“On 14 days during March, Arizona utilities got a gift from California: free solar power,” reported the Los Angeles Times. Mic reports:
California is generating so much solar energy that it is resorting to paying other states to take the excess electricity in order to prevent overloading power lines.
California is the poster child for solar energy: in 2016, 13% of the state’s power came from solar sources. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, California is in the lead for the cumulative amount of solar electric capacity installed in 2016.
In fact, the California is generating so much solar energy that it is resorting to paying other states to take the excess electricity in order to prevent overloading power lines. According to the Los Angeles Times, Arizona residents have already saved millions in 2017 thanks to California’s contribution.
The state, which produced little to no solar energy just 15 years ago, has made strides — it single-handedly has nearly half of the country’s solar electricity generating capacity.
When there’s too much solar energy, there is a risk of the electricity grid overloading. This can result in blackouts. In times like this, California offers other states a financial incentive to take their power.
But it’s not as environmentally friendly as one would think. Take Arizona, for example. The state opts to put a pin in its own solar energy sources instead of fossil fuel power, which means greenhouse gas emissions aren’t getting any better due to California’s overproduction.
Now, we all know China is the leading investor when it comes to renewable energy. Here are the facts:
In 2017, China invested 126.6 billion dollars in this sector, which is 30% more than in 2016.
It’s solar capacity is the world’s biggest – a staggering number of 130 gigawatts.
It is a home to the largest solar farm on the globe, Tenger Desert, whose capacity is over 1,500 megawatts.
It is dominant in building new PV plants, meaning 46% of all new solar power plants on the planet in 2016 were born in China.
is not that surprising somebody came up with the following idea – Building a huge solar-energy farm in the form of a panda, me. I have charm, and I seemed like a perfect character for making solar technology less strict and monotonous, but more innovative and attractive (or should I say instagramable).
The sun constantly bathes half the planet with energy. The energy may be free, but the methods for converting it to electricity cost money. Last year, the Chinese government cut subsidies to their solar panel manufacturers to shrink the industry which was perceived as bloated. This forced Chinese solar panel makers to cut prices to clear inventory. This drove down prices about 30%, making solar power cheaper than ever.
Reuters is reporting that Eric Luo, president of one of the largest solar panel makers in China, predicts that “the party is definitely over.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Luo said that prices have quit dropping and he expected industry consolidation to cause prices to rise by as much as 15% over the next two years.
According to Reuters, China has about a third of the entire world’s installed solar capacity and they dominate the industry. Of course, the Chinese have been accused of dumping panels by both the European Union
The global solar power industry is about to lose a major competitive windfall as prices of Chinese-made solar panels begin to recover after a collapse last year, the leader of one of the world’s top manufacturers said on Thursday.
Superpowers on every continent are in an all-out sprint for the title of the largest utility-scale solar project on the planet. Who will win the race for clean energy, and what will we lose?
California has the most large-scale solar projects in the U.S. due to its expansive, largely uninhabited desert regions.
Mexico is dedicated to clean energy. It plans to source 35% of its energy from renewably sources by 2024.
China has the highest solar capacity compared to any other nation in the world. Collectively, the country produces 130 GW of energy via solar power plants each year. That’s massive. To put it into perspective, that’s more than enough electricity to power the entire U.K. with clean energy.
Egypt is also in the race to be the largest solar farm in the world with its new $2.8 billion solar undertaking.
Neither China nor Egypt will hold the title for the largest solar farm in Asia for long. India is vying for its spot with a 20-square-mile solar farm development in India’s tech hub Karnataka.
The most impressive solar project on the planet by far is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE), located 50 miles south of Dubai.
it will feature the largest solar tower in the world, coming in at over 850 feet and generating 700 MW of clean energy.
Conclusion: Potential Consequences of Rapid Solar Growth
Massive solar power plants are a relatively new undertaking. In June 2010, there were only 34 major solar projects in the world. Today, there are hundreds. While it’s exciting to see nations all over the world take action toward future of clean energy, solar isn’t without its problems.
In the short term, solar farms demand expansive stretches of land and substantial water for development. This poses a risk to natural ecosystems, flora, and fauna in those areas. A recent study also found temperatures as much as 5°C lower beneath solar panels, which could significantly impact local agriculture. Solar panels also create 300 times more toxic waste per unit than nuclear energy and can cause serious human health hazards with improper disposal. This is of particular concern with utility-scale solar farms in developing areas like India and Rwanda.
Other downsides to solar are related to output. Because solar farms can produce several gigawatts of energy doesn’t mean it’s feasible to use all that energy. Solar farms require expansive space and aren’t easily accessible in major metropolitans where energy is needed. Thus, much solar energy collected winds up not being used. In China, an average of 30% of its solar output is wasted due to infrastructure issues.
We all know the benefits of clean or renewable energy — they do not produce air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gases, and in most cases, have a low carbon footprint. Countries all over the world are switching to clean energy sources, or offsetting their fossil fuel methods of energy production with renewable energy in an effort to reduce the effects of climate change. Wind, hydroelectric, and solar are among the most widely used green energy sources, but how “green” is the technology behind those resources?
In this case, we will take a look at the third most widely used renewable energy source — solar — which according to a 2018 report from the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), produces 390 GW of power annually, and the number continues to rise. In order to collect that solar energy, we use efficient solar panels, and a 2018 World Economic Forum report states that the world will add 70,000 new panels every hour over the next three years.
