Solar Power

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Scaling back wind farm
hurts climate efforts

Re. “Wind farm redo to power 47,000 homes,” Page A1, Sept. 25:

While I am a member of the Audubon Society, I find the scale down of the proposed project by a factor of three versus the loss of raptors totally unbalanced.

As deplorable as the loss is, eventually raptors will learn to avoid these blades. Animals do adapt: Deer have learned to avoid hunters by laying still, a technique that would be disastrous with mountain lions.

Renewable energy is the lifeline for our future. We should research ultrasound sound emission so raptors stay away, or look into suitable decoys. Should the problems persist, additional breeding programs could take care of the loss. Some 2 billion songbirds in the U.S. alone are killed by house cats each year, without any action there.

If we don’t get the energy and climate problem under control, raptors will, unfortunately, become an afterthought.

Armand Neukermans
Portola Valley

The A’s do deserve
better … ownership

The writer of the “A’s deserve better than half-empty Coliseum” (Page A6, Sept. 29) was correct A’s players and fans deserve better. But the solution is not to let the team go; rather the owner to invest more or sell the team.

The team has had and can draw 3 million fans when it has a great team. The owner appears to be making a profit at the expense of fielding a team that is more competitive and has more depth. Instead, he should consider his income is in the immense appreciation of the team’s value since he purchased it. Until then, we will continue to see our star players leave, like Marcus Semien, and fewer fans.

The owner also needs to stop talking about moving to Las Vegas.

Lastly, the owner should be “rooted in Oakland” and consider the Coliseum site if the Howard Terminal project cannot go forward. And if not, sell the team.

Douglas Abbott
Union City

State PG&E takeover
could help solar access

I believe it is time for the state to take over PG&E, and, instead of raising rates on solar power, make our gas and electricity as inexpensive as possible.

The more solar energy, the less need for fire-causing utility poles, and the more secure our environment from fires and climate change.

The talk of burying the utility lines is simply appeasement. It would be unbelievably costly and take years and years. Much better if small towns in fire areas could generate electricity through their own solar and wind power.

Tari Nicholson
Martinez

Expanded solar would
improve climate, fires

I am writing in response to Rene Wise’s letter (“Governor must act to save rooftop solar,” Page A6, Sept.  30). There are many compelling reasons to combat PG&E’s blatant attempt to limit solar power.

We currently have two of the largest forest fires caused by PG&E’s lack of regard for our safety, with many homes lost and lives disrupted. If we spend money on wind and solar power with battery backup for many small communities in forested areas, we would not have forest fires caused by unmaintained power lines. Every watt created by solar or wind power also reduces the threat of climate change.

Please write to our governor and the California Public Utilities Commission to increase solar energy.

Bill Nicholson
Martinez

Bias is evident in
Petito case coverage

The case of Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito shook the entire country over the last few weeks. Unlike other cases, the extensive news coverage, FBI involvement, and sense of urgency have helped her family in finding her.

Consumers now more than ever can take advantage of competitive quotes from dealers, and overall, lower installation prices in regions that are well-supplied. Consumers can also rely on steady or expanding tax incentives and conditional rebates to help cover the upfront costs, although the future of these programs also depends on final legislation, say industry analysts.

While it’s true that ambitious national solar plans require more company, hospital and school installations of panels, as well as large solar farms for “distributed solar,” household panels, including those that feed energy back to the grid, are a major part of hitting renewables targets.

All told, consumers should do their homework, asking questions about shipping availability, projected cost and savings, warranties, tax programs and lending or lease options. We talked to residential solar experts about forecasts, navigating incentive plans and current market conditions.

The big picture: Solar panels are falling in cost

U.S. solar installations hit a record high in 2020 as falling costs and supportive policies boosted demand, and the industry is expected to post another banner year in 2021. The solar sector is now a $25 billion industry that employs over 231,000 people.

A September report produced by the Department of Energy argued that solar panels had fallen so much in cost that they could produce 40% of the country’s electricity by 2035 — enough to power all American homes at least in part — and produce 45% of electricity by 2050, compared to less than 4% today. President Biden detailed these projections in a September pledge to grow U.S. solar.

But the electric grid — built for coal power, and then for natural gas and nuclear plants — would have to be almost completely remade with the addition of storage batteries, and transmission lines to send power around the country. For now, this helps drive the push for home installations.

