Solar & Wind Power

Greenworks (the sister company of Jewson), in partnership with photovoltaic solar panel specialist Solar Century, has introduced a brand new educational film to its website.

COVENTRY, UK: The new video aims to educate and inform users on the latest developments in photovoltaic solar panel technology and the huge steps forward that have been made to make solar panels more pleasing to the eye and in keeping with their surroundings.

The video was created by one of the UK’s leading solar energy experts, Solar Century and gives advice on the cost of installing a solar energy system in your home and estimates on how much you can expect to save on your energy bills after the installation.

The newest photovoltaic solar panels have been designed to mimic the size and colour of ordinary roof slates and concrete tiles, making them less visible. This more ascetically pleasing product will encourage more British homeowners to fit them on their south-facing roofs. The newest solar panels can be easily installed at the same time as a new roof or can be simply added to an existing roof without too much upheaval.

The video also goes on to explain, via real-life testimonials and working examples, how much money can be saved on electricity once the solar panel system is installed and how much electricity can be collected even on one of Britain’s frequent overcast days.

View the new Solar Century photovoltaic solar panel video now on the Greenworks website. Here users will also find a wealth of information on solar panel mechanics, installation, suppliers and technical specs.

Harry Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/sustainable-building-materials-expert-greenworks-introduces-new-photovoltaic-solar-panel-video-to-its-website-1000143.html

Installing a solar power system isn’t as hard as many people may think, however we have made a few solar panels so far and this article is an overview of how to do it properly at the lowest cost. Below are some of the things you need to focus on if you’re looking to make your own solar panel all by yourself.

If you’re a novice in this field you might end up being overwhelmed by all the information that lays everywhere on the Internet. You will need a solid manual that teaches you step-by-step how to put a solar system together without failing, in fact some guides will give you the information you need but aren’t as detailed as they should be. Look for one that contains illustrated diagrams that are easy to comprehend. Some proven records are essential as well as they only reflect the fact that even a DIY novice is able to build their own solar panel with ease without having to get any headaches or even worse give up.

Long story short — lets have a look at what you need to know even before deciding to install a fully functional solar power system that will suit your needs:

1. Understanding how a solar power system works. Even before you go about purchasing all the required parts for your DIY project you need to have a clear overall picture of how a solar power system works and what each part is supposed to do. That is why a solid DIY guide will be necessary, that you can read through to get the main idea before going to your local power parts supplier.

2. Where to buy all the necessary components. Most people might think that building a solar panel is quite costly however not anymore since all the necessary parts don’t cost you more than two hundred dollars. There’s nothing to worry about because a proper guide will not only teach you how to properly install the power system but where to get the best components you’ll need at the lowest price.

3. Installing the power system. This part can only be achieved by following a blueprint. (A guide that has proven to work for others). You need to look for one that has a tech support as well just in case of any troubleshooting. Seriously we were a bit skeptical when we’ve built our first solar panels but it can be done with ease even by a novice and it doesn’t take weeks either.

4. Additional components. Lastly when your system is put in place you’ll need a charge controller to check the amount of electricity that your system is generating and not only but a few storage batteries for the electricity that is not consumed. Everyone should know that a system is incomplete without these two elements (they don’t cost much either)

Now you have an overview of how to install a proper power system that can drastically reduce your energy bills. You might want to find a guide that explains every step in detail including how to generate electricity using wind turbines in the cloudy days right in your own backyard.

Installing a solar power system isn’t as hard as many people may think, however we have made a few solar panels so far and this article is an overview of how to do it properly at the lowest cost. Below are some of the things you need to focus on if you’re looking to make your own solar panel all by yourself.

If you’re a novice in this field you might end up being overwhelmed by all the information that lays everywhere on the Internet. You will need a solid manual that teaches you step-by-step how to put a solar system together without failing, in fact some guides will give you the information you need but aren’t as detailed as they should be. Look for one that contains illustrated diagrams that are easy to comprehend. Some proven records are essential as well as they only reflect the fact that even a DIY novice is able to build their own solar panel with ease without having to get any headaches or even worse give up.

Long story short — lets have a look at what you need to know even before deciding to install a fully functional solar power system that will suit your needs:

1. Understanding how a solar power system works. Even before you go about purchasing all the required parts for your DIY project you need to have a clear overall picture of how a solar power system works and what each part is supposed to do. That is why a solid DIY guide will be necessary, that you can read through to get the main idea before going to your local power parts supplier.

2. Where to buy all the necessary components. Most people might think that building a solar panel is quite costly however not anymore since all the necessary parts don’t cost you more than two hundred dollars. There’s nothing to worry about because a proper guide will not only teach you how to properly install the power system but where to get the best components you’ll need at the lowest price.

