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Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for greening, powering homes and businesses, but how do you ensure that the energy generated by your solar panels is stored and used efficiently? The answer is a solar charge controller!

A solar charge controller is an electronic device that regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery.

It prevents overcharging and over-discharging of the battery, ensuring that the battery lasts longer and performs better. But with so many different types of solar charge controllers on the market, how do you select the right one for your system?

In this article, we’ll guide you How To Select a Solar Charge Controller taking into consideration factors such as battery type, panel voltage, and current. With this information, you’ll be able to choose a solar charge controller that best fits your needs and ensures the longevity of your solar system.

The solar charge controller is becoming an unavoidable option for solar energy users. Consumers need to use batteries to save energy, but they often get overcharged. Charge controllers control the power supply from solar modules to the batteries. 

About solar charge controller

Talking simply, a solar charge controller keeps batteries safe from overcharging. Typically, it stays between the solar array and the battery bank. It keeps batteries safe from overcharging. Also, power can’t go backward to the solar panels because of the charge controller. Although managing the charge is an elementary task, some controllers have extra features, like load control or lighting. 

Why should a user need it?

• To charge a battery safely. 
• For safeguarding the lifespan of the battery bank. 

Choosing an appropriate size for the solar charge controller

Usually, a solar array’s current and voltage determine the size of a solar charge controller. Usually, 12, 24, and 48 volts are the standard features of solar charge controllers.

The amperage range generally lies between 1 to 60, where the voltage range stays between 6 to 60. A solar panel calculator could help a user to choose a suitable controller. 

Let’s take an example. If a user has a solar system with 12 volts and 14 amperes, he needs a controller of at least 14 amperes. Extra 25% should add due to environmental issues so that the amperes would be 17.5. Therefore, the users need a 12 volt 20 amperes solar charge controller. 

Guidelines for How To Select a Solar Charge Controller

A user must choose the perfect solar charge controller for his panel. In the case of remote solar systems, good performance and stability are essential. Inferior performance could cause renewal of the battery bank. 

Solar charge controllers deal with excessive heat. So, cooling is a crucial issue here. Small charge controllers often don’t have fans. As a result, simple submissive cooling ensures heat safety. Having no fans has three benefits: 

• They become more dependable. Fans are the only moving part of a solar charge controller, so choosing a controller with no fan would cause minor failure. 
• Fans cause dust and small insects to go inside, which could jam the charge controller inside. 
• Fans require electricity that comes from solar panels. So, it seems like a waste—the feature of having no fan cause avoid this misuse. 

Lately, more significant charge controllers have appeared in the markets, fanless. These are technically advanced and controllable from a distance and require critical monitoring.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Buy a Charge Controller

Types of solar charge controllers 

At present, primarily three types of solar charge controllers consummate the needs of the users: 

Simple 1 to 2 stage control: It’s pretty simple, makes short to the solar panel when a specific voltage appears. Having no complexities, these controllers work as disconnecting tools to the panels when necessary. 

The PWM (pulse width modulated): These controllers monitor the power flow to the battery by decreasing the electricity slowly. PWM charge controllers keep providing a minimal amount of current to keep batteries full when they are full. These solar controllers are perfect for small-scale consumption because the solar panels and the batteries need to match the voltage. 

The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): These charge controllers allow the solar panels to perform full power to charge batteries. These devices monitor and regulate their efforts to control the current of the solar systems. MPPT controllers abdicate the voltage and increase the current. It shows 90% efficiency or more. It could decrease the amount of current if it needs to in a darkened environment. In reverse, it could increase the current when there is sunlight again. 

How can a consumer control a charge controller from a distance?

Recently, remote controls for solar charge controllers have been available in the markets. For both the PWM and the MPPT charge controllers, they work exquisitely. They work as programming parameters of the controllers. Users can browse the actual measurements of the charge controller. 

The Ellies, a leading South African company, produces remote controls for solar charge controllers. These devices are easy to handle and work perfectly. 

Performance variations of different types 

Lately, the PWM and the MPPT solar charge controllers have become popular as functioning devices. Both work deftly by their ways which are distinct from each other. 

• The PWM charge controllers work straight from the solar array to the battery bank. It takes down the array voltage to keep matched with the battery voltage. And MPPT charge controllers fit down the panel voltage to the battery voltage. 

• In PWM, the battery voltage increases as the battery charges. On the other hand, in MPPT, the current climbs when the voltage goes down. That means then the user utilizes the power from the panel directly. 

• MPPT charge controllers match the internal resistance to the solar panel resistance. The PWM doesn’t have this feature. 

• MPPT charge controllers have a charging efficiency of 98%. In reverse, PWM controllers provide only 75-80% efficiency. 

Things to consider in a solar charge controller

A solar charge controller connects a solar panel and a battery. It keeps the battery safe from overcharging. As a customer wants the best output, so he must keep in mind some decisive facts about solar charge controllers: 

• PWM or MPPT: A user should be careful when choosing a suitable solar charge controller. At present, MPPT is trendy and more efficient than PWM. In a PWM, the charger restrains the power output. In contrast, MPPT provides maximum results. 
• Maximum PV open voltage: This value is the highest voltage a charge controller could receive. In a solar array, electric connections could be series or parallel. In the case of similarity, the voltage remains the same while the current increases, in parallel, the vice versa. 
• The maximum PV short Circuit current is the charge controller’s highest current. For example, if 4 9.8 ampere solar panels are in 2 series in parallel, the maximum current is 19.6 ampere. 
• Battery voltage: Solar charge controller keeps the battery safe by regulating charge ups and downs. So, batteries should be perfect at voltage. Most MPPT controllers spontaneously detect the voltage of the batteries. 
• Highest Battery charge current: This value determines the speed of charging the battery. Lately, LiFePO4 batteries can receive a quick charge. 

Some notable solar charge controllers:

• Epever charge controller: It’s an MPPT solar charge controller with a 12-24-volt battery voltage, 100 volts of maximum input voltage, and 30-ampere maximum current output. It has an LCD screen PC software and supports a remote meter. Most users confirmed a 99.5% efficiency of this charge controller. It’s excellent for off-grid solar panel systems. 

• Outback Flexmax 80FM80 80 Ampere charge controller: As an MPPT solar charge controller of 12-60-volt battery voltage and 150-volt maximum input voltage, it’s a good choice. It can support huge types of batteries and solar panels. It’s programmable and has a backlit display and temperature control. 

• MidNite Solar Classic 150 Charge Controller: An MPPT solar charge controller with 12-72-volt battery voltage and 150-volt maximum input voltage. The maximum current output is 96 amperes. An arc fault detection breaks a circuit when it finds fatal electric arcs. 

• Victron SmartSolar 100/50 Charge controller: An MPPT solar charge controller includes 12-48-volt battery voltage and 150-volt maximum input voltage. Its maximum current output is 100 amperes. It has a Bluetooth connection and a remote management portal. 

• Renogy Wanderer: A PWM solar charge controller with 12-volt battery voltage and 25-volt maximum input voltage. The maximum current output is 30 amperes. Including LED indicators and protections against charging excess, it’s very cost-effective. 

How to match solar panels with charge controller

• A DC or AC converter could make the whole system much adjustable. Modules could be in series or parallel; Then, the input power will rise exquisitely. The Blue Solar MPPT has this feature. 

• Sometimes, a large solar array helps fulfill the power needs in winter. One feature includes more pick power than the charge power of a specific MPPT charge controller. The maximum PV open-circuit voltage and the short circuit current determine the oversizing. 

FAQs

• What is a solar charge controller? 

It’s a voltage and current regulator that works with solar power. Monitoring the power input from solar panels to provide enough power output is its primary task. Solar charge converters are also on the list of charge controllers. 

• Which is the best type of charger between PWM and MPPT?

Lately, the MPPT type has become the more workable type of solar charge controller. In general, it’s 30% more efficient than the PWM type. 

• What is the standard voltage of a solar charge controller?

Usually, charge controllers appear in 12, 24, and 48 volts. The rate of current comes in 1 to 60 amperes. 

