Advantages of solar energy
For years we humans have been exhausting the resources of fossil fuels and have been causing a great deal of damage to the environment, and it is now time that we look at alternative energy sources to stop or even reverse some of the damage that we have caused. That is where solar energy comes in. Solar energy uses the power of the sun to provide energy and electricity to all its inhabitants. There are a number of advantages of solar energy and these include such things as it is free, vast and friendly to the environment.
One of the main advantages of solar energy is that it is abundant and widely available. One scientist has actually said that everyday the sun generates more energy than the six billion people who live on earth would use in more than 30 years. The sun will never stop shining – it is a huge star millions of miles away, and we will always be able to get energy from the sun. The sun provides the energy for practically all life on earth and keeps the planet warm enough for all this to exist. Despite the clear advantages of solar energy, the impact of solar power on society has been very small – less than 0.05% of the nation’s electricity comes from solar generating stations.
One of the other clear advantages of solar energy is that it is friendly to the environment. Burning fossil fuels causes smog, acid rain, global warming and other forms of pollution and because of this we need to cut down on the amount of fossil fuels used. If you want to understand how damaging the burning of fossil fuels is to the environment, you should watch Al Gore’s documentary on climate change – once you have watched this documentary you will be stunned and will never want to switch on another light switch ever again and will want to switch fully to solar energy.
Another of the real advantages of solar energy is the low cost involved. First of all, sunlight is free so when you install solar energy you will not have to pay for a kilowatt of electricity ever again. Although there are costs involved with the initial setting up of solar energy, you will actually be saving a lot of money in the long run. It is becoming even more affordable to set up solar energy technologies now because the government offers incentives if you use solar energy. Probably the most publicized incentive is the Energy Policy Act 2005 where you receive a tax credit if you use clean energy to power your household. The act provided tax credits aimed at reducing the cost of building solar power plants and because of this, a number of solar energy plants are being brought in - the solar industry is going through a big growth spurt just like the wind power industry.
By cutting down on the amount of fossil fuels burned and using energy alternatives such as solar energy, health risks will be reduced as well. Many people underestimate the damage that continual burning of fossil fuels is doing to the health of our plants, animals, and to us human beings. Therefore one of the many advantages of solar energy is a decrease in health costs. You probably have noticed that over the past 20 years or so the number of people developing diseases and cancer has increased ten-fold – a lot of this can be blamed on the burning of fossil fuels releasing sulphur dioxide into the air.
All About Solar Panels
Solar panels are now widely available all over the globe. You will find several homes, commercial buildings and vehicles relying mainly on solar panels to generate the electricity they need. Solar panels can also be made independently by the user. You can save more in costs by building your own system. You can also invest in a ready-made design for added ease and convenience. Here are some more tips and tricks on how to begin.
If you choose to use solar panels, you can produce electricity that can power various applications. Off-grid living means residing in a location where the main electric utility grid does not service your home or office. There are remote cabins and homes that can benefit from solar power systems. It is no longer needed to pay huge bills to install electric utility posts and cabling from the nearest grid access main point. A solar electric system is less expensive and can give you power for up to 30 years if you maintain it well. Solar power is also a renewable source of energy, which means that it is very clean. Today, it is more important to invest in devices that do not damage the environment and atmosphere. Solar panels do not have any moving parts and will need only minimal maintenance. As soon as the system has paid for its initial installation costs, you can get the benefits for several decades more for free.
There are plenty of places where you can buy the best solar panel models. You can choose between brands such as Sharp, BP Solar and General Electric. You should visit some of the manufacturer web sites to determine the process and the ways how their solar panels are built. You should also read about the background of the company and what their objectives are in making these pieces. You should read more about installation to check if you want to install or build the panels yourself or hire a professional. There are several web sites, online forums and internet stores where you can learn more about the available models and how these can best suit your location. Some panels are intended for individuals living in places that has minimal sun, while other designs are specifically made to gather the most sun over the shortest span of time.
Learn how to compare between types to know how much you need to pay for. The prices of the solar panels will vary depending on the brand and the size. There are also other factors to consider such as maintenance and if the package includes free installation. Some companies will ask for fees to install the panels, while other buyers may opt to install these themselves to save more. Talk to other people who have already tried certain makes and brands and let them give you the pros and cons of each. Ask for referrals and recommendations to ensure that you are only investing in the best places.
