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Iran has implemented the very first solar energy power plant of its kind in the entire world. This kind of technology and the ability to create solar energy plants is an encouraging thing for the overall good of our planet. If Mother Nature has emotions, she also has a violent temper. We abuse her, and she will abuse us. But there are many theories that we could use to heal her - or at least to preserve and nurture her more efficiently.

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Today, many Americans strive toward a clean, renewable energy source to meet the needs of the average consumer. That seems impractical, however, as fossil fuels and nuclear energy are excessively used in the country, causing environmental problems that pose a threat to living creatures. solar power has become a fortunate development in the modern world, as its advantages are far more plentiful than any other energy industry.

Solar energy is the cleanest power source yet, unlike gas, oil, and coal power plants that produce a lot of pollution. Solar energy is also renewable, using phtovoltaic cells to convert the suns rays into energy, whereas fossil fuels are rather limited in quantity. Solar energy is also more reliable in remote areas and, according to www.solarpanelinfo.com, can power useful applications such as calculators, laptops, and vehicles. Solar energy is also very safe. Nuclear power plants, however, contain dangerous amounts of radiation and atomic waste, and there is always the risk of catastrophes such as meltdowns.

Although solar energy is rather expensive, it will become more of a practical source over time, as solar power has become more effective in converting energy, allowing workers to maximize efficiency, making it easier for consumers everywhere. The cost of repairs is almost nothing, as solar power plants are clean, safe, and stable after the initial construction. Solar energy also leaves no waste, deducting desposal costs and providing a relief for the environment.

The only choice left at the moment is to rely on solar energy to fufill our energy needs. In short time, the effort and cost of constructing solar power plants will be compensated with a clean, renewable, and safe energy source. Solar energy can provide a positive future for billions of years, and its capacity may even extend human life.

Logan Bradley is a doctor in the city of Collins. Doctor Bradley has researched the effects of radiation and pollution on the environment and the human body. Logan Bradley has been a doctor for eight years.

Energy Tags: Solar power, solar energy

In the past decade, cement plants have made concerted efforts in the area of optimizing energy consumption and succeeded in bring down the specific consumption from the level of over 100 electrical units per ton to less than 80 units. For coal the figure is down from 750 kilocalories to less than 600. This has been done by some logical steps and modifications in the production process. Each unit of reduction now requires a lot more effort to achieve as compared to the previous reduction. Therefore, the need of the hour is fine tuning the system by more sophisticated means to achieve cost reduction and devising newer ways of lowering consumption.

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I have talked about our 'addiction to oil'. And while it's true that only major, international action can permanently stop that, and the greenhouse effect with it, we can and should of course all do our part. That's why I'd like to go into the pro's and cons of having your own solar power generated at your roof top through a set of PV-panels (photo-voltaic panels). It's becoming more and more common, and in my village there are quite some people who have it. But do you know everything that's involved in installing and maintaining such an installation? I didn't… But now I do, and I'd love to tell you.

So, let's get started! I'll start with the pro's, then do the cons, and finally give some points to remember.

Pro's

*It's good for the environment. This is very obvious, but still, I think this is for many people one of the main reasons to go solar. The sun's rays are freely available, and by using them to power your home and your appliances, power plants don't have to burn so much carbon-based fuels for you.

*It saves money. After the initial investment, of course. But once you've made that investment, you use less energy from power plants, and have to pay less to those power plants. If your solar panels are big enough, you might even earn some money!

*Low maintenance. Solar panels have no machinery, there's almost no maintenance involved, and what little maintenance there is, is usually covered by the warranty

*Tax friendly. Many governments provide tax breaks or tax credits for citizens if they buy solar panels. This can easily prevent financial problems when buying solar panels. Cons

*The initial costs are large. Buying solar panels and having them installed at your home costs a lot of money, and while you may get that money back after a couple of years from the energy savings, the large initial investment can be prohibitive.

*Efficiency depends on your location and the climate. If you live very northerly, or in a place with very few hours of sun, solar panels will be much less efficient then when you live somewhere in the middle of the desert.

*Works only when the sun shines. Quite obvious, but important to remember. You'll always need a connection to the energy grid, or a large set of batteries for cloudy days, and nights.

*You'll need a large, well-lit area to have any real effect. So, that usually means a large roof which points to the south. Small roofs, or only a single panel somewhere on your balcony will probably not gain you anything.

Something else to think about

Solar panels give your house an entirely different look. Previously, many solar arrays were square, and were mounted on top of your actual roof, as can be seen in the picture at the top of the page. Recently, solar tiles have been taken into production as you can see here. It will probably have less of an impact on your house, but still, it might be something to think about.

Well, I guess this has turned into a pretty complete list. I hope this way, you can make an educated decision, should you ever decide to go for solar energy. I must say, I see what the problems are, but personally, I believe that they can all be overcome. Sure, some disadvantages may be inconvenient, but I think they can quite easily be overcome.

Pieter is the author of The Home of Energy, a blog and, in the future, a forum. Here, all information concerning developments in the energy world is collected and commented upon, and you will be able to join!

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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 that focuses sunlight onto pipes filled with water. The sunlight heats the water to steam which then drives turbines to create energy. Nothing too new there. However what Ausra is doing is using large mirrors that are focused on pipes overhead. They call it Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector technology. Here is what the mirrors look like.

And here is what the power schematic looks like for their plants.

On the drawing board to be built in the next two years is a 1 square mile solar thermal power plant capable of generating 175 mega watts of power. This is utility grade zero carbon power. Ausra has raised $40 million form VC sources for the development of this plant. The impact of this plant on the environment is negligible. You can hardly even see it from a distance unlike some of the solar thermal projects which rely on a tower construction.

I sat down and talked with their Chairman David Mills. He told me how it works and what they hope to accomplish.

Energy Tags: alternative, Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector