Solar Power

China More Than Doubles Its Solar Power Goal For 2020 - 6May2011

2011-05-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Reuters is reporting that China has doubled its goal for solar power installations for 2015, with a target of 10GW of photovoltaic panels installed by that year. China has also more than doubled its goal for 2020. China’s previous goal was to have 20GW installed by 2020, but the target is now 50GW.

China has become increasingly aggressive as of late in pursuing alternative energy sources, driven by commodity prices as well as concerns over air pollution. Last year, China installed a staggering 18GW of wind power, with a goal of achieving 200GW installed by 2020.

Given its history of alternative energy growth, I think it’s definitely possible for China to achieve this goal. But the real question is, can their grid keep up with the capacity? Right now, about 25% of China’s wind capacity is doing nothing — because it’s not connected to the grid. That’s not a new problem, either. In 2008, about 30% of China’s wind capacity was unconnected as well. So while China has surpassed the United States in total wind power capacity, it’s behind the U.S. in terms of capacity connected to the grid.

I think that China is making the smart move in attempting to build out their alternative energy capacity. At their rates of economic growth, disruptions in coal or natural gas supply could prove to be a major stumbling block to their economy. But unless they focus on improving their electric infrastructure, that capacity isn’t doing them any good.

by: Alex Knapp

China is leading the world in most everything these days, why not alternate energy also.........
Charley Star

Using Concentrated Solar to Produce Hydrogen

2011-05-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Researchers develop new solar technology that produces heat

Much of the research in the solar power field is devoted to increasing the efficiency of solar panels so that solar power can be efficiently harnessed to power homes and businesses. Now, a new study shows how researchers are harnessing solar power to split water, releasing hydrogen and oxygen that can then be used for power.

The authors of the study, published in the current issue of Science, affirm that the reactions do not need an exotic catalyst to take place, but rather cerium - an element as abundant as copper and stable for hundreds of cycles. The device works by amplifying sunlight through a focusing lens, directing it through a window into a reaction chamber where most of the photons are captured and turned into heat.

At such high temperatures, the cerium dioxide loses one of its two oxygens and produces a steady flow of oxygen from the device. At that point, researchers added water vapor which ultimately releases hydrogen quickly and efficiently in heat form.

The system produces ample amounts of excess heat that could be harvested and put to use, according to its inventors. Moreover, the study's authors affirm that the system is easy to manufacture in bulk and can be quickly incorporated into an industrial-sized facility.

Please Read On----------------------------------------------

Using Concentrated Solar to Produce Hydrogen

When it comes to the available sources of renewable energy, most of the focus is on the sun, since all other sources, like wind and biomass, ultimately are derived from it. But solar presents its own challenges, because it’s most easily converted into heat or electricity and we can’t store either of these at a high enough density for uses like transportation.

This explains why there’s a lot of effort going into things like biofuels and using electricity to produce hydrogen. Each additional step, however, involves a potential inefficiency.

These problems are what makes a system described in the current issue of Science very appealing. The authors demonstrate a device that is capable of taking solar energy and using it directly to split water, releasing oxygen and hydrogen. It can also perform a similar conversion on carbon dioxide, converting it to carbon monoxide and oxygen.

Better yet, it doesn’t need an exotic catalyst. Instead, its catalyst is based on cerium, an element that’s about as abundant as copper, and is stable for hundreds of cycles.

The structural part of the device is remarkably simple. Most of it acts simply as a focusing lens, which directs sunlight through a transparent quartz window and into a reaction chamber. That chamber is designed for internal reflection, and is efficient enough that most of the photons get captured.

“The selected dimensions ensure multiple internal reflections and efficient capture of incoming solar energy; the apparent absorptivity exceeds 0.94, approaching the ideal blackbody limit,” the authors claim.

