As we continue to see our world go down more treacherous paths, it becomes increasingly important to be self-sufficient. This is especially true for those living in or close to major cities that can potentially become inaccessible at any time due to a natural disaster or war.
Solar power could play an integral part in your survival plan. It’s not too expensive to start investing now, and most models are easy to install. There are many ways to gather solar energy, both directly from the sun and indirectly through materials like water.
Powering up with solar isn’t quite as glamorous as using nuclear weapons, but it’s definitely less destructive! If you’re looking to survive a catastrophic event, this article will help you get started on your own renewable energy source.
How solar power works
There are two main components of most every solar panel-the collector and the regulator. A collector is what captures the sun’s rays and transfers that energy into heat, while the regulator takes this heated material and produces electricity using current techniques like photovoltaic cells or thermal flow through resistors.
The difference between these two types of collectors is determined by how much power they produce and whether they work in direct sunlight or at night. As we know, power is measured in watts, so which type of collector has more powerful winds of power depends on how many watts it generates per hour.
Directly illuminated panels usually have higher wattage values than nighttime working ones because they stay warm due to the constant exposure to light. This means they transfer more of the sun’s energy out as usable electrical power.
Here’s an example: Let’s say there was a very bright moonlight event one night and your house got completely dark except for the glow from your computer screen. Your battery would be totally drained within minutes!
Indirectly illuminated solar panels don’t use too much power because they only come into play when the sun goes down. These types of panels contain special insulation materials or designs that keep the heat stored instead of transferred away immediately.
This gives them time to slowly lose its warmth before producing any power, making them much less efficient when compared to normal collectors.
Types of solar power
There are two main types of solar power – photovoltaic (PV) panels and concentrated solar power (CSP). PV comes in many forms, such as crystalline silicon or thin-film technology. Both work by using the sun’s rays to produce electricity directly.
Thin film is probably the most common type of panel these days. It uses very few parts and can be integrated into almost any surface. This makes it ideal for use on roofs or other surfaces where space is limited.
Concentrated solar power works by focusing the rays from the sun onto an absorber tube that contains heat transfer fluid. The fluid is heated up and its temperature rises, which generates energy.
This article will focus only on CSP, so make sure you check out our guide to photovoltaics before moving on! We also have an article about how to install your own CSP system.
Grid-tied & Off-grid solar panel system
Are you considering solar power for your home but are not sure if you should go with a grid-tied or off-grid system? Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two before making a decision.
A grid-tied solar panel system is connected to the power grid, so it can draw energy from the grid when the sun is not shining and send excess energy back to the grid when it is producing more than you need. The main advantage of a grid-tied system is that you are not reliant on batteries to store power, so you don’t have to worry about them losing power or needing to be replaced.
The main disadvantage of a grid-tied system is that it will not work during a power outage, since it is not disconnected from the grid. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, an off-grid system might be a better option for you.
An off-grid solar panel system is not connected to the power grid, so it relies on batteries to store energy. The advantage of an off-grid system is that it will continue to work during a power outage. The main disadvantage of an off-grid system is that the batteries can lose power over time and need to be replaced.
So, which solar panel system is right for you? It really depends on your specific needs and situation. If you are interested in solar power but are not sure if a grid-tied or off-grid system is right for you, Contact Us and we can help you figure out which system would be best for you.
Living off the grid with solar energy
Do you want to live off the grid with solar energy? Solar power is a great way to do this! Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Use solar panels to generate electricity. Solar panels are a great way to generate electricity for your home. You can use them to power your lights, appliances, and even your television.
2. Use a solar water heater. Solar water heaters are a great way to save money on your energy bill. They use the sun’s energy to heat water, so you don’t have to use as much electricity to heat your water.
3. Use solar energy to heat your home. Solar energy can be used to heat your home in the winter. This can save you money on your heating bill.
4. Use solar energy to power your car. Solar power can be used to power your car. This can save you money on gas and help you reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Use solar energy to cook your food. Solar cookers are a great way to cook your food without using electricity.
6. Use solar energy to dry your clothes. Solar dryers are a great way to dry your clothes without using electricity.
7. Use solar energy to power your home. Solar power can be used to power your home. This can save you money on your electric bill.
8. Use solar energy to power your business. Solar power can be used to power your business. This can save you money on your electric bill.
9. Use solar energy to power your school. Solar power can be used to power your school. This can save you money on your electric bill.
10. Use solar energy to power your church. Solar power can be used to power your church. This can save you money on your electric bill.
Solar power is a great way to save money and help the environment. These are just a few ways that you can use solar energy. There are many more ways to use solar energy. Find a way that works best for you and your family.
DIY electricity when natural disasters happen
When disaster strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is your electricity. But, if you’re prepared, you can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with a power outage.
