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What are Energy Efficient Homes?

This day and age, people are looking to find ways that they can be more energy efficient. The truth is, people want to do anything and everything they can to conserve energy, because it is not only better for the environment but it also helps them to save some money in the long run. Energy efficient homes conserve energy, reduce unnecessary energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and demand for non-renewable resources. They provide significant savings over conventional homes.
Energy efficiency is not just for certain people, it is something that everyone can take a part in. The good news is that there are a few ways that you can make your home energy efficient with energy efficient strategies and products, without having to spend too much money out of pocket. Then, you can just enjoy the cost savings throughout the year, and also get a few tax breaks while you are at it. Here are a few things that you should try.

11 Ways to Create Energy Efficient Homes

Improve the Insulation in Your Home

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that you improve the insulation in your home. During the cold winter months, you could be letting out a lot of your heat if you don’t have good insulation. This could be costing you, and it could also be detrimental to the environment. The key is to make sure that you have proper insulation, weather stripping and other insulating techniques throughout your home. You can do this yourself, or have an expert come in and handle it for you.

Consider Replacing Your Windows

Your windows can also cause you to lose a lot of heat during the winter months, and cool air during the summer months. This can really be detrimental when it comes to your energy costs over the year. Some of the older types of windows aren’t as energy efficient as you would like for them to be. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much better than single pane windows and aluminum frames. You may also consider tinting your windows and keeping your blinds open to let some light in that won’t cost you a dime!

Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)

If you have the older type light bulbs in your home, then you may find that you are using much more energy than you have to as well. This is why so many people are switching to fluorescent bulbs. They may be a bit more up front, but over time you end up saving money. They can last up to 12 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb will. You can even mix them up a bit and use some of the fluorescent bulbs and some incandescent bulbs and it will still have a dramatic difference on your overall usage of energy.

Look for Energy Efficient Appliances

If you are shopping for new appliances to help make your home more energy efficient, look for appliances that have the HE logo.  Energy star certified appliances use less energy, and while they may cost you a bit more in the beginning it is much more of an investment for you. This is because it will save you money over time when it comes to running your appliances.

Don’t Overuse Appliances

Even with energy efficient appliances, you still don’t want to overuse them. Don’t use your heater too much during the winter months, unless you must. Also, try to keep your thermostats at a comfortable setting rather than changing them up all the time. If you change them up too much, it uses far more energy than you should. You should also consider turning certain things off when they are not in use, because believe it or not they use energy even if they aren’t powered on- just if they are plugged into the wall.

Consider Solar Panels

If you can afford it, solar panels may be a great investment. You can have them installed on your rooftop, and believe it or not they can actually help to cut down on your electricity costs because it helps you to be able to produce your own electricity. This really is something to consider, especially when you think about the fact that they are so cost effective. It isn’t for everyone, but as we get further into the green movement you will begin to see many more people that opt to have solar panels installed at their home.

Schedule Energy Efficiency Audit

Give a call to energy auditors to check as to where your home currently stand in terms of energy efficiency. These auditors are equipped with specialized tools and skills that can help them to evaluate energy efficiency of your home and determine where efficiency can be improved by recommending some low cost measures. This will help you to figure out as to which parts of your home needs your immediate attention.

Plant Shady Landscaping

Great landscaping outside your home can help you to protect your home from intense sun during summer days and chilly winds during winter season. The tree and its leaves will protect your house from sun’s rays during hotter days and make it cool to live inside comfortably. If you have been using high energy efficient appliances and good insulation in your home, the effect will be much smaller as you home is already blocking all the heat.

Install Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is another efficient way to cut down energy usage in your home. When you’re away, set the thermostat to higher temperature and to low in cooler months. A programmable thermostat doesn’t cost much and the money saved by reducing energy usage can be used to pay for it in few months.

Switch off Gadgets when not in use

An idle printer, desktop computer, microwave ovens and coffee makers equipped with LED clocks running all night when not in use, do consume power. Switch them off when you don’t need them immediately. Even try to switch off your refrigerator when you are planning to go away from home for a long time. These small savings will eventually turn to big savings once you calculate the amount of energy saved by the end of year.

Set Water Heater to Warm Setting

You can cut electricity bills by making few of these adjustments. Firstly, set the temperature of your water heater to warm setting (approx. 120°F - 130°F). You don’t need water more hot than it to wash your clothes and dishes. Secondly, use low-flow fixtures for showers and baths and thirdly, insulate your hot water pipes so they don’t cool off quickly.
As you can see, creating energy efficient homes isn’t all that difficult. There are simple steps that you can take, and you don’t have to do it all at once. It may be just a good idea for you to make a few changes every now and then to work towards it, so that you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Wind Energy Facts                    

The growing consumption and steady increase in price of non renewable sources has forced people to look for alternative fuels that are available cheaply and can meet their growing demand for energy. Among the alternatives available, one of them is wind energy. Wind energy is one of the alternative sources of energy that has been is use since 2000 BC. Wind power possess huge  potential and has been growing fast in recent years. Below are 35 facts on wind energy that can help you learn more about this green energy source.

