Solar Power

You have probably heard it said by environmental groups that we should switch to solar energy as a power source because it is free, there is an unlimited supply, and it is a cleaner source of electrical power because there are no by-products (compared to fossil fuels like oil and gas which release greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere when burned for power.) However, can solar energy be a reliable and practical source of electrical power indeed?

THE MOST DEMOCRATIC ENERGY SOURCE! Solar Systems are expensive, right? They can be, but an investment in Solar Energy technology for your home can pay you back in a lot less time than you think. Sometimes the political climate matters more than the actual climate when it comes to solar power. New incentive programs are added everyday in the form …

We interviewed Lyndon Rive the CEO of Solar City at the recent Going Green 2007 conference in Davis CA about the state of residential and business solar systems. Are we ready for solar? Where is the solar power industry going? He answers those questions and more. Solar City More about Solar City: SolarCity is the leading provider of solar energy …

Discover how the use of solar panels is likely to change over coming years, including the use of other renewable energy sources. Currently, the use of solar panels is on very small scale compared to the use of fossil fuels. This does not go for just solar energy, but also wind energy, geothermal, and tidal. More: continued here

Fuelled (excuse the pun) by a recent Royal Decree sanctioned two years ago and redrafted earlier this year, which gives very advantageous rates to generators for producing such renewable energy, wind and solar farms have popped up all over Spain.

The sun comes to the southwestern US reliably for so many days every year that is is like a beacon to the rising number of solar energy companies around the world. Ausra was founded in Australia a couple years ago but last year they moved to Palo Alto in order to enter the US market. Ausra builds solar thermal technology …

Currently, the use of solar panels is on very small scale compared to the use of fossil fuels. This does not go for just solar energy, but also wind energy, geothermal, and tidal. The use of renewable electricity only makes up for a small percentage of a nations actual power output. There are however, some countries who are able to …

New state regulations and increased paperwork seem to be the blame for customers having to wait months and months to get state rebates on [tag-tec]solar energy[/tag-tec] installations in California. The solar business is now booming in California but companies that install systems are being increasingly delayed and frustrated by the months of paperwork they have to submit on behalf of …

One form of rebate for [tag]solar power[/tag] systems is known as a buy down. Typically a government program pays part of the initial cost of a solar power system. The buy down amount is established by the state legislature for a specified period. The buy down amounts are based on the solar system’s generating capacity, measured in watts or kilowatts. …

A description of life in Ghana and how people adapt to a situation during the load shedding and powercuts due to the failure of the Akosombo Dam, the largest powers source, to produce power. This has been going on from November 2006 until today. We see no end to this. I was in Ghana and one of things I experienced …

Designing your Solar Home to take advantage of the sun’s energy can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs over the years. When you think about living off the grid or solar power with connection to the grid, you have already made a basic decision to save planetary energy by using renewable energy resources. Off the grid means not …

Out door solar lighting units use small photovoltaic modules that convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity is stored in batteries for use at night, allowing the lights to turn on automatically. More: continued here

[tag-tec]Solar energy[/tag-tec] takes center stage this week in Silicon Valley as a new effort is launched to bring high tech research, jobs , and consumer awareness of solar energy issues to the public. Hoping to cement the Bay Area’s lead as a solar energy center, an alliance of industrial, academic and policy leaders will unveil an organization today, SolarTech, aimed …

Solar power systems for camping are increasing in availability, but what about practicality? Can solar power systems for camping be put to use readily? Are they portable enough? Are they durable enough? Solar power practicality for camping must address those questions and more. Are solar power systems for camping cost effective? Do they produce enough energy for normal needs? RV …

For years now, the military has been using a portable solar energy power station to provide energy for their mobile units. Recently, these invaluable systems have become available for civilian use for camping or in the event of emergencies. Being able to supply electricity during power shortages, typical in emergencies, is a real lifesaver and an aid towards recovery efforts. …

Active solar builds on the same principles as passive solar but uses additional technology such as fans and pumps to maximize the desirable effects and minimize the undesirable ones. It is used to produce energy for heating and cooling spaces, to store [tag]energy[/tag] for later use, and to heat water. Most active [tag]solar energy[/tag] systems use specialized collectors to capture the rays and used the stored power and additional electricity as necessary to run pumps and fans for distribution.

Every exposed part of a structure—walls, floors, windows, roofs—absorbs and stores or reflects away the heat radiated by the sun. Passive solar systems do this without any mechanical means (pumps or fans); they rely purely on design and positioning to work, which may include shutters or thermal curtains, dampers and vents, or other simple mechanisms.

When it comes to running a business, much of the necessary focus is on the bottom line. Many businesses, however, fail to realize they can seriously cut energy costs by going solar. Tax Incentives Federal and State governments know the best way to initiate change is to provide an economic benefit. When it comes to energy, governments try to make …

[tag-tec]Solar energy [/tag-tec]contest to promote innovation in housing designs Often times our federal regulators and bureaucrats seem to be stifling innovation and growth in new technologies but not one agency seems to be promoting it and not a minute too soon. The DOE is sponsoring a contest to encourage new designs and innovations in solar energy production. Up till now …

Solar lights work by charging rechargeable battery cells to power the light during the night. The main two types are NiCad (nickel cadmium) and Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride). The old chemistry for battery cells is Nicad which suffers from ‘memory effect’ and is bad news for any solar application. With Nicad technology the cell must be run flat before recharging, …