Solar Direct's SolarNode

Open Source Project

Solar Direct is a sponsor of SolarNetwork.net, an open-source project and experiment to test a method of distributed energy production.

An Experiment

The project aims to construct the framework of equitable cost sharing that will underlie a business method outlined in the provisional patent.

Through solarNetwork.net, solar photo-voltaic energy is collected, consumed, measured and recorded locally at sites around the globe, called solarNodes. Data from each solarNode is aggregated at a central database of solar energy information.

A Masters Thesis

solarNetwork.net is being studied as part of a Masters thesis in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering at the University of Auckland, to be completed December 2008.

SolarNode Specifications

Solar Direct's SolarNode consists of an 80 watt PowerUp solar PV module and a 85 AH battery, a MorningStar TS45 Solar Controller, and a SunSaver SS-6LVD Load Controller. It currently powers two MagnaRay 13 Watt PL Fluorescent light fixtures. View performance here: http://www.solarnetwork.net/node.php?id=5

The SolarNode illuminates Solar Direct's front door and the landscaping near the front entrance – this extra lighting helps with security, plus lights up front sign and generally makes a nice appearance for the front area at night.

Learn more about this project at http://www.solarnetwork.net.

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