• When should someone use a solar charge controller?

Its primary duty is to regulate the charging, to control the current and voltage to the battery for the safeguard issue. Usually, a low-power solar panel can work efficiently without a charge controller. 

• How far can a charge controller stay from a solar panel?

Usually, 20 to 30 feet. No excess space is necessary to place a solar charge controller. 

• How many batteries can a charge controller operate?

The capacities of the charge controller vary from 4 to 80 amperes. Different charge controllers can perform in parallel for the more extensive solar battery system.

Final thought

Solar charge controllers save the batteries by keeping them safe from charging too much. Having a complex performing process ensures the safety of the battery storage. Lately, different charge controllers have been carrying out unique performances for safe renewable power. Technical features will surely upgrade at a promising height shortly. 

In conclusion, selecting a solar charge controller is an important step in designing a solar power system.

When choosing a solar charge controller, one must consider factors such as the type of battery being used, the size of the solar panel array, and the desired charging voltage.

It’s also important to consider the maximum current and voltage ratings and the operating temperature range. By taking the time to properly evaluate these factors, you can ensure that you how to select a solar charge controller that will perform effectively and efficiently in your solar power system.

Summary

As solar panels churn out electricity from sunlight, they need batteries to save usable energy. Chargers refuel batteries, but a battery can sustain limits of energy. Solar charge controller ensures the proper charging of batteries. They regulate the current and voltage of the power generated from the solar modules. Usually, PWM and MPPT are well-liked versions of solar charge controllers. Lately, the MPPT version has become famous for its advanced features. Recent upgrades make charge controllers more efficient in many ways.

As a green energy source, solar panel is outstanding. It has a minimal carbon footprint; from the beginning, it’s been growing and expanding as a full-scale renewable energy source.

And various types of panels are emerging as helping instruments of non-pollutant energy consumption.

Frameless solar modules appear as a significant portion of solar panels of different kinds. Despite having some shortcomings, it has unique possibilities. 

What is a Frameless Solar Panel? 

Frameless Solar Panels are as good as Traditional Solar Panels in core functions. So, the question remains, why are Frameless Solar Panels creating massive hype in social media?

What makes Frameless Solar Panel unique from Conventional Solar Panels? And should you buy one? Or is it just a marketing policy the corporates use to create hype on the internet? 

First and foremost, let’s talk about Frameless Solar Panels. Frameless Solar Panels are smooth and glossy solar modules, and glasses are used on both sides to create these modules.

Hence, this design helps the system to improve light transmissions. The effect is astonishing because it builds an aesthetic view on your rooftop and upgrades the efficiency of the solar panels. 

Components of Frameless Solar Panels

Unlike traditional solar panels, frameless solar panels have no aluminium. As solar panels remain sandwiched between two sleek pieces of glass, they are also known as Glass-to-Glass Panels.

Now, let’s go through the breakdown of the Frameless Solar Panels to understand what makes frameless Solar Panels ‘Frameless Solar Panels‘.

Glass Layers: Two glasses, 2mm to 2.5mm in thickness, are used as layers that protect the solar cells and other solar panel parts from structural damage. These glass layers increase the strength of the solar panels. 

Solar Cells: It is the crucial component of every solar panel, which receives sunlight and converts it to electrical energy.

In the cases of Frameless Solar Panels, most modules are monocrystalline; however, some companies may produce polycrystalline modules. 

Ethyl Vinyl Acetate: This material is unique in the case of Frameless Solar Panels, and reason is; this material works as an encapsulant for solar cells.

Thin sheets of Ethyl Vinyl Acetate remain placed at the front and rear sides of the solar panels. 

Clams: These aluminium-based materials are the mounting structure of the Frameless Solar Panels.

The distinction between Traditional and Frameless Solar Panels

Let’s make a table to quickly understand the differences between Traditional and Frameless Solar panels. 

Factors	Frameless Solar Panels	Traditional Solar Panels
Looks and Styles	Aesthetical looks with glossy glass designs	Standard Solar Panels with conventional setup.
Overall Performance	Better light transmittance. Hence, better performance.	Standard light transmittance, hence, average performance
Performance in High Temperature	Can survive in high temperature	Overheat under high temperatures. Thus, it leads to lower performance.
Lifespan	Over 30 years	25 to 30 years
Conclusion	Higher return on your investment.	Standard return on your investment

Performance of Frameless Solar Panels

It is a fact that Frameless Solar Panels have higher performance than Traditional Solar Panels. Hence, this fact raises the question; what makes Frameless Solar Panels perform better? Here’s the reason: 

• High Light Transmittance of Frameless Solar Panels.
• Fewer leaks in terms of electron flows (Current)

High light transmittance is an amazing feature of frameless solar panels; mornglass.com

In opposition, we should consider that the underlying substance behind the Frameless Solar panels can cause limitations.

This substance mentioned above beneath the panels can hamper the overall performance of the solar cells by creating unpredictability in the solar panels’ power.

However, in the end, Frameless Solar Panels still have better performance than regular solar panels. Studies show that after 30 years of usage, it will still have 85% of its original producibility.

Different Companies for Frameless Solar Panels

The market leaders of Frameless Solar Panels are; 

• Maxeon Solar Technologies
• Solarwatt
• Lumos Solar
• Prism Solar
• SolarWorld
• Canadian Solar Inc.
• Silfab Solar Inc.
• Trina Solar
•  LONGi Solar
• Yingli Solar
• LG Solar
• JinkoSolar

The efficiency of Frameless Solar Panels

Generally, frameless solar panels show a broader efficiency range than conventional ones.

Most of the famous traditional solar panels provide 20 to 25% efficiency. Inversely, frameless solar panels churn out almost 30% efficiency. 

Busbars and Rear sides are unique attributes of frameless solar panels. The rear sides of the frameless solar panel produce more power, whereas the conventional panels don’t have this feature. 

Implementation of Frameless Solar Panels

Standard Way of Implementation

Manufacturers nowadays produce customized clams for Frameless Panels. A unique rubber material, also known as EPDM, is given by the producers and can attach Frameless Solar Panels on the roofs.

Adhesive-Based Installation

Adhesive mounts are suited for installing the Frameless Solar Panels on flat grounds. This strategy eliminates the traditional methods of using metal racks. 

Some Recommendations while Implementing Frameless Solar Panels

• Tightening and reinforcing the panels can cause damage to the glass.
• While implementing Mega-Project of Frameless Solar Panels, it is safer and cost-efficient to use a robotic mounting system.

Pros and Cons of Frameless Solar Panels

Pros	Cons
Aesthetical Beauty	Higher Manufacturing Cost
Higher Efficiency & Performance	Complex Mounting Structure
Long-Lasting	Fewer Manufacturer
Cost-Effective	Less Availability of Complex Parts
Lower Carbon Emission Rate	Lack of recognition and acknowledgments

Facts about Frameless Solar Panels

• Frameless Solar Panels are more aesthetic, efficient, productive, and long-lasting than Traditional Solar Panels.
• Due to a lack of awareness, the popularity of frameless solar panels has not peaked. 
• There are fewer manufacturers, as the market for Frameless Solar Panels is niche. 

FAQs

Q-1: What’s unique in a frameless solar panel?

• Frameless solar panels don’t have an aluminum frame, so these panels have glass only. This feature is perfect for light transference. Subsequently, the power efficiency gets better. 

Q-2: Are frameless panels sustainable? 

• Yes, they are. If there are no additional problems, a frameless panel could provide power for about 30 years without problems. 

Q-3: What’s the main difficulty of frameless solar panels?  

• To install these panels, consumers need unique mounting structures. Usually, these components are not so standard in the markets. 

Conclusion

Frameless solar panels are new additions to solar energy. It’s aesthetic and suits average households, which is its uniqueness.

The performance of a frameless panel isn’t less than a traditional solar panel, and they are long-lasting as a power source. New versions of frameless solar panels may shortly appear with more efficiency and durability. 

Summary

The frameless solar panel is eccentric because it contains no aluminium frame. It has only glass on both sides, a unique attribute that helps light transfer.

