The Solar Collector The solar collector is made up of several vacuum insulated glass tubes that absorb the sun’s rays. It contains a double tube design with intricate layers of borosilicate glass, aluminum, solar filament, and copper pipes. The unit works in such a way that the glass allows light in, connecting with the solar filament yet, the insulation prevents the heat/energy (just recently captured) from being released. Specifically, it absorbs at a rate of 93% but it has a heat loss of less than 6%. The glass tubes are sealed creating a smooth, nearly seamless casing. Borosilicate glass was selected not only due to its strength but also the ability to withstand warping (in either high or low temperatures). The solar collector frame is made of sturdy anodized aluminum and specifically designed to match and hold the 15, 20 or 30 tube collector units. The adjustable frame can be mounted anywhere from a 23 degree angle to a 46 degree angle. Depending on your solar zone and which way the back of your home is situated, the angle of your solar collector may be an important factor in obtaining the optimal amount of light. Back-Up Heater by Gulf Stream A back-up heater makes sure you have hot water instantly. This 9kw back-up heater has the most accurate wattage to match the needs of a medium family. What is most unique about this particular back-up unit is that it is flow sensitive. In other words, if hot water from the solar collectors isn’t available (i.e. a dreary day), the back-up will heat only what you use not the entire tank. This flow sensing back-up heater is the latest development in solar technology, but most importantly one that saves you more money. Control Panel If the circulating pump is the heart of the system then, the control panel is the brain . It regulates the temperature sensors and activates thecirculating pump to go on. This small electrical unit can be mounted on the wall and used to control the system as the homeowner dictates.

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• (6kw) Gulf Stream back-up heater, 30 tube solar collector unit and frame.
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Other news regarding the subject:
Scientists develop new types of solar collectors in plastic construction

Scientists at the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz have taken a major project for the further development of solar thermal technologies on land
You will develop novel collector systems in plastic construction, the existing functional and efficient than they are. This is the worldwide leader in Austria in the field of solar thermal energy further and an essential contribution to the dissemination of renewable energy technologies and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are made. Funding for the € 5.1 million project on the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) of research and technology program NEW ENERGY 2020 of the Climate and Energy Fund.
In the networking of plastic and solar energy research offers great potential for the advancement of technologies in the field of solar thermal energy, ie the conversion of solar energy into usable heat energy. Thermal collectors and collector systems are currently consuming and costly manufactured from a variety of different materials. With the use of polymer materials, solar thermal systems functional, visually attractive and more economical, which would have a positive effect on their market penetration.
Basic and industrial research for new generation of collectors
JKU-scientists will develop the project “Solar Thermal Systems Engineering Polymer (Solpol)” novelty collector systems in plastic construction. To achieve this goal, the research project was divided into two complementary projects. In the first part, which is designed as a basic research project, the scientific and methodological basis for the development of novel thermal collector systems be put in plastic construction and estimated the ecological and economic consequences for global market penetration. The second part deals with the industrial research to develop new polymer materials and the resulting manufactured panels and components.
The aim of the entire research project is one part to strengthen the global leadership of Austria in the field of solar thermal continue to make the other a substantial contribution to the dissemination of renewable energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The four-year, is over five million euros, the project by the Board of the Institute of Polymer Materials and testing of the JKU, Prof. Reinhold W. Lang, coordinates. The project consortium consists of nine academic partners (in addition to several other institutes of the Johannes Kepler University in the field of plastics engineering and polymer chemistry are the Art University Linz, University of Innsbruck and the Austrian Institute for Economic Research – WIFO – involved) and ten corporate partners – companies such as Borealis, angels, Greiner , Kekelit or Lenzing. For Prof. Lang is with this project, a first major step towards a new market segment created for use in plastics, the extraordinarily high growth has potential. “Like other areas will create only through the increased use of plastics in solar technology that conditions such as high functionality, variety of design and cost reductions that are necessary for the widespread use of these technologies.”
JKU-rector Richard Hagelauer added: “We are naturally pleased and proud that it has been trying to get the largest project in an international tender process evaluated at the JKU. We are these activities in the field of plastics technology and alternative energy future, to expand in any case even further. “

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The Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel Module will give you several more reasons to love the sun. It provides the power you need, while helping you save money and protect the environment. This panel is ideal for cabins, recreational vehicles, remote power, back-up power, and 12-Volt battery charging. This panel comes with compatible wiring, accessories and a voltage tester to help you start producing up to 80 Watts of clean, free power in all weather conditions.

