#Solar tech

[shibachangtimes-blog]

CITIZEN REGUNO H415-S057515 Radio Controlled SOLAR-TECH Watch

[advancedsolartechnology]

Are Solar Panels a Ripoff?

The process of purchasing a solar system is often harrowing for consumers. Representatives are often pushy and may make lofty promises. Some salespeople also use electronic contracts that are hard to read and difficult to get out of.

Unrealistic promises can be a red flag. For example, a company that claims you’ll get a check from the government or that your electricity bill will disappear is misleading.

They are an investment

The growing popularity of solar energy has fueled innovation, but it has also attracted scam artists. These bad actors use disreputable tactics to steal the spotlight from reputable companies. The best way to avoid them is to learn about state and federal incentives before making a decision.

A reputable company will be honest about the costs and benefits of solar. They should give you a detailed estimate and answer all of your questions. They should also tell you about the incentives and rebates that are solar panels a ripoff ? available in your area.

Some companies may offer a no-cost installation or $0 down deal. However, these deals are usually a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). In this case, the solar company owns and operates the panels on your roof and sells electricity to you at a reduced rate. This type of arrangement is not ideal for most consumers. The old saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” applies to this type of marketing.

They are a long-term investment

Solar panels are a long-term investment that can save on electricity bills and help the environment. However, consumers should be aware of false and misleading claims made by some companies. These claims can cause consumers to lose tens of thousands of dollars.

Some solar salespeople make it seem as though a home solar system is free, when in reality it can cost the consumer $20,000. It’s important to research and compare quotes from several companies before choosing one. Be sure to check credentials and references and read the contract carefully.

Another common scam involves leasing or power purchase agreements, which do not give the consumer ownership of the panels. This can exclude them from federal or state incentives and can result in hidden fees, unfavorable rates, and restrictive contracts. It’s also important to know that the tax credit for home solar is limited. This means that it may be more beneficial to lease or buy solar equipment rather than own it.

They are a maintenance investment

Many homeowners are excited to save money with solar power, but they must be aware of some shady companies that try to take advantage of consumers. To avoid them, it is essential to research solar companies and compare quotes before signing a contract. A reputable company will be transparent about costs and incentives. They should also provide information about the sizing of their systems and answer all your questions.

Some scams involve false claims about costs and savings. For example, some solar companies have been accused of overstating consumer eligibility for tax credits. These claims have triggered regulatory scrutiny and violate state laws.

In addition to a warranty on your system, you should also check the company’s policy on repairs and replacements. These services are not cheap, but it’s important to ensure the quality of your panels. A damaged panel will not perform well, so you should contact a professional to fix it. You should also make sure the company will recycle your old panels in an environmentally friendly way.

They are a warranty investment

Investing in solar technology Australia is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to understand the industry before making any big purchases. Many scam artists take advantage of the booming green energy trend, and it’s up to homeowners to know how to spot bad actors. By educating yourself on the industry, laws, and incentives, you can be better prepared to avoid scams and shady companies.

Homeowners should also be wary of ads that promise free solar systems. These advertisements typically involve a power purchase agreement (PPA) or solar lease, which require monthly payments to the company that owns the panels. It’s also important to remember that federal and state tax incentives and net energy metering may affect the final cost of a system.

Finally, it’s important to be aware that solar contracts are for 20 years or more. Signing a lease or PPA can make it harder to sell your home, and if you have a loan, the contract will need to be paid off before selling.

[aussiesolartech]

Solar Tech Systems | aussiesolartech.com.au

Solar tech systems harness and convert solar radiation into various forms of energy. They include photovoltaic (PV) technologies that directly convert sunlight into electricity; concentrating solar-thermal (CSP) technologies that generate power by using mirrors to concentrate sun’s heat; and electrical grid systems that integrate PV and CSP technology with traditional and other renewable sources.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

Solar tech systems photovoltaic (PV) convert the Sun’s radiation into electricity. They can be used for homes or large electric utility and energy generation purposes. Individual solar cells produce only a small amount of power, so they are combined into modules and arrays to generate larger amounts. NREL researchers are working to improve the performance of PV cells so that they can meet the growing demand for clean, renewable energy.

NREL also conducts research to ensure that PV systems are properly sized to match their owners’ electricity usage. This includes determining how much electricity is needed and deciding what time of day the system should be operating so that it can take advantage of peak sunlight hours. Currently, most off-grid PV systems include batteries to allow them to continue producing electricity during cloudy conditions.

Concentrating solar-thermal (CSP) systems

CSP technologies capture the sun’s heat to drive a conventional steam turbine generator. They are often paired with thermal energy storage systems to provide flexible and dispatchable electricity.

