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tushabeper99

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy - 0 views

wiki.answers.com/..._disadvantages_of_solar_energy

solar advantages disadvantages

shared by tushabeper99 on 11 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • tushabeper99 on 11 Mar 13
     
    "Advantages: Solar power gives you a return on your investment, while paying your utility for electricity gives you 0% return. Solar energy is renewable unlike the conventional resources (coal, oil) which will inevitably run out. Non-polluting, no carbon dioxide like fossil fuels Free except for capital expenses. Longevity - solar panels can last over twenty years Low maintenance - solar panels require very little upkeep Independence - an off-grid system allows you to break free from the electrical grid Environmentally friendly because the conversion of energy doesn't produce any carbon dioxide. It comes from the sun, which, unless you are in The South or North pole, comes out almost everyday Solar power is better for the environment, compared to burning fossil fuels and other electrical power. sun is renewable You get clean energy without harming the environment [in term of carbon emissions] , in certain countries, excessive power generated can be sold back to local electricity provider reduces pollution helps create jobs - shores up economy - to build -> you hire - innovate-maintain - basically economic activities reduced dependence on fossil fuels Once installed, the power is free It is environmentally friendly and no pollution is associated with solar power You can sell your excess power back to the power companies It can be installed anywhere You can use batteries to store power for use at night Energy from the sun is renewable, that is, it keeps on coming It is free It does no damage to the earth or its atmosphere It produces no carbon dioxide It doesn't have to be dug up from the ground like coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium It doesn't have to be cut down, like wood from forests. It produces clean, green power in the form of electricity and can be used to power just about everything we need. There is more solar energy landing on the earth every day than it would take to supply the world for a year. Solar energy can heat swimming pools, power calcul
kenyonlau99

How much power is generated in the United States by solar power? - 2 views

solar.calfinder.com/...how-much-power-2

current solar energy

shared by kenyonlau99 on 11 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • just over 843,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity were provided by solar power. The vast majority of that, more than 666,500 kWh, were produced in California. Roughly 14 percent of the total renewable energy generated in the U.S. in 2008 was solar energy. And remember that these numbers continue to grow each year. The solar industry has been growing on an average of 30-40 percent each year, and as the industry grows, so will the amount of clean, renewable power it puts out. Interested in Home Solar Energy? Fill in your details below and certified solar contractors will give you FREE estimates. What type of Solar Energy services are you interested in? * Please Select Solar Electrical Solar Thermal First Name * Last Name * Zipcode *
    • kenyonlau99
      kenyonlau99 on 13 Mar 13
       
      GOOD INFO!
  • The EIA states that just over 843,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity were provided by solar power. The vast majority of that, more than 666,500 kWh, were produced in California. Roughly 14 percent of the total renewable energy generated in the U.S. in 2008 was solar energy. And remember that these numbers continue to grow each year. The solar industry has been growing on an average of 30-40 percent each year, and as the industry grows, so will the amount of clean, renewable power it puts out.
  • whalenkil98 on 11 Mar 13
     
    how much solar energy is being converted in the USA?
  • kenyonlau99 on 13 Mar 13
     
    "How much power is generated in the United States by solar power? ted-vollgraff According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy accounted for 7 percent of U.S. energy consumption in 2008. Solar power accounted for only one percent. But, considering how much energy is consumed each year in the United States, that is still a decent bit of power. The EIA states that just over 843,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity were provided by solar power. The vast majority of that, more than 666,500 kWh, were produced in California. Roughly 14 percent of the total renewable energy generated in the U.S. in 2008 was solar energy. And remember that these numbers continue to grow each year. The solar industry has been growing on an average of 30-40 percent each year, and as the industry grows, so will the amount of clean, renewable power it puts out. "
mattianic99

Solar energy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 3 views

en.wikipedia.org/...Solar_energy

shared by mattianic99 on 09 Mar 12 - Cached
  • Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun
  • radiant light and heat from the sun,
  • Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar energy technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis, which can make considerable contributions to solving some of the most urgent energy problems the world now faces.[1] [2]
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global.
  • Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.
  • butlerlex99 on 11 Mar 13
     
