Guest Author: Ryan Kaufman
In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.
Solar panels harvest the sun’s energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.
more…
In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.
Solar panels harvest the sun’s energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.
more…
Category: Guest Postings
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Guest Author: Reshma
Solar panels are gaining interest amongst people of this energy crunched world. What are solar panels? They are an array of photovoltaic cells which capture the energy of the solar rays. In simple terms, the solar panels capture the energy from the sun during the day for later use. Solar energy is renewable source of energy and does not get depleted like coal or natural gas. It can be tapped as much as required and used to power all our energy needs. With the invention of solar panels, which has helped mankind tap the solar energy, solar power has become an increasingly powerful source of energy in the last decade or so.
Solar panels are made of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide. The same silicon is used in the microprocessor chips. The gallium arsenide is very expensive which also makes the initial investment cost of solar panels high. These panels harvest the solar energy and convert it to electricity. The electricity produced depends on how much of energy is harvested. Roughly, a solar sell of 0.2 m in diameter can create electricity of 2 amps of 2 volts when exposed to direct sunlight at the surface of the equator. However, the electricity production is decided not only by the size of the panel but also by the quality of materials used in making the solar cells. With time as well as with wear and tear, the electricity production capacity of the solar cells comes down.
more…
Solar panels are gaining interest amongst people of this energy crunched world. What are solar panels? They are an array of photovoltaic cells which capture the energy of the solar rays. In simple terms, the solar panels capture the energy from the sun during the day for later use. Solar energy is renewable source of energy and does not get depleted like coal or natural gas. It can be tapped as much as required and used to power all our energy needs. With the invention of solar panels, which has helped mankind tap the solar energy, solar power has become an increasingly powerful source of energy in the last decade or so.
Solar panels are made of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide. The same silicon is used in the microprocessor chips. The gallium arsenide is very expensive which also makes the initial investment cost of solar panels high. These panels harvest the solar energy and convert it to electricity. The electricity produced depends on how much of energy is harvested. Roughly, a solar sell of 0.2 m in diameter can create electricity of 2 amps of 2 volts when exposed to direct sunlight at the surface of the equator. However, the electricity production is decided not only by the size of the panel but also by the quality of materials used in making the solar cells. With time as well as with wear and tear, the electricity production capacity of the solar cells comes down.
more…
Category: Guest Postings
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Guest Author: Daniel Stouffer
thing you might ask - what is solar radiation and how does it related to solar generated electricity? That is a good question and a topic discussed in our next article in our series dedicated to home solar power. This article, on the other hand, explains how kilowatts are calculated based upon the energy output of your solar array. We will also highlight the difference between solar cells connected in parallel versus in series.
The average American home uses about 25 kWh of electricity per day. The following example illustrates how to calculate the power produced by a residential solar energy system. Looking over a solar radiation grid, we can determine that a residence gets five daylight hours of solar radiation in one day which is then averaged out over the entire year.
more…
thing you might ask - what is solar radiation and how does it related to solar generated electricity? That is a good question and a topic discussed in our next article in our series dedicated to home solar power. This article, on the other hand, explains how kilowatts are calculated based upon the energy output of your solar array. We will also highlight the difference between solar cells connected in parallel versus in series.
The average American home uses about 25 kWh of electricity per day. The following example illustrates how to calculate the power produced by a residential solar energy system. Looking over a solar radiation grid, we can determine that a residence gets five daylight hours of solar radiation in one day which is then averaged out over the entire year.
more…
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Guest Author: Sammy Bickmen
The “Almost” Forgotten Energy
Absoprtion of solar energy by atmospheric convection, evaporation and condensation of water vapor powers the worldwide water cycles and determines and drives wind streams. Solar energy converted into chemical energy via photosynthesis produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived. Solar radiation and sunlight, with the addition of a variety of solar resources, accounts for 99.9% of the renewable energy on Earth! The available stores of solar energy accessible in the natural environment way beyond sufficient in comparison to current human energy needs.
more…
The “Almost” Forgotten Energy
Absoprtion of solar energy by atmospheric convection, evaporation and condensation of water vapor powers the worldwide water cycles and determines and drives wind streams. Solar energy converted into chemical energy via photosynthesis produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived. Solar radiation and sunlight, with the addition of a variety of solar resources, accounts for 99.9% of the renewable energy on Earth! The available stores of solar energy accessible in the natural environment way beyond sufficient in comparison to current human energy needs.
more…
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Guest Author: Y.T. Lee
The sun not only gives us light; it also has the ability to provide us with power that may be converted into electricity. The electricity and the heat that we need in our homes can be within reach when we utilize what the sun is able to give us. There are so many solar power advantages that many people have to be aware of, proof that the sun and the power it sends are truly important, especially in this day of rising electricity bills.