Solar energy is focused by mirrors onto a receiver or engine that converts the thermal energy into electricity using a Rankine or Brayton cycle. There are two major types of utility-scale CSP: power tower and linear concentrator.

Power tower systems use a network of sun-tracking mirrors that focus sunlight on the top of a central tower where a heat transfer fluid is heated to over 600oC. The steam drives a conventional turbine-generator to produce electricity.

Linear concentrator systems use parabolic trough collectors to concentrate sunlight into parallel tubes filled with a heat transfer fluid. These systems can either operate without storage, or with a thermal energy storage system like molten salt.

Sun-tracking systems

Solar tracking systems are designed to orient solar panels toward the sun as it rises and sets. This can lead to a significant boost in power production, which is why it’s worth the additional expense of installing these systems on your rooftop.

There are several types of solar trackers, with a single-axis solar system offering the most cost-effective solution. These trackers move on one axis and are aligned northsouth and east-west. These are also known as vertical single-axis trackers or VSATs.

Dual-axis trackers are more expensive and require additional maintenance.

However, they can improve your solar energy output by up to 40%. These are often used in commercial applications. They have a more complex control system and are based on a computer-based algorithm. They can be more prone to failure than static solar panels.

Perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have high efficiencies and are currently being extensively researched. However, they are not yet ready for commercialisation. This is because they have stability issues and need to be improved, optimised and scaled for large areas of device.

The stability of these solar cells can be improved by adding tin to the mix. Tin is in the same column as lead on the periodic table and has a similar ionic size, so it can replace lead without negatively impacting the performance of the cell.

The NREL’s research in this area includes examining how the structure of a perovskite cell can be altered to improve stability. Another focus is improving the fabrication process for these devices. This includes reducing the number of heating and coating steps, and using roll-to-roll processing.

Cadmium telluride solar cells

Cadmium telluride solar tech cells use a thin semiconductor layer to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. They are more efficient than crystalline silicon panels and can operate in higher temperatures. They can also withstand more moisture.

The Ohio-based companies First Solar and Toledo Solar make cadmium telluride solar panels. Their products compete with crystalline silicon systems, which represent the majority of the world’s solar panels.

The cadmium telluride industry is less vulnerable to supply chain interruptions than the crystalline silicon sector, Mansfield said. The materials needed per panel are relatively small, and better ways to refine them could maximize their availability. The industry is also less dependent on foreign supplies, and can use byproducts from mining ores. It is less carbon-intensive than crystalline solar technology, and can recycle end-of-life modules.

[nasa]

Setting Sail to Travel Through Space: 5 Things to Know about our New Mission

Our Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will launch aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand no earlier than April 23, at 6 p.m. EDT. This mission will demonstrate the use of innovative materials and structures to deploy a next-generation solar sail from a CubeSat in low Earth orbit.

Here are five things to know about this upcoming mission:

1. Sailing on Sunshine

Solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for propulsion much like sailboats harness the wind, eliminating the need for rocket fuel after the spacecraft has launched. If all goes according to plan, this technology demonstration will help us test how the solar sail shape and design work in different orbits.

2. Small Package, Big Impact

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft is a CubeSat the size of a microwave, but when the package inside is fully unfurled, it will measure about 860 square feet (80 square meters) which is about the size of six parking spots. Once fully deployed, it will be the biggest, functional solar sail system – capable of controlled propulsion maneuvers – to be tested in space.

3. Second NASA Solar Sail in Space

If successful, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will be  the second NASA solar sail to deploy in space, and not only will it be much larger, but this system will also test navigation capabilities to change the spacecraft’s orbit. This will help us gather data for future missions with even larger sails.

4. BOOM: Stronger, Lighter Booms

Just like a sailboat mast supports its cloth sails, a solar sail has support beams called booms that provide structure. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission’s primary objective is to deploy a new type of boom. These booms are made from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials that are stiffer and 75% lighter than previous boom designs. They can also be flattened and rolled like a tape measure. Two booms spanning the diagonal of the square (23 feet or about 7 meters in length) could be rolled up and fit into the palm of your hand!

5. It’s a bird...it’s a plane...it’s our solar sail!

About one to two months after launch, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft will deploy its booms and unfurl its solar sail. Because of its large size and reflective material, the spacecraft may be visible from Earth with the naked eye if the lighting conditions and orientation are just right!

To learn more about this mission that will inform future space travel and expand our understanding of our Sun and solar system, visit https://www.nasa.gov/mission/acs3/.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[bookwyrminspiration]

ECLIPSE :D!!!