In this roundup, we will look at some of the negative effects photovoltaic (PV) panels, and CSPs (concentrating solar power) plants have on the planet.
As with any power plant, large solar arrays can have impacts on their areas — with land degradation and animal habitat loss being primary concerns. Clearing and grating land for construction results in compacted soil, alteration of drainage channels, and increased erosion, which produce long-lasting effects on local flora and fauna.
According to the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration), some solar plants require water for cleaning the cells and concentrators or to cool the turbine generators.
The manufacturing of solar cells is nearly identical to any other semiconductor, and the process of producing them uses a number of different hazardous chemicals, most of which are used to clean the PV surface. These include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetone, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and hydrogen fluoride — all of which are detrimental to humans and the environment if handled or discarded improperly.
Those producing PV cells are also faced with health risks if the silicone dust is inhaled during the manufacturing process.
Thin Film photovoltaic cells also contain toxic materials that are detrimental to both humans and the environment, including copper-indium-gallium-diselenide, cadmium telluride, and gallium arsenide.
Solar panels and PV cells don’t produce any emissions — carbon or otherwise — associated with global warming by themselves or through the generation of electricity. However, they do in other stages of their product lifecycle. Manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning/ and dismantlement of solar cells and panels all contribute to the release of carbon dioxide, with conservative estimates ranging from 0.08 to 0.02 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per kilowatt-hour.
On the recycling end, reclamation has not yet become an issue, as most efficient solar cells are still within their lifecycle expectancy. It will become an issue in the coming decades when they become decommissioned and need to be replaced.
When all is said and done, solar technology and plants are like any other: there are positives and negatives to their use. However, in this case, they’re minimal compared to others, most notably coal, natural gas, and nuclear.
Comments:
Just about anyone technical in Europe will know Danfoss, UK especially, as they are a ubiquitous supplier of radiator (water central heating) valves, thermal controls, HVAC plant and many other components and accessories in both the domestic and industrial markets as well as a major supplier of other parts in allied industries. They have been around in the UK for DECADES.
In Part 1, I go through the pros and cons of a grid-tied solar system in detail. We recently had a 9.1kw solar system installed, and even though I am not a solar expert, I learned a lot in the process! Hopefully other can benefit from my experience.
The ugly truth: With a grid-tie system, you cannot use your solar panels in a power outage!
Rooftop solar industry veterans say Australia has become a dumping ground for poor-quality solar products and some are questioning the regulatory oversight of household rooftop solar installers and products.
An audit of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) late last year found it is likely there are potentially tens of thousands of badly installed and even unsafe systems on rooftops.
Not only are these systems risky, it is likely they are not producing the clean energy that Australia’s renewable energy target relies on.
America’s top corporations are pouring investments into solar energy – led by Apple and Amazon— according to a newly released report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Apple leads all corporates with 393 MW installed, followed by Amazon at 330 MW. Target, Walmart, and Google boast 242 MW, 209 MW, and 143 MW respectively. Declining costs, more flexible financing, and climate-friendly state and local policies are accelerating commercial solar adoption.
Solar power now costs the same as, or less than, electricity from the grid in many of China’s cities, a new study finds. This research may encourage broader adoption of industrial and commercial solar power there.
China is now the world’s largest producer of electricity. Most of this electricity comes from coal, which was used to generate more than 72 percent of China’s electricity in 2015.
Solar panels are revolutionizing the electric power industry, but not everyone is a good candidate for rooftop solar. Obviously people in extreme northern or sothern latitudes aren’t going to be making a ton of energy during the winter compared to people living closer to the equator, for example, but there are other factors at play that are more specific to each individual house. To find out if any one in particular will benefit from solar panels, [Jake] and [Ryan]’s solar intensity sensor will help you find out.
The long-term intensity tracker is equipped with a small solar panel and a data recording device, properly contained in a waterproof enclosure, and is intended to be placed in the exact location that a potential solar installation will be.
The IEA already pronounced solar the “cheapest electricity in history” – on the back of #PVs with 15-25% efficiency. What next once #perovskite solar crosses the 30% efficiency threshold? Maria Gallucci investigates.
The world’s best solar power schemes now offer the “cheapest…electricity in history” with the technology cheaper than coal and gas in most major countries.
The US has not always had a spotless reputation when it comes to clean energy. Despite the American public generally agreeing that more drastic action needs to be taken on climate change, lawmakers have vetoed even the flimsiest of proposals to tackle it, opting instead to roll back hundreds of laws designed to protect the environment. Although the new administration has managed to turn the tide back to renewables recently, they still account for only twelve percent of energy consumption in the US.
But that could all change, and pretty quickly, according to a new report from the Department of Energy. They found that solar energy alone could supply 40 percent of the country’s electricity by 2035 – a more than tenfold increase over current levels. The best part? It wouldn’t cost a penny more for consumers.
“Solar [is] our cheapest and fastest-growing source of clean energy,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a statement Wednesday. “[It] could produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in the U.S. by 2035 and employ as many as 1.5 million people in the process.”
There’s just one small caveat: this would require a huge shift in national policy and billions of dollars of infrastructure renovation. The US would need to increase its annual solar capacity from 2020’s (record-breaking!) 15 gigawatts up to 1000 gigawatts in 2035, and modernize its power grid to become renewable-dominated.
On top of that, Congress would need to pass radical climate change legislation – what the report calls a “concerted policy effort” – and introduce incentives to promote renewable energy use.
