Archive for the ‘Solar Alternative Energy’ Category
An awareness of the importance of energy efficiency is at an all time high and likely only to get higher still. Renewable or more effective energy sources are no longer just topics pushed by companies peddling their wares but are now international news headlines and political agendas.
With the recent revelation that all UK homes are to be fitted with a smart energy meter by the year 2020, this further emphasises the point. Energy performance certificates are now a legal requirement when buying or selling a property; these certificates grade the energy efficiency of a building and suggest ways of improving it in the future.
Just driving around or going about daily business, it is becoming very obvious that solar power is not only being introduced but being embraced. Schools in particular seem to be installing solar panels to contribute to their power sources and what better place for solar energy to be present, where our future generations are being primed for life and prepared as the next custodians of the planet.
So what is this solar power that is becoming and going to become the bedrock of energising the world?
Well Wikipedia describes it as follows, “Solar energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends” and goes on to say, “Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight.”
The active solar power we are referring to uses photovoltaic panels, pumps and fans and then converts the sunlight into useable outputs. “Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies”
Many modern housing estates are now being built with solar energy in mind, effectively allowing buyers to choose to move straight into a home with active solar power rather than converting an existing property, although having said that many people have already converted or are in the process of converting their homes to solar energy systems. Personal conviction is one driving force for these changes but ultimately long term financial savings are another benefit.
It is a geographical fact that the further south one resides the more effective solar energy. Unless the earth decides to alter its position in the solar system this will always be the case. However this does not limit more northern residents from enjoying renewable energy as a combination of wind power, solar energy, underground heating sources and systems can remain just as effective.
It will be interesting to see just how quickly smart energy replaces the tradtional energy sources, though one thing is for sure, it is going to happen.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/smart-energy-not-alone-when-you-go-solar-968484.html
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Thanks to progressive local, state and national policies and a bit of good, old ingenuity, businesses the world over are slowly going green. For years, many small business owners who had little in the way of investment capital only took marginal steps towards a greener way of doing business due to the high cost of solar power, wind generators and other green technology. Now that solar electricity systems are coming down in price, and more are cropping up to help offset the initial investment cost, businesses everywhere are realizing the advantages of going green.
When most people think of wine, images of the Napa Valley or of an ancient vineyard in the Champagne region of France comes to mind. However, thanks to the seemingly never ending demand for new and fresh wines, every state in the union now offers at least one winery. In Oregon, a state that has long had a sterling reputation in the environmental movement, a number of wineries are now going solar. For many, it is a natural fit since the grapes are already being grown on south-facing hills, which is the proper direction in which to mount solar electricity systems. Even in the rainier parts of the state, solar panels have become as common as gas stations.
Businesses aren’t the only ones getting in on the green wave. Charities are stepping up to the plate and doing their part to help those in need and mother earth at the same time. A recent Habitat for Humanity home built in Connecticut came complete with a rooftop solar panel array. According to officials with Habitat for Humanity, the family for whom the home was built can expect upwards of $90 per month in free power. It is unknown if more Habitat homes will come with solar electricity systems, but since many of these homes are built for the underprivileged, it is logical that a low cost, or even free, form of renewable power be provided as part of the home.
Sometimes, all a business needs to go green is a big, hefty reward waiting for it. A Hudson Valley company that creates and markets green technologies entered a contest to see if it could create more energy than it uses. The winning business receives a $10,000 reward. Currently, thanks to a series of solar panels and a groundbreaking (literally) geothermal system that cycles water underground, the 5,000+ square foot building pumps more energy back onto the grid than it takes out. Since the company itself sells similar solar electricity systems to consumers in New York State, it was a challenge the owners took very seriously. They say that a similar system could be set up for any small business in the area and for most homes.
When your business goes green, you not only save on your energy bills, you have an incredible marketing tool at your disposal. As more and more people jump on the greening bandwagon, businesses that have been ahead of the curve will surely reap the rewards.