Once absorbed, those photons are converted to heat. Temperatures rise at a rate of 140 Celsius degrees [242 Fahrenheit degrees] a minute until they clear 1,250 degrees Celsius [2,282 degrees Fahrenheit], before stabilizing between 1,400 and 1,600 degrees Celsius [2,552 and 2,912 degrees Fahrenheit]. Those temperatures are hot enough to cause a chemical change in the catalyst, a cylinder of porous cerium dioxide.

At the high temperatures present in this phase of the reaction cycle, the cerium dioxide loses one of its two oxygens. By flowing some inert gas over the porous cylinder, the authors were able to detect a steady flow of oxygen off the device, which lasted for more than an hour before falling off. (Peak rate was 34 milliliters [1.2 fluid ounces] of oxygen per minute from the 325-milligram [0.011-ounce] sample of cerium dioxide.)

Once oxygen production tailed off, the device could be dropped to a lower temperature (900 degrees Celsius, or 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit) and a reactant pumped into the chamber. When water vapor was used, the catalyst would strip out its oxygen to re-form cerium dioxide. This releases hydrogen quickly and efficiently. This portion of the reaction was typically complete in less than 10 minutes. Alternately, carbon dioxide could be pumped in, in which case carbon monoxide was produced.

The devices produced by the authors would tend to have an erratic drop in performance over the first hundred cycles, which they found was associated with a rearrangement of the cerium oxide structure through the repeated heatings. Once the material formed somewhat larger particles, performance stabilized and remained stable out to 400 cycles.

The authors use a complex formula to calculate the efficiency of the device, one that accounts for things like the solar input, the flow rate of the inert gas, and the energy required to purify the outputs. According to their calculations, the results are pretty impressive.

“The solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency obtained in this work for CO2 dissociation is about two orders of magnitude greater than that observed with state-of-the-art photocatalytic approaches,” they state. “The gravimetric hydrogen production rate exceeds that of other solar-driven thermochemical processes by more than an order of magnitude.”

There are some drawbacks to this system, of course. A steady supply of inert gas is needed, and the water and carbon dioxide that are used as inputs have to be kept pure to keep other chemicals from building up on the porous material.

Pure water is often a fairly rare commodity that requires significant energy to produce. But the system also produces significant amounts of waste heat that could be harvested and put to use (the primary inefficiency right now is heat loss).

The ability to switch the system between carbon monoxide and hydrogen production is also intriguing. We already use these two ingredients to produce methanol, which can be transported in bulk and used in fuel cells, and it may be possible to combine them into more complex hydrocarbons. It might also be possible to use this as a part of a carbon sequestration system.

In any case, the researchers involved specifically designed the hardware to be easy to manufacture in bulk and incorporate into a industrial-size facility, so it seems to be a serious attempt at getting something that could be tested in a real-world deployment.

Thoughts on Solar power systems

2011-05-05T13:50:00.001-07:00

Solar power systems are becoming a more and more popular option for homes today. It is no wonder why with all they do to save money as well as to save the environment. The way they save the environment is by making use of solar energy. Sunlight is an inexhaustible energy source as opposed to many other sources of energy.

In addition to not contributing to the depletion of the planet's resources, solar power systems do not create any harmful emissions. This is untrue of the fossil fuels used to create city power. The use of a free and renewable energy source is also they way in which they create money savings for homeowners.

There are a few basic things which should be considered before the purchase of solar power systems.

Location is one of these things. This refers in part to the geographic location of the home- whether it is at the equator, far north of the equator, etc. It also refers to the specific area of the home where the solar panels will be placed.

For best results, the PV panels of solar power systems should face solar south. Solar south is slightly different than magnetic south. Magnetic south is determined by a compass, while solar south is determined by the path of the sun. Though not ideal, an angle within 30 degrees of magnetic south is also acceptable.

If a tree is shading the southern-facing parts of a home, it may be difficult to get a solar power system to work particularly well. The same is true of areas where the sun is always behind clouds. Some solar power will be produced as long as there is light, but it may be very little. Very northern locations, such as Alaska, will allow solar power systems to produce immense amounts of energy during the summer yet very little during the shorter days of winter.