3. Installing the power system. This part can only be achieved by following a blueprint. (A guide that has proven to work for others). You need to look for one that has a tech support as well just in case of any troubleshooting. Seriously we were a bit skeptical when we’ve built our first solar panels but it can be done with ease even by a novice and it doesn’t take weeks either.

4. Additional components. Lastly when your system is put in place you’ll need a charge controller to check the amount of electricity that your system is generating and not only but a few storage batteries for the electricity that is not consumed. Everyone should know that a system is incomplete without these two elements (they don’t cost much either)

Now you have an overview of how to install a proper power system that can drastically reduce your energy bills. You might want to find a guide that explains every step in detail including how to generate electricity using wind turbines in the cloudy days right in your own backyard.

Alex

To truly understand the benefits of green solar energy, you must first understand how solar energy is harnessed. There are two types of green solar energy-thermal and light. Thermal energy is considered passive solar. This type of green solar energy is harnessed through the design and materials used to construct a building. By integrating south facing windows and materials that retain heat, like brick and stone, you can lower your energy needs and build an energy efficient structure. The thermal energy produced by green solar energy is also used to heat water for solar hot water systems. The rays of the sun also produce light and radiation that can be captured by solar panels to create electricity.

The most popular use of green solar energy is for saving money. Although green solar energy systems can come with a large initial investment, they generally pay for themselves in a few years by providing either supplemental electricity or all of the electricity to your home or business. Building your own solar panels, participating in government refunds and net metering, in which you sell unused electricity back to the power company, can reduce the cost of implementing a green solar energy system. In addition, green solar energy systems require little to no maintenance after installation, as most have no moving parts.

The most important benefit of utilizing green solar energy is completely environmental. With polar ice caps dwindling away and climate changes creating tragic storms world wide, it is increasingly obvious that steps must be taken to decrease global warming and our dependence on fossil fuels. Green solar energy provides a clean energy alternative as it creates little pollution and does not contribute to global warming.

Solar energy panels have become more affordable in recent years making it a viable alternative energy option for savvy home owners looking for savings on their monthly utility bills and the environmentally conscious who also enjoy the financial advantage, but focus more on the benefits solar energy panels have on global warming and independence from fossil fuels.

If you are a beginner to the solar electric world, then you may be wondering what exactly solar energy panels are? It is really simple and yet fascinatingly complicated. Solar energy panels are also known as photovoltaic panels; photovoltaic meaning electricity from the sun. Solar energy panels work by collecting protons from the sun, which displace neutrons, and create a flow of electrons or electricity. An inverter converts the power generated by the solar energy panels from an AC current to a DC current making it usable in homes as a direct electricity supply.

You can use solar energy panels to heat your pool, workshop tools, greenhouse lights and fans or depending on you personal electric usage, your entire home or business. Most solar energy panels are designed to last 30-40 years and require little to no maintenance. Over the life-span of solar energy panels, the energy savings realized by the owner is enough to justify the initial cost of the system and prices are dropping more and more as a larger number of consumers express interest and make the change to solar energy panels or other renewable resources.

Solar energy panels for small applications can be purchased at your local hardware stores. These small versions are ideal for outdoor lighting, small water pumps and other outdoor tools. If you are purchasing a home size or business size system of solar energy panels it would be best to seek out a local retailer of solar energy panels or a green energy retailer in your area. There is also plenty of information available online about different solar energy panel providers.

Corrado Vinci
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/benefits-of-green-solar-energy-679319.html

Looking for a true way that’ll enable you to get rid of these high electricity-bills once and for all? You should definitely consider using this incredible “Free Solar Power For Home” System. Surprisingly (or not), this technique requires no more than a weekend to get it done. If you read this article you’ll be able to discover more why any of us should use it a.s.a.p.

Basic introduction

The basic idea behind this “Free solar power For Home” System is to teaching you how to assemble Solar-Cells by using materials that can be found at any average hardware store. Before choosing a guide verify that it answers your needs; check whether it offers the following: clear information, detailed diagrams, video tutorials, and technical support. This way or another, here are some key-advantages and tips that can help you to know a little more about this topic.

Quick benefits and advantages

Undoubtedly most of us can find this solution highly effective:

* Extremely easy to be implemented by almost anyone.
* Helps our nation on becoming less dependent on external oil suppliers.
* Helps on reducing the amounts of carbon dioxide in the air.
* Using as much power as needed without worrying about the elec. Meter.
* Powers up basically any appliance at home: fridge, washing machine, computer, TVs, lights and more.