Solar Power Equipment Comes Into Its Own for North Texas
Today, these systems offer homeowners and business owners increased energy production, reduced setup costs, increased longevity and reduced size. What equipment is necessary to harvest solar power for home and business use?
Small Business Solar
Sure businesses use more energy, but they also save more energy by going solar. Spur Economy and Advertising. Installing a solar system also supports the local economy by promoting high-paying jobs in the community. For a local business
J. Lohr Unveils Solar Power System
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has unveiled a 756-kilowatt solar photovoltaic solar system at its Paso Robles operations. The 3-acre solar system, which is being touted as the largest solar tracking array in the wine industry, is expected to offset 75 percent of the winery’s energy use.
Two U.S. Honda Plants Cut Energy Use
Based on advances in reducing energy use while producing cars and light trucks, Honda’s Ohio and Alabama plants have earned Energy Star awards from the US.
Small Business Solar
It all depends on the business and the business owner. How much are you able/willing to spend up front? How much power do you use? What size of a system do you need?
State Fair Park to install solar panels
State Fair Park to install solar panels. The Wisconsin State Fair Park has received state approval to install a solar panel system on the roof of the Wisconsin Products Pavilion.
Will the Sun Soon Power Our Homes?
Does anything in the stimulus plan he signed this week encourage the use of solar power? A: Yes, the stimulus was packed with incentives for solar, including U.S. Treasury grants that will allow consumers to recoup 30 percent
Save a small fortune in electricity bills by making a few adjustments to your home.
| By Brent Crouch Published: 2/11/2009 |
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Read on for some simple solar energy science projects that you can setup at home or use them to teach the concept of solar energy to young children.
In very simple terms, solar energy is the energy we receive from the sun. The sun is a big ball of heat and the light is produces is the result of the nuclear fission that takes place in its core. The energy released from the core reaches the earth in the form of heat and light. Utilization of solar energy has become of paramount importance now because all other forms of fossil energy like petrol and coal is fast depleting. In addition to this, using the solar energy is very safe and causes absolutely no harm to the environment in the form of pollution or other by products. Solar heaters and cookers have been around for quite some time and are fast becoming popular as they help conserve a large amount of electricity and hence money. The setup can be a little bigger but their benefits out shadows some drawbacks any day. It just takes a little concern for the environment from our end.
Here are some solar energy science projects that you can use to teach people as to how solar energy can be used as an alternate source of energy or you can even implement them at home and enjoy the benefits of the same.
Simple Water Heater
This is a very simple project which is actually employed in many southern states where freezing is not an issue. This setup is used to preheat well water for domestic use. Although a little inefficient as there is night heat loss, the setup is very inexpensive and very easy to build.
Before you try it out on your tank, you may want to try out the setup in a small breadbox to ensure that you have enough sunlight in your area to heat the water to the required temperature. Hence, I will describe the setup for a breadbox and if it works for you, you can extend it to a small tank. At the very beginning, you will have to stuff the sides of a bread box (2′x2′x2) with crinkled damp newspaper. This should take you less than an hour but the newspaper will take about a week to dry. Place the box in the attic for faster results. Once the newspaper becomes dry, glue the aluminum foil on it. Place a bowl upside down in the center of the box. Paint a one gallon jug black and place it on top of the bowl.
Fill the jug with water. Take the temperature of the water and cover the bread box with a lid. Place the bread box under direct sunlight for about three hours and then take the temperature of the water again. Multiply the difference in temperature of the water with 8. This will give you the amount of solar energy that you have collected in 3 hours. If you achieve a difference of about 80 degree Fahrenheit then you can give yourself a pat on your back and work on enhancing the bread box setup to a full scale setup.
Solar Cooker
In this project, we will make a parabolic solar cooker (shaped like a trough) and try to cool a hotdog in the same. To make the cooker that is parabolic in shape, you will need cardboards. Depending on the number of hotdogs that you need to cook you can verify the size and the process of making the parabolic cooker on the internet.
