Green Lighting - Kid-Friendly Solar Energy Info

Learning About Solar Energy From the Dept of Energy: It's a bit cloudy

Interest in solar energy as an energy source rises and sets along with the tax credits that fuel its growth. Because I am essentially a kid at heart, I visited the Energy Kid's Page of the Energy Information Administration to learn more.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA), created by Congress in 1977, is a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. "Our mission is to provide policy-neutral data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment."

The Energy Kid's Page starts off in a friendly manner in a way that even I could understand:

The sun has produced energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the sun's rays (solar radiation) that reach the earth.

Some of this solar energy is converted to heat, which is used to heat water and building interiors.

So far, so good.

Solar energy can be converted to electricity in two ways:

* Photovoltaic (PV devices) or "solar cells" - change sunlight directly into electricity. PV systems are often used in remote locations that are not connected to the electric grid. They are also used to power watches, calculators, and lighted road signs.
* Solar Power Plants - indirectly generate electricity when the heat from solar thermal collectors is used to heat a fluid which produces steam that is used to power generator. Out of the 15 known solar electric generating units operating in the United States at the end of 2006, 10 of these are in California, and 5 in Arizona. No statistics are being collected on solar plants that produce less than 1 megawatt of electricity, so there may be smaller solar plants in a number of other states.

With childlike wonder, I pressed further, wanting to learn how energy-efficient, renewable solar energy can help reduce fossil-fuel-generated electricity (half of which comes from burning coal, which in turn creates the 104 tons of mercury annually we have the pleasure of breathing, drinking, and eating).

So I dug into the Photovoltaic Section. Without warning or proper disclosure, The Energy Kid's Page sent me back to college for my PhD in electronics. (Guys: Seriously, do you really think your Kid Page is kid-friendly?!)

With quick googling, I found an online university and enrolled, studied night and day for four entire weeks, got my PhD, and now am delighted to give you this kid-friendly explanation of solar energy.

We'll shine a light on photovoltaic energy and the three types of solar power plants.

Photovoltaic Energy

Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell or PV, is the technology used to convert solar energy directly into electrical power. The solar cell is a nonmechanical device usually made from silicon alloys.

Sunlight has photons. Photons have energy. The solar cell gets slammed by photons and absorbs some of them. Others bounce right off like basketballs or pass through like ghosts.The absorbed photons knock electrons out of place. Electrons are the stuff that electricity is made of. The electrons bubble up to the surface of the solar cell.This movement to the surface creates an imbalance. When you hook up a wire from the solar cell to an outside battery, you create a path that the electrons will follow.That flow into the battery is electricity.

A single photovoltaic cell will power your calculator and your curiosity, but not much more. At 1 or 2 watts, you need hook up a bunch together to get some real juice flowing. This is called an array, and can include as many cells as you can afford. Definitely a case of the more you spend, the more you save.

Don't Stick It Where The Sun Don't Shine

Sunlight is constant - the clouds and fog are not. Climate conditions significantly effect the amount of solar energy received by a photovoltaic array and, in turn, its performance. Most current technology photovoltaic modules are about 10 percent efficient in converting sunlight. Further research is being conducted to raise this efficiency to 20 percent.

AC/DC: Conversion

The battery collects direct current (DC). You need alternate current (AC) flowing through your light fixtures. Solid state devices called inverters convert DC power to AC. Problem solved.

Photovoltaic Energy Recap: photovoltaic or solar cells absorb the slings and arrows of outrageous photons from the Sun, which shove electrons to the surface of the cells, where you store them by having them flow through a wire into a battery. You break out your inverter to make that battery energy usable. But at 10% efficiency, they suck big time in consistently poorly lit areas, such as Sweden during November to January when they're nearly blacked out and lighting their way with seal blubber candles and Ikea accent lamps.

Next up, kids (and I'll keep it friendly):

Solar Thermal Power Plants

Solar thermal power plants use the sun's rays to heat a fluid, which is put into water and turns it into steam. The steam propels a turbine that powers a conventional generator that creates electricity. Solar thermal power generation works essentially the same as generation from fossil fuels except that instead of using steam produced from the combustion of fossil fuels, the steam is produced by the heat collected from sunlight. Solar thermal technologies use concentrator systems due to the high temperatures needed to heat the fluid.

In short, they replace fossil fuels with solar energy to run turbines which create electricity.

