PEACE

By: Victor Perlas Vizarra

While many people are making resolutions for this year, 2015, I'm not making any, but will keep the old one--to keep physically fit and healthy. At the same time, I have only a wish: WORLD PEACE! This poem is dedicated to all my readers all over the world and to my high school classmates.

Peace, love, joy and  harmony
Nature providing a symphony
State of –                   Nirvana
You inhale,                I exhale
Together we are but one mind
neither suffering, nor desires
nor  sense
of oneself
Let’s find
an idyllic
place where
there is total
Enlightenment

Equality of men and complete
trust with each other without
provocations nor malice, only
then, and only
then shall we
achieve peace…without these
qualities, we are doomed to war,
persecutions, hunger and pain.
Don’t blame
government.
Its constituents—that means you
and me, and the rest of the world
chose those people that run them.

                                I
                              still
                            believe
                       and not losing
                  hope that my dream
                of peace will someday
              be achieved, if not in my life-
           time but for generations to come.
        I’m afraid such grand ambitions could
   only be successful, if we cut down the roots
 of all evils. That would mean extermination—
total annihilation of human population. I’m hoping
there is a much better way of alternative solution…

If only philanthropists, poets like us
and other think tanks could be spared
to spearhead a new way of thinking in:
Geopolitical
Institutional
Unilateral
Biological
Metaphysical
Technological
Environmental
If this could be achieved, then there is
a great chance for us to achieve peace,
just because a new mindset will be born.

How sweet it is to savor the taste of
everlasting peace! Free at last from
the jagged nails of tyranny, fear of
terrorism and
ebola outbreak,
as well as other deadly viruses we
can think of. Imagine if everyone
around the world is living without
hunger, pain and
fear of persecution,
then the world would be a better
place to live. There would be no
more worries because of PEACE!

POETIC LICENSE

Poetic words of love and wisdom

Spread throughout my kingdom

Although a critic says I'm an amateur

I refuse to the rule of pedantic culture

Casting a spell of grammarian's doom

We are now on the cutting edge of technology

Where the imagination is not limited to biology

Confining oneself within a form and structure

Only limits creativity, stark naked in the future

Keep an open mind, immerse yourself in theology

As an engineer I like to think outside the box

And as a poet, I'm witty as a quick desert fox

I like my poems to flow like water

Conventional thinking does not matter

As long as my sweet  verses always rock

I weave words of love and wisdom between shots of hennessy
For the present and future generations, this is my legacy
Poetry in many forms some of which are futuristic
Sometimes they are funny, sometimes erotic
The fire within rises, showers them with ecstasy

The wings of freedom carry my poetic license

With fervor burning kindled with lover's incense

Words filled with love from within my heart

Inked with blood and although it may hurt

But that's all I got and a lot of common sense

~ By Engr.VV - D' Poetic Engineer ~

Catch a glimpse of my books and a video of my book launch at Amazon.

Algebra: Solutions to Common Verbal Problems

After long hours of sleep deprivation and hard work, finally my first ever written book is published. A dream come true for me! Hard copy now available at CreateSpace.com and digital format for Kindle is at Amazon.com.

This book is a useful guide for both high school and college students, as well those engineering graduate students who are currently reviewing for their board examinations. For more details about this book, please click on the link above.

Yellow is the Color of Blood

Yellow became the color of a nation

when one of its favorite son was slain

Shot in the head, body on the tarmac,

never given a chance to have his voice heard

Conspiracy theories abound from within, 

as to whom the real trigger man was

Controversial investigations produced

no definitive results, only scapegoats.

Yellow ribbons tied on trees and houses

kinda reminded me of a popular song—

only to show love of the whole nation

Miniature yellow ribbons on buttons

became favorite car emblems, as well

Yellow tee-shirts flooded the market

carrying the slogan of the times:

“Ninoy, you’re not alone!”

So you see, the color yellow means a lot

to every freedom loving Filipinos;

It was blood and guts of our beloved martyr

who knew beforehand he was going to be killed

yet, defied the odds--despite of his heart condition,

insisted on returning to his beloved motherland.

His assassination was pivotal—

to a despotic ruler’s downfall

eventually restoring democracy

to a nation which was formerly

under a decade of martial law!

