Off Grid Solar Panels – Solar Water Heating Its Significance and Purpose

In 2004, about 23% of all residential natural gas used was consumed by water heating, taking up about 12% of total residential energy expenditure. The percentage has steadily increased in the subsequent years. Heating water is now considered one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia today, second only to automobile usage.

The Australian government is now encouraging all households and community organizations to switch to solar hot water technologies. With the recent boom of off grid solar panels, more and more people are taking advantage of the generous benefits solar water heating can provide.

Solar water heating (SWH) systems are comprised of several renewable energy technologies and innovations. These systems are now widely used not only in Australia, but in Austria, India, Spain, Turkey, and China as well.

DESIGN

The basic design of a “pump-circulated” SWH system is comprised of a storage tank, mounted on the ground or on the floor below the roof-mounted solar panels. A circulating pump moves the water between the tank and the collectors. Water flows from the storage tank up to the roof, is heated by the solar panels, and then flows back down to the storage tank.

In a “close-coupled” SWH system, the storage tank is horizontally mounted above the solar collectors or panels on the roof. No pump is required in this system. The thermosiphon flow allows the hot water to naturally rise into the tank.

Both SWH systems are designed to deliver hot water for most of the year. In some cases, like winter or rainy seasons, there might not be enough solar power to sufficiently heat the water. When this happens, boilers or electric boosters are used for secondary heating.

ADVANTAGES

One of the biggest advantages of using SWH systems are the savings that follow. Studies show that electricity used for water heating can be cut in half, although the actual figures depend heavily on the climate where you live. Warm, sunny places have a better chance of more savings as compared to those that experience wintry or rainy climates.

Another advantage is the corresponding reduction in pollution. Residential greenhouse gas emissions would be brought down by at least another 50%. Installing a SWH system conserves nonrenewable fuels for other applications other than simply water heating.

CONCERNS

Probably the number one drawback to SWH is the price. The savings alone are worth it, but the immediate price of installing one is considerably daunting. A new gas or electric water heater can reach a maximum of $500. A SWH can reach anywhere from $1000 to $3500 for system and installation. A sizable amount can be reduced from the price through self-installation, but professional help is still highly recommended.

You’ll get the money back in savings, of course, but it will take quite a bit of time before you recoup the upfront investment.

Some other valid concerns are temperature and water quality. While countries with higher temperatures are ideal for SWH, areas with cold climates may not even allow SWH systems due to the risk of freezing. If your home’s water is hard or acidic, you may also not be a candidate for an active system, as acidic water can corrode the system components.

Despite the valid concerns, most households are still opting to install SWH systems, as the advantages arguably outweigh the disadvantages. Thanks to technological advancement, it’s becoming clear that heating water and powering houses are not the only things a solar power in Australia can do.

5 Cool Eco Friendly Gadgets to Buy

Are you trying to save energy? Good for you! To help you in that wonderful venture, here are some of the coolest Eco friendly gadgets to check out! By conserving energy and water, you're truly making the Earth a better place to live in.

1. Solar Panel Backpack

Did you know that these even existed? How could you ever go wrong with this bag! Since you're always carrying your gadgets, why not charge them in this handy dandy solar powered backpack. What a neat concept, right? Wherever you go, you'll always have your very own solar power in Australia!

2. Water Pebble

This is one of those Eco friendly gadgets that will help you be proactive! Just put the Water Pebble near the drain of your shower and it'll monitor the usage of your water. This will measure your first shower and then uses it as a starting point.

By blinking different colours, this will indicate the different stages of your shower. The green light signifies the start of your bath, yellow if you're halfway finished and red indicates the end of usage. Each time you take a bath, the Water Pebble will lessen the length of your shower, thus, reducing the amount of water usage.

3. Hand-Crank Flashlight & Radio

Instead of using solar power or batteries, this little flashlight will produce light once you crank it. For an added feature, you can even listen to the radio! It might seem old school, but if you're opting to save the planet, this could be a big help. Certainly, this is the best thing you could use when the power is out or while you're camping.

4. Water Powered Alarm Clock

This water powered alarm clock is not only affordable, but perfect for being environmentally friendly! All you have to do is fill the alarm clock with regular tap water and it’ll run perfectly fine! The clock works by converting ions in the water to energy, so, there's no need for any batteries! Plus, there's no need to replace the water for about six months!

5. Solar Panel Patio Umbrella

The patio umbrella is one of those portable solar panels Australia that people have been raving about. Aside from saving energy, patio umbrella gives off a soothing ambiance during the night! By giving out the right amount of life to set the mood, this is definitely prefect for pool parties.

What do you think of these gadgets? Amazing, right? Since you're on your move on saving planet Earth, better grab one of them in your favorite online and local store now!

