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Saving energy will be all the rage for the next few months. Reducing your consumption is one thing, but generating your own electricity is another. Even a small, plug-in solar balcony power system could help you get around an electricity shortfall. On an almost daily basis, we’re being warned of how tight things could get this winter. and the heat and drought of summer have served as a tangible reminder of the climate crisis. We should and must save energy, whether it’s by taking shorter showers, switching off devices that have been left on standby or putting a lid on the pot while you’re boiling an egg. Saving electricity is good. Making it yourself is even better if it comes from a sustainable source. It’s possible to do this with a small balcony solar power system. I’m not talking about devices that require a complicated roof installation and an expert to hook them up. Have you got a south-facing balcony? Or a garden shed with a flat roof that catches the sun? And an external socket? Perfect! You’ll be able to install your own solar balcony mounting power system. A so-called balcony kit comes with one or two solar panels, which you mount on your balcony railings or shed roof. You then plug the cable into your external socket. This way, solar power flows into your own electrical grid automatically.

Single axis solar trackers have the potential to be a great asset to your next solar project. With benefits like increased energy production, cost-effectiveness and increased sustainability, implementing single axis trackers in your next solar project can be well worth it. What are single axis solar trackers? Single axis trackers are a technology that adjusts the position of a solar panel along an axis to follow the sun’s changing position throughout the passing days and years.The panel is adjusted to create the smallest angle of incidence (angle at which the sun hits a solar panel). The trackers tilt on a singular axis to follow the sun from east to west as it moves throughout the course of each day in order to maximize energy production. Trackers can be either active or passive in nature. Active trackers use gears and motors to move solar panels while passive trackers utilized compressed fluid that switches sides when warmed by the sun causing them to change their tilt. In addition, trackers can be kept aligned by either concluding an ideal panel angle based on GPS data or more simply moving the panels in the opposite direction of the earth’s rotation. When considering adding a single axis tracker to your solar project, there are a few important factors to consider concerning the location of your project. Single axis solar trackers thrive in ground-mounted (as opposed to roof-mounted) solar projects on flat land. The weather in your area is also a factor that must be considered as generally warm and dry locations are ideal for single axis trackers as snow and rain can create problems with the technology. Benefits of single axis solar trackers The three main benefits of single axis solar trackers being increased energy production, cost-effectiveness and sustainability are outlined below. 1. Increased energy production Single axis tracker technology increase energy production by up to a third compared to a fixed solar system. This allows for more efficient use of the land the project inhabits, as the project can produce more power in a more confined space. 2. Cost-effectiveness Implementing single axis trackers with your next solar project can have some financial benefits that offset the added cost of the trackers. If the trackers are installed in an environment with ideal conditions, they will add value to the solar system, boosting energy production and making up for these initial costs. Additionally the boost in system production allows project owners to put energy back into the local grid, which can lead to dividends known as Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). 3. Sustainability As with any renewable energy project, installing single axis trackers with your next solar project will increase your company’s sustainability and decrease its carbon footprint. With the addition of single axis trackers to your solar project, the system will be able to maximize power generation. This will decrease your company’s reliance on the local grid therefore increasing reliance on renewable energy as an alternative source for electricity generation. Demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy will attract likeminded individuals to your company whether in the form of potential employees or customers.