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Superior Class A Monocrystalline Solar Cells. These cells have no facial marring and a uniform deep blue phosphorous layer. These cells are used to create high-quality, DIY solar panels and can be assembled in series to make solar modules that exceed production quality, while saving hundreds of dollars off retail.There are now alot of online sellers selling Evergreen,Motech and German castoff cells that do not rate as the advertised wattage or are thin line errs.We have never done this and never will.We do not prey upon the lack of knowledge of new,inexperienced buyers and want solar accepted and used as widely as possible.Its is not only good for business but the future of solar energy! This sale is for 36 solar cells.

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other news:

Traditional solar cell, “Thin-film does not mean its off”

Higher efficiency yields benefits in limited areas
Given the persistently high price of crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturers increasingly set the thin-film technologies that do not require the expensive raw material. So will the German photovoltaic specialist aboard Q-Cells in the CIGS technology and has formed a joint venture with the Swedish Solibro. According to experts, means the increasing involvement of producers in terms of thin film but not the end for the traditional solar cell. “We tend to see the film cells as a supplement,” said Sal Oppenheim analyst about Stephan Wulf.
Especially in the effectiveness, the silicon cells currently in the lead. “Especially in applications that require higher efficiency and greater output – such as the use of limited space – have the advantages of silicon cells,” says Wulf. By 2010, analysts project a global market share of thin-film technologies of around 20 percent. Until then, should the silicon prices have relaxed high, which presses currently on the mood of the solar industry.
Q-Cells, claims to the second largest manufacturer of solar cells, its existing technology portfolio will in any event extend to the thin-film CIGS technology. In the planned joint venture with Solibro, the company has secured a share of 67.5 percent and pays for the time being four million €. The payment of a further 20 million euro makes Q-Cells on the achievement of technological milestones dependent. Plans to build a factory in Thalheim with an annual capacity of 25 to 30 MW. For the first stage of Q-Cells will spend about 60 million €.
Already reached Solibro – a spin-off of the renowned Angstrom Solar Center, Uppsala University – at its pilot line modules with efficiencies of 11.5 percent. Under laboratory conditions had already been achieved efficiencies of up to 16.6 percent and 18.5 percent in mini-modules for cells, says Q-Cells. By comparison, the U.S. solar manufacturer SunPower has achieved in his latest classical solar cells after reported a conversion efficiency of at least 22 percent

Pack of 4 “AA” rechargeable NiCd replacement batteries. For use in all solar fixtures.

CCI Moonrays 97125 Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 4-Pack, AA. Designed especially for solar lights. This pack included 4-Piece of 600 mAh AA NiCd batteries.

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other news: ‘Motes’ sensors receive solar battery

Monday, 6 November 2006, 11:57 UhrKommentar write novel wireless sensors – motes – will in future be operated by solar energy. That said Kristofer Pister, Professor of Computer Science at the University of California at Berkeley, across from the service industry eWeek.

Pister is considered one of the founders of the Motes concept. Motes are wireless sensors the size of a dust particle (Dust) – Motes why a network is referred to as ‘Smartdust’. The sensors are suitable to collect data on light, temperature or vibration and forward. A ‘Smartdust’ network can cover a radius of up to 300 meters.

Each contains Motes Circuits, communication technology and a power supply. Is new now is that Pister will develop over the next three years, a “true single-chip Mote. The power supply should it take a solar cell that is integrated into the sensor. This eliminates the external power supply, so Pister. The sensor could be smaller still.

to integrate the energy source in the Mote would be “a real breakthrough,” said Marlene Bourne, principal analyst at Bourne Research. Nor is the solution not so far as that one “just take a handful of Motes and sprinkle them around in an aircraft could”. Currently, the sensors are limited mainly by the battery power.

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Everything You Need to Power Up

The Sunforce 50044 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit has everything you need to start generating power. It includes four (4) 15-Watt amorphous solar panels with durable mounting frames, a 200-Watt modified sine wave power inverter, a 7-Amp solar charge controller, and a wiring kit with accessories for easy installation. With built-in blocking diode technology, this solar charging kit is designed to protect against battery discharge at night. You can also use this kit to maintain the charge on any 12-Volt battery for clean, silent operation of various electronics, such as deer feeders and landscaping pumps. The included charge controller features a built-in ultra-bright blue LED charging indicator, and is a great choice for automobiles, recreational vehicles, tractors, all-terrain vehicles, boats, electric fences, telemetry and more.

