Tracking systems increase the radiation received by a solar power system. This additional radiation turns into increased generation. Anybody who wants to maximize output from their solar panels should consider a tracking system.

The Sun changes daily, monthly, and seasonally the way it carves its path across the sky. Therefore the angle of beam radiation is constantly changing. The solar panels should be oriented perpendicular to the Sun at all times to best receive this radiation. A solar power tracking systems helps us achieve this.

The amount of energy gained will depend on your location and the type of tracking system used. We looked up the solar energy tables for the state of Washington, and the difference between a fixed solar panel system and one with tracking was ~40% more in the summer months. The spring months showed a 25% increase, and winter about 10%.

The simplest type of tracking is a manually adjustable one axis system. The solar panels are installed in a south facing direction, with a rotating mechanism on their horizontal axis. One can make seasonal adjustments to maintain the best operating angle for that time of year. A simple system such as this can gain 20% better performance when compared to a fixed solar panel installation. The Rotek design we use is an example of one such system.

Automatic (active) one axis tracking systems are also available. They are self-adjusting units that rotate daily with the arc of the Sun. Performance gains are 40% or more in the summer months, which commands serious consideration. There is the added complexity of the electronic and mechanical control mechanisms, but this cost can be offset by their superior performance.

Two axis tracking systems are the most complex and most accurate installations available. With these systems, your solar panels have additional flexibility on their vertical axis (East to West). These systems are the most exact when it comes to following the Sun.

Two axis tracking is used with systems requiring high temperatures on the receiving unit. Usually these are systems with solar collectors designed for beam magnification. The most dominant applications for solar concentrators are currently thermal generating stations and stirling engines.

Two axis tracking is not ideal with photovoltaic solar panels. In reviewing the energy tables, a two axis tracker will gain only 5% more energy over the one axis system. The greatest gains are realized, then, with the one axis system. For the cost, complexity, and convenience most users are better off with a one axis system.

There are two general functions in mind when designing for solar energy. These functions are solar power electricity, and thermal storage or heating. No matter what the design purpose is, a good tracking system is an easy way to boost performance from your solar power system.

If you are serious about maximizing your solar power system, then you should be considering a tracking system. One axis systems are available that are effective, inexpensive, and easy to use. Two axis systems are more complex and normally used for high temperature systems. Either which way, a good tracking system will go a long way in getting the most out of your solar panels.

Originally posted 2009-07-19 03:11:24.

Panel Size And Numbers

Most solar water panels are roughly one meter wide by two meters long. Typically, you will need about one to three of these panels to heat the water, but obviously it depends on what size tank you plan to install. If you use a reputable installer, they will know how many panels you will need.

If you already have a solar hot water system, but it is not producing enough hot water, it is a good idea to get additional panels instead of replacing the entire system. To ensure the new panels fit with the current setup, try to use the same installer who sold you the initial system.

Panel Technology

Solar water panels come in two main types: evacuated tube and flat plate technology.

Evacuated tubes or “concentrated collectors” have two benefits: they can make more heat when the sun is weak and they are less vulnerable to frost damage in winter. The disadvantages of using evacuated tube panels is that the tubes are more expensive and they tend to be more brittle (but they can be easily replaced).

Flat plate technology has been around the longest, making it the cheapest and most widely used. Although it is less efficient at heating water in cloudy or windy conditions, it’s sturdy design and quick return on investment lends it to being a good option in hot, sunny climates.

Tank Location

There are two ways your solar water panel system can be setup: either with the tank on the roof, or with it separate from the panels.

Roof mounted tank: “Passive Solar Water Heater”

With this system the tank is mounted directly above the solar water panels. The advantage of this system is that it uses natural physics for  the water to flow, making it very affordable -- as hot water rises up the tank, it is replaced by cool water from the mains, which then flows through the collectors, and into the tank as it is heated.

Other than the aesthetic problems with a roof-mounted tank, it may not be a viable option if the tank is too far from where the hot water is needed. The further the water has to travel, the cooler it gets, which results in a lot of wasted hot water.

Indoor tank: “Split Solar or Active Water Heater”

With this system only the solar collectors are on the roof, with the tank located where you current tank is. To get the heated water into the tank, a small electrical pump is needed. Although energy is used to power the system, the indoor tank is better insulated, keeping the water warmer for longer.