What is Wind Energy?

Wind energy is one of the best sources of alternative energy. Wind refers to the movement of air from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. Wind is caused by uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. Hot air rises up and cool air flows in to take its place. Winds will always exist as long as solar energy exists and people will be able to harness the energy from till then.

It is a renewable source of energy and does not produce any pollutants or emissions during operation that could harm the environment, other than those required for maintenance. Wind power is one of the cleanest and safest method of generating renewable electricity. Wind farms can be created to trap wind energy by placing multiple wind turbines in the same location for the purpose of generating large amounts of electric power.

Below are 35 Facts on Wind Energy

Fact 1: Wind power consists of turning energy from the wind to other energy forms. There are different ways to harness it. For example windmills produce mechanical energy, enable sails to move boats and generate electricity.
Fact 2: Windmills have been in use since 2000 B.C. and were first developed in Persia and China. Ancient mariners sailed to distant lands by making use of winds. Farmers used wind power to pump water and for grinding grains. Today the most popular use of wind energy is converting it to electrical energy to meet the critical energy needs of the planet.
Fact 3: Wind energy is underutilized as of now and holds tremendous potential for the future. Though there has been a 25% increase in wind turbine use in the last decade, wind energy still provides only a small percentage of the energy of the world.
Fact 4: Wind energy is mostly harnessed by wind turbines which are as high as 20 story buildings and have three blades which are 60 meter long. They resemble giant propellers of airplanes mounted on a stick. The blades are spun by the wind which transfers motion to a shaft connected to a generator which produces electricity.
Fact 5: The largest turbines can harness energy to power 600 American homes. These turbines form wind farms and hundreds are arranged in lines in windy spots like a ridge. A small turbine in the back yard can easily power a small business or a home. A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines in the same location. Many wind farms provide rental income to rural communities where they are situated.
Fact 6: Wind energy is valued because it is a clean source of energy and causes minimum pollution. Operational costs are minimal after the erection of turbines. Mass production and advances in technology are making turbines cheaper than never before. Wind energy is also receiving subsidies and benefits from governments keen to popularize this clean source of energy.
Fact 7: Wind turbines have been criticized for some reasons. It is claimed that wind turbines cause noise and disturb nearby residents. The slowly moving turbine fans are also accused of harming bats and bird populations of the locality but this accusation is unfounded as more number of birds is killed by other factors such as power lines, cars and high rise buildings. Another criticism is that wind energy is variable- if there is no wind due to some reason, the generation of electricity stops.
Fact 8: The wind energy industry is burgeoning by leaps and bounds. Global generation saw quadrupling from 2000 to 2006. In 2012, more than 70,000 mega watts of global capacity were generated. A single mega watt is enough to power 250 homes. The most installed capacity of wind energy is in Germany followed by Spain. The US and China are also catching up. If this growth momentum is sustained, wind energy will be able to meet one-third of global energy demands by 2050.
Fact 9: Wind energy is the fastest growing mode of electricity production across the planet. In 2012, $25 billion was spent on wind energy investment. Modern turbines harness over 15 times the electricity generated in 1990. Wind power in the U.S. is a $10 billion a year industry. The biggest source of new generation capacity for electricity in 2012 was wind energy accounting for 40% of total capacity.

Fact 10: Wind power is also unique for the fact that it does not use any water. By 2030, wind power will save around 30 trillion bottles of water in the U.S.
Fact 11: Wind farms can be constructed in off shore locations. Winds are steadier and stronger in offshore locations but setting up infrastructure is costlier.
Fact 12: Isolated locations are provided power by small onshore wind farms. Power from small wind farms are purchased by utility companies.
Fact 13: Wind energy is renewable and pollution free source of energy. It is mostly used to generate electricity and is abundant source of energy in many parts of the USA.
Fact 14: Wind energy can be a great source of alternative to fossil fuels and has been growing trend in many countries, especially in Europe.
Fact 15: Most of the modern wind turbines have 3 blades which can reach speeds at the tip of over 320 kph (200 mph).
Fact 16: The largest wind turbine in the world is located in US in Hawaii. It stands 20 stories tall and has blades the length of a football field.
Fact 17: According to NREL, 1MW of wind energy can offset approximately 2,600 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Fact 18: The first modern wind turbine was built in 1940′s in Vermont.
Fact 19: Wind turbines can even be installed on floating structures that cans end the electricity back to land with the help of undersea cables.
Fact 20: As per the information released by Center for Biological Diversity, as many as 1,300 eagles, falcons, hawks and other predatory species are killed each year due to wind turbines that were constructed along a critical migration route.
Fact 21: In the year 2009, U.S. generated 1 percent of total nationwide electricity production at the time. The energy generated was approximately 52 billion KW hours in 2008.
Fact 22: Wind energy produces more than 20% of the total electricity production in countries such as Denmark and Portugal.
Fact 23: The major drawbacks of wind energy are: high installation costs, change in wind speed and not suitable for all areas.
Fact 24: Large groups of wind turbines called wind farms have been installed in 38+ states of U.S. and are currently operating utility-grade wind installations.
Fact 25: In the last quarter of 2012, Texas led the nation in new wind installations (with 1,289 megawatts), followed by California, Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa.
Fact 26: The tips of very large wind turbines can reach eights up to 200 m (650ft).
Fact 27: Albert Betz, was a German physicist and a pioneer of wind turbine technology. He discovered wind energy theory and published in his book Wind-Energie.
Fact 28: 60,007 MW is the total installed wind capacity in the U.S. by the end of year 2012.
Fact 29: Approximately $25 billion of investment was done in 2012 in new wind projects and it brought the 5-year annual average investment to $18 billion.
Fact 30: As much as 20% of electricity consumed by U.S. could come from wind energy by 2030 but need for clean energy tax credits is must for achieving this target.
Fact 31: More than 45,100 of wind turbines were operating by the end of year 2012.
Fact 32: Various myths related to wind farms are: wind farms are ugly and popular, they are noisy and produce energy only 30% of the time.
Fact 33: Approximately 80,700 people were involved in various wind related jobs at the end of 2012 across fields such as development, siting, construction, transportation, manufacturing, operations, services.
Fact 34: A wind turbine has as many as 8,000 different components.
Fact 35: Smaller wind turbines can be used to charge batteries or as backup power in caravans and sailing ships.
Thus wind energy is a clean, pollution free, abundant and free source of energy. Crucially, it is a renewable source of energy unlike fossil fuels which are non renewable and cause pollution.

Solar Power Battery Chargers

 

Solar energy is the most eco-friendly form of energy which can be utilized in order to perform our everyday activities. People all over the world have come conscious regarding the safety of the environment and they are looking for ways of utilizing this solar energy. There are many different kinds of solar power battery chargers which can be found in the market and some of them have exclusive functions. They are also available in different price ranges. The best method of operating the solar power panel is by making use of a solar power battery charger. The process of operating the solar power panel becomes a lot easier when a solar power battery charger is used.
One of the most important advantages of these solar power battery chargers is that they are easily portable and hence they can easily carried to different places in order to charge various appliances. People can also decide to take these solar power battery chargers even when they are going on a vacation or on some kind of long trip. The need to carry extra batteries will not arise when a solar power battery charger is available. Most gadgets and appliances can be charged by making use of a solar power battery charger.
The main advantage of these solar power battery chargers is that they can be used many times for charging purposes without having to pay for the extra power. The casings for these batteries are made using light material which is tough and uses low heat transmittance. They will also protect the body of the battery from extreme weather conditions and also from being taken away by thieves and intruders.

It is possible to find solar power battery chargers in many different sizes as well as varieties. There are many homes where solar power batteries are being used in the event of a power failure. Their presence will ensure that all tasks in the home will continue without any hassle despite a power failure. Solar power battery tanks can also be constructed. These battery tanks consist of many different batteries which are connected to each other using wires in the solar energy system. This is a foolproof energy system which is also extremely pocket – friendly.
A solar power charger will also help in converting the energy from the sunlight into solar energy. A portable solar power charger will make use of solar power for the purpose of recharging. Mobiles and laptops are some of the most common appliances which can be recharged by making use of solar power battery chargers.
A lot of advantages can be gained by deciding to make use of solar power. The most important benefit of a solar power panel is that people can learn to use it easily and the amount of wiring required is minimal and hence it is not complicated. Solar power is a source of energy which can be replenished easily since the sun contains a never-ending supply of energy which will never depreciate. The cost of purchasing a solar power system is not very high and this is one of the main reasons why people consider it as a viable option.

Solar Power Panels

How Solar Power Panels Work?

 

Solar energy is created using the energy which has been generated by the sun. A solar power panel is able to function using the solar energy which is derived from the sun. A large number of solar cells will be found in every solar power panel. The energy from the sun will be absorbed by these solar cells. This solar energy derived from the sun will be converted into electricity with the help of a solar power panel. The photovoltaic effect will help in converting the solar energy into electrical energy in a solar power panel.
The solar power panel should be kept in a clean place where it gets complete and direct exposure to the sun. The cost of procuring a solar power panel is not very high and it also does not accrue very high costs in terms of maintenance. The charges incurred will be the starting charges as well as the installation charges. A large number of homes have started installing a solar power panel in them in order to perform all the functions which usually require electrical energy. All the electrical appliances in the house can be made to function normally using the electricity which has been generated by the solar power panel. The electricity bills can be reduced to a vast extent once a solar power panel has been installed inside the house.
The roof is the usual place where the solar power panel will be installed in a house so that it gets the required amount of exposure to the sun. The photovoltaic panels on the solar power panel will convert the solar energy into electrical energy. The electricity which is generated through these panels is mostly DC (direct current) which will be converted into AC (alternating current) with the help of an inverter. This inverter will usually be made available along with the solar power panel. The grid-tie system will also make use of solar energy in order to provide electricity for homes. Silicon is one of the main materials which are usually used for making a solar power panel.