If you want to read about a low-tech approach to solar cells invented — and forgotten — 40 years before Bell Labs announced the first practical silicon solar cell, we can’t promise the website, Low Tech Magazine, will be available. Apparently the webserver it is on is solar-powered, and a disclaimer mentions that it sometimes goes offline.
The article by [Kris De Decker] tells of George Cove and includes a picture from 1910 of the inventor standing next to what looks suspiciously like a solar panel (the picture above is from a 1909 issue of Technical World Magazine). His first demonstration of the technology was in 1905 and there is a picture of another device from 1909 that produced 45 watts of power using 1.5 square meters with a conversion efficiency of 2.75%. That same year, a new prototype had 4.5 square meters and used its 240-watt output to charge 5 lead-acid batteries. The efficiency was about 5%.
Of course, 5% doesn’t sound so great today. But to put it in context, the original Bell solar cells in 1954 had about 6% efficiency. Oddly enough, Cove didn’t set out to build solar electric generators. He was actually trying to build a thermoelectric generator to produce electricity from a wood stove.
George Cove, a forgotten solar power pioneer, may have built a highly efficient photovoltaic panel 40 years before Bell Labs engineers invented silicon cells. If proven to work, his design could lead to less complex and more sustainable solar panels.
We present our website’s energy and uptime data, calculate the embodied energy of our configuration, consider the optimal balance between sustainability and server uptime, and outline possible improvements.
Dave tracks down why his old 3kW system that was moved was now showing a 20% drop in output power at the same time every day.
Is it inverter temperature, inverter mains voltage, solar panel cracking, dodgy connection resistance, or shading?
Global solar energy supplies are growing rapidly, with nearly 10 times as much solar capacity installed today as there was a decade ago. Leading the boom is the photovoltaic (PV) panel, which converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductors. But even as the glossy rectangles become increasingly cheaper and ubiquitous, solar PV alone can’t solve the nagging question: What to do when the sun isn’t shining? As electric utilities and policymakers seek solutions for storing and dispatching energy on demand, concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) is once again gaining traction.
Solar-thermal systems use sun-tracking mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a receiver, which contains a high-temperature fluid that stores heat. The heat can drive steam turbines or engines to generate electricity around the clock.
Stanford University researchers have made a solar panel that works at nighttime!
It will reduce or eliminate the need for battery storage! TAKE THAT Big Oil!
You can probably guess how it works… Let’s BUST this impractical boondoggle wide open.
00:00 – Pulitzer prize winning twitter Blue Checkmark time
00:35 – If Stanford University did the research, it has to be true!
02:35 – Take that Big Oil!
03:35 – The Thermoelectric Generator AGAIN…
04:10 – It generates HOW MUCH power at night time?
06:02 – Let’s run the numbers on Dave’s LG panel system
08:04 – It’s not much better than ONE 18650 cell. LOL
09:37 – Tech journalists should be able to multiply and divide.
10:09 – Reading the paper
11:50 – Photos of the prototype
I will build a solar system on my roof in an unusual way. Together with my neighbors and supported by young enthusiasts who had an excellent idea. This video will focus on the choices and implications you have for building such a system. In the end, we get an answer to GreatScott’s question: DIY or Buy.
In this video we’ll explore the world’s fastest improving new solar technology, and provide an exclusive peek inside the lab of a team working on this breakthrough material.
Imagine an inexpensive solution of perovskite crystals that can make a photovoltaic cell so thin, that just half a cup of liquid would be enough to power a house. A solar panel so lightweight, that it can be balanced atop a soap bubble. That is known as the holy grail of solar energy. So when will we see perovskite solar panels used for a solar power system for your home? Maybe sooner than you expect.
Currently, only 2% of global electricity comes from solar power. And 90% of that, comes from crystalline silicon-based solar panels, the dominant material technology.
While abundant, silicon has downsides related to efficiency, manufacturing complexity, and pollution that prevent it from being an absolute no brainer. Emerging thin films like perovskites present a bright future. Imagine solar cars like a solar tesla, solar yachts, or a solar plane.
Solar cell technologies can be classified into two categories, wafer-based or thin-film cells. Perovskites are the leading contender in emerging thin films. Topics covered in this video include applications, perovskite crystal structure, working principle of perovskite solar cells, efficiency limits, multi-junction solar cells, shockley-queisser limit, how solar works, solar simulator, band gap, manufacturing, vapor deposition, how solar panels are made, and the future of solar power.
Omakotitalojen asukkaat voivat tienata kesällä jopa satasia aurinkopaneeleillaan – sähkön korkea hinta toi markkinoille uuden ilmiön
Osalla yhtiöistä uusien pientuotantokohteiden määrä on jopa tuplaantunut viime vuoteen verrattuna. Esimerkiksi omakotiasujien tuottama ja myymä sähkö on kuitenkin vielä suhteellisen pieni siivu sähkötuotannosta. https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12560333
Perovskiittikalvoista puhutaan paljon aurinkokennojen kehityksessä. Kyse on periaatteessa edullisesti valmistettavasta mineraalikalvosta, jonka lisääminen kennorakenteeseen parantaa kennon hyötysuhdetta. Ruotsalaisen Evolarin kalvolla tandem- eli kaksikerrosrakenne generoi auringonvalosta 25 prosenttia enemmän sähköä.
Evolar kehittää omia perovskiittimateriaaleja, joita voidaan hyödyntää aurinkokennojen tandem- eli monikerrosrakenteissa. Perinteiset aurinkokennot ovat luotettavia ja halpoja, mutta ne ovat saavuttaneet maksimikykynsä muuntaa valoa sähköksi.