The advantage of this system is that you can place the tank close to where the water is needed, making it more efficient at delivering hot water quickly. Furthermore, the pump has a built-in frost protection monitor, where if the collectors get too cold, warm water from the tank is pumped back into them, preventing them from freezing over.

The the only disadvantage of the split system is that it tends to be more expensive.

This video shows how an active system works:

Panel Coating

A solar water panel can be coated in various ways, which determine its efficiency and longevity:

The lowest grade coating is black paint. Although it is cheap, it requires a lot of solar energy to heat the water. It may be okay to use it in hot, sunny regions, but it will produce little heat in temperate, cooler climates.

Anodized or “selective” coatings are the most popular option for domestic water heating systems. The collectors are anodized with either aluminum oxide or copper. When seen under a microscope, these coatings create  hills and valleys, resulting in a larger surface area for the sunlight to penetrate.  Although the coatings can be damaged easily, they are protected by glass, helping them last for years.

An advanced technology used throughout households in the United States is black chrome. This coating is also very efficient at absorbing sunlight, making it a good option if you do not have a sun-facing roof.

The only problem with black chrome is its health risks in the manufacturing process. This has made it less popular for European manufacturers that use better technologies -- such as anodized coatings.

Frost Tolerance

In cold climates frost can be an issue. Heavy frost in winter can freeze and expands the water in the panels, causing them to crack. You can prevent this in two ways: frost valves and closed-loop systems.

Frost valves perform better when you only have the occasional frost. How they work is as the temperature drops, the valves open up, releasing water out of the panels, and averting damage. Before getting any frost valve, make sure it has a warranty against frost damage.

A Closed-loop system is ideal if you live a region that experiences a lot of frost. With the system, glycol is heated in the panels and then transferred to a heat exchanger to heat the water. Although the system is more expensive, glycol never freezes, even in the coldest temperatures.

Conclusion

When buying and installing a solar water panel heating system, ask yourself the following questions, to help you decide which setup to get:

1. How many people are in the household? -- since the average person uses fifty liters of hot water a day, this will determine the number of panels and size of tank needed.
2. How far away are the showers and other hot water outlets from the roof? -- a split solar water heater is better in a double-story house.
3. What direction and how much sunlight does the roof get? -- this will determine what type of coating on the panels to get.
4. Is there a lot of heavy frost in winter? -- if not, then a frost valve is sufficient.
5. What is my budget? -- this is the deciding factor on the quality of system you can afford to get.

As you can see, there are lot of things to consider when getting a solar water panel system for home. Hopefully, with this knowledge, you will be able to buy the right system for your needs, without getting ripped off in the process.

Originally posted 2008-11-27 16:03:39.

Enough of high power bills? Today it’s very simple to manufacture your own solar cell panels, because there are all the required data and do-it-yourself kits to purchase out there.

Those past big and challenging to handle panels have today been redesigned into much smaller and economic ones.

All you will need is included in all of the kits. So you won’t need to employ pros or expert to do the work.

Let’s begin with not more than $200

Despite what most people think it doesn’t take an expert to construct your personal solar panel on a ceiling and for sure it doesn’t take high technical skills. Anyone can handle it. It costs not more than $200 to build and set up your own solar power system.

One can purchase, rent or lease solar driven constructions either from stores near your home or of course over the Internet. You can order full tailored systems that can be placed by a squad of pros for a fix fee.

Before thinking about to purchase ready made panels of course you should ask your retail merchant the most common and critical questions regarding:

- performance data

- guaranties

- follow-up

- after-sales support

Where to put your solar panels

Check that there is nothing covering them, like branches, buildings or other obstructions. You must guarantee an optimise coverage. So the best place to put them is of course your roof. The spot must be open to direct sunshine for at least 6 hours every day. Placing the system at the correct angle so that it can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight is essential.

You can buy an online guide that shows you how to purchase and set up the parts. All you have to do is just follow the instructions given for step-by-step.

Some Other good thing about these ready made kits is that they are standardised. So if you demand more energy, you just need to put in some extra panels. So this makes it easy to keep up with your growing demands. One can control the sum of power to create with the wattage, the number of panels or the amount of sunshine to hit your system.

