Solar Energy systems Types solar energy photovoltaic solar panels

Types of Solar Energy Systems!

Listed below are some of the main types of solar power systems. These can be easily adapted to wind or hydro systems. Each has its own type of application. There are of course other variances of these systems. A good thing to keep in mind when determining the type of system for your needs is that all of the systems are modular to some degree. If you use the proper components and allow for expansion later on you can always start with a small system and add to it as you go.

BASIC: This is the simplest type of solar power system. It consists of a solar module directly running DC equipment. This could be used on applications such as pumping water or turning on a fan to cool a room when the sun comes out.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive and simple. Direct wiring to the equipment or appliance.

DISADVANTAGES: Power is only available when the sun is out. Limited types of applications. The equipment or appliance may need some type of voltage regulation to prevent it from being damaged.

DIODE: This is also a very simple type of solar power system. It consists of a solar module, a diode, and a battery. This could be used for a DC application where the power requirements of the equipment is equal to or greater than the supply from the solar module(s) such as a trolling motor battery or trickle charging a car battery.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive and simple. Diode prevents battery from discharging back through solar panels at night or during cloudy periods. Equipment can use power from the solar modules and batteries at the same time. The battery provides voltage regulation to the equipment.

DISADVANTAGES: If the solar module is sized too large, where the power output of the solar module is greater than the power usage of the equipment, then overcharging can occur which can damage the battery.

DC: The "DC" system is one step above the "DIODE" system. The charge controller allows the solar modules to fully charge the batteries, then redirects the solar module current so the batteries will not be overcharged.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive simple straight forward system. Charge controller prevents battery from discharging back through solar panels at night or during cloudy periods. It also prevents the battery from being overcharged. Equipment can use power from the solar modules and batteries at the same time.

DISADVANTAGES: Limited to DC appliances.

AC: The "AC" system consists of all the features of the DC system plus an inverter. An inverter converts DC power to AC. AC is what most people use in their homes for TV's, microwaves, ovens, washers, and other appliances that plug into the wall.

ADVANTAGES: This system has all the advantages of the "DC" system plus it can run AC appliances and equipment. AC power allows you to run longer distances with smaller gauge wire.

DISADVANTAGES: The inverter adds more expense to the system. 5% to 15% of your power is lost by converting DC to AC through the inverter.

UTILITY INTERMIT: The "UTILITY INTERMIT" system consists of the renewable energy source and an inverter. The inverter must have the ability to synchronize with the utility power and shut down the inverter when utility power goes down..

ADVANTAGES: This system allows the owner to use the utility rather than a battery bank for storage. The excess power is sold back to the utility at a rate determined by the utility. Without the battery bank there is less maintenance required on the system.

DISADVANTAGES: There is generally no backup power available. The user is still subject to utility blackouts. The system is required to shut down when utility power goes down because of safety reasons.

HYBRID: The "HYBRID" system is the ultimate alternative energy power system. It can use multiple renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, or whatever. It can also contain a backup generator for the windless, cloudy, dried up stream type of days. You'll need a good power control center for this type of system.

ADVANTAGES: This is a true standalone system when using a backup generator. With the proper inverter, this system can be intermitted with the utility thus reducing (or deleting) the needed size of the battery bank. This system can take advantage of the different alternative energies available. During sunny hot calm days the solar modules will supply most of the power. During windy cloudy days the wind generator will be the main supplier. If you're lucky enough to have a stream nearby then your hydro generator can supply some or all of your electric energy requirements.

DISADVANTAGES: Relatively expensive - but running utility lines can also be very costly to install
(See Who Would Benefit from Solar?. Relatively complicated - the average person probably will need some help designing and installing this type of system.

The SPDC/AC unit was designed to be easily expanded: power units can range from 2,000 Watts to 10,000 Watts. Its flexible platform design allows it to be easily customized for use with area lighting, remote communications, security systems, and surveillance equipment, to name a few applications. Charge power alone can be doubled or tripled with the addition of simple, cost-effective photovoltaic capture equipment.

