Tag: #solar

Minister Dara Calleary joins Statkraft & Microsoft to turn sod on energy provider’s latest solar project

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, joined Statkraft and Microsoft to turn the sod on Harlockstown Solar – Statkraft’s latest solar project in Ireland.

The 34MW solar project in Co. Meath, which could power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes, is one of several renewable energy projects being delivered as part of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) package with Microsoft which was signed last year. Under the multi-year deals, Statkraft Ireland will supply the technology firm with 366MW of clean energy from six of its wind and solar farms.

The CPPA establishes a Community Benefit Fund that will provide grants of approximately €1.3 million over the lifetime of the project to community-led clean energy and environmental justice initiatives to help create a brighter future, and make a difference in the communities that we operate in.

CPPAs enable corporations to procure renewable electricity directly from a renewable electricity generator and with these CPPAs, Microsoft is helping add additional clean energy capacity to the grid. The Government’s Climate Action Plan includes a target of 15% of electricity demand to be delivered from renewable energy CPPAs by 2030. This equates to approximately 6 terawatt hours of additional electricity generation.

Through its renewable energy contract with Statkraft and its other CPPAs announced in November 2023, Microsoft’s procurement will see the development of more than 900 MW of onshore wind and solar energy projects. The company is seeking to make a material contribution to accelerating the country’s journey to a net-zero future.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, said: “Our future is both green and digital, and how we manage data will be a crucial to our decarbonisation ambitions. Renewable energy has a really important role to play in our fight to protect the planet, and I want to congratulate Statkraft and Microsoft on this important initiative. This new solar project has capacity to power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes – Corporate PPAs have a real role to play in supporting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate targets, and I believe can be an important mechanism to support the wider system changes necessary in the electricity sector to deliver lasting benefits to households, businesses, and local communities.”

Kevin O’Donovan, Senior VP for Statkraft, said: “There is a growing understanding among the public of the importance of solar power to meet the country’s energy needs and security of supply. Every single solar panel installed means importing less polluting and costly fossil fuel while at the same time, bolstering Ireland’s future energy security.

“There is no magic formula when it comes to climate action and meeting our 2030 targets. It will require a range of rapidly deployed technologies and solutions all working in harmony to decarbonise our electricity supply. For that reason, we are delighted today to be announcing the beginning of construction on Harlockstown Solar.”

Donal O’Sullivan, VP for Development and Offshore with Statkraft Ireland, added: “Between now and the end of the decade, we are going to have to use all the tools at our disposal to make the energy transition happen. Projects like Harlockstown contribute to Ireland’s ambition of delivering 15% of new renewable volumes via CPPA while showcasing Statkraft’s experience of sourcing alternative routes to market for its renewable energy projects.”

Eoin Doherty, Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation EMEA Regional Leader, said: “At Microsoft, we’re committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Statkraft to bring additional renewable energy on stream and help the Irish Government to achieve its climate action ambitions. The development of the solar energy project at Harlockstown is one of many projects that are coming on stream as a result of 900MWs of renewable energy contracts that we announced last year, which is a significant contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy corporate power purchase agreement target. As the country works towards achieving a more sustainable future, Microsoft will continue to partner with the energy sector and Government to accelerate the growth of renewables on the energy grid.”

Tech Review – Quntis Solar Spotlight Outdoor Garden Lights

Quntis is a brand that sells decorative and useful light solutions for at home and more alongside other gadgets for the tech fan which we have test many over the years, their newest addition is their new solar powered lights which are affordable and can really make your back or front garden stand out, last year we checked out their outdoor landscape lights but there is new ones on offer coming in two variants which is Warm Light and Cool Light which is simple to install and use.

This time around you have got the option to charge via USB cable as well as using solar powered and in certain regions this would work better than others even Ireland with the lack of sun we get here after that it is just drop in the ground in your desired spot and let it do its job you could not ask for anything simpler to do as is with all solar powered lights. Check the video below for more and see how they compare to the last model we tested out.

