Guide for Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Systems, and the Best Solar Products

Photovoltaic or Solar Energy System

The energy crisis in the world is the lack of non renewable energy resources as petroleum products, natural gas and coal. In addition to, the increase of population all over the world leads us to the renewable energy resources. One of the best and efficient renewable energy sources is the photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system uses the sun light to generate electricity. Simply, the solar panels absorb the sun light and transform it to electric power. The conventional photovoltaic or solar system consists of solar panel, charge controller, battery and inverter. The solar panel transforms the absorbed sun light to DC power. This DC power is regulated by the charge controller, in order to charge the battery. Thus, there is a reliable DC power source which is the battery. And for the AC appliances, the inverter transfers the DC power from the battery; which passes through the charge controller; to pure AC power.

Thus, the charge controller elongates the lifetime of the battery, as it stabilizes the battery charging and discharging current. Also, it protects the battery from being overcharged and from overvoltage. And the inverter supplies pure output AC power to your appliances which guarantee the safety of your home devices.

The Solar Panel

The solar panel consists of small solar cells connected together to form the solar panel. The solar cell receives the sun light that falls on it. And in general, the sun light has an energy source called photons. These photons supply energy to the free electrons of the solar cell. The energy absorbed; by the solar cell free electrons; enables the mobility of these electrons. This mobility of the electrons; for one end of the solar cell to the other; causes energy transfer through the solar cell and this is the production of the DC current. Thus, the solar panel converts the sun light to electric power. The solar panel is usually made of silicon, which is a semiconductor material.

Types of Solar Panels or PV modules:

The types of PV modules that are widely used in the market are mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, thin film, Perovskite and multi-junction solar panels.

• Mono-crystalline solar panel is made of single crystal silicon. It has high efficiency, which varies from 15% to 20%. It is more expensive than the poly-crystalline and the thin film solar cells.
• Poly-crystalline solar panel is made of metallurgical grade silicon. It has the efficiency of 13% to 16%, and this is less than the mono-crystalline efficiency, but it is cheaper.
• Thin film solar panel such as amorphous module has the efficiency of 7% to 13%, and this is least efficiency among the solar cells, but it is the cheapest PV module.
• Perovskite solar panel is made of Perovskite structured compound; such as methylammonium lead halides. It is being recognized in the market by the simplicity of its manufacture and the cheap price of its production.
• Multi-junction solar panels are made of different semi-conductor materials. The multiple junctions use broadens the absorbed range of wavelengths and this increases its efficiency. The efficiency of these multi-junctions can reach up to 35%, but it is relatively expensive.

Solar energy products and devices:

1) The Complete Solar System of 160 Watts:

This system consists of solar panel that can supply 160 watts, battery, charge controller and an inverter. The solar panel charges the battery, while the charge controller regulates the charging and discharging of the battery. And the inverter transfers the DC power to AC power. Thus, the battery is supplying the DC appliances; while the inverter is supplying the AC appliances.

• A complete solar system of 160 watts.
• Power usage for the weekend (two days).
• Maintenance free.
• Environment-friendly.
• Quiet and clean, as fuel is not needed.
• Weigh 60 pounds.
• Product dimension is 64 x 31 x 18 inches.

* Its review is 4.2 out of 5 stars (9 customers’ reviews).

2) A Complete Solar System of 320 Watts:

This system consists of solar panel (photovoltaic) that can supply 320 watts, battery, charge controller, and an inverter. The solar panel charges the battery, while the charge controller regulates the charging and discharging of the battery. And the inverter transfers the DC power to AC power. Thus, the battery is supplying the DC appliances; while the inverter is supplying the AC appliances.

• The complete solar system of 320 watts.
• Power usage for more than three days.
• Maintenance free.
• Environment-friendly.
• Quiet and clean, as fuel is not needed.
• Weigh 104 pounds.
• Product dimension is 64 x 30.7 x 20 inches.

* Its review is 4 out of 5 stars (7 customers’ reviews).

3) Portable solar charger for phones of 22000 mAh:

This system consists of a compact photovoltaic solar panel, battery and charge controller. The solar panel supplies DC power, which charges the battery through the charge controller. This system is able to supply 22000 mAh.