The three main types of solar-thermal power systems are:

1. parabolic troughs
2. solar dish, and
3. solar power tower


Parabolic Troughs

The most common type of solar plant, the parabolic trough is used in the largest solar power facility in the world located in the Mojave Desert at Kramer Junction, California. This facility has operated since the 1980's and accounts for the majority of solar electricity produced by the electric power sector today.

A parabola is U-shaped. The parabolic trough is like a magnifying glass: it takes sunlight and focuses it on a spot to heat it up. That spot is on a tower, surrounded by all the parabolic troughs. It heats the spot up to 400 degrees Celsius. The parabola can follow the Sun's movement during the day in order to get the most sunlight.

The spot that is heated up is filled with fluid. This fluid flows to heat up water and create steam. The steam propels a turbine that powers a conventional generator that creates electricity. The fluid cools down a bit and is returned to the spot on the tower to be reheated to 400 degrees.

The plant is usually designed to operate at full rated power using solar energy alone, given sufficient solar energy. However, all plants are hybrid solar/fossil plants that have a fossil-fired capability that can be used to supplement the solar output during periods of low solar energy. This defeats the purposes of generating renewable energy, but I guess the scientists know what they're doing.

Solar Dishes

A solar dish/engine system utilizes concentrating solar collectors that track the sun on two axes, concentrating the energy at the focal point of the dish (the box-like thing sticking out from the center of it) because it is always pointed at the sun.

The solar dish's concentration ratio is much higher that the solar trough, typically over 2,000, with a working fluid temperature over 750 degrees Celsius. The power-generating equipment used with a solar dish can be mounted at the focal point of the dish, making it well suited for remote operations or, as with the parabolic trough, the energy may be collected from a number of installations and converted to electricity at a central point.

The engine in a solar dish/engine system converts heat to mechanical power by compressing the working fluid when it is cold, heating the compressed working fluid, and then expanding the fluid through a turbine or with a piston to produce work. The engine is coupled to an electric generator to convert the mechanical power to electric power.

Solar Power Tower

A solar power tower or central receiver generates electricity from sunlight by focusing concentrated solar energy on a tower-mounted heat exchanger (receiver).

This system uses hundreds to thousands of flat sun-tracking mirrors called heliostats to reflect and concentrate the sun's energy onto a central receiver tower. The energy can be concentrated as much as 1,500 times that of the energy coming in from the sun. Energy losses from thermal-energy transport are minimized as solar energy is being directly transferred by reflection from the heliostats to a single receiver, rather than being moved through a transfer medium to one central location, as with parabolic troughs. Power towers must be large to be economical. This is a promising technology for large-scale grid-connected power plants. Though power towers are in the early stages of development compared with parabolic trough technology, a number of test facilities have been constructed around the world.

What We Learned Today

We learned that solar energy can be used to heat water and interiors.

Next, we learned that solar energy can be converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants. The photovoltaic cells take in photons, which shove aside electrons. The electrons, seeking a new home, journey in mass across a wire to their new land called Battery. Solar thermal power plants work by focusing sunlight to heat a fluid, and that fluid turns water into steam, which runs a turbine, and that turbine is the engine to run an electric generator.

And most important, we learned that, no matter what you label something, such as being designed for kids, that does not make it so. I think we need to call in the Department of Commerce to enforce the Truth-in-Labeling Act with the Department of Energy's Energy Kid's Page, one of the most kid-unfriendly websites known as mankind. And I'm going downtown right now to file a claim for reimbursement of my expensive online tuition for the PhD I had to get just to understand this Energy Kid's Page.

And now I would like to offer you free access to powerful info on energy efficiency that's easy to read and cuts through all this "green" information clutter -- so you can literally start making positive changes today.

You can access it now by going to: [http://www.a19.com/pub/articles]

From Cinnamon Alvarez: Founder, A19 -- woman-owned green manufacturer of hand-made ceramic lighting fixtures

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cinnamon_Alvarez

How to Cost Effectively Start a Solar Energy Business

The renting of a solar energy system for your home is a new, attractive twist to the idea of switching to renewable energy. With the adoption of a leasing or rental model for residential solar electric systems, an average homeowner can now go green at home as well as build a part-time, solar energy business. The following article outlines the step by step requirements needed to start solar energy business cost effectively.