Evolar on kehittänyt ainutlaatuisen teknologian, joka tuottaa 25 prosenttia enemmän sähköä samalta alalta. Tekniikkaansa yhtiö kutsuu nimellä PV Power Booster. Tämä tandem-aurinkokennoteknologia tarkoittaa, että käyttöön on lisätty toinen erittäin ohut aurinkokennokerros perovskiitista.
Sähkön hinta on ollut aika korkealla tänä vuonna (2022). Mikä on aurinkopaneelien kannattavuus nyt?
Kappaleet:
0:00 Intro
0:20 Invertteri ei kestä!
0:50 Paneelien teho heikkenee!
1:41 Kannattais sijoittaa rahat johonkin muuhun
2:27 Minkälainen sähkölasku tuli?
4:19 Aurinkopaneelien kannattavuus 2022 sähkön hinnoilla.
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113 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
California Has So Much Solar Power That Other States Are Paid To Take It
https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/17/07/01/0053210/california-has-so-much-solar-power-that-other-states-are-paid-to-take-it
“On 14 days during March, Arizona utilities got a gift from California: free solar power,” reported the Los Angeles Times. Mic reports:
California is generating so much solar energy that it is resorting to paying other states to take the excess electricity in order to prevent overloading power lines.
California is making so much solar energy the rest of the country looks like a joke
https://mic.com/articles/180607/california-is-making-so-much-solar-energy-the-rest-of-the-country-looks-like-a-joke
California is the poster child for solar energy: in 2016, 13% of the state’s power came from solar sources. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, California is in the lead for the cumulative amount of solar electric capacity installed in 2016.
In fact, the California is generating so much solar energy that it is resorting to paying other states to take the excess electricity in order to prevent overloading power lines. According to the Los Angeles Times, Arizona residents have already saved millions in 2017 thanks to California’s contribution.
The state, which produced little to no solar energy just 15 years ago, has made strides — it single-handedly has nearly half of the country’s solar electricity generating capacity.
When there’s too much solar energy, there is a risk of the electricity grid overloading. This can result in blackouts. In times like this, California offers other states a financial incentive to take their power.
But it’s not as environmentally friendly as one would think. Take Arizona, for example. The state opts to put a pin in its own solar energy sources instead of fossil fuel power, which means greenhouse gas emissions aren’t getting any better due to California’s overproduction.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Panda as an innovative green energy source
https://innovationcloud.com/blog/panda-as-an-innovative-green-energy-source/?vis=bpfb1010
China the leader
Now, we all know China is the leading investor when it comes to renewable energy. Here are the facts:
In 2017, China invested 126.6 billion dollars in this sector, which is 30% more than in 2016.
It’s solar capacity is the world’s biggest – a staggering number of 130 gigawatts.
It is a home to the largest solar farm on the globe, Tenger Desert, whose capacity is over 1,500 megawatts.
It is dominant in building new PV plants, meaning 46% of all new solar power plants on the planet in 2016 were born in China.
is not that surprising somebody came up with the following idea – Building a huge solar-energy farm in the form of a panda, me. I have charm, and I seemed like a perfect character for making solar technology less strict and monotonous, but more innovative and attractive (or should I say instagramable).
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar cells power espresso maker
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/test-cafe/4461192/Solar-cells-power-espresso-maker?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNConsumerElectronics-20181024
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar Power Is Set To Get More Expensive
https://hackaday.com/2019/01/28/solar-power-is-set-to-get-more-expensive/
The sun constantly bathes half the planet with energy. The energy may be free, but the methods for converting it to electricity cost money. Last year, the Chinese government cut subsidies to their solar panel manufacturers to shrink the industry which was perceived as bloated. This forced Chinese solar panel makers to cut prices to clear inventory. This drove down prices about 30%, making solar power cheaper than ever.
Reuters is reporting that Eric Luo, president of one of the largest solar panel makers in China, predicts that “the party is definitely over.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Luo said that prices have quit dropping and he expected industry consolidation to cause prices to rise by as much as 15% over the next two years.
According to Reuters, China has about a third of the entire world’s installed solar capacity and they dominate the industry. Of course, the Chinese have been accused of dumping panels by both the European Union
Party is over for dirt-cheap solar panels, says China executive
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-davos-meeting-solar-gcl-idUSKCN1PI2OQ
The global solar power industry is about to lose a major competitive windfall as prices of Chinese-made solar panels begin to recover after a collapse last year, the leader of one of the world’s top manufacturers said on Thursday.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Biggest Utility-Scale Solar Farms on Earth
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power/biggest-utility-scale-solar-farms-earth?NL=ED-003&Issue=ED-003_20190318_ED-003_668&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2_b&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=24125&utm_medium=email&elq2=f9a66df6f03144d6944f439a6e69af80
Superpowers on every continent are in an all-out sprint for the title of the largest utility-scale solar project on the planet. Who will win the race for clean energy, and what will we lose?
California has the most large-scale solar projects in the U.S. due to its expansive, largely uninhabited desert regions.
Mexico is dedicated to clean energy. It plans to source 35% of its energy from renewably sources by 2024.
China has the highest solar capacity compared to any other nation in the world. Collectively, the country produces 130 GW of energy via solar power plants each year. That’s massive. To put it into perspective, that’s more than enough electricity to power the entire U.K. with clean energy.
