Tag Archives: part
SPI Blog, Part 3: eIQ and the Distributed PV Electronics Field
eIQ is one of many startups that have emerged in the last few yearswith an eye toward innovation in the photovoltaic inverter / balance ofsystem market. The global inverter market is sizable and estimated at$2.4 billion in 2009. The central inverter incumbents include SMA, SatCon, Fronius, Xantrex, PV Powered, and many more. Here is a [...]
Bloggage From SPI, Part 2: A Hopeful CPV Panel
I moderated a panel on Tuesday on Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) at the Solar Power International show in Anaheim. I am an unlikely choice for the CPV moderator role as I have not always heaped praise on the CPV industry (see here and here). But I kept an open mind, and our panel explored the progress [...]
Bloggage from Solar Power International Part 1
With more than 18,000 attendees and about 900 exhibitors in Anaheim,CA (right near Disneyland) – Solar Power International is the US’largest solar trade show. I’ll be posting as frequently as I can fromthe event. Last night was the opening reception with nearby fireworks andthousands of people milling to the sounds of the cover band thatfollows [...]
DIY Solar Part 3: System Components
In our previous posts we talked about the design process and then different kinds of systems to choose from.Now let’s talk about the system components that you need to be aware ofbefore tackling a project like this. Many people believe that you justget some panels and wire them into the electrical system. It’s notquite that [...]
DIY Solar Part 2: Choosing A System
Last week we started talking about DIY solar and covering the topicsthat will help you decide if you can do solar yourself. There areplenty of different systems that can fit your solar needs. Let’s coverthe three most popular systems. Grid Tied SolarThis is the easiest and most popular way to get started in solar power.These [...]
Solar Power — It’s All Local (Part 1 of 2)
So, you want do your bit to reduce greenhouse gases and save theplanet. And if you save some money on your electric bill, well, who’sgoing to say “no” to that? Following the Solar Decathlon as if it were the pennant race, you’re convinced that solar power is the way to go. You’ve done your research [...]
Solar Decathalon 2009 Innovations, Part 1
Solar Decathalon 2009kicked off on the National Mall Wednesday. After receiving more than 40student-generated proposals from universities in the U.S. andworldwide, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) narrowed the field downto 20 finalists that offered the most innovative, high-tech,high-efficiency, solar-powered homes. More than 800 students arecompeting this year. This is the fourth time the DOE has sponsored thebiennial competition. Each of [...]
DIY Solar Part 1: The Design Process
For homeowners around the world, the idea of reducing their power billsand helping the planet is pretty enticing. The problem now as it alwayshas been is money. Solar can be expensive, and even with governmentrebates the cost can scare some people away. If you are a do-it-yourselferyou’ve probably wondered if you can tackle a solar [...]
altpower: Bringing the BIPV
The term BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) is a loaded term. What is it really? Photovoltaic roofing tiles? OK, that makes sense. Although that’s a tough product to sell. Just ask now bankrupt Open Energy. Or perennial fund raiser Redwood Renewables. Merging electronics with roof tiles, roofers with electricians, is a difficult mix. Sharp, SunPower, Suntech [...]