Solar System - Renewable Energy

How businesses can incorporate solar energy into their operations

As the world moves towards more sustainable and renewable sources of energy, many businesses are looking for ways to incorporate solar energy into their operations. Whether it’s to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their energy costs, or improve their overall sustainability, solar energy offers many benefits for businesses. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways that businesses can incorporate solar energy into their operations and the benefits they can expect to see as a result.

Installing Solar Panels

One of the most straightforward ways for businesses to incorporate solar energy into their operations is by installing solar panels. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a building, on the ground, or in a solar farm, and can generate electricity that can be used to power the building or sold back to the grid. This can help businesses to reduce their energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and improve their sustainability.

Using Solar Energy for Operations

Another way for businesses to incorporate solar energy into their operations is by using it to power their operations. This can be achieved by using solar panels to generate electricity, using solar water heaters to heat water, or using solar lighting to illuminate buildings and outdoor spaces. By using solar energy for their operations, businesses can reduce their energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and improve their sustainability.

Investing in Solar Energy

Finally, businesses can also incorporate solar energy into their operations by investing in it. This can be done by investing in a solar energy company, investing in a renewable energy fund, or investing in solar energy bonds. By investing in solar energy, businesses can help to support the growth and development of the solar energy industry and improve the sustainability of their operations.

In conclusion, there are many ways for businesses to incorporate solar energy into their operations. Whether it’s by installing solar panels, using solar energy for their operations, or investing in solar energy, businesses can reduce their energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and improve their sustainability. If you’re looking to incorporate solar energy into your business, it’s important to consider the different options and choose the one that works best for you and your business.

If you're interested in learning more about solar energy and how it can benefit your home or business, consider scheduling a consultation with Energco to speak with one of our experts.

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

energy news, Environment, Solar System

Environment, Solar System

The impact of solar energy on energy independence and security

As the world continues to search for new and sustainable sources of energy, solar energy has emerged as a promising option. Not only is it a clean and renewable source of energy, but it also has the potential to improve energy independence and security. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of solar energy on energy independence and security and how it can help to create a more sustainable energy future.

Energy Independence

One of the biggest benefits of solar energy is that it can help to increase energy independence. By generating electricity from the sun, individuals and communities can become less reliant on traditional energy sources and reduce their dependence on foreign oil. Solar energy can also help to create jobs and stimulate local economies, which can further increase energy independence and reduce dependence on other countries for energy.

Reducing Energy Vulnerability

Solar energy can also help to reduce energy vulnerability and improve energy security. By decentralizing the energy grid and allowing individuals and communities to generate their own electricity, solar energy can make the energy system more resilient to disruptions and failures. This can help to improve energy security and reduce the risks associated with dependence on a centralized energy system.

Lowering Emissions

In addition to improving energy independence and security, solar energy can also help to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Solar panels do not produce any emissions during their operation, which can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This can help to improve air quality, reduce the risks associated with climate change, and protect public health.

Improving Reliability

Finally, solar energy can help to improve the reliability of the energy system. Solar panels can generate electricity even during power outages, which can help to ensure that communities have access to electricity even during times of crisis. This can help to improve the reliability of the energy system and reduce the risks associated with dependence on a centralized energy system.

In conclusion, solar energy has the potential to have a significant impact on energy independence and security. By increasing energy independence, reducing energy vulnerability, lowering emissions, and improving reliability, solar energy can help to create a more sustainable energy future and ensure that communities have access to the energy they need to thrive. If you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to be aware of these benefits and the potential impact that solar energy can have on energy independence and security.

If you're interested in learning more about how solar energy can contribute to your energy independence and security, please don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation today.

Consultation

Environment, Solar System

The benefits of using solar energy for homes and businesses

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. There are numerous benefits to using solar energy, both for homes and businesses.

Reduced Energy Costs

One of the most significant benefits of solar energy is the reduction in energy costs. Homes and businesses can reduce or eliminate their monthly energy bills by installing solar panels. This not only saves money, but it also helps to reduce the long-term costs associated with fossil fuels, which are expected to rise in the future.

Environmental Benefits

Another major advantage of solar energy is its positive impact on the environment. Solar panels do not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of homes and businesses. By using solar energy, homes and businesses can also help to reduce the strain on finite resources, such as oil and gas.