    The technologies of solar energy.
  • dextereli99 on 11 Mar 13
     
    the advantages of solar energy for the world 
dextereli99

SOLAR POWER BENEFITS - 0 views

www.vivasolar.com/solarpowerbenifits.html

solar sustainable cost pollution

shared by dextereli99 on 12 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • Advantages of solar power are many. Although solar power is an energy source that we have only recently tapped into, it may easily become the most important energy source of the future. • Solar power is a renewable and natural resource. • Solar power is non-polluting. Unlike oil, solar power does not emit greenhouse gases or carcinogens into the air. • Light and energy from the sun costs nothing. Once you purchase the equipment to collect and convert energy from the sun, it costs you nothing to run. • Solar cells require little maintenance. • Solar cells can last a lifetime. • Solar power is silent.
  • • Solar energy can be used to heat water, dry clothes, heat swimming pools, power attic fans, power small appliances, produce light for both indoors and outdoors, and even to power cars, among other things.
  • • Solar energy products can be very expensive. The initial cost is, perhaps, the main disadvantage of solar energy. • To reach maximum level of efficiency you need a relatively large area to install solar panels. • Depending where you live (Arizona vs. Alaska, around many shady trees or in the desert, etc.), you will get different results with solar energy systems.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • • If you have a really good solar energy system, one that produces even more energy than you use, your utility company might buy that extra energy from you. • When you use solar energy, you and your home become independent on foreign or other sources of energy which raise costs quickly. • To run solar water pumps, you do not even need to connect to a gas or power grid. • Solar energy cannot be produced at night or if there is a lot of pollution in the air or clouds over the sun.
  • • Of course, realize you can have a battery backup system for your solar energy system that will take care of the problems that could arise when the sun does not. • You can install solar energy in remote locations. • If there is a power outage, but you run on solar, you will still have electricity! • As your energy needs grow, you can add more solar panels
  • • Technology for solar energy is constantly improving.
butlerlex99

Quick Facts about Solar Energy | Solarbuzz - 0 views

www.solarbuzz.com/...quick-facts

solar solar power facts

shared by butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • Quick and interesting facts related to solar energy.  For more terms and explanations, consult our solar glossary. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. A sunny location (like Los Angeles, California, US) receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day each year. A cloudy location (like Hamburg, Germany) receives 2.5 hours per day of sunlight each year. A 1 kilowatt peak solar system generates around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate. A solar energy system can provide electricity 24 hours a day when the solar electric modules are combined with batteries in one integrated energy system. Solar modules produce electricity even on cloudy days, usually around 10-20% of the amount produced on sunny days. The typical components of a solar home system include the solar module, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller (sometimes known as a regulator), wiring, and support structure. A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 20 years Monthly average residential consumption of electricity in the US in 2008 was 920 kilowatt hours. (Source: US DOE) Monthly average residential electricity bill in the US in 2008 was $103.67. (Source: US DOE)  
  • One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. A sunny location (like Los Angeles, California, US) receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day each year. A cloudy location (like Hamburg, Germany) receives 2.5 hours per day of sunlight each year. A 1 kilowatt peak solar system generates around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate. A solar energy system can provide electricity 24 hours a day when the solar electric modules are combined with batteries in one integrated energy system. Solar modules produce electricity even on cloudy days, usually around 10-20% of the amount produced on sunny days. The typical components of a solar home system include the solar module, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller (sometimes known as a regulator), wiring, and support structure. A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 20 years Monthly average residential consumption of electricity in the US in 2008 was 920 kilowatt hours. (Source: US DOE) Monthly average residential electricity bill in the US in 2008 was $103.67. (Source: US DOE)
  • butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13
     
    ddid you knows about solar energy
butlerlex99

Solar Homes and Solar Collectors - 0 views

jc-solarhomes.com/index.html

solar solar power facts

shared by butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13 - No Cached
  •    Solar energy is our birthright like the air we breathe or the water we drink. Solar Home Plans and  cost effective   Solar Hot Water Projects  are the gateway into a "Solar Age"  of energy independence. Fossil fuels are no longer necessary to keep the wheels of civilization turning. Build your own solar heating system.  Explore the Strawberry Fields Book Store  for more information. Alternative energies like solar energy will increase in value as fossil fuel prices escalate making energy efficient,  solar houses more valuable. Solar collectors, solar hot water systems, heat storage vaults, photovoltaic electricity, solar panels, and solar greenhouses will soon become the standard rather than the exception to the standard in the near future According to Buckminster Fuller "We have wondered too far from the roots." An energy crisis can only be avoided only if we learn to rely on a diffuse, sustainable resource like the sun. Become part of this green economy and travel on the  Green Train and learn about Solar Rebate Incentives and Cheap Electricity                                                                             
  • butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13
     