Solar energy is fresh energy

Solar panels produce clear, green energy. You don’t pollute the environment and you don’t become hooked on atomic energy. In some states, there are tax reduction laws for households that generate green energy. Some local administrations offer subsidies on the cost of installation. Taxation credits are even usable for business as well as individuals.

Solar panels basically come in two variations.

The easier type of panels makes use of solar energy to heat up water which is needed in the family for conventional heating or washing intentions. With an radiation absorber it transforms the sun heat.

The other kind of solar panel is what we know from our pocket calculators – just in greater properties – those are the so called photovoltaic panels. They shift the sun’s energy into electrical energy. They are normally mounted on roofs and the power produced by these panels is sent into a electric battery that is used to deposit energy.

Solar Power Generators in Residential Areas

Residential solar power generators are getting quite popular today. Solar powered generators have become increasingly common because they are easy to place and establish.

Let the numbers speak: Calculations and economies Treat it as an investment: Spare about 80 percent off your periodic electric bills. You will come out better in the end and will save a lot of dollars. Also the monthly positive income will push the value of your property.

Caution: What when you solar panel breaks down during super bowl?

Whilst solar panels usually last long and seldom break, because they don’t have any running mechanical components, you really should think of to arrange with a local utility company. Should your system breaks down, you can fall back to a local utility company for replacement. On the other hand, if you produce more than you need, you can pass it on over to the public grid for other consumers to use, and you get money for it. Now, isn’t that really a smart win win situation?

Here are some of the rewards of DIY Solar Electricity at a glance:

- Eliminate the electricity bill by eighty percent – Get money from the utility company for trading them your surplus

- Have tax credits for using green energy

- Save the globe each day

- Don’t be troubled by rising energy prices any more

- Learn something new by manufacturing your own little clean power station

Still waiting? – Start saving money now!

Originally posted 2009-06-25 07:20:15.

To earn the Energy Star seal of approval, the houses need to include a variety of “tried-and-true” energy-efficient features that contribute to the overall efficiency of your home. These features make your house more comfortable, reduce their energy requirements and reduce the amount of air pollution produced.

Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

This is one of the biggest factors in keeping your home energy efficient. Old heating systems and A.C. units often waste a tremendous amount of energy. They burn more energy than they should to produce the desired results and, if they are not run efficiently, they must be run for longer periods of time (burning additional energy). More efficient systems are better able to stabilize your home, requiring reduced system usage.

Effective Insulation

What’s the point of heating your house if it simply leaks to the outside? A well insulated home, including attics, floors and walls help you maintain even temperatures throughout the year. As you preserve a constant temperature in your house, your climate control systems will activate less often, using less power.

High-Performance Windows

Windows with UV coating,Newer windows with UV protection and good seals to prevent drafts, can lower your energy costs and reduce their total cost of ownership.

Tight Construction and Docs

Energy Star rated houses require tight construction and snug duct work. Cracks and holes in the home allow heat out in the winter and heat to enter in the summer. This places additional strain on your climate systems, wasting power. Leaks also trigger bigger variations in the temperature of your house, requiring systems to go off and on more frequently. Drafts, which annoy many houseowners, are caused by such duct leaks, cracks and holes in the home.

Energy-Efficient Products

By purchasing energy efficient appliances and products, ranging from light fixtures and light bulbs to ventilation fans and kitchen appliances, you are able to reduce your electric demand while still getting the services you need.

Third-Party Verification

Independent house energy raters are able to review the houses and certify them as Energy Star rated. They review the home, using an inspection process that check insulation, air tightness, the ceiling structure, components used, appliances and more.

As you look to buy an energy efficient home in Commack, be sure the house that you’re looking at is Energy Star rated. All of the homes built by EmmyHomes.com, for example, our Energy Star certified. Choosing an Energy Star will save you money and can increase your resale value in the future.

