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The Solar Power Expert Blog

Balancing or Equalizing Lead Acid Batteries

by Chris - April 8th, 2012

I came across some very confusing information regarding battery balancing and equalization on the internet. Some of it was correct, some was misleading, and some was outright non-sense. I recently installed a 48 volt battery pack onto my boat as part of my off grid solar system and found that the batteries needed to be equalized. This article shows how I figured out how I needed to balance the batteries and how I went about doing it.

A Business Model For The Next Decade

by Chris - March 26th, 2012

This post covers my attempt at modeling both the old and the new economic models discussed in Michael Bauwens article. I also discuss how the repercussion of the new economic model are captured in my drawings – the big one being that open source technology unarguably creates value at higher efficiencies (lower cost), but rarely replaces the share of market value (dollars) when it displaces proprietary competitors.

Introducing the v4 Charge Controller

by Chris - March 21st, 2012

This article covers my latest efforts in the Free Charge Controller project. I’ve been working with Jameco to create a development kit for a new version (v4.01). The development kit that Jameco will soon have available for order is a huge step up from my original efforts to build a kit. The design is built on top of an Arduino and is based on Tim Nolan’s design. A charge controller schematic of the design is available.

The Need For Solar Powered Attic Fans

by GuestPoster - March 7th, 2012

The need for a cool attic cannot be overemphasized. In case high temperatures build up in the attic, the performance of your air conditioning unit will also be affected. At the same time, your energy bills will shoot up. When heat and moisture in the attic is kept to their respective minimums, the energy efficiency of the house improves considerably.

Solar Efficiency Records Rise as Prices Promise to Fall

by GuestPoster - March 3rd, 2012

Solar panels grow more efficient with each passing year. Spurred by private and government sponsored research, efficiency records in thin film solar modules fell at least three times in the past year. Competing technologies spark this race to converting sunlight into electricity, which currently hovers at about 17.4% efficiency.

Portable Solar Power

by GuestPoster - February 29th, 2012

Small portable solar panels should just be considered for purposes where you have absolutely no connection to the grid!

Reflections at Bocus del Toro

by Chris - February 28th, 2012

This article covers some of the philosophical epiphanies and adventures I had while traveling in the Bocus del Toro archipelago of Panama.

The Three Main Systems For Using Solar Power For Homes

by GuestPoster - February 25th, 2012

There are three main systems for using this type of energy in a home and each of them in their own way can have a very positive influence in the supply of energy to the home. All these systems operate on the same principle of using solar panels to collect energy from sunlight which is freely available.

Can A Windmill Power Your House?

by GuestPoster - February 20th, 2012

Wind energy is one of the most economical types of alternative energy available. It is a 100% clean power source and basic wind turbines can be built at home. It uses no traditional fuel, produces no emissions, and is reliable for providing power all throughout the year.

The Fight For Solar Power

by GuestPoster - February 7th, 2012

Thanks to rising energy costs, grid parity may be reached sooner.  While solar panel manufacturers are fighting to lower the price of their panels, energy officials are struggling to lower their own energy prices.  We may soon see a point where the rising energy costs and cheaper solar panels unexpectedly intersect, ushering in a new age of power.