Every solar power panel contains many different silicon cells or solar cells. Photons will strike the surface of these solar cells and then generate an electrical current. One such solar cell can generate 0.5 volts of electricity. A 12 volts solar panel will contain 36 solar cells which will help in generating 17 volts of electricity. A 24 volt solar power panel will contains 72 solar cells and it can generate 24 volts of electricity.
The voltage is likely to reduce when the solar power panel is being charged. Every house will require many different solar power panels which will help in generating the required amount of electricity for operating all the appliances in the house. The main advantage of making use of high voltage output is that it will require small wires to transfer the electricity from the solar panel to the batteries. The main advantage of these solar panels is that they will reduce the cost of electricity which is needed to perform all the daily functions.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

 How Does Solar Energy Work?

Photo credit: Getty Images
For as long as our planet has spun 'round the sun, there's been solar energy cascading down on the earth, and, for a long time -- since the 7th century B.C., when glass was used to magnify it -- humans have been working to harness it. These days, technology is a bit better, providing electricity, heating, lighting, and even flight, but the point is the same: use the sun's warm glowing warming glow for our benefit.
Solar energy vs. solar power: what's the difference?
Often used synonymously with solar energy, solar power is what you've got once the sun's energy has been converted to electricity. This can be done one of two ways: heating a liquid to produce steam and spin a generator, or through photovoltaics (but that's another post). For now, we'll concentrate on how to use the massive and largely untapped potential that exists with solar energy. But first, some basics.
Photo credit: Getty Images
What is solar energy?
Short answer: the light and heat provided by the sun. A slightly longer answer: after running the gauntlet from an average of 93 million miles away, through the various layers of atmosphere and atmospheric conditions (clouds, pollutants, dust and the like), about half of the solar energy is absorbed by water and land, with the other half reflected and re-radiated back into space. The half that makes it is absorbed by oceans, land masses and plants; in the ocean, the energy drives heat and wind-driven currents (like the Gulf Stream); on land, the energy is absorbed and creates heat, and the little bit that's left is absorbed by plants and converted to chemical energy through a process we all know as photosynthesis.

Photo credit: Getty Images
How does solar energy work?
Outside of the three scenarios above, solar energy usually requires a little human input to really work (photosynthesis, which helps grow crops for food and fuel, is a notable exception). This help can come in lots of different forms, from architecture and urban planning, which uses techniques to maximize light and heat from the sun to our benefit in our buildings, to solar thermal, the most widely used category of solar energy technology, including solar cooking, water distillation and purification and lots more, to heating water for our use and desalination.
Photo credit: Getty Images
But, by far, solar energy's most talked-about use is electricity generation. For now, photovoltaic (PV) cells and panels remain the most-used method for turning sun into electricity. Basically, photovoltaics cause photons from sunlight to knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. Photovoltaic production has been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48 percent each year since 2002, making it the world’s fastest-growing energy technology.
But it's not alone in the solar world; concentrating solar systems use lenses, mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small, concentrated beam, which is then used to generate electricity. This can be accomplished using a trough system; by allowing direct sunlight to hit troughs, the solar collectors concentrate it into a single area that boils liquid in order to make steam, which in turn moves turbines to make electricity. This up-and-coming technology can be made even more efficient with the use of a solar tower, which is just what it sounds like: a tower that uses careful sun tracking to concentrate solar energy near its top. There are various other technologies that can create solar power from solar energy, but, for now, these remain the most popular and most viable.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Advantages of solar energy
Solar's biggest advantage is that there's so much of it. The total solar energy available to the earth is approximately 3850 zettajoules (ZJ) per year, while worldwide energy consumption was 0.471 ZJ in 2004, according to the US Department of Energy. Even if you aren't a solar panel installer, you can tell that there's way more solar energy available than the world will ever need. Solar energy is also terrifically versatile; as we mentioned above, it can be used to help grow food and fuel, light, heat and modulate the temperatures in our homes, disinfect and desalinate water, and more. And, once you figure out how to best maximize the available energy, solar is the gift that keeps on giving; as long as the sun doth shine, solar energy will be available for its myriad uses.
Disadvantages of solar energy
Solar energy's disadvantages can be pretty well boiled down to one thing: cost, at least for using it as electricity. It takes a lot of land and costs a lot of cash to be worthwhile, as most types of solar cells require large surface areas to achieve average efficiency, and the silicon used in many of today's cells is also very expensive. Pollution and weather can further cut back their efficiency, which, of course, increases the cost over time.
And though solar energy will always be available on a macro scale, it isn't always available on an hour-to-hour scale, because it doesn't work when the sun isn't out (which always happens at night and sometimes happen due to weather). Storing the energy in batteries for use during these times cuts back on the efficiency further. And, of course, if you live somewhere that doesn't have good solar energy exposure, there isn't much you can do. You gotta have the sun.

