If you are a hardcore gamer, your computer is likely to run for a long time and use vast amounts of electricity. For those who also use our computers for work, there will often be days when the machine will be running for 24 hours without powering down. This racks up the electricity bills and is not great for the environment. Yes, we gamers are environmentally aware too!
By switching to a solar system to power your computer, it will reduce electricity costs and provide you with an uninterrupted source of energy. This article will look into the different solar panel and renewal energy storage options out there.
Is It Possible To Run a Computer on Solar Power?
With a modern solar panel system and inverter, it is now possible to run a computer via solar energy. Sunlight is an excellent renewable energy source. You can power any electrical device with solar energy, and these systems can power all the devices from domestic to industrial that needs electricity.
Solar power can only run devices with a direct current (DC), but with an inverter and supercapacitors technology, it can also power devices with an alternating current (AC) too. Typically, computers and laptops can run with DC power from an in-plane switching (IPS) panel or battery. This means that powering a computer via a solar system is not too complicated.
How to Operate a Computer on Solar Power?
You can go through the complex process of hooking your computer directly to a solar system and battery, but if you game at home, the easiest way will be to install a domestic solar system on the roof of your house. This means you can power not only your energy-hungry gaming system but your whole home too. No more bills from the electric companies!
A solar system is made up of solar panels, a mounting system, and a solar inverter. Although it is possible to locate the solar installation to various external locations, the most commonplace is on the roof. This is due to the fact that the majority of roofs have the best specifications for installation. The panels need to get the maximum amount of sunlight after all.
What Does A Solar Panel Installation Involve?
When installing a solar system in your home, it is recommended that you get one of the solar companies over to do it. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, and it is a very technical process. Here is a brief overview of what will happen during a roof solar panel installation:
1. Scaffolding – Most properties will need scaffolding erected to ensure safety during the installation process. It is an additional expense but one that is worth investing in.
2. Installing Solar Panel Mounts – Once there is safe access to the rood, the solar panel mounting system will be set up. These mounts are needed to support the base of the PV solar panels. The entire mounting structure will be tilted and have an angle of between 18 to 36 degrees for maximum sunlight exposure.
3. Solar Panel Installation – When the mounts are all set up correctly, the solar panels themselves are installed on the mounting structure. The installer will make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight, so the system stays stable. You don’t want any of those precious panels flying off in the wind.
4. Solar Panel Wiring – This is where it starts to get technical. The wiring process will now begin, and in most cases, MC4 connectors are used. This is because they are suitable for all forms of solar panels. You will need to make sure the existing electricity supply to the house is shut off during the wiring installation.
5. Solar Inverter Installation – Once the wiring is all sorted, it will be connected to the solar inverter. It is usually fitted close to the main panel, and it can be both outdoors or in the house. The inverters are more efficient if kept in a cooler place, so if indoors, they tend to be in the garage or, if outdoors, located in a spot that does not get the afternoon sun.
6. Solar Inverter Bonding and Solar Battery – It is now time to get the system connected to the battery. Solar battery storage has changed the way we use solar energy as we can now store the energy and no longer have to worry about lack of power when it is dark.
7. Connecting the inverter to the Consumer Unit – It is important to make sure the inverter is connected to the consumer unit. Otherwise, the system will not generate electricity. A generation meter should also be connected to your solar system so you can monitor the amount of electricity the solar panels produce.
8. Start and Test Solar Panels – The final step and the most exciting is to switch the power on and check that your newly installed solar panel system works!
Closing Thoughts
Solar systems are great for powering your gaming and home. But if you rent your property and or do not have the upfront capital available for the installation costs, you can look into switching to one of the many renewable energy companies. This way you can take responsibility that clean energy is powering your gaming sessions. Running a computer for long periods of time is not good for the environment but this will help you do your bit for protecting the planet.
