Renewable Power News » Richard Nelson

Selecting The Proper Solar Panel Mounts For Your Array

Richard Nelson — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:00:02 +0000

Using the proper solar panel mounting device is vital to how well your solar unit works. The quantity of power you produce is dependent on the amount of sunlight your PV panels can absorb and this is where your choice of mounts is important.

What it boils down to is if you want the most efficiency from your solar power system, it is crucial that you have the proper type of mounts.

A primary concern when you build or buy solar power mounts is their durability, the ideal is they must stand up to a few years of wear and tear and exposure to all types of weather conditions.

What Are Solar Mounting Devices Made Of?

There are generally four choices: aluminum, stainless steel, angle iron or wood. Depending on which variety you go with your budget and location will come into play. For instance, aluminum is a lightweight material and it is easy to work with and weld. Additionally, it is a hardscrabble material and it holds up well against corrosion. It can however be an expensive way to proceed.

Stainless steel is likely your most costly option and can d be difficult to work with. On the other hand it is extremely resilient capable of withstanding various climate conditions and inclement weather.

Angle iron is also simple to manipulate and one of the cheapest of the materials, though the downside is it will suffer from corrosion faster than the other types if conditions are sodden.

When it comes to the option of wood, it is the least expensive choice and it can be found everywhere. However, it responds poorly to inclement weather and adverse conditions so it must be treated and maintained to keep its stability or you need to replace it often.

What Does Wind Load Mean?

Based on how you position your solar panels, your mounting device will be under pressure thanks to the wind. This force is called wind load and it must be considered when you decide upon a material for your mount and how it is built.

You could speak with a contractor to determine the wind load. You should always err on the side of caution when it comes to this point. Think about the worst case scenario you might experience in your region and decide how to proceed from there.

Will A Tracker Be Necessary?

Just like it sounds, a tracker follows the sun and adapts the solar panel I the proper manner. What this does is make sure your solar panels are always capturing as much sunlight as possible. Should you determine a tracker is the way to go, you would do well to choose one that does not use too much juice of its own!

For instance, a single axis tracking unit might be capable of better efficiency. Furthermore, it is vital to that the tracker be properly attached and secure.

Where Do You Put The Mounts?

You are probably used to seeing solar panels installed on rooftops; understand though that this is not your only choice for mounting. In point of fact, when you install panels on your roof you risk causing leaks. Hence, it may be better to mount the panels near the ground or on a pedestal or pole. This will mean using more space but it could well be your best decision.

Before you rush to purchase your solar power panel mounting device, figure out where you want them placed, with the most direct sunlight, using the most suitable material for your needs.

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Solar Powered Air Conditioners Are Very Cool!

Richard Nelson — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:58:54 +0000

Solar powered air conditioning even sounds strange. Questions likely abound after hearing about this technology so we should begin by describing exactly what this is. Solar air conditioning is really a new technology based on the old swamp coolers with way more advanced tech involved. Years ago people in the warmer southern climes of the United States realized that when you ran water past a fan blown radiator, they could feel the benefits of what is referred to as “evaporative cooling”. This is the same concept that was utilized in the earliest refrigeration procedures. As water evaporates from a surface, the area it once covered will be much cooler than the air temperature surrounding it.

That is the elementary principle of evaporative cooling so time to move toward an explanation on the why and how a solar power air conditioner works and what financial advantages there are. The units use about four gallons of water over a one hour period, dependant on the temperature of the ambient air. The more evaporation the cooler the unit will be. Since the ambient temperature – or really the outside temperature do the majority of the air cooling work in the air conditioning unit. The water used in the procedure also humidifies the air and the result is quite comfortable air.

There are numerous advantages to the unit and there will be a significant impact on air conditioning units and the cooling process of work space and home environments for many years into the future. One of the main benefits is these systems do not need any potentially hazardous chemicals [refrigerants] since the evaporation effect does the job of cooling. The second benefit is due to the water used is a thermal medium pumped through air ducts at the ideal comfort zone with respect to humidity levels, specifically in more arid zones.

The benefit that is largely considered the most impressive about these systems is that due to the cooling processes being completed by evaporation, the total energy needed by the whole unit is ninety percent LESS than what a conventional air conditioner would utilize. A traditional style air conditioner in your house needs about six thousand watts of electricity t work properly while the solar unit runs at peak capacity on only six hundred watts.

