Going Solar Power

Simple Yet Beneficial Uses of Solar Energy

2010-09-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

It is very evident that solar power generation is gaining momentum lately. With the looming threat of climate change and global warming, various governments from different nations of the world are trying to create a consensus unto promoting solar power as a newer means in producing electricity or powering numerous electronic devices. What makes solar power very attractive is the fact that it is cost-efficient and is also healthy for the environment. It is also a renewable form of energy which means that it cannot be depleted for as long as there is the sun.

In line with the promotion of solar energy, here are various ways on how solar energy can aid us with our day to day endeavors:

Drying Your Clothes

History tells us that our early ancestors were fully utilizing both the sun’s rays and the breeze in order to dry their clothing. In fact, people from years ago use more solar power than people of today. It may be the primary reason why global warming wasn’t a threat previously. Today, we heavily rely on home dryers to dry our clothes while paying heavily for electricity costs. So if you want to dry your clothes in a manner where you save money while also contributing to the welfare of the environment, you can always go back to the traditional method and try hanging your clothes just outside your house.

Landscape Lighting For Your Home

One of the most common reasons why households suffer from expensive electricity bills is home lighting. Of course it is common sense that every home will leave at 1 light bulb open to give a little bit of life to a house while everyone is sleeping. People assume that putting up large solar panels is both expensive and will take a massive amount of space. Contrary to their beliefs, it is very possible to deploy smaller panels for your home’s lighting. You even have the option to attach one solar panel device for every light bulb you have. During the morning, your solar panels will be charging up so that when the sun goes down, your house will be fully illuminated without worrying about electricity bills.

Heating the Pool

Obviously, a swimming pool contains a huge volume of water. In heating a pool, you will need a massive amount of heat which will be derived from electricity. In order to save a significant amount of money, you can always deploy a medium-sized solar panel to heat up your pool. Besides, sunlight is free for everybody so why not use it? Not only will you be saving up money to pay for your electric utility bills but you can also contribute to preserve the already depleted fossil fuels that are used to satisfy the Earth’s current energy needs.

A Brief History of Solar Energy Production in the US

2010-09-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Unknown to most people, the technology capable of utilizing solar energy has been around since mid 1950’s. At the prestigious Bell Labs, Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson successfully developed the first solar cell that is capable of harnessing the power of the sun to run our electrical equipments. At first, the silicon-composed solar cell was only capable of producing 6% efficiency until they were able to increase it to 11%.

There were two challenges faced by developers and inventors of that era. First, they had to find a solution on how they can convert the current of the stream of Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) so it can be applied to common household electronics. Second, inventors where practically aware that solar energy may not be available if the sun sets or when there are large concentrations of clouds in the sky. They had to find a way to store energy in the event that the sun’s radiation is not present.

Because the American electric infrastructure is already based on the standard of AC at 100 volts and 15 amperes, solar cells was deemed expensive especially that it required the use of power inverters to convert energy from DC to AC. Thankfully, Dr. Elliot Berman was able to design a less costly solar cell in 1970with the help of the Exxon Corporation. It meant a significant decrease on the price of solar generated power from $100 per watt to $20 per watt.

In the year 1976, the NASA Lewis Research Center began installing the first of many photovoltaic systems on every continent in the world except Australia. In the same year, the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration which was the predecessor to the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Solar Energy Research Institute which aims to conduct research on solar power. In 1993, the first solar station that was able to distribute electricity produced from solar collections was identified as Pacific Gas & Electric in Kerman, California.

In the 1990’s, the U.S. Department of Energy along with an industry consortium began operating “Solar Two”. It was a solar power processing facility that was derived from a previous design (Solar One). It was able to demonstrate how solar energy can be efficiently stored using molten salt so that it can be used when the sun isn’t shining. It was also in this decade where American cities started applying energy-efficient architecture for buildings most especially skyscrapers. The 4 Times Square in New York was considered the most energy efficient skyscraper in America during that time.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Spectrolab, Inc. were also able to develop a 32.3% efficient solar cell and were practically useful when used in devices with lenses or mirrors that can effectively capture concentrated sunlight. Today, as the threat of Climate change is slowly gaining popularity, more and more people are now considering solar power as the next big thing in clean energy production. Several manufacturers are now able to provide solar power systems for businesses and households as well. We eventually expect another breakthrough in solar energy production which not only increases its efficiency but lower its cost as well.