• Designed for RVs, cabins, homes, boats, back-up and remote power use, and more
• Weatherproof, durable solar panels can withstand impacts from hailstones travelling 50 miles-per-hour
• Includes four 15-Watt solar panels with durable mounting frames, a 200-Watt power inverter, a 7-Amp solar charge controller, and a wiring kit with accessories for easy installation
• Built-in, ultra-bright blue LED charging indicator

other news:

Canadian Solar, one of the world’s largest solar company, said that the company was one of the supplier of solar modules for the largest solar park in Europe. Built was the 70-megawatt plant near Rovigo, northeastern Italy. The solar system is the largest single-operated solar power plant in Europe and went in just nine months to the grid.
The SunEdison, a leading global provider of solar energy and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, built solar power plant that delivers just the first year of operation, enough energy for more than 16,500 households. This will save over 40,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the emissions of 8,000 vehicles.
“This impressive PV project is a milestone in Europe and shows the high performance of SunEdison. We are proud that this major project, the solar modules from Canadian Solar were used,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. “Our modules to satisfy our customers through reliability and quality -. Success factors that were critical to the project in Rovigo and that we want to move forward in the new year, the solar energy worldwide”  Financing for the solar system by the private equity firm First Reserve Corporation. As part of a joint venture with SunEdison collected the investment by First Reserve Partners Group AG and Perennis Capital Partners SGR. First Reserve recently announced the completion of another financial package amounting to 276 million euros with some leading European banks, including Banco Santander, Unicredit Corporate Banking, Dexia Crediop, Natixis, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole.

Professor Martin Green shines like a champ. The physicist from the University of New South Wales in Sydney has established the efficiency record for silicon solar cells. 24.7 percent of the incident light energy can transform Green’s solar cells into electrical current. Commercial Photovoltaic modules bring it up to 15 percent.

And so no one can doubt his world record, Australian researchers his record solar cell to the control of independent scientists in Sandia National Lab in the United States can be measured. The mystery of the “Perl” called solar cells from laboratory greens are tiny, pyramid-shaped depressions on the light-collecting surface.

On the slopes of these inverted pyramids incident light can be reflected so that it meets again on the silicon surface – that is, as it receives a second chance to absorb, if it has not been swallowed at the first contact of the silicon. Also located beneath the pyramids, an anti-reflective coating, which promotes the absorption of the incident photons.

The 25 percent efficiency of solar cells are Perl already close to the theoretical limit of 31 percent for conventional solar cells made of silicon. But who says that solar cells need to be conventional and silicon? “Basically, efficiencies are possible of up to 95 percent,” says Green, the thermodynamic limit for the conversion of light energy into electricity. So there is still much to do for the dynamic physicist who has been nominated two years ago as director of the newly founded Research Center for the 3rd generation solar cells.

The first generation of solar cells is made of silicon. Virtually all the modules in use today belong to it – whether they come in pocket calculators or house roofs. Started their commercial use was in 1958 – in space.

A second generation of solar energy technology is about to accomplish the leap from research laboratories into practice: the so-called thin-film solar cells. You can relatively cheap and large areas of glass by coating with suitable semiconductor materials – such as copper indium diselenide or polycrystalline silicon – are produced. The reduced up to ten times the production cost of thin-film solar cells in comparison to the first-generation solar cells are likely in practice to offset the disadvantage of a somewhat lower efficiency of only about ten percent.

Although the team of Professor Green and on the further improvement of solar cells of the first and second generation works, but the main focus is those future technologies, the institute gave its name after all. “The third generation of solar cells will be as cheap as the thin-film technology, but efficiencies allow up to 80 percent,” Green formulated his research objective. And he has been pursuing a number of ideas that this breakthrough for a wide use of solar energy technology could be possible.

A relatively simple and already the supply of satellites used method is the series connection of several solar cells that are sensitive to different frequency components of sunlight. Triple-A solar cell made Gallium-Indium-Phosphor/Galliumarsenid/Germanium already achieved more than 30 percent efficiency. With a further, fourth cell, the efficiency will then soon be at 40 percent. “In theory”, explains Green, “the limit for the efficiency of a four-layer cell at 68.8 percent.”

Still, the tandem, triple or four-layer solar cells for the normal market are far too expensive. But if we succeed in uniting the various cells in a single layer system, a low-cost mass production could be possible.

Green also explores new solar cells that use “hot carrier”, “Multi line tape”, “quantum dots” or multiple quantum walls. Their operating principles are based on complex solid state physics. But always, it is ultimately about making the capture of light particles and their conversion into electric charge carriers for the usable power efficiently.

