approved by selectmen.
the solar panels are expected to pay for themselves within six years thanks to energy savings and a rebate program that chips in more than $100,000 during a 10-year span. more than $3,600 in energy savings is estimated annually from 28,000 kilowatt-hours worth of energy.
Under a $91,000 contract approved by the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, Raynham-based Munro Distributing will install 108 solar panels over an area of 4,000 square feet on the building’s roof. whatever energy isn’t used by the Highway Department will go back into the grid, earning the town money.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Selectman Patrick O’Neil, who started looking into the potential for solar projects in town three years ago. O’Neil said he wanted to use energy produced in town — not across the country or overseas — and for it to be environmentally friendly.
“It’s the right thing to do. It’s the right thing for the environment and the right thing for the taxpayers,” O’Neil said.
the town already has money set aside to pay for the contract. a Town Meeting vote from years ago paid for a new so-called solar-ready roof for the Highway Department garage that allowed for the installation of panels without drilling through the roof, as well as a space for feeding wires through the roof and into a converter below.
Somerset sized the project to cover about one-fourth of the Highway Department roof so the cost wouldn’t exceed the amount of money included in the Town Meeting approval, O’Neil said.
Munro Distributing was the only company that bid for the project. it has also done a rooftop project at the Yarmouth-Dennis Septage Treatment Facility on Cape Cod, more than 10 times larger than the Somerset plan, and others in Dartmouth, Mattapoisett and new Bedford.
Last year, the town sought proposals from companies looking to install solar panels on town-owned buildings, including the Highway Department garage and schools.
Buildings that were mentioned by bidders as potentially hosting panels were five schools — Chace Street, North and South elementary schools, the middle school and high school — along with the Water Department building and the police and fire headquarters complex.
the Highway Department was not chosen by the three bidders who suggested specific sites. Somerset selected a total of 20 buildings for consideration.
the solar panel project is one of three being considered or undertaken by the town.
Town Administrator Dennis Luttrell was to update the Board of Selectmen Wednesday on a project that would add wind or solar power to the former landfill just up Brayton Point Road, but was absent. Luttrell is also preparing a request for proposals for adding solar panels at a 28-acre clearing on town-owned farmland off Wilbur Avenue just east of Brayton Point Road. Email Grant Welker at .
on November 22nd, 2011% ![]()
MERRILLVILLE | if the Merrillville Community School Corp. wins agrant from the Indiana Office of Energy Development, it will be thefirst school district in the region to construct a wind turbine atits high school, creating projects on renewable energy sources forstudents and job opportunities for local tradesmen.
Merrillville Superintendent Tony Lux said the grant can “provideeducational projects for students, reduce the district’s carbonfootprint and will be highly visible to the community.”
The school district has partnered with the Midwest RenewableEnergy Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersLocal 697, Ironworkers Local 395, Roofers Local 26, UnitedBrotherhood of Carpenters and Millwrights and the town ofMerrillville’s municipal government. It submitted a grant requestfor $325,000. the district should have an answer by year’s end.
The district has pledged $83,500 to the project. In addition,the partners and area businesses have committed $84,000 of in-kindcontributions of time, equipment and materials. the grant wouldspark an investment of more than $167,000.
The project includes installing a 50-kilowatt wind turbine andabout 15 kilowatts of solar panels at Merrillville High School.Installation would be integrated into the curriculum in thebuilding trades, physics, chemistry, economics and AutoCAD programsand adult education programs at the high school. Installations willprovide job training opportunities for local tradesmen.
The wind turbine and solar panels should save the district anestimated $762,000 over 30 years while offsetting 3,000 tons ofcarbon, equivalent to 9.5 million automobiles traveled, or theequivalent of planting 118,000 trees.
Physics teacher Bruce Curme, electronics teacher Rick Hurey,building trades instructor Bob Mackoviak and Environmental Clubsponsor Chuck Gleason helped write the grant application.
Curme said he is excited about having a real generator thatstudents can see and determine how much power it is producing, andusing equations to determine solar panel efficiency.
Ryan Reithel, business representative for IBEW Local 697, saidsolar panel technology was used on its new building at 7200Mississippi St. in Merrillville and for a project at MerrillvilleTown Hall through a state grant.
“This will be our third project and it’s giving the localtradesmen experience in this technology,” Reithel said. “It’s aunique grant, allowing all of us to work together as a communityfor a common cause.”
on November 22nd, 2011% ![]()
Solar power is redefining the way homeowners think about their homes, their finances and ultimately their impact on the planet. many industries are adopting solar energy into the products and services that they offer, and technologically advanced roofing companies across the nation are leading the movement.