The Real Hurdles for Solar Energy

 

We all have been told that the future of renewable energy sources is waiting on technological advancements and the convergence of economic factors that will cause the cost of conventional fossil fuel sources increase as reserves are further diminished and the gradual decrease in cost due to advancements in technology and economy of scale meet. The common belief is until these things happen, solar energy and in fact all renewable energy sources will continue to exist outside of the mainstream and on the fringe of possible and idealistic.
While these beliefs are widely held in the public mind with most satisfied to wait and in the meantime take small steps towards energy conservation and awareness, not all believe them to be true. The more surprising fact is the people saying that solar energy is viable right now are not just the extreme eco-activists. A look at many Fortune 500 businesses and even simple shopping comparisons make that readily apparent now. If those were not clear enough, a report issued in January, 2013 by Edison Electric Institute made it equally clear.
This report lists distributed energy resources (DER) and distributed generation as “disruptive challenges” to the retail electric business. What does that mean? To make sense of the report deciphering the terminology is needed. The US Department of Energy defines DER as -
“Distributed energy resources (DER)—also called distributed generation, distributed energy, and distributed power systems—are small, modular, decentralized, grid-connected or off-grid energy systems located in or near the place where energy is used. They are integrated systems that can include effective means of power generation, energy storage, and delivery.”
This includes, and is later highlighted as the most prevalent, solar power. The first page of the report in fact summarizes well with the explanation of falling costs and increased prevalence of lower cost alternative energy managed by the end users such as solar energy making it difficult for the utility companies to compete on a cost basis. This makes clear the utility companies are fully aware that current technology is adequate to provide consumers with a lower cost alternative to their services and they see it as a threat to their business plan.
While that may seem unlikely on first glance to many, even a cursory glance at currently available alternatives shows it is in fact true. Use, as an example, solar power hot water heaters. These are becoming more popular and with good reason.

• A typical long life electric hot water heater to service a family of 4 costs about $750 at your local big box home and appliance store. The energy label will tell you the average cost of electricity is approximately $500 per year. This will bring your cost to 10 years of hot water to an estimated $5750.
• A solar hot water heater can be found online even at places like Amazon for $3950. If you are in a high efficiency area for solar a savings of 90% can be achieved. This makes 10 years of solar powered hot water total $4450.

Even presuming higher installation costs there are still savings, and that is without taking into consideration the many tax incentives and government programs that reduce the initial costs even further. It is clear why utility companies are concerned when every installation can potentially cost them $500 a year. Widespread adaptation would make a serious impact on the bottom line of the company.
The news on the commercial front is similar. Walmart currently is acting on plans to add solar arrays to the roof of its nearly 4500 retail stores in the US and current active construction will have these arrays installed on 75% of its California based stores. You can correctly assume that business that ranks in the top 10 in the Fortune 500 is not expending tens of millions in solar arrays without having calculated a cost benefit of doing so. If a single home’s hot water heater will cost the utility companies upwards of $500 a year, what do you suppose a solar array on the roof of every big box store and flat roofed factory or industrial complex in the US would cost?
The evidence is clear that solar power not only can be economically feasible in the future, it is already. It is less a case of waiting for technology and scale to make solar power a common place reality, it is implementing it. Part of the implementation hurdle is a lack of qualified contractors to do the installations. Companies like the Mark Group that specialize in energy saving product installations are comparatively rare in the US. The other hurdle is the utility companies that currently provide the electricity having planned strategy reports to slow this process to preserve profits and market share.

How Solar Energy Works?

Solar Energy

We all have been using sun’s energy since years for numerous purposes but only recently we have started using the sun’s energy for generating power. About 70% of the light that hit the earth gets reflected back to space and only the remaining 30% light is enough to meet up our needs for years to come. So, solar energy is the energy that we get from the sun. We get enough energy from the sun that it could meet up our power demands, if only we could harness it properly. The energy that is absorbed by the earth is used for drying clothes, used by plants in the process of photosynthesis, taken in by the ocean where the heat creates wind and heat currents and for heating up homes.

How Solar Energy Works?

