To Track, or Not To Track?
If you can make your PV modules face directly at the sun and follow it across the sky, both logic, and real-world experience say you'll harvest more energy. In summer, particularly in latitudes closer to the equator, when the sun is making a big high arc overhead, you can gain 30% to 35% more energy. Often, this is the only way to boost solar pump output, and it happens at the time of year when more water is usually most appreciated.
However, we are not generally fans of tracking mounts beyond the occasional water pump. With moving parts, there will inevitably be maintenance, particularly with the electrically-driven models. Experience has shown that you can practically depend on having to repair something every year. The heat-driven models are more dependable, but they can get blown off course by winds over 10 mph, and the wake up-roll over-face east move happens very slowly in cold weather.
Finally, all tracking mounts have a cost problem. In the past ten years, PV modules have halved in cost, tracking mounts have not. They just don't make good economic sense anymore. You want more power and no maintenance? Just buy an extra module or two, put them on fixed mounts, and you'll never need to mess with them again.
Batteries
A battery is a storage container for electrons, or electricity in other words. Does your system need a battery? Not necessarily. Most solar electric systems that feed power to the grid (your friendly local utility company), do so without batteries. But if you're beyond the power lines, or want some emergency or backup power, then you'll need batteries to allow the storage of some energy for later use.
Batteries can be made with a wide variety of chemistries, but we're going to limit our discussion to common lead-acid batteries. This is the same type of battery your car uses for starting. In terms of storage capacity per dollar, nothing else comes close. So when we work with batteries large enough to run an entire household for several days, lead-acid is the only practical choice.
Batteries designed for long-term storage and deep discharges are constructed differently from batteries designed to start a vehicle. Starting batteries will suffer short, ugly lives if put into renewable energy systems…don't go there! Using readily available car batteries on your solar system is a quick route to aggravation and trouble. Use the right tool for the job. In this case, that tool is called a "deep-cycle" battery. Golf-cart type batteries are the smallest true deep-cycle, with an average life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. There are a wide variety of choices building up to large forklift type batteries with 15 to 20 year life expectancies.
In addition, batteries designed for emergency backup are quite different from batteries designed for daily use. For emergency backup we strongly recommend the slightly more expensive sealed type batteries for two good reasons. One, backup batteries, despite all the best intentions in the world, tend to get neglected, and when the cells run low on water it does irreversible harm. Two, sealed batteries have their chemistry tweaked slightly to better tolerate long periods of inactivity. Lead-acid batteries are much like the muscles of your body, they need regular exercise, not too much, not too little, to stay in really good condition. Without exercise they get stiff and weak. Sealed batteries can tolerate long periods of inactivity a lot better than conventional wet-cell batteries. And, you'll never need to kick yourself for forgetting to water your batteries.
PV Panels
Solar Electricity Makes Sense Today Solar electricity is quickly becoming the energy option of choice for many individuals and companies throughout the US and Latin America. The advantages are compelling and easy to understand. And with and with a range of companies to choose from, having a solar electric system installed has never been easier. It's your time to go solar. It's your time to BECOME POWERFUL.
Inverters
SMA America, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, based in Germany. With over three gigawatts installed, SMA is the world leader in solar inverter technology and manufacturing with divisions in nine countries on four continents. SMA is committed to its leadership role, offering exceptional value with the most efficient and reliable solar inverters in the industry. SMA takes special pride in promoting renewable energy solutions at all levels, through education, information and support for the general public, solar installers as well as small and large businesses worldwide.
Other inverter manufacturers
we supply include:
| The Sunny Boy Family |
| Sunny Central |
| The Sunny Island Family |
| The Windy Boy Family |
| Communications |
| Accessories |
| Fronius |
| PV Powered |
| Xantrex |
| Outback |
| Solectria |
| Magnetek |
| Enphase |
| SatCon |
| Magnum Energy |
| KACO Solar |
| Samlex America |
Mounting Systems
Most mounting systems now have evolved to using simple non-corrosive extruded aluminum rails with all stainless steel hardware. They go together fast, securely, and unobtrusively. A great variety of flush, tilt-up, low-profile, high-profile, ground, roof, wall, RV, and pole-top mounts are available that can be configured to meet almost any need on almost any surface. We carry an impressive stock of the most used Uni-Rac, Pro-Solar, and Direct Power & Water products, with other options and product lines readily available. If you don't see what you need, or need help figuring out what you need, please give us a call or drop an email.