Egypt is also in the race to be the largest solar farm in the world with its new $2.8 billion solar undertaking.
Neither China nor Egypt will hold the title for the largest solar farm in Asia for long. India is vying for its spot with a 20-square-mile solar farm development in India’s tech hub Karnataka.
The most impressive solar project on the planet by far is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE), located 50 miles south of Dubai.
it will feature the largest solar tower in the world, coming in at over 850 feet and generating 700 MW of clean energy.
Conclusion: Potential Consequences of Rapid Solar Growth
Massive solar power plants are a relatively new undertaking. In June 2010, there were only 34 major solar projects in the world. Today, there are hundreds. While it’s exciting to see nations all over the world take action toward future of clean energy, solar isn’t without its problems.
In the short term, solar farms demand expansive stretches of land and substantial water for development. This poses a risk to natural ecosystems, flora, and fauna in those areas. A recent study also found temperatures as much as 5°C lower beneath solar panels, which could significantly impact local agriculture. Solar panels also create 300 times more toxic waste per unit than nuclear energy and can cause serious human health hazards with improper disposal. This is of particular concern with utility-scale solar farms in developing areas like India and Rwanda.
Other downsides to solar are related to output. Because solar farms can produce several gigawatts of energy doesn’t mean it’s feasible to use all that energy. Solar farms require expansive space and aren’t easily accessible in major metropolitans where energy is needed. Thus, much solar energy collected winds up not being used. In China, an average of 30% of its solar output is wasted due to infrastructure issues.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Top Negative Impacts Solar Panels Have on Environment
https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1334520
We all know the benefits of clean or renewable energy — they do not produce air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gases, and in most cases, have a low carbon footprint. Countries all over the world are switching to clean energy sources, or offsetting their fossil fuel methods of energy production with renewable energy in an effort to reduce the effects of climate change. Wind, hydroelectric, and solar are among the most widely used green energy sources, but how “green” is the technology behind those resources?
In this case, we will take a look at the third most widely used renewable energy source — solar — which according to a 2018 report from the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), produces 390 GW of power annually, and the number continues to rise. In order to collect that solar energy, we use efficient solar panels, and a 2018 World Economic Forum report states that the world will add 70,000 new panels every hour over the next three years.
In this roundup, we will look at some of the negative effects photovoltaic (PV) panels, and CSPs (concentrating solar power) plants have on the planet.
As with any power plant, large solar arrays can have impacts on their areas — with land degradation and animal habitat loss being primary concerns. Clearing and grating land for construction results in compacted soil, alteration of drainage channels, and increased erosion, which produce long-lasting effects on local flora and fauna.
According to the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration), some solar plants require water for cleaning the cells and concentrators or to cool the turbine generators.
The manufacturing of solar cells is nearly identical to any other semiconductor, and the process of producing them uses a number of different hazardous chemicals, most of which are used to clean the PV surface. These include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetone, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and hydrogen fluoride — all of which are detrimental to humans and the environment if handled or discarded improperly.
Those producing PV cells are also faced with health risks if the silicone dust is inhaled during the manufacturing process.
Thin Film photovoltaic cells also contain toxic materials that are detrimental to both humans and the environment, including copper-indium-gallium-diselenide, cadmium telluride, and gallium arsenide.
Solar panels and PV cells don’t produce any emissions — carbon or otherwise — associated with global warming by themselves or through the generation of electricity. However, they do in other stages of their product lifecycle. Manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning/ and dismantlement of solar cells and panels all contribute to the release of carbon dioxide, with conservative estimates ranging from 0.08 to 0.02 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per kilowatt-hour.
On the recycling end, reclamation has not yet become an issue, as most efficient solar cells are still within their lifecycle expectancy. It will become an issue in the coming decades when they become decommissioned and need to be replaced.
When all is said and done, solar technology and plants are like any other: there are positives and negatives to their use. However, in this case, they’re minimal compared to others, most notably coal, natural gas, and nuclear.
Tomi Engdahl says:
California’s Renewable Energy Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5cm7HOAqZY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why are these Danfoss SOLAR Inverters So Inexpensive?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYQ3QQoeGsk
Comments:
Just about anyone technical in Europe will know Danfoss, UK especially, as they are a ubiquitous supplier of radiator (water central heating) valves, thermal controls, HVAC plant and many other components and accessories in both the domestic and industrial markets as well as a major supplier of other parts in allied industries. They have been around in the UK for DECADES.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The ugly truth behind grid-tie solar systems. Part 1, FarmCraft101 solar. Watch before you buy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5wv4HcRNKw
In Part 1, I go through the pros and cons of a grid-tied solar system in detail. We recently had a 9.1kw solar system installed, and even though I am not a solar expert, I learned a lot in the process! Hopefully other can benefit from my experience.
The ugly truth: With a grid-tie system, you cannot use your solar panels in a power outage!
Shedding light on solar power systems. Part 2, FarmCraft101 solar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPycyuVJ_Cg
There’s plenty of confusion on the different types of solar power systems.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The dark side of Australia’s rooftop solar energy obsession | 7.30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Gnf-wvF7A
Rooftop solar is considered one of Australia’s renewable energy success stories.
But an audit of the clean energy regulator has found there are potentially tens of thousands of badly installed and even unsafe systems on rooftops.
Some experts even believe Australia has become a dumping ground for poor quality solar products.
Liz Hobday takes a look at the big picture, including how effectively, or otherwise, solar is helping Australia meet its clean energy targets.