True Value Solar – Australia’s Largest Trusted Solar Company

True Value Solar is Australia’s preferred clean energy company providing top of the line solar panels nationwide at the lowest prices. As Australia’s largest solar panel specialist we take pride in offering only the best solar power systems at the lowest costs.

As Australia’s largest solar company, True Value Solar is committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and solar power solutions, whilst ensuring we meet our responsibility to the wider environment. True Value Solar has achieved success with a multidimensional business model that embraces aspects including the customer, the environment, as well as within the business itself.

3 Easy Steps to Solar

Step 1 – Phone us for a quotation – 13 SOLAR (13 76 52) Our solar specialists will find the best system for you based on:
•  Budget
•  Electricity costs
•  Available roof space

Step 2 – Arrange for an inspection:
•We ensure that your system is right for you

Step 3 – Installation:
• Our qualified, clean energy council approved A-grade electricians will fully install your new solar system

Family Starter – 2.0kW Inverter 8 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

•  Suitable for customers spending up to $200 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $96 to $197 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns. Ideal system for people with a small house looking to offset their power bills.

Advanced Buyer – 2.5kW Inverter – 10 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

• Suitable for customers spending up to $250 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $121 to $250 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns. Upgraded solar system for families looking for bigger savings.

Serious Buyer – 3.0kW Inverter – 12 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

• Suitable for customers spending up to $350 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $170 to $349 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns. Households can start slashing energy costs and feed power back into the grid.

Massive Bundle – 3.5kW Inverter – 14 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

• A solar system for Australians with a serious plan to zero their power bill. Suitable for customers spending up to $400 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $194 to $399 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns.
A solar system for Australians with a serious plan to zero their power bill.

Ultimate Solar – 4kW Inverter – 16 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

• Suitable for customers spending up to $550 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $249 to $549 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns. For families with large houses and multiple children with appliances that always need to be on.

Platinum Package 5kW Inverter – 20 x 250 Watt HIGH EFFICIENCY PANELS

• Suitable for customers spending up to $650 per quarter. Average quarterly savings of $315 to $649 depending on your location and daytime consumption patterns. The first and last step in residential solar. SAVE and EARN with a Platinum Package.

3 for 3: Benefits and Notes for Solar Energy

Today, the average household’s use of electricity is pretty high. With the advent of the internet, Android phones, game consoles and smaller and smaller laptops, there are more reasons to stay indoors. These reasons usually involve using up electricity, typically to charge one’s electronic devices. Plus, because conventional electricity is generated from fossil fuels, as the source gets depleted, the price goes higher.

This is why countries are turning to renewable energy. There are five main sources, including wind, water, and solar energy. This last one – solar power Rockhampton – saw a decline in use from 1984 until 1996, but has recently found itself the third most used renewable energy source.

Australia is one of the countries that experienced a high amount of solar radiation every year. In fact, solar power currently provides a higher percentage of the county’s electricity from renewable sources than it used to. More households in Australia are slowly starting to use the sun for the electricity needs, thanks to several advantages and – of course – benefits of doing so, in the long run.

1.       Lower electricity bills. Installing a PV system on your rooftop can drastically lower the amount you pay for electricity. A lot of solar power companies like The Power Shop offer solar hot water systems as well; heating water alone takes up a big percentage of a typical electric bill.

2.       A chance to earn back. Homeowners need to invest, of course, for the cost of setting up a solar power system at home. If your system generates more electricity than your household needs, the excess can be sold to the grid. A PV system can also become a real estate selling point to add market value to your home when you go selling.

3.       Protection from rising prices. One drawback of conventional electricity is that it’s subjected to the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels and other typical sources. Using solar panels insures protection against these.

These are the three main benefits of using solar energy, aside from reduced pollution. Solar energy releases no greenhouse gases, so it doesn’t pollute the air. Some energy is used in the manufacturing process, but it’s a small amount compared to the energy saved by using solar panels in the first place.

There are a few things homeowners will want to keep in mind before they have a solar power system installed. First, the efficiency of the home PV system will depend on several factors. These include the type of panels, the size of your system, and where your home is located. Location matters because some places in Australia receive more solar radiation than others.

Second, how much electricity your household uses will also influence the extent to which your PV system will be relied on to replace grid electricity. You’ll also want to remember that solar energy and grid electricity can work together, so you needn’t worry about having no power when it’s overcast.

Third, it will help to do your research and seek professional advice before you can make an informed choice. Once again, solar power companies – The Power Shop, or a similar entity – can help in this regard, and they’ll take care of the installation, too. From there, you can see for yourself why solar power in Australia has taken off the way it has.