Month: July 2022

If we take thermal efficiency and costs into account, underfloor heating can be the best solution for those who want increased comfort in their homes. However, because not many know the advantages of this way of heating, all kinds of myths have appeared around this subject, some of which are far from the truth.

These are the most well-known myths regarding underfloor heating:

1. Underfloor heating is more expensive than radiator heating.

Although the price of installing an underfloor heating system is about 30% higher than traditional radiators, the investment pays for itself in a relatively short time. Considering that an underfloor heating system is more thermally efficient and easier to maintain, it is impossible for the monthly bills to be higher compared to a classic heating system.

2. A house with underfloor heating never heats up.

It is true that an underfloor heating system does not produce as much heat as radiators, but it certainly creates a pleasant ambient environment. The system distributes the heat evenly over the entire surface of the floor, so the room temperature can even reach 25 ℃.

3. Technically speaking, underfloor heating is an electric heating system.

The floor system runs on electricity, but the hydraulic system runs on hot water and central heating. There is also the option to connect the underfloor heating system to a heat pump. Heat pumps require little or no electricity as they rely mainly on renewable energy. As underfloor heating operates at a fairly low constant temperature, the option of adding a heat pump to your underfloor heating system is an ideal option.

4. Underfloor heating systems take more time to warm up the living space, so the temperature remains not constant.

While electric underfloor heating operates almost as quickly as a radiator, the hydraulic system works a bit slower. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure low temperatures.

It is essential to understand how to configure the system to best fit your lifestyle and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. For example, if you have a hydraulic system, you can adjust the settings to ensure that the room temperature decreases by a maximum of 3 ℃ during the night.

5. Underfloor heating is unhealthy.

Underfloor heating prevents the circulation of dust particles that can lead to allergies or illnesses. Homeowners can also benefit from better humidity and a healthier environment, free of mites and mold, which is especially helpful for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Therefore, underfloor heating not only does not harm health but is even recommended for sensitive individuals.

With the help of solar panels installed on your house’s roof, you can save a significant amount of money every month. They capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for all the consumers in your home.

But you might be surprised to learn that not only your home can benefit from the electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. You can also save money and protect the environment by using solar panels outside the house.

Discover 9 other ways you can use solar energy outside the house:

1. Mobile Phones

There are phone cases available on the market with a small photovoltaic panel installed on the back. When this panel is directed towards the sun, it can generate electricity and charge your phone. This type of case is ideal for those who spend a lot of time on the go or outdoors.

2. Navigation Systems

It may be hard to believe, but there are already electric boats and yachts fully powered by solar energy. They do not need any fuel or oil because the photovoltaic panels they are equipped with power both the engine and onboard devices, including the navigation system. We can say that the industry is rapidly developing, and there are already 100% electric yachts and ships capable of covering considerable distances.

3. Camping Equipment and Accessories

To use certain electric equipment and accessories for camping, you usually need to rely on the vehicle’s power supply while traveling. However, there are plenty of eco-friendly camping items available, such as tents, charging stations, cooking stoves, and heating systems.

4. Lanterns

You can say goodbye to expensive and polluting batteries for your lantern. There are already many lanterns that can store solar energy during the day to be used when needed.

5. Portable Chargers

While these chargers with photovoltaic panels may not have the power to operate household appliances, they can charge laptops, cameras, or tablets. Many of these chargers can be attached to other accessories (bag, backpack, purse) to capture as much solar energy as possible when you are outdoors.

6. Public Transportation

More and more cities around the world, including Romania, have electric public transportation (trains, subways, buses, trams), either partially or entirely.

7. Public Lighting System

Cities, commercial spaces, and residential areas can also benefit from solar energy. All that is needed is a small photovoltaic panel installed for each lighting post.

8. Traffic Signs and Billboards

Any traffic sign or advertising billboard that uses intermittent or background lighting can be powered by solar energy. This would reduce costs and the carbon footprint on the environment.

9. Pool Heating

Photovoltaic panels can be easily installed on the pool’s cover to heat the water. This way, you can enjoy your pool during the summer months without worrying about the costs associated with a traditional water heating system.

The number of Romanians who own a caravan or choose to spend their holidays on four wheels is increasing from one year to the next. Certainly the pandemic we went through influenced this trend, during which the caravan represented an excellent alternative to spend a relaxing holiday in the middle of nature, at the sea or in the mountains.

If you own one or more campers or are thinking of buying one, you’ve probably wondered if a solar panel system would be a good investment to cover your electrical needs while on vacation or hiking.

In this article we will show you how to calculate the number of solar panels for a caravan, but also what other components you need

How do solar panels produce energy for a caravan?

Solar panels for caravans function like any other photovoltaic panels, consisting of silicon solar cells. Silicon is an excellent semiconductor of electricity while maintaining an electric imbalance, necessary to create an electric field.

How many solar panels are needed for a caravan?

Just like with solar panels for homes, the number of solar panels, inverter power, and the number of batteries for a caravan depend strictly on the consumption needs.

To answer this question, the simplest way is to make a list of all electrical appliances (consumers) you use when you are on vacation with the caravan, along with their power expressed in watts. By knowing the total power of all consumers, you will determine the capacity needed for the solar panel system. It is not necessarily important to know the exact number of panels required but rather the ratio between the total system power and your consumption needs.

After creating the list of consumers, estimate the approximate number of hours each appliance is used during a typical day. The calculation is straightforward:

Device Power x Number of hours used = Consumption in watts

By calculating the total, you will find out how many watts you consume on an average day and the power that needs to be generated by the solar panel system.

To help you, below is a rough list of the most common consumers in a caravan and their approximate consumption:

Consumer	average consumption
Refrigerator	30-40 W
Laptop	100 W
Electric oven	1300 W
Coffee machine	1100 W
Toaster	600 W
Fan	120 W
12 bulbs	9 W

The best solar panels for a caravan

Monocrystalline panels are the most recommended, not just for homes but also for caravans, due to their efficiency, especially considering the limited installation space available in this case.

You might have heard of the existence of flexible panels (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) that are thinner than traditional panels and can bend up to 30 degrees. However, traditional panels are still more efficient and durable.

Other necessary components

In addition to solar panels, you will also need the following components:

• Solar Controller: Its role is to protect the batteries by controlling the power they receive. Among the two models available on the market, MPPT is recommended over PWM due to its higher efficiency.
• Solar Batteries: They store the energy produced by the solar panels. Lithium batteries are generally more expensive compared to gel batteries, but they are more powerful and have a longer lifespan.
• Solar Inverter: Its role is to convert the direct current produced by the panels into alternating current (220V or 240V), which is then transmitted to the fuse box and distributed to electrical consumers.
• Fuses: They distribute electricity to the appliances and accessories in the caravan, protecting the cables from power surges or other malfunctions.

Surely there has been at least one time when you have wondered whether it is more advantageous to invest in an underfloor or radiator heating system. This is especially so if you have built a house or renovated an older one.

Both heating systems have advantages and disadvantages, so it is not at all easy to make the right decision without knowing all the details.

Underfloor Heating Vs. Heating with radiators

The underfloor heating system seemed to be quite complex at the beginning, representing a real challenge even for the most skilled installers. However, now it is much easier, with a wide range of underfloor heating mats or tutorials and informative articles available on the internet, very well explained.

At the moment, there are two types of underfloor heating systems on the market: water-based and electric-based. Choosing one of these systems is entirely up to you, as a consumer, based on your preferences and budget.

If you own an apartment, radiator heating is certainly a more suitable solution. Firstly, you won’t have to change the parquet or tiles, and regardless of your living space style, you will undoubtedly find a model of radiators that matches the ambiance, as the existing models on the market are becoming increasingly diversified.

Advantages of an Underfloor Heating System:

The main advantage of underfloor heating is represented by low maintenance and operating costs. It is true that the investment in such a system is higher compared to radiator heating, but once installed, the investment will be amortized quite quickly and securely.

The second major advantage of underfloor heating systems is that they are more efficient. They heat the living space faster than radiators and maintain an optimal temperature for a longer time. Additionally, the installation does not need to reach a very high temperature to create a pleasant environment, regardless of the living area’s size.

Last but not least, underfloor heating offers you more space that you can use for any purpose you desire. We all know that not every piece of furniture can be placed near radiators, while underfloor heating does not have such restrictions.

Disadvantages of an Underfloor Heating System:

Just like with radiators, underfloor heating also has some disadvantages. One of these is that you cannot install the system by yourself since it requires special tools and the expertise of an installer.

At the same time, underfloor heating is not compatible with every type of parquet or tiles, as some of them do not have extraordinary heat transfer qualities. The most suitable flooring in this regard is marble or tiles.

Lastly, it is not worth investing in an underfloor heating system without properly insulating your house. Of course, insulation is beneficial regardless of the type of heating system, but in the case of underfloor heating, the lack of insulation will be felt more strongly in your pocket.

The choice of an Off-Grid or On-Grid photovoltaic system is made according to the way in which the home is supplied with electricity at the moment.

Off-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

If your home is in an isolated area, not connected to the National Energy System, then you will have to opt for an Off-Grid photovoltaic system (with batteries).

Off-Grid photovoltaic systems are the most complex on the market, containing:

• Photovoltaic panels (or wind turbines);
• Charge controllers (regulators);
• Solar batteries;
• Inverters.

Unlike On-Grid inverters, those for Off-Grid systems have several functions, which allow you to control:

• supplying energy to different consumers in your home;
• photovoltaic panels;
• the use of alternative sources as fuel generators or cogeneration systems.

On-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

If you are connected to the National Energy System, you can choose between 3 types of On-Grid photovoltaic systems:

1. Photovoltaic system that aims to inject all energy production into the national grid (or Full Feed-In System).
2. Complex photovoltaic system, where the priority is the consumption of energy by you, for your home, and the National Energy System acts as a back-up, providing you with additional energy if needed or receiving surplus energy produced by your system.
3. Hybrid photovoltaic system (On-Grid with batteries) that helps you store the surplus energy produced by your panels. In this case, the National Energy System only serves as a back-up in case of overconsumption, charging the batteries when needed or even taking over the surplus energy if the batteries are already fully charged. These types of photovoltaic systems require hybrid inverters with built-in charge controllers.

The performance of an On-Grid photovoltaic system is determined by:

• Efficiency and quality of photovoltaic panels: geographical location, orientation and degree of inclination of the roof, manufacturer;
• Efficiency of inverters: they strictly depend on the manufacturer.

It is important to remember that for the installation of an On-Grid photovoltaic system, you need a Technical Connection Approval (ATR), to connect the panels to the National Energy System.

Solar lamps represent an excellent choice for illuminating your garden from several points of view. Due to their cable-free and accessory-free nature, solar lamps are very easy to install anywhere in your yard.

Continue reading to discover the benefits of solar lamps for the garden.

How Do Solar Lamps Work?

Solar lamps for the garden only light up in the evening, as they capture solar energy during the day. Each lamp has one or two photovoltaic cells on the top, which absorb sunlight and convert it into energy.

Solar energy is stored in a small battery inside each lamp. When the sun sets, a photoresistor activates an LED light, using the energy stored in that battery.

How Long Do Solar Garden Lamps Illuminate?

For maximum charging, the battery of a solar lamp needs at least 8 hours of exposure to sunlight on a sunny day. Thus, the battery can provide light for about 12 to 15 hours.

On cloudy days or during the winter season, it may be challenging for the battery to fully charge, so the lamp may not illuminate for the entire night.

Benefits of Solar Garden Lamps

Solar garden lamps have multiple benefits, with the top 3 advantages being the following:

1. It consumes no electricity at all

As already mentioned, each solar garden lamp has one or two photovoltaic cells built into it that collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is then stored in a small rechargeable battery. Thus, solar garden lights do not need an external power source. All you have to do is make sure they are installed/placed in places with direct access to sunlight.

2. It does not harm the environment

Since solar garden lights do not require power from external sources, they are an environmentally friendly lighting solution for your yard or garden, doing absolutely no harm to the environment

3. Reduced costs

Apart from the initial investment of their purchase, solar garden lights have no other cost. In this way, you can enjoy an illuminated garden or yard, while your electricity bill will not increase.