Sun – the greatest of all energy sources
Posted by admin on Dec 30, 2010
For billions of years, the sun has been consistent in providing added brightness in the sky making it as the most prominent feature in the solar system. It is the biggest and prevalent object there is and more than a hundred Earths is needed to fit in its interior.
Aside from the core, the surface of the sun has three regions:
• Photosphere is the visible region of the sun. It is also the lowest layer of the sun’s atmosphere making it close the sun. The temperature is estimated to be between 4,500 until 6,500 K.
• Chromosphere is a thin layer of the sun’s atmosphere and lies just above the photosphere. The chromosphere is hotter than that of the photosphere with the approximate temperature of 4,500 to as much as 20,000 K
.• Corona is a layer of the sun’s atmosphere that extends to millions of kilometers into the outer space. The corona is usually seen during a total solar eclipse but could be seen using a coronagraph. The calculated temperature of this layer is between 1,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit to until 3,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
But is the sun believed to be a source of energy? The energy of the sun comes from a process called nuclear fusion that occurs deep within its core. In this fusion reaction, two atomic nuclei unite together that would eventually create a new nucleus. The process includes conversion of hydrogen to helium that eventually generates energy. Fusion creates energy through conversion of nuclear matter into energy. In nuclear fusion of the sun, 700 million tons of hydrogen is converted into about 695 million tons of helium for each second of this process.
The 5 million tons left are converted into electromagnetic energy that radiates out into space, planets and other extraterrestrial objects. Only a tiny fraction of the sun’s energy hits the earth surface; but already enough to meet our power needs for a lifetime. If harnessed properly, every minute that arrives to the earth is already enough power for a year’s energy demands.
The right solar energy grant for you
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2010
Utilizing a solar energy system helps the environment in a variety of ways. What matters most is the cost that you will be spending by going solar. Thanks to Solar Panel Grants! You can now cut your energy costs up to fifty percent and increase the value of your homes. United States have different solar panel grants so do not ever discharge solar panels into thinking.
Below are ways for someone to get grants for utilizing solar energy:
- Because there are numerous grants available for different homes in different states, it is essential to settle on what type of solar energy system you would be utilizing. Solar water heating system may be of use in only heating water for your homes while photovoltaic systems or also called as solar panel systems can provide energy for the entire home. What system you choose will soon follow what grants you should be applying for.
- Second in line, you have to establish your budget for the installation process. You need to know the cost for the installation of you solar energy system before you could get a solar energy grant.
- Drop a line to the assigned energy office for any local grants you are qualified for. Start off with solar grants in your local area before breaking through that state and national level grants. There are special grants available at each level that may be qualified for. Be sure that at least two months preceding a grant deadline, you would be able to ask for any regulation waivers so may not violate any applicable city ordinances in your area.
- Secure grants guidelines so you could write your grant proposal according to the guidelines. Be sure that you do not infringe any association regulations. On the other hand, you can secure a waiver if you may. From your city energy service unit, ask them for a letter that would affirm that your solar energy system would convene to their current rules and regulations. This letter should be passed together with your grants proposal.
- Pass your grant proposal to the granting agency a few weeks before the said deadline. It would be of help if you ask for any pointer feedback on your written proposal
- This feedback should be slipped in together with your original and final grant proposal before submitting to applicable granting agencies.
- Selecting a licensed or certified solar installer is also a requirement for some of the available grants. Not only would that, selecting a certified solar energy installer somehow alleviate your doubts if your chosen solar energy system would fit and work for your home.
It may not be as easy as we think it could be for applying for a solar energy grant; but in the long run, it will all be worth it. A step towards going solar is just the right way on helping out the Earth while enjoying a clean and renewable energy!
Solar & Wind power panel update
Posted by admin on Dec 28, 2010
Just a quick update on some work I did this morning on the power panel. I hope to have it done in a couple of weeks as I have to order some parts and will be on vacation next week.
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Deciding on your solar installers
Posted by admin on Dec 28, 2010
The past few years has had a tremendous growth for homeowners installing solar energy system. For those wanting to install an energy system, we all want to be assured that we get the best. Let us take a look at some methods of choosing your solar panel installer of choice.
- Make a list of your preferred installers. Check if your desired contractor is licensed. Not that you are a hundred percent guaranteed of successful installation, but licensed contractors will help you get the job done correctly. For other states, hiring a licensed contractor to do the installation lets you receive a tax incentives and grants programs.
- Verify if your contractor has received extensive training. Confirm to your contractor or local government agency if your preferred contractor has a formal training in installing the solar panels of your choice. Having someone who knows all the latest advancements in solar energy systems is also a good thing as technologies changes on a daily basis.
