With so many solar panel options now available, it can be tricky to know which type is best for your needs. Two of the most popular solar panel technologies are shingled solar panels and monocrystalline solar panels. But what exactly is the difference between these two options? In short, shingled solar panels are made of…
Have you ever wondered if solar panels produce AC or DC current? With the growing popularity of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, this is an important question for homeowners looking to go solar. Solar panels produce DC power, but inverters are used to convert the DC electricity into usable AC power. However, there is a…
The solar energy sector has been growing at an exponential rate, with more homes and businesses adopting solar panels. However, some people are hesitant to install solar panels due to concerns about power fluctuations. So does solar panel voltage actually fluctuate? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, solar panel voltage does fluctuate throughout the day. The…
Solar panel systems come with their own set of equipment that must be properly installed and maintained. One of the most critical components is the solar inverter, which converts the DC power from the solar panels into usable AC power for your home. However, there is often confusion about whether solar inverters need to be…
Connecting a solar panel directly to a heater is an appealing way to utilize renewable solar energy for home heating needs. But is it safe to do so? Yes, it is possible to connect a solar panel directly to a heater under certain conditions. However, there are important factors like voltage, power, and type of…
![[Exploring] Can a Solar Generator Run an Electric Blanket?](https://www.itekenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Can-a-Solar-Generator-Run-an-Electric-Blanket-768x428.webp)
Staying warm during cold winter nights can be a challenge, especially when power outages occur. Electric blankets provide comforting warmth but require electricity to operate. With increasing extreme weather events causing grid failures, many wonder if a solar generator can reliably power an electric blanket. Here is the good news for you – yes, most…
Getting the most power output from your solar panels is key to maximizing their return on investment. Using a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) charge controller allows you to optimize the energy harvest by keeping the panels operating at peak efficiency. Configuring the right number of panels in series and parallel is essential to take…
![[Troubleshooting] Solar Charge Controller No Load Output](https://www.itekenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Solar-Charge-Controller-No-Load-Output-768x428.webp)
Solar charge controllers are essential devices that regulate power from solar panels into batteries. They prevent issues like overcharging using either PWM or MPPT to optimize the solar input voltage. Sometimes, controllers exhibit a higher or lower than expected “no load output” when not connected to a battery. This abnormal voltage could come from high…
Photovoltaics (PV), also known as solar cells, converts sunlight directly into electricity without releasing any pollutants. However, as PV technology continues to develop and improve, determining its key strengths and benefits versus conventional energy sources has become an important question. The core strengths of photovoltaics are their sustainable, renewable nature, decreasing costs, versatility in terms…
The solar energy sector has been growing rapidly, but many homeowners find themselves undecided between going hybrid solar or sticking with a traditional grid-tied system. Basically, hybrid solar systems combine solar panels with batteries for energy storage, while grid-tied systems feed excess energy straight to the electrical grid. There are advantages and disadvantages to both…