New Book --- Goin' Green ---- by Charley Star

2011-03-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the new book written by Charley Star on Solar Power.

Wounderfully written and easy to understand and follow....maybe this would be just what you need.........

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Charley%20Star

Not for Just the Rich People

2010-08-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

Solar Power for Homes – Not Just For Rich People

Solar power is free. Well, that is, once you’ve finished installing the solar power system. Today, the homes that use solar power are limited and most of them come from the rich sectors of the society. The cost of installing solar power systems can range from $35,000 - $250,000. However, there are cost effective systems but you need to build them on your own. These DIY solar power kits can be obtained from $200 to $350.

Because of the technological advancements, a lot of homeowners are now able to use solar power at a very affordable cost. In some places, the government monitors the solar power consumption of some homes. Programs were also launched to encourage other homeowners to opt for solar power. For example, when the solar power consumption has reached a certain point, rebates will be given.

The expensive solar power systems can store the energy of the sun effectively in the batteries but the less costly versions are not that efficient. Still, if you try to scour the net, you can find homes that are successfully using DIY solar power systems. In Los Angeles California, a lot of homes now enjoy solar power to the fullest. It is always sunny in this area and it rarely rains. Before, solar panels were really ugly but because of today’s modern technology, the panels are more stylish and can blend well with the existing design of the house. Many homes in California now opt for solar power because of the constant blackouts. According to some experts, California is hoping to achieve a 10% overall consumption of solar power in the area by 2020.

Some celebrities also have solar powered homes in LA like Edward Norton, Julia Roberts, Larry Hagman, and Jackson Browne. Well, these celebrities can definitely afford to pay for the expensive installation of solar power systems. For starters, why don’t you try to install DIY kits? These are more affordable and if you like to do things on your own, this is an excellent project. However, when it comes to electrical matters, you will still need the services of an experienced electrician. The solar power will be connected to your existing electrical supply and so you might get electrocuted if you don’t have enough knowledge about it.

Going green these days is vital to save the environment. Global warming has taken its toll and people from all over the world can now feel the consequences. Using solar power is a very effective way to help save the environment so that you can no longer depend entirely on conventional electricity. Perhaps you’re already aware that electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. The emissions from the burning of the fuels contribute to global warming. When you use solar power, you can decrease electrical consumption and in turn you can save a lot of money. Say goodbye to expensive electricity bills and save money.

Solar power for homes is for everyone and not just for the rich and famous. If you can’t afford the ready-made varieties, you can create your own by simply following a guided instruction provided by a reputable and established manufacturer of solar power systems. Choose the appropriate system. The size of the system should also be considered so that your electrical needs can be met. Install a solar power system in your home and witness its benefits.

Alternative Energy Sources

2010-05-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Helping Businesses Succeed and Gain Positive Reputation

Is it only a trend that people are all of a sudden fond of looking for alternative energy sources? And what’s with the going green projects being endorsed by high profile personalities and celebrities around the globe? Do businesses gain anything positive in the process of being responsible and in utilizing other kinds of energy resource?

Whether this is just a trend or not, this is good news and one step towards energy conservation. This is exactly what the world needs now more than ever. To open your eyes to such advent, here are some realities that are happening due to such good cause.

1. Businesses and industries that have started going along with the going green trend have also realized how much savings they can gather in the process. Instead of allotting a very big sum in the electricity bills, they can either resort to their own ways of conserving such or they can also utilize renewable sources for such needs.

In the process, they can gain higher amount that they can use for other purposes in their businesses. They can use the money for advertising and promotions. They can use it to expand on their businesses. They can also use it to add the number of their employees or increase their wages.

Who doesn’t need the additional savings that one can gain with such advent? At these times when times are hard and the value of money keeps on decreasing, this is one good way to make sure that you do not run out of financial resources.