Many manufacturing companies are forming frameless solar panels as a renewable energy source in today’s world.

Besides being cost-effective, it’s also comely to look. As the industry of frameless solar panels is still growing, all panel components are not easy to find in the market yet.

Still, having a bright future could be the perfect and slight answer to household energy needs.  

Waste is the ultimate by-product of human activities, and improper management of this waste is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. Waste generation increases with population expansion and economic development. Find out in this article the importance of waste management, solutions for sustainable waste disposal, and how you can contribute. Happy reading, and stay with eco wow life!

With increasing urbanization, waste management is a major global issue that every county governments face daily. Currently, the overproduction of waste has been causing undesirable impacts on our environment.

Waste management needs to be taken to the next level. What are sustainable Waste Management Solutions? Let’s have a quick read on this waste management issue-

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Pollution to solution; Waste generation creates environmental pollution, need to find a solution

Waste is categorized as an unavoidable by-product of human activities, and improper management of this waste is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. Waste generation increases with population expansion and economic development. 

The collection and dumping of municipal solid waste are the most pressing problems of modern city life, which has assumed most significance in the current past. With the increasing urbanization, issues are becoming acute and call for immediate and concerted action. 

That is why we need to go for innovative waste management solutions that meet high sustainability and profitability standards. 

Contribution; Individual contribution as waste management solution/ waste management solution by individual contribution

The current situation of waste management makes the earth vulnerable to the effects of climate change; that’s why we have a lot to do immediately to seek our existence & better place for our future generation. 

i. Boycott single-use plastic materials: This is the most severe cause of world pollution; millions of plastic single-use plastic materials are thrown away by people every day that can get mixed with the food-chain and enter the human body, causing diseases and, eventually, deaths. Please don’t become the reason for our death. Plastic pollution in the earth’s environment continues unabated, raising severe threats to human and animal health as we yet to reduce its production and safe management. So, try to buy things with less packaging. Besides, buying food in bulk means less packaging and less waste.

ii. Eat Healthy & Reduce Food Waste: We need to think about eating healthier. We have to buy more nutritious foods that don’t require as much disposable waste in packaging. If we reuse old shopping bags and containers for maximum efficiency, and better yet, cloth bags. Need to avoid buying fast food; take out as often either. 

Food is the item that we often just carelessly waste a significant amount of it. Each year, a massive percentage of our purchased food is left uneaten. Instead of merely throwing away food, make decent use out of it. Even if we kept just a tiny percentage of our uneaten food and gave it, millions of needy people would be fed.

iii. Reuse: Go shopping with an old bag; this bag can replace hundreds of plastic bags that will end up in landfills. Use empty bottles in household uses as oil and vinegar dispensers. Reuse your daily use materials for better energy consumption.

iv. Recycle: Don’t try to throw away old glass bottles or aluminum cans. The practice of reusing & recycling should promote. Try to purchase Items made from Recycled Products; consider buying items made from recycled products to help the environment make it clean and green. You can also contribute to reducing landfills. Your example of behavior change could be replicated by your friends, family, and relatives, and they will even start buying items made from recycled products.

v. Composting: Composting is an easy and natural process that takes plants, and kitchen waste remains and turns it into nutrient-rich food, helping your plants grow. Compost is an organic material that has been collected together and decomposed. Composting enables you to recycle your kitchen waste and reduce the amount sent to landfills that prove safe for the environment.

Definition; what is all about Waste Management Solutions?

There are many types of waste we can consider: those are municipal (household, commercial and demolition waste), biomedical, electronic (e-waste), hazardous (industrial), radioactive, etc. And waste management includes collecting, transporting, valorising, and disposing of this waste. More broadly, it consists of any activity involved in waste management organisation from production to final treatment.

The fundamental principles of waste management are:

1. Waste pyramid, referring to the “3Rs rule” Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, waste prevention, and minimization, is the most required goal, though it turns to “5Rs” concept now

2. Extended producer responsibility, additional to all the environmental costs to the market price of a product, including end-of-life disposal.

3. The polluter pays concept, requiring that a waste generator pays for the appropriate disposition of the waste.

Methods; Waste disposal methods

Each type of waste corresponds to the management process. To correctly manage waste, pre-sorting is essential. This sorting permits the separation of recyclable from non-recyclable waste, and afterward, the energy recovery.

Waste management techniques include:

• Landfills 
• Incineration
• Recycling
• Biological reprocessing
• Waste collection
• Energy recovery

Benefits; waste management benefits

Sustainable waste management is a vital concept of the circular economy and offers many opportunities:

Economic:

Waste management involves the collection, sorting, treating, recycling, and then adequately facilitated, providing a source of energy and resources. Therefore, it has vast economic potential that needs to be leveraged by public and private entities..

Social:

Besides creating jobs, improved waste management indicates an enhanced life condition for local populations by better hygiene and reducing health risks related to illegal dumping and inadequate waste collection.

Environmental:

The significant advantage of sustainable waste management is reducing the environmental effect by improving air and water conditions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste also helps lessen the higher environmental cost of producing more.

Challenges; Challenges & way ahead

Hazard

While endorsing recycling, the first one is to ensure both consumers and recyclers are protected from toxic and dangerous materials that can be found in waste.

High costs

Moreover, this cannot be seen as a profitable short-term investment as it requires a lot of money to implement sustainable waste management strategies.

Quality of recycled products

Downcycling, the recycling procedure that turns waste into substandard products, can cause a problem regarding the condition of secondary products.

Waste is the ultimate by-product of human activities, and improper management of this waste is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. Waste generation increases with population expansion and economic development. 

I hope you have some idea in this article about the importance of Waste Management Solutions, solutions for sustainable waste disposal, and how you can contribute. Happy reading, and stay with eco wow life!

Environmentalism is a broad spectrum of green philosophy, ideology, and social movement. Environmentalism is a different way of thinking by which people are trying to care more about the Earth and the long-term survival of life.

Environmentalists are the father of nature who raises our consciousness to the universal law of nature. An environmentalist is that inspiring person who believes in green ideology and philosophy by heart & soul. He is a supporter of the environmental movement.

Environmentalists choose the world of Environmentalism to save nature. Here you can get to know about such five topmost inspiring Environmentalists. John Muir was the first Environmentalist.

He is mostly known for the “Father of National Park” and “John of the Mountain.” He was a dedicated naturalist plus environmental philosopher by heart. He was a brilliant and intuitive person, which led him to explore and write about nature.

Rachel Carson is the revolutionary scientist & the first green writer. She became famous for her revolutionary book named “Silence Spring.” There she story tells about the toxic effect of DDT on the environment and human health.

She was one of the finest biologist & conservationist writers who changed the world forever. To activate her movement and to educate people through her influential book, she faced lots of backlashes.

Honorable Sheikh Hasina is the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh who cares for the national natural beauty by heart. PM giving the leading voice to save the national resource – the environment.

She was conferred on the United Nation’s highest environmental accolade, “Champion of the Earth Award 2015” in the policy leadership category. She made a forefront role at home and abroad to face the adverse impacts of climate change.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan is a dedicated environmentalist and leading Bangladeshi Environmental attorney.

She is an enrolled lawyer with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Rizwana got involved in shipbreaking, first suing the breaking yards in Chittagong in 2003. In response, in March 2003, the court declared shipbreaking without an environmental clearance from the appropriate department illegal.

Wangari Mathai is a fearless child of nature known as an eco-fighter who risked her life to raise environmental consciousness.

She was the founder of the 1970s Green Belt Movement and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Environmentalists saw a dream to take us to the sacred path of nature. We should wake up with the way of their inspiring dreams – the simple aim of saving the world with many hardships.

Inspiring Personalities –

Leading Environmentalists who changed the way we think

Sometime, you can live the dreams of others.

Environmentalists are the father of nature who raises our consciousness to the universal law of nature. They saw a heavenly dream of bridging the Environment with humanity. Every decade the universe gifts us few personalities who came up with magical ideas to light up the world.