- Ask for references. Not one but take a few more references to your preferred contractors. This is to test the reputation of your licensed contractor.
- A good sign for choosing a solar installer is if they are certified by the NABCEP – that is, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. One your chosen solar installer has this certification, they are considered to have a “gold standard” for solar panel and solar thermal installation. Take note that there are two NABCEP certifications. One is an entry level who’s on the process of being fully NABCEP certified and the other one is full professional certification. It is the later that we are trying to reach here.
- It is also great to check with Better Business Bureau (BBB) as another thing to check for the quality of service of your solar installers. See if there is any complaint or any cases filed against the company of your choice. This step can be very informative and helpful.
- Check materials used if they are really what you are deciding for. Other installers may have the mistake of using another homeowner’s materials to your materials. Just check to be sure.
- Compare quotes from different installers. Remember that a great sum of money is at stake; but selecting the cheapest of them all may not be a good sign. Put in mind that you get what you are paying for.
- Think twice before deciding on anything. Take into consideration the cost, how long will the installation take, the years of experience of the solar installers you have chosen and the list goes on.
At the end of the day, the decision still lies in your hands. The above listed tips are only a guide to choosing the best installer that you may have in your area. You should think twice before deciding who would be installing the solar energy system into your homes. After all, you always hope for the ultimate services you wish for.
Renewable solutions for rising energy problems
Posted by admin on Dec 27, 2010
Aside from the customary form of generating energy, there are various and more safer means of generating energy. To name a few these are: Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric and Geothermal Energies.
Wind Power can be converted into more useful types of energy. The most common type of conversion would be into electricity. How it works is actually through the power of the wind to force the blades of giant wind turbines to rotate. This rotation enables the turbine blades to convert wind into electrical current by use of an electrical generator.
One good thing about Wind Power and Wind farms is it can be built along the shore or even off-shore. Space is not an issue. All it needs is a place where there is more wind.
The environment cannot be tainted with any pollution as wind power produces no by-products such as greenhouse gases.
Solar Power is the most popularly known alternative form of energy for homeowners and even businesses. Commonly, solar power is used for production of electricity and heating water. All these are made possible by installing a solar energy system into your homes and business establishments.
You can even make money by selling your excess energy generated by your solar energy system. All you have to do is to store this energy into your solar storage batteries.
Like wind power, solar power releases no environmental pollutants as there is no chemical reaction that takes place.
Kinetic energy can be a result of the conversion of Hydroelectric Power into electrical power that we can use.Usually, a dam is built in big rivers where there is much flowing water. The dam holds the water for a while so it could create pressure and water can generate more electric power to light our homes. This works by strapping up the gravitational fall of a river compressed from a long run to a sole spot by a dam. Pressure rises and flow of water can be utilized to rotate turbines and even water wheels. This process can be compared to olden days where a water wheel would drive a mill.
Geothermal energy is stored within earth. This type of energy is determined by the temperature of matter within the depths of this planet. Geothermal power is considered to be cost effective and sustainable because the heat extraction used by humans is just a fraction as compared to the real heat content of the earth.
Geothermal energy is usually converted into electricity as well. If done accurately and properly, geothermal power produces no harmful by-products as well. Geothermal power plants do not take much natural space as these power plants need only a small area.
Indeed, we have so many ways to attain energy without harming the environment. We have invested so much money in things that do not work. As seen, carbon footprints are going out of control. Eventually, it will destroy human civilization and the society we live in. Why can’t we opt for something which is also efficient, cheaper to put up, with little or no harmful effects on the environment and ultimately our health?
How Does Wind Power Work? Animated Video
Posted by admin on Dec 26, 2010
http://www.MyWindPowerSytem.com, the best wind power site on the planet presents: How Does Wind Power work. an animated video for the newcomer to wind power. Wind energy is an environmentally inert, clean, and inexhaustible source of electric power that, as it turns out, is really just another form of solar energy. The sun creates wind by its uneven heating of the planets atmosphere. Its moderated by the earths rotation and irregularities in its surface. The planets terrain, water bodies, and vegetation then affect the wind flow patterns. With the invention of wind turbines, we can now harness the winds energy and use it instead of purchasing electricity from the utility companies that are derived from non-renewable sources.
The easiest way to understand how wind turbines work is to think of a fan operating in reverse rather than electricity spinning the blades and thus generating wind, the wind spins the blades, thereby generating electricity. This shjort video shows you in simple steps and explain how exactly wind power works. Perfect for the newcomer to wind power.
If you are interested in building your own cheap and cost effective Wind Turbine for your home helping you to drastically reduce your monthly energy bill, then look here for detailed plans: http://bit.ly/8xDG0s or http://MyWindPowerSystem.com
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renewable power, no solar or wind power, use constant and infinite power -Cosmic Energy
Posted by admin on Dec 25, 2010
http://www.Tesla-Secrets.com The Suppressed FREE ELECTRICITY Invention of Nikola Tesla – and Tutorial HOW YOU can use it To Generate Free Energy at Your Home. The Technology To Harness The Massive, Untapped Reserve of Cosmic Energy Has Been Unleashed!
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DIY solar power Jamaica.
Posted by admin on Dec 24, 2010
A video of my small solar project at home. It works well and im pleased with it. I am prepared for a hurricane, when power goes, i will have lights. It also runs my laptop and modem full time.
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Government helps in Reducing Cost
Posted by admin on Dec 24, 2010
A number of benefits of going solar plus a few privileges from the government, would you not want to set off with solar energy? Here are a list of the government’s grants and rebates for utilizing solar energy:
U.S Department of Agriculture REAP Grants- This grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. This also offers funds to agricultural producers and small businesses to procure and install renewable solar energy and make efficiency improvements with regards to energy.
Consumer Energy Tax Incentives- Currently, consumers who buy and install a solar energy system can receive a tax credit for up to 30% of the cost. This applies to those who can purchase and/or install a system in service earlier than December 31, 2016.
Clean Energy Solutions ARRA CHP Program- Applicable divisions are commercial, industrial, schools and even nonprofit organizations. Installation requirement should be that electricity generated should be consumed on-site to the maximum extent possible.
California Solar Initiative – PV Incentives – This is a state rebate program for various sectors including residential, low-income residential, schools,
commercial, industrial as well as local, state and federal government, et cetera. This program requires systems to be installed appropriately by a licensed California solar contractor or self-installed system owner. Last January 2006, this program aims to give more than $3 billion for over 10 years in incentives for solar energy projects with the goal of providing more than 3000 megawatts of solar capacity by the end of 2016.
Climate Smart Solar Grant Program- This is applicable to the state of Colorado where it offers grants to citizens who have low to moderate incomes in either single or multifamily homes. This grants program covers up to 50% of the project cost but the actual grant is settled on a case to case basis.
Assisted Home Performance Program- offered to low income for energy efficiency improvements for the state of New York. A maximum of $5000 grants for single-family homes.
Florida – Residential Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program- caters to residential homeowners where they are given a maximum incentive of $1,500 for the approved and eligible efficiency appliances and technologies.
DOE Tribal Energy Program-The Department of Energy Tribal Energy Program encourages tribal energy efficiency and economic growth by granting the tribes with financial and technical assistance for evaluation and development of renewable solar energy resources in their area.
The above mentioned grants are just a tenth of the different grants and rebate programs by the government to help people install and enjoy free energy. It really facilitates to create a better and safer environment if the government works hand in hand with the people by using a clean and renewable energy!
Solar Panels: Costs Solar Panels: Costs and Comparison and Comparison
Posted by admin on Dec 23, 2010
There are different aspects to take into consideration with regards to putting up a solar panel into our homes. One thing to consider would be the overall need for use of power and electricity before investing. Also, putting them up is the second biggest expense one has to consider.
The charges for the primary investment in solar-energy run equipments can be a bit costly. The semiconductor materials used in assembling the solar panels are actually expensive.
“How much does it cost?” is a frequent question relating to solar energy. It is quite complex to answer as the amount and cost is so dependent on a few aspects: location, size of the house or office to be supplied, how much sun does one get and how much energy utilized. To compare energy by coal or oil for generating electricity, solar energy is significantly higher.
Power usage is a good thing to remember before purchasing a solar power system. One has to reduce his energy consumption by updating the appliances, use of mirrors to help with the lighting and adding insulators within the home. The given does not only save money on the current energy system used but it also allows one to purchase a smaller solar power system. A lot of homeowners are not sure how to price their solar electricity in comparison to what they pay for their fossil fuel generated electricity.
The cost of a solar panel varies depending on the provider and its classification – low end, medium end and high end. For a home needing only 1 kilowatt electric power and wanting to use a low end solar panel, the cost range would be within $10,000 – $15,000. In utilizing a medium end solar panel demanding for a 3 kilowatt electric power, the cost can range from $15,000 – $25,000. On the other hand, the most expensive of them all would be using a high end solar panel for a home needing 5 kilowatt electric power. The price ranges from $25,000 – $45,000.
Solar panel installation also influences the cost to consider when going for solar energy; but the cost is still primarily dependent upon the usage and consumption. Most of us may want to stick to the thought that by going solar it would be too expensive; but if it is the amount of savings to be taken into consideration in the long run, using solar or PV panels as an investment shall certainly pay off.