[wachinyeya]

[coolthingsguyslike]

[angelnumber27]

The Noor Power Plant in Ouarzazate, Morocco

source

[obsessedbyneon]

'Wall Type TV' and 'Mirror Prism TV' technology by Sanyo, 1984. It included solar technology.

Scan

[shibachangtimes-blog]

CITIZEN INDEPENDENT 8637-R007041 SOLAR TECH Wrist Watch

[advancedsolartechnology]

Are Solar Panels a Ripoff?

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills. They also help the environment. However, homeowners should be wary of shady salespeople and make sure they understand their state’s laws on incentives.

Scams in solar energy can include posing as state or utility representatives, making inflated claims of rebates and savings, and pushing solar leases or PPAs (power purchase agreements). These scams are a huge risk to consumers.

They’re a great investment

If you are solar panels a ripoff ? Make sure to research the industry and technology thoroughly. This will help you avoid scams and pitfalls. Moreover, it will help you understand how to calculate your overall solar savings. This is a complex calculation, which requires determining upfront costs of the system less all available federal investment tax credits and state/local rebates. It also includes loan fees and interest.

It is important to remember that solar energy is a long-term investment. Although it can reduce your electricity bills and cut your carbon footprint, you should be aware that it can take years before you get a return on your investment.

In order to avoid scams, be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies and consider the Better Business Bureau and your state consumer protection agency. Lastly, avoid solar companies that offer leases instead of purchasing. These types of contracts are difficult to back out of and do not provide the same tax breaks as a purchase.

They’re a ripoff

The solar energy industry has exploded in popularity, offering homeowners an opportunity to produce clean, renewable energy and save money. However, the boom has also given rise to scammers and shady companies.

Many scams in the solar energy sector involve misleading or false claims. Some are reminiscent of old-fashioned door-to-door scams, while others are more modern contracting shams. Regardless of how they are conducted, these scams often violate state consumer protection laws.

Homeowners should be especially wary of ads and posts that promise free solar panels. These claims are usually based on PPAs or solar leases, which don’t provide ownership of the solar system and exclude homeowners from federal and state incentive programs and rebates. In addition, they may be offered with a grace period or $0 down, but consumers should understand that these deals will still cost them in the long run. It’s also important to keep in mind that solar systems do not work only in sunny weather. Sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface on cloudy, rainy, and snowy days, too.

They’re a scam

While solar energy is a great investment, there are scammers who take advantage of people eager to adopt this new technology. These sham companies masquerade as reputable businesses, and use aggressive sales tactics to close a deal. They make false promises and misrepresent state and federal incentives. In addition, they may charge exorbitant prices and impose long-term contracts that are difficult to back out of.

The scammers may be after your personal information or claim they have a special government program that will reimburse your upfront costs for installing solar panels on your home. These ads are usually displayed on Facebook and are accompanied by an official-looking disclaimer. Some even feature a “solar expert” or a celebrity endorsement.

These shams can cause a significant financial loss for the consumer. They also hurt the solar industry and jeopardize a clean energy future. To avoid these problems, be careful when choosing a company and check with the Better Business Bureau and your local consumer protection agency.

They’re not a ripoff

Solar tech panels extract value over time and can be a great investment for homeowners. Whether it’s the energy they provide or the financial security of having power in an outage, solar panels are worth the initial upfront costs and can pay for themselves over a decade in most cases. Homeowners can also save even more on their electricity bills by evaluating local energy prices and incentives.

However, the solar industry can be prone to inexperienced salespeople who make misleading claims. These false or deceptive claims can lead to consumers being misled and overpaying for solar power. Consumers should be wary of companies that offer PPAs or solar leases and should always read their contract carefully. Any misrepresentations should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. These false claims not only hurt individual consumers but the entire industry as well. They also jeopardize a clean energy future for all Americans. The good news is that these scams are easy to spot and avoid if you know what to look out for.

[solarpunkbusiness]

Sara Benlafqih (photo) is a Moroccan industrial management engineer. She is also the CEO and one of the co-founders of agritech startup BMTA&C which develops innovative solutions to challenges like access to energy and food insecurity. 

Through BMTA&C, she created a storage unit to help farmers extend the shelf life of their crops from 2 to 20 days. The unit uses a solar cooling system to help smallholder farmers in remote areas reduce crop losses in Morocco and the sub-region. 

The said unit was inspired by a discovery Sara made during an academic internship. Indeed, she found out that farmers used to lose almost one-third of their harvest yearly just because they had no storage facility. The storage unit she created can now store up to six tons of fruit and vegetables without using coolants, which are harmful to the environment. 

[cognitivejustice]

Esther Kimani, a computer programmer from Kenya, has won the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Her groundbreaking early crop pest and disease detection device wowed the judges, thanks to its remarkable ability to swiftly detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases. This innovative tool can reduce crop losses for smallholder farmers by up to 30% and boost yields by as much as 40%.