The Solar Energy Industries Association trade group and other energy-industry allies have their own data: solar energy will comprise 20% of all U.S. electricity generation by 2030, they say, including home installations and broader, distributed solar energy. Reaching 20% of generation from solar will result in hundreds of thousands of new U.S. jobs, more than 14 million solar rooftops and 500 million metric tons of CO2 emissions offset each year, the group says. This shift is in line with what most climate scientists say is needed to help the nation get ahead of the effects of global warming.

What’s on the line in Washington? Solar tax credits and rebates

Under the proposed Build Back Better Act, tax incentives for wind and solar, energy efficiency and electric vehicles would be updated and extended through the end of the decade.

For solar in particular, Congress is mulling a long-term extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Also up for consideration: direct pay, in which households that don’t qualify for the tax credit receive a rebate, and a separate solar storage ITC, plus a renewed focus on equity and access to clean solar energy in typically underserved communities.

“I consider this the single biggest bill in our professional lifetimes as industry financiers,” said Eric White, CEO of Dividend Finance, a major lender for U.S. residential solar and home energy markets.

At least one observer thinks this incentive needs to evolve to help more homeowners. “Solar tax credits should have a refundable cash value, like the child tax credit, that converts to cash if the recipients don’t owe enough taxes to use the credit,” said Joshua Rhodes, an energy research associate at the University of Texas at Austin, in a commentary. “Lower-income households who install solar or buy into community solar projects could use this cash value to take immediate advantage of the credits, regardless of their tax bills.”

How does the solar power tax credit work?

The ITC is a 26% tax credit for solar systems on residential (under Section 25D of the tax code) and commercial properties (under Section 48). The Section 48 commercial credit can be applied to both customer-sited commercial solar systems and large-scale utility solar farms. 

Congress passed a two-year delay of the ITC phasedown in 2020.

Some states go beyond the federal help, so consumers should research offerings closer to home. California, for instance, offers a property tax exemption for a solar system. This means that property taxes won’t go up even though the value of your home could go up as much as 4.1% when you install solar.

Incentives have driven sales. “The recent two-year extension of the investment tax credit will drive greater solar adoption through 2025,” said Michelle Davis, Wood Mackenzie senior analyst, in a solar-industry report. The report said the credit’s two-year extension at the current level will lead to a 17% increase in solar deployment between 2021 and 2025.

Solar can offer protection from grid-power blackouts and price increases

High-profile power outages in California and Texas could inspire more households to generate their own electricity via solar, especially if battery storage is added.

“Because of weather events related to climate change, people are increasingly adopting solar and storage as a way to achieve a level of independence from the grid, especially in the many areas that are seeing hurricanes and wildfires and flooding and extreme heat,” said Dan Whitten, vice president of public affairs at SEIA.

Suzanne Leta, head of policy and strategy for SunPower, which sells and installs residential and commercial solar, said market trends indicate traditional-grid electricity prices are not going down as they’ve been rising historically year after year in almost every major market.

Solar, she suggests, is a “way for the individual homeowner to take control over power and have a choice. They can get direct electricity bill savings from making an investment and they can hedge against future price increases.”

How much does solar power cost and what’s required for installation?

A quality system will include solar panels and mounting frames, all required wiring, an inverter, a charge controller, and if homeowners choose, a solar battery bank.

Battery storage, which allows power for a house even when it’s not optimum sunshine and can limit the need to use traditional grid backup, presents extra upfront costs (it will vary by provider, but should be sought in any estimate).

“When combined with battery storage, solar results in a holy grail of resiliency,” Leta suggests.

One solar panel typically produces about one kilowatt-hour (kWh) per day, so if your daily kWh usage is 30, you would need 30 solar panels to generate all of your energy needs. But here’s more on how to estimate your needs.

Households may also have to purchase installation permits as well as have an official inspection completed before they are able to install and use the system. Homeowners should always discuss any required permits or inspections with your installer in advance.

3 questions to ask before installing solar power

An installer should provide a free evaluation that includes looking at your electricity bill to find out how many kilowatt hours of electricity your household typically uses and evaluating your roof ‘s condition as well as tree canopy or nearby building shading, to determine how many panels you’ll need. Get up to three bids, say the experts.

