#Solar plant operation and maintenance

[networksolarenergy]

Solar plant operation and maintenance - Apollo Energy Analytics

Solar plant operation and maintenance, particularly when executed with Apollo Energy Analytics, represent the meticulous care and supervision of solar energy facilities. Apollo Energy Analytics is a cutting-edge platform designed to optimize the performance of solar power plants by employing advanced data analytics, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring.

[preventivesolarmaintenance]

Solar plant operation and maintenance - Apollo Energy Analytics

Ensure optimal performance and longevity of solar plants with Apollo Energy Analytics' comprehensive operation and maintenance solutions. Maximize your solar investment's efficiency and sustainability with our industry-leading expertise.

For more details visit: https://www.apolloenergyanalytics.com/products/operations-maintenance.php

[acerenewtech1]

Optimizing Solar Power Plant Efficiency Through Operation and Maintenance

The growing adoption of solar power is transforming the energy landscape, with solar power plants emerging as key contributors to clean, renewable energy. As these plants grow in size and importance, ensuring their efficient operation and long-term reliability becomes increasingly crucial. This is where the operation and maintenance (O&M) of solar power plants play a vital role in optimizing performance and sustaining energy generation. Regular and effective O&M practices not only boost the plant’s operational efficiency but also contribute to the longevity and cost-effectiveness of solar power systems.

The Importance of Regular Operation and Maintenance

A solar power plant consists of various critical components such as solar panels, inverters, transformers, and battery storage systems, each playing a vital role in energy conversion and storage. Over time, environmental factors such as dust, debris, extreme weather conditions, and wear and tear can affect the efficiency of these components. Proper O&M procedures are essential to ensure that every part of the system is functioning optimally, which directly impacts the overall energy production and cost efficiency of the plant.

By performing regular inspections, cleaning, and calibrations, plant operators can detect issues early before they lead to significant failures or performance degradation. For example, dirt and dust accumulation on solar panels can reduce their energy output by blocking sunlight, and if left unchecked, it can lead to underperformance over time. Ongoing maintenance ensures these issues are addressed, and performance stays close to optimal.

Key Aspects of Operation and Maintenance

Routine Inspections and Monitoring Routine inspections help identify any mechanical or electrical faults early. Advanced monitoring systems can detect irregularities in real-time, providing valuable data on the system’s performance. This data allows operators to spot potential issues and resolve them before they impact energy generation.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Solar Panels Cleaning the solar panels is one of the most essential parts of maintenance. Dust, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, causing shading that can reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning not only helps maintain high efficiency but also prevents the development of hot spots, which can damage the panel in the long run.

Inverter Maintenance Inverters are the heart of solar power systems, converting the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for use in the grid. Regular inspection of inverters, including cleaning filters, checking electrical connections, and replacing aging components, ensures their optimal performance. Inverter failures can lead to significant downtime, so proactive maintenance can prevent expensive repairs and long-term system disruptions.

Preventive and Corrective Actions Preventive maintenance is planned in advance to avoid potential breakdowns, while corrective maintenance involves fixing any issues that arise unexpectedly. Both are essential for minimizing unplanned outages and ensuring that the system runs smoothly year-round. This involves replacing faulty wiring, repairing malfunctioning equipment, or upgrading outdated components to newer, more efficient models.

Energy Storage and Battery Maintenance Many solar power plants incorporate energy storage solutions such as batteries to store excess energy for use during low sunlight periods. Like other components, batteries require regular checks to ensure they are charged correctly and function optimally. Battery performance degrades over time, so periodic replacements and optimizations are needed for continued high efficiency.

Benefits of Effective O&M

Efficient O&M practices result in numerous benefits, including increased energy output, reduced operational costs, extended lifespan of equipment, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Well-maintained solar power plants have lower operational risks and can sustain high levels of energy production for extended periods. Furthermore, minimizing downtime reduces revenue losses, ensuring that the plant operates at its maximum potential.

In addition, O&M services help maintain the environmental integrity of the system, as properly maintained solar panels produce clean energy consistently. By ensuring that the plant is working at its best, O&M practices help in achieving the renewable energy goals set by various nations globally.

Conclusion

The operation and maintenance of solar power plants are integral to the success and sustainability of solar energy projects. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repair work ensure the system runs at its highest efficiency, reducing downtime, lowering maintenance costs, and increasing energy production. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, investing in reliable and proactive O&M practices will be crucial in making solar power a dependable, cost-effective source of renewable energy for years to come.

