Monday, 16 November 2015
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Sunday, 15 March 2015
AC/DC Disconnect
solar AC/DC disconnects by brands like Midnite Solar allow you to isolate the solar inverter from the PV power source. The National Electric Code requires that the AC DC disconnect be in place so that you can stop and start your system should the need arise.
100 amp 150VDC Panel Mount Breaker, 10,000 AIC
UL & CSA Listed
1/4" studs 3/4" wide
Summary
MidNite Solar breakers are built to provide protection to break the full rated energy load at the rated voltage with no system damage. Always use the appropriate sized breaker for electrical systems to ensure long term system life. MidNite Solar manufactures and develops long lasting breakers for protecting home solar panels or commercial solar panels.
Features:
• MNEPV20
• 150VDC din rail mount breaker
• 20 Amp
• Box size 13mm wide
• MNEPV20
• 150VDC din rail mount breaker
• 20 Amp
• Box size 13mm wide
Summary
Delta DC Lighting Arrestor LA302-DC for 0-500 Volts DC with waterproof enclosure
Summary
The IO 100 switch box is designed specifically for solar powered SQFlex systems. The IO 100 enables manual starting and stopping of the pump in an SQFlex Solar system and functions as a connection box joining all necessary cables.
Summary
100 amp 150VDC Panel Mount Breaker, 10,000 AIC
UL & CSA Listed
1/4" studs 3/4" wide
Summary
MidNite Solar MNDC225 Mini - DC Disconnect Power Center with 225amp 125VDC Breaker MidNite Solar proudly introduces their latest offering, the MidNite Solar "Mini-DC". Furthering our goal to provide space saving, economical, yet feature packed solutions to the needs of the industry, we bring to the table this new DC Breaker Box.
Description
If you're looking for an affordable, compact DC disconnect, then the Mini DC might be just the ticket. Price includes inverter breaker Din Rail accomodates (5) 125 VDC breakers Shunt and charge contoller mountings Bonded battery / inverter negative tie point Equipment ground bus bar ETL listed for USA and Canada White aluminum enclosure.
Summary
Heavy Duty safety switch disconnects are ideal for heavy industrial and public works applications where reliable performance and service continuity are critical. They include fusible and non-fusible disconnects, available in: 240, 480, 600 Volt AC/250,600 Volt DC; from 30-1200 Amp sizes, and in NEMA 1, 3R, 4, 4x, and 12 enclosures.
Description
General Duty safety switch disconnects are designed for residential, light industrial, and commercial applications, 240 Volt AC only, from 30-600 Amp sizes. These disconnects Include fusible and non-fusible, NEMA 1, (General Indoor) and NEMA 3R (Rainproof), fused or non-fused.
- Stand alone, panel board and bus mounted switches
- Amperages: 30 to 1200 Amps
- W or w/o Neutral Ground
- Indoor NEMA 1 and Outdoor NEMA 3R, 12, 4x
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Solar Tips
Should you, could you install your own solar electric system?
Over half our customers do install and maintain their own solar power systems. Some hire extra help for part of the installation. Most have an electrician or other professional do the wiring and metering into the house.
Over half our customers do install and maintain their own solar power systems. Some hire extra help for part of the installation. Most have an electrician or other professional do the wiring and metering into the house.
So, yes! You can size your system to suit your needs and budget. You can pick the components. And you can install it and maintain it.
There is a team of experienced solar folks here at Wholesale Solar who would love to help you through the process.
Can I build my own solar panels?
You may run into DIY information on the web about building your own solar panels, which we don't really recommend. Leave that to the manufacturers who keep tight control on the safety aspects. But there's lots you can do yourself—from sizing the system, picking components, mounting and installing the solar panels, inverter(s) and safety disconnects. The more you do yourself, the less expensive the whole thing will be.
You may run into DIY information on the web about building your own solar panels, which we don't really recommend. Leave that to the manufacturers who keep tight control on the safety aspects. But there's lots you can do yourself—from sizing the system, picking components, mounting and installing the solar panels, inverter(s) and safety disconnects. The more you do yourself, the less expensive the whole thing will be.
How big a solar system will I need?
If you have any questions about sizing your system, we can help. Pull a few of your power bills, then call 1 (800) 472-1142. If you are planning for an off the grid home, look through this load evaluation worksheet before you call.
If you have any questions about sizing your system, we can help. Pull a few of your power bills, then call 1 (800) 472-1142. If you are planning for an off the grid home, look through this load evaluation worksheet before you call.
How much will it cost?
Cost depends on how much electricity you use. To answer that question we need you to answer 3. and 4. in the righthand column then skip to 8. and 9. Call us when you get in over your head. 1 (800) 472-1142.
Cost depends on how much electricity you use. To answer that question we need you to answer 3. and 4. in the righthand column then skip to 8. and 9. Call us when you get in over your head. 1 (800) 472-1142.
Can I self-install a gridtie solar power system?