Energy- and Eco-conscious individuals, families and businesses have begun to explore the advanced technology of solar power, which is infinite and which – properly harnessed – is an absolutely free resource that creates no pollutants or ozone destruction to the atmosphere.
For homeowners considering a transition into solar, there are a few good reasons to consider having a roofer administer the installation. this article will describe the benefits of turning to a roofing company for your solar power needs.
Why should home and business owners consider a roofing company to install their solar?
Knowledge and Familiarity of Roofs
It doesn’t take overt technical knowledge of solar energy to understand that – in nearly all structures – the ideal placement of a solar panel is on the roof. The roof is the part of the home that consistently absorbs the most sunlight and ultraviolet rays – and covering a portion of your roof with solar panels allows you to absorb and convert the energy provided naturally from the sun.
If we were talking about a technology that converted water from your sinks and showers into energy, perhaps we’d suggest a plumber – because they are familiar and have a deep knowledge of pipes, valves, drains and other plumber-specific knowledge. Because solar panels are placed on roofs, the best possible installation professional would need the same familiarity of roofing. Roofers have this unique expertise and will be more competent to install solar panels and energy systems in ways that work best for each particular home or business.
Solar panels are also highly valuable pieces of equipment and can range anywhere from $15,000 to $70,000 per household or business. It is a rather hefty investment for many people, and most people want the insurance of knowing the installation will be stable and secure. Wise investors and consumers wouldn’t make a purchase without having a secure place to store it. Roofers can ensure that your roof is strong enough to support the solar panels, and their acute knowledge of roofing structures enables them to install solar equipment on the strongest positions of the roof.
Specialization in Solar
As mentioned, many roofing companies are leading the solar movement by specializing in solar installations and partnering with developers of solar equipment. Because of this, they not only know roofing, but they understand the intricate specifications of solar panel placement and set up. More often than not, a roofer will be able to set up a solar installation more securely and more effectively than other solar power providers due to special training and accreditations – both in roofing AND solar energy.
And of course, one of the biggest draws towards solar panel installations is that it is a financially sound decision that will save every household and business thousands of dollars a year (tens and hundreds of thousands over time). Knowing this, the cost factor of an installation also comes into play, and typically, roofers are more economically priced than solar technology companies. The partnerships we mentioned also means that roofers get reduced and wholesale rates on the actual solar panels and equipment, so they can offer homeowners a better price.
on November 21st, 2011% Article updated: 11/20/2011 6:43 AM  here is a polycrystalline solar module.
Rick West | Staff Photographer  Tom DeBates of HABI-TEK shows how solar panels look on his Geneva ranch house. Rick West | Staff Photographer  Air. Water. Energy. of Carol Stream installed this solar system on a Wheaton house. Courtesy a.W.E.  Sharp has announced a ?starter kit? for homeowners who want an inexpensive way to join the solar community. SunSnap AC Solution should be available next year with a module costing less than $1,000, the company said. Courtesy Sharp  Tom DeBates of HABI-TEK shows the type of polycrystalline solar module he installs. Rick West | Staff Photographer
Producing your own electricity from solar energy is increasingly attractive to homeowners.
Most important to many fans are the environmental benefits — they no longer burn fossil fuels or contribute to air pollution when watching television or washing dishes or clothes.
The economic benefits are second. yes, there’s a substantial upfront investment, but they aren’t paying an electric company as much or in some cases anything. and within 10 to 15 years those savings pay for the system.
Technological breakthroughs to improve the efficiency of solar systems continue.
For example, Peter Fletcher of Lisle, a homeowner who installed a solar system two years ago, praises the small micro inverters. These convert the direct current harvested from the sun to the alternating current your house uses.
In systems with one big inverter, a faulty panel or partial shade can seriously affect the efficiency of the whole system, he said. with the new micro inverters, each panel is independent and continues with maximum efficiency no matter what the others are doing.
Here is information about solar energy in the suburbs gleaned from homeowners and installers.
How much does it cost? Expect to pay at least $20,000. Homeowners we talked with spent more. this is expected to pay for itself in reduced electricity costs in 10 to 15 years, depending on how many government benefits you can obtain. Richard Born of DeKalb says he paid about $14,800 for his $37,000 system after government credits and rebates, so the energy savings should allow him to break even in about six years. and the panels should last at least 25 years.
