Is green energy reliable?
No source of energy is completely reliable on its own. Which is why contingencies should be implemented into any energy plan. Even the grid failure during the winter storm Uri in Texas which had green sources of wind and solar while stabilized with nuclear, coal and natural gas was not sufficient to keep the power on. This was a result of many combined failures and lack of energy storage. A large grid relies on a balance of electrical supply to remain stable. When this balance is broken in either direction, you are left with collapse.
No source of energy is completely reliable on its own. Which is why contingencies should be implemented into any energy plan. Even the grid failure during the winter storm Uri in Texas which had green sources of wind and solar while stabilized with nuclear, coal and natural gas was not sufficient to keep the power on. This was a result of many combined failures and lack of energy storage. A large grid relies on a balance of electrical supply to remain stable. When this balance is broken in either direction, you are left with collapse.
What is green energy?
Green energy is power that is produced from 100% renewable sources. There are different forms of renewable energy creation and consumption. Some are labeled as blue or grey which indicate that they are not 100% from renewable sources. Typically these forms of energy production are more efficient and industrialized, but with every new green energy system produced, the total cost is coming down quickly.
Green energy is power that is produced from 100% renewable sources. There are different forms of renewable energy creation and consumption. Some are labeled as blue or grey which indicate that they are not 100% from renewable sources. Typically these forms of energy production are more efficient and industrialized, but with every new green energy system produced, the total cost is coming down quickly.
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What is energy storage?
Energy storage is simply the storage of energy for use when it is needed. Batteries have been doing this throughout their history. Large grids do not store energy within their network of lines and therefore when energy is exceeded or depleted in those lines, we have a collapse of the grid network. Recently products have become available to store energy within your home in battery arrays. Prior to that, tanks have been used to store fuel that can then be used in generators to supply electricity to your home. Our systems offer localized fuel production, storage and then take advantage of fuel cells to create the energy needed on demand. |
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Are Brilliant POWER SYSTEMS using solar in all their systems?
The quick answer is NO. Solar is currently a very affordable way to obtain free energy from the sun. The cost of solar has reduced drastically in the last few decades and has become very affordable and robust in the last few years. Solar is a good solution as their are no moving parts and the components can remain under warranty from manufacturers for more than 30 years. We do now offer solar system installations. Click the button to learn more. |
What is the ROI or when can I expect to pay off my system?
This is not a simple answer as there are many variables involved. For a basic system relative to your current electricity bill (assuming electricity costs don't rise) you should see a total return on investment within 8-10 years. How you put a price point on not losing power when the grid fails is based on your perspective. Some value this reliability quite a bit. Especially when lives or productivity depend on it. Quality of life and dependability is what you will receive from Brilliant POWER SYSTEMS.
This is not a simple answer as there are many variables involved. For a basic system relative to your current electricity bill (assuming electricity costs don't rise) you should see a total return on investment within 8-10 years. How you put a price point on not losing power when the grid fails is based on your perspective. Some value this reliability quite a bit. Especially when lives or productivity depend on it. Quality of life and dependability is what you will receive from Brilliant POWER SYSTEMS.
Why is this system better than solar arrays with battery backups?
Lead acid batteries have a shelf life of about 3 years. Lithium Ion have about a 10 year shelf life, but come with a much bigger cost. Brilliant POWER SYSTEMS provides energy with minimal battery reliance, lowering the routine cost required to have a dependable power supply. What we supply will store reserve fuel indefinitely and the components used to produce energy have a lifespan about 10 times longer.
Lead acid batteries have a shelf life of about 3 years. Lithium Ion have about a 10 year shelf life, but come with a much bigger cost. Brilliant POWER SYSTEMS provides energy with minimal battery reliance, lowering the routine cost required to have a dependable power supply. What we supply will store reserve fuel indefinitely and the components used to produce energy have a lifespan about 10 times longer.
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Is hydrogen safe?
Hydrogen is volatile when mixed with oxygen and heat. However, it has less potential than propane to ignite. For example, propane can ignite when the mixture is 3% propane, whereas hydrogen or methane at the same fuel-air mixture will not ignite. It also escapes into the air above rather than pooling and getting trapped in concentrated areas like with natural gas that is already used in many homes. In short, hydrogen posses some of the same dangers as any gas typically found in homes. When handled correctly, it is more safe. |
What are Fuel Cells?
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity without any moving parts. The first fuel cells were invented by Sir William Grove in 1838, but the first hydrogen fuel cells did not come about until 1932 created by Francis Thomas Bacon. It typically consists of stacked anodes and cathodes. Then introduce an electrolyte that allows ions to move between the two which produces direct current electricity.
These are currently being used for buildings, trains and even automotive applications. The use of these in homes has only recently become a reality due to the evolution of the fuel cell becoming an affordable solution.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity without any moving parts. The first fuel cells were invented by Sir William Grove in 1838, but the first hydrogen fuel cells did not come about until 1932 created by Francis Thomas Bacon. It typically consists of stacked anodes and cathodes. Then introduce an electrolyte that allows ions to move between the two which produces direct current electricity.
These are currently being used for buildings, trains and even automotive applications. The use of these in homes has only recently become a reality due to the evolution of the fuel cell becoming an affordable solution.
Why aren't these systems already installed in homes?
Until recently, the inefficiencies of producing the hydrogen fuel was an argument that derailed any approach. Standard batteries, conveniently supplied electricity from the grid, and petroleum based fuels have sufficiently provided for recent demands. With a focus on green energy supply, lowered costs of renewable energy, and lack of reliance on the large scale electricity infrastructure, we can now efficiently approach utilizing this method as a solution for todays economical, political and reliability issues.
Until recently, the inefficiencies of producing the hydrogen fuel was an argument that derailed any approach. Standard batteries, conveniently supplied electricity from the grid, and petroleum based fuels have sufficiently provided for recent demands. With a focus on green energy supply, lowered costs of renewable energy, and lack of reliance on the large scale electricity infrastructure, we can now efficiently approach utilizing this method as a solution for todays economical, political and reliability issues.
How long will a system power my home without power from the grid?
The basic system is aimed at supplying 3 days of power to your home without any supplemental energy source. This is always scalable and with the customized solution, we will design a system that will supply you as many days as desired. Our systems are diversely designed to benefit from renewable energy sources that are convenient to your location.
The basic system is aimed at supplying 3 days of power to your home without any supplemental energy source. This is always scalable and with the customized solution, we will design a system that will supply you as many days as desired. Our systems are diversely designed to benefit from renewable energy sources that are convenient to your location.
Can these systems be off grid?
Most definitely. These systems are intended to utilize any energy source available, which sometimes is efficiently provided from a grid supply. When this isn't possible, or if a total off grid solution is preferred, we supply energy solutions that will supply enough continual power to maintain your full load capacity.
Most definitely. These systems are intended to utilize any energy source available, which sometimes is efficiently provided from a grid supply. When this isn't possible, or if a total off grid solution is preferred, we supply energy solutions that will supply enough continual power to maintain your full load capacity.
What is the lifespan of the system?
Lifespan of the the system is 25+ years. The small amount of batteries used is the only component with a shorter life span and will need to be replaced from time to time. The solar panels and other green energy components typically come with a 30 year warranty. The fuel cells and electrolyzers will last 30 years or more. Compared to similar products on the market, our systems are designed with longevity as a principal. We are not in the business of promoting maintenance costs.
Lifespan of the the system is 25+ years. The small amount of batteries used is the only component with a shorter life span and will need to be replaced from time to time. The solar panels and other green energy components typically come with a 30 year warranty. The fuel cells and electrolyzers will last 30 years or more. Compared to similar products on the market, our systems are designed with longevity as a principal. We are not in the business of promoting maintenance costs.
Do any of the components degrade?
With all things organic, degradation occurs. The batteries and solar will be the first components to deteriorate in performance. With current technologies, this is unavoidable with any system utilizing these components. Our focus is to use components with the longest lifespan as possible and when it comes time to address the upgrades of these components, we will source components with the longest possible lifespan. The electrolyzer and fuel cell should last for many decades without degradation of performance.