Craig Axelrod is a partner with Emmy. For additional info about LI Energy Efficient Homes and Commack New Contruction go to EmmyHomes.com

Solar energy is not only the cleanest energy you can find, it also takes an important part in almost all natural process in our planet. So why can’t we manipulate the energy and use it properly for our daily need to substitute the nearly extinct natural energies? Solar energy is making a big impact today. In the world we live, we have put major strain on natural resources. Solar energy facts for kids in New Zealand are considered unnecessary by some. When winter hovers over New Zealand, it may seem that day after day is cloudy and grey – especially in some parts of New Zealand.

Solar energy’s potential is off the charts. The sun’s energy, known as solar radiation, can be converted into various forms of power, such as electricity and solar-thermal (or heat). Solar energy technology is fairly new, and it has some downsides that have not been resolved yet. The cost of producing electricity via solar energy is 12 cents per kWh using solar thermal and 23 cents per kWh using PV cells, according to Gilbert Metcalf.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of solar energy is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about the causes of land pollution.

Wind forecasting played a significant role in enabling large-scale wind power penetration and we believe that forecasting PV production is less complex and will have similar results for enabling industry growth. Wind energy in Spain has now entered a dynamic phase where the serious challenges that arise when wind energy becomes one of the main energy supply technologies need to be met. Current policy direction signals how an intermittent power source can be integrated into the electricity market in significant quantities.

Wind, solar, tidal and biofuels are all garnering significant attention, research and investment. Opportunities abound, yet capital costs remain high. And the cost of the energy generated is more expensive than comparable fossil fuels, especially since the rapid price declines experienced by fossil fuels during the latter part of 2008. They publish a comprehensive guide and are located in their own renewable energy powered workshops, showrooms and demonstration site in Herefordshire. Wind energy plants work on the principle of aerodynamic force. The wind striking the rotor blade creates positive pressure below the sail, whilst there is negative pressure above the sail.

Renewable energy provides more jobs per unit of output and per dollar spent than conventional energies do. Economic woes and high unemployment rates influenced Spain’s’94 decision to invest in renewable energy. Renewable energy is no less reliable than energy generated from more traditional sources and using it does not mean that you have to change your lifestyle or your appliances. Using renewable energy can be as simple as using the sun for drying clothes or can mean taking advantage of more sophisticated renewable technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) cell systems, which use the sun’s heat and light to generate energy, wind turbines or ground source heat pumps which extract energy from underground. Renewable energy is important for the environment as it produces little or no greenhouse gases. The exception is biomass which is considered as being ‘carbon neutral’.

Now you can be a confident expert on the causes of land pollution. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on the facts about solar energy.

Sandra Creel is the author of this article. EnergySavingSite.info offers resouces on land pollution and the causes of land pollution. You may reprint this article provided this paragraph and all links are kept unchanged.

Although anyone can decide to install a wind powered system in there home there are some things that should be considered beforehand. Most people have questions about the system and this article will attempt to answer some of those questions.

First of all you should know that there are regulations set out by the government that compel electricity companies to connect to wind turbine systems and so, if you are wanting to install one in your home, you should have a talk with your electricity supplier. They must work with you and not against you and connect the system to your home. When it comes to getting the proper approvals from the utility company, the electricity company should be able to sort that all out for you. They will also be able to ensure that the system is installed correctly and is up to code.

Wind turbines do not require you to change any of the wiring in your home. This is something that many people worry about when deciding whether or not to have one installed. The system can simply be fitted to most homes without any problems.

When you have decided to go ahead and have a wind powered system installed in your home the electricity company will then install an additional meter next to your regular electricity meter. This new one will measure the amount of energy that the electricity company is buying from your turbine.

In order for you to install a wind turbine for your home you will require a tower. It will need to be between eighty and one-hundred-and-twenty feet tall and is usually supplied along with the wind turbine when you purchase it. The reason that you need a tower in the first place is because wind does not tend to blow very strongly close to the ground. By installing the system on the tower it is able to store more energy from the stronger wind that blows higher up.

You will discover that the towers tend to vary in type. Some are guyed lattice and these are considered by many to be the most economical. Hinged towers are popular also because they are easy to install and also allow for easier access when there is maintainable to be done on the system. Whichever type of tower you decide to use you will will notice that they each have their own advantages and you will be able to choose the one that best suits your energy needs.

