/r/solarpower

Photograph via snooOG

The Solar Power Reddit


The Solar Power Reddit

Solar Power - the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly using concentrated solar power, or a combination. Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.

Photovoltaics were initially solely used as a source of electricity for small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator powered by a single solar cell to remote homes powered by an off-grid rooftop PV system. Commercial concentrated solar power plants were first developed in the 1980s. The 392 MW Ivanpah installation is the largest concentrating solar power plant in the world, located in the Mojave Desert of California.

As the cost of solar electricity has fallen, the number of grid-connected solar PV systems has grown into the millions and utility-scale solar power stations with hundreds of megawatts are being built. Solar PV is rapidly becoming an inexpensive, low-carbon technology to harness renewable energy from the Sun. The current largest photovoltaic power station in the world is the 850 MW Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, in Qinghai, China.

The International Energy Agency projected in 2014 that under its "high renewables" scenario, by 2050, solar photovoltaics and concentrated solar power would contribute about 16 and 11 percent, respectively, of the worldwide electricity consumption, and solar would be the world's largest source of electricity. Most solar installations would be in China and India. Currently, as of 2016, solar power provides just 1% of total worldwide electricity production but growing 33% per annum.

Wiikipedia: solar power


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3

Liquid-Immersed Transformers: Building a Greener Tomorrow

Introduction
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is one of the most critical challenges of our time. Wind energy has emerged as a leading solution to this challenge, offering a sustainable and clean alternative for power generation. At the heart of this green revolution lies the liquid-immersed transformer—a crucial component in wind energy systems. Manufactured by companies that are pioneering advancements in renewable energy technology, these transformers are making wind turbines more efficient, accessible, and reliable for diverse applications. By facilitating widespread adoption of wind power, liquid-immersed transformers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between fossil fuels and renewable energy, paving the way for a sustainable future.

The Role of Liquid-Immersed Transformers in Wind Energy Systems

Liquid-immersed transformers are essential to the efficient operation of wind energy systems. These transformers step up or step down the voltage produced by wind turbines, enabling seamless integration into electrical grids. Their ability to handle high power levels and withstand the harsh environmental conditions typical of wind farms makes them an ideal choice for renewable energy applications.

Additionally, the liquid used in these transformers, typically mineral oil or synthetic esters, serves as an insulator and coolant, ensuring safe and efficient operation even under heavy loads. This combination of reliability and performance makes liquid-immersed transformers indispensable in the push toward a greener tomorrow.

Advancing Wind Power Accessibility

One of the key challenges in transitioning to renewable energy has been the accessibility of wind turbines, especially in remote or underdeveloped regions. Liquid-immersed transformers, engineered with advanced materials and designs, address this challenge by improving the efficiency and affordability of wind power systems.

By reducing energy losses and enhancing the durability of wind turbines, these transformers contribute to lowering the overall cost of wind energy projects. This makes renewable energy a viable option for a broader demographic, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are more equitably distributed.

Bridging the Gap Between Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy

The adoption of liquid-immersed transformers marks a significant step in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Their high efficiency minimizes energy losses, enabling wind farms to generate more electricity with less environmental impact. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also accelerates the replacement of traditional power plants with sustainable alternatives.

By enabling a seamless transition to renewable energy sources, liquid-immersed transformers help bridge the energy gap, ensuring that societies can maintain their energy demands while moving toward a sustainable future.

Sustainable Design and Materials

Companies manufacturing liquid-immersed transformers for wind energy systems prioritize sustainability in design and materials. The use of biodegradable insulating fluids, such as natural esters, reduces environmental risks and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

Moreover, these transformers are often built using recyclable materials and are designed for extended operational lifespans, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. This focus on sustainable manufacturing reinforces the commitment to a greener future.

Enhancing Reliability in Harsh Environments

Wind farms are often located in challenging environments, including offshore sites and mountainous regions, where extreme temperatures, humidity, and salt exposure are common. Liquid-immersed transformers are designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring reliable operation over decades.

Features like advanced cooling systems, robust enclosures, and specialized coatings enhance the transformers’ ability to endure environmental stressors. This reliability is critical to maintaining the uninterrupted operation of wind energy systems, further solidifying their role in the renewable energy ecosystem.

The Future of Liquid-Immersed Transformers in Wind Energy

As wind energy technology continues to evolve, liquid-immersed transformers are also advancing to meet the demands of modern power systems. Innovations such as digital monitoring systems, modular designs, and higher efficiency cores are being integrated into new models.

These advancements not only improve performance but also provide real-time insights into transformer health and operation, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. This future-focused approach ensures that liquid-immersed transformers remain a cornerstone of the renewable energy landscape.