When we get the solar energy from the sun it gets trapped and stored and can be used in various ways to generate power. Solar energy can be used as direct or indirect, active or passive. Basically there are 2 ways in which we can harness sun’s energy:
1. Solar Thermal: Solar thermal is also known as solar water heating. In this process, solar energy is used directly to generate heat. Solar panels are used to trap the heat from the sun and are used to heat water in the glass panels. Glass panels are painted black so that they absorb maximum energy from the sun, then water is pumped through these pipes. These panels are positioned in such a way to maximize the absorption of heat throughout the day and can help in reducing the electricity bills.

2. Photoelectric Cells: This method converts the sun’s energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are most popular form of converting solar energy into electricity. These cells are silicon based pieces of materials that absorb the sun’s light. When the sunlight enters the cells, it causes the electrons to move. These electrons move in a certain direction which is known as current. This electricity is in the form of direct current.The electrical output from a single cell is small, therefore individual solar cells are arranged together in a PV module and the modules are grouped together to form an array. This power is then used to charge cells or inverters and this electricity can be used to provide sufficient power for common electrical appliances.
Solar energy is available throughout the world and in many parts of the world it is possible to capture that energy and use it to meet up our growing demands. The main benefit of solar energy is that it doesn’t cause any or little pollution, is a free energy source and is available in abundant quantity. If utilized to it’s full potential it can help us in overcome our dependence on fossil fuels and also can help us greatly in reducing the global warming.

Solar electricity Cells

Solar electricity Cells

Solar electricity is created by using Photovoltaic (PV) technologyby converting solar energy into solar electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic systems use sunlight to power ordinary electrical equipment, for example, household appliances, computers and lighting. The photovoltaic (PV) process converts free solar energy - the most abundant energy source on the planet - directly into solar power. Note that this is not the familiar "passive" or Solar electricity thermal technology used for space heating and hot water production.

A PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC). The electrical output from a single cell is small, so multiple cells are connected together and encapsulated (usually behind glass) to form a module (sometimes referred to as a "panel"). The PV module is the principle building block of a PV system and any number of modules can be connected together to give the desired electrical output.

PV equipment has no moving parts and as a result requires minimal maintenance. It generates solar electricity without producing emissions of greenhouse or any other gases, and its operation is virtually silent.

What is PV power used for?

PV systems supply solar electricity to many applications in the UK, ranging from systems supplying power to city buildings (which are also connected to the normal local solar power network) to systems supplying power to garden lights or to remote telecom relay stations.

The main area of interest in the UK today is grid connect PV systems. These systems are connected to the local solar electricity network. This means that during the day, the solar electricity generated by the PV system can either be used immediately (which is normal for systems installed on offices and other commercial buildings), or can be sold to one of the electricity supply companies (which is more common for domestic systems where the occupier may be out during the day). In the evening, when the electrical system is unable to provide the electricity required, power can be bought back from the network. In effect, the grid is acting as a Solar electricity energy storage system, which means the PV system does not need to include battery storage.

Grid connect PV systems are often integrated into buildings. PV technology is ideally suited to use on buildings, providing pollution and noise-free solar power without using extra space. The use of photovoltaics on buildings has grown substantially in the UK over the last few years, with many impressive examples already in operation.

PV systems can be incorporated into buildings in various ways. Sloping rooftops are an ideal site, where modules can simply be mounted using frames. Photovoltaic systems can also be incorporated into the actual building fabric, for example PV roof tiles are now available which can be fitted as would standard tiles. In addition, PV can also be incorporated as building facades, canopies and sky lights amongst many other applications.

Stand-alone photovoltaic systems have been used for many years in the UK to supply solar electricity to applications where grid solar power supplies are unavailable or difficult to connect to. Examples include monitoring stations, radio repeater stations, telephone kiosks and street lighting. There is also a substantial market for PV technology in the leisure industry, with battery chargers for boats and caravans, as well as for powering garden equipment such as solar electricity fountains. These systems normally use batteries to store the solar power, if larger amounts are required they can be combined with another source of power - a biomass generator, a wind turbine or diesel generator to form a hybrid power supply system.

PV technology is also widely used in the developing world. The technology is particularly suited here, where electricity grids are unreliable or non-existent, with remote locations often making PV power supply the most economic option. In addition, many developing countries have high solar radiation levels year round.

Types of PV Cell

Monocrystalline Silicon Cells:
Made using cells saw-cut from a single cylindrical crystal of silicon, this is the most efficient of the photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The principle advantage of monocrystalline cells are their high efficiencies, typically around 15%, although the manufacturing process required to produce monocrystalline silicon is complicated, resulting in slightly higher costs than other technologies.