Concentrating Solar Power
Solar power is described as the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Sunlight could be changed straight into electricity with the use of PV or photovoltaics. It can also be indirectly converted using CSPs. There are now several devices and structures created which focus and concentrate solar power in various ways depending on the needed use. There are several now several uses of solar power because of the rise of these devices.
Solar power is concentrated in various ways. Solar troughs are the most common and visible. CSPs or concentrating solar power systems make use of mirrors, lenses and track systems to focus on a wide area of sunlight into a small beam. The concentrated heat is used as a source of heat for a conventional power plant. The wide range of concentrating technologies is now available. The parabolic trough is the most developed. Other structures made include the Stirling dish, the linear Fresnel reflector and the solar power tower. Several techniques are used to locate the sun and concentrate light. Working fluid is also heated in all the systems using concentrated sunlight, which is then applied for storing or generating power and energy.
The Parabolic Trough
A parabolic trough is created from of linear reflector that concentrates light right onto a receiver, placed along the focal line of the reflector. The receiver is described as a tube positioned right over the middle of the parabolic mirror and filled with a working fluid. The reflector is created to follow the sun during the daylight hours by tracking right along a lone axis. Parabolic trough systems give the best land-use factor among all solar technologies.
CSP plants use several thin strips of mirror instead of the usual parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight onto a couple of tubes using working fluid. This application provides the advantage that flat mirrors can be used. Flat mirrors are great because these are cheaper and can contain more reflectors within the same amount of space. More available sunlight can then be used. Focusing linear Fresnel reflectors can be used well in compact or large plants.
The Stirling Solar Dish
The Stirling solar dish is also called a dish engine system, which is made of an independent parabolic reflector that tends to concentrate light right onto a receiver placed at the focal point of the reflector. The reflector will track the sun along an axis or two. Parabolic dish systems provide the best efficiency over other technologies. The 50kW Big Dish in Canberra, Australia is a great example. The Stirling solar dish mixes a parabolic focusing dish that includes a Stirling heat engine that regularly drives an electric generator. The benefits of Stirling solar over PV cells are the higher conversion efficiency from sunlight into electricity, plus a longer lifetime.
A solar power tower includes a wide array of heliostats or tracking reflectors that focus light on a central receiver over a tower. Power towers are considered to be the most cost effective and provide better energy storage and higher efficiency compared to other CSP technologies. The solar bowl is described as a dish mirror that is affixed to a certain spot or structure. The receiver will follow the line focus made by the dish.
DIY Solar Power
Before, solar power or solar cell panels are only available in commercial areas and hardware stores. Nowadays, more and more people are trying DIY or do it yourself kits. You can expect to have your own setup in just one day, provided that you have an easy kit to start with. Solar power can be achieved right in your very own home, without the help of a professional. Make sure you follow the instructional guide carefully for the best results.
Building Your Own Solar Power Generator
You can use parts that are available on the internet or your local store. You can create a tiny solar power generator with a budget of only $200 to $300. This is ideal for power failures and life outside the power grid. The setup can also effectively power the modem, television, DC appliances, computer, cameras and lights. You can use this in cabins, archaeological digs, tents and camping trips. This is the ideal setup for people who travel to undeveloped regions and countries.
First of all, you need to make or buy yourself a tiny solar panel. You can get a device rated at 12 volts or higher for only $100 at a marine supply store or RV store. Next, purchase a battery. Experts recommend that you get rechargeable batteries from available green companies. Get any size of deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You will need the deep cycle battery for nonstop use. The type in the car is a cranking battery, which is good for starting engines. You may also want to look for bargains and other good deals that will cost only around $50 to $60.
Take a battery box where you will put the generator in. The box may only cost around $10. It is ideal for covering the exposed terminals just in case you have kids inside the house. If you want to install the system in a cabin, pump shed or boat, you can skip this step. Purchase a 12 volt DC meter. This will cost you around $25. Purchase a DC input. The triple inlet model is recommended. You can purchase this for only $10 at a car parts store. The device will be good for powering DC appliances like lights, hair dryers and vacuum cleaners.