"He Didn't Build That"...I Did (Part 7): Solar Cost Analysis and Payback Calculations

Total Solar Project Cost

Following are the comparative costs of the solar panels and components for our small-scale solar project. The prices may vary depending on the suppliers and locations of our sources. Also, prices tend to go down (at least in my observation) as time passes by and depending upon the competition. These are the current prices at the time of this writing, and are used merely for computational purposes and any future changes should not reflect upon the author or the suppliers.

OPTION I

Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
Item # 776092
Manual
Your Price$1,399.99
Shipping & Handling included *

The Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including emergency backup systems, RVs, boats, 12 Volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating LED lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free! An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. A two-diode bypass minimizes power drop caused by shade. This system will provide approximately 1,200 Watt Hours or 100 Amp Hours of charge per day. The kit includes: 4pc 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels, a 35 Amp charge controller, 2,000-watt inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, cables and manual.

Ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your portable electronic devices
Polycrystalline panel with anodized aluminum frames and tempered glass for outdoor use and superior performance
Two diode junction box for enhanced performance
2,000-watt pure sine inverter with two outlets and a USB port allows you to plug in small devices
Kit comes with all cables and connectors for quick and easy set-up
Battery not included, a minimum of one 12Volt deep cycle battery is necessary to use this kit
MFG Model #: GS-400-KIT
MFG Part #: GS-400-KIT

OPTION II

Item Description                                           Quantity  Unit Price    Total Price
Solar Panel, 100 watts, polycrystalline                4         $180.00 $720.00
Solar Charge Controller, 60 A, 12/24 VDC        1         $150.00      $150.00
Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 1,000 watts                 1         $185.00       $185.00
Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery, 250AH, 12V     6         $397.50    $2,385.00
                                                         
Over-all Total Price = $3,440.00

Above cost does not include cost of cables and connectors, which would be in the vicinity of around $200.00 more. Also if we factor the cost of the inverter at double the size, from 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts which cost $450.00 each, I suggest that we buy the kit instead, (OPTION I) at $1,400.00 because it’s easier to set-up. Needless to say about compatibility issues and shipping problems when components are coming from different vendors/suppliers.

Therefore our price options would be the following:

1. Over-all total cost without batteries = $1,400.00 (P56, 000.00 @P40/dollar)
2. With at least 2 batteries, total cost   = $2,195.00 (P87, 800.00 @P40/dollar)
3. With 6 batteries, per computations  = $3,785.00 (P151, 400.00 @P40/dollar)

Without the storage batteries, our solar panels will provide electricity only during the daytime. I suggest that we consider option 2, using at least 2 batteries for lights at night and light loads such as TV, computers and cell phone charging.

For simple computational purposes, I’m going to round off the total cost to:

Total solar project cost = $2,200.00 (P88, 000.00 @P40/dollar)

Again, I’m emphasizing that above costing reflects not the actual cost, but merely being presented for purposes of giving the readers a bird’s eye view of what it would be like to own a solar system based on their load requirements at my approximate price evaluation at the time of this writing. Based on the price table above, you can try to configure your own system and just follow the computations as a basic guide for your total cost and payback calculations. You can still lower this cost by purchasing cheaper storage batteries. Just make sure they are of the deep cycle kind that can hold a charge longer.

Next time, we will discuss payback calculations. Hang in there, guys!

Poetic Friends 2

While I am still collating data for the cost and payback calculations of our small solar project, allow me to share with you a tribute written by my co-resident poet in Deep Underground Poetry. I'm thankful to be included in the mix of these wonderful and talented poets. (EngrVV - D' Poetic Engineer)

DUP official logo

I’ve marinated in the benevolence of Glynis

Eruption of kindness flows with conviction

I witness the vortex of tornado’s spill

Erotic storms arousing mental senses

Ingested Great knowledge from Somelikeithot

Awareness delivered beautifully with respect

Found supreme fulfillment in hawkdude’s words

Amusement through intelligence reigns power

Inhale the fragrance of flowergirl’s heart

Purple- tinted whispers hiss softly in the air

I lounge in the beauty of Unveiling Crimsin’s pen

Mesmerizing stories crafted into lovely art

I marvel at the brilliancy found in drivelicious13’s flow

Reality spawned ink expressed boldly

Smitten by the paintbrush of SOo-Soulfull-Kev

Palette of vibrant words merged into portraits

My spirit was caressed by Soul_Men_Ken

Encouraging energy motivates greatly

Summoned by the authenticity of EngrVV

Sincerity seeps from truthful lines

Transfixed by Chels’ humbling personality

Character and traits shown through syllables

Adored the gentle candor of Versonnen AlwaysCaliban

Lovely nude honest written between spaces

I savored the taste found in LobodeSanPedro’s ink

Feeding my appetite with magnificent verses

I praise the creativity embedded in Michael-Oblivionsparadox

The depth of an artistic mind has no limits

Saturated with Brinda’s radiant works

Aesthetically pleasing the sight of many

In awe over the hypnotic profoundness of disDain

Bestow mental images that penetrates the soul

Immersed in CHOCOLATEDROP poetic seduction

Baptized by sensual sultry lyrics

Amazement pursues the poetry of Demogorgon

Intriguing thoughts spilled with fascinating effects

I’ve melted in the embrace of LSK-longsoftkiss

Encompassed breathless writings reeking of deep love

I wrapped myself in fabrics of delumi’s

Silk and satin words flowing seamlessly free

Touched by ElBaby’s heartfelt incredible scribes

Emotional expression penned with reflections

Words of tranquil peace found in jemac

Majestic glowing aura floats for all to see

Soothing words massage my spirit with comfort

Bringing sweet contentment from Morretti

I salute the subtle diversity found in unique ink

Applauding the richness in BlaccZacc’s poetry

…..and when you blend these amazing poets together,         

they give my poetry....         

a voice worth sharing!         

          

          

~RAIN~

(Printed with permission from the author. Thank you very much!)

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU! to all my readers around the world: United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Romania and last but not the least my place of birth, the Philippines. Thank you very much for your continuous support. Any comment from you would be greatly appreciated!

"He Didn't Build That"...I Did (Part 6): Solar Inverters

Solar Inverter, 1,000 Watts, 12-volt input, 110-volt output

Solar Inverter Sizing

A solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or off-grid electrical network. 

Types of Solar Inverters:

There are three distinct types of solar energy inverters, each of which serve a different function and are used for a different type of solar energy system, although each inverter still converts DC into AC. For educational purposes, I’m going to give you a bird’s eye view of each type:

1. Stand Alone Inverters - used for off-grid solar arrays. In off-grid arrays, the solar panels generate direct current energy, which is then stored in rechargeable batteries. When energy is required, the direct current is sent from the battery to the stand alone inverter and then converted into alternating current which can then be used to power a home or for any other electricity needs.

2. Grid-tie Inverters - for use in any situation where your solar array is connected directly to your local power grid. These systems, known as grid tie solar systems, are more common in urban areas and are much cheaper than stand-alone or off-grid systems because of the lack of need for a battery.

3. Dual Inverters - also known as backup battery inverters and are used in a multi-function solar system. In this system, the direct current generated by the solar panels is first sent directly to a battery. The energy from the batteries is then sent to the inverter and converted to alternating current whenever electricity is required. However, when the batteries are fully charged, any excess direct current electricity that is generated is sent directly to the inverter and is then sent into the local power grid. This system combines the other two systems into one self-reliant and possibly money generating solar unit.

Based on our example, our inverter would be off-grid type, as we are not going to connect to a power utility electric meter. In short, it is stand-alone/portable type, which we can carry anywhere we need AC household current. 

There are two types of this kind of inverter: 

1) pure sine wave inverter – regulated, similar to AC household current

2) modified sine wave inverter – good for simple induction loads such as motors and light bulbs

Pure sine wave inverter is recommended because it is ideal for running loads with sensitive electronics, such as laptops, cell phones and other complex or state-of-the-art technologies. If on the other hand, your demand is simple power, and you don’t need to utilize today’s sensitive electronic devices either now, or in the future, a modified sine wave inverter is the more economical choice.

Inverter Sizing

From my previous blog: http://engineer2poet.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-didnt-build-that-i-didpart-3.html the total wattage consumed is only 475 watts. To compensate for future loads, I recommend a 1,000 watts or 1 KW inverter. Make sure you don’t plug in an appliance with a rating higher than the inverter rating. As a simple rule of thumb use only a 70% - 80% total load, that is 700 to 800 watts combined load to a 1,000-watt inverter. You either need to unplug the other loads if you want to use a single high wattage appliance, or buy the next higher capacity inverter to satisfy the loads.

Therefore the specifications for our inverter would be: Capacity = 1,000 watts, Input = 12 volts DC,

Output = 110 volts AC (US);  220 volts AC (Phils.)

Watch out for our last topic: Solar Cost and Payback Calculations…

He Didn't Build That" I Did...(Part 5)

Solar Charge Controller

Solar Charge Controllers

The solar charge controller provides a regulated DC output and stores excess energy in a battery. It also monitors the battery voltage to prevent under/over charging. It may be used to power 12-volt or 24-volt DC equipment with solar panels, as well as in charging cell phones and laptop computers.

Once we have sized our battery bank and solar panel array, determining which charge controller to use is comparatively straightforward. All we have to do is find the current through the controller by using:

  Power = voltage x current; P = V x I

Take the power produced by the solar panels and divide by the voltage of the batteries:

I = P/V = 400 watts/12 volts = 33.33 amps.

Now introduce a safety factor of 25%. Multiply the value we have found by 1.25 to account for variable power outputs: 33.33 x 1.25 = 41.6625 amps

In our example we would need at least a 45 amp. controller. The Flex Max 60 MPPT Charge Controller would fit our specifications, or we can have individual charge controllers for each 100-watt solar panel:

I = P/V = 100 watts /12 volts = 8.33 amps. x 1.25 = 10.41 amps

Therefore we can use one (1) - 60 amp. charge controller, or four (4) - 15 amp. charge controllers.  It’s your call; the choices you make will depend largely on the price of each controller. Usually charge controllers come free with individual solar panels, so check that out first before making any purchases. If you have to buy your own controller, I suggest that you choose one with a USB port(s) and with multiple DC voltage outputs: 3V, 6V, 9V and 12V for charging your cell phones and other electronic gadgets.

Next time, we are going to discuss solar inverters.

"He Didn't Build That" I Did...(Part 4)

Three (3) 12-volt batteries connected in parallel

Solar Battery Sizing

Days of autonomy

First of all decide how many days worth of energy we want to store in our battery bank. Generally this is anywhere from two to five. Let’s assume we want the battery bank to last three (3) days without recharging.

Battery sizing/bank capacity

Then we can calculate the minimum battery capacity in terms of amp-hours (AH). Use the value of 2,880 watt-hours per day from part 3 of this blog article: http://engineer2poet.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-didnt-build-that-i-didpart-3.html, and multiply them by the number of days you decided upon which is 3 days. This should represent a 50% depth of discharge on your batteries. Therefore multiply by 2 and convert the KWH result into amp hours (AH). This is done by dividing by the battery voltage.

Therefore, solving for the energy we need from the batteries:

Since there are 1,000 watts per kilowatt (KW), we divide 2,880 watt-hours per day by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatt-hour (KWH) = 2.8 KWH/day

E (batt.) = 2.8 KWH/day x 3 days x 2 = 16.8 KWH

Converting this to AH we have to divide by the voltage of the system. This can be 12V, 24Vor 48V for commercial application. In our project we will choose to use 12V which is common for household use. 

The minimum AH capacity is then 16,800/12 = 1400 AH

Now if we divide by our battery's rating, we find the number of batteries we must use. Using 250 AH (recommended size) battery rating:

Number of batteries needed = 1400/250 = 5.6 = 6

Therefore we need to use six (6) 12-volt batteries. If we prefer just one day of power storage instead of three days, then two (2) batteries would be just fine. 

Since solar grade type of batteries are still pretty much expensive nowadays, I recommend using the marine grade deep cycle lead-acid batteries usually used in boats and recreational vehicles.

The cost of batteries and other components of our solar project will be discussed in the last part of this series  of blogs, when I discuss about the rate of return of our investment.

Solar Panel Installation/Demo in my Neighborhood

Brian Costanzo, proud owner of new 5.15 KW solar power generating system

On 6/29/2013 I went to see the installation of  new solar panels in my neighborhood. Brian Costanzo, my new friend and the proud owner of the new solar power generating system with a total capacity of 5.15 KW was very enthusiastic in sharing with me the total cost/savings analysis of owning the system including the rate of return of his investment. Going solar could have cost Brian more than $17,000, but state, and county grants along with a federal tax incentive combined together to bring his cost to just about $9,000. Estimated first year power savings of $800 and Solar RECs at $600 (if he opted to sell his excess power) would further bring down his net cost after a year to a little over $7,000 with approximately six (6) years return on his investment.

I also had a chance to talk to Lisa Orr, the program coordinator in the community development division of the county's Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources who was present in the solar panel installation using it as a demo to attract the residents into going solar. She explained to me the "Solarize Frederick County" pilot project and how the residents can take advantage of lower costs of solar panels through volume purchasing and incentive grants from both local and federal. She further explained that doing a comprehensive home energy audit is the first step to do after signing up for a free solar assessment at solarizefredrick.org.