They transform and change the way we think, perceive, and see the world. They saw a dream of the paradise of love, bond, and harmony between the natural world and every inhabitant species, including us. And if you want, you can live the beautiful dreams of the Environmentalists seen decades ago!

What is Environmentalism? 

If you somehow go to space, you can see the most beautiful, colorful, and spinning planet – the mother Earth. She is exceptionally magical, diverse, fragile, and uncertain by nature. Environmentalism is a green concept that thinks about the Earth and its varied species, including us! 

Environmentalism is a unique way of thinking by which people care more about the Earth and the planet’s long-term survival. It means recognizing the planet’s environmental problems and coming up with solutions (individually and collectively) that try to put them right. (Woodford, 2018)

Therefore, Environmentalism is a broad spectrum of green philosophy, ideology, and Social Movement. It is an environmental right which aims to:

• Preserves, restore, and improves the natural world
• Preserves the ecology
• Protect and conserve the elements of planet’s ecosystem, including water, land, air, animals, and plants, along with entire habitats such as deserts, rainforests, and oceans (M. Lovelady)
• Brings the sustainability
• Conserves biodiversity
• Improves the overall health of the Environment
• Improves the living and lifestyle of all the species, including human
• Combats air-water-noise pollution and global warming

The effects of human development involve an activity that has harmed and altered the planet’s natural state. Environmentalism’s focus is to correct the damage as well as prevent future destruction. (M. Lovelady)

And what do you mean by Environmentalists?

Who are those divine people whose inspiring personality, aura, and dreams become our sustainable lifestyle reality? Who are those people who show us to see the Environment differently? Who are those angels to inspire us to think about the natural world and its symbiotic ecology? Who are those people who risk their lives to save the mother earth? They are known as environmentalists or environmental activists. 

An environmentalist is that inspiring person who believes in green ideology and philosophy by heart & soul. He is a supporter of the Environmental Movement. His religion is Environmentalism.

He might be a scientist, professor, educator, engineer, architecture, lawyer, student, author, celebrity, social figure, political and ethical activist, or a simple farmer or an individual who is conscious & care about the natural world. They march towards the pathway to improve and protect the natural world and to protest the anthropogenic activities.

Environmental activism refers to working together of different groups of individuals and organizations that collaborate in scientific, social, political, and conservational fields. Their primary purpose is addressing environmental aspects. These people and organizations are jointly part of the green living, green Movement, or ecological sustainability. And they also have a common agenda on protecting and preserving the Environment. (Rinkesh, 2019)

Why are environmentalists influential? 

Environmentalists are inspiring personalities or activists who adopt Environmentalism as a way of life. Tragically, they are referred to as alien due to their thought on saving the planet is considered as exaggerated.

But they are the stubborn soul who believes in establishing the truth even how critically they are criticized throughout the decades. Planet earth is under serious threat, and if we don’t play an active role in saving her, then we are all doomed (Brisebois, 2018).

The four reasons why environmentalists and their Environmentalism are essential: 

Prevention has always been better than cure 

Pollution causes most global diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive & neurological disorders. As the pollution of air, water sources, food, and so on are the recent detrimental concern. The easiest and cheapest solution is taking preventive action (Brisebois, 2018). The better care of our Environment. 

Everyone is affected in equal measure.

Every country and every ecosystem will be affected by the domino effects of environmental crises. A noticeable example is global warming. It is created dominantly by the industrialization of the developed world. However, the impact of global warming is being felt by even non-industrialized nations (Brisebois, 2018).   

Future generations need our help.

I firmly believe you don’t want to deliberately leave the Earth a worse place to be in for your children and grandchildren. If you don’t do anything to save the Earth, I can ensure that your children will be sufferers most of the consequences of your inaction. (Brisebois, 2018)

It’s your sole responsibility as a citizen of this planet

We usually take many things for granted, such as the fresh air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the ground we walk on, etc. All these are things that the planet earth gives us for free. It’s, therefore, very irresponsible of us not showing some gratitude to planet earth. You can show dignity by playing an active role in taking care of our Environment. It’s the virtue of being alive to be an environmentalist. (Brisebois, 2018)

Now let’s look at the crucial activities environmentalists are doing and why they are important?

1. Awareness creation on environmental sustainability
2. Role in legislation
3. Impact on developers that they will face legal challenges if they cause any ecological pollution
4. Educating the masses through Environmental activism champions 
5. Push companies towards Green and Lean Manufacturing
6. Protection of communities from any devastating impacts of pollution
7. Push towards the practice of using alternative forms of energy to curtail the buildup of greenhouse gases
8. Some activists have influenced innovative conservation programs such as that of the National parks and advocating for eco-tourism.
9. They support reuse and recycling campaigns for non-biodegradable products such as plastics, obsolete electrical equipment, and many others. (Rinkesh, 2019)

Now, let’s enter into the dreamy world of five global Environmentalists. You will be amazed by their journey and inspiring movements.

The First Environmentalist, John Muir – Father of National Park (1838–1914)

John Muir was a real child of nature – a naturalist icon. His spiritual odyssey toward Environment made him eternal and unique. He was a person who felt nature as not a separated soul but related at a deeper level. His powerful intuition believed that nature could rejuvenate and soothe an individual with its divine beauty. As he quoted-

Everybody needs beauty and bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. (Quotes, 2019)

John Muir was best known as the “Father of National Park” and “John of the Mountain.” He was a real naturalist and environmental philosopher by heart. He was an intelligent and intuitive person, which led him to explore and write about nature. He was one of the earliest environmentalists who wrote about the importance of preserving the environment at the edge of material industrialization. In early 1876, he urged the federal government to adopt a forest conservation policy through articles published in popular periodicals (Biography, 2019). He was a threat to the entire aggressive industrialist at that time.

(Source: National Park Serv

Background and Inventions

John Muir was born on April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland. He immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 11 years old. Settling in Wisconsin, Muir contended with a rigid, punishing father who made his son memorize the Bible and maintain a demanding schedule.

Yet, the boy had a significant inclination for learning and creativity. He never attended school but was self-educated and usually bright. Muir came up with various inventions such as a horse feeder, a table saw, the wooden thermometer, and a device that pushed the youngster out of bed in the early morning. (Biography, 2019)

After showing his inventions at the state Fair, Muir accepted into the University of Wisconsin during the early 1860s. He took up studying botany and geology and dropped out before earning his degree. Leaving school in 1863, he went to explore the natural world on foot while taking on odd jobs to support himself.

But in 1867, while working at a factory, a tragic accident happened (Biography, 2019). He lost his sight for a time and confined to a darkened room for several weeks. He has been in terror of fear and uncertainty that he might never see again. Fortunately, his eye healed and restored.

As he emerged from the darkness, he fully embraced his devotion to nature. Muir walked from Indiana to Florida, creating detailed sketches of the terrain. He eventually sailed to Cuba, New York, and Panama, ultimately making his way to San Francisco (Biography, 2019). Since then, Muir continued his walking explorations. He explored, studied, and documented plants, geology, and the sunshine of nature’s beauty.

Quick Facts to Know!

• Name: John Muir
• Occupation: Environmental Activist, Journalist
• Birth Date: April 21, 1838
• Dunbar, Scotland
• Death Date: December 24, 1914
• Los Angeles, California
• Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Wife. Louisa Wanda Strentzel
• Children: Wanda Muir Hanna, Helen Muir Funk (Biography, 2019)
• Odyssey towards Ecological Preservation 

His many books (such as The Mountains of California and Our National Parks), articles, and speeches helped create many protected wilderness areas (Chandler & Steidl). Muir’s writings convinced the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon, and Mt. Rainier as national parks (National Park Service).

To Mr. Muir, the wilderness was a place to be respected and revered without humankind’s intrusion. He saw foresters and other conservationists as meddling intruders into nature’s world (Chandler & Steidl). Muir began having his ecology-oriented articles published via newspapers in the early 1870s.

His first printed essay appeared in the New York Tribune. After acute observations, he offered groundbreaking theories about Yosemite’s geological structures formed by glacial activity, countering previous scientific assertions. (Biography, 2019)

John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892 and helped establish Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks (Biography, 2019).