Weighing on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

2010-09-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

With the rapid melting of the ice caps and the threat of global warming now turning into reality, nations are now more than concerned in reducing carbon emissions and saving the planet from possible destruction. Several governments across the globe are now strongly proposing the usage of green technologies and the implementation of a climate law. But before you replace your normal source of electricity to a much cleaner source such as solar power, you need to first be informed about the advantages and disadvantages in using such technology.

Advantages:

In using solar energy instead of traditional energy sources which totally depend on fossil fuels, you can significantly reduce or totally eliminate your carbon foot print. The sun’s radiation does not have any pollutants which is very safe for the environment. Add also the fact that with the continuous usage of solar power, power companies will become less dependent on fossil fuels and will reduce the presence of green house gases.

Solar energy may be costly at first but can be the perfect long term solution to your energy needs. Because the sun’s radiation is free for everyone to harness, you will be reducing your expenses in the long run. In today’s world where electricity charges are continuously increasing, solar energy may in fact be a cost effective solution.

Because of our massive dependence to fossil fuels, there might come a time where these resources will be totally depleted. When this scenario happens, the world will be experiencing darkness and people will be struggling to continue with their day to day lives. Luckily, solar energy is a renewable source of energy because of the abundance of the sun’s radiation. Solar energy will always be available for as long as the sun exist.

Disadvantages:

When using large amounts of energy to power items such as a swimming pool or an entire building, you might need a few more solar panels to satisfy the large energy requirements. This will take up some considerable amount of space and incur expenses. Fortunately, developers and researches are continuously working to improve the energy efficiency of solar power systems.

Solar power systems are less effective during cloudy weather or when there is rainfall. But you also need to know that despite of a cloudy weather, a solar power system may still work for as long as there is the presence of the sun’s radiation. Also, energy from a solar power system can be readily stored t batteries for future usage.

Personally, I strongly believe that solar power is the primary solution to our energy woes. Because of it being a developing technology, we can expect various breakthroughs in the future which will further improve its efficiency and usage. Solar power is indeed the future of energy production.

Solar Power and Wind Energy: When to Use Them?

2010-09-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Both the disasters in the Gulf of Mexico are a testament to how dangerous mining Earth’s precious resources are. It shows are global dependence to fossil fuels which not only is expensive but also brings pollutants to Earth’s atmosphere. Because of the threat of Global Warming and Climate Change, scientists and environmentalists are now strongly considering the patronage of safer and cleaner sources of power. The trend now is to find ways to efficiently generate electricity without threatening the environment.

While Nuclear energy can also be considered as clean energy, it brings along with it the threat of nuclear fallout which in turn may still pose a big threat not only to the surrounding environment but also to human life. Two of the most recognized candidates for the next generation of power generation technologies are solar and wind energy systems. Solar energy is generated by capturing the sun’s radiation while wind energy systems utilize wind to move turbines and generate electricity.

There have been numerous debates about which is better between the two. Initially, researchers have concluded that wind power is more cost-effective when measuring purchase cost over cost per watts. Studies also show that high speed winds are present during the beginning and ending of each year while sunlight is only strongest during the summer months. Despite of this, there are various things to consider which will affect the performance of each system.

Geographical location is a very important factor. It is interesting to note that wind speeds are dependent on geographical setting. A certain place may receive stronger winds compared to other locations. Sunlight on the other hand is present to every part of the world. Despite experiencing cloudy days, the fact that sunlight is still existent, solar power systems may still generate electricity. Solar power systems can store the capture power into batteries in order to make appliances work at night.

Both of these systems are really proven to be efficient and effective in providing a clean source of power. If you are living in an area where there is abundant wind power or strong winds, then you must utilize this and make use of wind power. Otherwise, you can always count on the sun to give you that needed power. Besides, even if the wind in your area is weaker, the sun is always present.

Solar Power Systems vs. Generators

2010-09-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

For many years, people have relied on generators for electrical power especially to those who live outside the power grid. Others have treated it as a reliable back up source of power during emergencies and situations where the power grid is unable to supply electrical power efficiently. Today, with the discovery and development of solar power systems, people are now looking at the possibility of replacing generator systems with the cleaner solar energy systems.

To strike a comparison between these two different power generation systems, we need to see and compare first their economical aspect. Though it might seem that a generator is cheaper to purchase initially, a solar power system will most likely be cheaper in the long run. Solar power, once installed, requires less maintenance and will only rely on the sun to generate power. On the other hand, generators require servicing every 6 months and will need fuel to operate.