I believe in the saying, that money saved is money earned. The longer we procrastinate to have something like what Brian did, the longer we're stuck in the old system. Besides savings on electric bills, using renewable source of energy such as solar, will help solve our environmental problems. What are you waiting for, my dear friends? Let's go SOLAR!

Your humble friend (second from left) next to Rebecca Yarbrough, an Astrum  Market Development  Specialist
(photo courtesy of The Frederick News-Post thru Brian Costanzo)

Gone With The Gun

Photo credit: Mario Tama, Getty Images/SF

Senseless killings beyond my comprehension

A human tragedy without apprehension

The whole nation mourns so does the heaven

Gloomy days shrouded the yuletide season

Young lives were gone because of a gun

How many more shall perish before it's gone

Many hearts were filled with grief and broken 

Memories were etched on our souls as a token

Gun control and regulations became a loud cry

Some lawmakers agreed - it's worth a try

But for an association who likes to keep it high 

More guns will keep us safe and dry

"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun,"

Someone said, "is a good guy with a gun."

Seems like Buffalo Bill in the days of Deadwood

Also blamed media, video games and Hollywood

While the debates are going on

More lives will never see another dawn

Will I live to see the day

that everyone lives in harmony?

Weigh-in your fifty-cent opinion

Before anyone goes into oblivion

On the pros and cons of gun control

As well as an armed posse patrol

Do guns really kill people or people kill people?

____________________________________________________________

This is my tribute to the victims of gun shooting in a Newtown, Connecticut school. I wrote this after I saw the news on TV but somehow I always get choked and ran out of words.

Doom's Day Aftermath

Photo credits: darkwing/wierdasianews.com

There once was a poet named Poetryman

He was such a hunk of a man

Who started a poem competition

Something about earth's destruction

Lost everything, including his woman

The scientists missed their predictions

Because the earth was in collision

Chaos was everywhere

My lady was nowhere

Dark clouds blurred my vision

The earth rumbled and tumbled 

I was disoriented and troubled

Total darkness shrouded my being

Modern gadgets useless for seeing

Got knocked down and humbled

When I woke up I was in a cold maze

I'm surprised to see a familiar face

Coming around the bend was Poetryman

With all the foxy ladies in a white van

Ready to reproduce a new breed of race

We need your expertise poetic engineer

Rebuilding can't be accomplished by a seer

The earth as you see, is still intact

Regardless of the huge impact

Come with us, my dominion is near

Thank you my friend for your invitation

I thought I was in total abomination

Who could refuse such gestures

When all I could see are sexy figures

Nice prelude to sexual culmination

____________________________________________________________

My second entry to "The End of the World as we Know It" poem competition

The Invisible Field

Photo credit: ironpalm.com

We are nearing the dawn of science and technology,

wherein the final frontier shall be in spirituality­­ -

harmonious relationship between body and soul,

not physics and chemistry - we learned from school.

Focus your energy and be one with nature,

breathe deeply and keep a steady posture;

that's one way of maintaining harmony,

as you listen to your favorite symphony.

Learn how to harness your internal energy 

so that you may reinforce your synergy -

extra energy most ordinary folks can't bear,

but only those people with minds who are pure. 

Power without control would be a disaster

just lurking in the shadows waiting to batter;

mastery of the mind, body and spirit -

something in this world, you don't inherit.

Bear in mind that money and power are needed

by most political leaders whom our trust exceeded;

to control people and protect their selfish agenda,

and gain more wealth to buy another hacienda.

People have eyes but oftentimes don't see

that field of energy surrounding the human body;

only hyper-sensitive individuals, and not just anybody,
even if we discuss this Aura over a cup of tea.

The Fall of a Spy

Your apocalyptic dreams appear in my vision:

women weeping - mixed with tears from heaven

and children crying for help, nobody can see

Sad pictures of your gloomy prophesy

Oracles of doom predicted fire in the sky;

what I'm beginning to see is the fall of a spy

Regrets fill my heart; we only remember the bad deeds,

not the gallant efforts when he planted the good seeds

Let no stones be cast till this whole fiasco is over

The burden of proof lies not in the eyes of the beholder

We might think he was careless and got pussy-whipped

A silver lining separates the truth when one is tight-lipped

You're in a field of bounty but sees only weeds;

in the middle of an oasis, but sees only sands

If your mind is trapped in that sad context--

your spirit is weak and will starve to death

What if you were right and everyone else is wrong

for you see wealth in "weeds" tucked in your sarong

We shouldn't judge you based on our biased perceptions,

and mustn't peel the layers to the core without directions

Don't be fooled with what our naked eyes could see...