If you also have questions regarding the wind powered systems that are available you will be relieved to know that you are not the only one. Many people have questions, such as whether the system will affect their wiring or appliances. Rest assured that when you install this alternative electricity system it will not affect your wiring and you will not need to purchase different appliances or change any of the wiring in them.

Also, remember that you will need to have a tower installed as well and this is usually provided along with the system. For your energy needs and for the turbine to be most effective the tower will have to be fairly tall so that the system is not close to the ground. Anyone can install a wind turbine provided that you work with your electricity supplier to do it the right way.

Originally posted 2009-07-19 02:16:44.

Solar energy is energy from the sun. When the sun is shining solar energy is being produced as it sends the heat radiating to the earth. Solar energy is as plentiful as daylight, as limitless as organic life itself, a fuel that comes free of charge and replenishes itself every time the earth rotates on its axis. Almost all energy, after all, is ultimately stored solar power: Oil, gas, and coal were born of the ancient sunlight that fed prehistoric animals and plants, the wind is set howling by the sun’s unequal heating of the atmosphere, and even a campfire draws its warmth from solar power trapped long ago through photosynthesis.

Wind and water have been used to power mills for centuries. Wind power is a totally renewable energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions, but due to its unpredictability, has problems integrating with national grids. Combined together, wind and hydrogen can cancel out their inherent defects and be an effective tool in the battle against carbon dioxide and global warming. Winds are rated in seven classes; higher class numbers indicate stronger winds.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about the causes of land pollution? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Wind energy does not reduce the huge investment cost we have for conventional energy but only the cost of conventional fuel. If the conventional energy happens to be nuclear, there are then hardly any cost savings since fuel consumption is pretty steady.

Wind, solar, tidal and biofuels are all garnering significant attention, research and investment. Opportunities abound, yet capital costs remain high. And the cost of the energy generated is more expensive than comparable fossil fuels, especially since the rapid price declines experienced by fossil fuels during the latter part of 2008. They publish a comprehensive guide and are located in their own renewable energy powered workshops, showrooms and demonstration site in Herefordshire. Wind energy plants work on the principle of aerodynamic force. The wind striking the rotor blade creates positive pressure below the sail, whilst there is negative pressure above the sail.

Solar energy installations are often sited in deserts where water is scarce. This isn’t to say that traditional forms of energy production don’t have their own problems; thermoelectric power plants are responsible for 41% of all water withdrawals in the country and often do profound damage to local waterways.

Now you can be a confident expert on the causes of land pollution. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on the facts about solar energy.

About the author: EnergySavingSite.info offers videos on land pollution and the causes of land pollution. You have permission to reprint this article provided all links are kept unchanged.

The amount of money that wind power can save you depends on many factors. It can be significantly a large amount of money for you if you have a good sized system and what the system is for. Many of the factors that determine the amount of money you can save includes the amount of wind you have, the type of system, the amount of energy you use, and much more.

Wind energy is an excellent form of alternative electricity for people who need to find a way to lower their electricity bills. This form of energy relies entirely on the wind and the energy that is created can be stored in generators and ready for use when it is needed. It is common for the amount of electricity that is provided through a wind powered generator to be approximately 20% of what it normally is.

Of course, the more wind you have in the area in which you live the better. If you experience many windy days you know that your generator will be full or gaining electricity much of the time. On the other hand, if you do not experience that much wind then there will not be that much stored in the generator.

You need to remember that not all wind is useful, however. Your system can store energy only from strong gusts of wind. Little breezes will not provide much energy at all.

Depending on the type of system that you have installed you can expect a very beneficial supplement to your electricity needs. If the system is for your home you will be pleased with the savings on your monthly bill as well as the amount of energy the system will produce.

Some people choose to have a solar system as well as a wind powered system and, because they produce an abundance of electricity, they are usually pleasantly surprised when they are credited on their electricity bill. The electricity company will credit you or even give you cash back if you have more energy than what you have used through their services. Your bill can decrease by between twenty and seventy-five percent if you have both a solar system and a wind powered system.

Kinetic watches make use of wind powered systems although the saving is negligible because the energy requirement is minimal. Although you will save money because you do not need to purchase batteries it will not amount to more than a few dollars at the most. Of course, you do have the added benefit of knowing that you are not damaging the environment at all because you are not having to dispose of batteries.