Tip to go

Be aware that nowadays it is possible to get the paneling for free – most professional guides will show how to do that.

Summary

“Free Solar Power For Home” System finally enables any household to consume as much elect. as needed with no limits, and most importantly – at significantly lower cost. We could probably indicate many other advantages provided by this remarkable ‘machine’, simply because it concerns almost any of us. It is time for an action, so at this point it is highly recommended to simply try it as this is the most recommended way that truly enables you to explore the advantages mentioned in this article.

Jason Gilford
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/quotfree-solar-power-for-homequot-system–amazingly-easy-718077.html

Greenworks (the sister company of Jewson), in partnership with photovoltaic solar panel specialist Solar Century, has introduced a brand new educational film to its website.

COVENTRY, UK: The new video aims to educate and inform users on the latest developments in photovoltaic solar panel technology and the huge steps forward that have been made to make solar panels more pleasing to the eye and in keeping with their surroundings.

The video was created by one of the UK’s leading solar energy experts, Solar Century and gives advice on the cost of installing a solar energy system in your home and estimates on how much you can expect to save on your energy bills after the installation.

The newest photovoltaic solar panels have been designed to mimic the size and colour of ordinary roof slates and concrete tiles, making them less visible. This more ascetically pleasing product will encourage more British homeowners to fit them on their south-facing roofs. The newest solar panels can be easily installed at the same time as a new roof or can be simply added to an existing roof without too much upheaval.

The video also goes on to explain, via real-life testimonials and working examples, how much money can be saved on electricity once the solar panel system is installed and how much electricity can be collected even on one of Britain’s frequent overcast days.

View the new Solar Century photovoltaic solar panel video now on the Greenworks website. Here users will also find a wealth of information on solar panel mechanics, installation, suppliers and technical specs.

Harry Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/sustainable-building-materials-expert-greenworks-introduces-new-photovoltaic-solar-panel-video-to-its-website-1000143.html

1. INTRODUCTION: FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS

Mankind has recently enhanced its living standard and its population in an explosive way. In fact, the human population quadrupled and primary power consumption increased 16-fold during the 20th century [1]. The consumption of energy, food, and material resources is predicted to increase 2.5 fold in the coming 50 years. As a result of our efforts for better life, we have come to face, in this 21st century, serious global issues threatening our safe life or even our existence itself on our mother planet earth. These are issues such as global warming, environmental degradation, declining nutrition on land and sea from rising CO2, and rapid decrease of fossil reservoir. Since the living standard and the population of developing countries are increasing continuously, the demand of energy will be several times larger than that of today’s requirement by the time of the half way of this century.

In 2000, the world had 6.1 billion human inhabitants. This number could rise to more

than 9 billions in the next 50 years as shown in Fig.-1. This future population increase is mostly due to very rapid increase in less developed countries although the number in more developed countries will be almost constant (about 1 billion) or rather decrease [2].

Fig.-1 World Population Prospects [2]

The explosive increase in the human population inevitably requires an exponential increase in the consumption of energy, food, and material resources. One primary power source at present comes from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. However, the fossil fuels have two serious factors which prevent them from being used for a long term as primary power source. One is their limited amount that does not last long if used with the same or higher pace than that of today (Fig.-2). The other is their negative feature of emitting carbon dioxide, one of the green house gases, which causes the global warming.

Fig.- 2 Pattern of Global Energy Dependence [3]

Fig.-3 Atmospheric carbon dioxide monthly mean mixing ratios. Data prior to May 1974 are from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, blue), date since May 1974 are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, red). A long term trend curve is fitted to the monthly mean values [4]

Atmospheric CO2 has increased from 275 parts per million (ppm) before the industrial era begun to 379 ppm in March 2004 as shown in Fig.-3. Some scientists suggest that it will pass 550 ppm this century. Climate models and paleoclimate data indicate that 550 ppm, if sustained, could eventually produce global warming comparable in magnitude but opposite in sign to the global cooling of the last Ice Age [5].

Global energy demand continues to grow along with worldwide concerns over fossil fuel pollution, the safety of nuclear power and waste, and the impact of carbon-burning fuels on global warming. As a result sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean thermal, tidal power etc are drawing prime attention, out of which solar power is the most promising one. Terrestrial solar power has too many limitations like atmospheric attenuation, daily and seasonal variation, and affects by climate conditions etc. To overcome these limitations concept of Solar Power from Space is getting momentum, which was first proposed by Czech-American engineer Peter Glaser as a solution to the oil crises of the 1970s [6]. Solar Power from Space is a proposed concept to place a gigantic solar power station in space orbiting around the earth that uses microwave power transmission to beam solar power to a very large antenna on earth where it can be used in place of conventional power sources.