Multicrystalline Silicon Cells:
Made from cells cut from an ingot of melted and recrystallised silicon. In the manufacturing process, molten silicon is cast into ingots of polycrystalline silicon, these ingots are then saw-cut into very thin wafers and assembled into complete cells. Multicrystalline cells are cheaper to produce than monocrystalline ones, due to the simpler manufacturing process. However, they tend to be slightly less efficient, with average efficiencies of around 12%., creating a granular texture

Thick-film Silicon:
Another multicrystalline technology where the silicon is deposited in a continuous process onto a base material giving a fine grained, sparkling appearance. Like all crystalline PV, this is encapsulated in a transparent insulating polymer with a tempered glass cover and usually bound into a strong aluminium frame.

Amorphous Silicon:
Amorphous silicon cells are composed of silicon atoms in a thin homogenous layer rather than a crystal structure. Amorphous silicon absorbs light more effectively than crystalline silicon, so the cells can be thinner. For this reason, amorphous silicon is also known as a "thin film" PV technology. Amorphous silicon can be deposited on a wide range of substrates, both rigid and flexible, which makes it ideal for curved surfaces and "fold-away" modules. Amorphous cells are, however, less efficient than crystalline based cells, with typical efficiencies of around 6%, but they are easier and therefore cheaper to produce. Their low cost makes them ideally suited for many applications where high efficiency is not required and low cost is important.

Other Thin Films:
A number of other promising materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium diselenide (CIS) are now being used for PV modules. The attraction of these technologies is that they can be manufactured by relatively inexpensive industrial processes, certainly in comparison to crystalline silicon technologies, yet they typically offer higher module efficiencies than amorphous silicon. New technologies based on the photosynthesis process are not yet on the market.

Typical PV System Configuration

The components typically required in a grid-connected PV system are illustrated below.

The PV array consists of a number of individual photovoltaic modules connected together to give the required power with a suitable current and voltage output. Typical modules have a rated power output of around 75 - 120 Watts peak (Wp) each. A typical domestic system of 1.5 - 2 kWp may therefore comprise some 12 - 24 modules covering an area of between 12 - 40 m2, depending on the technology used and the orientation of the array with respect to the sun.

Most PV modules deliver direct current (DC) electricity at 12 volts (V), whereas most common household appliances in the UK run off alternating current (AC) at 230 V. An inverter is used to convert the low voltage DC to higher voltage AC. Numerous types of inverter are available, but not all are suitable for use when feeding power back into the UK mains supply. Good suppliers and installers of grid-connect PV systems will be able to offer advice on suitability of commonly available models.

Other components in a typical grid-connected PV system are the array mounting structure and the various cables and switches needed to ensure that the PV generator can be isolated both from the building and from the mains. Again, good suppliers and installers of grid-connect PV systems will be able to offer advice on these aspects of the PV system.

Finally, a meter will be required to ensure that the system owner can be credited for any PV power fed into the mains supply.

Suppliers will normally offer a 12 months warranty on the system, together with 2 years on the inverter and a performance warranty of 10 - 25 years on the modules.

How Solar Electricity is Produced Using Solar Panels?

How Solar Electricity is Produced Using Solar Panels?

Solar electricity is a renewable source of energy that has been with use since the onset of life. The sun is very promising as a source of energy. As much as solar was expensive in the past, during the last 30 years alone scientists have come up with a good and reliable way of tapping the energy from the sun. Solar energy is captured through solar panels and converted to solar electricity using Photovoltaic (PV) technology. PV solar panels are longer lasting and efficiently convert energy from the sun to electricity.
Solar power has two forms the thermal and photovoltaic. Each of these forms produces electricity different from each other.

Thermal Solar Energy

This is the most basic energy form and concentrates sunlight and them converts the light to heat. The heat is then applied to the steam generator. It is this steam engine, which is responsible for electricity production, which is thereafter used in powering industries and homes. It is also used in destroying hazardous waste, to heat water, to dry crops and heating buildings.

Solar Concentrators

Thermal power is operated with the help of solar concentrators, which uses Fresnel lenses to get a wider area of sunlight. This is then concentrated on an individual cell. The lenses looks more like dart board with each ring of the lens focusing on scattered sunlight into much more powerful beams. This creates the effect of magnifying glass. The concentration of sunlight gives power to the steam generator creating electricity.

Photovoltaic Solar Power

It is a much more popular form of solar power. It is also a direct electricity source. The system has solar cells made of a strong semi conductor material (silicon) which is found in abundance on the surface of the earth. The cells are then wired together forming solar panels, which are subsequently wired to a circuit. When the sunlight strikes these silicon cells, these panels generate electric current, which is connected to an external load and powers it. A single solar cell is not enough to produce sufficient electricity, therefore multiple cells are connected to each other to form a array of cells called solar modules or solar panels. Several solar cells or solar modules are again connected to each other to form a PV array. This is a basic framework model for producing electricity and number of panels can be connected to produce the desired electrical output.