Why aren’t more people buying? this payback period is disappointing to many homeowners who want payback in three to five years, said Brad James, project manager for Shamrock Electric in Elk Grove Village. on the plus side, the panels are more economical with a watt of production probably one third what it was eight years ago, he said.
Government incentives: While fans say the 30 percent federal tax credit for a solar installation is reliable, the amount Illinois puts up for rebates each year disappears very quickly. Homeowners can also sell renewable energy credits.
A breakthrough? you can lease panels rather than purchase them, while this eliminates the need for the upfront capital, it also takes away some of the economic advantages.
But we live in the frigid north, not California? we get plenty of sun, insist solar fans. and Fletcher points out that solar panels really work better on cooler days. His two record electricity production days were chilly, sunny days in April.
What about trees? you want the panels to face as close to south as possible. and shade — trees, vents, other buildings, even fences — are a problem. Fletcher cut down one large tree to make his system work. Contractors have tools that show exactly how much energy a system on your site will produce, said James. and yes, you collect sun on cloudy days, say James and Ray Grimm of a.W.E. (Air. Water. Energy.) in Carol Stream.
Backup plan: yes, you can still use power from the electric company, and when you create excess you feed it to the company for a credit.
Are the neighbors going to hate the appearance? well, the people we talked with have it on the rear of their houses, but panels that can lie flat on your roof (with a little space between them and the shingles) are less conspicuous than the raised ones you might be thinking of. James said a homeowners association might raise questions, but he has never had trouble with municipalities. Born likes the looks and says his friends and family still enjoy the back yard without aesthetic issues.
How big a system should I get? Talk with contractors. Sometimes getting those last extra kilowatts can cost too much. Fletcher of Lisle is happy with his 4.14 kilowatt system, even though his house uses a little over 5 kilowatts. he does not think that producing extra energy for ComEd would be worthwhile. Richard Born, associate professor of business emeritus at Northern Illinois University, disagrees. he says the electricity he sends to the electric company means he breaks even on the cost of the power he uses. he gets a higher credit if he sends electricity during high-cost periods like hot summer afternoons.
We remodeled our kitchen, and that was a nightmare. will this be disruptive? Fletcher says no; it was probably the least disruptive house project he’s experienced. most of the action is on the roof, with conduit in the attic and down the side of the house. the rest is in the basement, he said, as the wires are connected to the main breaker box.
The future: James said solar panels that look like roof shingles are available, as are those that resemble awnings. Developers are talking about windows that collect energy, and one company is working on creating a paint.
And Sharp Electronics Corp. has announced a “starter system” that will allow homeowners to install an off the shelf module for less than $1,000, then add to it over the years. the SunSnap AC Solution will be available in 2012, the company said.
Other notes: Make sure you have a good roof. It will be very costly to remove the panels to replace the roof in five years. Tom DeBates, owner of HABI-TEK in Geneva, which installed the systems for both Fletcher and Born, recommends you first make your house as efficient as possible before buying a solar system.
And don’t let the current controversy over the bankruptcy of Solyndra, a panel manufacturer, affect your opinion of solar energy, said Born. he loves his system and bought a Chevrolet Volt.
View the original article here
on November 21st, 2011% ![]()
NISKAYUNA, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With the goal of making solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops more affordable for home and building owners, a team of scientists and engineers from GE Global Research, the technology development arm for the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is working on two projects aimed at simplifying and reducing the cost of solar PV installations. the projects are part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Sunshot Initiative.
“Today, the average cost of installing a solar system on a typical home is $6.50 per watt, or $32,500. We want to cut the cost by more than half. At less than half the price, solar systems will be practical for millions of homeowners in the United States”
GE is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to promote the growth of the solar industry. recently, GE’s Energy business announced plans to build the largest U.S. solar factory in Aurora, Colorado (outside of Denver) producing high efficiency thin film solar panels. over the next three to five years, the new plant will create 355 advanced technology jobs in Colorado and another 100 new positions at GE’s Renewable Energy Global headquarters and Global Research Center in Niskayuna. this will add to the large team of scientists and engineers already working on cutting-edge solar technologies. the projects announced today are part of GE’s R&D efforts, which are focused on integrating more solar power at the utility, commercial and residential scale.
“Today, the average cost of installing a solar system on a typical home is $6.50 per watt, or $32,500. We want to cut the cost by more than half. At less than half the price, solar systems will be practical for millions of homeowners in the United States,” said Charlie Korman, Manager, Solar Energy Programs at GE Global Research. “To achieve such a radical cost reduction, new technologies are needed to simplify and standardize how solar installations are made. the process has to be as routine as putting a new roof on your home.”