Harnessing the power of solar energy, the device employs computer vision algorithms and advanced machine learning to detect and identify crop pests, pathogens, or diseases, and the nature of the infection or infestation. Farmers receive notifications via SMS, making this an affordable alternative to traditional detection methods at just $3 per month—significantly cheaper than hiring drones or agricultural inspectors.

source

[nasa]

Let's Explore a Metal-Rich Asteroid 🤘

Between Mars and Jupiter, there lies a unique, metal-rich asteroid named Psyche. Psyche’s special because it looks like it is part or all of the metallic interior of a planetesimal—an early planetary building block of our solar system. For the first time, we have the chance to visit a planetary core and possibly learn more about the turbulent history that created terrestrial planets.

Here are six things to know about the mission that’s a journey into the past: Psyche.

1. Psyche could help us learn more about the origins of our solar system.

After studying data from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists believe that Psyche collided with other large bodies in space and lost its outer rocky shell. This leads scientists to think that Psyche could have a metal-rich interior, which is a building block of a rocky planet. Since we can’t pierce the core of rocky planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, and our home planet, Earth, Psyche offers us a window into how other planets are formed.

2. Psyche might be different than other objects in the solar system.

Rocks on Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Earth contain iron oxides. From afar, Psyche doesn’t seem to feature these chemical compounds, so it might have a different history of formation than other planets.

If the Psyche asteroid is leftover material from a planetary formation, scientists are excited to learn about the similarities and differences from other rocky planets. The asteroid might instead prove to be a never-before-seen solar system object. Either way, we’re prepared for the possibility of the unexpected!

3. Three science instruments and a gravity science investigation will be aboard the spacecraft.

The three instruments aboard will be a magnetometer, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, and a multispectral imager. Here’s what each of them will do:

Magnetometer: Detect evidence of a magnetic field, which will tell us whether the asteroid formed from a planetary body

Gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer: Help us figure out what chemical elements Psyche is made of, and how it was formed

Multispectral imager: Gather and share information about the topography and mineral composition of Psyche

The gravity science investigation will allow scientists to determine the asteroid’s rotation, mass, and gravity field and to gain insight into the interior by analyzing the radio waves it communicates with. Then, scientists can measure how Psyche affects the spacecraft’s orbit.

4. The Psyche spacecraft will use a super-efficient propulsion system.

Psyche’s solar electric propulsion system harnesses energy from large solar arrays that convert sunlight into electricity, creating thrust. For the first time ever, we will be using Hall-effect thrusters in deep space.

5. This mission runs on collaboration.

To make this mission happen, we work together with universities, and industry and NASA to draw in resources and expertise.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission and is responsible for system engineering, integration, and mission operations, while NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Services Program manages launch operations and procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

Working with Arizona State University (ASU) offers opportunities for students to train as future instrument or mission leads. Mission leader and Principal Investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton is also based at ASU.

Finally, Maxar Technologies is a key commercial participant and delivered the main body of the spacecraft, as well as most of its engineering hardware systems.

6. You can be a part of the journey.

Everyone can find activities to get involved on the mission’s webpage. There's an annual internship to interpret the mission, capstone courses for undergraduate projects, and age-appropriate lessons, craft projects, and videos.

You can join us for a virtual launch experience, and, of course, you can watch the launch with us on Oct. 12, 2023, at 10:16 a.m. EDT!

For official news on the mission, follow us on social media and check out NASA’s and ASU’s Psyche websites.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[realcleverscience]

totally love this: Solar panels that produce energy and water from the air.

The energy helps to extract the water which can be applied to the panels to help reduce temperatures, thereby improving energy output; or, the water can be dripped under the panels to grow crops (which also reduces temperature, in addition to providing food). OR, the water can be sent to a system for human use (needs minerals added to be safe for drinking; also may need some further decontamination to be safe to drink).

But basically the idea is that you can plop one of these down just about anywhere in the world, including extremely dry regions, and it will immediate help provide energy and drinking water. Put it over barren land, and you have an easy system for growing food.

I can envision large plots of formerly barren land, now providing electricity, food, and water. I can also see it being really helpful in developing areas, especially as the world's water crisis deepens. Really looking forward to seeing more and improved products like this.

p.s. pure water needs minerals added otherwise it messes up our cells. but minerals are just, like, bits of rock. So I'm curious if pure water can be made to drinking water more easily by putting it in the ground and letting it fill natural aquifers or wells or something like that. Maybe even a sort of specially dug "well" that aims to capture the water after it percolates through earth. I'm no expert on this. Thoughts?