Alternative power. Off the grid living. Solar Panels: Generating power while at sea or anchored out. Using my boat Angel as an example, this simple visual intro demonstrates a 12 volt DC marine solar power system (photovoltaics) in use. More tech. detail can be found in an upcoming article in Southwinds Magazine. (free downloads at www.southwindsmagazine.com) The article explores common ?’s such as: How much power does your boat need, selecting solar panels, charge controllers & cost comparison to a fuel-based charging system. Note: these systems aren’t perfect; a series of cloudy days will reduce those available amp hours from the battery bank. In long periods of cloudy weather, I run Angel’s engine (under a load), its alternator keeping the batteries from getting too low. Also check out: www.solarreviewonline.com which leads to Cathy Mitschele’s helpful eBook, http
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On a cold and gray November day, Crayola and PPL Renewable Energy broke ground on a very bright and sunny idea in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. PPL Renewable Energy will install more than 26000 solar panels on 15 acres that will provide about 10 percent of Crayolas total annual electricity needs at its Forks Township, Pa., headquarters and manufacturing complex. The 1.9 megawatt system will convert energy from sunlight to help Crayola produce 1 billion crayons per year. The project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2010. Not only will the project generate clean, renewable electricity, but it will also benefit the environment. Generating the same amount of electricity with fossil fuels would produce about 1900 tons per year of greenhouse gases. For more information on how PPL Renewable Energy is helping customers harness the power of the wind, sun, biomass and biogas please visit www.PPLRenewableEnergy.com
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