Many of our gridtie customers do. Gridtie solar is for folks who are already plugged into utility power. Gridtie solar is less complex to install than offgrid and can be easily expanded. Because of utility rebates for gridtie solar systems your installation may be more regulated. Check out the Rules, Regulations and Policies in your state. Plan to have an electrician or licensed contractor do the final hook-up. Would you like us to recommend one in your area? Call our dealer coordinator at 1 (800) 472-1142.
Many of our gridtie customers do. Gridtie solar is for folks who are already plugged into utility power. Gridtie solar is less complex to install than offgrid and can be easily expanded. Because of utility rebates for gridtie solar systems your installation may be more regulated. Check out the Rules, Regulations and Policies in your state. Plan to have an electrician or licensed contractor do the final hook-up. Would you like us to recommend one in your area? Call our dealer coordinator at 1 (800) 472-1142.
Can I self-install an offgrid solar power system?Of course you can! Offgrid solar power is for independent minded people who want to live exactly where they want to live! Solar power allows you to buy undeveloped land that you can more easily afford. You're probably building your own home, or at least are very involved in the process. You're the perfect candidate for solar DIY!
We (the founders of Wholesale Solar) started off offgrid in northern New Mexico. We built a house and then figured out how to power it with used solar panels. Those panels came from a museum where they were installed during the Jimmy Carter administration (1977 - 1981) and are producing electricity still.
We also powered a 1,000 foot deep well with solar panels, despite several well pump installers telling us it couldn't be done!
Monday, 24 November 2014
What the Future of Solar Panels
Over the past decade, there's been a lot of change in the solar panel industry. Costs have come down dramatically, silicon panels have held off a slew of competing technologies, and most importantly, the market has become financially viable.
This is great progress, but there's a relentless need for the solar industry to cut costs, and that means companies are far from done innovating when it comes to solar panels. The next leap forward is already under way.
More and more communities, like this one, are finding it cost effective to go solar. Source: Sun-
Power.
The next phase of solar panels
The technology solar manufacturers have added to solar systems in just the last few years is remarkable. When you get solar installed on your home, it's no longer just panels and a meter that spins both forward and backward for net metering with the grid (I'm simplifying, here). Today, a solar system can tell you if there's a problem and where it is, energy can be stored and used at a later time, and in the future, the solar system will even be at the heart of your home's energy management.
The technology solar manufacturers have added to solar systems in just the last few years is remarkable. When you get solar installed on your home, it's no longer just panels and a meter that spins both forward and backward for net metering with the grid (I'm simplifying, here). Today, a solar system can tell you if there's a problem and where it is, energy can be stored and used at a later time, and in the future, the solar system will even be at the heart of your home's energy management.
One step along that path is integrating more electronics into the solar panels themselves. This will allow manufacturers to move more component assembly from the field to highly efficient manufacturing plants and reduce the number of components shipped to a site. There's huge progress being made on that front right now.
En-phase Energy has been one of the leaders in what's called micro inverters, small inverters that are installed on the solar panel itself as opposed to a larger string inverter for the entire solar system. The micro inverter means electricity coming from the solar panel will be alternating current (AC), which your house runs on, instead of direct current (DC). This should allow for easier installation and fewer components for installers to manage.
Sun power -recently bought micro Inverter manufacturer Solar Bridge Technologies to add capabilities to its high efficiency solar panels. Last week, management explained how the micro inverter technology will help simplify the residential installation process.
Here's an image of the components Sun-power uses today:
Source: Sun Power.
And this is an image of the residential solar system of the not so distant future. You can see that this will reduce inventory, complexity, and labor costs for each solar installation.
Source: Sun Power.
An increasing amount of technology is being put into the solar panel itself, which will help lower costs and installation times.
Just the beginning of panel innovation
Most of the integration of the solar panel and inverter is currently happening at the installation level, but in the future, solar panel manufacturers will integrate inverters into the panels themselves.
Most of the integration of the solar panel and inverter is currently happening at the installation level, but in the future, solar panel manufacturers will integrate inverters into the panels themselves.
Solar City is building a manufacturing plant with technology acquired from Silevo. Given the company's focus on cutting costs and reducing installation steps I would be surprised if they didn't acquire micro inverter technology in the near future and add that component to manufacturing plans. Green tech-media recently predicted that Solar Edge Technologies would be its target and I also think En-phase Energy would make a lot of sense.
The other company who could benefit from a more seamless system is Vivint Solar , who uses En-phase Energy micro inverters but uses a variety of solar panel manufacturers. If all panels came pre-assembled it would ease the installation process even further.
Another advantage of micro inverters is the ability to monitor a solar system on a panel specific level. As it stands today, centralized string inverters can monitor a system's performance but it's harder to tell you which panel is having issues or what's going wrong. Panel level electronics could do that.
The future of solar panels
Micro inverters are a growing percentage of residential solar systems and in a few years I think they'll dominate the market. This will lower installation cost, reduce installation time, and improve operational functionality for solar consumers.
Micro inverters are a growing percentage of residential solar systems and in a few years I think they'll dominate the market. This will lower installation cost, reduce installation time, and improve operational functionality for solar consumers.