One important benefit of solar power is that it is renewable. It is not like oil that can be gone after a certain number of years. True, we may discover another source once oil is gone, but that source may probably be non-renewable as well. Be reminded that the source of solar power is the sun. We do not even have to worry about the sun disappearing. It may rest during the night, but in the morning, we all know that the sun will be back in the sky. Therefore, if we rely on solar power, we are sure that it will never disappear to nothingness.
more…
The sun not only gives us light; it also has the ability to provide us with power that may be converted into electricity. The electricity and the heat that we need in our homes can be within reach when we utilize what the sun is able to give us. There are so many solar power advantages that many people have to be aware of, proof that the sun and the power it sends are truly important, especially in this day of rising electricity bills.
One important benefit of solar power is that it is renewable. It is not like oil that can be gone after a certain number of years. True, we may discover another source once oil is gone, but that source may probably be non-renewable as well. Be reminded that the source of solar power is the sun. We do not even have to worry about the sun disappearing. It may rest during the night, but in the morning, we all know that the sun will be back in the sky. Therefore, if we rely on solar power, we are sure that it will never disappear to nothingness.
more…
Category: Guest Postings
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tmac5445 asked:
in other words is it possible to form a solar panel in a thick wire?
what i mean is, can it be done not a matter of output moreso of capability to be made.
HomePowerCheap.com
in other words is it possible to form a solar panel in a thick wire?
what i mean is, can it be done not a matter of output moreso of capability to be made.
HomePowerCheap.com
Category: Guest Postings, Science
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A seriously good commercial by german solar component manufacturer Solon. Plus, an important announcement by Todd.
Category: Full Solarization, General, Home Energy, Large Projects, Science, Solar DIY, Solar Gear, Solar Videos, Understanding Solar Needs
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What is Solar Power?
A short solar basics video about solar power, solar energy, solar cells, solar panels, and photovoltaics.
Our own Erick McG popped this new video snip up on the net:
Category: Science, Solar Videos
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Photovoltaic Cells - Cheap Solar Cells and PV Cell Bargains, Find Current Solar Cell Costs
Current great deals on Photovoltaic Cells (changes daily):
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Photovoltaic Module 24x17cm Solar Cell Panel 3W 18V US $26.50 End Date: Sunday Sep-05-2010 20:00:28 PDT Add to watch list |
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Photovoltaic Module 38x26.6cm Solar Cell Panel 10W 18V US $69.90 End Date: Friday Sep-10-2010 2:11:31 PDT Add to watch list |
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Photovoltaic modual 28x26.6cm Solar Cell Panel 5W 18V US $36.50 End Date: Friday Sep-10-2010 2:16:23 PDT Add to watch list |
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Photovoltaic Module 54.5x35cm Solar Cell Panel 20W 18V US $119.00 End Date: Tuesday Sep-14-2010 6:56:18 PDT Add to watch list |
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Solar Electricity Engineering Photovoltaic systems cell US $49.99 End Date: Tuesday Sep-14-2010 10:59:30 PDT Add to watch list |
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10 Photovoltaic Module 54.5x35 Solar Cell Panel 20W 18V US $974.50 End Date: Wednesday Sep-15-2010 6:57:38 PDT Add to watch list |
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50 Photovoltaic Module 54.5x35 Solar Cell Panel 20W 18V US $4,523.80 End Date: Wednesday Sep-15-2010 6:59:17 PDT Add to watch list |
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Solar Panel 6V 135mA PV(photovoltaic cell)- BRAND NEW! US $22.95 End Date: Wednesday Sep-15-2010 22:53:51 PDT Add to watch list |
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50 Photovoltaic Module 38x26.6 Solar Cell Panel 10W 18V US $3,076.90 End Date: Monday Sep-20-2010 2:54:01 PDT Add to watch list |
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10 Photovoltaic Module 38x26.6 Solar Cell Panel 10W 18V US $615.50 End Date: Monday Sep-20-2010 3:14:54 PDT Add to watch list |
Category: Full Solarization, Large Projects, Solar DIY, Solar Gear
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With fuel reserves running out at a rate faster than they are being used and new energy sources not being built fast enough to keep up with future demand it is only prudent that we use the abundant energy available for free from the sun – solar energy. Using solar energy helps greatly reduce environmental pollution. Many people resist installing solar power in their homes thinking them to be extremely expensive and cumbersome. The other problem is that we really do not understand the technology involved and are wary of change in the way that we generate our power requirements. You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to install and make use of these power solutions. In your own homes. The major benefit being that they will significantly reduce your power bills. You will also be secure in the knowledge that you are doing your part in saving energy resources and reducing the impact of pollution
for future generations.
Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking device that uses only the power of the sun for cooking. You can easily cook food for up to five people in the small box like device. If more…
Category: General
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