2. If businesses will opt for such good causes, their consumers will regard them highly. This will create a positive feedback that can increase their sales and revenues. Being identified as a company that is environmentally friendly, people will look up not only with the management but this will encourage them to patronize your products and services as well.

3. There are renewable sources of energy that can be utilized by businesses that will require them to shell out a lot of money first and foremost. For example, if you want to utilize the sun’s rays to its fullest capabilities, you must first buy or build the kind of panels that can store the energy and convert such into electricity.

Although not everybody can afford to invest on such venture, if you can do and have the financial capability, it is recommended that you think about this real hard. The amount of money that you will be spending in the process will all be worth it in the end. You may not be able to recuperate from the spending at first. But on the long run, you will be assured that you will get the amount that you have spent in this kind of investment.

4. The savings can also come in the form of tax rebates. This is being offered in various states. There are tax incentives and energy rebates being given to those who choose to use renewable resources when it comes to energy use. It is also allowed in some places that such companies sell the excess energy that they can get in the process to the utility companies.

So are you already aware of the abovementioned benefits of using alternative energy sources? What are you waiting for? Improve your business and gain recognition from your clients and prospective ones by utilizing its every potential.

The Cost of Solar Power Installation

2010-05-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

Many years ago, it would have been impossible to use solar power at home because the installation cost was too expensive. However, with the advancements in technology, households and offices can now make use of solar power because the solar power system kits are more affordable. Homes that have solar power systems can expect added market value and aside from that, you can expect a significant decrease in your electric bills.

How much is the cost for installing a solar power system? If you live in the US, you can take advantage of the financial incentives offered by the government to make the installation cost more affordable.

Before you finally decide to use a solar power system for your home, you need to calculate your electrical needs. Determine the kWh that your home consumes in a month and in a year. You can find such info on the monthly utility bill. Study the bills so that you will now which months have the greatest consumption and the months with the least consumption.

New homeowners can compute their electricity consumption by checking your electrical appliances. Just estimate the load based on your appliances, lights, and other things that consume electricity.

Electrically bills are showing a continuous upward trend and so many people are now complaining about their monthly bills. A very good answer is solar power. Where do you live? The place where the home or establishment is situated is a primary consideration. In the US, you can install the solar power system in any of the states. If you can find solar contractors locally, you can seek their help to determine the appropriate size of the system.

1-5 kW of solar power system is already enough to meet your home’s electricity needs. You don’t need to cut off your existing power supply in order to utilize solar power. You can simply use the photovoltaic systems as a supplement. This step alone can already reduce your monthly bills. Do you have enough space for the photovoltaic system? For every square foot, you can already yield 10 watts; you can start your computation from there.

Here’s how you can compute the total cost: the retail price of the system plus the cost of building permits, less federal tax credit of $2,000 and the local or state rebates/tax credit, less other incentives equals to your net investment. You can shop around for the best and most suitable solar power system in the market. If you live in California, it will be easier to find local sellers of solar power systems because many homes in the city are already solar powered. For those living in other places, it would be easier to shop online. There are lots of online stores that offer photovoltaic systems but try to stick with the reputable and established manufacturers that offer 10-15 years of warranty.

Instead of paying for expensive monthly utility bills, why not invest in solar power systems? The total cost will depend on the size of the system, your location, and other related factors. Inquire at a local agency about the incentives offered by your state so that you can also save money. It’s a wise decision to invest in photovoltaic systems because you’ll benefit greatly in the succeeding years. Shop around now and determine your available options.

Solar Panels

2010-04-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Solar Panels - Power for Homes

Power systems that generate clean and renewable electricity usually make use of solar panels. A lot of homes are now using solar power specifically in California. If you want to get a continuous supply of electricity, you can get solar panels. The solar panels will then provide electricity that you can use outdoors and indoors. The solar panels will be connected to your existing electrical wirings and so you will need an electrician to do the task for you. Once you start using the solar panels, you can now enjoy free electricity. In most cases, homeowners are able to enjoy 50% to 80% reduction in monthly electrical bills.