• Dual input, which enables the solar battery charger to be charged with lightning cord or a Micro cord.
• Three output USB ports (5V/ 2.1A max), all the three devices are charging at the optimal speed of the solar phone charger.
• Charges the portable phone charger solar from sunlight, in case of emergency.
• Fast recharging of 11-12 hours recharge with (5V/ 2.1A max) adapter, and this saves half of the recharging time.
• It is 22000mAh charger for iPhone and phone; charge your iPhone X/8/7/6 about 8 times, iPhone 8/7/6 plus over 6 times, Galaxy S9/S8/S7 up to 5 times, or an iPad mini more than 3.5 times.
• It uses one Lithium-ion battery.
• Weigh 15.8 ounces.
• Product dimension is 0.6 x 0.3 x 0.1 inches.

* Its review is 4.8 out of 5 stars (85 customers’ reviews).

4) Mono-crystalline solar panel starter kit and its charge controller and cables:

This system consists of mono-crystalline solar panel, charge controller, MC4 connectors, tray cable and mounting Z brackets. The mono-crystalline is of 100 watts, while the charge controller is of 30A PWM (pulse width modulation) negative ground. They are used as a starter kit. For example, it can be installed to start a vehicle.

• This charge controller is characterized by the option of expanding your system up to 400 watts.
• An 8ft 10AWG tray cable is being included in the kit, in order to connect the charge controller to the battery.
• Ideal output is 500Wh per day, and this can fully charge a 50Ah battery from 50% in 3 hours (according to sunlight available).
• For the safety of the system, negative grounding controller with battery reversed, overloading, short circuit and overcharging and discharging protection is built in the system, and also to guarantee the broader off-grid application.
• From its applications is that it can be installed on a vehicle, which has battery negative on the chassis. And the picture below clarifies this application.
• Weigh 19.84 pounds.
• Product dimensions are 47 x 1.5 x 20.9 inches.

* Its review is 4.5 out of 5 stars (855 customers’ reviews).

5) Solar lights outdoor with motion sensor:

This system consists of LED lights, small photovoltaic solar panel, battery, and the microcontroller; all these items are built in the lighting fixture. The small solar panel absorbs the sunlight and converts it to DC electric power to charge the battery. The charging and discharging of the battery is being controlled by the microcontroller. Also, the microcontroller has a motion sensor; this decreases the consumption of the battery; as the motion sensor only lights up when there is motion in the area, else the light is off.

• It is a wireless light fixture.
• It has 24 LED lamps that operate with 3.7 volts and consumes 8.14 watt, in order to produce a super bright light intensity of 526 lumens.
• It has a battery of an alkaline battery cell type; lithium-ion battery.
• Its battery can keep it operating for 7 to 8 hours.
• It has the IP 65 and this is a waterproof and high outdoor protection sealing of the fixture so that it can stand different weather conditions. Also, it has passed the FCC certification; which makes it a reliable outdoor light fixture.
• It has the vantage of large lighting area; as it is characterized by its wide-angle design of 270° lighting area.
• It has a motion sensor, and its large coverage area ranges from 10-26ft.
• It has three convenient modes of operation, and it can be installed on the front door, backyard, garage, driveway, deck and even on RV.
• It weighs 7.4 ounces.
• Product dimensions are 6.1 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches.
• It has two years warranty and 24 hours, 7 days friendly customer service.

* Its review is 4.5 out of 5 stars (6000 customers’ reviews).

6) Solar light for outdoor applications:

This system consists of a high efficiency photovoltaic solar panel, battery, and the microcontroller; and all these items are built in the light fixture. The microcontroller controls the charging and discharging of the battery, and also it controls the motion sensor.

