Global Environment Needs More Solar Power
Les Poroszlay • January 18, 2022
Global Environment Needs More Solar Power
When we think about electrical power, we tend to envision of plugging a device into a socket that is
connected to an electrical wiring system powered by the grid. This may be the status quo but now, this
notion is fundamentally outdated! The electrical grid is a major cause of global warming and we must
consider other options and start thinking in an environmentally responsible manner going beyond what
we call: convenience.
Creating electricity requires millions of tons of non-renewable energy, derived from fossil fuels. These
fuels are found in the Earth’s crust and contain carbon and hydrogen, which can be burned for energy.
Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.
“Global Warming” is no longer just a phrase as some still call it as “fake news”. Supported by hard
science, global warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gases
that collect in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet
to warm up.
Greenhouse gases keep heat close to the earth’s surface, directly causing global warming largely due to
an over-emittance of these gases and fossil fuels (natural oil, gasoline, coal).
The following statements are scientific facts all of us should recognize and pay attention to:
1. There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today than at any point in the last 800,000
years.
2. Since 1870, global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches.
3. Global climate change has already had observable effects on the environment. Glaciers have
shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and
trees are flowering sooner.
4. Heat waves caused by global warming present greater risk of heat-related illness and death,
most frequently among people who have diabetes who are elderly or are very young.
Mitigation — finding ways to avoid the worst effects of the climate emergency — is a hugely complex
problem. The problem itself is multifaceted, value-laden and carries uncertainty. There is no silver bullet
but we have many readily available options of technology and processes that can solve the problem.
We have virtually unlimited resources of renewable energy that can provide power to the entire world
but we must recognize the urgency of its wide scale utilization. Sun, wind, geothermal jus to name a
few.
We need commitment and will while considering the environmental impact.
Solar powered lighting technology has evolved significantly over the years and now we can provide
reliable dusk-to-dawn solution for just about any outdoor and a large number of indoor applications,
new and retrofit alike. Especially, for new projects the choice of solar is being considered at an
increasing rate however, short-cited approach still prevails when the short-term cost benefits of grid
connected installations preferred over off-grid technology thus ignoring not only the long-term benefits
of the solar solution but the underlining long term environmental impact, as well.
Upplands Energy Inc., is Canadian manufacturer of solar powered lighting system and with hundreds of
installations already making an impact including projects in extreme cold environment
Generating electrical energy with solar panels is proven technology. Solar panels, however need light to generate electricity and stored in batteries. The available amount of light, especially sunlight, for this process varies greatly by seasons between 4-5 hrs in the winter and 10-12 hrs in the summer. The monthly and seasonal variation requires the PV-Battery system to be tied to the Grid to offset the difference for even-level power generation. New vertical wind turbine technology produces reliable electricity 24/7 with some power fluctuation based on wind speed. Upplands decorative F series Turbine designs are available for up to 2kW or 48000W/Day and the industrial models for up to 10kW or 240kW per Day. Combining solar panels with wind turbines is viable, sustainable and ultimately provides the basis of energy self-sufficiency. Thinking about operating off the grid? It can be done
Some reputable experts claim that Li batteries are not suitable for applications in the low winter temperature environment of -30C and below and this is to summarize and share our findings. Let us compare the fundamental differences between Lithium and GEL/AGM batteries pricing for off-grid solar-powered lighting installations concerning operating temperatures, lifetime cycles, and costs. Operating temperatures and Lifetime Cycle The most commonly used Li batteries for solar applications are LiFePO4 and NCM (NiCoMnO2). LiFePO4 batteries excellent longevity 5-8 years and lifetime cycles, however for many regions in Canada they don’t stand up very well to cold temperatures of -15C and below and for that reason, we decided not to standardize on it. These batteries excel, however, in a warm climate. NCM battery technology has evolved and improved greatly over the past few years and the low-temperature version has shown excellent results in applications with winter temperatures of -30/35C and lower. AGM & GEL batteries are reliable and low temp versions can still function at -40C however the charge and discharge efficiency become sluggish, unreliable, and don’t stand up to such low temperatures maintained over several days. The average useful life expectancy of these batteries is about 4-5 years, depending on the environmental conditions. Regarding the Lifecycle vs DOD (Depth Of Discharge), we did not record any significant difference. Costs and space requirements The costs of Li batteries are generally nearly twice as AGM/GEL. Premium of 60-80% is normal. Besides a longer life expectancy, the Li batteries require significantly less space of about 30-40% depending on battery capacity and Voltage. This is a great advantage in off-grid lighting applications where the batteries ore installed on or below the pole. Extreme cold temperatures -35 and below Upplands Energy Inc. has developed two proven systems for operating both AGM/GEL and Li batteries in extremely cold temperatures of -50 or below and both designs have already been installed in Northern Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. The company developed several design configurations that meet local site conditions. Battery Vault Modular design prewired for below ground installation. The robust vault design can be installed near and above the frost line and not only provide excellent protection against extreme cold and windchill but puts the batteries out-of-site thus eliminating theft. Battery/Control Enclosure Installed on or below the pole, the insulated IP65 rated cabinet includes a thermal module to keep the batteries safe in an environment of no lower than -30C while the outside ambient temperature is -50C.