The amount of energy you use is a big factor when you have a wind powered system and want to save a lot of money. If you run big appliances on a constant basis then the savings may not be very big. If you are very energy conscious and you pay attention to the appliances that you have in your home that consume energy then you can save more money. The goal for most homeowners is to use wind power entirely rather than pay an electricity bill at all.

Originally posted 2009-05-26 06:40:12.

The term thermal solar power refers to systems that convert solar radiation into useful heat. This is also referred to as passive solar energy. It is a different type of system from solar power electricity, and whose usefulness should not be overlooked.

The uses for thermal solar power are widespread and varied. Just think of any process which could utilize heat. This could range from something simple such as hot water heating, to more sophisticated designs involve stirling engines or industrial grade steam.

For small scale applications, thermal solar power is used in the home. The heat is used to maintain hot water tanks, or is stored in the floors or walls of our buildings.

There are other good uses for thermal solar power which we expect to increase in years to come. One is pebble bed heat exchangers, which act as a thermal storage bank for converted heat. This gives us some system capacity and operating flexibility.

These pebble bed heat exchangers can be designed into your floors, walls, workshops, or other places around the home. They can be used for household heating, greenhouses, saunas, and as air driers for clothes. We had one design whereby a user wanted to heat up a nesting area in their chicken coupe!

The typical operating temperature for most thermal solar power systems will be between 100F and 180F. In good solar climates these temperatures can be easily achieved with popular off the shelf equipment. With more specialized equipment we can go in excess of 250F, and with high performance industrial equipment over 700 degrees is possible. These high performance systems are usually for making steam, but incorporating them into other processes is also possible.

At the core of any thermal solar power system will be the solar collector. This is the component directly responsible for generating your heat. The most common design is the flat plate absorber, which often have selective surfaces for high absorptivity and low emissivity of solar radiation. Other designs include evacuated tube collectors, and parabolic trough concentrating receivers.

The lifeblood of the thermal solar power design is the circulating fluid. The circulating fluid is heated in the solar collector, and then pumped to all the system users. This fluid is typically oil, glycol, or water which is matched to the system temperatures and equipment in use.

Anyone interested in energy independence and self-sustainability should thoroughly investigate thermal solar energy. Most systems are fairly simple and rank very well in affordability. If you live in a climate with a good reputation for Sun, then there is a pretty good chance you could be using a thermal solar power system of some form.

Thermal power systems are typically less expensive than solar power electricity, and can create household hot water and heat reliably. With the addition of pebble bed storage and higher operating temperatures, then the amount of potential uses suddenly becomes many. With the markets of sustainability re-growing their roots we expect to see a variety of new designs and installations in years to come.

Originally posted 2009-07-18 04:52:19.

The great thing is if you spend some time to make these changes the cost savings will last not only this winter but all year long and many years to come.

You actually do have a lot of choices. Your energy savings efforts can be as big or small as you want.

Here are a few of the easiest yet most effective changes you can make today so that you’ll be saving tomorrow:

1. The first thing you want to do is to check that your house is energy efficient. You do not want to let cold air in or warm air out. If your home doesn’t have the proper amount of insulation or if you have leaky doors and windows you are wasting a lot of money.

There are a lot of inexpensive steps you can take to fix this problem. You can add insulation, caulk around windows and doors, and install window insulation kits.

2. Now that you know your home is tight, it’s time to make sure your furnace is running correctly. Have it inspected and repaired, if that’s what you need to do. It’s crucial to make certain the furnace filters are clean so replace them monthly during the winter.

3. Take your energy needs into your own hands, literally. Build some solar panels or a wind turbine for your home. They are small enough to mount on a rooftop yet they can produce up to half of the energy you require.

This can be easier than you think, all you have to do is buy a manual that’ll show you how to construct your solar panels or wind turbine, buy the parts, and invest some time putting it together and you’re good to go.

Don’t freak out about your energy bills this winter. Just use one or all of these ideas and you can cut energy bills for many years to come no matter what the season.

To learn more about solar energy facts, or information on using a residential solar power system visit Best Solar Energy Facts for all you need to know about renewable energy Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service