Today Sierra Club is the largest grassroots environmental group globally, with more than 1.3 million members. Over the years, the club helped establish several national parks.

Sierra Club also religiously found dozens of groundbreaking environmental laws, including clean air, clean water, and wilderness (Infinite Fire Inc., 2014). John Muir published a grouping of essays pushing for Yosemite National Park, established in 1890 (Biography, 2019).

Even 150 years ago, there was even no existence of a national park. But due to Muir’s power of writing raise the concept and vision of protecting wilderness by establishing national parks. Today, almost 7000 national parks worldwide in nearly 100 countries (Infinite Fire Inc., 2014).

He was a dedicated environmentalist whose brave and enthusiastic journey made him an eternal soul whose name will always be remembered by nature, even if not by humans!

Rachel Louise Carson, Scientist, and Author (1907 – 1964)

In nature nothing exists alone.

― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring.

When you talk about the environment, Rachel Carson is the first inseparable name. Rachel Carson is the revolutionary scientist & the first green writer. She made people rethink their relationship with the natural world.

She was the person who felt we all are part of nature and connected. Her mother nature towards the environment aware everyone sees the greener side. She was one of the finest biologist & conservationist writers who changed the world forever.

To activate her movement and to educate people through her influential book, she faced lots of backlashes. Besides struggling with her personal life & career direction, she faces threats from industries, corporations, bureaucrats, etc.

Launched the revolutionary roadmap towards environmental movement

Born in rural Pennsylvania, she went on to study biology at Johns Hopkins University and Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory (Lallanilla, 2019). She was involved in the federal service as a scientist and editor in 1936 and rose to become Editor-in-Chief of all publications for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Lear, 2015). 

In this fifteen-year career, she had written many artistic infused scientific articles and books on conservation & natural resources. Her first article was “Undersea” (1937, for the Atlantic Monthly).

Then she wrote several books like “Under the Sea-Wind” (1941). In 1952 she published “The Sea Around Us,” followed by “The Edge of the Sea” in 1955. These books constituted biography details of the deep ocean. These books made Carson famous as a naturalist and science writer for the public. Carson resigned from government service in 1952 to devote herself to her writing. (Lear, 2015)

She became famous for her revolutionary book named “Silence Spring.” There she story tells about the toxic effect of DDT on the environment and human health. She wrote such a sensational book in 1962, which was way ahead of her time (Lear, 2015). 

She was disturbed by the intensive use of synthetic chemical pesticides after World War II. Carson reluctantly changed her focus to warn the public about the long-term effects of misusing pesticides. In Silent Spring (1962), she challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government. She called for a change in the way humankind viewed the natural world. (Lear, 2015)

“Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?” ― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring.

Carson was attacked by the chemical industry and some in government as an alarmist. But she courageously spoke out to remind us that we are a vulnerable part of the natural world subject to the same damage as the rest of the ecosystem.

Testifying before Congress in 1963, Carson called for new policies to protect human health and the environment. Rachel Carson died in 1964 after a long battle against breast cancer. Her witness for the beauty and integrity of life inspires new generations to protect the living world and its creatures. (Lear, 2015)

Wangari Maathai (1940-2011), the founder of the Green Belt Movement

When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope.

– Wangari Maathai (AZ Quotes)

Wangari Mathai is a fearless child of nature. Mathai had deep and inseparable connections with trees. She is best known as an eco-fighter who risked her life to raise environmental consciousness. She shed blood to protect the environment, species, and poor people of her native land Nyeri of Kenya.

Dr. Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) is a Kenyan scholar, a passionate activist, and a politician. She was the founder of the 1970s Green Belt Movement and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (Green Belt Movement, 2019).

(Source: Khattab, 2016)

Let’s have a short story – 

The Story of the Hummingbird

-Wangari Mathai

We are continually facing problems. And bombarded & overwhelmed by them completely.

The story of the hummingbird is about this huge forest consumed by fire. All the animals in the forest come out, and they are transfixed as they watch the forest burning, and they feel very overwhelmed, very powerless, except this little hummingbird. It says, ‘I’m going to do something about the fire!’ So it flies to the nearest stream and takes a drop of water. It puts it on the fire and goes up and down, up and down, up and down, as fast as it can.

In the meantime, all the other animals, much bigger animals like the elephant with a big trunk that could bring much more water, are standing there helpless. And they are saying to the hummingbird, ‘What do you think you can do? You are too little. This fire is too big. Your wings are too little, and your beak is so small that you can only bring a small drop of water at a time.’

But as they continue to discourage it, it turns to them without wasting any time, and it tells them, ‘I am doing the best I can.’

And that, to me, is what all of us should do. We should always be like a hummingbird. I may be insignificant, but I certainly don’t want to be like the animals watching the planet goes down the drain. I will be a hummingbird; I will do the best I can. (The Kid Should See This, 2011-2019)

In 1977, Professor Maathai founded The Greenbelt Movement (Kenya Environmental & Political News Weblog, 2009). It’s an organization that works to empower women through environmental conservation and educates communities about their political, economic, and ecological opportunities. (The Kid Should See This, 2011-2019). As Maathai said,

“One of the reasons why we started the Green Belt Movement is to work with these ordinary peasant farmers to educate them that, although they are poor, it is in their interest to protect the soil that they have, to protect the forest, to protect the land, because if they don’t do it, things can be only worse tomorrow for them and for their children.” (Kenya Environmental & Political News Weblog, 2009)

Some Quick Facts about Wangari Maathai

Personal

• Date of Birth: April 1, 1940
• Deceased: September 25, 2011
• Place of Birth: Nyeri, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Family: Three children (Waweru, Wanjira, and Muta)

Education

• Ph.D., Anatomy, University of Nairobi (1971)
• M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, USA (1966)
• B.S., Biology, Mount St. Scholastica College, USA (1964)

Personal Achievements

• Founder and Coordinator, the Green Belt Movement (1977–2002)
• Chair of the Board, the Green Belt Movement (2002-2011)
• U.N. Messenger of Peace (2009–2011)
• Co-Chair, Congo Basin Forest Fund (2007–2011)
• Goodwill Ambassador, Congo Basin Forest Initiative (2005–2011)
• Presiding Officer, Economic Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) (2005–2007)
• Founding Chair, the Green Belt Movement International (2005)
• Assistant Minister, Environment, Republic of Kenya (2003–2005)
• Member of Parliament, Tetu Constituency, Republic of Kenya (2002–2007)
• Founding member, GROOTS International (1985)
• Director, Kenya Red Cross (1973–1980) (Green Belt Movement, 2019)

The Story & History behind the Greenbelt Movement (GBM)

Wangari Maathai was a little girl who was nurtured by her parents and the greenery of her rural land in Nyeri of Kenya. She has grown up seeing nature – the trees, the streams, the lakes, the forests, the birds, and her homeland’s native animals. However, after completing her education in America, Maathai returns to her homeland in the mid-1970s. There she saw a different picture – an ecological decline of her land! She saw watersheds drying up, streams disappearing, and the desert expanding south from the Sahara (MacDonald, 2005).

On visits to Nyeri, she found streams she had known as a child gone—dried up. Forests being cleared for farms or plantations of fast-growing exotic trees. That drained the ecosystem of water and degraded the soil (MacDonald, 2005). She talked to the rural Kenyan women who reported that their streams were drying up, and their food supply was less secure. They had to walk further and further to get firewood for fuel and fencing. Such an ironic scenario brings fire from her deeper self to become an ecological hero!

In the dream of conserving Kenya’s natural beauty and resources, Wangari Maathai mobilized women across Kenya to plant trees. She organized a women community and paid them a small monetary token to do so. Wangari educates them about the simple concept of planting trees to save their resources, their environment, and their home! With the essence of her passion, she founded the Green Belt Movement (GBM) in 1977 under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK) (Green Belt Movement, 2019).  