The vision is that solar panels of the future will be almost a plug and play proposition for homeowners, reducing the complexity of installing solar and making it cheaper to be a solar energy producer. That's good for the growth of the solar industry and opens a new markets to cost effective solar energy.
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Saturday, 25 October 2014
Getting Started with Solar Electricity
Getting Started with Solar Electricity
With grid-tied PV systems becoming more and more popular, it is important for RE professionals and system owners alike to have realistic expectations of their systems’ performance. Solar-electric power production can be affected by several factors. Orientation, array tilt, seasonal adjustments, and array siting can all affect the bottom line. Proper planning and smart design will help you get the most out of your PV system and improve your rate of return. Installing modules in a sunny, shade-free spot and pointing them toward the sun could be considered common sense to many, but properly orienting and tilting your array for optimal performance is not as intuitive. A PV array’s output is proportional to the direct sunlight it receives. Even though PV modules produce some energy in a shady location or without ideal orientation, system costs are high enough that most will want to maximize energy yield. Regardless of how well a system is designed, improper installation can result in poor performance. PV systems should operate for decades, and the materials and methods to install them should be selected accordingly.
Should you install your system or hire a licensed professional to do the work? What skills and tools do you need to tackle a home-scale PV project? How much will you save if you install the system yourself? We frequently get questions like these from Home Power readers. Rather than defaulting to the obvious answer, “it depends,” we explore a long list of variables you should thoughtfully consider before tackling the design and installation of your PV system. Owner installation is definitely not for everyone. Like any home improvement project, it’s important to realistically assess your skills, and weigh the benefits and potential pitfalls. Installing a PV system certainly isn’t rocket science, but doing it well and safely requires experience working with electrical systems, some serious research, and plenty of sound advice. The installation of most residential PV systems is usually better left to the pros, but if you have the right set of skills and expectations, installing your own system can be a realistic goal.
Often, folks who want to install their own system are the same people who are pondering a career shift into the PV industry. Despite the challenging economic climate, there are jobs to be had in this growing market, and with government funds and decreasing component costs fueling new projects and green job training, the time is right to make your move. With a little know-how, the right training, and a sunny disposition, you can be on a new, green career path. Depending on your background and existing skill set, attending a workshop or two may get your foot in the door with a solar company, but you’ll likely need to pursue some level of certification or additional credentials if you’re serious about making a career in the industry. While you can obtain a lot of system design knowledge from online and classroom presentations, when it comes to installation specifics, nothing beats hands-on training. These courses are not short—nor inexpensive—and are usually geared toward individuals wanting to become professional installers. Training followed by a home installation can be a great progression if you’re considering entering the PV industry. The value of living with a PV system, for both homeowners and up-and-coming professionals, is priceless.
With grid-tied PV systems becoming more and more popular, it is important for RE professionals and system owners alike to have realistic expectations of their systems’ performance. Solar-electric power production can be affected by several factors. Orientation, array tilt, seasonal adjustments, and array siting can all affect the bottom line. Proper planning and smart design will help you get the most out of your PV system and improve your rate of return. Installing modules in a sunny, shade-free spot and pointing them toward the sun could be considered common sense to many, but properly orienting and tilting your array for optimal performance is not as intuitive. A PV array’s output is proportional to the direct sunlight it receives. Even though PV modules produce some energy in a shady location or without ideal orientation, system costs are high enough that most will want to maximize energy yield. Regardless of how well a system is designed, improper installation can result in poor performance. PV systems should operate for decades, and the materials and methods to install them should be selected accordingly.Should you install your system or hire a licensed professional to do the work? What skills and tools do you need to tackle a home-scale PV project? How much will you save if you install the system yourself? We frequently get questions like these from Home Power readers. Rather than defaulting to the obvious answer, “it depends,” we explore a long list of variables you should thoughtfully consider before tackling the design and installation of your PV system. Owner installation is definitely not for everyone. Like any home improvement project, it’s important to realistically assess your skills, and weigh the benefits and potential pitfalls. Installing a PV system certainly isn’t rocket science, but doing it well and safely requires experience working with electrical systems, some serious research, and plenty of sound advice. The installation of most residential PV systems is usually better left to the pros, but if you have the right set of skills and expectations, installing your own system can be a realistic goal.Often, folks who want to install their own system are the same people who are pondering a career shift into the PV industry. Despite the challenging economic climate, there are jobs to be had in this growing market, and with government funds and decreasing component costs fueling new projects and green job training, the time is right to make your move. With a little know-how, the right training, and a sunny disposition, you can be on a new, green career path. Depending on your background and existing skill set, attending a workshop or two may get your foot in the door with a solar company, but you’ll likely need to pursue some level of certification or additional credentials if you’re serious about making a career in the industry. While you can obtain a lot of system design knowledge from online and classroom presentations, when it comes to installation specifics, nothing beats hands-on training. These courses are not short—nor inexpensive—and are usually geared toward individuals wanting to become professional installers. Training followed by a home installation can be a great progression if you’re considering entering the PV industry. The value of living with a PV system, for both homeowners and up-and-coming professionals, is priceless.
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