2. SPACE SOLAR POWER (SSP) vs TERRESTRIAL SOLAR POWER (TSP)                   

The SSP concept arose because space has several major advantages over earth for the collection of solar power. Space is free from day-night cycle, atmosphere, clouds, dust, rain, fog and other climatic changes, so it would receive 30% more intense and at least eight times more sunlight than that of at ground constantly and continuously unaffected by the weather. In geosynchronous orbit it would receive sunlight almost 24 hours a day hence avoiding the expensive storage facilities necessary for earth-based solar power systems.  Since earth’s axis is tilted, it would be in earth’s shadow only for 70 minutes maximum at late night when power demands are at their lowest, during 42 days near the equinoxes [7] as shown in Fig.-5.

Fig.-5 Daily duration of eclipses as a function of the date [7]

3. SSP: SYSTEM DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES

The SSP system is composed of a space segment and a ground power receiving site (Fig.-6). Space segment consists of mainly three parts; solar energy collector to convert the solar energy into DC (Direct Current) electricity, DC-to-microwave converter, and large antenna array to beam down the microwave power to the ground. Ground power receiving site uses a device called rectenna (rectifying antenna) to receive and rectify the microwave power beam. The rectenna system converts the microwave power back to DC power which is then converted to conventional AC (Alternating Current), and is connected to existing electric power networks.

Assuming typical values for efficiencies like 15% for solar panels to convert solar energy into DC, 70% conversion rate in the space segment from DC to microwave, 90% beam (power) collection efficiency, and 80% conversion rate for rectenna from microwave to DC in ground segment, the estimated over-all efficiency is approximately 7.5 %. With such efficiency a SSP space segment would be of size of about 50 km2 (5 km x 10 km) to generate 5 GW DC power on earth (Fig.-6).

Fig.-6 : Reference Model: 5 GW GEO based Space Solar Power Station Designed by US Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA in 1979 [8]

3.1 -SOLAR CELL: EFFICIENT STRUCTURES

In the very near future, breakthroughs in nanotechnologies promise significant increase in solar cell efficiencies from current 15% values to over 50% levels. That might decrease required size of space segment by about 3 fold. Author proposes Metal-Metal junction cavity solar cell which theoretically promises to increase solar-electric conversion efficiency many folds.

A cavity of metal m2 (work function W2) with thin polish of metal m1 (work function W1, W1 <W2 , Fig.-7) on inner surface, with a pin hole is kept at the focus of the solar concentrator coinciding the pinhole and focus. Pinhole is covered with transparent glass to protect inner polish of cavity from atmospheric reaction. Such cavity behaves as metal-metal junction solar cell (termed as M-M cavity solar cell) with various features (described below) leading to enhancement of solar-electric conversion efficiency.

·  The major loss in usual structures is the reflection loss (about 30%) but in M-M cavity solar cell once ray enters in cavity, undergoes multiple inner reflecti

s.sankar
http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/energy-compensation-using-solar-power-stations-in-space-685742.html

Nowadays, seeing the dearth in the earth’s reserved energy resources, different organizations are trying to utilize the renewable energy resources like solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy etc. for different purposes. Among them Solar Energy is the most abundant and is gaining more popularity. The decline in the availability of fossil fuels and hike in the cost of electricity have paved the way for solar energy to become the alternative source of energy for all of us.

Solar heaters: more feasible for home

People are now trying to build homemade solar heater so that they get relief from the shortage of energy. New innovations are coming up for running industries and households and out of all innovations for utilizing the energy of the sun; solar heaters are the best option for household activities. Besides, converting solar energy by using solar heater takes less designs and processing in comparison to other application of solar energy.

Working of solar heaters

When the molecules are excited, their vibration causes the evolution of heat as a by-product and to stabilize themselves they have to release this energy. This happens when the sunlight falls on the highly thermal conductive substance and excites them. This movement and heat is transferred from one material to other causing an incessant flow of heat.

Application of solar heaters

Water heaters and air heaters are the best application of solar heaters used for household purpose. All varieties of solar heaters have solar panels. The mechanism is very simple, entrapment of solar energy into photovoltaic cells and converting it to electrical and heat energy.

Reasons for building a solar heater at home

Though you can get one in the market, but building one yourself at home will give you satisfaction and you can design it according to your wish. Secondly, initial cost is lessened because you can use recyclable materials like aluminum cans, which are easily available at home for making solar panels.

sidana.abhi
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/homemade-solar-heater-736899.html

A solar power generator uses solar energy to convert it into electrical energy in order to run the household appliances. Nowadays, one can easily see TVs, washing machines etc being powered by a solar power generator.