That's the moral lesson to our falling of a spy story

There could be a hidden agenda within their agenda

For their eyes only, and not for political propaganda

Tanka Poems (Vol. I)

Autumn in the Capitol

bursting of colors

along washington parkway

soothing to my soul

wondering what would it be

if there are no living trees

the call of the wild

along potomac river

music to my ears

if its old banks overflowed

my world would be sad and doomed

beauty of nature

dancing with the passing wind

whispering good-bye

her whispers become louder

yet, no one pays attention

if now, we don't care

future generations die

robbed of nature's best

the rolling hills and green fields

become their graveyards instead

we owe to our youth

what our forefathers had left

conserve and protect

stop denuding forests

to preserve ecosystems

join me in my plea

send e-mails to the capitol

preserve nature's wealth

influence decision makers

in writing new policies

it's never too late

listen to the weeping tree

my heart bleeds for you

every time you cut my trunk

gloomy days not far behind

you choose to ignore

biblical signs and warnings

become deaf and blind

to scientific studies

went on your own care-free way

my spirit roams

in my own niche of the woods

tears mix with flash floods

mourning the loss of loved ones

price you paid for being deaf!

alternate ending (last stanza)

Replace the last two stanzas with the following:

my spirit roams

in my own niche of the woods

our legacy lives

thank you for heeding my plea

nature's beauty,  here to stay...

___________________________________________________________

It's never too late to do something about erratic climate change caused by global warming. We already saw the devastating effects of the fury of Nature. Those are just early warning signs; the worst is yet to come. If we don't act now, then we are doomed, and nobody else to blame but ourselves. 

My poem is in Japanese style of Tanka poetry, which consist of five lines with a total of 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7). It is focused on raising awareness about the beauty of Nature and what we can do in return to preserve and protect it, not only for ourselves but for future generations. This is just part of a whole lot of solutions that we can do. Please join me in my advocacy!

Global Warming: Real or Myth

[ photo source: zmescience.com ]

Extreme weather has become the new normal

But for a layman's point of view, it's paranormal

All across the land we suffer from Poseidon's wrath

Yet we ignore his warnings, and act like a spoiled brat

Make no mistake about global warming-- 

Science has given us unequivocal warning

It's for real--and happening faster than ever

Work on solutions; otherwise, it's now or never

The deep blue seas are beginning to rise
from the polar regions due to melting ice;
caused by the hotter sun and earth's reflectiveness,
as well as greenhouse gases from human activities

Human activities - burning of fossil fuels: coal and oil

Continuous actions causing greenhouse effect more severe

A few have attempted to raise awareness but failed to foil

Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere

Makes the earth warmer causing erratic climate change

Deforestation for agriculture and community development

Threatens the biological diversity of the world that's why I lament

Together with half of all plant and animal species in the forests

Who would protect our unique ecosystems if we lay down to rest?

Increase in famines, earthquakes and other natural disasters:

              scorching wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and record floods

The list could go on and on... as long and frequent as it gets

Are these signs of the end times as written by St. Matthew?

We know a whole lot more, we just pretend to ignore

"Warning: we are not to be deceived

These events are only the beginning of birth pains;

The end is still to come..."

Women: Are They In Binders?

Gentle is the touch of a woman's hand,
as she glides expertly in the abyss of perpetual darkness
emerging from the sea of tumultuous clouds,
and spraying the rows of thirsty palms
along the blazing desert of inferno
with a deep bass and chattered sound, stuttering...
like an old sewing machine, stitching to the ground.

If the hand that pulls a trigger and kills without empathy
belongs to a Woman...
Does it make any difference?
Women have greater compassion and sensitivity
according to some clinical study
Taking lives-- not giving, sustaining and nurturing;
is it a cultural shift not in the right direction?

Women in society, are they in binders?
    They give Life,
          sustain Life,
                 nurture Life...

Somebody claimed he had a binder full of women;
it makes me wonder what they can do...
For as long as they are just in binders,
in oblivion will remain, and voiceless forever.