 

Features 

  • Super Bright Warm White Solar Spotlights】28 LEDs Solar spot lights adopts optical lens design for 30% more brightness, luminous intensity 800 Lumen which can focus the light source to the greatest extent and increase the brightness of the light. Solar spotlights can completely light up driveway garage wall porch pool path etc.
  • 【High-efficient Solar Panel】Solar spot lights outdoor using laminated monocrystalline solar panels, 30% faster than ordinary panels to convert solar energy, higher charging efficiency, life expectancy of more than three years, energy saving and environmentally friendly
  • 【IP65 Waterproof Solar Garden Lights】Quntis Solar spotlights are made up of high quality ABS plastic material with a fully sealed IP65 waterproof design that effectively protects the inside of the light panel, resulting in better water resistance and longer life, whether it is raining, snowing, hot or other extreme weather, our solar garden lights offer better durability
  • 【Automatic On/Off & 3 Brightness modes】Quntis Solar uplighters has 3 brightness modes, 45% brightness (lasts for 12 hours), 75% brightness (lasts for 8 hours) and 100% brightness (lasts for 6 hours), the memory function will continue to hold the last set mode after a full charge
  • 【Solar-powered or USB-charged】Solar spotlights can be charged through solar power or USB chargers, allowing for ample electricity even on rainy or winter days. As garden lighting or outdoor activity lighting, they are very practical
  • 【Two-way Easy Installation】Our Solar landscape spotlights with 120° light angle adjustment, Provide super bright large area lighting. You can choose to wall mount or fix the solar garden lights to the ground as required. Upgraded version of the ground stakes, easier to insert into the ground and will be more stable.

Apply discount code – 10%DMC9CTTV

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Video Review

SSE Airtricity launches new ‘first and best in market’ solar installation offering

SSE Airtricity, together with partners Activ8, have launched a new solar product that will ensure customers are paid a market leading 34c per kWh for excess solar energy produced and exported back to the grid.

New and existing SSE Airtricity customers who have had their solar panels installed with Activ8 from April 13, 2023, will be eligible to be paid a premium of 10 cent per kWh exported on top of the current 24 cent export rate, for two years.

The product launch comes as the Irish government abolished the rate of VAT for domestic solar installations from May 1, 2023. This offer complements the existing range of energy solutions SSE offers customers, providing easy access to green energy and improving energy efficiency in homes across the country.

Solar panel installations have many benefits:

  • Households can save up to 50% on energy bills and generate up to 80% of their hot water needs.
  • Surplus energy generated through a typical solar PV install can be exported back to the energy grid, putting money back in customers’ pockets and providing more renewable electricity for Ireland’s energy system.
  • The majority of installations are completed in one day with minimal disruption to the household.
  • As an SSE Airtricity customer, a new installation will earn an export rate of 34 cent per kWh. That is a 10 cent premium versus the standard rate of 24 cent per kWh.

Helen Ryan, from County Louth, who had her solar installation completed recently with Activ8, said:

“We decided to install solar panels to help save on our electricity bills as well as wanting to produce renewable energy on our own. We have a gas boiler, so being able to generate so much hot water was also a massive reason as to why we went with solar panels.

“We have noticed a big difference in our bills, even for the months of January, February and March. Our electricity bills are currently 30% of what they were and that’s not accounting for our savings on gas with our hot water production from the solar panels. It’s funny how we changed our usage behaviours so quickly after installation too. My parents are awaiting a survey now after seeing our panels in action, so I would definitely recommend them.”

Klair Neenan, Director at SSE Airtricity said:

“As a company with green in our DNA, we know that customers want easy access to green energy solutions that help them and the environment. At SSE Airtricity we want to empower our customers and be their one stop shop for all energy related matters. With 0% Vat and up to €2,400 available in SEAI Grants, there has never been a better time to invest in renewable solar energy and offset rising energy costs. Families and households can generate their own electricity for their home and lower their bills, all while contributing to the ultimate goal of net zero.”

This offer is available for all new solar installations (from April 13, 2023), visit www.sseairtricity.com for more information.

Tech Review – Urbanista Phoenix Solar charged earbuds

The Urbainsta Phoenix is the Second product from the company to adopt the solar charge approach using powerfoyle technology to charge your earbuds which is something everyone should be looking at in this space and having tried this before with the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones it still sad to see the lack of uptake in this technology which is good for everyone.

Having tested these new earbuds out now for some time one would ask does function take away from quality sound here and the answer is no in short. For me these have been a joy to use and fit well look good and they have all the other functions you would expect from a pair of earbuds and more with what is on offer here in total.

These look good in the ears and have a nice matt finish and are more on the discreet size for me with short stems and when it comes to controls first of all there is plenty within their app as you will see below and in the video review as to how they work and what the app entails.