The cost of oil is increasing yearly as well as other commodities. It is very important to save money these days because you can’t tell if the financial situation will continuously improve or perhaps get worse. It’s natural for people to save and look for less costly alternatives. Solar power is free once you’ve purchased the needed materials and you follow the guided instructions properly.

The sun will surely shine in the morning and so you can expect to generate electricity everyday. Years ago, people did not use solar power because the silicon systems that are high powered were too expensive. With the advances in modern technology, solar power is now readily available at a very affordable cost. Residential houses can benefit from these solar power systems because electrical costs are reduced. There are solar panels being sold today but are still a bit costly. However, if you want to save money, you can start building your own. The needed materials can be bought in local hardware stores; by purchasing DIY kits, you can build the panels by following the instructions carefully.

The panels are usually mounted on rooftops where there is lots of sunlight. You must ensure that the panels are working efficiently. You need to clean the panels and check it but all in all, the solar panels require slight maintenance. This is the perfect energy solution for your home and you know what – the panels can serve you for about twenty years or even more when properly maintained.

The designs of solar panels today are not ugly to look at. In fact, solar panels can now blend with your home’s existing design. Find the perfect ready-made solar panel in the market or you can simply build one yourself. There are several reputable manufacturers that you can find and it would be best to stick to established and reputable ones. Most of the solar panels come with 15-20 years of warranty. Isn’t that amazing deal? So if anything goes wrong, you can always take advantage of the warranty. Oftentimes, the products that come with lifetime warranty are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. You can start with small solar panels but purchase big inverters. That way, you can expand in the future and buy additional panels. For those who can afford to fully invest in solar power for their homes, then why not buy the needed solar panels so that you can now use solar power to the fullest?

Now, you don’t need to rely entirely on conventional electrical sources. The solar panels can provide the needed electricity day and night regardless of the weather. Power your homes with solar power now.

The "BIG Secret" Power Companys Won't Tell

2010-03-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

“There’s a BIG SECRET that the power companies don’t want any of us to know: It’s NOT 1950! That’s right, unlike previous generations who couldn’t break free from the power companies and generate their own electricity…”

http://921921tfjdfwao27gf17z-vmzd.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=CRAIGSLIST

Wind Solar Power

2010-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Wind and Solar Power

Going back to the basics is the trend these days. Many people are now aware of the many problems faced by the world which includes pollution, depletion of natural resources, increasing population, and many others. With so many problems to deal with, people don’t know where to start. You don’t have to be a hero to help save the world and address its many problems. Why not contribute in your own little way by using solar power and wind power?

Sunlight and air can be converted into energy though solar and wind power. A solar power system collects sunlight which can directly heat homes or it can convert the heat into usable electricity and store them in batteries. Wind energy can also create usable electricity or the mechanical energy can also be used directly.

There are advantages of using solar and wind power. After the initial expenses for the installation of the systems, you can enjoy free energy for many years. Most of the power systems last for approximately twenty years and requires little maintenance. As long as the systems are cleaned once in a while, it will surely work efficiently. Solar and wind power are both pollution free and does not emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Solar panels and wind turbines require little maintenance. Some people are concerned about wasting land to install wind turbines but you can still use the land for planting crops and for grazing animals.

According to researchers, the efficiency of these systems relies on the environmental elements. Germany and Japan are leading the way to the improvement of solar energy despite the fact that these countries get very little sunshine in a year. On the other hand, wind turbines are too noisy and unsightly. Turbine blades cause the noise and the huge structure can ruin any landscape.

To produce significant energy, you will need a lot of solar panels or reflectors and turbines. Size is a vital consideration for producing the needed energy. Have you ever been into remote areas? You can use solar power and wind power to generate the needed electricity. During daytime, you can depend on solar power to provide your electric needs and at night, you can use the wind turbines.