Key Benefits of Liquid-Immersed Transformers for Wind Power

  • High Efficiency: Reduced energy losses contribute to more sustainable power generation.
  • Durability: Designed to operate reliably under extreme conditions.
  • Scalability: Suitable for wind farms of all sizes, from small community projects to large-scale installations.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Enhances the economic feasibility of wind energy systems.
  • Environmental Friendliness: Incorporates eco-friendly materials and designs.

A Global Shift Toward Renewable Energy

The growing demand for renewable energy underscores the importance of components like liquid-immersed transformers in creating a sustainable energy infrastructure. Governments, private enterprises, and communities worldwide are investing in wind power to meet climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

This global shift is driven by technological innovations that make wind energy more accessible and reliable. Liquid-immersed transformers are central to this transformation, enabling the world to move closer to a carbon-neutral future.

Conclusion

Liquid-immersed transformers represent more than just an advancement in electrical engineering; they are a symbol of the renewable energy revolution. By making wind turbines more efficient, durable, and accessible, these transformers are helping to close the gap between fossil fuels and sustainable power sources.

As pioneering companies continue to innovate and refine these technologies, liquid-immersed transformers will remain a key enabler of the global transition to wind energy. Their role in creating a greener tomorrow underscores the power of engineering to solve pressing environmental challenges, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

https://preview.redd.it/np0sonx4ve3e1.jpg?width=984&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca6bccdab11898c55eef8358c48762ee25bf1f86

0 Comments
2024/11/27
09:22 UTC

5

Post-Election Solar Outlook: What’s Next for the Industry Under Trump?

What’s Next for the Solar Industry?

As we look ahead, the solar industry is buzzing with speculation about potential changes under the new administration. While nothing is set in stone, conversations in the Roth Report and other industry discussions are offering clues about what might be on the horizon. It’s important to remember that these are projections, not guarantees, and everything could shift as policies and priorities evolve.

Here’s what we’re hearing:

Possible Changes to the ITC and PTC

One of the biggest topics of conversation is the future of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC). Reports suggest the timelines for these incentives might be shortened, with the possibility of expiring as early as 2027 instead of 2032 which is what’s scheduled to happen currently.

Focus on Domestic Manufacturing

The new administration’s focus on energy independence and U.S. manufacturing could drive an even greater shift toward rewarding the production and use of domestically manufactured products.

While we’re still awaiting final guidance on the current 10% domestic content adder for commercial installations, there’s a chance it could be over before it truly takes off.

We see three possible outcomes for how this could unfold:

  1. No Changes: The domestic content adder remains unchanged, and the IRS issues final guidance consistent with the current structure (expected by the end of 2024).
  2. New Domestic Content Requirements: The ITC’s 30% base credit could require domestic content compliance for eligibility. While this would create more restrictive guidelines, it would also provide strong incentives for projects utilizing U.S.-manufactured components to maintain the full credit.
  3. Elimination of the Adder: The domestic content adder could be removed altogether, capping the ITC at 30% for all projects regardless of where components are manufactured.

No matter which direction this takes, the momentum toward U.S. manufacturing sparked by the IRA has already created a renaissance in domestic production. We expect this shift to continue as policymakers prioritize American-made products. However, supply and demand challenges are likely to persist until the domestic supply chain fully matures.

This video provides further breakdown of what we see in the future of solar power under Trump 2.0.

1 Comment
2024/11/26
18:02 UTC

8

Jackery Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals (solar generator question)

Hey everyone, just a quick question. Looking at jackery's solar panel generator as a back-up for occasional off-the-grid camping trips especially now they have black friday deals out. I like their 5000 plus' capacity and the multiple solar panels but was wondering if any of you have experience about its real-world performance? Any quirks or limitations I should know about before committing?

Update - i've taken a look at the best jackery deals i could find for black friday and here's my list:

Best Jackery Black Friday deals:

1 Comment
2024/11/23
08:14 UTC

1

Solar power project

Hi! I want to make a project that takes solar energy and, after charging a battery, redirects the energy with the help of a microcontroller to other consumers. do you know where I can find information about this?

1 Comment
2024/11/21
18:47 UTC

1

Solar Powered UVC Lamp

heyyy, so were doing a research on the properties of uv light and we've decided to try and power it using solar energy. I just wanna ask if it is possible or if there are any existing products out there. thanks

1 Comment
2024/11/16
04:04 UTC

1

Solar Expert Reveals the Best Solar Panels for Every Lifestyle!

0 Comments
2024/11/13
16:58 UTC

3

Best solar company in Bay Area?

Looking for a solar company for my home in the Bay Area. Want some recommendations on where I should go for honest and reputable quotes. NO BIG COMPANIES !!

0 Comments
2024/11/11
20:32 UTC

1

why there are no high-voltage trans-oceanic cables? or WordWideGrid?