Korman noted that the price of rooftop solar has dropped significantly as more and more installations have been made over time, but the prices are still not competitive with current electricity rates. He explained that getting solar installations into the $3.00 per watt range would make rooftop solar a much more attractive investment for millions of consumers in the U.S. For example, the value of the energy generated by a 3.00 per watt residential solar system (fully installed) would more than offset the monthly payment on a typical home equity installment loan.
the first of the two projects will be a $2.9 million program to improve some of the underlying technologies in residential solar systems that help reduce the cost of key components. this will complement another program GE has underway with the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) to reduce the costs of residential solar installations. the second program is a $3 million project focused on commercial rooftop applications. the goal here is to develop pre-wired and pre-configured components for easier installation of solar systems onto commercial rooftops.
the two solar projects with the DOE are closely aligned with GE’s ecomagination initiative. Ecomagination represents GE’s commitment to bring new technologies and products to market that help power the world in cleaner, more sustainable ways. the effort to reduce solar installation costs is a key part of a broader R&D portfolio to make solar a more viable energy source.
About GE Global Research
GE Global Research is the hub of technology development for all of GE’s businesses. Our scientists and engineers redefine what’s possible, drive growth for our businesses and find answers to some of the world’s toughest problems.
We innovate 24 hours a day, with sites in Niskayuna, New York; Bangalore, India; Shanghai, China; Munich, Germany; and fifth global research facility to open in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012. Visit GE Global Research on the web at ge.com/research. Connect with our technologists at edisonsdesk.com and twitter.com/edisonsdesk.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery available: businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50044551&lang=en
on November 19th, 2011% ![]()
by John Callegari Published: November 14, 2011 Tags: Lake Success, Long Island, Ronkonkoma, solar
The Village of Lake Success recently completed installation of solar panel electric systems on two of its municipal buildings.
Through two federal stimulus grants totaling $500,000, the village installed solar electric systems on its village community center and its Department of Public Works building. The community center building features a 49.995 kW system spread across multiple roofs, while the public works building has a smaller 17.625 kW array on its roof.
The village will hold a ceremony next Monday at the community center to formally commemorate the initial operation of the systems.
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on November 19th, 2011% ![]()
In this modern era with global warming and green house gases on the rise, it’s important that one takes note of the importance of renewable energy resources to reduce carbon emissions and further harmful effects upon the environment. What could be a better way to do this than to start with your own home?
Governments around the world are offering grants, tax breaks, and concessions to those who are willing to convert their homes to use solar power. But sometimes it’s hard to find what’s currently being offered and how to get them. The best place to start is the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency website. The site provides a map of the United States which allows you to click on the state in which you live, and a host of further links will be presented that will outline the incentives or grants that are being offered at individual state levels, as well as the federal level. Before you start the renovation or implementation of a solar power system, check out this site first. it will show you what you’re entitled to and what money you can save. this is the first step to understanding how to get a solar power grant.
Some of the issues that will be presented will be:
The policy or incentive type, whether it be a tax credit, net metering, or similar program. What sectors are entitled to the benefits, whether it is residential, government or commercial premises. A summary of the grant or incentive. who is actually offering the grant (state or federal) A link to the website in charge of the offering of the grant or incentive. for what purpose the grant is being offered for, whether it is for the installation of solar power, wind energy, insulation, etc.
Both state and federal governments offer grants, and hopefully this article will point you in the right direction so you can receive them. The benefits can be quite numerous, with the possibility of receiving thousands of dollars or the complete purchase and installation price of renewable energy sources. Both state and federal governments are constantly increasing their offerings to encourage people to go green in order to reduce carbon emissions across the nation.
on November 15th, 2011% ![]()
Residential Solar Power Grants
Want to increase the value of your home, cut your energy costs by 50% , and reduce greenhouse gases and your dependence on fossil fuels? Get Solar Panel Grants! the sun transmits more energy to the earth’s surface in one hour than humans use in an entire year, but at present we don’t make the most of this free and abundant resource. Don’t dismiss solar panels out of turn as too expensive, there are solar panel grants out there, particularly in the United States, and the UK (Sustainable Energy Ireland is an excellent resource). When you consider the benefits, it is well worth your time and energy to pursue solar panel grants and tax incentives.
Before searching for solar panel grants, it is crucial to decide the type of solar energy you are pursuing. there are two main types of solar collectors: solar water heating an photovoltaics (PV). this is important, because the type of solar collector will affect the type of solar panel grants you will be eligible for.