If you intend to power AC appliances, you will need an inverter. The inverter converts the stored DC power in the battery right into AC power for majority of household appliances. Measure the watts that you will need. Cheap inverters of various sizes can be purchased online too. Use a drill to attach the meter and DC input to the top region of the box.
Next, use insulated wire to connect the meter to the wingnut terminals found on the battery. Link the negative pole initially. Only handle a single wire at a time. Link the DC inlet straight to the battery in a similar fashion. Link the solar panel to the battery the same way. Shut the lid using a bungee cord to keep everything tight. Position the solar panel under the sun. It will take 5 to 8 hours to charge dead batteries. You can power different devices like fans, lights and radios.
Get Great Tips About Solar Energy That Are Simple To Use
Oh, the joys of a bright, sunny day! The sun shining on us ought to be used as an energy source. With it, there is a source of power that doesn't pollute our Earth. If solar power appeals to you, keep reading for good ideas and advice from seasoned experts. There are a couple of different photo-voltaic panels to choose from. Less expensive poly-crystalline panels are not as efficient as the costlier mono-crystalline panels. Invest in the best system you can afford.
You don't have to go big to enjoy solar power. Buy some solar-powered lighting to reduce energy usage. You can find them at your local hardware store or mass market retailer. Installing this sort of lighting system is a no-brainer. Walk down your garden path and poke the lights into the ground!
If you perform regular maintenance on your solar power system, it will function well for a long time. Wash it frequently and check it for problems every day. You might want a professional to do this, but you save more if you do it on your own.
You need to find a backup solution you can use if your panels are not producing any power. You can either get a generator or stay connected to the power grid. If you go with the backup generator option, make sure you test its functionality regularly. It's also not a bad idea to have more than one backup generator.
Understand that even if you live in a colder climate, you can still use solar energy. Direct sunlight or specific temperatures are not necessary for solar energy to still be of benefit. Many folks say that their top power days sometimes come on seemingly less than optimal days.
When you want to live in your home forever, invest in solar panels. Installing solar panels requires a substantial investment, so years may pass before the panels generate sufficient savings to cover your cost. You need to make sure your financial situation is stable before you invest in solar energy.
Numerous governmental authorities offer tax credits for solar energy installations. They could offer as much as 30% of the system's cost. Just check some online sources or get in touch with a local agency representative to see if you are eligible.
If you're going to get a house built it's now a good time for you to think about using solar energy. Solar energy is a great alternative energy source since it hardly affects the environment at all. If it hasn't crossed your mind to do so yet, start looking into it.
It's not common knowledge that you don't need a power grid when using solar energy. You can run it all yourself, providing your family with great independence from your town or city. This means there are zero power bills that you need to deal with!
If you wish to get solar panels, start checking the weather. Solar panels that are of high quality are going to create enough energy that can run your home if the panels are in the sun for about five hours a day. Solar energy may not be for you if you live in an area where it is usually cloudy or raining.
If you are a resident of the American southwest, solar power is likely a great idea for you. This area gets a lot of sun, making it the opportune spot for solar energy. If you haven't crunched the number yet, you'd better get started.
You can also start simple with a solar powered water heater so you can see how solar power can help you save money. Your home expends a lot of energy heating your water, sometimes up to 35% of your heating budget. By installing a solar heating system, you can generate returns on your initial investment quickly and more substantially.
Don't walk on solar panels unless you really need to. They can break, and you risk losing a tremendous investment. Keep your weight in the center to reduce the risk of damage if you absolutely must walk on them.
Dry your clothes on a clothes line. This is an old idea that still works today. When it's sunny, hang dry your clothes outside instead of using the dryer. You will save money and still have dry clothes.
Solar panels do more than just provide energy to power your lights. They power appliances, supply heat and air, and they can even warm up the water you use in your home, as well. This ensures that investing in a solar system is going to affect (or get rid of completely!) This is especially true when it comes to your power bills.
The information here is valuable, but really only if you make use of it. Making use of this knowledge will help you complete your home or business's transformation to solar energy. Once you decide to go forward with your plans, pull this article back out and review it to make sure you aren't missing anything.