Technology Corner

When You’re Given The Cold Solar

The sceneYou’re in the process of putting together a solar energy system. You’ve picked a brand of solar panel that will fit your needs, and have chosen a 150V MPPT charge controller to manage the battery charging. You’ve done the…

What You Really Need To Know About Lithium Batteries & Their Safe Use
What You Really Need To Know About Lithium Batteries & Their Safe Use

What You Really Need To Know About Lithium Batteries & Their Safe Use

What follows is a brief addendum to these articles, adding a few notes to help people truly understand the lithium battery landscape.

Portable Solar Panels & Extension Cables
Portable Solar Panels & Extension Cables

Portable Solar Panels & Extension Cables

You’re looking to position some portable solar panels at a distance from your van or RV or cabin. Mainly because it’s nice to live in the shade, while you position the solar panels out in the summer sunshine. This is…

Solar Yard Lights… Know Before You Buy
Solar Yard Lights… Know Before You Buy

Solar Yard Lights… Know Before You Buy

Avoid disappointment and landfill fodder. Learn about the micro off-grid world of solar yard lights.

Goal Zero Yeti Battery Packs: Making Connections

In this posting, I hope to shed some light on the task of making solar connections to the Goal Zero Yeti series of portable power packs. Since Goal Zero products are constantly evolving, I will try my best to keep…

Flexible Solar Review
Flexible Solar Review

Flexible Solar Review

Edited by : Graham Morfitt (BSc Physics) Maybe you’ve seen them. Flexible solar modules without aluminum frames, glued directly onto the roofs of vans & trailers, or boat decks. Ever wonder what they’re all about, and whether they would be…

Best Deal On Solar Modules

How do you define the Best Deal on solar modules? Is it simply a matter of a big discount off the regular price? Or do you go one step further and do the quick calculation of $/Watt? Or, perhaps you…

Disposable AA’s Are Costing You Plenty
Disposable AA’s Are Costing You Plenty

Disposable AA’s Are Costing You Plenty

It’s all too easy. Grab a package of Duracell or Energizer AA’s at the checkout. They’re only a few dollars. You need them for your radio or flashlight, and they say on the package that they’re good for 5-10 years.…

How “Green” Is Your Green Energy?
How “Green” Is Your Green Energy?

How “Green” Is Your Green Energy?

When it comes to green, renewable energy, solar PV tends to hold the high ground. More quiet than wind generators. More accessible than micro hydro. Just install your solar panels and sit back & read the good news every time…

Choosing The Best Solar Panel

Choosing the best solar panel is not simply a matter of getting the most watts for the cheapest price. Even if we could assume that all manufacturers produce equipment of equal quality, the old adage of “For every job, there…

Showdown : Thin Film vs Crystalline
Showdown : Thin Film vs Crystalline

Showdown : Thin Film vs Crystalline

As should be expected, a common question I am asked is: Thin Film vs Crystalline… what is the best solar panel to use? There are essentially two types: Thin Film & Crystalline. Each have their own sub groups, like amorphous silicone…