Solar power systems and wind turbines are not very difficult to install. In fact, there are now DIY kits that can be readily purchased locally and in online stores. You will just follow the guided instructions and get the necessary materials. The systems can be installed over the weekend. For those who live in the city, you can take advantage of the tax incentives, financial options, rebates, loans, and grants offered by the government. That way, you can have the system installed at a very affordable cost. In the case of wind turbines, you will need a lot of space. There are now turbines that produce less or no noise at all which are excellent for homes with close neighbors.

The decision to use solar power or wind power is a matter of personal choice that is usually affected by certain factors like money (investment), space, and energy requirements. Just imagine making a one-time investment and after that you can already enjoy unlimited and free supply of electricity. Regular inspection can ensure that the systems are working efficiently.

Another "Bail-Out"? Wow, one for the BETTERMENTof life.

2010-03-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

U.S. Offers Solar Project a Crucial Loan Guarantee

February 23, 2010, 4:59 am

The United States Department of Energy offered a $1.37 billion loan guarantee on Monday to a California company planning to build a large-scale solar power plant in the Southern California desert, The New York Times’s Todd Woody reported.

The loan guarantee for BrightSource Energy of Oakland, Calif., is the largest the department has given for a solar power project. BrightSource’s planned project, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, is the first utility-scale solar power plant to undergo licensing in California in nearly two decades.

It would use solar thermal technology, in which mirrors concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid and generate steam. If built, it would be the largest of its kind.

“We’re not going to sit on the sidelines while other countries capture the jobs of the future — we’re committed to becoming the global leader in the clean energy economy,” Steven Chu, the energy secretary, said in a statement.

The loan guarantee is contingent on the Ivanpah project passing state and federal environmental reviews.

Some environmental groups have objected to the site of the project in the Ivanpah Valley, arguing that the plant would eliminate habitat for the imperiled desert tortoise and other rare plants and wildlife, The Times said. BrightSource earlier this month offered to reduce the size of the plant to lessen its impact on wildlife, but representatives of the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife said the move was inadequate and argued the project should be relocated.

Surveys have found 25 desert tortoises on the site, which is about 45 miles south of Las Vegas.

Executives at BrightSource, which is backed by Google, Morgan Stanley, Chevron and BP, have said the loan guarantee is crucial to obtaining financing to build the plant at a time when banks are reluctant to finance new technologies. The company will not disclose the total projected cost of the power plant.

The Ivanpah plant will deploy thousands of mirrors, called heliostats, that focus the sun on three towers that will each contain a boiler filled with water. The focused heat creates steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity. The plant, to be built by Bechtel, is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs.

BrightSource has signed contracts to deliver 2,600 megawatts of electricity to the utilities Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison.

I for one hope that the environmental groups can find a way to relocate the desert tortoises. This will be a giant leap for Mankind!!!!!!

Solar Power For Homes - What to Expect

2010-03-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

What to Expect from Solar Power for Homes

Years ago, solar power was used mostly for magnifying glasses and calculators. Now, it is already possible to use solar power for homes. The energy of the sun is widely available and scientists are improving solar power systems year after year. Electricity is a necessity and life will be quite hard without it. However, the fossil fuels are depleting and electricity is expensive. The use of fossil fuels also causes damage to the Earth, thereby causing global warming and other environmental problems.

Solar power for homes is a renewable and much better energy source. Many homeowners are going green these days because they want to save money and the environment. Despite the encouragement of the government and other organizations, only 1% of the total homeowners use solar power. If you’re in the US, why don’t you visit California? You can find many solar powered homes in California.