The sound is the question still from people asking me is how they sound overriding the most important point for me is how they charge up but I get the point but after explaining it is not just about the sound here it is the total package you need to take a look at and the point of it and the sound is great all round. Having tested here with my phone,TV and projector these ticked all the boxes for me with volume highs lows and mids and decent ANC and not only that when coupled with their app you have control here and that is important, there was also no lag latency here and a good battery life as using the solar option I have had not to use a cable to charge them still as before with the headphones previously reviewed.

Overall these are a great pair of earbuds and I put some more time into these as having to test the solar option was important to ensure it was viable and once again it has been during my test run and you can’t really go wrong here for good sound and implementation of using solar to charge your earbuds and save on electricity which as we all now is a sticking point today with what is going on in the world, even if there was nothing going on they still execute and deliver an excellent product and more brand should follow suit.

The App

 

Urbanista Phoenix key features:

●      Solar and ambient light charging with Powerfoyle™
●      Hybrid active noise cancelling
●      Transparency mode
●      Multipoint connection
●      Playtime 8 hours
●      Total battery reserve 32 hours
●      Microphone noise reduction
●      In-ear detection
●      Automatic power off
●      Touch controls
●      Voice assistant support
●      IPX4 water resistant
●      USB type-C charging
●      Bluetooth 5.2 version
●      Urbanista mobile app compatible
●      Available in Midnight Black (Black) and Desert Rose (Pink)

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Video Review

First Look – Urbanista Phoenix solar powered earbuds

Just over year ago a pair of headphones was introduced that could charge by solar power and it grabbed people’s attention it must be said and some even snubbed the idea until they seen it first hand from me with the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones and still up till now I have not seen any mainstream headphone/earbud manufacturer come up with an alternative and the same thing has happened again after showing the new Urbanista Phoenix off.

Now Urbanista has brought the same powerfoyle technology to their earbuds which makes for a very interesting path forward with this technology and hopefully more will adopt it in the future.

Urbanista Phoenix is compatible with the Urbanista mobile companion app that puts you in complete control of your audio experience. The Urbanista app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, gives you deep customisation options, including EQ controls to adjust the audio to meet your taste. The companion app also provides information on how to get the most out of the product’s playtime, including visual indications of solar charge levels and usage, and the option to customise the earphones controls and voice assistant.

 

Tuomas Lonka, Urbanista’s Brand and Marketing Director, comments: “It’s a privilege to continue on this path of innovation together with Exeger and use the latest in solar cell technology to bring ground-breaking audio products to market. Our Los Angeles self-charging headphones were so well received by customers and consumers alike, that we knew right away that we wanted to apply this futuristic way of consuming audio to a true wireless design. Urbanista Phoenix really is a market leading product, and we are excited to see how these shape the future of our listening experiences in years to come.”

Urbanista Phoenix key features:

●      Solar and ambient light charging with Powerfoyle™
●      Hybrid active noise cancelling
●      Transparency mode
●      Multipoint connection
●      Playtime 8 hours
●      Total battery reserve 32 hours
●      Microphone noise reduction
●      In-ear detection
●      Automatic power off
●      Touch controls
●      Voice assistant support
●      IPX4 water resistant
●      USB type-C charging
●      Bluetooth 5.2 version
●      Urbanista mobile app compatible
●      Available in Midnight Black (Black) and Desert Rose (Pink)

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Unboxing

Solar Power: What is it and How Does it Work?

We’ve all heard of solar power before but how many of us actually know what it is and how it works? Probably not quite as many of us. I mean, most of us know the basics: solar technology generates energy from the sun that we can then use as power. But let’s dig a little deeper into the subject…

Brief History

It could be argued that solar energy has been used by our ancestors for centuries, starting way back in the BC days. Remember when they’d use the sun to bring fire to life with magnifying materials? That’s what we mean. However, solar energy that we know today, collected via silicon panels, was brought to life in the 1950s. Since then, the urgency for humans to choose renewable energy over fossil fuels has accelerated massively, as many countries are aiming to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by the year of 2050. 

Therefore, solar technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past few decades, with the mounting pressure of climate change and environmental issues at new highs. People are starting to wake up to the need for change, and can now see the multitude of benefits to solar energy – it’s typically much better for the planet as well as the people, animals, and plants on it. Solar PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) are something that have made renewable energy all the more accessible in recent times – wondering ‘what is PPA?” Click the link to find out. Now, using a premier solar company is more affordable and cost-effective long term than it ever was before, for the individual as well as businesses.