[jetsor]

Secure Your Solar Investment with JETSOR: Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contracts for Optimal Solar Power Plant Performance

The best chance for accomplishment is to combine a carefully constructed, well-built system with a cautious O&M plan to obtain the highest return on investment. By choosing JETSOR's AMC Solar Power Plant, you are investing in a future of reliable and efficient solar energy production.

[aarviencon]

Aarvi Encon is a leading Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Company in India. We provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for Solar Power Plants, Pipeline, Refinery, Oil & Gas, Chemicals. We keep on updating our technology that is being implemented in solar energy, pipeline & oil & gas industry.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - October 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. All 160 dogs at Florida shelter found homes ahead of Hurricane Milton

“[The shelter] offered crates, food and anything else the dogs would need in exchange for the animals to spend just five days with the foster parents if the human didn't want to keep them for longer. […A]fter about a day of receiving around 100 messages every 30 minutes, Bada said, all 160 were gone from the shelter and in safe and warm homes.”

2. Restoring Ecosystems and Rejuvenating Native Hawaiian Traditions in Maui

“[Volunteers] are restoring water flow to the refuge, removing invasive species, and restoring a loko iʻa kalo using ʻike kūpuna, ancestral knowledge. […] This human-made ecosystem will provide food for community members and habitat for wildlife while protecting coral reefs offshore.”

3. Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries

“In contrast to other solar-driven desalination designs, the MIT system requires no extra batteries for energy storage, nor a supplemental power supply, such as from the grid. […] The system harnessed on average over 94 percent of the electrical energy generated from the system’s solar panels to produce up to 5,000 liters of water per day[….]”

4. Threatened pink sea fan coral breeds in UK aquarium for first time

“The spawning is part of University of Exeter Ph.D. student Kaila Wheatley Kornblum's research into the reproduction, larval dispersal and population connectivity of Eunicella verrucosa. […] Pink sea fans are believed to have been successfully bred by only one other institution, Lisbon Oceanarium, in 2023.”

5. Tiny 'backpacks' are being strapped to baby turtles[….]

““We analysed the data and found that hatchlings show amazingly consistent head-up orientation – despite being in the complete dark, surrounded by sand [… and] they move as if they were swimming rather than digging[…. This new observation method is] answering questions about best conservation practices,” says Dor.”

6. New California Law Protects Wildlife Connectivity

“A new state law in California will instruct counties and municipalities to conserve wildlife corridors when planning new development. […] This could entail everything from creating wildlife crossings at roads or highways, employing wildlife-safe fencing, or not developing on certain land.”

7. ‘I think, boy, I’m a part of all this’: how local heroes reforested Rio’s green heart

“By 2019, [the program] had transformed the city’s landscape, having trained 15,000 local workers like Leleco, who have planted 10m seedlings across […] roughly 10 times the area of New York’s Central Park. Reforested sites include mangroves and vegetation-covered sandbars called restinga, as well as wooded mountainsides around favelas.”

8. Alabama Town Plans to Drop Criminal Charges Over Unpaid Garbage Bills

““Suspending garbage pickup, imposing harsh late penalties and prosecuting people who through no fault of their own are unable to pay their garbage and sewage bills does not make payment suddenly forthcoming,” West said. [… The city] has agreed to drop pending criminal charges against its residents over unpaid garbage bills.”

9. New Hampshire’s low-income community solar program finally moves forward

“The state energy department is reviewing seven proposals for community solar arrays that will allocate a portion of their bill credits to low-income households. […] New Hampshire’s strategy of working with utilities to automatically enroll households that have already been identified streamlines the process.”

10. The Future Looks Bright for Electric School Buses

“EPA has awarded about $3 billion in grants from the infrastructure law, which paid to replace about 8,700 buses. Of those, about 95 percent are electric. [… Electric buses are] cheaper to operate and require less maintenance than diesel buses and will soon be at cost parity when looking at the lifetime cost of ownership[….]”

October 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[almondenterprise]

The Difference Between Low, Medium, and High Voltage Switchgear

Switchgear plays a critical role in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. It ensures safe and efficient operation by controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical circuits and equipment. But not all switchgear is created equal — low, medium, and high voltage switchgear are designed for different voltage levels and applications.

Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for electrical engineers, electricians, project managers, and anyone involved in power systems. In this article, we break down what sets them apart in terms of voltage range, components, applications, design, and safety considerations.