• Each of the light fixtures has 30 LED lamps that operate with 3.7 volts and in order to produce a super bright light intensity of 550 lumens.
• Each of the light fixtures has a battery of an alkaline battery cell type; lithium-ion battery.
• It has Sun-Power solar panel, which has a high conversion rate of sunlight; it can reach up to 23%. And it has a great design for the angle of the solar panel that ensures a wider plan for the sunlight collection.
• It has the IP 66 and this is a waterproof, heat resistance, frost resistance and high outdoor protection sealing of the fixture so that it can stand different weather conditions.
• It has a motion sensor, and its large coverage area is up to 26ft, due to its sensitive hemispherical motion sensor. And it has wide sensing angle of 120°. So, its PIR motion sensor will light automatically once it senses a motion in its range, and will turn off after 30 seconds.
• It can be installed on the front door, backyard, garage, drive-way, path-way, garden and fences.
• It weighs 1.91 pounds.
• Product dimensions are 7.1 x 5 x 5 inches.
• It has two years warranty and 24 hours, 7 days friendly customer service.

* Its review is 5 out of 5 stars (6 customers’ reviews).

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7) Solar Fountain Pump:

This system consists of a powerful photovoltaic solar panel and a brushless water pump. The solar panel absorbs the sunlight and generates DC electric power. This produced power is used to operate the water pump, and this is how the solar water pump works.

• It is an environment-friendly decorative fountain. And it is easy to use, you just place it in the water; and as soon as the sunlight falls on the solar panel the fountain works automatically.
• It has a highly efficient solar panel of 7 volts and 1.4 watts.
• It has a brushless pump of DC input of 4.5- 10 volts.
• The pump has the maximum quantity of flow of 150 L/h, the maximum delivery height of 70 cm and it needs minimum water height to be 45 cm.
• It can be installed to aerate the pool to increase the PH of the water and keep water circulating to improve pond and fish life. Also, it can be used as a fountain in a bird bath, fish tank, small pond, garden decoration, water circulation of oxygen.
• It weighs 2.4 ounces.
• Product dimension is 7.3 x 7.1 x 2 inches.

* Its review is 4.9 out of 5 stars (22 customers’ reviews).

8) Solar Fan System:

This system consists of a solar panel, AC adapter, battery, LED light, USB port, fan and remote control. The solar panel (photovoltaic) empowers the system with the DC electric power, while the AC adapter enables the AC electric power availability.

• It has a solar panel of 15 watts and 18 volts, with 19.6 feet cable.
• It has a mini fan, 12 volt DC, 16 inches blade and three level speed regulations; the low-speed mode is of 1000 RPM and the high-speed mode is of 1350 RPM.
• It has AC and DC power capability. The Solar fan can be powered and charged by DC power from the 15W solar panel. In case of no sunlight, or no charge, the fan can be charged through AC power adapter, which comes with the fan. Our fan is built with a rechargeable battery that comes with overcharge/discharge protection.
• Our Fan has a built-in LED light for illumination in the night. Electronic devices can also be charged efficiently with our fan’s USB port and remote control.
• It has a battery which is sealed the lead-acid battery.
• It weighs 15.55 pounds.
• Product dimension is 23 x17.8 x 6.4 inches

* Its review is 4.5 out of 5 stars (25 customers’ reviews).

9) Solar powered laptop backpack:

The system consists of Solar Panel Fixed at the front of the bag and USB port; all these items are built in the bag.

• The photovoltaic solar panel can charge your cell phone or other gadgets directly with plenty of sunlight. Also, you can put a portable charger between the panel and the exit USB, this makes the panel continuously charges the power bank and then the exit USB pulls power from the bank. The USB interface is accurately plugged into the solar panel and the sunlight is plenty, and when using solar charging function; removing the power plug when not using this function.
• The bag is made of high-quality oxford cloth, lightweight and waterproof.
• It can be used in business, school, college, hiking, traveling, camping and any outdoor activity.
• Product dimensions are L*W*H: 30*19*47cm(11.81*7.48*18.50 inches). It is of large capacity to accommodate your 15.6-inch laptop, mobile phone, wallet, books, magazine, clothes or other personal items. Back zipper pocket can place mobile phones, wallet and other valuables, anti-theft and convenient.
• It has a USB charging port that is easily and conveniently to charge your phone, tablet and other devices without opening up the backpack.

* Its review is 4.5 out of 5 stars (6 customers’ reviews).

10) Mono-crystalline solar panel:

It is an efficient solar panel. Its type is mono-crystalline.