Reliable Energy Source

Solar energy is a reliable energy source that is not subject to price fluctuations like fossil fuels. It can also be stored for later use, which helps to ensure a steady supply of energy even during power outages.

Increased Property Value

Homes and businesses that use solar energy can also see an increase in property value. Properties with solar panels are often seen as more desirable and can command a higher price on the market.

Tax Incentives

Finally, homes and businesses can take advantage of tax incentives for using solar energy. Many government agencies offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for installing solar panels, which can help to offset the upfront costs of installation.

In conclusion, solar energy offers numerous benefits for homes and businesses, including reduced energy costs, environmental benefits, a reliable energy source, increased property value, and tax incentives. By switching to solar energy, homes and businesses can play a significant role in reducing the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and securing their energy future.

Environment, Solar System

Environment, Solar Energy, Solar System

Energy News, Solar System

Terawat era in solar energy has begun

While the global solar power installed capacity was recorded as 940 gigawatts at the end of 2021, it rose to “terawatt” level as of May.
According to the “Solar Energy Global Market Outlook” report prepared by SolarPower Europe and announced at the Intersolar Europe Solar Energy Conference and Fair, 200 gigawatts of capacity will be added to the global solar energy installed power rose to “terawatt” level as of May.

Despite the disruptions in the supply chain due to the Covid-19 outbreak, investments in solar energy continued unabated in the last 3 years.

As a new era is entered in the global solar energy market, with the critical threshold being crossed, the said capacity is expected to reach 2.3 terawatts by 2025. In 2012, exceeding 100 gigawatts in solar installed power was considered the critical threshold.

The “age of terawat” has begun in the sun

SolarPower Europe President Aristotelis Chantavas, in his evaluation of the report, stated that the “terawat age” has been entered in the sun and that the 2 terawatt capacity threshold will be reached within 3 years.

Stating that solar energy is the fastest growing and developing resource globally, Chantavas said:

“In 2021, 302 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity has been installed. 168 gigawatts of this is solar energy. The whole world has seen that solar energy is successful in combating climate change and is important in terms of enabling countries to be independent in energy. Solar energy gives us a little bit of energy in today’s world of extraordinary energy prices. It will provide relief.”

SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger also informed that this year’s 39 gigawatts of additional capacity would replace 4.57 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas in the European solar market.

Energy News, Solar System

Energy News, Environment, Solar System, Turbines

Global Energy Monitor publishes wind and solar capacity of all countries

GEM’s website covers all grid-scale solar and wind power plants around the world, while providing data on more than 18,000 operations and planned wind power projects in 144 countries, as well as about 8,000 operations and planned solar projects in 148 countries.

According to the data published by GEM, Turkey ranks 12th among the countries with the most wind power plants with a capacity of 10 MW and above in operation, while it ranks 16th among countries with a solar energy capacity of 20 MW and above.

The Global Wind Power Tracker (GWPT) lists 13,263 wind farms in operation producing 681.4 GW of electricity in 144 countries, and 5,235 potential projects that will generate an additional 882.0 GW of electricity. The countries with the most wind project capacity in operation are:

China (261.2 GW)
USA (127.3 GW)
Germany (39.6 GW)
Spain (26.8 GW)
India (23.7 GW)

The Global Solar Power Tracker (GSPT) lists 5,190 solar projects in operations generating 298.7 GW in 148 countries, and an additional 3,551 potential projects to generate 474.9 GW. Grid-scale solar accounts for about 65 percent of total global solar capacity, with the remaining 35 percent being residential and commercial facilities. The countries with the largest solar project capacity in operation are:

China (103.3 GW)
USA (43.4 GW)
India (29.0 GW)
Vietnam (11.3 GW)
Mexico (10.5 GW)
Ingrid Behrsin, Project Manager for GEM’s Global Wind Energy Tracker, said: “Capturing the full scope of solar and wind farms established worldwide is critical to measuring progress towards the energy transition. With open-access project-level data like this, we are now in a much stronger position to monitor how countries are performing against their self-specified renewable energy targets.” she says.

Energy News, Environment, Solar System, Turbines

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

Using artificial intelligence to cool buildings with renewable energies

A new study has uncovered a new way of applying advanced artificial intelligence to cool buildings using renewable energy.