After solar tax credits, the cost for a solar panel system on an average-size house in the U.S. ranges from $11,144 to $14,696, according to EnergySage. But it varies by state. The battery addition will tack on more upfront costs.

The top three questions according to Leta: upfront costs and how you’ll pay for it (cash, loan or lease); how much savings can be expected in the first year; and how much savings is anticipated over the life of the contract.

What to know about solar loans and warranties

While the addition of solar to a house typically raises its value at resale, homeowners should ask themselves how long they expect to remain before they put down a big upfront outlay, said Dividend Finance’s White. It’s important to discuss with a knowledgeable real estate broker the value of the solar system and warranty on a home’s listing price, plus work out the details of service and warranty transfer early on in a listing process. Potential homebuyers should also be asking about inheriting solar early on.

Dividend has been providing solar loans since 2013 and White says a more robust residential and commercial solar market has “tightened loan spreads” which ultimately makes for less-expensive borrowing. The overall low interest-rate climate in the U.S. also provides historically favorable terms.

Leta stressed that warranties, while they vary, are often decades-long, which means they usually extend beyond a loan period, a benefit to the homeowner and a feature in passing along a solar system should a home be sold.

Don’t ignore tariffs and shipping woes when considering solar

There are some short-term market uncertainties. Solar has not escaped global shipping backlogs and shortages hitting the many especially tech-heavy industries as the world powers back from the worst of COVID-19; how much varies among solar panel and equipment manufacturers and dealers, depending on where products are sourced, said Leta.

She said SunPower has kept up with demand thanks to a robust supplier, but that’s not universal across the industry and should be a key question from homeowners as they pursue solar installation. Leta is also a board member for the trade group SEIA.

The solar industry is also pushing the Biden administration to rethink tariffs on solar components made in China and elsewhere, arguing that the president should wait to close the door on imports until domestic solar manufacturing has ramped back up. The U.S. surrendered its competitive position to overseas makers during Biden’s vice presidency under Obama and new demand has kept up the need for greater imports.

Biden has made U.S. jobs and America-first manufacturing the key talking points of his agenda to boost renewable energy and help slow climate change, positions that tend to at least keep many Republicans at the negotiating table. The Trump administration also pushed solar tariffs. For some in the solar industry and beyond, a pro-tariff stance challenges the U.S.’s ability to hit renewable-energy targets on a tightening timeline.

More and more yacht customers are interested in exploring beyond the traditional exotic locations and are also concerned about the environmental footprint of their boats. Explorer yachts are meant to travel to remote areas while being self-sufficient, robust and fully equipped for extended cruises to isolated locations.

While most contemporary explorer yachts are also elegant and luxurious, Arksen adds another layer that makes them even more special – sustainable design and hybrid operation. Its Explorer series is comprised of three models, Arksen 65, Arksen 75, and Arksen 85. Arksen 85, the series’ flagship, was introduced as a sustainable concept and sold for the first time as Project Ocean.

Now, the company is building the second Arksen 85, Project Pelagos, which will be delivered to its owner in November 2022. This 88-foot (27 meters) long yacht, with a six-cabin configuration, promises an extended, 7,000-nautical mile range at 9 knots, with a top speed of 14 knots. It’s designed to operate in different types of climates, challenging weather conditions, for extended periods of time, without external support.

Project Pelagos can be fitted with an optional hybrid propulsion system, and it becomes a zero-emissions vessel when operating in full electric mode. Plus, it’s also equipped with solar panels. Another innovative feature is the waste management hardware that enables zero discharge. Add to this the sustainable design of the hull, made of aluminum with up to 40% recycled content, and you’ll see why this yacht is not just powerful, but also eco-friendly.

The choice of materials and overall interior design were also meant to reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability, in collaboration with Design Unlimited. But Project Pelagos isn’t just about a connection with nature. It also reveals a stylish design, comfortable living spaces, and a huge payload capacity. Tenders and submersibles up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) can be stored on the aft deck, while smaller vehicles can be stowed in the lazarette.

The adventure doesn’t stop here. A third Arksen 85 sustainable explorer yacht is set to begin construction by the end of this year, with delivery scheduled for 2023.

Hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar all represent the future of renewable energy. But why wait for everyone else to figure out the benefits when you can take the initiative to start relying on renewable energy today? Whether you are looking to completely power a home, generate power for an RV, or just charge your phone at the campsite, have the best solar panels are an excellent choice. 

