Solar power options showcased

The evolving use of solar power and sensors that adapt to varying conditions was the noticeable aspect of the Clean and Green Industry Showcase.

The trade delegation, headed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Samex, are taking the opportunity to illustrate the latest advancements within their respective fields outside the National Auditorium.

The presence of solar-powered electronics was thorough at the showcase and Andersons’ ability to highlight specific solar panels that could run certain appliances that caught the eye.

Solar-powered water pumps, freezers and solar-assisted heat pumps were on display as Ed Brogan, one of Andersons’ 10 installers, demonstrated the use of each machine.

”It can go down 30-40 metres. You just put the pump down and you pump it up,“ Brogan said.

A converter ensured any solar panel that creates Photovoltaic (PV) power is able to be stored and used when needed. In the case of the solar-powered freezer, which you can purchase for $2000, a consistent, low-powered system only needed to use a 50W solar panel as opposed to the water pump, which needed an 80W panel.

When asked about the rapid growth of solar power, Brogan said he wasn’t surprised at its quick development before he addressed those who had financial questions about the system.

”Anybody is always coming up with new things,“ he said. ”I think in the long run you will be better off.“

Also showcasing solar panel technology was Panasonic, whose group of solar panels, known as HIT modules, are the brainchild of fellow electronics company Sanyo.

Panasonic took over Sanyo earlier this year and rebranded the solar panels in April to ensure they would make the most of the Japanese giant’s global reach.

Panasonic’s stand also introduced the idea of ECONAVI, a multi-sensor approach to technology that aims to reduce power consumption.

Users are able to save power because of various sensors throughout the appliances that alter the energy output depending on conditions and peak usage.

The static display showcased the technology in one of the latest refrigerators to be released, known as the NR-BY552X. Five different sensors throughout the refrigerator assess the levels of activity and adjust accordingly to ensure the machine operates in its most efficient state.

The sensors alone are expected to save the consumers as much as 10 percent in electricity consumption, while the presence of an inverter – a device that has seven different levels of power output that are complemented by the level of cooling required for storage – could see power consumption decrease by an additional 30 percent.