From the Oman Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Dr. The research study, led by Maryam Zuhair Al Lawati, is published in the journal Scientific Insights. The research discovered an innovative way to apply advanced artificial intelligence techniques and adapt them to cooling buildings in Oman.

According to the Times of Oman report, the technique uses renewable environmental energies through an intelligent system that integrates these technologies through a specific mechanism. The system, designed by artificial intelligence, estimates the volume and amount of cooling required for the building in summer and winter, and the control system operates the heating system according to the building’s needs, according to the estimates.

Dr. Maryam stated that the idea for the research arose because of the importance of utilizing the renewable energies available in Oman. The research also aims to solve the persistent and persistent problem of refrigeration and air conditioning buildings. According to the studies carried out within the scope of the research, the solar energy used to cool the buildings runs the thermal air conditioner that provides energy to cool the building. Heat is reduced by transferring energy to the ground and utilizing land and geothermal energy.

Dr. Maryam explained that the study findings show that Oman’s buildings rely entirely on electrical energy to cool 100 percent, while the study proved that when solar-based thermal energy is introduced, electrical energy use can be reduced from 100 percent to 23.6 percent per year. The research also showed that the role of geothermal energy is small compared to the percentage of solar energy use, while it was stated that solar energy should be used efficiently in this area.

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

Energy News, Solar System

Giant solar powered boat

The giant boat named MS Turanor PlanetSolar, manufactured by the Swiss company PlanetSolar uses renewable energy. It also has the distinction of being the largest solar-powered boat.

The Planet Solar boat, built under the leadership of the University of Geneva, has two separate missions. One of them is to instill environmental awareness by using only solar energy. The second is to undertake ocean research by making a world tour.
3 scientists from the University of Geneva have been trying for a long time to make the Planet Solar boat reach its goals. Scientists travel around the world with the Planet Solar boat to examine the great heat exchange currents created by the currents in the oceans in the atmosphere. The boat, which is fully solar-powered, can reach a speed of 10 km per hour.

PRODUCES 127 HP POWER…

The solar panels of Planet Solar, which are 31 meters long and 15 meters wide, cover an area of 516 square meters. The electricity obtained from these panels can produce a maximum of 127 horsepower. The engine of the boat, whose panels work with an efficiency of 18.8 percent, consumes an average of 20 KW power per hour. This power indicates that a maximum of 60 passengers can be carried on the boat. Source: Solar powered Planet Solar explores the ocean

Energy News, Solar System

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

Only solar powered caravan traveled 2000 kilometers, reached a speed of 120 km

Continuing on the route it started from Spain on the highways of Europe, a custom-built caravan called Stella Vita traveled about 2000 kilometers.

There is an important feature that distinguishes Stella Vita, which means “star of life” in Italian, from other caravans. This trailer never took a break to store gas, hydrogen, or electricity. Because Stella Vita gets the fuel it needs from the solar panels on it.

Developed by 22 students at the Netherlands’ Eindhoven University of Technology, “Stella Vita” is defined as a “self-sufficient house on wheels”. Because inside this trailer, there are all the accessories and rooms that should be in a house, such as a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, double bed, and sofa.

A young team named Solar Team Eindhoven 2021 designed the trailer, which was developed with financial assistance from sponsors. The vehicle, whose testing phase was completed in July, received the necessary permits in September to be able to drive in Europe.

Tijn Ter Horst, 21, one of the young members of the team that brought the project to life, said: “Our aim is to inspire the public and the world vehicle market for a “more sustainable life”. We wanted to show people and companies that life is already possible without harming nature.” says.

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

Developed a solar panel that is 2 times lighter than normal and thinner than a pen

Solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogen mechanisms, hydroelectric power plants, and systems that generate electrical energy from sea currents and waves…

While the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) started in Scotland, the solar panels developed in France and reached the stage of mass production are at the point of breaking new ground in sustainable energy.

Manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies, these panels are thinner than a pencil and half the weight of other rooftop solar panels. Thanks to this technology, commercial businesses and houses that cannot be installed with solar panels on their roofs due to excessive weight will be able to benefit from sustainable energy by using solar energy.

Solar panels are the easiest and least expensive to install among other sustainable energy systems. For this reason, many homes and businesses prefer electricity generation via solar panels instead of other systems.