Australia’s obsession with cheap solar is derailing the market, insiders say
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-27/australias-obsession-with-cheap-solar-derailing-market-insiders/11139856
Rooftop solar industry veterans say Australia has become a dumping ground for poor-quality solar products and some are questioning the regulatory oversight of household rooftop solar installers and products.
An audit of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) late last year found it is likely there are potentially tens of thousands of badly installed and even unsafe systems on rooftops.
Not only are these systems risky, it is likely they are not producing the clean energy that Australia’s renewable energy target relies on.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wind And Solar Power Set To Dominate Power Mix By 2050, As Coal Continues To Decline
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2019/06/24/wind-and-solar-power-set-to-dominate-power-mix-by-2050-as-coal-continues-to-decline/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Corporate Investment In Solar Energy Surges
http://on.forbes.com/6185EICOD
America’s top corporations are pouring investments into solar energy – led by Apple and Amazon— according to a newly released report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Apple leads all corporates with 393 MW installed, followed by Amazon at 330 MW. Target, Walmart, and Google boast 242 MW, 209 MW, and 143 MW respectively. Declining costs, more flexible financing, and climate-friendly state and local policies are accelerating commercial solar adoption.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Here’s The First American Airport Powered Entirely By Solar Energy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandao/2019/07/30/chattanooga-first-solar-powered-american-airport/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar Power Is Now as Inexpensive as Grid Electricity in China
https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/china-gridparity
Solar power now costs the same as, or less than, electricity from the grid in many of China’s cities, a new study finds. This research may encourage broader adoption of industrial and commercial solar power there.
China is now the world’s largest producer of electricity. Most of this electricity comes from coal, which was used to generate more than 72 percent of China’s electricity in 2015.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Solar Right For You? Find Out!
https://hackaday.com/2019/09/07/is-solar-right-for-you-find-out/
Solar panels are revolutionizing the electric power industry, but not everyone is a good candidate for rooftop solar. Obviously people in extreme northern or sothern latitudes aren’t going to be making a ton of energy during the winter compared to people living closer to the equator, for example, but there are other factors at play that are more specific to each individual house. To find out if any one in particular will benefit from solar panels, [Jake] and [Ryan]’s solar intensity sensor will help you find out.
The long-term intensity tracker is equipped with a small solar panel and a data recording device, properly contained in a waterproof enclosure, and is intended to be placed in the exact location that a potential solar installation will be.
SOL: Long-term solar intensity sensing
https://hackaday.io/project/158984-sol-long-term-solar-intensity-sensing
SOL is a project to develop a solar powered, connected solar intensity sensor (also known as a pyranometer)
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2021/12/29/forbes-energy-awards-2020-nextera-energy-bigger-than-exxon-greener-than-tesla/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The IEA already pronounced solar the “cheapest electricity in history” – on the back of #PVs with 15-25% efficiency. What next once #perovskite solar crosses the 30% efficiency threshold? Maria Gallucci investigates.
Perovskite Solar Out-Benches Rivals in 2021
https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/energy/renewables/oxford-pv-sets-new-record-for-perovskite-solar-cells
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-institute/ieee-products-services/certification-program-aims-to-close-skills-gap-in-renewable-energy
Tomi Engdahl says:
“This isn’t just cheap. It’s dirt cheap. In sunny places, it’s the cheapest way humans have ever invented to make electricity.”
https://www.wired.com/story/affordable-solar-power-sustainable-economy/?utm_social-type=owned&utm_brand=wired&utm_source=facebook&mbid=social_facebook&utm_medium=social
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.bmigroup.com/fi/referenssit-ja-artikkelit/taloyhtioiden-aurinkosahkon-kaytosta-entista-kannattavampaa?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=traffic_isannoitsija-campaign&hsa_acc=2461306123881420&hsa_cam=23846331679000100&hsa_grp=23846331679130100&hsa_ad=23846337453540100&hsa_src=fb&hsa_net=facebook&hsa_ver=3&fbclid=IwAR1xKH005j1cBjNYYCaDWMyhs5o7dtFb6TgZ8WjJek63f1UGMhhqhKgBnsM
Tomi Engdahl says:
How China’s Solar Industry Is Set Up To Be The New Green OPEC
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2021/03/14/how-chinas-solar-industry-is-set-up-to-be-the-new-green-opec/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA
https://www.carbonbrief.org/solar-is-now-cheapest-electricity-in-history-confirms-iea
The world’s best solar power schemes now offer the “cheapest…electricity in history” with the technology cheaper than coal and gas in most major countries.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2021/05/10/south-australia-vs-too-much-home-solar/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Most new wind and solar projects will be cheaper than coal, report finds
Almost two-thirds of renewable energy schemes built globally last year expected to undercut coal costs
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/23/most-new-wind-solar-projects-cheaper-than-coal-report?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2021/07/solar-power-plant.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar Power from Space? Caltech’s $100 Million Gambit Billionaire makes secret donation for electricity from orbit
https://spectrum.ieee.org/solar-power-from-space-caltechs-100-million-gambit
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar Energy Could Provide 40 Percent Of US Electricity By 2035, Says New Report
https://www.iflscience.com/environment/solar-energy-could-provide-40-percent-of-us-electricity-by-2035-says-new-report/
The US has not always had a spotless reputation when it comes to clean energy. Despite the American public generally agreeing that more drastic action needs to be taken on climate change, lawmakers have vetoed even the flimsiest of proposals to tackle it, opting instead to roll back hundreds of laws designed to protect the environment. Although the new administration has managed to turn the tide back to renewables recently, they still account for only twelve percent of energy consumption in the US.