    solar energy
demboskiemm00

Solar power in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 0 views

en.wikipedia.org/...lar_power_in_the_United_States

solar current

shared by demboskiemm00 on 22 Oct 12 - Cached
  • Solar potential from very large scale solar power plants State Land used (sq mi) Potential (GWp) Annual generation (TWh) Arizona 19,279 2,468 5,837 California 6,853 877 2,075 Colorado 2,124 272 643 Nevada 5,589 715 1,692 New Mexico 15,156 1,940 4,588 Texas 1,162 149 351 Utah 3,564 456 1,079
  • 6,877
  • Total generation in the United States is about 3,800 TWh.[11]
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  • ) systems. This was double the 435 MW installed in 2009 around the U.S.[16] According to a 2011 survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research, nine out of 10 Americans support the use and development of solar technology. Eight out of 10 respondents indicated that "the federal government should support solar manufacturing in the U.S. and should give federal subsidies for solar energy".[17] According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2010, subsidies to the solar power industry amounted to 8.2% ($968 million) of all federal subsidies for electricity generation.[18] Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research found that the amount of new solar electric capacity increased in 2012 by 76 percent from 2011, raising the United States’ market share of the world’s installations above 10 percent, up from roughly 5 to 7 percent in the last seven years. [19]
  • vogelabi98 on 22 Oct 12
     
    "Total: 42,554 MW - 76,577 MW, depending on the technology used"
marloweth98

Solar panel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 0 views

en.wikipedia.org/Solar_panel

solar

shared by marloweth98 on 15 Mar 12 - Cached
  • so solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel
  • photovoltaic cells
  • arger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Because a single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, many installations contain several panels.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • Third generation solar cells are advanced thin-film cells. They produce high-efficiency conversion at low cost.
  • photovoltaic system typically
  • includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and interconnection wiring.
  • lexible thin film cells and modules are created on the same production line by depositing the photoactive layer and other necessary layers on a flexible substrate. If the substrate is an insulator (e.g. polyester or polyimide film) then monolithic integration can be used. If it is a conductor then another technique for electrical connection must be used. The cells are assembled into modules by laminating them to a transparent colourless fluoropolymer on the front side (typically ETFE or FEP) and a polymer suitable for bonding to the final substrate on the other side. The only commercially available (in MW quantities) flexible module uses amorphous silicon triple junction (from Unisolar). So-called inverted metamorphic (IMM) multijunction solar cells made on compound-semiconductor technology are just becoming commercialized in July 2008. The University of Michigan's solar car that won the North American Solar Challenge in July 2008 used IMM thin-film flexible solar cells. The requirements for residential and commercial are different in that the residential needs are simple and can be packaged so that as solar cell technology progresses, the other base line equipment such as the battery, inverter and voltage sensing transfer switch still need to be compacted and unitized for residential use. Commercial use, depending on the size of the service will be limited in the photovoltaic cell arena, and more complex parabolic reflectors and solar concentrators are becoming the dominant technology. The global flexible and thin-film photovoltaic (PV) market, despite caution in the overall PV industry, is expected to experience a CAGR of over 35% to 2019, surpassing 32 GW according to a major new study by IntertechPira.[4]
  • t $4.50, which was 33 times lower than the cost in 1970 of $150.[8][9]
  • marloweth98 on 15 Mar 12
     
    facts
kennedyeri98

How Much Does Solar Energy Cost? | Solar Energy Facts - 1 views

solarenergyfactsblog.com/solar-energy-cost

cost solar

shared by kennedyeri98 on 12 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • Which State do you live in?
  • Federal solar tax rebate
  • most of the cost of your system has to do with where you live.
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • These can be tax write-offs or money back in your pocket.
  • Many states, like New Jersey and Massachusetts, have developed credit markets. You get credits for producing solar and you can sell them for money.
  • if you can cut your power bill before you go solar, everything will cost less. Consider a home energy audit before upgrading to solar energy.
  • Local utilities and municipalities (LA is a great example) have their own solar energy subsidies
  • How much Solar Energy do you Want to Produce?
  • Sometimes just knocking off a part of the bill can give you huge monthly electricity cost savings, as in the case of tiered electricity rates
  • In some areas your utility will pay you for an extra electricity you send back to the grid.
  • importance of energy efficiency
  • If you buy the system you’ll see big up-front costs
  • so you might not get to claim all the credits and rebates available.
  • Generally this option trades long-term financial gain for low (or no) up-front cost.
  • kennedyeri98 on 12 Mar 13
     
    How much the cost is and the importance of the place you are changing the cost and refund/credits you will ether gain or lose
butlerlex99

Solar Energy - 0 views

www.solarenergy.com

solar cost

shared by butlerlex99 on 11 Mar 13 - Cached
  • Today's solar product offerings go way beyond what most people think of when they hear the term 'solar power' or 'solar energy' – typically they imagine solar electric panels on a roof converting sunlight into electricity. While these 'photo voltaic' panels do represent a piece of the solar pie, many more solar-powered products and technologies utilizing the sun's energy now exist. One of the biggest is solar hot water, whether for residential or commercial the use of the sun's heat to warm a potable water supply instead of electricity is a very efficient method and truly cost-effective. Solar HVAC systems, battery-backed off-grid systems, solar farms and more are at the forefront of the solar power world innovations, with more to come. Add this site to your Favorites to keep up with all the latest developments.
  • butlerlex99 on 11 Mar 13
     
    solar products 
kirkpatrickcon99

Solar Energy Diagram | Complete Diagrams on Solar Energy Facts - 1 views

solarenergyfactsblog.com/solar-energy-diagram

solar energy diagram picture

shared by kirkpatrickcon99 on 24 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Then we’ll present diagrams and discuss photovoltaic solar, solar hot water, and concentrated solar power. The easiest way to think about these is: am I using solar energy to heat water (solar hot water and CSP) or am I converting sunlight directly into electricity (photovoltaic cells)? Solar Energy Diagram #1 – Insolation
dpurdy

EIA Energy Kids - Solar - 2 views

www.eia.gov/...energy.cfm

solar what location pollution how history sustainable

shared by dpurdy on 03 Nov 11 - No Cached
  • Energy from the Sun The sun has produced energy for billions of years.  Solar energy is the sun’s rays (solar radiation) that reach the Earth. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.
  • Photovoltaic (PV devices) or “solar cells” change sunlight directly into electricity. Individual PV cells are grouped into panels and arrays of panels that can be used in a wide range of applications ranging from single small cells that charge calculator and watch batteries, to systems that power single homes, to large power plants covering many acres.
  • Solar energy systems do not produce air pollutants or carbon-dioxide
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • Solar energy is by far the Earth's most available energy source. Solar power is capable of providing many times the total current energy demand. But it is an intermittent energy source, meaning that it is not available at all times.
  • Photons Carry Solar Energy Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy. These photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed. Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity. When enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor), electrons are dislodged from the material's atoms. Special treatment of the material surface during manufacturing makes the front surface of the cell more receptive to free electrons, so the electrons naturally migrate to the surface.
  • Weather Affects Photovoltaics The performance of a photovoltaic array is dependent upon sunlight. Climate conditions (such as clouds or fog) have a significant effect on the amount of solar energy received by a photovoltaic array and, in turn, its performance.
  • History of the Photovoltaic Cell The first practical photovoltaic (PV) cell was developed in 1954 by Bell Telephone researchers examining the sensitivity of a properly prepared silicon wafer to sunlight. Beginning in the late 1950s, PV cells were used to power U.S. space satellites. PV cells were next widely used for small consumer electronics like calculators and watches and to provide electricity in remote or "off-grid" locations were there were no electric power lines. Technology advances and government financial incentives have helped to greatly expand PV use since the mid-1990s.
  • Using solar energy produces no air or water pollution and no greenhouse gases, but does have some indirect impacts on the environment.
  • anonymous on 02 Oct 13
     
    Most quality online stores. Know whether you are a trusted online retailer in the world. Whatever we can buy very good quality. and do not hesitate. Everything is very high quality. Including clothes, accessories, bags, cups. Highly recommended. This is one of the trusted online store in the world. View now www.retrostyler.com
leonardsar99