I ask this question, because solar photovoltaics became in some sunny places relatively cheap nowadays and the market penetration of this technology is limited by the need for (=cost of) local energy storage.An alternative to solar+storage would be transoceanic electric POWER cables, that run at high voltage: since the Sun always shines somewhere, the photoelectric power can be transmitted from one continent to another without a need for local electric energy storage. High voltage transmission is preferred to high current, as explained here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_power_cable : High voltage or high current .

However, this is NOT happening: the longest underwater high voltage DC cable today is only 600 km long https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Submarine_power_cable&action=edit&section=9 .

I understand, that there are political problems with Worldwide Electric Grid. But what prevents a transatlantic high voltage electric power line between Portugal and North Carolina?

0 Comments
2024/11/10
21:13 UTC

12

Where sun meets water

1 Comment
2024/11/10
16:59 UTC

3

Need some advice

What is the best solar generator for a woodworking business? I’m very new to this and I want to use renewable energy instead of relying on gas generators.

1 Comment
2024/11/08
23:09 UTC

4

History of solar energy

0 Comments
2024/11/08
00:02 UTC

1

Small solar kit setup help

I have a small solar kit (similar to this: https://a.co/d/cjBevxA) that only lasts a few days. I would like replace the panel with a larger solar panel (like this: https://a.co/d/bOXQrbM) to keep the battery from dying. I don't know much about how to configure this setup, but I think there should be a component between the larger panel and the device. I am looking for advice on what is needed in this setup. Thanks in advance!

0 Comments
2024/11/07
03:34 UTC

9

Technology improvements in solar panels

1 Comment
2024/11/05
16:21 UTC

3

Full Home Power Kit?

Please no hate I'm very New to this and I don't know half of what I'm looking at

From what I've Gathered "The Average Home uses 30kW per day" - Google

We've always wanted to go full Solar but haven't really found anything Locally so I'm looking into DIY

(Yes, "I don't know half of what I'm looking at" but I mean for exact Wattage and Batteries I would need to power my home specifically, I do have some experience with doing Electrical in Homes)

Where is a Safe/Legit place to Get Solar Panels and Batteries either Online or maybe a Business (I'm in TN, so somewhere near Nashville maybe? For example)

What kWh and Panels and Batteries would I need to power a 4 Bedroom House and Appliances and TVs, Game Consoles,

or what would I need for a bare minimum to power Appliances like a Stove, Freezer, Fridge, Outdoor Wood stove, and lights around the house?

Again I'm new to Solar so please no hate, I have done some research but I prefer interacting with actual people over a search bar and YT if I can.

Thanks for Reading if you made it this far

0 Comments
2024/10/22
16:52 UTC

3

Small sized solar

Hi, sorry to ask this, I am struggling to find this on Google as everytime I google something about size of solar panels, the reading I get is about "how big should your installation be for your home" or stuff like that.

I have a fairly large, old house in Northern Europe, on which I cannot get solar panels (partially because it would be an eye sore, partially as it's a "protected" house so I likely won't get approval). Given the size and age, we have a high energy consumption.

However, we do have a small outhouse which lies basically unobstructed and gets sun all day on which I think some panels could be installed (it's also not very tall, so installation should be easy).

But lots of what I'm reading on the subject makes it sound like if your installation is too small it won't be economically sound to install. I don't really understand this - I am guessing it is because there is a certain amount of "fixed cost" involved in installation, but I would have thought if anything a smaller installation would be easier to "optimize" than a big one as you would rarely have surplus electricity which you either need to give back to the grid or store in battery. Can anyone explain to me?

I know it's hard to say without much detail but hoping for some general thoughts on this.

(there are two similar forums, not sure on which to write this)

2 Comments
2024/10/18
12:07 UTC

2

Normal home inverter setup + separate solar charging of the same battery safe for continuous use?

Will it be okay to have a normal inverter + battery setup, the kind that usually gets set up in homes without solar, and have a separate system of solar panels connected through a charge controller charging the same battery?

I'm not worried of sending extra power to grid (i know it requires a separate on grid inverter and a net meter). Just want solar to charge batteries, grid to charge them if solar is too low and use the stored power in the night or during grid outages

Asking this because i already have the normal inverter setup and trying to add solar with the least extra stuff to be bought

0 Comments
2024/10/18
06:16 UTC

3

Hello, I am new to solar energy.

Hi guys sorry I am looking for solar trackers for commercial use, any recommendations?

1 Comment
2024/10/12
19:34 UTC

3

Solar batteries

0 Comments
2024/10/10
23:25 UTC

4

Solar energy

1 Comment
2024/10/08
15:18 UTC

2

Free Websites for Solar Companies (hear me out)

1 Comment
2024/10/01
15:01 UTC

1

Power station Recommendations

I am looking at buying a powerstation big enough to push a Labtop. Under $200. Looking for true recommendations…TIA

0 Comments
2024/09/28
23:15 UTC

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