What is Switchgear?

Before diving into the differences, let’s clarify what switchgear is.

Switchgear refers to the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. It is essential for de-energizing equipment for maintenance and for clearing faults in the power system.

Classification by Voltage Level

Low Voltage Switchgear (LV)

Voltage Range:

Up to 1,000V AC (typically 400V/690V in 3-phase systems)

Key Components:

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs)

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Contactors and relays

Busbars, metering, control panels

Applications:

Residential and commercial buildings

Data centers and office spaces

Light industrial automation

Control panels and motor control centers (MCCs)

Characteristics:

Compact and easy to install

High frequency of operation

Relatively simple maintenance

Often enclosed in modular panels

Standards:

IEC 61439

NEC (National Electrical Code)

Medium Voltage Switchgear (MV)

Voltage Range:

1kV to 36kV (sometimes up to 72.5kV)

Key Components:

Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs)

SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) insulated switchgear

Current and voltage transformers (CTs, VTs)

Protective relays

Grounding switches

Applications:

Electrical substations

Large factories and industrial plants

Railways and airports

Renewable energy farms (wind/solar)

Characteristics:

Higher insulation and safety requirements

More robust protection systems

Often installed indoors or in compact outdoor enclosures

May use gas-insulated or air-insulated designs

Standards:

IEC 62271–200

IEEE C37 series

High Voltage Switchgear (HV)

Voltage Range:

Above 36kV (commonly 66kV, 132kV, 220kV, up to 765kV)

Key Components:

SF₆ circuit breakers

Air blast or oil circuit breakers (older systems)

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)

Disconnectors and earthing switches

High-end protection relays and SCADA integration

Applications:

National and regional power transmission networks

Power generation plants

Interconnecting large substations

Critical infrastructure (e.g., large data centers, airports)

Characteristics:

Complex installation and high-cost infrastructure

Requires rigorous safety procedures and specialized training

Often installed outdoors or in GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) format

Includes extensive monitoring and automation

Standards:

IEC 62271–100 (HV circuit breakers)

IEEE C37.06

ANSI C37 series

Safety Considerations

Always follow local electrical codes, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct routine maintenance regardless of switchgear type.

Conclusion

Choosing the right switchgear type is critical for ensuring safe and efficient power distribution. Whether you’re designing a residential panel or a high-voltage substation, knowing the difference between low, medium, and high voltage switchgear helps you make informed decisions about equipment, safety, and performance.

Mastering this knowledge isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for anyone serious about a career in the electrical field.

[blitzbahrain]

Switchgear Solutions for Solar and Wind Energy Systems

Why Switchgear Matters in Solar and Wind Systems

Switchgear plays a central role in controlling, isolating, and protecting electrical equipment. In renewable energy applications, it helps:

· Manage power flow from variable energy sources.

· Protect systems from faults or overloads.

· Ensure seamless grid integration and disconnection when needed.

Unlike traditional power plants, solar and wind systems generate intermittent power, requiring switchgear that can handle dynamic loads and frequent switching.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Applications

Here are some of the unique challenges renewable energy systems face — and how they impact switchgear selection:

1. Variable Output

Solar and wind energy production fluctuates based on weather and time of day. This demands switchgear that can:

· Handle frequent load changes.

· Operate reliably under fluctuating voltages and currents.

2. Decentralized Generation

Unlike centralized grids, solar and wind systems are often spread out across multiple locations.

· Modular, compact switchgear is preferred for such installations.

· Smart monitoring becomes critical to manage performance remotely.

3. Harsh Environments

Wind turbines operate at high altitudes, and solar farms are often exposed to heat, dust, or salt.

· Switchgear needs to be rugged, weather-resistant, and have high IP ratings.

· Outdoor switchgear enclosures and temperature management are essential.

Key Features of Switchgear for Solar & Wind

When designing or upgrading renewable energy systems, look for switchgear that offers:

1. Remote Monitoring and Control

Smart switchgear integrated with IoT technology allows operators to track real-time data, detect faults early, and optimize system performance.

2. High Interruption Capacity

Wind and solar systems may experience voltage spikes. Modern switchgear provides high breaking capacities to safely interrupt fault currents.

3. Modular Design

Allows for easy upgrades and maintenance — crucial for scaling renewable installations.