How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar power is generated by energy from sunlight being absorbed by photovoltaic (PV) technology. Electricity can then flow through cells producing a current. This works as solar cells have a semiconductor within them made from silicon – when sunlight hits this, an electric field is created through one of the two silicon layers becoming positively charged, the other negatively. Electrons become loose and subsequently create power that can be converted into electricity for us to make the most of. In addition to efficiency advancements, the physical design and durability of solar panels have significantly improved, allowing them to better withstand environmental factors such as inclement weather and temperature fluctuations. This has been pivotal in their widespread adoption in various climates and regions around the world.

Will All Countries Make the Switch to Solar?

As it stands, many affluent countries are trying to encourage and increase the usage of not just solar power, but renewable energy in general. However, Ireland is experiencing a slow transition to renewable energy for a number of reasons, including a lack of confidence in the implementation efficiency and affordability in current times. However, plenty of countries are going full steam ahead, with China the country that produces the most solar energy out of any other country in the world – which is relatively good news, as they’re the country with the highest carbon footprint and population. China is followed by the EU and the United States. Cost and infrastructure can be something that holds many nations back when it comes to solar, but as it becomes more affordable and commonly found over time, we are likely to see a large shift.

 

Ørsted announces acquisition of its first solar project in Ireland

Leading global renewable energy company Ørsted has today announced the acquisition of its first Irish solar project, in an agreement with renewable energy developer Terra Solar. This acquisition is a strategic first step in Ørsted’s commitment to multi-technology deployment in Ireland across a variety of renewable energy sources.

The acquisition of the Ballinrea solar project, located between Carrigaline and Cork City, will power up to 16,000 homes. With construction due to begin in 2024, the Ballinrea Solar Farm is expected to be operational by 2025 and will add a further 65MW of solar to Ørsted’s global goal of 17.5GW of onshore renewables by 2030. Ranked the world’s most sustainable energy company*, Ørsted’s Irish headquarters are based in Cork City, where it employs 90 people.

Kieran White, Vice President, Ørsted Europe Onshore said: “For Ireland to ensure energy resilience and deliver its 2030 energy targets, it is essential that multiple technologies are delivered in tandem, from solar and onshore wind to offshore wind and storage. This is a key priority for Ørsted, both in Ireland and overseas. Projects such as Ballinrea pave the way, but significant investment in our electricity grid is required to match the ambition of Government targets, continue the push to net zero and ensure energy security long-term.”

“The Ballinrea Solar Farm will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s national energy target of 80% renewables by 2030 as well as to the Government’s new 5.5GW solar target. It will also enhance the climate neutrality of the region by generating power for 16,000 homes, which is also the number of new homes planned to be built in the city between now and 2028.” 

The transaction marks a significant milestone for Ørsted following the acquisition of the Brookfield Renewable Ireland business in June 2021.

Concluding, Mr White added: “We are continuing to invest in our Cork-based team and development projects to grow our existing Irish operational asset base of 327MW. As well as the cost and security of energy, the ever-present climate crisis has never been more acute. It is essential that Government and stakeholders continue to work collaboratively with industry to ensure that it can deliver environmentally, socially and economically for Ireland. Issues such as long planning, licencing and judicial timelines, and access to adequate grid infrastructure continue to hold the renewable sector back.” 

Eminence of LoomSolar providing the best Solar Installation Services

Battery technology is always evolving and keeping an eye on how leading Indian battery manufacturers meet the needs of their customers and what their EV battery ambitions are is important.

With the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to traditional energy storage, the world’s need for stored energy has skyrocketed. This has led to an ever-increasing need for better batteries. Many different kinds of batteries have been used over the years to power automobiles other than Solar System. Eventually, lead-acid batteries took over. Lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the mobility and storage segments, have finally posed a threat.

There are various ways in which Li-ion technology surpasses older technologies. It can take up to ten hours to charge a lead-acid battery for example. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, may be recharged in as little as a few minutes, depending on the size of the battery. Lead-acid batteries charge more slowly than lithium-ion batteries, which can tolerate a higher rate of current. Li-success Ion’s is also being aided by improvements in the number of charging cycles or battery life. Li-ion batteries are being used in a variety of applications besides automobiles, such as telecom towers, mobile phones, and power grids. According to some estimations, 60 GWh of Li-ion cells would be needed by 2025 and double that by 2030.