Thanks to the electricity obtained from solar panels, 75 million barrels of oil and 35 million tons of carbon dioxide gas per year are prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Currently, there are very thin solar panels on the market that can be portable or attached to the wall of houses, but this new product produced by French Maxeon has a high electricity generation capacity in a minimum area and is the thinnest solar panel in the world in its field.

Many solar panels on the market currently produced cannot be installed on the roofs of factories, warehouses, workplaces, and some houses, which have very heavy and wide roofs. These thin panels produced by Maxeon are capable of starting a new era in the field of generating electricity from solar energy.

Why do we need lighter solar panels?

The energy spent in houses and apartments, which are the living spaces of people, causes 28 percent of global warming in the world. In addition, solar panels cannot be installed on the roofs of at least 40 percent of commercial buildings due to their weight.

Lightweight solar panels are especially important in terms of being applied to commercial buildings such as factories, warehouses, and workplaces. These new solar panels do not use metal frames and heavy glass surfaces. In addition, the adhesive system that does not require a shelf is another factor that reduces the weight considerably.

When all these are combined, a system that weighs 6 kilograms per square meter and is approximately 60 percent lighter than normal solar panels emerges.

According to research by Maxeon Solar Technologies, only the European market has at least one year of the unoccupied market with lightweight roof systems waiting for solar panels to be installed.

The spokesperson of the company said in a statement that the new design they developed is largely advantageous due to the supply chain, distribution, and rapid assembly.

“This new technology solar panels weight, volume, production and shipping costs are very low. Especially large companies and small business owners can reach their zero-emission targets much faster thanks to these panels.

Maxeon solar panels are manufactured at its headquarters in Porcelette, France, on the Luxembourg-Germany border, and willfully enter the European Union market in 2022.

Energy News, Environment, Solar System

Solar System

California’s water authority is planning the country’s first solar canopy project, which would cover canals.

Turlock Irrigation District (TID) in Turlock, California, is preparing the country’s first pilot project to cover a section of the water utility’s existing canals with solar panels. Project Nexus is a multi-use solar project that will evaluate water evaporation reduction through mid-day shade and wind mitigation, as well as improved water quality and decreased canal maintenance due to reduced vegetative growth.

TID, the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Solar AquaGrid, and the University of California, Merced collaborate on Project Nexus, a public-private-academic alliance. Project Nexus is set to commence ground this autumn, with completion projected in 2024 at numerous locations within the TID service zone in California’s Central Valley. To cut expenses and promote the region’s sustainable agricultural history, the project will utilise existing TID infrastructure on already-disturbed land. Energy storage will also be implemented to see how storage facilities might help the local electric system when solar power isn’t as good due to cloud cover. The state of California is funding the $20 million project.

TID’s board president, Michael Frantz, remarked, “In our 135-year history, we’ve always sought new initiatives that benefit TID water and electricity consumers.” “While there will always be reasons to say ‘no,’ as California’s first public irrigation district, we aren’t hesitant to forge ahead with experimental projects that have the potential to accomplish our water and energy sustainability goals.”

Project Nexus is considered as a model that might be reproduced elsewhere in California to assist the state meet its water and energy goals. Project Nexus was inspired by an idea given in a recent the University of California research published in the journal Nature Sustainability in March.

According to the UC research, covering all of California’s approximately 4,000 miles of canals might save 63 billion gallons of water each year, enough to irrigate 50,000 acres of agriculture or supply the residential water demands of more than 2 million people. The 13 GW of solar electricity generated annually by the solar panels would be nearly one-sixth of the state’s existing installed capacity, according to the research.

Solar AquaGrid, a Bay Area development business, has been hired by Turlock Irrigation District to serve as project developers and program managers for TID and Project Nexus. Since the beginning of the project, the two agencies have worked together. After commissioning the UC Merced Study in 2015, Solar AquaGrid conceived the concept and has enabled collaboration among the many partners to bring Project Nexus to fruition.

“In an age of growing drought, research and common sense tell us that it’s time to put a stop to evaporation,” said Jordan Harris, CEO of Solar AquaGrid. “We’re pleased to work with the Turlock Irrigation District, the Department of Water Resources, and UC Merced to establish this first-in-the-nation pilot project and bring essential innovation to the Central Valley.” When compared to ground-mounted solar systems, placing solar panels over open canals can result in considerable water, energy, and cost savings, as well as increased efficiency due to an exponential shading/cooling effect. Now is your moment to put all you’ve learned to the test.”

Solar System