2009-04-01 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Solar Lighting Basics , .\,y. ~:/ ";. .~. '0/ ~\ ,,-o.~ , ~). ~~'., , ,,"- 'oJ..-- I ,. ....J. ............ The sun is a direct source of energy, Using renewable energy technologies, we can convert that solar energy into electricity. Solar powered lighting is a relatively simple concept. In a basic way. the system operates like a bank account. Withdrawals from the battery to power the light source must be compensated by deposits of energy from the solar panels. As long as the system is designed so that deposits exceed withdrawals on an average daily basis. the battery remains charged and light source is reliably powered. . The sun provides a direct source of energy to the solar panel. . The battery is recharged during the day by direct~current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panel. . The battery powers the light source each night. . Electronic controls are used between the battery, light source and solar panels to protect the battery from overcharge and discharge. and to control the timing and operation of the light. How Does Solar Power Work? In principal, it is simple. A solar panel convertS light to electricity. During the day, even on cloudy days. the "solar generator" (solar panel) charges long-life batteries, which store the energy until needed. Thus, the sun's energy is harnessed to produce power. In practice. of course, solar outdoor lighting is a little more complex. In addition to large capacity batteries and solar panels. the system also incorporates sophisticated proprietary charge regulators. which stop the flow of solar generated electricity when the batteries are fully charged, and then resume charging when more power is needed. The key to solar outdoor lighting is the solar power pack, which houses photovoltaic solar panels, a proprietary microprocessor control system and batteries. It attaches specifically designed lights that have super reflectivity and high-energy ballasts. How Dependable is Solar Powered Lighting! Very dependable. For one thing. it is never too cloudy to collect solar energy. In fact. if there is enough sunlight to see reasonably well. then there is enough to collect and store energy - even if it is raining. The Sol system is typically designed with enough energy to operate five or more consecutive days without sun. What's more. solar powered outdoor lighting is virtually maintenance free. since the batteries require no water or other regular service. Unlike some systems that are assembled from "off the shelf' parts not designed for solar service. Sol systems are assembled from components specifically designed for solar. The solar panel itself is backed by a 20 to 25 year warranty - the strongest in the industry - and our new LEOs will last at least 100,000 hours (or 22.5 years). What Advantages Does Solar Power Have? Sol systems provide unmatched convenience, reliability and efficiency. Each Sol light has its own "power plant" - so you don't depend on far away generating stations. transmission lines, substations. switches and transformers. Since each solar electric light operates autonomously, every light is programmed through its own control system, to turn on and off as needed. Moreover. in the unlikely event that an individual solar outdoor light fails, no other lights are affected. Solar systems outperform traditional wired systems hands-down. In a solar installation. initial costs are incurred for the self-contained energy collection and storage system. However, after that. the energy itself is free! When compared to the traditional system's cost for cable. trenching. metering equipment and construction - plus electric bills continuing forever - the solar system's advantages can be dramatic and immediate. S