Women who demand equal pay and equal rights          
send the unexpecting into a whirlwind of confusion;          
while those who are gender-biased and narcissistic,
may find it hard to swallow and comprehend.
       
Don't women deserve anything greater?
For sometimes they could led better,
either in combat or office settings, and many more...
Let's ask Lilly, for she knew--it's now or never.

______________________________________________________
 (This is my tribute to Lilly Ledbetter* and to our women combat pilots)
                          Photo source: racialicious.com

                     copyright 2012 Engr. Victor P. Vizarra


* Note: (From Wikipedia)

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (Pub.L. 111-2, S. 181) is a federal statute in the United States that was the first bill signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 29, 2009. The Act amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964stating that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new paycheck affected by that discriminatory action. The law directly addressed Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., 550U.S. 618 (2007), a U.S. Supreme Court decision that the statute of limitations for presenting an equal-pay lawsuit begins on the date that the employer makes the initial discriminatory wage decision, not at the date of the most recent paycheck.

"He Didn't Build That" I Did... (Part 2)

My finished tool/storage shed with solar panel on the right side

How To Install A Solar Panel

Before proceeding to our topic of installing solar panel, let me give you a brief introduction about solar panels and their types.

A solar panel (also solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel) is a packaged connected assembly of photovoltaic cells. The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each panel is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges from 100 to 320 watts. The efficiency of a panel determines the area of a panel given the same rated output - an 8% efficient 230 watt panel will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt panel. Because a single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, most installations contain multiple panels. A photovoltaic system typically includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.

A solar panel or photovoltaic module, is composed of individual PV cells. This crystalline-silicon panel has an aluminium frame and glass on the front.

A solar cell (also called a photovoltaic cell) is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. It is a form of photoelectric cell (in that its electrical characteristics-- e.g. current, voltage, or resistance-- vary when light is incident upon it) which, when exposed to light, can generate and support an electric current without being attached to any external voltage source. (Source: Wikipedia)

Types of Solar Panels:

1. Monocrystalline silicon (mono-silicon or single silicon) - the most efficient type of solar panels. They convert sunlight into more electricity than the other types below. As a result of their high silicon content, they’re also more expensive, but you need fewer of them. That’s the reason why they’re ideal for roofs, because fewer solar panels means lesser load bearing weight.

2. Polycrystalline silicon (multicrystalline or multi-silicon) - have lower silicon levels than “mono” panels. In general, that makes them less expensive to produce, but they’re also slightly less efficient. Their overall construction design can often make up for the efficiency loss, so they’re also good for roofs.

3. Amorphous silicon (thin film) - inexpensive to make and can absorb sunlight even on a cloudy or rainy day, but not efficient as compared to the first two above. They are usually installed on ground structures and not on roofs. This is the type of solar panel that we are going to install.

There are two more types of solar panels: BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) and solar hot water (thermal) panels. BIPV’s look like real roofing tiles such as solar shingles. They have good aesthetic looks, but good looks cost a lot more. Also, they are less efficient than conventional PV.

Now that we're done with the crash course on solar panels, let's get down to business.

Tools You Need:

1. Electrical Pliers/Wire Cutter
2. Flat Head and Phillips Screwdrivers
3. Electric Drill/Screwdriver (optional)
4. Wire Stripper/Terminal Crimping Tool - this is a must have tool if you are a novice

Schematic/Wiring Diagram:

Wiring diagram from solar panel to junction box

The solar panel kit comes in 3 pieces, rated at 15 watts each for a total of 45 watts with its own connecting wires, 20 feet in length (gauge #16). This is good for short distance only from solar panel to solar controller/voltage regulator because as you go farther, there is a higher voltage drop along the wires. Here is what you need to do to minimize voltage drop:

1. Cut/splice the wires to desired length using wire cutter/splicer.

2. Connect positive to positive (red wires) and negative to negative (black wires).

3. Attach the connected wires to wire connectors/terminal block and place them inside a PVC junction box.

4. Use an insulated 3-wire extension chord (gauge #12), usually comes in standard 25-foot and 50-foot length, and cut to desired length from the PVC junction box to the location of the solar controller/voltage regulator.

5. Connect the positive wire (red) from the junction box terminal to the positive terminal of the solar controller/voltage regulator. Then connect the negative wire (black) to the negative wire (black) of the same component.