It is termed as “green generator” as it is a proven source of energy which adds nothing to the global warming and the atmospheric pollution. Rather it helps a lot to save the natural energy sources such as petroleum which are on the way of going extinct.

It is emerging as one of most reliable eco-friendly power generating devices. Its total inability to produce air-polluting smoke and irritating sound as other oil run generators do makes it special.A solar power generator is one of the best answers to the shortage of electricity.

A well optimized solar power generator helps a lot to minimize the soaring electricity bill as it is capable of running almost all the appliances merely using the free and unbound solar energy.

Moreover, this device is very user-friendly and needs least efforts while its installation. It is widely used in the countrysides and at those places where people face regular power crisis.

Like all other power generators, it too runs on a definite mechanism. The solar energy is concentrated on the solar panels only to produce DC ( direct current). Then this DC is converted into AC ( alternating current) using the solar inverter already present in the generator itself.

Apart from these two components, the third important components of a solar power generator are its rechargeable batteries. These batteries constantly keep receiving power from the inverter in order to run all the appliances.

The strength and efficiency of a solar power generator depends completely on how powerful its inverter is. It is the most important part of the generator as it has the capability to convert DC into AC. While buying an inverter, it is advisable to buy one which can produce a bit more energy than the actual demand of the home appliances.

In many homes it happens that there is hardly any appliance which is run buy AC. Thus those homes don’t need solar power generators with any inverters, apart from devices like DC input systems and DC meters.

Pattrick Savarna
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/solar-power-generator-an-ecofriendly-green-generator-671935.html

Looking for a true way that’ll enable you to get rid of these high electricity-bills once and for all? You should definitely consider using this incredible “Small Solar Power Generation” System. The first impression may not reveal that, but this technique can be easily duplicated and used for virtually unlimited applications. Take two minutes of your time in order to find out more and understand how it can help you.

Some background

Thinking that making such “Small solar power Generation” System is complicated? You should definitely check one of these popular guides that teach how to assemble Solar-Panels in just one weekend. It is highly important to work with a professional guide; check whether it offers the following: clear information, detailed diagrams, video tutorials, and technical support. Well, here are some important benefits and tips to help you better understand this topic.

Benefits

This solution provides various benefits; here are just a few of them:

* It is already proven to work for thousands of people.
* Should you create more energy than needed; the power-company will actually pay you!
* Enables us to make a 220V-240V elec. sys.
* Provides an unlimited energy-source.
* Increases the value of your home by thousands.

Tip

Pulling yourself “off the grid” all at once isn’t recommended – do it gradually and slowly, use your new sys. while keeping the ‘Main-Grid’ as backup for possible extreme electricity usage.

Article summary

It isn’t just about saving thousands each year; this powerful “Small Solar Power Generation” System enables us to preserve our planet. Different users would probably find various advantages provided by this remarkable invention, simply because it is highly-effective. Now it is time to take action, so at this point it is advised to simply get it and experience how it takes just days to start enjoying from its benefits.

Jason Gilford
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/quotsmall-solar-power-generationquot-system–last-minute-report-723330.html

By using “Wholesale Solar Power Electric” System you get an amazing opportunity to produce your own independent power-supply in just matter of days. You may be surprised but this technique provides quick results almost instantly. Follow this report in order to find out more about the benefits that it provides.

Introduction

How can anyone have such “Wholesale Solar Power Electric” System? Well, it is about using one of these easy-to-understand guides that provide the information on how to assemble Solar-Panels. Choosing a guide is probably one of the most important actions you need to take; make sure it provides detailed descriptions, diagrams, and support so you’ll never get lost. In any case, here are few key-benefits and & quick advices that can help you out.

Important advantages

Let’s quickly examine some of the top benefits provided by this unique solution:

* Excellent backup to your conventional elec. sys. in case of power failure.
* Extremely easy to be implemented by almost anyone.
* Provides an unlimited energy-source.
* Helps the environment.
* It is already proven to work for thousands of people.

Quick tip

Never wire the power that you produce into the AC breaker-panel by yourself! It is illegal and very dangerous, call a qualified electrician in order to do that.

On the bottom line

This technology is considered highly popular for the following reason: “Wholesale solar power Electric” System requires almost no special technical/professional skills from the user’s side to get outstanding results. Different users would probably find various great advantages provided by this remarkable invention, simply because it brings a real change to this industry. The first action you need to take is to watch it in action so you could explore the various advantages that it provides.

Jason Gilford
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/quotwholesale-solar-power-electricquot-system–go-for-it-today-724847.html