Imagine you are sunbathing on your balcony in summer, enjoying a cold drink from the fridge and, at the same time, generating electricity. And all you need to do it is a balcony or patio and a balcony power plant kit. But to what extent does a balcony power plant differ from a photovoltaic system (PV system) on the roof? A balcony power plant and a PV system are both types of solar plants, which use solar energy to generate electricity. The main difference, however, is in size and performance. A balcony power plant is usually smaller with a maximum output of 600 watts (inverter output) and is therefore better suited for personal consumption. PV systems, on the other hand, are often installed on the roofs of commercial or industrial facilities or in open spaces. Due to their size and the accompanying higher output, with PV systems, the generated electricity is often not only used for personal consumption but is also fed into the electricity grid. Personal electricity from your balcony Producing solar power yourself is quite simple. The solution: a balcony power plant. A balcony power plant is a type of mini solar power plant that can be installed on a balcony or patio. It consists of a series of solar modules (comprised of photovoltaic cells) that work in conjunction with an inverter and other components to generate electrical power from sunlight. The direct current it generates is converted into alternating current by the inverter. The solar module is connected to your home’s mains via a plug connected to the power socket. This allows the self-produced alternating current to directly supply your refrigerator, television or other devices that use electricity with power. In this case, less electricity is drawn from your electricity supplier, which means the numbers on the electricity meter go up more slowly. But no need to worry. If there is a cloud or dark days when the balcony power plant produces little or no electricity, your electricity supplier will supply you with electricity as usual. But even in situations like these, a balcony power plant can produce electricity with the help of a battery. This is because on sunny days, the balcony power plant can be used in tandem with a battery to store electricity for later. A regulator ensures that the balcony power plant’s output stays in the optimal range while at the same time protecting against overloading and overheating. What are the advantages and disadvantages of balcony power plants? The advantages of a balcony power plant Saves space: Balcony power plants can be installed in a limited area and therefore require less space than large solar plants. Cost-efficient: Balcony power plants are typically smaller and simpler than large solar plants, which makes them more cost-efficient. Independence from the electricity supply: By generating your own electricity, you can become less dependent on the public electricity supply. Environmentally friendly: Using solar energy to generate electricity is an environmentally friendly alternative to using fossil fuels. In addition, the balcony power plant can be easily dismantled and transported when you move out. This gives you the flexibility to generate your own electricity for personal consumption in your new flat or house, meaning you do not have to buy a new system. The disadvantages of a balcony power plant: Limited capacity: Balcony power plants are typically smaller and therefore have less capacity than large solar plants. Dependence on weather conditions: Generating electricity with a balcony power plant is dependent on weather conditions, especially the amount of available sunlight. High initial investment: Although balcony power plants can be cost-effective in the long term, the initial investment can be high compared to other energy sources. Restrictions by property owners: In some cases, there may be restrictions imposed by property owners or landlords that prohibit or restrict the installation of balcony power plants.

In the twenty-first century, using renewable energy is a modern trend. But how does it function in practice? Building such a system and testing it on their own is the best method to acquire an answer. Millions of tenants and apartment owners cannot benefit from solar since they lack a roof to install their balcony solar panels. A conventional solar installation necessitates a substantial financial investment as well as a private roof. Installing solar panels on window ledges and balconies can help to overcome these challenges. Should you install solar panels on balconies? One can install solar panels on the balcony by themselves. It does not necessitate the assistance of solar firm installation. If you live in the northern hemisphere, your patio should face south. Another benefit of such an installation is taking the solar PV with us when we leave the flat. Because you do not connect it to the apartments behind-the-meter electricity network, this solution is straightforward. It indicates that the solar panels for apartments are clean and precise to set up. It would be helpful to have custom-made structural support in the balcony to firmly lock the panels in place as a protective measure. The proportion of panels gets determined by the balconies dimensions. The lower the price per watt, the larger the panel. Larger panels, such as those rated at 320 or 360 watts, are available, but they are huge and heavy; 160 watts would be ideal. A meeting of this size is 150x70cm and weighs 12.5kg. An inverter with a 22–60V input voltage would be optimal to connect two panels in series. You can also use micro inverters in place of traditional inverters. Is it financially beneficial? A balcony 360W system has a 25-year monetary repayment period. A typical setup would cost roughly $2000. The plan would generate 543 kWh of electricity per year on average. You would have altered the entire computation if the panels were on the roof. Rooftop energy generation is far higher than that of balconies. A balcony system undoubtedly has its own set of restrictions. Because of the modest balcony solar panels, the system's financial return is somewhat lengthy. Only that is possible due to the balconies space limits. Cons to consider Electricity generation will be reduced by 20-30% as a result of clouds. The appropriate tilt angle will last no more than 1–2 hours every day as the sun advances across the sky. It's hard to get an actual 100W output from a 100-watt panel. The quantity of energy one can generate from a balcony is determined by their position and the amount of daylight their patio receives. After a day in the sun, a transportable solar panel might be able to replenish a smartphone. What can you power with balcony solar panels? A solar panel coating on the balcony can run a 400-watt piece of equipment for 6–7 hours of light in a mid-size house with LED bulbs. Depending on conditions and time of day, two 160 Watt solar PVs mounted on a balcony can produce 10–190 watts of power. You may use it to consume a variety of home devices. If no current consumption is present, the surplus gets sent to the city power grid. You can create a solar-powered charge controller for gadgets such as laptops, smartphones, wireless earphones, and a few 12V emergency lights on a balcony with solar panels for apartments and a battery. After an entire day in direct sunlight (which we're reasonably confident you won't get on a balcony), a full-size panel (1.7m x 1m) will produce roughly 1 kWh per day. That's around 25 cents worth of energy on your residential tariff (on a good day). With a solar panel spanning your balcony, you can run a 400-watt appliance for 6–7 hours. So figure out how much power you have on hand. This amount of energy will be adequate for a mid-sized house if you utilize LED lamps. We recommend that you arrange for your system to use solar electricity to meet your home's energy needs whenever it is accessible. On the other hand, you can always use a traditional power source if you're having a bad day. Bottom line Choosing adequate energy PVs for a balcony solar system will help you get more electricity out of your system. Balcony solar panels power the entire house. A tiny balcony solar system will not be able to achieve the same results. Indeed, it can only assist in meeting some of a home's essential energy requirements. KSENG Solar provides additional maintenance of the Solar Panels. Feel free to call us for any further assistance with installation!