How long has solar power been around? - Fort Smith Alternative Energy | Examiner.com - 0 views

www.examiner.com/...ng-has-solar-power-been-around

solar history

shared by leonardsar99 on 11 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • Using the sun's power has been around as early as the 7th century B.C. when people were using it to build fires. It is hypothesized that in 2nd century B.C. Archimedes used the reflective surfaces of bronze shields to burn ships invading Syracuse. However, it was not until 1973 when the Greek navy actually experimented with the notion and successfully burned a wooden ship at 50 meters. Sunrooms were common in houses and public buildings in the 6th century A.D. These were so common that "sun rights" were given to individuals. Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world’s first solar collector in 1767. For a more descriptive timeline, this timeline lists the milestones in the historical development of solar technology from the 7th century B.C. up to today.
  • Using the sun's power has been around as early as the 7th century B.C. when people were using it to build fires. It is hypothesized that in 2nd century B.C. Archimedes used the reflective surfaces of bronze shields to burn ships invading Syracuse. However, it was not until 1973 when the Greek navy actually experimented with the notion and successfully burned a wooden ship at 50 meters. Sunrooms were common in houses and public buildings in the 6th century A.D. These were so common that "sun rights" were given to individuals. Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world’s first solar collector in 1767. For a more descriptive timeline, this timeline lists the milestones in the historical development of solar technology from the 7th century B.C. up to today.
  • whalenkil98 on 11 Mar 13
     
    how long has solar energy been around?
blackmerbru98

Wind Energy - 1 views

Nationally, renewable electricity generation in the US doubled from 2006 to 2011 and prices for wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies decreased, while employment in cleantech industry se...

http:__energyfellows.com_2012-clean-energy-generation-_ wind

started by blackmerbru98 on 03 Oct 13 no follow-up yet
butlerlex99

Solar Energy Facts: Solar Energy, Solar Cells, Solar Panels | Resourses - 0 views

solarschoolpa.com/solar-energy-facts.html

solar solar power facts

shared by butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • For billions of years, the sun has poured out huge amounts of energy in several forms, including light, heat, radio waves, and even x-ray. The Earth, in orbit around the sun, intercepts a very small part of the sun’s immense output. On Earth, direct sunlight is available from sunrise until sunset, except during solar eclipses. Solar collectors and modules are designed to capture some of the sun’s energy and change it from radiation into more usable forms such as heat or electricity. In fact, sunlight is an excellent source of heat and electricity, the two most important forms of energy we consume.
  • butlerlex99 on 12 Mar 13
     
    solar energy facts
gillinghammic98

TLC Home "How many solar cells would I need in order to provide all of the electricity ... - 0 views

tlc.howstuffworks.com/...question418.htm

shared by gillinghammic98 on 15 Mar 12 - No Cached
  • Because solar electricity is so expensive, you would normally go to great lengths to reduce your electricity consumption. Instead of a desktop computer and a monitor you would use a laptop computer. You would use fluorescent lights instead of incandescent. You would use a small B&W TV instead of a large color set. You would get a small, extremely efficient refrigerator­. By doing these things you might be able to reduce your average power consumption to 100 watts. This would cut the size of your solar panel and its cost by a factor of 6, and this might bring it into the realm of possibility.
  • From our calculations and assumptions abo­ve, we know that a solar panel can generate 70 milliwatts per square inch * 5 hours = 350 milliwatt hours per day. Therefore you need about 41,000 square inches of solar panel for the house. That's a solar panel that measures about 285 square feet (about 26 square meters). That would cost around $16,000 right now. Then, because the sun only shines part of the time, you would need to purchase a battery bank, an inverter, etc., and that often doubles the cost of the installation.If you want to have a small room air conditioner in your bedroom, double everything.
  • A "typical home" in America can use either electricity or gas to provide heat -- heat for the house, the hot water, the clothes dryer and the stove/oven. If you were to power a house with solar electricity, you would certainly use gas appliances because solar electricity is so expensive. This means that what you would be powering with solar electricity are things like the refrigerator, the lights, the compute­r, the TV, stereo equipment, motors in things like furnace fans and the washer, etc. Let's say that all of those things average out to 600 watts on average. Over the course of 24 hours, you need 600 watts * 24 hours = 14,400 watt-hours per day.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • The thing to remember, however, is that 100 watts per hour purchased from the power grid would only cost about 24 cents a day right now, or $91 a year. That's why you don't see many solar houses unless they are in very remote locations. When it only costs about $100 a year to purchase power from the grid, it is hard to justify spending thousands of dollars on a solar system.
dylan purner