The Movement has since planted more than 30 million trees. Maathai has been a fearless activist and spokesperson for issues including women’s economic rights, poverty, and education. She was elected to Kenya’s parliament by an overwhelming majority vote in December 2002. She also served as Assistant Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Wildlife from 2003 until 2007. (Kenya Environmental & Political News Weblog, 2009)

The GBM was a fight against the poor’s everyday hardships—environmental degradation, deforestation, and food insecurity. It fought against land grabbing and the encroachment of agriculture into the forests. Consequently, the Green Belt Movement began to advocate for more significant democratic space. It also achieved more accountability from national leaders. It contested the placement of a tower block in Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi. It leads to join others to call for the release of political prisoners. Her blood and rebellious notion raised GBM worldwide. And she winned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 (Green Belt Movement, 2019).

Prof. Maathai was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem, the world’s “second lung” after the Amazon Rainforest. Her four books (The Green Belt Movement, Unbowed, The Challenge for Africa, and Replenishing the Earth) and the documentary Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai expanded on and deepened the fundamental concepts behind the Green Belt Movement’s work and approach. (Green Belt Movement, 2019).

The Movement continues to expand its horizon to include community development work. Her work encompassed the arenas of environmental conservation, democracy, community empowerment, and conflict resolution (Green Belt Movement, 2019). Wangari is a genuine legacy proof that one person’s simple idea—that a community should come together to plant trees can make a difference.

Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister of Bangladesh – Dreamer of Sustainable Bangladesh (1947 – Present)

Sheikh Hasina is a daughter’s name, who’s living the dream of her father to live in the independent nation of Bangladesh. With the extension of her father’s dream, she has also dreamt of a beautiful Bangladesh with –

• a poverty-free nation
• an educated future generation
• a digital Bangladesh
• a gender-equal nation
• And a sustainable national future.

She is the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh who cares for the nation’s natural beauty by heart. She’s giving leading voice to save the national resources – the environment.

Major Achievements

Honorable Sheikh Hasina Wazed is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is the daughter of Bangladesh’s first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s father.

• Hasina is one of the most powerful women globally, ranking 26th on Forbes’ list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” in 2018 (Forbes, 2018).

• Sheikh Hasina has also made a list of “top 100 Global Thinkers” of the present decade (Global Thinkers, 2019).

• She was on the United Nation’s highest environmental accolade. She honored as the “Champion of the Earth Award 2015” in the policy leadership category. She made a forefront role at home and abroad to face the adverse impacts of climate change. (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, 2018)

• The International Telecommunication Union gave her the ‘ICTs in Sustainable Development Award 2015’. She made outstanding contributions in spreading information technology in the country. (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, 2018)

An Environmental Leader

Most of the political figures and influential Bangladesh people perceive “environment” as a luxury where poverty is a significant concern. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina is one unique, meaningful name who is intuitive about the environment. She’s concerned about the irreversible crises of climate change and its devastating impact on the country. Instead of being the least developed nation and least emitter – she has made the environment a priority. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated –

“We will never achieve the sustainable development goals and eradicate poverty if the adverse impacts of climate change are not stopped.” (The Daily Star, 2019)

She has taken massive initiatives to involve the current government to ensure ecological balance. In accordance, she has established a “Sustainable Development Plan.” She also formulated the “Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.” It aims to raise funds towards preserving the valuable natural ecosystems of our nation’s landscape (Dhaka Tribune, 2019). Hasina also took the initiative for climate resilience. She planned the climate mitigation and adaptation program at the district level. Bangladesh is doing its best to enhance its resilience (The Daily Star, 2019).

“Domestically, we are the first LDC to establish a Climate Change Trust Fund. We have so far spent more than $415 million from our resources for mitigation and adaptation purposes. We have set to spend as much as $10 billion to make the country less vulnerable to natural disasters,” said Sheikh Hasina. (The Daily Star, 2019)

PM urges the international community to adopt an appropriate climate action plan. She discussed it recently, at the general roundtable at the COP25, the UN Climate Change Conference, in Madrid of Spain.

“As our people will be displaced at no fault of ours, we expect the international community to shoulder the responsibility of accommodating them and providing them with livelihood,” she said. (The Daily Star, 2019)

With her initiatives, Bangladesh has prepared a plan to achieve 30% of the total energy from renewable sources by 2041 (The Daily Star, 2019). She recently inaugurated the 7.4 MW facility in the Rangamati district. It was installed on 23 acres near the Karnaphuli hydropower plant. The installation lowered the cost of solar power in Bangladesh. It has hovered at $0.0749-0.101/kWh – as it will supply electricity for $0.065 (Islam, 2019). Although rooftop solar is making strides and asked public & private sectors to take the initiatives. She will also consider establishing an ADB-funded 50 MW floating solar project at the nearby hydropower facility in the future (Islam, 2019).

Sheikh Hasina also urges “localizing the SDGs” on SDG Summit at the Trusteeship Council in the UN Headquarters in New York. Because localization of SDG would transform goals into local realities and aspirations. (Dhaka Tribune, 2019). The PM has taken steps to introduce a waste management system wherever any industry is set up (Dhaka Tribune, 2018).

Sheikh Hasina’s leading words would trigger governmental and private enterprises to take necessary steps enforcing the greener policies. It will save the natural world in the long run from the aggression of short-term profit. Listening to her intuitive voice could save many rivers, water bodies, and forests like the World Heritage Sundarbans of beautiful Bangladesh.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan (1968 – Present) – Environmental Attorney 

Syeda Rizwana Hasan is a dedicated environmentalist by heart and a leading Bangladeshi Environmental attorney. She’s the superwoman who will be remembered by the coastal world, nature, and the Chittagong’s deep ocean forever. Rizwana battled and risked her life to save the coastal environment. She bravely saved 20,000 innocent workforces (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009) from the aggression and toxicity of the shipbreaking industry. Her legal battle enforced regulation for the shipbreaking industry of Bangladesh. She also educates and heightened public awareness about the danger of shipbreaking.

Profile

Syeda Rizwana Hasan is an enrolled lawyer with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. She is the Chief Executive of a reputed national NGO named Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). Her main focus is to promote the notion of environmental justice in Bangladesh. As an environmental lawyer, Rizwana has led successful legal campaigns through PIL and legislative advocacy on almost all of Bangladesh’s major environmental problems. (Developing Environmental Law Champions, 2019)

Her Environmentalism and work

Bangladesh is one of the few developing countries where investors worldwide came to satisfy their desire for profit greed. International investors exploit the country’s labor market in the name of employment. Ironically the government owns a thriving ship breaking industry. This industry is famous. Decommissioned ships and vessels send to Bangladesh without any law and regulation. Those are dismantled and handled by the country’s unskilled workers to gather valuable steel and other scrap metals. Those are sold to shipbreaking yards. They are 20,000 workers, mostly malnourished young men, some as young as 14 (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009). They usually come from the northern parts of Bangladesh, where food is scarce for much of the year. They are paid very little, less than $1 per day, and housed in the most basic of shelters (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009).

The 20,000 workers come to work in this shipbreaking industry with great hope. Ironically they usually worked without any protective gear, tools, welfare, and medical facilities. The ships, laden with asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, arsenic, and other substances, leach toxic chemicals into the environment (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009). Ecosystems have heavily polluted. And hundreds of workers have been maimed or killed in the process (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009).

On average, one shipbreaking worker dies at the yards in Bangladesh every week, and every day one worker is injured. However, Bangladesh has laws for labor welfare and environmentally appropriate waste management. Ironically they are rarely enforced. (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009)

Developed nations, including the United States, send ships to Bangladesh for breaking purpose. However, the US has laws against sending ships to shipbreaking yards. However, many ships routed through other ports into this country. They change country-of-origin flags before docking in Bangladesh. (The Goldman Environmental Prize, 2009)

Rizwana got involved in the shipbreaking industry, first suing the breaking yards in Chittagong in 2003. In response, in March 2003, the court declared shipbreaking without an environmental clearance from the appropriate department illegal (Tritiyo Matra, 2019). She identified and represented the reasons for suing are:

• Bringing health hazards to the workers

• Poor working conditions

• Improper waste disposal.