The energy of the sun can be used in different ways to create electricity. A very good example is the use of solar generators. The generator is powered with the use of mirrors that focus and reflect sunlight. When heat is created, the generator will be powered. Photovoltaic cells are also quite popular and these are available in solar panel DIY kits. The panels are usually mounted on rooftops. When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, electrical charge is created which in turn power homes and offices. You can purchase the kits from online stores or even in your local area. Just shop around for the best and highly effective panel kits; these kits already include guided instructions so that you can develop a homemade solar panel.

Ordinary homeowners still find solar power too expensive and that’s the main reason why many people still opt for conventional electricity. With the modern technology of today, scientists and researchers are looking for cost effective ways to offer solar power to the public. Did you know that you can also store the energy that comes from sunlight? This is true and so you can still use solar power even when there’s no sunlight. So whether it’s nighttime or it’s raining, you can use renewable and clean energy.

Solar cookers, thermal systems, and many others are excellent alternatives but you need to know how to use them effectively. The very first step that you need to take is to determine your monthly electrical consumption. You can do this by checking your electricity bills and get the average monthly usage. You also need to consider the weather or climate in your area. After determining your electric consumption, you can now decide on the appropriate inverter. A bigger inverter can accommodate expansion in the future. For people with limited resources or budget, you can start with the simplest projects like outdoor lights and garden features. Even if you use smaller solar panels, you can still cut down your electrical bills by 50%-80%.

Try to have realistic expectations when using solar power. You can’t give up conventional electricity completely but if you can use it together with solar power, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Make this one-time investment and enjoy lasting benefits in the coming months and years. Solar power for homes is an excellent investment and you too can enjoy a greener and clean lifestyle.

Renewable Energy Industry

2010-02-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

Renewable Energy Industry Flexes its Muscles

As a year expected to be a booming one for renewable energy closes out its second month, the industry is looking to iron out the details that will ensure 2010 is a year to remember. That process begins by illustrating all that the RE industry has accomplished recently, especially the solar power industry. It finishes when vital regulations are enacted, including a national renewable energy standard that would ensure a positive outcome this year and for years to come.

The numbers are impressive for solar power.

The industry added 20,000 jobs and 470 megawatts of generated solar electricity in 2009 alone, according to Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association. Resch added that solar could add another 45,000 in 2010 if certain federal incentives and grants set to expire at the end of the year are extended.

“I think 2010 is going to be a bigger year than 2009,” said Resch. “Most analysts expect the solar industry to grow by 100 percent this year.”

But that’s this year. The long-term success of renewable energy depends on legislative action by Congress. Beside the continued strength of existing incentives, the more expansive goal — that which would benefit the entire renewable energy industry equally — is a national renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that would require utilities to get a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources before a set date in time.
Some 28 states have their own renewable standards that have helped advance clean energy there. But renewable industry insiders are pushing for a national standard that could move clean tech to the forefront in all 50 states. However, that notion is not without controversy in Congress, especially from coal-producing states and those that claim they don’t have the same renewable resources as other states.

Yet despite arguments over the details, the idea of a national energy standard is growing in popularity. Most of the populace has accepted clean energy as a definite part of our future, and players in Congress are beginning to respond. A few bills, including the Waxman-Markley climate change bill, contain provisions that would establish an RPS. Indeed, it is mostly bureaucracy and coal-dependent states, many of which have very little, if any, renewable infrastructure, that are holding up the process.

Nevertheless, the renewable industry is out pushing for beneficial legislation by touting both its recent accomplishments and its vast potential. 2010 looks to be a bright year for all renewable players, but it is to the long term that leaders are looking. The RE industry is hot right now, and they know there’s no better time to strike than while the iron is hot.

Source: Green Inc.

EADS Astrium Develops Lasers to Beam Space Solar Power to Earth

EADS Astrium, Europe’s biggest space company, plans to have its own go at space-based solar power. This represents the continent’s boldest move yet into the undeveloped yet promising space solar power (SSP) sector. Last year, Japan announced plans to put energy-generating solar panels in orbit and several U.S. interests are working on it as well.

Space solar power has some distinct advantages over earth-based power.