• It is a 12-volt panel that can charge the battery and multiple panels can be wired in series for 24/48-volt battery charging or for grid-tied applications.
• It has diodes that are pre-installed in a junction box and a pair of 31-inch cables with MC4 connectors which come with the panel.
• It can withstand high wind of 2400Pa and snow loads of 5400Pa; also it is a resistant aluminum frame which allows the panels to last for decades.
• It is high modules conversion efficiency. Its output energy is 500-watt-hours per day; depending on sunlight availability.
• It has 25 years transferable power output warranty; and 5 years for the material and workmanship warranty.

* Its review is 4.7 out of 5 stars (817 customers’ reviews).

11) Solar outdoor string lights:

It consists of solar panel, battery, and beautiful decorative light fixtures. The photovoltaic solar powers the fixtures during the day and stores in a rechargeable battery in the absence of the sun. It can work for 8 hours on the battery. And it will automatically light up in the night, add warm and charming atmosphere in any season.

• It has 30 LED warm white lamps that operate with 2 volts.
• It is string lights design with bee LED that are wired together. The distance between the solar panel and the first LED lamp is 74 inches, and the distance between each led is 6 inches, total length is 20.5 ft.
• It has 2 modes which are steady on and twinkling mode.
• It is high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant, ideal solar lights outdoor to decorate your backyard, garden, home, patio, fence, tree, grass, flowerbed, festival, balcony, wedding, and party.
• These honeybee solar lights are waterproof, and the stake of solar panel can be easily inserted into the ground without worrying of raindrops. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor decorations.
• It has a battery NiMh of size AA.
• It has 30 days money back guarantee and 12 months warranty.
• It weighs 10.1ounces.
• Product dimensions are 6.7 x 3.5 x 3.1 inches.

* Its review is 4.4 out of 5 stars (32 customers’ reviews).

12) Solar Shower:

It is 5-gallon summer shower, which is power by a small solar panel attached to it.

• It has 4 ply constructions with reflector panel and insulator panel.
• It is easy to use on/off showerhead and extra-large filling valve.
• It has a side pocket for soap and shampoo; water temperature gauge.
• It has Velcro straps for washcloths; weighs 1 pounds 4 ounces.

* Its review is 4.2 out of 5 stars (436 customers’ reviews).

13) Solar Pool Cover:

• It is solar heat retaining cover for 18-foot round pools.
• It reduces evaporation by 95% and retains heat.
• It is easy to store.
• It includes a reusable carry bag for storage.

* Its review is 3.8 out of 5 stars (2792 customers’ reviews).

Advantages of photovoltaic system (Solar Energy)

• It is free of charge and renewable energy source; also it is environment friendly, as it does not cause any air pollution or greenhouse effect.
• It can supply electric power to the remote areas that the utility company is not able to reach; and in such case it is cheaper to install photovoltaic system.
• It is considered as an investment, as its money return back is fast, and after the payback period you are saving and decreasing your paid electric bill.
• It can supply a whole house all day without the need of electricity from the grid company; and this is by installing a battery bank with the photovoltaic system.
• In some countries, you can sell your extra electric power from your solar energy system to the grid company, and this is another way of investment.
• This system has a long lifetime which is 25 years and also it is almost maintenance free; once you install the system there is no maintenance, but to keep the solar panels clean and replace the batteries every three years; if found.
• Its efficiency is increasing and its price is decreasing through the time, due to the researches that are carried out in this field.

Disadvantages of photovoltaic system (Solar Energy)

• The main disadvantage is the high initial cost of the photovoltaic system.
• Battery bank needs to be installed with the photovoltaic system in case of cloudy days.
• For supplying AC appliances, an inverter is used to transfer the DC power of the photovoltaic system to AC power.

Conclusion

All these products prove the importance and vitality of the solar energy systems. The solar energy products solve many problems and facilitate many outdoor applications. Thus, in the presence of the sunlight, you have an unlimited power source; all that is needed is to choose the proper photovoltaic system and utilize the best solar energy device. And here, we are discussing the best solar energy products and solutions; with the latest solar energy technologies and the best customers’ reviews; to help you to select the device that suits your application and solve your problems.