But that could all change, and pretty quickly, according to a new report from the Department of Energy. They found that solar energy alone could supply 40 percent of the country’s electricity by 2035 – a more than tenfold increase over current levels. The best part? It wouldn’t cost a penny more for consumers.
“Solar [is] our cheapest and fastest-growing source of clean energy,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a statement Wednesday. “[It] could produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in the U.S. by 2035 and employ as many as 1.5 million people in the process.”
There’s just one small caveat: this would require a huge shift in national policy and billions of dollars of infrastructure renovation. The US would need to increase its annual solar capacity from 2020’s (record-breaking!) 15 gigawatts up to 1000 gigawatts in 2035, and modernize its power grid to become renewable-dominated.
On top of that, Congress would need to pass radical climate change legislation – what the report calls a “concerted policy effort” – and introduce incentives to promote renewable energy use.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar Power Goes Back To 1910 Tech
https://hackaday.com/2021/10/13/solar-power-goes-back-to-1910-tech/
If you want to read about a low-tech approach to solar cells invented — and forgotten — 40 years before Bell Labs announced the first practical silicon solar cell, we can’t promise the website, Low Tech Magazine, will be available. Apparently the webserver it is on is solar-powered, and a disclaimer mentions that it sometimes goes offline.
The article by [Kris De Decker] tells of George Cove and includes a picture from 1910 of the inventor standing next to what looks suspiciously like a solar panel (the picture above is from a 1909 issue of Technical World Magazine). His first demonstration of the technology was in 1905 and there is a picture of another device from 1909 that produced 45 watts of power using 1.5 square meters with a conversion efficiency of 2.75%. That same year, a new prototype had 4.5 square meters and used its 240-watt output to charge 5 lead-acid batteries. The efficiency was about 5%.
Of course, 5% doesn’t sound so great today. But to put it in context, the original Bell solar cells in 1954 had about 6% efficiency. Oddly enough, Cove didn’t set out to build solar electric generators. He was actually trying to build a thermoelectric generator to produce electricity from a wood stove.
How to Build a Low-tech Solar Panel?
https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2021/10/how-to-build-a-low-tech-solar-panel.html
George Cove, a forgotten solar power pioneer, may have built a highly efficient photovoltaic panel 40 years before Bell Labs engineers invented silicon cells. If proven to work, his design could lead to less complex and more sustainable solar panels.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Sustainable is a Solar Powered Website?
https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2020/01/how-sustainable-is-a-solar-powered-website.html
We present our website’s energy and uptime data, calculate the embodied energy of our configuration, consider the optimal balance between sustainability and server uptime, and outline possible improvements.
Tomi Engdahl says:
EEVblog 1426 – WOW! This Problem DROPS Solar Output by 20% !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbxHoQF4ADk
Dave tracks down why his old 3kW system that was moved was now showing a 20% drop in output power at the same time every day.
Is it inverter temperature, inverter mains voltage, solar panel cracking, dodgy connection resistance, or shading?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Erittäin nopea tehoanalysaattori
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12717-erittaein-nopea-tehoanalysaattori
https://www.tekfinland.fi/tuote/hioki-pw8000-tehoanalysaattori/?utm_source=TEKFinland+mittauslaiteuutisia+10%2F2021+-+Tehoanalysaattori&utm_medium=Uutiskirje+s-postilla&utm_campaign=TEKFinland+mittauslaiteuutisia+10%2F2021+-+Tehoanalysaattori
Tomi Engdahl says:
Uutuusmuuntimia tarkkaan virranmittaukseen
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2021/10/19/uutuusmuuntimia-tarkkaan-virranmittaukseen/
https://etn.fi/index.php/new-products/12719-tarkka-anturi-raiteiden-virranmittauksiin
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Problem with Solar Energy in Africa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OpM_zKGE4o
Tomi Engdahl says:
Thermal Solar Goes Where PVs Can’t
Energy storage sparks a concentrating-solar boom
https://spectrum.ieee.org/thermal-solar-goes-where-pvs-cant
Global solar energy supplies are growing rapidly, with nearly 10 times as much solar capacity installed today as there was a decade ago. Leading the boom is the photovoltaic (PV) panel, which converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductors. But even as the glossy rectangles become increasingly cheaper and ubiquitous, solar PV alone can’t solve the nagging question: What to do when the sun isn’t shining? As electric utilities and policymakers seek solutions for storing and dispatching energy on demand, concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) is once again gaining traction.
Solar-thermal systems use sun-tracking mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a receiver, which contains a high-temperature fluid that stores heat. The heat can drive steam turbines or engines to generate electricity around the clock.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2021/11/06/solar-cells-half-off/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hungarian start-up launches solar tile with output of 167W per m²
Developed by Hungarian manufacturer Terràn, the Generon solar tile is based on concrete support and weighs is in at 5.7kg.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/03/25/hungarian-start-up-launches-solar-tile-with-output-of-167w-per-m%c2%b2/
Tomi Engdahl says:
EEVblog 1466 – Stanford Solar Power at Nightime! BUSTED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdge8vEODeY
Stanford University researchers have made a solar panel that works at nighttime!
It will reduce or eliminate the need for battery storage! TAKE THAT Big Oil!
You can probably guess how it works… Let’s BUST this impractical boondoggle wide open.
The research paper: https://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10….