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SolarLighting

Complete turn key Systems Solutions for Solar Lighting
All components needed for installation are included (except for the mounting pole). The systems are designed for installation onto a wood, concrete, or metal mounting pole. You may choose to use your own pole or we can quote the poles separately from the lighting system itself.

These units can be used for: Area lighting, Billboards lighting, Dock lights, Park lighting, Parking lot lighting, Parkway lighting, walkway lighting, Street lighting, Transit Lighting, Outdoor area lighting
Complete turn key Systems Solutions for Solar LED Lighting

Easy to retrofit LED streetlights can easily retrofit existing metal halide, high pressure sodium and mercury vapor luminaries.

Your next schedule IQLED maintenance will be in 5 to 8 years with our IQ Retrofit Lamps!

IQLED Unlike bulb streetlights, IQLED lighting modules produce very intense light in tightly control IQLED directions. There is no longer a need for reflectors or cut-off shields to minimize light pollution and trespass. With IQLED energy usage less than 20% and lifespan more than seven times that of conventional streetlights, payback occurs very early in a long life cycle.
If you are committed to savings and reduce the level of light pollution by using the most efficient IQ LED street-light fixtures and employing the latest design methods.

Fuel Cell Are you tired of your devices being left in the dark, when your solar energy system stops providing power? Then IQ Fuel Cells are the perfect answer for you. Are now available as an alternative source for renewable energy. Unlike traditional power generators, they don't require gasoline to generate power. They also provide an alternative to solar generators because they do not depend on any external power gathering equipment. These units are compact, durable, and built to power a wide range of applications.

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Applications: Airports, Computer Rooms, Hospitals, Traffic, UPS
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Battery Backup Systems for LED Traffic Signs Increase the public safety and reduced traffic congestion by allowing traffic lights to function even during a power failure. A typical traffic signal intersection experiences eight to ten local power outages annually. With IQUPS battery backup power, some or all the traffic control signals can continue to operate. This seamless switchover to battery power increases public safety and eliminates the need to dispatch police or other service personnel to direct traffic. If all traffic signals were converted to LEDs, the battery backup system would allow full operation of the traffic signals during a power outage, thus alleviating traffic congestion.

Important feature is the battery backup system’s ability to maintain the memory of the traffic signal controller. The controller is responsible for sequencing the on and off times of the various signals. With a battery backup system, the controller’s memory can be maintained and return to normal operation once the outage has ended. This feature has eliminated the time spent to reprogram controllers after a power outage

Traffic IQUPS It is designed to provide backup power for critical LED traffic light intersections. With 1,000 watts of true sinewave power available, IQFuel Cell and maintenance free Deep cycle batteries.

Traffic IQUPS will drive most large LED systems. Its pure sinewave output is cleaner than utility power, making it ideal for all loads.

Total distortion is typically less than 1.5%. Manufactured in the USA to the highest standards possible, Traffic IQUPS system is the best choice for critical load protection. power outage knocked out traffic lights, backup generators, emergency generator

Depending on the consumers needs, the IQFuelCell automatically charges the battery with up to 100 Ah per day. As independent power supply or in combination with other systems, the IQFuelCell runs self-sufficiently for months.

The circuit is fully protected via breakers and fuses on the AC input, connection to the batteries, and DC loads. Outdoor, lockable, aluminum enclosure includes tamper-proof hardware suitable for pole or wall mounting. DC.

IQAirport

Airport and Heliport landing back-up Battery Charger: 12Volts, 24 Volts, 36Volts, 48 Volts -120VAC or 230VAC Using state-of-the-art, switch-mode technology, the DLS Power Supply series is engineered with the user and variable environmental conditions in mind. Extra care has been given to insure many years of service-free operation, even when subjected to extremely harsh conditions. Batteries are charged quickly and efficiently without over charging and pumps, motors, and fans operate perfectly for prolonged life.

OkSolar.com has decided to adopt QR-Codes in our manufacturing process to streamline support and maintenance in all of our applications, resulting in savings for Government Agencies.

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