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a power outage:
1. Invest in a backup power source.
2. Get your home and appliances ready for a power outage.
3. Stay informed about the latest weather conditions.
4. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
5. Have a plan for how you’ll stay cool or warm without electricity.
6. Know how to safely turn off your utilities.
7. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy.
8. Be sure your insurance policy covers damage from a power outage.
9. Have cash on hand in case ATMs are down.
10. Don’t forget about your pets!
If a power outage does occur, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and comfortable:
1. Stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Avoid using candles or other open flames.
3. Use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights instead of torches.
4. Turn off or unplug all appliances, electronics, and equipment.
5. Use your refrigerator and freezer only when necessary.
6. Drink plenty of fluids and eat food that doesn’t require cooking.
7. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have special needs.
8. If you must leave your home, be sure to let someone know where you’re going.
9. Keep your car’s gas tank full in case you need to evacuate.
10. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
When the power comes back on, there are a few things you should do:
1. Check for damage to your home and appliances.
2. Discard any food that has been contaminated by the power outage.
3. Restock your pantry and refrigerator with food and supplies.
4. Check your insurance policy to see if you’re covered for damage from the power outage.
5. Make sure your home is safe before turning on utilities.
6. Inspect your home for any gas leaks.
7. Have your home’s electrical system checked by a professional.
8. If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Charge all of your electronic devices.
10. Stay informed about the latest weather conditions.
By following these tips, you can be prepared for a power outage and avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with one.
Considerations for solar power needs
A growing number of people are choosing to live completely off the grid, or as close as they can get to living in a totally self-sufficient manner. This is an excellent way to challenge your dependence on outside sources for energy!
While there are many benefits to this type of lifestyle, one of the biggest concerns is how you will be able to survive should your panels fail for some reason. Luckily, you’ve got options!
Batteries are one reliable source of power that most people have never considered using for electricity. They’re typically not aware of all of the different types of batteries out there, nor do they use them often enough to know which ones work best with solar power.
That is why we decided to make this article! In these days of ever increasing reliance on technology, here are all the information you need to know about both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. We’ll also talk about what size battery is needed per task to function properly.
Does solar power work?
Recent developments in solar technology have made it possible to confidently say that yes, solar energy does work and can be used as an effective source of electricity for most people. Technology has reached such a level where there are no significant barriers preventing you from using it effectively and efficiently.
There was a time when only very wealthy individuals could purchase expensive equipment necessary to use solar energy, but this is not the case anymore. Today, anyone with a few thousand dollars to invest can acquire their own solar panel system!
Many governments offer rebates or monetary incentives to help youon your way towards more sustainable energy usage. It will even cover some of the costs of installing your new solar panel system!
Solar energy is constantly evolving- making it better and more efficient. Because of this, we recommend staying up to date on all things solar so that you know what’s current and what’s coming down the pike.
Solar grid power is expensive
Technically, solar energy is never completely free. There are always costs involved in it somewhere. But what you may not realize is how much of your bill is due to equipment purchases.
Mostly, this cost comes down to two things: the panels themselves and the batteries needed to store all that energy.
The first part is straightforward — panel efficiency varies slightly, but most are around 10% efficient. This means that for every unit of electricity produced, one unit was lost through heat.
The more panes you have, the better! More efficient ones use less watts per watt, which makes them cooler than older models. Although buying newer, higher-end panels will still save you money in the long run.
The second part – the battery – is trickier to evaluate because there are so many types. All depend on the application, but mostly on if they are rechargeable or not.
Some need to be recharged more frequently, while others can hold up their charge for longer. Most batteries sold these days are quick to re-charge, however.
With those factors considered, we can calculate how much money a person should spend on solar power to stay prepared.
The weather affects solar power
Even though it may seem like there is never enough sun in the world, that’s not true! When we look at our planet from space, you can see all of those beautiful colors in the clouds and shades of gray or white across most of the surface. This is due to the dust floating in the air which reflects light and makes it disappear.
When it comes down to it, the amount of sunlight received by the ground depends on three main things: altitude, cloud cover, and time of day.
As your body gets darker when you spend more hours indoors, people have tips for using photovoltaic (PV) panels as a natural way to boost your daily dose of sunshine. You can use special cushions to bounce some light onto your skin or use a simple tanning bed gel pack to get slightly warmer rays.
There are even products designed to be used during sleep to help regulate circadian rhythms, so your body knows what time it should stay awake and sleepy.
Downsides of solar power
There are few things that can waste your electricity like having it supplied by the government! Thankfully, you do not have to live under dictatorship rule where the state controls energy sources. With this article, we will go over some disadvantages of solar power so that you know what to expect before investing in one.
Most notably, there is no way to store the energy that solar panels produce. Once they get dark or cloudy, they stop producing energy which means you need to make sure you have enough backup energy for when the sun does not shine.
Another disadvantage is that even though solar powered products are usually more affordable than non-solar ones, this does not mean they are better quality. Some companies may add additional parts to extend the product’s life but could be expensive if done poorly.