Solar Energy International

Solar Energy International has provided hands-on workshops and online courses in renewable energy and sustainable building technologies since 1991. Through viable outreach programs, SEI works with grassroots and development organizations to promote sustainability and improve quality of life around the world.

How to Install Solar Panels

The proper installation of solar panels is one of the most important elements of your solar energy system. Although the sun provides its energy at no charge, the purchase and setup of your panels is a big investment. Whether you mount the panels on your own, or hire a company to do the job
for you, here are some tips for the best installations:

Most homeowners have a limited amount of space in which to place large solar panels. Your roof is a likely location. The solar panels must be installed in an area or areas of your roof that attract the most possible sunshine. There are many web sites that provide the amount of sunlight
received in any area of the world. They allow you to effectively track the sun’s position through the year.

Your solar panels must be placed where they will receive direct sunlight. An ideal spot is one that receives the sun’s rays at noon, typically the time at which your solar panels will operate with the greatest efficiency. Check to see if there are tree branches, satellite dishes or any other objects that might obstruct the path of the sun on your solar panels.

If you are installing solar panels on your roof, you will probably use a flush mount or a roof-ground mount. Flush mounts are typically used for smaller homes. Roof-ground mounts are somewhat more expensive and occupy more space, but they can be adjusted to follow the path of the sun during
the year. Roof mounts are often supported by your roof’s rafters, so use a stud finder to ascertain the position of your rafters.

When you have determined the best location for your panels, draw an outline of their position on your roof. Drill small holes in your roof/rafters before placement of the mounts to allow for easier drilling later. When you have placed the mounts in their exact locations, drill holes in the mounts and secure them with lag bolts. Secure metal rails to the roof. Attach the solar panels. Connect the panels to the electrical inverter with a conduit.

About the Author
Shannon Bell writes for Residentialsolarpanels.org a non commercial blog focused on her Photovoltaic experiences to help people understand how and why they should save energy investing in solar power. She writes on Solar Panels for Homes to help people learn how to start save energy from the scratch and then apply those experience to the next level.

Space-Based Solar Energy – Part 1 & 2

Peter Sage of Space Energy Inc. gives a fascinating and inspiring talk on Space Based Solar Power which shows why harvesting solar energy in space and wirelessly transmitting it back to earth will soon become the energy source of the very near future. More info at www.SpaceEnergy.com

Part 1

Part 2

Will Konarka’s solar plastic finally hit the big time with its new $23.8M?

By Camille Ricketts, Green.Venturebeat.com

Konarka, maker of a unique solar plastic, is an old company. In nine years, it has raised more than $150 million from the likes of Chevron, New Enterprise Associates, and the government. But it’s had little to show for it on the market. That could change with a new round of funding (its seventh) that closed today, totaling $23.8 million, according to a filing with the SEC.

Will the company finally have what it needs to step out of the shadows?

Money isn’t Konarka’s only strength. Its technology is actually pretty special too. Its patented photovoltaic material, called Power Plastic, is more efficient than even the best thin-film systems devised by the likes of First Solar and Solyndra. It is lightweight, portable, and perhaps most importantly, flexible — making it suitable for a host of interesting applications ranging from rooftops to apparel.

Click link above for complete article.

Solar Energy Combats Poverty in Guatemala

A small solar panel lets Rufino Pablo Jeronimo, a Guatemalan farmer, run a tailoring business and keep in touch with his brother in America.

From Time.com