The best solar panels are typically made with monocrystalline silicon wafers. Their high efficiency and power output make them ideal for powering a home. However, polycrystalline and thin film solar panels are also effective choices that are more affordable. To get a better understanding of the various products available, take a look at this list of top products, then keep reading for detailed information on solar panel types, size, weight, and device integration to help you find the best panels for long-lasting renewable energy.

How we picked the best solar panels

Methodology

Having used solar panels to power camp stoves, mobile devices, and power stations for many camping trips, this first-hand experience helped to found the basis for the selection criteria, though extension research was also required in order to choose the best products from over 30 different panels. The top choices were selected based on the type of solar panel, the size and weight of each product, as well as the suitability of the solar panel for various uses, like hiking, camping, or heading out in the RV.

Monocrystalline products represent the best options available simply because they outperform both polycrystalline and thin film solar panels in both efficiency and power output. The size and weight of a panel impacts the suitability of the product for specific uses. For instance, a 50-pound solar panel isn’t a good choice for hiking, but it works perfectly well for powering the home or even mounting on an RV. Lighter-weight products may blow off a home or RV. The efficiency and power output of each product impacted our decision-making, but the individual ranges were typical representations of each type. Monocrystalline products offer the best efficiency and power output. Polycrystalline panels are the second best, while thin film products rely more on affordability and portability to stand out. 

Best solar panels reviews & recommendations

Best quality solar panels: HQST Solar Panel 2pcs 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline

Why it made the cut: These monocrystalline panels have corrosion-resistant aluminum frames to ensure the solar panels can be used outdoors for an extended period of time.

Specs: 

• Type: Monocrystalline
• Output: 100 Watts
• Weight: 12.1 pounds

Pros:

• High efficiency rating of 21 percent
• Suitable for houses, boats, caravans, RVs, or camping
• Durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum frame

Cons:

• Must connect to compatible power station to charge mobile devices

The HQST 2-Piece Solar Panel Set comes with two 100-watt panels that each measure 40.1 inches tall by 20 inches wide. They’re just 1.2 inches thick. These best quality solar panels have predrilled holes in the back of their frames that make it much easier to mount the panels to Z-brackets, pole mounts, or tilt mounts. 

Each panel weighs 12.1 pounds and they can either be used separately or collectively to generate electricity. However, it should be noted that these solar panels are made for charging power stations, backup batteries, and any vehicles that operate with a 12V battery. This means that they are not equipped with outlets for USB, USB-C, or any other adapters for mobile devices. 

The panels are supported by a durable aluminum frame that is specifically designed to resist corrosion, withstand snow loads of up to 112.8 pounds per square foot (PSF), and weather any winds of up to 140 miles per hour. With a high-efficiency rating of 21 percent and the versatility to be used for a house, boat, caravan, RV, or even camping, these panels are an excellent option for safe, renewable energy.

Best solar panels for the money: Nekteck 21W Solar Charger

Why it made the cut: Pack this lightweight product into a backpack to take to the campsite and take advantage of the two built-in USB ports for mobile device charging.

Specs: 

• Type: Monocrystalline
• Output: 21 Watts
• Weight: 1.1 pounds

Pros:

• High efficiency rating of 21 to 24 percent
• Foldable and compact for easy storage
• Best suited for hiking, backpacking, and camping

Cons:

• Can easily blow away in moderate wind if not secured

These best solar panels for the money are lightweight and essential for camping, backpacking, and hiking trips that require the user to carry everything they need in a backpack. The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger weighs just 1.1 pounds and can fold up to just a quarter of the original size, saving space in the user’s backpack. When this product is unfoldable it reveals three monocrystalline solar panels that each have an efficiency rating of about 21 to 24 percent, ensuring that a high level of energy is captured from the sun and transferred to the USB outputs.

Plug in up to two USB devices at once to draw power directly from the 21-watt panels. It’s flexible, so it’s easy to arrange in such a way that it gets a good look at the sun. Simply adjust the angle and position of the solar panels according to the current position of the sun. Just keep in mind that this product only weighs 1.1 pounds, so even moderate winds can carry the panels away if they are not secured.