Step 1 - Understanding the Solar Energy Business

Environmental entrepreneurs are charged with connecting with homeowners, educating them related to their alternative energy options, and providing them with the option to rent a solar electric system. By starting a solar energy business, a person becomes a solar energy consultant, making it possible for homeowners to adopt solar (PV) technology in a simple, investment-free way. No other solar rental program makes it so easy.

This type of renewable energy business entails no up-front fees to get involved but there are time investments related to educating yourself and in turn educating the American homeowner about residential solar electric systems. The rental of solar equipment is just getting started with much adoption and growth expected. Solar energy is now cost competitive with the utility prices and homeowners no longer have to make an upfront investment to switch to solar power. They can simply rent a system and perhaps build a solar energy business on the side.

To start a solar energy business, a person does not need to be a college graduate or a seasoned sales executive. All that is needed is the desire to make a difference and share the belief with others that solar power will make that difference.

Step 2 - Structuring of Your Solar Business

As a solar energy consultant, you are trained and supported by an experienced sales manager. The sales manager will support you in your initial days of solar energy industry education, sales cycle management, and how to effectively use the free sales tools. As you progress and begin to desire more responsibility, you can become a sales manager yourself by beginning to build your own marketing team.

Step 3 - Registering and Completing the Solar Energy Training

Registering by entering your information and signing up online is just the first step to working towards managing your own solar energy business. Training is the second required step in the process. This small business opportunity demands detailed knowledge of the solar energy industry.

You do not need to become an electrician or solar energy system installer but you should work to understand the difference between fossil fuels and renewable fuels, to understand how the electricity grid works, and to understand how residential solar energy works. You must be properly trained in solar energy topics and related technology so that you have the confidence to pass on this knowledge.

Training tools are available to assist you with the required testing. Training tools, testing, and ongoing support is all free. It is also important to continually build your knowledge of the renewable energy industry. This solar energy business requires no investment on your part but it does stress training and the use of training tools because accurate knowledge breaks down barriers.

Step 4 - Receiving Solar Energy Business Support

This solar energy business is centered upon ongoing support and growth. It is necessary for solar energy consultants to process solar system sales or referrals. There are free sales cycle management (CRM) tools included with this business opportunity. The sales aids make it very simple to complete the processing and help homeowners to rental a solar energy system.

These tools are provided to help build your solar energy business:

* One-on-one training from your sales manager,

* Training resources, books, brochures,

* Internal and external corporate websites,

* Help desk and knowledge base (both support and training),

* and much more.

The solar energy business explained here has a great mission. Its grassroots goal is to spread the use of clean, renewable solar electric power as simply and as rapidly as possible. This opportunity has eliminated as many obstacles as possible to both the rental of solar electric systems for home owners as well as to entrepreneurs wishing to start a solar energy business.

The overall job of a solar energy consultant is to become ambassadors for positive change in the World of renewable solar energy. Solar energy is vital to the U.S. economy, energy security, and the environment. There is a simple choice to do the right thing. By helping America to rethink solar electric power, you can start your own solar energy business in a very cost effective way.

At Solargies, our goals are not to just promote the adoption of alternative energy sources and the help change the general mind set towards improved energy conservation but it is also my personal quest is to create a powerful, grassroots movement for social, economic and environmental change. Learn more at http://www.Solargies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Stouffer

Solar Energy Overview

Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy that has been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Following is an overview of solar energy.

Solar Energy Overview

Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. The sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. Solar energy is also considered a clean energy because it does not produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the environment.

Solar energy was the first energy source used by mankind. Of course, the use was limited to drying things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In modern times, solar energy has been a power source since the early 1950s, but was not widespread due to technological issues which rendered it an ineffective and expensive energy source. With technology advancements, solar energy is moving to the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, which will be mixed in the paint you use for your home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy panels that will power your home

Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells, however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.

Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very different ways

Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on.

Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the panels will then either directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility. Active systems are more expensive and complex.

Solar energy has numerous advantages over other energy platforms. It is produces no pollution, requires little maintenance and comes with significant financial incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from manufactures. In a majority of states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities per a concept known as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries and significantly cuts utility bills.

Unfortunately, solar energy has some disadvantages as well. The initial cost of purchase and installation can be expensive. Second, areas with limited sunlight are problematic. Third, solar energy obviously can't be produced at night. Despite these disadvantages, solar energy is a booming energy platform.

The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the United States. California has recently introduces a solar initiative devoting over three billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by residents in the state. As this overview demonstrates, the solar energy platform is coming on strong.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on solar power and solar energy facts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo