By Remy Majangkim, MA63, Activist, Tutor, and Historian
KOTA KINABALU: Hello everyone, I hope you are having a wonderful day and are looking forward to a great weekend.
Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof revealed that the government is set to launch a special incentive program aimed at promoting the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
This initiative, known as the Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme (SolaRIS), aims to encourage the widespread installation of solar PV systems across the country.
But what exactly are photovoltaic (PV) systems?
These systems utilise solar radiation to convert sunlight into a steady source of electricity, offering a sustainable and renewable energy solution.
Solar power technology has made significant improvements over the past few decades. Initially, it relied on technology imported from Germany, which was quite expensive.
However, the evolution of solar power in Sabah began in the early 1990s with the introduction of Solar Hart, an office located in Kampung Kobusak, Penampang.
During this time, solar power was primarily used to heat up water tanks and provide continuous hot water without relying on the power grid.
As time progressed and factories shifted to China, the cost of solar components decreased, making Chinese solar products highly lucrative in Sabah.
Solar technology has revolutionised the way we power our homes. With the help of solar panels, converters, and batteries, we can now generate electricity and power our appliances.
In this article, we will explore the three main components of solar technology and discuss the important calculations of converting amps to watts and storing energy in batteries.
The three main components of solar technology are:
Solar Panels: These panels are responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. They are typically installed on the roof or in an area with maximum exposure to sunlight.
Converter: The converter plays a crucial role in the solar power system. It converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is suitable for powering home appliances.
Batteries: Batteries are used to store the excess electricity generated by the solar panels.
This stored energy can be used during times when sunlight is not available, such as at night or during cloudy days.
One important calculation in solar technology is converting amps to watts. This calculation is necessary to determine the amount of energy converted into watts and stored in the batteries. It requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate results.
In conclusion, solar technology has made it possible for us to generate electricity and power our homes using renewable energy sources. By understanding the components of solar technology and the calculation of amps to watts, we can make the most of this innovative technology and contribute to a greener future.
So here is a challenge for the UMS students majoring in civil and electrical engineering.
Can you design a schematic and propose a working prototype that uses cooling towers (just like in the old cinema theatre) to generate central air conditioning in the house with a steady cool temperature between 23 and 25 Celsius? Give it a go.