Best solar panels for camping: Goal Zero Boulder 200 Watt Briefcase

Why it made the cut: Pack the briefcase-style monocrystalline panels into the truck or car and use the built-in kickstand for optimal positioning.

Specs: 

• Type: Monocrystalline
• Output: 200 Watts
• Weight: 46.2 pounds

Pros:

• High efficiency rating of 21 percent
• Built-in kickstand
• Folds to just half the original size
• Comes with a carrying case and handle

Cons:

• Too heavy to carry on hikes or backpacking trips 

The goal of camping is to get out into the wilderness and enjoy the outdoors, but it doesn’t have to mean totally abandoning technology. In fact, it’s advised to at least have an emergency radio available at all times to stay up to date on current and future weather conditions, as well as call for help in emergencies. The Goal Zero Boulder 200-Watt Solar Panels is an excellent option to ensure that the campsite has power for the emergency radio, mobile device, electric camp stoves, and any other items that users take with them camping. 

Each solar panel has a power output of 100 Watts, but both panels are attached and cannot be used independently, so these monocrystalline panels have a combined output of 200 Watts and an efficiency rating of 21 percent. The panels come with a carrying case, a built-in handle, and a kickstand to make transporting and setting up the panels easier. Even with those portability features, the 46.2-pound weight makes this the best solar panels for camping but a poor option for hiking or backpacking. 

Best portable solar panels: Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel

Why it made the cut: A built-in kickstand and handle make this foldable 60-Watt solar panel easy to carry and set up.

Specs: 

• Type: Monocrystalline
• Output: 60 Watts
• Weight: 6.6 pounds 

Pros:

• High efficiency rating of 23 percent
• Built-in kickstand and handle
• Lightweight and compact

Con:

• Vulnerable to high winds
• Low power output

Despite its small size, the Jackery Solar Saga Solar Panel has a high-efficiency rating of 23 percent due to the premium monocrystalline construction. However, while the size doesn’t impact the efficiency of the silicon wafers, it does reduce the overall power output to just 60 Watts. That stream is still more than enough to charge up to two devices at once through the USB-C and USB-A ports. Additionally, the panels can connect to an available power station to simply store the collected energy until the sun goes down and the camp lights come out. 

These best portable solar panels can fold in half and it has built-in handles to make it easier to carry. It weighs just 6.6 pounds, which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and camping, though the slight weight does leave the panels vulnerable to high winds. The built-in kickstand helps to support the panels, but it’s advised to secure them to be certain that they do not get blown away.

Best solar panels for RVs: Renogy 200 Watt Monocrystalline

Why it made the cut: Set up these monocrystalline panels to get an output of up to 200 Watts at an efficiency rating of 21 percent.

Specs: 

• Type: Monocrystalline
• Output: 200 Watts
• Weight: 35.9 pounds

Pros:

• High efficiency rating of 21 percent
• Comes with a solar charge controller
• Adjustable, corrosion-resistant aluminum stand
• Built-in handles

Cons:

• Too heavy for hiking or backpacking

Operate the accessories and charging ports on an RV or a boat with these impressive Renogy 200-Watt Panels. These best solar panels for RVs come equipped with a solar charger controller to convert the solar power to usable electricity for both 12V and 24V batteries. The controller has a clear LCD display so that the user can review the operating information, switch between Amp and Volts on the display, and use the controller to set the battery type. 

Mount the panels to the RV or simply use the built-in stand to set these panels up in the optimal position to absorb energy from the sun. This product is made with monocrystalline silicon wafers with an efficiency rating of 21 percent and a combined power output of 200 Watts, though it should be mentioned that each solar panel has an individual output of just 100 Watts. These panels weigh 35.9 pounds, so they are not the best for hiking or backpacking, but the heavy weight and adjustable, corrosion-resistant aluminum stand ensure that the panels can hold up in poor weather.

Things to consider before buying the best solar panels

Solar panels are an investment that should be carefully considered in order to ensure that you get the best option for your situation. There are significant differences between the capabilities of the various solar panel types, but the size, weight, portability, and device integration can also help to determine which products are the best solar panels for camping, backpacking, or installing on the roof of your home. Take some time to learn about these important factors before making a decision. 