Once the cooker has been made, tape the aluminum foil to the insides of the cooker. Attach the cooker to a cardboard box using nuts and bolts. Ensure that the cooker is movable so that you can swing it to point directly at the sun. Straighten a wire hanger and bend one end of it to make a handle. Make holes at both the ends of the cooker and insert the hanger into it after placing the hot dog on it. Place the cooker under direct sunlight and adjust the mirrored surface of the cooker so that all the reflected sunlight focuses on the hotdog. Let the hotdog cook. This setup can also be used to heat water. Do let me know as to how the experiment works out for you.
All the best!
Daily DIY Network – Science Projects Plans Guides
Solar Hummer re-done. This is an improvement on my previous instructable,
Solar Hummer re-done
How do I make an inexpensive solar panel for a high school science project? I want to get into custom building remote control things, can someone explain
Rapid Electronics – Pupils build solar-powered cars in science lessons
Young scientists at Rettendon Primary School in Essex have been building mini solar-powered cars as part of their latest science project, it has been reported.
Elementaryscienceprojects
Easy Elementary science projects; chemistry science fair projects; Fifth Grade science projects; Cool science experiments; Social Science; Middle School science projects; Solar System Science Source:
Science Projects Plans Guides
It’s the first do-it-yourself magazine dedicated to the incorrigible and chro; ReadyMade. For people who like to make stuff;
Daily DIY Network – Science Projects
DIY projects describing how to build electronic projects. Fun top 5 and top 10 lists. Instructables: exploring
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Published: 3/18/2008 |
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Uses of Solar Energy
Solar power has received a warm reception since the turn of the century, becoming one of the most popular ways to help save the planet by finding alternatives to the use of precious, limited natural resources, as well as to cut conventional energy costs.
Most of us are familiar with the dark blue and silver solar panels found in industrial or civic applications, such as atop radio towers or highway call boxes, or those used to power a local university research laboratory or rural telemetry device.
While industrial applications continue to comprise a large percentage of modern solar panel use, there are a variety of applications that have emerged within the pubic sector and are gaining momentum for their convenience, cost saving efficiency, and environmental friendliness.
Many private home owners are adopting solar power, which is attractive for its ability to significantly reduce monthly energy bills in a time of rapidly rising rates, and for its statement about the owners’ commitment to a greener earth. For modern homeowners, a set of solar panels and accompanying components can perform a variety of functions, from powering a specific item such as a pool heater or mechanical well to serving as a substitute for conventional electric power.
This latter application is enjoying a widespread popularity these days, allowing homeowners to kiss costly energy bills goodbye and in some cases even add their own generated power to the city’s grid, resulting in profit.
Many recreational vehicle owners find that installing solar panels not only saves on energy costs but helps to ensure uninterrupted service.
Following this trend, many mobile devices such as cell phones have spawned solar accessories like solar powered battery chargers to help consumers take advantage of natural, abundant sunlight to make their lives easier and more affordable.
On a larger scale, modern real estate developers are turning to solar panels to help attract conscientious renters; "green" buildings are becoming a popular incentive for many urbanites who wish to reap the benefits of modern city living while working and playing day to day without pollution, waste, and expensive electric bills.
While there are a vast number of applications for solar panels and accessories, you can determine whether solar energy is right for your project by considering your daily load requirements and spending a little time to get familiar with solar energy system components. Chances are, if your application sees sunlight, it can function efficiently, cleanly, and cheaply with the use of solar power.
SciToTech ( Science To Technology ): Future uses of solar energy
Following is an overview of solar panels. The largest producers of solar energy.Solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar energy panels that will power your home
Making A Difference With Outdoor Solar Solutions
The unmitigated success of solar street lighting has opened the door to other uses of solar panels in outdoor situations.
Solar powered band rocks India for a green cause
The band uses only solar technology to power its instruments. The band keeps back-up resources for bad weather as well.
