Editing 1924: Solar Panels
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | {{incomplete|Created by a SOLAR PANEL - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
This handy decision tree aims to help in finding out whether a given object should have {{w|solar panel}}s installed on it. | This handy decision tree aims to help in finding out whether a given object should have {{w|solar panel}}s installed on it. | ||
− | The root question is whether the object of choice moves. If it doesn't and has no nearby empty space that would be more practical for the solar panel installation, then yes, the object should be equipped with the solar panels. If the object is static, but you could more easily install the panels somewhere else nearby, probably that's the best place. An example of this is a slanted rooftop of a house or a field on a hillside: it's certainly possible to put solar panels there, but | + | The root question is whether the object of choice moves. If it doesn't and has no nearby empty space that would be more practical for the solar panel installation, then yes, the object should be equipped with the solar panels. If the object is static, but you could more easily install the panels somewhere else nearby, probably that's the best place. An example of this is a slanted rooftop of a house or a field on a hillside: it's certainly possible to put solar panels there, but it would generally be easier to put them on a flat surface, like a flat-roofed house or a level field if such is available. This way, you are not restricted as to the direction (which might not be optimal on a given incline) and the panels can face the optimal direction or even [https://www.linak.com/business-areas/energy move to track the sun]. For another example of things were "putting next to it" instad of "on it" is generally the easier (and arguably) option, see the "highway surfaces" of the title text. |
− | If the object moves, the next question is whether its batteries can be recharged or swapped with ease, in which case batteries may be a better option than solar panels | + | If the object moves, the next question is whether its batteries can be recharged or swapped with ease, in which case batteries may be a better option than solar panels. The idea is that solar panels on a vehicle sound like an interesting idea, but batteries can be much more easily (and economically) recharged from a fixed electrical station than using solar panels on the vehicle as a power source. |
− | Finally, if the object moves and batteries are not an option, the last question is whether the object heats up during operation. If | + | Finally, if the object moves and batteries are not an option, the last question is whether the object heats up during operation. If not, solar panels may be an option. If it gets hot, [[Randall]] doubts it mockingly, presumably because any object that dissipates enough power to "get hot" probably requires more power than could be generated by photo-voltaic panels that could reasonably be mounted onto that object. Obviously, many animals are also "moving objects" fitting this condition, and installing solar panel on them, for any purpose, is bound to be a challenge. |
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− | But if changing batteries is not an option | + | But if changing batteries is not an option and heat production is minimal, then solar panels can be an excellent solution on a moving object. An excellent case for this is on probes and satellites, which are typically powered entirely by solar panels. |
− | The flow chart | + | The title text suggests that this flow chart is very broadly applicable to anything the Sun hits; however, the flow chart does not mention if the thing in question actually ''needs'' solar panels. |
− | + | "Highway surfaces" is likely a reference to "{{w|photovoltaic pavement}}". Engineers commonly regard the idea as a nightmare to implement; it would be more practical to install the solar panels ''beside'' the road where damage by cars is less of an issue. | |
− | + | ==Transcript== | |
− | + | {{incomplete transcript|What about screen readers? Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
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− | + | <big>Should I put solar panels on it?</big> | |
− | + | Does it move around? | |
+ | | | | ||
+ | yes no | ||
+ | | | | ||
+ | Does it have Is there an empty space nearby | ||
+ | regular chances where it would be easier to | ||
+ | to recharge or put them? | ||
+ | swap batteries? | | | ||
+ | | | | | | ||
+ | no yes yes no | ||
+ | | | | | | ||
+ | When running, is it Probably Sure | ||
+ | hot to the touch? not | ||
+ | | | | ||
+ | no yes | ||
+ | | | | ||
+ | Maybe Haha | ||
+ | good luck | ||
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
[[Category:Flowcharts]] | [[Category:Flowcharts]] | ||
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