plug and play solar Archives

Packaged Solar System Concept Demonstrates An Integrated Approach

March 4, 20178 years ago Derek Markham 0 Comments

A few years ago, I constructed a “plug and play” solar system concept, which contains a 12 volt solar power input, charge controller, lead-acid battery, 120 volt inverter, and 120 volt receptacles for experimental purposes. I wanted to see if this packaged concept could be practical, so I’ve been using it to power things such as my stereo, laptop, and tablet using a 20 watt solar panel. So far, I’ve had no issues with it, as the charge controller handled everything for me.

SolPad: A Compelling Foretelling Of Residential Solar’s Future

October 25, 20168 years ago Matthew Klippenstein 0 Comments

Last month, Silicon Valley startup Sunculture Solar unveiled its solar-plus-storage solution, to Jobsian fanfare. SolPad™ was all over the tech media on the morning of September 22 (here, there, and seemingly everywhere).

Fraunhofer CSE Showcases 2 Commercial-Ready Plug & Play Solar PV Systems At 2016 Demo Day

June 21, 20168 years ago James Ayre 6 Comments

Two new, commercial-ready plug-and-play home solar photovoltaic systems were recently demonstrated by the Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems at the organization’s “2016 Demo Day,” according to a new press release. The new plug-and-play solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are, according to Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, simple … [continued]

SMASHsolar Receives $1 Million Accelerator Grant For Snap-Together PV Module Mounting System

November 2, 201410 years ago James Ayre 2 Comments

The California-based SMASHsolar Inc has been awarded a $1 million accelerator grant by the US Department of Energy in order to aid the introduction of the company’s snap-together PV module mounting system — the SMASH PowerStation — to the market, according to recent reports. According to the company, the SMASH … [continued]

A Power Backup Solution For The Achilles Heel Of Grid-Tie Solar

May 14, 201410 years ago Industry Sponsor 8 Comments

Working in the solar industry, I’ve noticed that the number of people calling who are interested in installing solar-electric (photovoltaic) systems increases substantially after a natural disaster. It’s very understandable considering that after Hurricane Sandy, for example, 8.1 million homes lost power in 17 different states as far west as Michigan, and for … [continued]

Plug-In Solar Panel Kit That Is Truly DIY

March 14, 201411 years ago Industry Sponsor 68 Comments

DIY: Three letters that have the power to send either titillations of excitement or bolts of pure terror down your spine. Myself, I fall into the second group. To me, “Do-It-Yourself” sounds more like a threat than an exciting proposition. DIY solar panels?! You’ve got to be kidding me. … [continued]

Turnkey Solar Prices Drop 40% In Switzerland

April 10, 201311 years ago Nicholas Brown 10 Comments

The average cost of turnkey solar power plants in Switzerland decreased by a whopping 40% between 2011 and 2012, a new report indicate. 94 installers and 402 photovoltaic solar power plant operators were interviewed for this report. Feed-in tariffs were actually reduced by 8% early this year in Switzerland. Last year, … [continued]

Plug & Play Solar In Germany

March 22, 201312 years ago Dr. Karl-Friedrich Lenz 18 Comments

Reposted from Lenz Blog: Craig Morris posted about small Plug & Play solar panels in Germany, under the title of “The danger of solar after grid parity“. Since I don’t think that solar energy is dangerous, I was not happy about that headline. One of the “dangers” discussed in the … [continued]

Peel & Stick Solar Panels: Game Over For Disposable Batteries… Eventually

December 21, 201212 years ago Tina Casey 1 Comment

A solar panel so small, light, thin, and flexible that you can stick it onto just about anything has been developed by engineers at Stanford University. The new peel and stick solar panels actually work more like those temporary tattoos that you apply with water, and there’s a bit of heating … [continued]

Plug & Save – New DIY Solar Systems from Germany

December 20, 201212 years ago elzoido 10 Comments

Some call them “Balcony Power Plants.” They represent the first generation of what may be the future of micro/small residential solar systems. They are off-the-shelf DIY solar systems that require little to no technical skills nor any permits for their installation. “It’s as simple as putting together IKEA furniture,” … [continued]