Time to Consider Solar Energy
To put it in simple terms, solar energy is the conversion of sun’s rays into the electric power, and the technologies utilized to convert sunlight into useful power are well known as "photovoltaics".
Solar stoves prove healthier, cheaper
But it can only be used when it is sunny. Otherwise the villagers use gas. The project’s managers now intend to install a lighting system that uses solar-charged batteries in the village.
Uses of Solar Energy: What Are They?
There are many uses of solar energy. Solar energy is one of the cleanest and simplest forms of energy you will find.
Living Off Grid with Solar and Wind Power Can Save You Money
Using solar power will can reduce your personal energy usage which will reduce or even eliminate your monthly energy bill. Can you imagine not having to pay the electric company every month?
By: Andy Bauer
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Andy Bauer is a tech writer for West Florida Components, a retailer of electronic components, solar panels, and supplies.
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Solar Energy Is Up – But Wind Power Also Surging
In a recent survey of the alternative energy industry shows Solar has experienced the most rapid economic growth over the past 12 months – but Wind Power is also surging and has the most momentum going forward.
The survey – which focused on industry trends and opportunities – was completed August 4, 2008, and a total of 196 respondents working in alternative energy sectors participated.
The 
sector (51%; up 2-pts) has come on strong over the past 12 months according to industry respondents – echoing the findings of our December 2007 survey. However, so has Wind Power (49%; up 14-pts).
Going forward, Solar (56%; down 2-pts) is expected to achieve the most rapid growth for the next 12-24 months, but Wind (41%; up 13-pts) is also showing striking strength going forward.
In addition, the rapid rise of gasoline prices this year has led to significant gains in the Hybrid/Electric Vehicles sector.
Conversely, Biomass has fallen in terms of industry sentiment – due in large part to the impact of rising raw materials costs. One-third (33%) of industry respondents pointed to Biomass as the sector most negatively affected by the high cost of raw materials – with more than half (51%) specifically pointing to ethanol production.
As respondent CO206739 writes, "Corn Ethanol producers have cut back their expansion plans because of the high cost of steel for construction, and the high cost of corn for feedstock. The companies that built facilities years ago have the advantage on capital costs, but they are suffering from high feedstock costs and the uncertainties of market conditions."
Customer Demand for Alternative Energy
The survey also focused on customer demand for alternative energy products, and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles (Net Score = ) are clearly seen as having the biggest demand increase in the next year with Solar ( ) and Wind ( ) products also garnering big jumps in customer interest.
But the most telling findings were when we asked industry respondents to rate the demand for their own company’s alternative energy products and services.
Here’s what we found:
# Upswing in Sales. Business is booming, according to our Alternative Industry respondents – of which an extraordinary 45% see their company’s sales increasing over the next 90 days. In comparison, just 4% see their company’s sales decreasing.
# Capital Budgets Adjusting Higher. In another big positive, 38% project their overall capital budgets will increase over the next 90 days, more than triple the percentage who say it will decrease (11%).
# Inflation Spurring Demand. Better than half (56%) say inflationary pressures in the rest of the economy are causing increased demand for their alternative energy products and services. The vast majority (77%) of these respondents cite the rising price of traditional energy sources as the main reason for the demand growth. As FID04725 writes, "Inflation is putting more pressure on energy prices than it is on the raw material costs for alternative energy technologies. Thus, alternative energy is becoming more affordable relative to conventional energy."
Leading Companies
We also asked industry respondents to tell us which alternative energy companies they believe are at the forefront of their respective market sectors. Here’s what they told us:
Solar Sector: First Solar (FSLR), SunPower (SPWR) Wind Sector: General Electric (GE), Vestas Hybrid/Electric Sector: Tesla Motors, Energy Conversion Devices (ENER)
The takeaway from this Alternative Industry survey is that Solar continues to burn up the charts and the momentum behind Wind Power is now blowing stronger than ever.