Government Initiatives for using Green Energy

The Government of India is also taking steps to promote the growth of the electric vehicle industry in India, following the worldwide trend of increasing Li-ion battery use. The Make in India program and incentives for electric car purchasers are among the measures. A PLI plan for battery manufacturing’s advanced cell chemistries is already under way, with proposals from major businesses both inside and outside the country.

Monocrystalline solar panels and AC modules are made by Loom Solar Pvt. Ltd. They began in Faridabad in 2018 and have been producing the highest-quality solar panels ever since. Through 1500 re-sellers, they distribute their items throughout India, including rural areas. The solar panels they produce are among the best in the industry. All of their solar panels are made to exacting standards. As an interesting aside, they assert that their batteries for inverters and solar applications are the only ones made for the automotive, lithium, and tubular markets they serve.

Buying Loom Solar Products Has Benefits

Conserving energy is becoming increasingly dependent on solar panels. Many locations now have solar panels installed in their entirety. Loom Solar, the best lithium battery manufacturer, provides the highest-quality solar products to meet this need. Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards’ 11th annual 2019 gold and silver medals went to Loom Solar. They have direct access to India’s leading solar manufacturers. They offer items that meet the demands of their customers. All of their solar panels are of the highest quality and are guaranteed to perform correctly and endure longer.

The Li-ion or Lithium battery beta from Loom Solar is open to providing sustainable and greener options for household lighting systems, inverter compatible solutions, EVs (Electric Vehicles), science or DIY projects, and farming. Because of its high power density, long life, minimal self-discharge, and low maintenance requirements, Li-Ion batteries are becoming more popular for EVs and backup power systems in particular. The company has also recently been spotted actively entering the Lithium Ion market.

Dell Technologies Solar Community Hubs Bring Technology, Healthcare, Workforce Skills to Remote Communities

Dell Technologies, in partnership with Computer Aid, Intel and Microsoft, announced its Solar Community Hubs strategy, marking an evolution in its established Solar Learning Labs program. Moving beyond technology access for education alone, the hubs improve access to technology, healthcare and workforce skills for communities in remote areas around the world.

The Solar Community Hubs will be built with Dell technology-enabled solutions and look to introduce 5G, edge computing and other services. Each hub will be managed by the community and will offer services based on each community’s unique needs. The hubs will provide communities with access to water and electricity, healthcare and resources for environmental preservation. Community members can also access technical skills training, entrepreneurship support, education and career guidance, and revenue-generating services to support job creation and financial sustainability.

“Research shows that the greatest impact starts with empowering local communities,” said Cassandra Garber, VP of Environmental and Social Governance, Dell Technologies. “By introducing the Solar Community Hubs, communities will have access to resources and infrastructure to address their most pressing issues. This evolution puts community needs at the center, and we are eager to see – and be a part of – the impact these community partnerships will have around the globe.”

Digitizing the Amazon to Support Sustainability

Dell Technologies recently introduced the first Solar Community Hub in Boa Esperanca, Brazil, in partnership with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS), bringing digital tools like Latitude Rugged, desktops, servers, projectors and Wi-Fi to community members in a dozen outlying riverside communities and Indigenous tribes in the Amazon. Community members, who previously traveled far for modern services and school, can now continue their education, take vocational courses, start college and prepare for the job market – in their own community.

The hub is also designed with circularity at its core, using repurposed shipping containers, sustainably sourced wood and furniture, and solar panels so devices run primarily on renewable energy.

Participants in the project are part of FAS’ Bolsa Floresta program, a government initiative of the State of Amazonas introduced in 2008 to decrease deforestation through community building. The hubs help improve the lives of people living in the Amazon who then cultivate a more sustainable relationship between the rainforest and its residents.

Power in Partnership

Dell currently collaborates with approximately 60 strategic partners globally, including Computer Aid, Dell’s nonprofit partner for Solar Community Hub development. Computer Aid helps identify the locations and local partners who can help make the hub a reality.

Since 2011, Dell and Computer Aid have partnered to support 24 Solar Learning Labs, which reach 18,000 students and community members per year in countries including Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

Dell also works with customers, partners– like Intel and Microsoft – and other stakeholders to bring additional resources and capabilities to the communities based on local needs. Partners and customers can now join Dell Technologies and Computer Aid in supporting the roll out of the Solar Community Hubs over the coming years.