Orbital systems can work around-the-clock and receive zero interference from clouds or atmospheric dust. Furthermore, the concentration of energy able to strike space solar power panels is much more intense than on earth.
In the past, SSP system designs relied on microwave transmissions to transfer collected solar energy to earth. They have experienced controversy due to inefficiency and safety concerns. So, Astrium plans instead to use infrared lasers to beam energy to earth. Initial laboratory tests of their technology have been promising, says the company, and they hope to have a demonstration project in place by 2020, a timeline similar to projects germinating in Japan and the US.

In the meantime, EADS Astrium is working to improve the efficiency of the laser system that will transmit solar power to earth.

Similar work on the system that converts received infrared energy into usable electricity is reportedly advancing fast. Financially, Astrium is seeking investments from key stakeholders in renewable energy, like the EU, national governments, space agencies and power companies.

Among projects in Europe, Japan and the United States, it has become more than apparent that space solar power is getting real attention. The SSP concept is an old one, but has always been prohibitively expensive. Advances in space and solar technology, plus our dire need for a new energy paradigm, have the solar industry reaching for the stars. Real, utility-scale systems are probably decades away, but the possibility of a demo project within 10 years is a truly fascinating prospect.

Solar Power Facts

2010-02-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

Facts on Solar Power

The world is facing a lot of problems including that of environmental concerns like pollution and global warming. Despite these problems, people should not despair. In every problem, there is always a solution and this solution has been available for many years now. It’s just that many people fail to realize its importance and efficacy.

Researchers and scientists have already discovered solar power many years ago but because of the lack of technological knowledge, the idea was not pursued. Solar power was mainly used for powering small electrical devices. But now, with the great technological advancements, people are hoping that solar power will soon become widely accessible even to ordinary individuals. In the US, solar power is used in the different states but it it’s not that prevalent. Huge solar panels are quite expensive and ordinary people can’t afford to pay for them. You can now find solar power kits which are less costly and the price range from $200 to $500.

Before you consider using solar power, here are some facts that you need to be aware of:

1. Albert Einstein received a Nobel Prize in 1921 for his experiments on photovoltaic and solar power.

2. Silicon from a ton of sand can be used in photovoltaic panels to generate the same amount of electricity that a 500,000 T of burning coals can produce.

3. 10,000 US households are now using solar energy to power their homes.

4. John Herschel (British Astronomer) was able to cook food by using solar power 200 years ago during his African journey.

5. In 1982, the first large scale power plants was opened in California.

6. If you can use solar power in your home’s heating system, you can slash the electric bill by 50%.

7. In the last thirty years, the price of solar panels has dropped considerably by at least 200%. Solar power kits can now be purchased from $200-$500.

8. In the year 2000, USDOE claimed that solar power is almost perfect (99%) in San Francisco; since California gets a lot of sunlight, 200 megawatts of green electricity can be generated if all the rooftops of county buildings and homes are covered with PV panels. By including school buildings, an added 1,500 megawatts is achievable. The generated power is enough to cover the city’s electrical needs during an entire day.

9. Germany is now using solar power despite its undesirable climate. The energy generated during sunny days is stored in batteries.

10. Energy from the sun travels for approximately 8 minutes to reach Earth.

If you’re interested in solar power and you want to try it out, you can start with a solar power kit. It is affordable and easy to assemble.

The materials can be purchased from local hardware stores and the guides are easy to understand as well. Make sure that you purchase a kit that is manufactured by a prominent and trusted company to ensure efficiency. Some manufacturers also provide warranty for 10-15 years; take advantage of these great deals.

The facts mentioned earlier will help you to decide whether you can benefit from solar power or not. If you live in an area where there is lots of sunlight all throughout the year, solar power is an excellent choice. Solar power is free and clean. After your initial investment, you no longer have to pay for the energy.

Check out this Low Cost Green way to make YOUR OWN ELECTRICITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s NOT 1950!