4. Eco-Friendly Design

Look for SF₆-free switchgear that uses clean air or other sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

5. Hybrid Capabilities

Switchgear that can connect both AC and DC sources is increasingly valuable in mixed-source grids.

LV, MV, and HV Switchgear for Renewables

· Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear: Used in residential or small-scale solar systems. Compact, safe, and cost-effective.

· Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear: Ideal for commercial and industrial solar/wind applications.

· High Voltage (HV) Switchgear: Essential for utility-scale wind farms or solar plants feeding into the national grid.

Each type requires specific protection, metering, and automation components tailored to its load and system requirements.

Final Thoughts

Switchgear is the backbone of any successful solar or wind energy system. As these technologies become more mainstream, the demand for resilient, intelligent, and environmentally friendly switchgear solutions will continue to rise.

Whether you’re an energy consultant, project developer, or facility manager, choosing the right switchgear today will set the stage for long-term efficiency, safety, and scalability.

[cognitivejustice]

Rural China goes solarpunk

Viewed from a distance, Lianxing looks more like a solar energy farm than a rural village of 457 households. There are solar photovoltaic panels on almost all its rooftops and in every courtyard.

For generations, residents of the village in Wuyuan county, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, depended on straw, firewood and coal for cooking and heating. But they have now abandoned those fuels, which often made their homes dirty, 40-year-old villager Shi Baohong said.

The new power generation facilities have also brought villagers a consistent stream of income with little effort. Shi earns almost 10,000 yuan ($1,400) a year from his solar PV panels and said there is still enough space between them to plant herbs and other cash crops in his courtyard of more than 300 square meters.

As China forges ahead with energy transition and rural vitalization, Lianxing and its almost 1,400 residents are a microcosm of the synergy that can be generated when the two campaigns are promoted simultaneously.

Local authorities said the distributed solar PV system in Lianxing went into operation in 2017, three years after villagers moved into new homes fitted with solar panels. Households in the village now make an average of 8,000 yuan a year from selling solar energy to the grid.

Villagers did not have to pay for the new houses or power generation facilities thanks to a land-use rights transfer project. After their resettlement, the land previously covered by the villagers' old, dilapidated houses was turned into more than 130 hectares of farmland.

"Villagers didn't pay even a single penny. It was a house-for-house deal, and that's not half bad," the village's Party chief, Li Chou, said.

All the costs for the new houses and solar panels were covered by the company that invested in a large-scale agricultural development project.

In Donglian village, in Gansu's Gaotai county, many families can earn 1,000 yuan a year without having to make any investment or do maintenance work. They lease their rooftops to a company for distributed solar PV development.

source

[theskyexists]

There are many reasons to not go in for nuclear power and some reasons to go in for it after all.

Against:

1. It takes so many damn years to build. We'll be 20 years on and far past our carbon budget. That HUGE (they are insanely expensive) amount of money could have been spent on something more scalable. Nuclear is not scalable. Wind and solar are extremely scalable (and cheaper every day). One reason is that renewable plants (e.g a mill) are small and a repeated construction. Expertise for constructing renewables is widely available, nuclear plant construction expertise is in short supply. Counter (a bit weak): even if it takes ages to build, still, we're not on schedule for non-fossil fuel use anyway, so it will probably unfortunately still be relevant in twenty years.

2. A nuclear plant is a national security risk. One: in times of war. 2: in times of natural disaster. No counter to that except: surely war won't be THAT bad and the failsafes will always be enough.

3. Sourcing the concrete, steel and uranium that goes into such a plant isn't good for the environment. Nor is uranium renewable. Current stocks and use would provide us with 130 years of energy production. Build more plants, that number goes down. Counter: producing any power plant requires mining and transport - coal plants and renewables do too, for example.

4. Nuclear waste is a non-negligible problem. There are (war) incentives NOT to reduce waste. Even when waste is minimised, waste remains. Highly dangerous waste can kill people for longer than any society on earth has ever survived. 500.000 years... So no society can reasonably take responsibility for it. When nuclear waste is stored and then spills (as has happened in Germany) the state must pay billions in taxes to clean it up. Storage is difficult. There are NO permanent storage sites ready in all of Europe. There's about 180 plants now that have ran for decades. No permanent storage. If a company is made responsible for a nuclear plant, they tend to pay out to their shareholders one year and claim not to be able to take care of the waste for fear of bankruptcy the next - or they've already declared bankruptcy. Literally happened here. There are no incentives to deal responsibly with the waste for companies. Germany is projected to have to pay hundreds of billions of euros for permanently storing all the waste they've still got lying around at interim sites. Once again, money which might have been spent on scalable renewable production. 500.000 years... this a storage solution must last for 500.000 years. Ever seen concrete last so long... ?