Solar Panel Types

The type of solar tech you choose for your panels can have a profound effect on the appearance, cost, efficiency, and power absorption. The three main types can be differentiated by the material that is used to make the solar cells, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are made with silicon wafers that are cut from a single silicon crystal. This construction method and material results in higher efficiency and power output than either polycrystalline or thin film panels. Monocrystalline products tend to have an efficiency that exceeds 20 percent, while the power output can range from 100 Watts (W) to over 400 Watts. However, these products usually cost more than both polycrystalline and thin film solar panels.
• Polycrystalline solar panels can immediately be differentiated from monocrystalline due to the blue solar cells instead of black cells. The color differences, as well as the lower efficiency and power output, can be linked to the way in which polycrystalline solar panels are made. Instead of using a single silicon crystal to create the silicon wafers, a polycrystalline solar panel is made up of silicon crystal fragments that have been melted together through a superheating process. This type of panel typically has an efficiency rating between 15 to 17 percent and will usually have a maximum output of 200 Watts.
• Thin film solar panels are the most affordable option available. They are made with several different materials including cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). These products also typically incorporate conducting layers made of glass, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), aluminum, or steel. While this type of panel only has an efficiency rating of about 11 percent and a maximum power output of 100 Watts, they are usually lightweight and may even be flexible, making thin film panels great for camping, hiking, and backpacking.

Size and Weight 

The specific size and weight of a solar panel is a key consideration when you are trying to determine the suitability of a product. For instance, compact lightweight solar panels are excellent for hiking, backpacking, and camping because they can fit into a backpack and don’t cause excessive fatigue. However, these panels are vulnerable to the wind because of their broad, flat shape and low weight, meaning that they can be carried away easily.

Alternatively, broad heavy panels are great for mounting on the roof of the house or an RV, but they are much too bulky to pack into a vehicle or set up at a campsite. So, it’s important to figure out how you want to use the solar panel before deciding on a specific product. 

Device and Battery Integration

The purpose of solar panels is to absorb the solar power from the sun and convert it to usable electricity for a range of different devices and batteries. However, each product will have different devices that they can connect to, like USB-charging mobile devices, 12V batteries, or power stations. Before investing in solar panels, make sure that the specific product can be used as intended. 

If you are looking for a way to charge your mobile devices, then it’s necessary to find solar panels that have USB outlets, but if the goal is to charge a boat battery, then solar panels that connect to 12V batteries would be best. If you aren’t quite sure what you want to use the panels to charge then it’s advised to invest in a power station that can collect, store, and convert the energy from the panels into usable electricity for a variety of different purposes. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The highly efficient HQST Solar Panels are suitable for mounting to the RV, setting up at the campsite, or even mounting to the home to help save money on electric bills. However, if you are looking for a smaller solar panel for backpacking or hiking, then the affordable Nekteck 21W Solar Charger is the right way to go.

Rappahannock and its neighbors seek to balance solar power, farming and open space

The right balance

Utility solar explosion 

Fishing for prospects

Meeting a growing demand

Panaji: In a bid to address the fluctuation in power supply during peak load periods, the state government is exploring renewable energy storage technology, which will release power generated via solar plants back into the state’s power grid during peak hours. The state electricity department is working with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to see if such a project can augment power supply particularly for the industries, said power minister Nilesh Cabral.
In a virtual meeting with industry stakeholders, particularly Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Cabral stressed upon more solar power generation and assured local industries of reliable uninterrupted power supply.
GCCI, which organised the virtual meeting, requested Cabral to focus on adequate, reliable, affordable and consistent power supply in the state.
“The tourism sector is heavily dependant on quality power for operation, production, utilities and recreational facilities. Interruptions, fluctuations and power drops create a total disruption in this sector. Thus hoteliers are forced to depend on diesel generator sets, which are expensive to run,” said GCCI president Ralph De Sousa.
In January, the state government had approached the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) to undertake a feasibility study and provide technical assistance to set up renewable power generation energy projects in the state. Goa requires approximately 540MW of power during the day time and 640MW during peak hours from 6pm to 11pm.
Speaking on behalf of the pharmaceutical sector, Dr Praveen Khullar requested the electricity department to permit momentary grid synchronisation which will reduce the power interruptions. Dr Khullar, who is the president of Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association, said that power fluctuations lead to production and financial losses.
Admitting that the power supply scenario in the state could be improved, Cabral said he had “big plans” to reform the electricity sector. The power minister also urged the industry to set up solar power generation units.
“The government is keen to provide reliable and affordable power supply to the state and adequate steps have already been taken in this regard,” said Cabral. He asked Goa’s private sector, particularly those from the manufacturing and tourism sector to submit ideas for the electricity department’s three year business plan.