Great expectations for Green in the “thermo photonic cells” that can convert not only light but also heat into electricity. Technological heart is a special ceramic with rare earth atoms, the heat in nearly monochromatic light can transform. This laser-like light can again be converted very efficiently by a suitable solar cell into electricity.

“In principle, this technique has an efficiency of 85.4 percent possible,” said Green. Such a value would not only be revolutionary for the solar technology, the waste heat from conventional power plants could be the use of economic efficiency. Green can even imagine that the special ceramic is heated by a gas burner and then played through the intermediate step of “light” electric energy – and more efficient than any existing power plant.

The research on silicon solar cells have the Green introduced along the way another world record. From his lab are also the most luminous silicon LEDs. They are ten times more efficient than the best systems elsewhere. In principle, these are Perl solar cells – also work vice versa very effective as a light source – power.

The silicon diode is of a new age of computer technology, believes Green: “It will provide three-dimensional chips.” The 3D chips consist of several layers of silicon, which can exchange via tiny Perl-emitting diodes and solar cells each other Perl-contact data and communicate. , It predicts Green, “then the entire interior of a PC is” “in a small cube can be accommodated.”

Hartwig Langbein of Struth-Helmershof will continue to use the power of the sun even more
Struth-Helmershof – “Until now we have the power of the sun

still not properly used, “says Hartwig Langbein almost as an aside. A view of the roof of his house and for heating in the basement shows, however, that the Struthers has discovered the sun’s energy for itself long ago.

He may even refer to considerable success. This brought him to the end of 2009, the energy value price of the district Schmalkalden-Meiningen. So that the owner of a metal processing company had not expected. We heard about the competition until the last minute and quickly filled out the documents still remembers the trader. Now it the price of the district for his complex, impeccably synchronized, heat pumps, solar thermal heating system has been awarded.

Was actually created through close cooperation with the Trusetaler consultant for alternative thermal technologies and environmental winner of the state of Thuringia in 1997, Stefan Wolf, and the local heating contractor Chris Klein as a collective work, says host Hartwig Langbein, the award more significant.

Stark put it simply, the inventor of the workings of a solar thermal plant with a heat pump and a large memory are linked. The basic problem alternatively derived from solar power energy is its storage.

When the PV power is immediately fed into the public power grid. are solar thermal process heat energy “stored” on site at the customer must, however, described Stefan Wolf. So they built in the grounds of Hartwig Langbein next to the house is a large underground tank which stores the heat. The insulation is about 60 centimeters thick. It has a capacity of 12 000 liters. The water contained therein is heated by the 45-square-foot solar thermal system.

From the roof of the house from the heated water flows from the sun at appropriate temperatures in the storage belonging to the plant as well as directly to the heat pump. Down their temperatures – these changes cover a wide array installed sensor – gets the system automatically “replenishment” of the solar system.

Has exhausted its potential, does the heat pump into the action. The solar energy stored in mass storage is in summer and winter, day and night, used at a reasonable heating. In the warmer season usually extends the power of the solar thermal plant alone.

The thus permanently recovered from solar power energy will heat the house long leg in the heating and water heating in their use. Since September last year, the system operates in the described association.

It is the inventor team Langbein far from being at the end of the savings screw. One could, for example, the use temperature of the solar thermal collectors lowered even further. Thus, the heat energy of the solar thermal plant not only at ten degrees is obtained from the solar collectors, but, even more efficient, even at temperatures just above freezing. What sounds easy in theory and on the plan is still clearly looks, in practice, a technically complex network of circuits. Their condition is indicated by a number of data points collected continuously and analyzed. Limits are reached, the complex system works independently again until enough heat is present. “We have the expectation that about 70 to 80 percent of the current energy source to save oil,” says Langbein the objective of the investment. About a third of the necessary amount, he received a grant from various funding programs.

Saving effect is even higher

Planner Stefan Wolf draws attention to the fact that this plant is unique with its components. She is a model for how invested the existing building stock later, so that alternative energies can be obtained under practical conditions and stored. “The trend goes into the thermal unit in order to ensure self-sufficiency,” he describes the long-term economically and ecologically sensible objective in the face of climate change.

Given this massive old buildings it is a great challenge to find energy solutions that can be retrofitted as a long-leg home. The existing plant Stefan Wolf describes as “the first steps”. The innovative approach of this solar-thermal heat pump heating system was considered by the district as a forward-looking and honored with the Energy Saving Award 2009.