5. We're seeing nuclear crowd out renewables RIGHT NOW IN REAL TIME in politics in the Netherlands and the UK. The money (and project managemeny time) really cannot be spent twice.

For:

6. Fossil fuels have done way more damage to the environment so far. Nuclear is preferable. In fact, 20% of European electricity and 10% of total energy is provided by nuclear power plants. 180. Plants. All renewables combined provide 17%. No real counter to that: they really do produce a lot of electricity without emitting greenhouse gases! Importantly: they don't need a lot of space. (Nuclear on the whole causes about as many greenhouse gases as wind energy equivalent and even slightly less than solar. Forty times less than coal.)

7. Nuclear is a proven way to produce a LOT of power. Weak counter: this makes it a liability in the electricity grid and incentivises less maintenance to minimise downtime (if no other plants can take over - generally not if they're too big. This makes them unreliable, just like renewables). Counter to that counter: much smaller (scalable) plants are being developed. Counter to that counter: they're experimental. The thorium reactors thay produce shorter lived waste are also experimental. I.e. it will take decades before we can build operational versions. (BUT! there's an ENORMOUS amount of thorium on earth, which is extremely important. Waste is much less problematic and meltdown impossible)

8. Nuclear plants that are not traditional baseload only plants and have load following capabilities can play a role in managing the ups and downs of renewables on the grid. Counter: even when built for this purpose, it's impossible to make enough money to pay for the construction and management and deconstruction and waste management by only running these plants as buffer. This is a problem because companies are asked to construct the plants, not the state. Counter 2: in a hybrid system with renewables the grid operator actually has to PAY OFF (millions) the nuclear plant to stop it producing so much. It's a liability in a hybrid system with renewables.

Final conclusion:

CURRENT nuclear power plant construction does not play well with the transition to renewables because there is no way in this financial system to use its production as a buffer, the state cannot produce the plants because there is a lack of expertise, companies cannot afford to run the plant as buffer and cannot be trusted and ideologically and politically nuclear power is proposed as an alternative to renewables instead of a complement which cuts into the much-needed financial resources necessary for renewable expansion. It is slow to build and badly scalable. We need speed and scalability considering our climate deadline. There is no permanent solution for waste and takes billions of euros to store right now already. Uranium is a scarce and non-renewable resource. Existing plants impede the transition to renewables (there is no need). They form a liability for continued production when it comes to short term production for the grid when needing maintenance and long term liability for energy production when they need to be decommissioned (France is dependent for 3/4ths on many plants that must be decommissioned at the same time). Nonetheless, existing plants are preventing a large amount of carbon emissions. Nuclear can be a useful element to the energy mix, and requires a lot less space than renewables. If innovations in scalable, smaller plants with increasingly better business cases, faster build times and ability to offload production to each other, there may be serious synergy with renewables. Still, these will be useful for 50-100 years until uranium runs out. Problematic, not just because it leaves us with expertise and infrastructure that will have no fuel, but also because we need to transition FAST and it's uncertain in how many years this technology will be operational. Thorium would be a solution to a lot of problems, but that is also decades away from operation. Putting money into research and test reactors is a priority. Decommissioning existing plants early would be stupid even if it would remove their contributions to transition intertia and the as of yet unsolved and increasing waste storage problem.

[freyrenergyservice]

Why Solar Earthing is Essential for Your Solar Panel System

When you think about solar power, you probably picture sleek solar panels soaking up the sun, cutting down electricity costs, and promoting clean energy. But there’s one crucial element that often goes unnoticed—solar earthing. This unsung hero ensures your solar installation runs safely and efficiently for years.

In this blog, we’ll explore what solar earthing is, why it’s essential, and how it benefits both large solar power plants and smaller solar setups.

What is Solar Earthing?

Solar earthing, also called grounding, is the process of connecting your solar panel system to the earth using conductive materials like copper or galvanized steel. The goal? To safeguard your system and everyone around it from electrical faults or lightning strikes.

Solar panel systems generate electricity, and with that comes the risk of faults due to factors like harsh weather, aging equipment, or unexpected electrical surges. A well-planned earthing system safely directs any stray or excess current into the ground, preventing hazards.