Talking about efficiency, solar power systems are also at par with already established systems such as generators. Frequent research and developments have paved the way for newer solar power systems which can generate and store energy for various uses. Generators need to constantly run in order to serve its purpose. While it is running, it also burns up fuel which is costly in the long run. Considering the rising prices of fossil fuels, a solar power system is seen as more efficient in energy production.

With the growing problem on global warming, people are now more aware of their environment and are coming up with ways to generate cleaner energy. Generators use fuel which is a limited resource and also contain pollutants which can bring harm to the environment. On the other hand, solar power is renewable energy as it only needs the sun’s radiation to produce electricity. It is also considered as a clean source of energy as it does not have any pollutants that pose as a threat to the environment.

Because electricity is seen as an important commodity to every aspect of human life, it should be dependable and available at all times. Contrary to the belief of most people, solar power systems are still able to generate energy despite having a cloudy day only that its power generation is significantly reduced. Generators depend on fuel instead of sunlight. In the event of a storm or hurricane where supply of fuel is blocked, generators are unable to function.

All in all, a solar power system is seen as the better power generation system compared to the older generators. Having to install a solar power system will only require one to spend in a 1-time investment which is proven to be beneficial in the long run. Add also the fact that you will also be contributing to the preservation and protection of our environment.

Major Myths Regarding Solar Power Systems

2010-09-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

With the devastating effects of global warming starting to be felt by millions of people worldwide, several nations are now strongly considering the usage of solar power to replace our dependence to fossil fuels. We all know that fossil fuels emit numerous pollutants that can harm our environment. While the usage of solar energy is slowly gaining popularity, there have been various myths that have caused various doubts with this relatively new power source.

Residential solar power systems are too expensive for a typical homeowner

One of the major barriers for the development of this technology is the cost that it may inflict to a consumer. Initial assumptions point to these technology as not ideal because it is too expensive. The reality is a home solar power system is typically expensive especially during purchase of the system. But what makes it very appealing is that you get to control your expenses for your emergency needs. Oil and natural gas prices are continuously increasing nowadays and are projected to be unaffordable in the near future. In using solar power, you improve your home energy efficiency while also enjoying certain tax incentives implemented by local governments to people who utilize green energy technologies.

Solar power is useless on cloudy days

Since solar power systems rely on direct sunlight to generate electricity, people assume that these systems will not work on cloudy days. The fact is solar power systems will still work as long as there is some light. Though the power efficiency will be reduced, these systems will still work under cloudy weather. Obviously, solar panels produce more energy from direct sunlight especially during sunny days. For example, Germany is a country who experiences rain all year round. Despite of this, the country managed to become the world's leader in solar power generation.

Solar power is inefficient

When we talk about efficiency, we consider various aspects such as the actual cost, its environmental impact and the availability of its supply. To make it more understandable, the technology should be affordable to most people, friendly to the environment and should be abundantly available. Though solar panels only produce energy at a 15% rate, it is good to note that it does not produce any pollutant and that supply is very much available. Solar power is considered one of the cleanest forms of energy in the world. It is also renewable energy as it is always available as long as the sun exists.

Ways in Collecting Solar Power

2010-09-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

The sun has been around for over 4 billion years and yet we just recently tried to harness its full potential. Humans have only been using sunlight to dry their wet clothes or provide lighting to their homes. We haven’t really realized how mighty the sun is in terms of power generation. It is until we experienced climate change or global warming that we finally understand the need to reduce our dependence to fossil fuels and begin utilizing solar power instead.

If we measure the sun's power and compare it to the energy produced by oil and other forms of fossil fuels, the sun itself provides enough power to the Earth in about 20 minutes to fulfill all of the planet's requirements for a year. Add also the fact that solar energy is very good for the environment as it is considered clean and renewable energy. To give us a better idea, there are actually three ways to harness the sun’s energy and apply it to our earthly machines.

Passive Solar Energy

This is the most basic way of taking advantage of the sun’s radiation. This passive approach means that there will be no further processing needed. For example, providing transparent glass ceilings of which light from the sun can illuminate a certain room. In building a house, adding additional windows may also help reduce electricity usage by using the natural rays of the sun more often.