Forum: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/ee…
00:00 – Pulitzer prize winning twitter Blue Checkmark time
00:35 – If Stanford University did the research, it has to be true!
02:35 – Take that Big Oil!
03:35 – The Thermoelectric Generator AGAIN…
04:10 – It generates HOW MUCH power at night time?
06:02 – Let’s run the numbers on Dave’s LG panel system
08:04 – It’s not much better than ONE 18650 cell. LOL
09:37 – Tech journalists should be able to multiply and divide.
10:09 – Reading the paper
11:50 – Photos of the prototype
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIY Solar System vs Commercial Offer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGDGO0U7l8s
I will build a solar system on my roof in an unusual way. Together with my neighbors and supported by young enthusiasts who had an excellent idea. This video will focus on the choices and implications you have for building such a system. In the end, we get an answer to GreatScott’s question: DIY or Buy.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://eroaverkosta.com/page/17/kaapelit
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solar 3.0: This New Technology Could Change Everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQmFVcD-Mbo
In this video we’ll explore the world’s fastest improving new solar technology, and provide an exclusive peek inside the lab of a team working on this breakthrough material.
Imagine an inexpensive solution of perovskite crystals that can make a photovoltaic cell so thin, that just half a cup of liquid would be enough to power a house. A solar panel so lightweight, that it can be balanced atop a soap bubble. That is known as the holy grail of solar energy. So when will we see perovskite solar panels used for a solar power system for your home? Maybe sooner than you expect.
Currently, only 2% of global electricity comes from solar power. And 90% of that, comes from crystalline silicon-based solar panels, the dominant material technology.
While abundant, silicon has downsides related to efficiency, manufacturing complexity, and pollution that prevent it from being an absolute no brainer. Emerging thin films like perovskites present a bright future. Imagine solar cars like a solar tesla, solar yachts, or a solar plane.
Solar cell technologies can be classified into two categories, wafer-based or thin-film cells. Perovskites are the leading contender in emerging thin films. Topics covered in this video include applications, perovskite crystal structure, working principle of perovskite solar cells, efficiency limits, multi-junction solar cells, shockley-queisser limit, how solar works, solar simulator, band gap, manufacturing, vapor deposition, how solar panels are made, and the future of solar power.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC4_connector
MC4-liittimistä tietopaketti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zbWfAytiac
Tomi Engdahl says:
Useamman aurinkopaneelin asennus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJWLsSSCtJE
Mitä pitää ottaa huomioon, kun asennetaan useampi aurinkopaneeli esim. matkailuauton katolle?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Aurinkokenno yltää nyt lähes 50 prosentin hyötysuhteeseen
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/13662-aurinkokenno-yltaeae-nyt-laehes-50-prosentin-hyoetysuhteeseen
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.iflscience.com/how-much-room-do-we-need-supply-entire-world-solar-electricity-24860
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/07/its-absurd-to-fill-fields-with-solar-panels?CMP=fb_cif
Tomi Engdahl says:
Omakotitalojen asukkaat voivat tienata kesällä jopa satasia aurinkopaneeleillaan – sähkön korkea hinta toi markkinoille uuden ilmiön
Osalla yhtiöistä uusien pientuotantokohteiden määrä on jopa tuplaantunut viime vuoteen verrattuna. Esimerkiksi omakotiasujien tuottama ja myymä sähkö on kuitenkin vielä suhteellisen pieni siivu sähkötuotannosta.
https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12560333
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/online-signal-integrity-tool-empowers-solar-installers/
Tomi Engdahl says:
25 prosenttia enemmän irti aurinkokennosta
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/13892-25-prosenttia-enemmaen-irti-aurinkokennosta
Perovskiittikalvoista puhutaan paljon aurinkokennojen kehityksessä. Kyse on periaatteessa edullisesti valmistettavasta mineraalikalvosta, jonka lisääminen kennorakenteeseen parantaa kennon hyötysuhdetta. Ruotsalaisen Evolarin kalvolla tandem- eli kaksikerrosrakenne generoi auringonvalosta 25 prosenttia enemmän sähköä.
Evolar kehittää omia perovskiittimateriaaleja, joita voidaan hyödyntää aurinkokennojen tandem- eli monikerrosrakenteissa. Perinteiset aurinkokennot ovat luotettavia ja halpoja, mutta ne ovat saavuttaneet maksimikykynsä muuntaa valoa sähköksi.
Evolar on kehittänyt ainutlaatuisen teknologian, joka tuottaa 25 prosenttia enemmän sähköä samalta alalta. Tekniikkaansa yhtiö kutsuu nimellä PV Power Booster. Tämä tandem-aurinkokennoteknologia tarkoittaa, että käyttöön on lisätty toinen erittäin ohut aurinkokennokerros perovskiitista.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sähkön hinta pilvissä – Paljonko tienasin aurinkopaneeleilla?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut3gEKFkFwM
Sähkön hinta on ollut aika korkealla tänä vuonna (2022). Mikä on aurinkopaneelien kannattavuus nyt?
Kappaleet:
0:00 Intro
0:20 Invertteri ei kestä!
0:50 Paneelien teho heikkenee!
1:41 Kannattais sijoittaa rahat johonkin muuhun
2:27 Minkälainen sähkölasku tuli?
4:19 Aurinkopaneelien kannattavuus 2022 sähkön hinnoilla.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2022/08/24/suomen-suurin-aurinkovoimala-lahes-kaksinkertaistuu/