Why is Solar Earthing Important?

1. Ensures Safety for Users and Equipment

Solar systems operate with high electrical loads. Without proper earthing, an electrical fault can lead to dangerous shocks, fires, or damage to your system. A solid grounding setup protects your investment and ensures safety for all.

2. Boosts Efficiency in Solar Power Plants

For large-scale solar power plants, even a minor electrical fault can lead to substantial losses. Solar earthing stabilizes voltage levels, preventing disruptions and maintaining optimal efficiency.

3. Meets Regulatory Standards

Many countries have strict regulations requiring proper solar earthing for installations. Compliance not only helps avoid legal penalties but also guarantees a longer-lasting and safer system.

How Does Solar Earthing Work?

A solar panel system consists of several key components, including:

Solar panels

Inverters

Batteries (for off-grid systems)

Mounting structures

A proper earthing setup connects all these components to the ground using a network of conductors. If an electrical fault or lightning strike occurs, the current safely disperses into the ground instead of damaging the system or posing risks.

Different Types of Solar Earthing

The type of earthing method depends on the size and type of the solar installation. Here are three commonly used methods:

1. Plate Earthing

A metal plate, typically copper or galvanized iron, is buried underground and connected to the system. This is a common method for small-scale residential solar panel setups.

2. Rod Earthing

Metal rods are driven deep into the ground to ensure effective grounding. This method is ideal for larger solar power plants due to its efficiency and ability to handle higher electrical loads.

3. Strip Earthing

Conductive metal strips are laid underground to create a broad earthing network. This method is used for installations requiring a larger grounding surface area.

Key Benefits of Proper Solar Earthing

 Enhances the Lifespan of Solar Installations A well-grounded system protects against electrical surges, reducing wear and tear and extending the life of your solar panels.

 Improves System Reliability By keeping voltage levels stable, solar earthing ensures uninterrupted performance—even during extreme weather conditions.

Reduces Maintenance Costs A properly earthed system lowers the risk of electrical damage, minimizing costly repairs and replacements.

Provides Peace of Mind Knowing that your solar system is safeguarded from electrical hazards lets you enjoy clean, renewable energy without worry.

Earthing in Large Solar Power Plants

For utility-scale solar power plants, effective earthing is even more critical. These expansive installations require robust earthing systems, often incorporating advanced techniques like lightning arresters, to handle high electrical loads and unpredictable environmental factors.

Challenges in Solar Earthing

Despite its importance, solar earthing faces a few challenges:

Poor Soil Conductivity – In areas where the soil doesn’t conduct electricity well, additional measures like moisture-retaining compounds may be needed.

Corrosion of Earthing Components – Over time, earthing rods and plates may corrode, especially in humid regions. Regular maintenance helps prevent this.

Incorrect Installation – Faulty installation can compromise safety and efficiency. Always rely on experienced professionals to set up your system.

Best Practices for Effective Solar Earthing

Use High-Quality Materials – Opt for durable conductors like copper or galvanized steel for long-term reliability.

Schedule Regular Inspections – Routine maintenance helps catch potential issues early and keeps your system running smoothly.

Follow Local Regulations – Adhering to safety and compliance guidelines ensures your solar installation meets industry standards.

Final Thoughts

While solar earthing may not be the most talked-about aspect of solar energy, it’s one of the most vital. Whether you’re installing a small residential system or a large solar power plant, proper grounding is key to ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term performance.

By investing in a reliable earthing setup, you’re not just protecting your solar panels you’re ensuring a secure and hassle-free switch to clean energy.

[jetsor]

Panasonic Solar Panels: The Pinnacle of High-Powered, Steadfast, and Enduring Solar Energy Solutions for Your Home or Business

JETSOR Power Systems is the go-to provider for Panasonic Solar in Gurugram and Faridabad. Customers have the assurance to receive the strongest solar solutions from JETSOR because of their exceptional understanding and dedication to quality.

[klimkovsky]

The Last Dragon

SpaceX has produced the final capsule of the Crew Dragon manned spacecraft

An important announcement was made on SpaceX’s official X account on December 31, 2024.