Solar Photovoltaics | Solar Energy - 0 views

www.premierpower.com/...how_solar_works.php

solar form

shared by dylan purner on 08 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • What are photovoltaics? The word comes from “photo” (light) and “voltaic” (energy produced by a chemical reaction). Photovoltaic technology refers to the conversion of light into energy at the atomic level. Certain materials, such as silicon, cadmium, and selenium, have the ability to absorb light photons and release electrons. Solar photovoltaic technology harnesses these freed electrons and uses their electric current as DC electricity (NASA 2002). Fully powered by the sun, solar photovoltaics are a free, clean, and renewable source of energy that can be used independently of or in conjunction with conventional grid energy. Unlike solar thermal systems, solar energy panels require little maintenance, necessitate no moving parts, and last for 30-40 years.
  • kenyonlau99 on 08 Mar 13
     
    " Photovoltaics: The Science Behind Solar Energy           What are photovoltaics? The word comes from "photo" (light) and "voltaic" (energy produced by a chemical reaction). Photovoltaic technology refers to the conversion of light into energy at the atomic level. Certain materials, such as silicon, cadmium, and selenium, have the ability to absorb light photons and release electrons. Solar photovoltaic technology harnesses these freed electrons and uses their electric current as DC electricity (NASA 2002). Fully powered by the sun, solar photovoltaics are a free, clean, and renewable source of energy that can be used independently of or in conjunction with conventional grid energy."
sokolkyl00

Solar Power Energy Information, Solar Power Energy Facts - National Geographic - 0 views

environment.nationalgeographic.com/...solar-power-profile

solar co2

shared by sokolkyl00 on 29 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. Solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun's energy and make it useable. Today, the technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand.
  • In one technique, long troughs of U-shaped mirrors focus sunlight on a pipe of oil that runs through the middle. The hot oil then boils water for electricity generation. Another technique uses moveable mirrors to focus the sun's rays on a collector tower, where a receiver sits. Molten salt flowing through the receiver is heated to run a generator.
  • Despite the drawbacks, solar energy use has surged at about 20 percent a year over the past 15 years, thanks to rapidly falling prices and gains in efficiency. Japan, Germany, and the United States are major markets for solar cells. With tax incentives, solar electricity can often pay for itself in five to ten years.
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  • Solar energy is lauded as an inexhaustible fuel source that is pollution and often noise free. The technology is also versatile.
  • valentivin99 on 29 Oct 12
     
    " Today, the technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand."
  • kennedyeri98 on 11 Mar 13
     
    Intriguing facts about the suns energy on how they use it on oil and the drawback 
  • bondycal00 on 26 Sep 13
     
    Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. Solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun's energy and make it useable. Today, the technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand.
dpurdy

Solar Electricity and how it works - Photovoltaic Systems and Components, Grid-Connecte... - 0 views

www.solardirect.com/...pvbasics.htm

grid solar transported works how converted

shared by dpurdy on 26 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • A valuable feature of photovoltaic systems is the ability to connect with the existing power grid which allows owners to sell excessive electricity back to the utility with a plan known as (5) Net Metering. At times when you are not using all of the electricity produced by your system, your meter will spin backwards selling the electricity back to the (6) utility power grid at retail rate.
  • (1) Solar Electric or PV modules convert sunlight to electricity. The PV modules generate DC electricity - or direct current - sending it to the inverter. (2) The inverter transforms the DC power into AC electricity for ordinary household needs. (3) Existing electrical panel distributes solar electricity and utility power to (4) loads (appliances). For systems with a battery backup (optional), the inverter also regulates the charge of batteries. The electricity stored in the batteries can be used at night or during blackouts.
    • dpurdy
      dpurdy on 26 Oct 12
       
      Great video showing solar cell (photovoltaic) in action.
  • dpurdy on 26 Oct 12
     
    Solar is not always connected to grid. Sometimes there are batteries, otherwise your system is connected to grid to share excess electricity.
sokolkyl00

Solar Power - Advantages and Disadvantages - Sustainable Development Information - 0 views

www.sustainabledevelopmentinfo.com/r-advantages-and-disadvantages

solar sustainable

shared by sokolkyl00 on 20 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • By converting the power of the sun into electricity, solar energy is clean, green, will never run out and, after the initial cost of the solar panels, is entirely free
  • The sun is constant – it will always be there and is therefore a reliable, utterly renewable source of energy.
  • As it does not rely on the burning of harmful fuels to generate electricity, solar power is non-polluting – it does not contribute to global warming or greenhouse gas emissions.
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