Investors take note — in the midst of a severe worsening of the U.S. economy the Alternative Energy sector continues to ride high.
Don’t pay for your electricity any longer…
Instead, the power company will pay YOU!
Another solar power homes fan builds his own home solar power
A brief layout of his solar system that he installed about 2 weeks ago.
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Solar Power Cooking. A solar oven or solar cooker is a device which uses sunlight as its energy source.
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Tagged: Kyoto, Solar Power, Solar Thermal Power Plants, Coal Fired Power Generation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Western Mass. utility first to tap solar power law
A Bay State utility has finally taken advantage of a landmark green energy law that lifted a prohibition on owning solar energy sites .
1300 Megawatts of Solar Thermal Power to be Developed in Mojave
In this sort of solar thermal power plant light is reflected off of mirrors and onto a boiler atop a central tower. This in turn drives a turbine to produce electricity.
New Solar Power Boat Comes From Tamarack Lake!
Jason Hill and Nathan Armstrong have revealed a new concept, which can carry forward the philosophy identified in Aptera 2e.
By: Paul Carton
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Here at ChangeWave, we leverage our expertise in industry and company level research to identify emerging trends, technologies and companies best-positioned to capitalize in today’s market. For more information, visit: blog.changewave.com
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Earth 4 Energy Review – Can Earth For Energy Really Convert Your Home To Solar Power?
>>>>Watch This Video
You can convert your home into solar power. By using solar system to generate electricity does make your home stand out. Solar energy or renewable energy can help you to save your electricity cost by 60% annually. A single house with 2 solar systems is sufficient for daily power usage. But the problem is a solar power system cost more than $1000. In this article I will show you the way of how you can get a home-made solar system for less than $200.
Earth 4 Energy is a website which offers a web-based program teaches how to build a home-made renewable energy generator. A solar power is enough to produce electricity for 3 heaters. It is also depend on the size of the solar plate. Each house should need at least a 2 kilowatt solar power system. The exceeding of electricity which isn’t use can be sold to a local power utility company.
2 meters are required to record the solar power which being used and another to record how much electricity did the solar system generated. As a result the electricity cost is less than $10 per month which reduces the utility expense by 60%. So you won’t have to worry about how much you have to pay for the bill. A solar system not only helps to keep the environment green but save a lot of money for you. As mentioned earlier, a solar system is costly. Earth 4 Energy is a D.I.Y. home-made solar system the program show you how to build a solar power device for less than $200. In fact you can buy parts from your local store or on the internet.
The program offers an instruction manual and videos show you how to build the system in detail. The process is explained in basic steps. The program is designed for people who have no basic knowledge about renewable power system and does not based on technical content. An experienced person can use the program for new ideas and tweak their skills. Earth 4 Energy offers a cost-effective way to build home-made renewable energy system for every household.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Some Renewable Energy Site are Scams. I will show you how to get a D.I.Y. Home-made power system at a cheap deal and avoid being scammed. Do not join any site until you have read this. Earth 4 Energy
Let me show you how to successfully create a solar system for less than $200
Earth 4 Energy = Click Here To Watch A Video
Engineer Uses Solar Energy
During the day, a container of wax absorbs solar energy as it melts.
Poll time! Residential Solar Energy
The technology for generating photovoltaic (or PV) solar energy has come a long way in the last 20 years and you’d be surprised at how much is available.
Austin weighs solar energy plan
Austin weighs solar energy plan was published on 1/30/2009 inside the The Eagle in Bryan / College Station, TX.
Steps To Create Home Solar Energy – Technology
So you have decided to do your part in saving the environment by switching to home solar energy.
Storing Solar Energy in Batteries
Solar energy has become one of the most popular alternative forms of electricity used to power up a variety of electrical appliances.
SOLiCharger Powers iPhones via Solar Energy
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Recession Making Solar Energy Affordable
In 1985, worldwide annual solar demand was only 21 megawatts. By 2007, it had reached 2826 megawatts.
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