Solar carports are a great alternative for homeowners who can’t install a solar power system on their rooftop. However, a residential solar carport is more than just a car shelter with a PV system. Solar carports are highly versatile and provide many opportunites to reduce carbon footprint as well as energy costs. What Is a Solar Carport? A solar carport is a freestanding multi-purpose structure that combines several aspects of renewable energy. It’s primary function is to serve as a sheltered car parking lot while generating solar power on the roof. Solar carports use the same technology as a conventional ground-mounted or rooftop solar power installation to produce energy. Electricity generated by the solar panel carport roof can be used in many ways. It can either be consumed directly by the household, exported to the grid, or stored in batteries for later use. In general, solar carports generate the same amount of electricity as conventional rooftop solar power systems. Our residential solar carport adds value to any home through innovative technology and high quality engineering. It can be combined with a battery storage solution. A smart energy management system controls and optimizes internal consumption to minimize energy costs. In addition, our carport can also be fitted with a home EV charging system. Available are all models from AC home chargers line as well as the Polaris DC home charger. Residential Solar Carport Cost Generally, residential solar carports are much cheaper than their commercial counterpart. This is because they tend to be smaller and therefore require less effort to build. However, when compared to a conventional solar power system, they are slightly more expensive on average. Generally, the cost of solar carports is determined by several factors. Solar Carport Cost Components Type of solar panel Number of carport modules Output capacity Battery (optional) EV charging unit (optional) Installation cost Naturally, the total cost of a solar canopy will depend on the size of the structure and the attached solar system. Obviously, the type of equipment used and the local installation cost are a factor as well. Using European and UK average prices for solar equipment, you can roughly approximatie the cost of a residential solar carport project.

Most of the solar energy systems we see in our community are installed on pitched roofs or as a ground mount, but what about flat roofs? Unless you have a bird-eye view of the building, you can’t  tell what’s up on the roof. This may make you wonder whether or not you can have solar panels on a flat roof. The answer to that is yes, and the way many solar panel systems are installed on a flat roof is by something known as a ballast mount.  How are Ballast Mounted Solar Systems Installed? Whereas most other roof mounts are secured to the roof beams of the building through penetrations in the roof, ballast mounts are secured with weight.  The solar panels are attached to a solar racking system. That racking system has trays below the panels on which heavy, concrete blocks will be placed. The weight from these blocks keeps the solar panels in place on flat roofs. While the system will sit on a flat roof, the solar panels themselves will be installed at an angle in most cases. Installing solar panels at an angle can increase the amount of sunlight they receive, which allows them to produce more electricity. Additionally, a slight angle can also make it easier for snow and rain to slide off instead of accumulating on the face of the panel.  That said, installing solar panels at a tilt also means they’ll cast a shadow. If that shadow falls on other solar panels in your system, it can inhibit production. Is Your Roof Right for Ballast-Mounted Solar? Solar panel ballast mounts can be a great option for homes and businesses with flat roofs. They can even have some advantages over solar panels installed on a sloped roof. However, ballast-mounted solar won’t be ideal for all buildings.  Here are a few things to consider. Small Roofs May Require Penetrations The solar panels in a ballasted solar roof mount are secured to a racking system which is then held in place on the roof by weights. For most roofs, this means no penetrations are required to install the system.  Because most people are wary of putting holes in their roofs, this is a popular selling point for ballast mount systems. However, depending on the size of your roof, penetrations may still be required. Small flat roofs may need additional roofing attachments that have to be secured in through the roof. These attachments will be installed by a third-party roofing company, and may or may not impact your roof’s warranty.  But because most flat roofs in general top mid-to-large-sized commercial buildings, the vast majority are installed without these additional attachments and with no roof penetrations needed.  All that said, it’s worth noting that a properly installed roof-mounted system should not leak or cause any issue, regardless of how it’s mounted or the roofing material. Thanks to specially designed attachments and properly installed flashing, no water damage will occur if the system is installed properly and with trusted, quality materials.    