As the name suggests, solar water heating heats up water for use around your house (for bathing, washing laundry, dishwashers, etc.). the old solar panel technology heated an antifreeze mixture which then was used to heat your water, but the new standard is to directly heat the water you use. this direct heating is more eco-friendly and energy efficient. Direct water heating evacuated tubes can often be used with your existing water heater and there are no moving parts so there is little to no maintenance involved. Residential Solar Power Grants
In most cases, evacuated tubes can provide for a family of 4-5 people. the tubes simply heat up the hot water and return it to your hot water tank. this type of solar energy can work in winter months and cloudy days too, as long as you have good southern exposure. there are many good websites out there that can connect you with professional installers in your area. there are also do-it-yourself kits available for ambitious homeowners desiring to switch to solar water heating. But please check with your government before installing panels yourself, because in some areas (the UK for instance) receiving solar panel grants is contingent on getting professional installation.
Photovoltaic’s generates electricity (rather than just heating your water) from solar energy. It is more costly to install and is often seen on larger buildings and offices, although it’s becoming more common to find PV panels on regular households. PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity, so it can still power your appliances and lights on cloudy days.
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. the PV cell consists of one or two layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicone. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. the greater the intensity of light, the greater the electricity. PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, known as kilowatt peak or kWp.
To be eligible for a PV solar panel grant, you will need to use a certified installer and products. you may also want to look into a solar panel grant to reinforce your roof as PV solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to withstand their weight. Residential Solar Power Grants
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Tags: PV, UK, United States
on November 14th, 2011% ![]()
If you’ve bought yourself some solar power panels, you’re probably eager to get them put in place and charging your battery bank. before you do, however, let’s make sure you are doing the work properly, as well as safely. When installing solar power panels, the first thing you want to do is find out if they are UL certified. UL certification is a government manufacturing certification. UL certified systems have been subjected to thorough safety and quality testing. Do-it-yourself products, along with many professionally made ones, aren’t UL certified. Why is it necessary to get this information before installing solar systems?
This information is important because a lot of insurance agencies will not cover fire damage attributed to products that are not UL certified. Are non-UL certified panels risky? No, there is little possibility of your solar system triggering an electrical fire. we are, however, dealing with electricity, and you can never be too careful. in light of this, how should we mount our solar panels?
Setting up a Non-UL Certified Power System
If the case is that you have solar panels that are not UL-certified, I recommend that you mount them on a freestanding base next to your home. that way, in the unlikely event that they malfunction, there will be no danger of them catching your rooftop on fire. To mount your panels in this manner, you can choose between various kinds of commercially manufactured structures, or you can just construct your own. because these kinds of support frames are relatively basic, I suggest that you just build one yourself. You can construct your frame out of metal or wood and in any style you like. The main thing is to make sure that it supports your panels at a 30-degree angle to the sun. if your solar panels are placed in a horizontal or vertical position, they will not operate correctly.
Setting up a UL-Certified Power System
If you’ve got UL certified panels, or if you can get the okay from your insurance company for your non-UL certified panels, then the ideal spot to install your solar panels is on your roof. should your rooftop be tilted at approximately a 30-degree angle and facing a southerly direction, it is ideal for your installation. just buy a set of specially made brackets and use them to secure the panels to your rooftop. Once you purchase your mounts, bolt them to your rooftop. Do this prior to attaching them to your solar panels; otherwise, you are going to have a very difficult time mounting them. Additionally, you have to be sure that your solar panel brackets are bolted directly into the studs holding up your roof. This isn’t too difficult–just make use of a stud finder to locate them. if your roof is flat, or not facing a southerly direction, you can still mount your solar panels there. You’ll just need to make use of a supporting frame that holds your panels up at the proper angle and in the direction of the sun. There are many commercial mounts that you can purchase, or you can simply assemble your own, whichever you prefer.
Wiring up your Power System
If you’ve got multiple panels then you will have to wire all of them together. You have two options. You can use a parallel or a series wiring configuration. When choosing which arrangement to use, you must remember two things. First, your total power output will not be changed by either wiring style. second, wiring your panels in a parallel configuration increases the amperage of your entire system. Wiring your panels using a series configuration, conversely, will increase your system’s total voltage. which wiring arrangement you ultimately choose will depend on what you are intending to charge with your new power system. if you’re planning to charge 12-volt battery packs, for example, you will want to make certain that your total voltage productivity is 12 to 18 volts.
Best of luck with this and all of your future DIY home improvement projects.
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