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Solar & Energy

Solar Charger

Solar chargers are capable of charging lead-acid or nickel-cadmium battery banks up to 48 volts and with capacities reaching hundreds of ampere-hours, up to 4000 Ah. These types of solar charger setups typically use an intelligent charge controller to manage the charging process.

The solar cells are installed in a fixed, stationary location, such as on the rooftops of homes or at ground-based base station sites, and can be connected to a battery bank. This allows the stored solar energy to be used during off-peak times when the main power supply is not available.

Solar cell phone charger

Solar-powered cell phone chargers utilize solar panels to charge the batteries of cell phones. These chargers can be used in situations where no electrical power supply is available, whether that’s from the main power grid or a vehicle’s battery. They are sometimes recommended as a way to charge phones without consuming electricity from the main power grid, unlike standard electrical cell phone chargers.

Solar cooker

A solar cooker is a device that utilizes the energy from direct sunlight to heat, cook, or pasteurize food and beverages. Many of the solar cookers currently in use are relatively low-cost and low-tech designs, though some are as powerful and expensive as traditional stoves. Advanced, large-scale solar cookers can even cook for hundreds of people at a time.

Solar fan

A solar fan is a mechanical fan that is powered by solar panels. The solar panels can either be mounted directly on the fan device itself or installed separately. Solar fans generally do not require any secondary power sources beyond the solar power, as they are primarily used for cooling purposes during daylight hours.

Solar Inverter

The solar inverter is a critical balance of system (BOS) component in a photovoltaic power system, as it allows the use of standard AC-powered equipment. Solar inverters have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, such as maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.

Solar-powered radio

Solar powered radios eliminate the need to replace batteries, which makes operating them cost much less. Since they don’t require plugs, they can be used in areas where there is no electrical grid or generators. As a result, people in remote areas with little disposable income can have equal access to news and information. Informative radio programs, combined with solar powered radios, can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of people in remote areas.

Solar-powered refrigerator

Solar-powered refrigerators are characterized by thick insulation and the use of a DC (not AC) compressor. Traditionally solar-powered refrigerators and vaccine coolers use a combination of solar panels and lead batteries to store energy for cloudy days and at night in the absence of sunlight to keep their contents cool. These fridges are expensive and require heavy lead-acid batteries which tend to deteriorate, especially in hot climates, or are misused for other purposes. In addition, the batteries require maintenance, must be replaced approximately every three years, and must be disposed of as hazardous wastes possibly resulting in lead pollution.

Solar dryers

Direct solar dryers expose the substance to be dehydrated to direct sunlight. Historically, food and clothing was dried in the sun by using lines, or laying the items on rocks or on top of tents. In Mongolia cheese and meat are still traditionally dried using the top of the GER (tent) as a solar dryer. In these systems the solar drying is assisted by the movement of the air (wind) that removes the more saturated air away from the items being dried. More recently, complex drying racks and solar tents were constructed as solar dryers.

Solar Lamp

Solar-powered household lighting can substitute traditional light sources like candles or kerosene lamps. Solar-powered lamps have a lower ongoing operating cost than kerosene lamps because the energy from the sun is free, unlike having to purchase fuel. Additionally, solar lamps do not produce any indoor air pollution, which is a common issue with kerosene-based lighting.

However, there are some tradeoffs with solar-powered household lighting. The initial cost to purchase a solar lamp is generally higher than traditional lighting options. Solar lamps are also dependent on weather conditions, as they require sunlight to charge and power the lamp.

Solar street light

Most solar lights turn on and turn off automatically by sensing outdoor light using solar panel voltage. Solar streetlights are designed to work throughout the night. Many can stay lit for more than one night if the sun is not in the sky for an extended period of time. Older models included lamps that were not fluorescent or LED. Solar lights installed in windy regions are generally equipped with flat panels to better cope with the winds.

Solar-powered flashlight

Solar powered flashlights vary in features and capabilities. A typical solar flashlight can give useful levels of illumination on objects up to 50 metres away, and beam may be visible for much longer distances. The solar cells used for battery charging have an indefinite life expectancy. A solar powered flashlight may give several hours of light after being charged during the day. These flashlights may be designed to be impact resistant, weatherproof, and to float.

Solar-Powered watch

Typically, sunlight and artificial light are absorbed by a solar panel behind the crystal. The dial is either on a layer above or actually on the solar panel. This solar panel converts the light into electrical energy to power the watch. The watch will usually store energy in a rechargeable cell to power itself during the night or when covered such as a wearer’s clothing (e.g., sleeve). 

Solar Powered Calculator

Solar calculators use LCD, as they are power-efficient and capable of operating in the low-voltage range of 1.5–2 V. Some models also use a light pipe to converge light onto the solar cells. However, solar calculators may not work well in indoor conditions under ambient lighting if sufficient light is not available.

Solar buses

Solar buses are to be distinguished from conventional buses in which electric functions of the bus such as lighting, heating or air-conditioning, but not the propulsion itself, are fed by solar energy. Such systems are more widespread as they allow bus companies to meet specific regulations, for example the anti laws that are in force in several of the US states, and can be retrofitted to existing vehicle batteries without changing the conventional engine.