For most of residential roof space which are concrete tiles, it’s commonly to see applying solar panels upon it for power generation.  It’s known that tile roofs and solar panels are a great combination, because a properly installed tile roof can last 100 years. This will outlast your solar panels (which usually have 25 year warranties). That means that you shouldn’t have to worry about needing to pay to remove your solar panels to fix a roof issue underneath. If you have a concrete tile roof, there are ways to go about installing solar panels on a concrete tile roof. First, your installer can put stainless steel hooks under the tile for your system to be mounted on. Your installer would temporarily remove the tiles, install the hooks underneath into the roof, then put the tile back over the mount, and rack the system from there. Let ‘s list the steps as bellows: Step 1: Fixing the hooks with self-tapping screw into beam. Step 2: Using the raill connector to splice the rail Step 3: Fixing the hook to the rail Step 4: Placing the solar panels and use the end clamps to fix the panel Step 5: Using the mid clamps to fix the panel Step 6: Placing the entire panel from bottom to top, from left to right Step 7: Installing the grounding lug According to different shape of tile roof, various tile roof hooks should be chosen from them to fit the actual use. Kseng solar offers numerous solar tile roof kits for Australia solar market. The Tile roof solar mounting system is suitable for nearly all coverings, including pantile, plain tiles, slate tiles. Systems are fully compliant with the Australian and other international standards on wind & snow load, making it suitable for a wide variety of climatic zones.

How to fully utilize the land of a parking lot? Maybe the photovoltaic carport can help you. The photovoltaic carport is mainly composed of solar panels, carport brackets, inverters and other equipment. The carport solar systems not only realizes the original function of "shading and avoiding rain" of the carport, and plays a role of "protection and cooling" for vehicles, and can also convert solar energy into alternating current and integrate it into the grid. It can provide single parking spaces, double parking spaces, and row parking spaces. It is mainly used in corporate parking lots and large ground parking lots. It not only makes outdoor parking lots more beautiful, but also can supply power to the grid, save energy and protect the environment. The foundation of carport mounting system is also relatively diversified. There are pile foundations, cement foundations, and the most direct ground as the foundation. It will not be too limited to the impact of the land. Moreover, the span of the carport and the number of parking can be based on actual conditions. It is designed according to the situation, not fixed, and the collocation is more flexible. The materials are selected strictly according to the standard, and the strength and corrosion resistance can adapt to various harsh environments.

Solar Ground Mounts vs. Solar Roof Mounts: Quick Summary Solar Roof mounts are less expensive because they use your existing solar roof structure as a foundation. They also take up less room on your property. Solar Ground mounts take up more space, but they’re easier to access for installation and repair. They also give you greater control over the orientation of your array to maximize production. Ground Mount Roof mount There are benefits and drawbacks to each, and both solar mounting systems have their merits depending on your project specs. Explore our picks for the best solar panel mounts. This article will dive deeper into what we think about when we recommend solar ground mount vs. solar roof mount racking to our customers. But first, a quick summary: Ground Mounted Solar Panels Pros *Easy to access *Easy to clean *Easier to troubleshoot *Stronger racking overall *System is not confined to the dimensions of the roof *Cooler panel temperatures mean higher energy output *No need to remove panels if roof is replaced Cons *Installation is more labor-intensive *Installation is more expensive *Requires more parts and pieces *Permitting process is more expensive *Takes up real estate *Not aesthetically pleasing to everyone Roof Mounted Solar Panels Pros *Less expensive *Requires fewer materials to install *Installation labor cost is lower *Utilizes unused space *Easier to permit Cons *Hard to access – especially if your roof is steep or slippery *Harder to troubleshoot errors *Higher panel temperatures mean lower panel output *Space constraints on the roof limits the size of the system *Can be a hassle if you need to replace the roof within the panel’s lifetime (might *install the system twice) *Putting holes in your roof could lead to water damage