PV cells are easy to maintain and require no maintenance. They might be a bit expensive but cost can be recovered in the long run. They produce no greenhouse gas emissions and are environment friendly. unlike, wind turbines or Hydropower stations that produce large noise, solar cells are silent and produce no such noise. For more information on PV solar panels, please read here.

Photons

This is a packet of solar energy providing a building block of the solar power (photovoltaic). When the photon hits the solar panel, the photon is reflected off that panel and at times can pass through it or gets absorbed by that panel. It is the photons absorbed by the solar panel, which generate electricity. When there has been enough absorption of these photons by silicon cells emitting of electrons takes place.

Electrons

These electrons are emitted by silicon cells. They gather on top of the silicon cells creating a charge imbalance. Silicon cells will have half of it bearing negative photons and the other positive photons. This effect is the same to the terminals of a battery, which has both negative and positive terminals. Therefore, when the ends of the solar cells are connected to external loan or an appliance there will be flow of electricity.

Advantages of Solar Electricity

1. Renewable source of electricity
2. The conversion of electricity is fast and immediate – very direct this means you do not need a generator if you have a solar panel
3. No moving parts and need minimal maintenance with no supervision
4. Can operate for between 20 and 30 years life-line
5. There is minimal or no environmental impact, as they do not give out any wastes

Disadvantages of Solar Electricity

1. Convert only a small oration of received light
2. Do not produce electricity when there is fog, cloudiness or smog

Applications of Solar Electricity

• Powering home appliances - These includes pumps and home appliances like refrigerators, laundry machines, dishwashers, TV and many more
• Heating the home - in winter or cold seasons the solar electricity helps in keeping the home warm. This is by collecting energy from the sun and using it to heat the house when it is cold. This is done through the process called convection. The warm air will circulate throughout the house heating it up in the process

There are many ways you can produce solar electricity without needing to relay on utility companies anymore. All that you need to do is to understand the process and buy the right tools that will make it all possible.

Solar Energy Grid

Solar Energy Systems – Tapping The Sun’s Energy

 

In this illustration of solar energy systems, you can see exactly how the sun’s energy is converted into electricity that is usable by your home or business. Follow the path of energy from the sun, through the pv panels, its conversion to AC electricity by the inverter and finally into the utility grid. Take a look for a detailed explanation of solar energy.

Home Solar

Rawlemon's beautiful, spherical solar energy generators

By Stuart Robarts
January 14, 2014

17 Comments

11 Pictures

Rawlemon has designed an aesthetic take on solar power devices
Image Gallery (11 images)

Despite their noble cause of harnessing clean, renewable energy from the sun, solar panels tend to be aesthetically uninspiring. Solar start-up Rawlemon aims to change all that with a new, and undeniably beautiful, take on concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology.

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Created by Andre Broessel, a German architect inspired by his daughter’s toy marbles, the Rawlemon design uses a spherical lens to concentrate sunlight on a small photovoltaic panel and combines this with a dual-axis pivot that tracks the movement of the sun.
According to the designer the transparent sphere is able collect and concentrate diffuse where traditional devices cannot and as well as providing an efficiency boost, they can be used in far more locations than their flat, fixed counterparts. It's also claimed that by concentrating the sun’s light in one area, the Rawlemon design reduces the solar cell surface required to just 1 percent of that required by a traditional panel.
Rawlemon aims to bring a range of devices to market starting with the 10-cm (3.9-in) Beta.ey S phone charger, which it is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. The funds raised are earmarked for the production and certification of the Beta.ey S. The charger is compatible with any phone that uses a USB 2.0 charging port and has a battery storage capacity of 27.5 Whr.

The Beta.ey S and the Beta.ey S Special Edition are Rawlemon's phone charger models

As well as a Bet.ey S Special Edition and a Beta.ey XL designed for charging tablets, Rawlemon has some larger devices in its portfolio. The 100-cm (39.4-in) Beta.ray 1.0 will generate up to 1.1 kWh a day, which is enough to run a laptop for about two days. It has a 1.8 kWh battery.
The largest device in the Rawlemon range is the 180-cm (70.1-in) Beta.ray 1.8 that will generate up to 3.4 kWh a day, enough to run your laptop for almost a week. It has a 5.4 kWh battery. Both the Beta.ray 1.0 and 1.8 feature water-filled acrylic-polymer lenses, as opposed to the solid lenses of their smaller siblings, plus they generate thermal energy as well as solar.
Rawlemon is also developing a system it calls Microtrack, that uses the same technology but is installed as a building skin. Microtrack will will produce energy during the day and can be used as a multimedia display at night.
Beta.ey is planned for release later this year and will be followed by the Beta.ray next year. Rawlemon estimates that the Microtrack system will take three years to bring to market.
The design is a thing of beauty, but does it stack up as being more effective than flat PVs or other concentrator designs? Those water-filled spheres must be heavy after all. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Rawlemon video pitch is below.
Source: Rawlemon