With all things organic, degradation occurs. The batteries and solar will be the first components to deteriorate in performance. With current technologies, this is unavoidable with any system utilizing these components. Our focus is to use components with the longest lifespan as possible and when it comes time to address the upgrades of these components, we will source components with the longest possible lifespan. The electrolyzer and fuel cell should last for many decades without degradation of performance.
What maintenance is required on the system?
No routine maintenance is required by default. System monitoring is included in the basic package. The control system will monitor the system's performance and notify both the owner of the system and our database so that we may apply predictive analytics to avoid degradation of components and determine if repairs or replacements are required.
No routine maintenance is required by default. System monitoring is included in the basic package. The control system will monitor the system's performance and notify both the owner of the system and our database so that we may apply predictive analytics to avoid degradation of components and determine if repairs or replacements are required.
How much solar footprint will be required?
The amount of solar for your system will very on a few factors:
Though solar is an economical green energy solution, we do offer solutions without solar being utilized, so don't let this be a deciding factor on going with one of our systems.
The amount of solar for your system will very on a few factors:
- How much wattage are the panels.
- How much sun does the specific location typically get.
- How much daily electricity consumption is required.
- Are there other sources of electricity available to supplement the loads needed.
- How much hydrogen storage is intended to be produced.
Though solar is an economical green energy solution, we do offer solutions without solar being utilized, so don't let this be a deciding factor on going with one of our systems.
How large is the fuel cell or electrolyzer?
Both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are scaled per performance requirements. The largest of the components we offer for home solutions will fit in half of a small closet (noted for size reference). We would typically house these outside, in a garage or attic space that can be ventilated.
Both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are scaled per performance requirements. The largest of the components we offer for home solutions will fit in half of a small closet (noted for size reference). We would typically house these outside, in a garage or attic space that can be ventilated.
Are their any harmful gasses produced by this system?
The only byproducts of the system are hydrogen, oxygen and water. Breathing pure hydrogen is not poisonous, but could cause asphyxiation simply due to lack of oxygen. There are even those that promote hydrogen breathing for health benefits, but we do not get involved with the medical aspects of anything our systems produce at this time. The oxygen and hydrogen produced is medical grade and could be captured for such uses, but we do not certify these use cases from our systems. The water produced is pure drinking water and can be captured for that use.
The only byproducts of the system are hydrogen, oxygen and water. Breathing pure hydrogen is not poisonous, but could cause asphyxiation simply due to lack of oxygen. There are even those that promote hydrogen breathing for health benefits, but we do not get involved with the medical aspects of anything our systems produce at this time. The oxygen and hydrogen produced is medical grade and could be captured for such uses, but we do not certify these use cases from our systems. The water produced is pure drinking water and can be captured for that use.
Are these systems only for home use?
Our product offering is designed around single home applications. However, we also offer custom designs for industrial, communal and microgrid applications. Our sister company typically focuses on these applications. The systems are scalable to suit almost any need, but would not be optimal for large grid applications.
Our product offering is designed around single home applications. However, we also offer custom designs for industrial, communal and microgrid applications. Our sister company typically focuses on these applications. The systems are scalable to suit almost any need, but would not be optimal for large grid applications.
What size system do I need?
This is dependent on your peak load capacity required. For optimal performance, you would want a system that can supply enough electricity for the demand of all appliances running in your home. The system would not be producing this amount at all times, as this demand would probably never be present, but would have the capacity to do so. Systems can be applied conservatively to reduce up front cost that are not intended to run every large appliance in your home and only supply power to essential needs.
This is dependent on your peak load capacity required. For optimal performance, you would want a system that can supply enough electricity for the demand of all appliances running in your home. The system would not be producing this amount at all times, as this demand would probably never be present, but would have the capacity to do so. Systems can be applied conservatively to reduce up front cost that are not intended to run every large appliance in your home and only supply power to essential needs.