Usage of Solar Cells

The sun’s radiation which is widely considered as Solar energy can be easily turned into electricity through use of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. These cells are usually composed of heat-absorbent materials such as crystalline, silicon and quartz. Solar modules that contain an array of solar cells are needed to gather energy. The amount of energy gathered in this method is significantly larger as it has the capacity to power an entire house. It is good to note that because of new innovations and developments with this technology, manufacturers are now starting to decrease the costs of acquiring such machines.

Solar Collectors

Solar Collectors collect solar radiation and then concentrate it into very defined areas, increasing the strength and heat of the energy. These can be used to heat or cool water or to create power to enable air or liquids to transfer heat to a separate location. For example, a building’s water supply can be heated through the use of solar energy. Also, Evacuated tube collectors can also be used to power cooling systems by taking the high temperature heat from the tubes. Instead of using natural gas, this technology will utilize solar energy instead which is renewable.

Explaining How Solar Energy Works

2010-08-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Energy is considered an essential part of our daily lives. Without energy, our cars wouldn’t run and light bulbs wont lit as well. Human civilization totally depends on energy for its survival. Imagine living in a city where there are no lights and no electricity. That will be too much of a hassle, isn’t it? Fossil fuels are one of the most widely tapped natural resources to produce energy. Despite of its global usage, it is good to point out that fossil fuels often emit pollutants which are very harmful to the environment. The carbon emissions from fossil fuels are often blamed for the occurrence of global warming or climate change. Because of this, people are now more determined to consider newer sources of energy that are cleaner and safer to use.

Solar energy technology is a relatively new field but one that has turned out to be full of opportunities for a free and clean source of energy. The patronage of this technology would mean lesser reliance on fossil fuels and in turn significantly reduce our carbon emissions. Solar energy is typically captured through the use of photovoltaic, which are specially-made panels that are capable of capturing the sun’s radiation and automatically convert them into a useful form of energy. That energy is then used to power various gadgets, devices and appliances such as washing machine, television and the radio. Because sunlight is free for all human beings, it can be a cost-effective power solution for your home.

There actually exist two types of solar energy technology today. The first one is passive solar energy which only relies on photovoltaic cells to capture the solar radiation. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. These systems are useful in heating water, provide lighting and dry clothes. On the other hand, active solar energy requires the use of mechanical devices such as fans and pumps to capture solar radiation and convert it into useful electricity. The capture energy may also be stored in batteries for future use.

Solar energy has numerous significant advantages over other popular energy platforms. For one, it is clean energy and does not contribute to pollution. Also, it is considered as a renewable source of energy making it always available for as long as the sun is still existing. Add also the fact that it requires less or little maintenance. Numerous cities and states across the globe are also providing financial incentives in the form of tax deductions to people who utilize this kind of technology. Solar power, today, has already unleashed some of its potential being the ultimate energy of the future.

An Overview of Solar Energy

2010-08-31T11:13:00.001-07:00

If you have been hearing the news lately, you probably heard about the massive flashflood that swept Pakistan and directly affected over 14 million Pakistanis. The unusual burst of rain caught millions of people off-guard where at least 50 people are already killed. Also, wildfires have also burned a large part of mainland Russia with temperatures reaching record levels at 35 degrees Celsius. The wildfires has not only caused massive environmental damage but also displaced thousands of people and threatened various military and government installations. These events are not mere catastrophes but are actually signs of climate change or global warming.

Global warming is the sudden increase in the average temperature of Earth which in turn produces frequent natural calamities and abnormal weather patterns. It is good to take note that fossil fuel burning is one of the major contributors to the greenhouse gases which in turn accelerates global warming. Because of this, scientists and research institutions looked for other energy alternatives that may still provide quality energy without producing harmful effects to the environment. And one of the results of their research was solar energy.

Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy to power our machines, gadgets and other earthly technologies. The sun produces enough solar power on Earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year. One of the attractive benefits of solar energy is the fact that it is a renewable source of energy. It cannot be depleted for as long as the sun remains which could be billions of years. Also, solar energy is widely considered a clean energy source as it does not produce any pollutants which can harm the environment.

Actually, solar energy was already used by humans since way back before. Technological and cost limitations hindered the widespread usage of this energy. In this modern world, people are now beginning to notice the numerous solutions presented by this power source. Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. When the sun hits the cells, it starts a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current is then converted into electricity. The only problem with these cells, however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.

The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the United States. With continuous breakthrough in research with regards to this power source, we will eventually reduce our carbon emissions and find efficient ways to produce cheap and clean energy. The wonderful benefits of solar energy are way beyond what we can imagine.