Rizwana continues to strive for more labor rights and a safer working environment in the industry. She has also successfully sued organizations involved in – 

• Filling lakes to build real estate

• Improper use of polythene

• Hill cutting, deforestation, and shrimp farming without environmental clearance

• Building illegal establishments on St. Martin’s Island. (Tritiyo Matra, 2019)

Awards and Achievement

• She is one of the first five South Asian women to receive the ‘Celebrating Womanhood’ award (2008). The award has given by the Creative Statement and South Asia Partnership based in Nepal.

• Rizwana has received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for the year 2009. She made an outstanding contribution to protecting and conserving the environment of the country.

• She has also named as one of the 40 Environmental Heroes of the World by TIME magazine. She recognized for passionate leadership, hard-driving skill, and uncompromising courage in the campaign of judicial activism.

• Her brave work demonstrated that the right to the environment is nothing less than a people’s right to dignity and life. Rizwana got Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012. (Developing Environmental Law Champions, 2019)

Final thought

In every decade, nature gifts us such impactful passionate angels in human history who change our notion to see the world according to nature’s law. All the living species and animals following the law of nature religiously, except us – the human! All the living animals, birds, insects, plants, and even underwater species are serving the planetary ecosystem. It is only us who is degrading the ecosystem irreversibly. We have been able to circumvent nature’s laws to satisfy our material needs. As Mahatma Gandhi once stated,

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed. (Zafar, 2017)

Today we are already facing the reality of climate crises, which will also eventually bring our extinction! It’s now high time to be environmentally conscious of using its resources. In such existential crises, we must have to choose Environmentalists‘ holly paths because we don’t have other options!

So, let’s wake up with the sacred notion, essence, and the passion of all environmentalists. Let’s wake up to live in natural beauty. Let’s wake up to be ecologically conscious. Let’s wake up to be aware of short-term materialism. Let’s wake up not to make the world into a junk box. Let’s wake up with the law and religion of nature. Let’s wake up with Leonardo DiCaprio, who recently stated,
Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action! (Zafar, 2017)

Accounting for the inadequacy of fossil fuels, solar PV panels as an alternative source of energy enables you to

– go off-grid or 

– keep the electricity bill down

Among the renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, etc.) solar generation is the most user-friendly system. 

This complex free technology can significantly power up your house. 

In this article, we shall explain “How to install solar panels step by step”.  

We’ll demonstrate connecting an array of solar PV panels; however, you can scale up the solar panels according to your demand, provided you maintain the procedures.  

If you’re thinking about installing solar PV panels for your home but it is the first time you are into electrical installation, have no fear!

Here’s to a good start. We’ll cover the instructions on “How to install solar panels step by step” in detail for residential houses or offices. 

We will describe the steps you need to take and answer the following questions to ease your solar installation process. 

i. How do I know if my house is good for solar panels? 

Brief description of how do you hook up solar panels to your house

ii. do you have a roof that supports solar panels?

iii. How many solar panels does it take to run a house?

iv. What are the key elements of a solar PV system?

How To Install Solar Panels Yourself: An Easy Process

a) Solar installation planning

Calculating the power usage (load usage)

For proper solar installation planning, you have to know the performance parameters and your required wattage of solar PV panels. 

Calculate how much solar power (in kilowatt hours kWh) you require before starting the installation process. 

This assessment will decide the size of your solar system and ensure the solar charge controller and battery bank be properly sized. 

You can estimate your power needs with an arithmetic calculation. But if you want solar power to cover all your daily power usage you can just take the utility bill to know the required power. 

Assuming, your monthly requirement of power = 600 kWh on average.  

Thus, the daily requirement will be = 600/30 kWh

                                                   = 20 kWh

Divide this number with peak sun hours to get the required size of your array / PV system. 

Peak sun hours = The number of hours the solar irradiance remain 1000 watts/square meters/day

If you receive 5 hours of peak sun hours in a day, the size of your PV system needs to be = 20 kWh / 5 h

                               = 20,000 / 5 W

                               = 4,000 W

If you want to install 250 W solar panels, the required number of solar panels will be = 4,000 W / 250 W

                       = 16

b) Solar system components and materials to purchase

Now, let’s review the key components of a solar PV system.

Only a well-built solar system with quality components – solar modules, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers ensure long durability. A solar PV system if installed with inferior materials will cause you nothing but distress. Hence, every component of the solar PV system is critical.

Substandard components are threatening the sustainability of your PV generation. 

In this article, we’ll focus on how to install solar panels step by step with proper selection of solar system components.  

Whether you buy monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar PV panels, make sure they are of same wattage capacity from the same renowned manufacturer. 

You’ll need the following components for installing a roof-mounted solar PV system:

i. Solar array

ii. Mounting / racking kit & grounding system

iii. Inverter

iv. Cables 

v. Rails 

vi. Splices 

vii. Mid clamps 

viii. End clamps 

ix. L-feet or standoff 

x. Flashing 

xi. Grounding lugs 

xii. Grounding clips 

xiii. Tape Measure

xiv. Benchmark (style) Cutting Knives

xv. Ratchet Action Pipe Cutter

xvi. Hammer

Solar PV panels generate DC power from sunlight. As household appliances use AC power, we’ll use an inverter to convert the DC power into AC. 

The AC and DC cables will connect the inverter with the fuse box and PV panels respectively.

How to install solar panels at home: detailed description

You must be aware of the following things before we get to “How to install solar panels step by step” at home.

a) How do I know if my house is good for solar panels?

You’ve to assess a few things to know if your house is good for solar panels. The effectiveness of solar PV panels varies with the shape and size of your roof. 

You should consider 

• The possibilities of shading 
• Space requirement (square meters) of the solar PV panels 
• Weight of the solar PV panels 
• Mounting / Racking system / frame

Let’s continue with the following approach.

Measure the width and length of 

• the area where you plan to set the solar PV panels 
• the solar PV panels you will be using 

Let’s consider, the measurements of your solar modules are:

Width = 35 inches 

Length = 60 inches 

If any number comes in fraction, round them up to the next integer. 

Set the PV panels equidistant from other panels but not too close to each other.

For this example, we’ll be placing the panels horizontally (in landscape orientation) beside each other. 

Let, the width of the installation area (east-west) be 

= 15 ft 

= 15×12 inches

= 180 inches

And the length (north-south) be 

= 300 inches

Then the maximum number of solar PV panels in a column (landscape orientation) can be 

= 300 / 35 

= 8.57 ~ 8

And, the number of solar PV panels in a row will be 

= 180 / 60 

= 3

You’ll need two rails of a minimum of 180 inches installed at the top and bottom of a row of modules to attach 3 PV panels. One of the rails requires grounding clips for their mid & end clamps. 

Grounding clips construct a grounding path for panels through the rail. For 8 panels in a column, there’ll be 8 rows and for that, you’ll require = 8 x 2 = 16 rails, of the 8 rails require grounding clips. 

Each rail needs 2 mid-clamps and 2 end clamps. 

Thus, 8 rails require = 4×8 = 32 grounding clips

Estimation of rail size 

Portrait orientation	Landscape orientation
PV Module width x the number of PV modules in a row	PV Module length x the number of PV modules in a row

Installation of Clamps: Evaluating the thickness of your PV modules from the specification sheet, pick the compatible clumps. Screw the clamps into the rail to put pressure at the edges of PV panels. 

• The End clamps hold the PV modules down at the end of each rail to keep the PV panels in place. 

Leave a gap 2 inches at each end of the PV module’s end clamps.

The number of end clamps = 2, for each rail

In a row the required gap = 2 x 2 = 4 inches 

In a row of modules for two rails you’ll need 4 (2×2) ends clamps. 

For 8 rows (16 rails), you’ll need 32 (16×2) ends clamps.

• The Mid clamps secure the PV modules to the frame in between every module. Leave a gap of 1 inch between the PV modules for the mid-clamps. For 3 panels, the required gap between them = 1 x 2 = 2 inches

The number of mid clamps = PV modules in a row – 1

                = 3 – 1 = 2 for each rail.

For 8 rows (16 rails), the number of mid clamps = 2 x 16 = 32

In the scenario above, installing 3 60-inch modules in a row, you’ll require at least 180 (3×60) inches of rail. 