The last, fifth, capsule of the Crew Dragon manned spacecraft has been assembled. No new capsules will be produced. SpaceX currently has a fleet of 5 operational ships. Their reusability resource should be enough for about 60 flights. Currently, each ship is certified for 5 flights, but the certification process for up to 15 flights of each ship is underway. At the same time, the 4 ships that have already flown have completed 3 to 5 successful flights and have largely exhausted their initial certification resource. SpaceX announced back in March 2022 that it would not produce any new ships. But NASA (clearly realizing that the developers of the alternative ship from Boeing are not doing well, and there is a high probability that Starliner will not be used at all) insisted on producing a fifth, backup capsule. And now it is ready. Now it is definitely the last one.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft is considered partially reusable. Because one of its sections — an unpressurized cylindrical trunk — is not reused. Before entering the atmosphere, it separates from the manned capsule and “destroyed” (but as we know, this is a conditional term, and a significant number of fragments from certain spacecraft sent into the atmosphere to burn actually reach the surface, although most often it is the ocean surface, but fragments of the trunk from Crew Dragon have already been found in Australia). This cargo compartment is manufactured anew for each flight. But its cost is small. Although, it is important. In addition to the fact that it is capable of delivering large oversized cargo to the ISS, such as solar panels, it itself is a solar battery for the Crew Dragon spacecraft, and also acts as a payload adapter for the second stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, and four stabilizers are located on it for more stable behavior of the ship and the launch vehicle in dense layers of the atmosphere. Therefore, the production of unpressurized luggage compartments for Crew Dragon will be active until the last flight of this type of ship. And the SpaceX plant in Hawthorne (California), which produced these ships, will be busy with their repair and interflight maintenance. Plus, the development of a special ship for deorbiting the ISS in 2031 has already begun, and this ship will inherit a lot from the SpaceX Dragon family — manned and cargo. The plant’s employees will have something to do. No layoffs or layoffs are planned for now.

The most important thing in this news is that the Crew Dragon spacecraft has already been declared obsolete. It is being replaced by the manned Starship, which has not yet completed a single full-fledged orbital flight (all previous tests were conducted on an open suborbital trajectory), but it is this statement that demonstrates the company’s confidence that the development process is going well, and the first manned flight can happen relatively soon. This year, the return of the first prototype of the ship to the clutches of Mechazilla is promised — just as the Super Heavy booster was recently caught, the ship with astronauts will be caught in flight. No one has done this yet, but for as long as SpaceX has existed, it has been demonstrating completely unprecedented solutions and technologies.

Source: https://astroreview.blogspot.com/2025/01/TheLastDragon.html

Author: Andrey Klimkovsky

[daily-media]

Zambia Faces Severe Power Crisis Despite Hydro Potential

Zambia is currently experiencing its worst electricity blackouts in history, despite the presence of the Zambezi River and the Kariba Dam, which traditionally provide significant hydroelectric power. Many cities are enduring outages lasting up to three consecutive days, leaving residents grateful for just a few hours of electricity.

The crisis has taken many by surprise, especially the 43% of Zambians connected to the grid who have long taken reliable power for granted. The primary cause is one of the worst droughts in decades, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has drastically reduced the country's power-generating capacity.

With 84% of Zambia’s electricity derived from hydro sources, the drought has severely impacted operations at the Kariba Dam, where only one of six turbines is functioning, generating a mere 7% of its installed capacity. Meanwhile, the only coal-fired power plant, Maamba Energy, has been undergoing maintenance, further limiting electricity availability.

On Wednesday, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote announced that the coal plant is now fully operational, promising at least three hours of power daily. President Hakainde Hichilema previously declared the drought a national disaster, but the government’s reliance on Kariba has hindered effective solutions.

Importing power from Mozambique and South Africa is also challenging due to financial constraints, as suppliers demand upfront payment. Despite these difficulties, the government has installed large generators in key areas to provide some relief.

Zambians are adapting to the crisis by visiting restaurants and bars primarily to charge their phones. A new business has emerged, with individuals charging devices for those lacking electricity. Meanwhile, daily life has become increasingly difficult, with reports of spoiled food, reduced business hours, and a growing reliance on portable gas stoves, which are also in short supply.

The government is encouraging a shift to solar energy and has removed import taxes on solar equipment, but many citizens find the costs prohibitive. As families turn to charcoal for cooking, environmental concerns rise alongside frustration over the government’s inability to address the ongoing crisis effectively.

With rising frustrations, Zambians are calling for better long-term planning from their leaders. The government has announced investments in alternative energy sources, including solar and coal, aiming to reduce reliance on hydro power to 60% in the future. However, critics argue that the focus on coal, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, raises concerns about environmental sustainability.