Newswise — ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Somewhere among the glitter of the night sky is a small satellite powered by innovative, next-generation solar cell technology developed at Sandia National Laboratories.

mPower Technology’s DragonSCALES, consist of small, highly interconnected photovoltaic cells formerly known as solar glitter at Sandia. They are orbiting Earth for the first time on a Lynk Global Inc. satellite that supports direct connection to unmodified mobile phones. The satellite was launched this summer.

The technology is being evaluated as a potential solar power solution for the Lynk Global constellation fleet. Data collected will provide valuable feedback to validate the product’s performance in space.

“It’s been amazing to watch this technology emerge from the labs and become a product sought after by satellite companies and federal agencies,” said Mary Monson, Sandia’s senior manager of technology partnerships and business development.

The solar cell technology was developed at the labs to reduce the cost of creating solar technology and increase its efficiencies. mPower Technology, a small, New Mexico company, licensed the technology from Sandia and commercialized it as DragonSCALES. The interconnected cells are made of highly efficient silicon that can be meshed into any shape, size or form.

mPower executives say benefits of the technology include ease of installation and system integration. Development costs are lower than other solar technologies because microcells require little material to form well-controlled and highly efficient devices.

“This was the first launch of our innovative DragonSCALES product with Lynk Global, and we look forward to a successful on-orbit demonstration for their constellation,” said Kevin Hell, mPower Technology president and CEO. “With the rapidly increasing interest in our technology for a wide range of new space power missions, we expect many more launches in the near future.”

Aiming for the stars and a future lunar landing

Future projects may take the technology as far as the moon.

mPower and spacecraft systems company Honeybee Robotics Inc. were recently selected by NASA as one of five commercial teams to develop designs for deployable solar array systems to be used on the surface of the moon and one day as charging stations to recharge rovers, battery packs and other electrical equipment used by spacecraft and astronauts.

The teams’ designs must be maneuverable, fold into a volume of less than half a cubic meter and, if selected by NASA, the developed station would be dropped off by lunar rovers to supply power. The team is focused on a Honeybee concept called Lunar Array Mast and Power System, LAMPS, that incorporates DragonSCALES. The design will use some of the most cost-effective, lightest, large area extendable solar panels ever made, according to mPower.

Murat Okandan, mPower chief technology officer, said, “Some of the most exciting and challenging systems coming up have characteristics that are very similar to LAMPS, where cost-effective, large-scale deployment of power systems is going to be critical in being able to meet the mission needs and support the envisioned expansion of activity in orbit and for landed systems.”

Labs programs enabled technology to reach private sector

Sandia announced the development of solar glitter in 2009 after the solar cells were fabricated by researchers using technologies to fabricate microelectromechanical systems in Sandia’s Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications facility, giving it the nickname MEPV for microsystem-enabled photovoltaics.

The original Sandia team continued to advance the technology through various projects sponsored by Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, the military and NASA. Today, some of the fabrication approaches pioneered by MEPV, such as oxide bonding, continue to be used for research involving semiconductors.

“DragonSCALES began as a Laboratory Directed Research and Development project in our lab over 12 years ago,” said Keith Ortiz, manager of the microelectromechanical systems technologies department. “Now, the technology is in space, and I’m looking forward to the next 12 years of development beyond Sandia.”

Okandan, one of the researchers who developed the technology, left Sandia through the Entrepreneurial Separation to Technology Transfer program and founded mPower. The program enables Sandia to transfer technology to the private sector by permitting employees to leave the labs to start up or expand tech companies. Entrepreneurs are guaranteed reinstatement for up to two years if they choose to return to Sandia.

In 2017, solar glitter was licensed to mPower. While the technology could be applied to a variety of devices of any shape, the company is focused on the space market and rapidly deployable, portable solar power systems.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the researchers who developed solar glitter and established a technology bound for space,” Monson said. “This is exactly the type of impact we are dedicated to at Sandia through our technology transfer programs. When technology leads to new companies, jobs and commercialization, it’s a win-win all around.”