When the bill comes up, Langbein hopes that his willingness to invest in about ten to twelve years, if not earlier by energy prices, payback. Then the savings would be even greater. Such systems usually have a very long lifetime, exceeding 30 years. eh

(Business Wire) Frankfurt am Main, 31.05.2010, Solar Heating SOLAERA of solar thermal equipment manufacturers Consolar convinced not only the cost comparison, it also has by far the lowest CO2 emissions in the market, as a study shows. The solar heating system will enable the entire house with just a heat supply system, which has comfortable room in the basement. Problematic earth drilling or polluting air heat pumps are a thing of the past.

SOLAERA covers the heat demand of a one-family house from up to 13,000 kWh, enough usually completely around the house to supply 100 percent with heat and hot water. But even when heat demand is greater, such as in not well-insulated buildings the case, there is a solution: thanks to an extension to the system controller, the solar heater can not only pellet stoves, but also with the existing boiler (oil / gas) combined be covered and then a heat demand of up to 25,000 kWh from. This makes it easier for owners of old buildings to switch to solar age.

Interested parties can at Intersolar of 9 to 11 June in Hall C3, Booth 226 at the Consolar SOLAERA solar heating and other forward-looking developments inform, that the manufacturer of highly efficient solar thermal systems solar heating of the dream into reality.

Dr. Ulrich Leibfried, managing director of Consolar keeps on Thursday, 10 June at 15:25 clock a lecture on “Solar-heat pump systems as a technology for solar 50 houses. The lecture will take place on the surface of the solar house 50 special display at the trade fair Intersolar.

About Consolar Solar Energy Systems GmbH
Consolar Solar Energy Systems is a leading manufacturer of highly efficient solar heating systems for single and multi-family houses. Established in 1994, owner-operated company has developed powerful solar panels for water heating and space heating and solar heaters. The product portfolio ranges from small water systems to large cluster systems to complete systems with the use of biomass or solar heat pump for the low-energy building standard. With the environmentally friendly solutions, the building heat supply completely done with renewable energy and CO2 emissions. Since its inception, among ethical commitment powerful and durable products in the focus of the company, which is reflected in more than 35,000 systems installed with Consolar technology and numerous awards and prizes for innovation. Consolar in ten European countries, with headquarters in Frankfurt as well as its own development and production plant.

Consolar tube collector 12 CI CI awarded top marks in the current eco-test / distinction “very good” for solar coverage rate of Consolar-system

SOLUS II solar collector tube with 12 CI CI Consolar
(Business Wire) Frankfurt am Main, 06.10.2010, Consolar The solar technology is also the latest comparison test of the consumer magazine Oeko-Test (Edition 10/2010) at the top: How was the collector tube 12 CI CI Consolar of the top rating of “very good” for its outstanding performance. Of all 17 tested solar Consolar got the system is rated “very good” for the solar cover. Despite the very small builders friendly collector of 10.6 square Consolar the system achieved a 28 percent, the second highest solar coverage rate in the test. The only plant with a 30 percent coverage rate requires a nearly 50 percent larger roof area than the Consolar system. Consolar thus combines maximum power and performance with comprehensive architectural requirements. The high efficiency of the system makes it possible to implement even on limited roof surfaces, a particularly environmentally friendly plant, large quantities of oil or gas and thus CO2 saving.

Because of the particularly high efficiency of the solar system Consolar for use on the first zero-emission research station “Princess Elizabeth” was selected in the Antarctic. Since early 2009, the plant, the polar station powered reliably under extreme conditions of heat.

Tube collectors for them in winter and in the transitional period, a much higher yield than flat plate collector systems. An efficient solar system does require a memory efficient collectors with very low heat losses. This is ensured in the Antarctic and in the eco-test employed by an innovative combination tank insulation. The SOLUS memory of Consolar were honored as the first steel storage with the environmental label “Blauer Engel”.

About Consolar Solar Energy Systems GmbH
Consolar Solar Energy Systems is a leading manufacturer of highly efficient solar heating systems for single and multi-family houses. Established in 1994, owner-managed company develops and manufactures high performance solar water heaters and space heating and solar heaters. The product portfolio ranges from small water systems to large cluster systems to complete systems with the use of biomass or solar heating for the low-energy building standard. With the environmentally friendly solutions, the building heat supply completely done with renewable energy and CO2 emissions. Since its inception, among ethical commitment to heavy investment in research and development focus of the company, which is reflected in more than 35,000 systems installed with Consolar technology and numerous awards and prizes for innovation. Consolar is represented in ten European countries, with headquarters in Frankfurt as well as its own development and production plant in Lörrach.