6. Use gauge #4 wire, 3 feet in length for connecting the solar controller/voltage regulator to 12-volt DC battery and from battery to inverter (see wiring diagram). Make sure the positive wires and negative wires do not touch each other, as this will cause short circuit causing damage to your expensive components, especially the inverter.

The color of the wires vary depending upon the source or manufacturer, so pay close attention to what kind of terminal you connect the wires to. Simple rule is: positive to positive and negative to negative. I can't emphasize well enough about this simple rule, but this is very important.

Before starting any of the above instructions, make sure you cover the solar panels first to prevent electricity from flowing through the wires while you are working, and to prevent damage to solar panels just in case the wires accidentally come in contact with each other.

The inverter (left side) which converts DC to AC power is connected to two 12-volt deep cycle lead acid battery (2nd battery not yet connected) with a rating of 105 amphours. The battery is connected to the solar charge controller or voltage regulator that came with the kit, as well as two light bulbs. 

On the left side is a 1000-watt pure sine wave inverter which I bought from Amazon.com and on the right side is a 7-amp solar charge controller that came with the kit. As you can see the output voltage is 12.5 volts DC. 

The front panel of the solar charge controller is equipped with USB port and three other ports (6-volt, 9-volt, 12-volt) for charging cell phones, laptops, car battery and other portable DC devices. You only need a 300-watt inverter for this particular set-up, but I opted for a higher output size for future use, as I plan to install more solar panels in the near future.

There you go folks, you have just learned how easy it is to install a solar panel. Maybe next time, we can build the solar panels ourselves from new or recycled solar cells. You will be surprised how easy and simple it is to build one.

Next time I will cover cost benefits and payback calculations of solar panels based on my experiment. Hope I shed some light on this topic, as I tried to discuss this in layman's terms as much as I could. If you have some questions, you can post them under the comments section of this article below.

"He Didn't Build That" I Did... (Part 1)

How I built my solar-powered shed:

Solar-powered Shed

I built this shed, (12 ft. x 10 ft.) 3 years ago for storage purposes and to keep my power tools in a safe and convenient place. I installed solar panel for observation and experimental purposes and to provide the much needed electricity for my toys: CB radio, small TV, Hi-Fi stereo, ceiling fan and for charging my cell phone. It also provided power for my Koi pond's waterfall pump and filter.

If you are interested in building a similar one for storage purposes and for any purpose you may want, here is how I did it:

1. First find a convenient area in your backyard or sideyard (whichever is convenient for you), and make sure you level the ground where you are going to put your floor slab.

2. For this size which is 120 square ft. (12 feet long and 10 feet wide), I used 3 pcs. 4"x4"x12' lumber, each of which is placed on top of 4 pcs. concrete hollow blocks to prevent the wood in direct contact with the ground. I also sealed and cured them before hand prior to installation. You can also use 4" thick concrete slab for your flooring foundation, it's up to you.

3. Then I placed on top of them, a 2"x6"x10' floor joists spaced 16 inches apart and across the 4"x4" floor slabs. After that, you nail down your flooring. You can use a 5/8" plywood or MDF. I just used a 1/2" MDF which is a lot cheaper, available from your local Lowe's or Home Depot.

4. By the way I'm doing this myself and before I knew it, I forgot to take pictures of the initial stages of my construction, so don't get confused. Just follow the procedure as numbered. After laying down and finishing the floor, start framing the wall studs. You can just use three studs per 4"x8" std. size MDF, but in my case I followed the CA building code of 16 inches between studs, i.e. 4 pcs. of 2"x4"x8' per std. size MDF.

5. Next step is to install the rafters for the roof. At this point, I needed some assistance because it's hard to do this part on your own. Spacing is 2 ft. between each rafters.

6. After all the rafters are in place, nail down the MDF board in place. Staple the #15 black felt roof deck protection as shown in picture, and then install metal flashing to protect roof from water damage. 

7. Next nail down asphalt roofing shingles (different styles and colors) of your choice, in an overlapping manner and in alternating positions (as in laying down concrete hollow-blocks).

8. Nail down MDF wall boards and ceiling vents (optional).

9. Install doors and windows and any decorative wall finish of your liking. There you go, you have completed building a wooden storage shed. Now, it's up to you if you want to paint it or leave it as is. I recommend that you paint your completed project with matching color with your house to give it a more aesthetic look, and to protect it from early wear and tear brought about by the harsh environment.

Next time, I am going to discuss how I installed the solar panel (as shown above), and how much it cost me to install one.