Mini solar cells garner years of recognition

Solar glitter and DragonSCALES have received recognition through awards and news stories. In 2012 when the technology was new, Sandia received a prestigious R&D100 Award.

Following successful efforts to transfer the technology to mPower, Sandia and the company have been recognized multiple times by the Federal Laboratory Consortium. Earlier this year, the partnership received a national Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the consortium for transforming space power and other commercial markets.

The cryptocurrency market is popular for being highly volatile where the prices of popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin can reach their highest peak as well as experience a massive drop at any point in time. Despite the volatility, global investors are always keen on investing valuable time and money to gain higher revenue in the future. This has increased the potential for cryptocurrency mining across the world. Cryptocurrency mining helps to earn cryptocurrency without putting down money for investment.

There are popular cryptocurrency miners known as Bitcoin miners who receive Bitcoin for discovering a seamless solution to a complicated hashing problem, mathematical problems, cryptographic equations, and many more. But the main issue with this mining is that it releases carbon emissions to create more pollution. Thus, solar power or solar energy has emerged in the cryptocurrency market to reduce around 40 million tons of carbon dioxide emission per year and support renewable and green Bitcoin mining. There is a potential for solar energy in cryptocurrency to make it greener cryptocurrency mining in the future.

The share of solar-powered hash rates tends to increase while Bitcoin mining or cryptocurrency mining is encouraging investors to utilize solar energy more than ever. Cryptocurrency miners are facing difficulties in cryptocurrency mining due to large energy consumption and expensive activity to build rigs with high processing power. Meanwhile, utilizing solar energy in cryptocurrency mining can reduce mining costs and help to earn higher revenue in the cryptocurrency market. Thus, it is the perfect way to make greener cryptocurrency mining with a good investment as well as reduce the demand for fossil fuel, greenhouse emissions, and carbon footprint from the atmosphere.

Individual cryptocurrency mining rig cost includes solar energy panels for greener cryptocurrency mining, power controls, batteries, as well as the Antminer S9 ASIC processor. These cryptocurrency miners have started installing rooftop solar units in their residential buildings to reduce power consumption, in turn, carbon emission from hardware infrastructure. It helps to address the increasing energy usage of cryptocurrency mining and transform it into greener cryptocurrency mining. Celebrity entrepreneur like Elon Musk has also announced the ban of Bitcoin in the Tesla payment system for the carbon pollution from Bitcoin mining till there is a more sustainable greener method available.

It is estimated that 6000 watts of solar energy panels are essential to run cryptocurrency mining with multiple GPUs per day and a 500Ah battery bank with a voltage regulator and a fuse should be available from the sunset or during cloudy weather. Indeed, harnessing solar energy can transform the polluted cryptocurrency mining into greener cryptocurrency mining and help to earn profit from the cryptocurrency market.

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HOUMA, La. (BRPROUD) — Ida wiped out more power lines than hurricanes Katrina, Ike, Delta and Zeta combined, according to Entergy. It’s been a month since the hurricane hit, and many people are still without power.

This can slow down relief efforts, but luckily for many volunteers, solar panels have been donated to help their mission.

“You have to experience it to see how powerful it is to be able to harness the energy of the sun,” said Tiffany Theriot, founder of Cajun Commissary.

Theriot set up camp in the tennis courts behind the American Legion. From there she provides supplies, shelter, food, and more to volunteers that have made their way to Louisiana.

“We have a medical tent and we have medical staff that came in and drove in from other states and they are providing medical care,” said Theriot.

She says the gift of power gave them the strength to support the community.

“None of this would be possible for a long-term relief mission without the Footprint Project,” said Theriot.

The Footprint Project donates and solar panels to areas after a natural disaster. They have set up solar panels all over southern Louisiana, giving field nurses a helping hand.

“I have never been on a mission that had solar power, and it’s honestly a game-changer,” RN Third Wave Volunteers Michele Dean said.

Dean flew in from Florida to help give medical help to the area. With the solar panels, she is able to give more than ever before.

“Having the solar power, we are able to keep insulin in the fridge, we are able to do our telehealth,” Dean said. “Honestly, I think that this is the way the future should go for disaster relief.”

Showing the power of power can go a long way.

“It’s been transformational for our ability to serve and to envision how we can serve more and how we can serve better,” Theriot said.