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Using Flexible Solar Panels To Power Marine Batteries

February 18th, 2012

Harnessing the energy from the sun is not a new technology although recent improvements have been made to make it suitable for use in a wider range of devices. Solar panels are employed to convert sunlight into electricity. These panels work due to photovoltaic effect wherein the photons that strike its surface knock the electrons off their orbit to release energy that is changed by a p-n diode into electrical current. This principle likewise applies to flexible solar panels which are made from thin yet strong materials. The manufacture of these panels is different because a thin film of amorphous silicon is deposited on the panel’s surface instead of mounting individual polycrystalline solar cells and framing it. Since this type of panels is pliable, minimal storage space is required because you can roll them up when not in use. Flexible solar panels generally have low voltage so its common application involves supplying electricity to battery chargers. At present, researchers are conducting studies to enable a cost-effective way of producing higher efficiency flexible panels.

Since solar energy is renewable, more people are finding ways of maximizing its use in personal and commercial settings. One practical function is charging batteries for vehicles. Boats for instance have marine batteries that deliver the required starting power in the engine. In order for these devices to work longer, solar energy can be collected via flexible panels to power marine battery chargers. About 4 watts or less are produced in the process but since marine chargers do not eat up a lot of electricity, this amount of energy will suffice. Take note though to use marine battery chargers suitable for the intended application. In this way, risk of overheating and other probable damage to the batteries are avoided.

Portable Solar Chargers An Effective Way To Start Saving The World

December 17th, 2011

People are now becoming more and more aware that the earth is slowly losing more and more natural resources every year. Because of the rapid depletion, people are now looking for ways to become friendlier to the environment. These people are starting to use more biodegradable products as compared to the normal non-biodegradable once like plastic. People are also now using more eco-friendly chemicals and are avoiding chemicals like hairsprays that are very bad for the environment. There is also an increase in the use of natural sources of energy. Examples of these are portable solar chargers and power cells, hydro powered energy sources and windmills. These are used as alternative methods that are now proven to be as effective as the more commonly used once.

There have been a lot of ways that these alternative sources of power are used. Before, these alternative sources are hard to use because it takes up a lot of space and a lot of money is needed to buy the equipment. Now, there have been inventions that make these sources more portable and less expensive. There is now a car and a motorcycle battery charger that can fit inside your bag. It can store and it can power your vehicle for one relatively long trip. This is very useful especially when you do not have an electrical power source nearby. This is a good start for the world. It is a good way that people are now more conscious that they should start saving the world today.