Adding 2 (1×2) inches for mid-clamps and 4 (2×2) inches for end clamps, the required length of the rail becomes 

= 180 + 2 + 4 

= 186 inches 

However, you can add multiple rails of different sizes with splices to get your required length of the rails.  

b) First glance at how do you hook up solar panels to your house?

You must know how the solar panels are hooked up in the system before you start following the necessary steps. 

The more information you gather the more you’ll be prepared to qualify yourself to install a solar panel at home.  

Solar panel installation process

a) What is the best direction for solar panels to face?

It is one of the crucial factors you should take into account before installing a solar PV system.  As a thumb rule, you need to lay the PV panels facing towards the equator. 

Hemisphere	Northern	Southern
Panels facing	South	North

b) How many solar panels does it take to run a house?

It depends on the following factors

• The size (watts) of each panel
• Manufacture and type (efficiency) of solar panels
• Your required kW, location (weather)
• Capacity of battery and inverter and 
• How long does it take to charge your battery? 

How much power a solar PV panel can provide depends on the charge controller type as well. 

5. Solar panel installation guide

a) Installation diagram / Electrical wiring

So how will you wire the solar PV panels-series or parallel?

If any shade hits slightly at any part of your solar array of parallel connection, a considerable power decrease occurs from just the particular PV panel.

However, it decreases power considerably from all of the panels of a series connection. Even after that, a series connection gets all the recommendations as it produces sufficient voltages throughout the day to charge your battery.  

Series connection: Connect one panel’s positive terminal to the negative terminal of the other. 

Total voltage = 18 x 3 = 54 Volts 

Total current = 5 Amperes

Total power = 54 x 5 = 270 Watts

Parallel connection: Connect one panel’s positive terminal to the negative terminal of the other. 

Total voltage = 18 Volts 

Total current = 5 x 3 = 15 Amperes

Total power = 18 x 15 = 270 Watts

Make the connections above with branch connectors.

b) The racking and mounting system installation

You can mount the PV panels on the roof, ground, or pivoting stand. 

If your roof is not convenient for installing PV panels considering the size, stability, and efficiency, you can go for ground mounting or a pivoting stand. The PV panels can track the sun throughout the day with a pivoting stand.    

For proper distribution of wind, snow and other loads rafter-attached system are more convenient and safer. 

Rafter attachment is a widely acknowledged method that supports the load of solar PV panels. 

To waterproof the penetrations and prevent any leakage, use high-grade flashing and sealing materials such as butyl tape and components of stainless steel.

The solar PV installations are roof-mounted for the most part and most steep-slope roofs use tiles and asphalt shingles.

You may require to penetrate the roof to mount a solar array. To secure the PV panels in place you may mount brackets into the roof rafters.

You must employ flashing techniques to decrease the possibility of water infiltration through the holes. 

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Drill holes to the roof stud and attach lag bolts to the frames/roof rafters. The bolts hold the solar PV panels and the racking firmly. 

Flashing: Slip the flashing underneath the shingle/wood pieces.

With a piece of metal plate seal and enclose the brackets to prevent leakage of water. 

Tile roofs 

Tile roofs of metal, concrete, composite, etc. are well-suited with solar PV panels. 

Evaluate and inspect your tile roof for cracks, holes, and protective layers before you start installing solar PV panels. 

Remove the clay, concrete, or slate tiles from the locations in your roof where you plan to attach mounting foot and flashing. Buy metal hooks and flashing according to the shape and size of your tiles so you can suitably drill them into your roof to hold the solar PV panels. Put the tiles at their position above the feet of racking. 

Metal Roofs

The standing metal roofs are most suitable for solar PV panels. 

You don’t require any penetrations into your roof as you can clamp your solar PV panel racks to the raised seams. 

Use a U-clamp to secure the standing seam and then attach solar PV panel mounting to the clamp.

A raised seam allows circulating air underneath the solar PV panels to keep the panels cool.

But if you have a corrugated metal roof, you require to make penetrations into your roof. With a specified bracket attach solar PV panels and mounting to corrugated metal roofs. 

Flat roof

You’ll require slanted metal mounting for flat roofs. Make small penetrations and seal the holes properly.

You may utilize a ballast setup, a weighted mounting system that secures the solar PV panels. This setup doesn’t require drilling holes and allows the proper orientation of solar PV panels for optimal production. 

Standoffs are posts attached to the structural support of the roof. 

The standoff provides a gap between the solar PV panels and the roof. 

The air gets to circulate beneath the PV panels and restrain the panels from overheating. 

L-feet or Standoffs hold the rails and on top of the rails, we’ll mount the solar PV panels.  

The number of Standoffs / rails = the number of PV panels + 1

The solar panel mount or rack secures the solar PV panels. It is the hardware under the solar PV module. 

Typically, the space between the roof-rafters can be 12, 16, 24 inches, etc.

Typical space between the standoffs can be 48 – 60 inches.

For 186 inches of rail, you’ll need 4 (186/48 = 3.775 ~ 4) standoffs, if external load due to snow or wind is insignificant. Otherwise, you’ll require more standoffs.

 If the roof space is non-conventional, you must consult with a specialist.

Lastly, we’ll need grounding lugs for creating space for grounding wire.  You’ll require one grounding lug for each rail. For 16 rails, you’ll need 16 grounding lugs.

c) Install solar inverter and battery

Once you’ve opted for the wattage and number of solar panels, you’ll need to pick an off-grid solar inverter that can handle what the installed PV panels generate. 

A solar inverter transforms direct current (DC) from the solar PV panels into alternating current (AC) that powers the electrical devices.

With a backup battery bank, you can power required electrical appliances or critical electrical loads when the grid is down. A battery backup necessitates specific wiring from the battery to these loads.

An Off grid solar PV system transforms the solar energy into electricity to run loads and with the in-built solar charge controller, you can charge the battery bank. 

Connecting a Solar Charge Controller to Solar PV Panels

Typically, a deep cycle leisure battery requires 12.6 – 14.6 volts to recharge. The batteries won’t charge for voltages below 12.6 and voltages beyond 14.6 will cause the batteries to harm drastically. A solar charge controller monitors the voltage and regulates the recharging of the battery.

String inverter: Install on a wall to connect a string of solar PV panels into an inverter. Unless you have a huge solar system then you’ll require multiple inverters. 

For a 150-kW solar system, you’ll need 10 inverters of 15 kW each. 

If you want to expand your system, you can consider another type of inverter-

Micro-Inverter: Install behind each solar PV panel.

Buy single or multiple MPPT expandable inverters according to your estimated roof capacity with a warranty of a minimum of 10 years, digital display, and best AC power rating. 

Conclusion: What are the steps to installing solar panels?

Bring the DC cables from the roof into the house and connect them to an isolator (DC). With a DC isolator, you can switch off power flow from PV panels.  

Now, connect the DC cables from the isolator to the inverter input.

Connect the inverter’s output cable (AC) to an isolator (AC). 

If you put the inverter far from the house or easy reach, connect the cable from the isolator to another one adjacent to the fuse box. So, you can turn off your PV system at any urgency.

Connect the AC cable from the isolator to a generation meter that goes behind the fuse box which then is connected to a fresh MCB (16 Amp, etc.). 

Turn off the power of the house and insert the MCB into a gap of your fuse box to regulate the circuit of your PV system. 

7. Summary

Solar PV global capacity (on- and off-grid) has increased to 627 GW whereas in just a decade ago it was not more than 23 GW. The future of solar PV development does look even brighter!

Solar PV panels allow you to have an independent lifestyle without relying too much on the power grid. Solar PV panels are one of the best off-grid solutions whether you want to power an air-conditioner or charge up your cell phones. 

From the layout of a PV system covered in this article, you can pick the right components for your desired solar array. “How to install solar panels step by step” guide will let you make proper decisions for precise considerations.

With this DIY you’ll be able to continue solar construction on your own without any assistance from the installer companies. Disruption in installation and maintenance of solar PV panels won’t occur anymore.