Guidelines for determining how many hours of the day the Sun Shine's for specific areas around the World on the shortest / worst day of the year.
Solar electrical producing systems begin with the solar panel modules. Modules gather solar energy in the form of sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The more sunlight they receive, the more electricity they produce. Solar modules are the heart of the system. They are the power generators.
Components such as charge regulators, batteries and inverters regulate, store, condition and deliver the electricity. Other elements connect the different components of the system.
Solar systems have to meet high standards of reliability and economic efficiency. This can only be guaranteed by the use of field-proven quality components that are well matched.
||Sunlight is energy in the form of light. It is the fuel of a solar (photovoltaic) or (thermal) system.|
|Solar (photovoltaic)||The Sun producing|
|Solar (thermal)||The Sun producing hot water
|Solar Modules||Solar modules generate DC electricity directly from sunlight. Use one or more modules depending on your power needs and the amount of sunlight available.|
|Charge Regulator||Charge regulators are the link between the modules, battery and load. They protect the battery from overcharge or excessive discharge.|
|Battery||Batteries store the energy generated by the solar modules.|
|Inverter||Inverters convert DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current) to run many common appliances and equipment.|
|Mounting Structure||Mounting structures hold the solar modules securely in place. Ground, roof and pole mounting versions are available.|
|Load||The appliances, lights and equipment being powered are called electrical 'loads'. Energy-efficient loads contribute to overall system efficiency and economy.|
|Wiring/Interconnects||Proper wiring and connections must be specified for every segment of the system to assure best performance.|
|Back-up Generator||Compatible generators (e.g. diesel) may be used as back-up for excessive power demands or during unanticipated long sunless periods.|
|Space||Solar modules should be installed in an area that is generally free from shade and receives as much direct sun exposure as possible.|
|Maintenance||Solar systems are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to generate electricity. Regular maintenance to check wiring, connections, batteries, and overall system condition will help assure long-term trouble-free operation.|
Solar Electrical Producing Systems have come along way since their conception and a great part of this is due to NASA and space exploration. Battery technology has not advanced and is still using the same basic principles as used 50 years ago. A good solar system probably maintained can have a life expectancy of over 20 years or longer except for the batteries. As NASA and space exploration moves further into space, battery technology will advance with it, thus producing a lighter weight and a longer lasting battery.
Department of Defense The US ARMY begins "Operation Aqua Sun" with the Outpost S
United Nations Aqua Sun is approved as a United Nations Supplier
World Vision News Aqua Sun assists World Vision with the 2007 floods in Bolivia
MSNBC News Aqua Sun colleague Leon McLaughlin was featured in an MSNBC news story about his time in Bolivia with the Aqua Sun systems.