To understand this better, consider the common hand blower hair dryer many of us use on our hair. These will use up to eighteen hundred watts in some later models, with numerous fan speeds, the thing about certain solar air conditioning units is they will operate using one third of that energy.

That should cover the questions regarding the evaporation and cooling part of the system so now we will look at the solar aspects of the air conditioner unit. Since the power needs to work these units is so small, they use only four two hundred watt solar panel modules to generate the necessary power the whole system will ever require.

The last component of the solar air unit proves the importance of the solar feature. Al air conditioners generate expended air and though the air expelled from common systems is inevitably hot air, the air expelled from this latest technology is quite cool. Solar panels, which produce the power to drive the units, will produce much more power at lower temperatures, below the one hundred fifty degree mark. On the other hand, anyone who understands these solar panel units already knows that when they are left to collect sun energy on their own in the heat of the day, they will become so much hotter than the one hundred fifty degree mark and their power generation capability will be lowered by approximately fifteen percent.

It is because of this that the professionals suggest using duct work from the exhaust opening of the air conditioner system to redirect the cool expelled air to a plenum system. This is attached across the whole surface and behind the solar panel array that will keep the solar panels that are producing the energy to power the entire unit, much cooler in the sun’s heat. You will enjoy an extra fifteen percent of energy production squeezed out of the solar array.

Therefore, we should take a look back and recap our thoughts. There are no chemical refrigerants, the system is powered by one hundred percent solar energy, you get cool and comfy air at home or at work and your unit becomes more efficient as the temperature becomes warmer, saving you loads of money over the course of a year on air cooling costs.

The systems are wonderful alternatives to the many air conditioning systems of the conventional variety on the market today. The solar air conditioning units – degree by degree and dollar for dollar are a far more efficient and renewable form of air cooling. They are far more favorable to the environment than traditional models, and talk about a conversation piece!

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Clean, Green Solutions For Marine Based Solar Systems – The Season Is Here!

Richard Nelson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:07:45 +0000

A renewable energy solution that shows a commitment to green thinking is solar power creation through the use of keeping up high voltage battery power in a deep cycle battery while in a boating or marine surrounding. This type of battery is utilized in recreational type vehicles where it is important to maintain peak voltage since a lesser charge can decrease the effectiveness of the battery by up to five percent. This is the tipping point in most batteries when potential power begins to destabilize.

Using a charge controller will alleviate this issue and see that the voltage maintains itself at a desirable level enabling it to charge securely by using a solar panel. Being able to use this kind of equipment is precious while touring by boat, ship or even ocean cruise liner. When you utilize a solar power unit in a marine environment you save on fuel consumption the boat would ordinarily be drawing upon to power the battery. You also will be able to save on fuel powered equipment usage.

One usually sees the marine solar panels outfitted into the highest regions of the boats and ships that use them. These solar units are quickly becoming standard equipment in new ocean going marine units, yachts and for recreational boating enthusiasts. The solar power marine systems give the mariners longer periods of powered cruising, they reduce the level of fuel required to operate the engines and the energy created is renewable, clean and available whenever the sun shines.

When the operating costs of running a unit such as this is balanced out it soon becomes clear that it is a good idea switching over to a form of power that has no ongoing cost once the initial investment has been recouped and the ongoing cost of maintaining the system is negligible.

When you incorporate the use of solar panels utilized in ships and cruise line environments into a smaller pleasure boating scenario, it becomes clear the principle uses of such a system fit nicely into a smaller unit marine based outfit. The small units are still thought to be grid linked units due to the central generating plant system they employ to a tiny grid with solar photovoltaic panels using a specific variety of solar panel tile.

Marine type solar system batteries generate an alternative form of clean energy that is appropriate for smaller recreational boaters straight up to ocean going liners that substitute as water based cities for their passengers. When using marine solar panels and batteries engineered for the purpose, it is proven in fact that you would be able to construct an actual floating city that was entirely reliant on solar power.

The photovoltaics and power units utilized in marine solar system batteries are not unique from suburban solar functions; the difference is in the environment they are powering. If the idea is to live onboard or cruise the seaways or wherever there is a suitable marine environment, one should be knowledgeable about the system wiring, parts and hardware required to keep marine solar power units in tip top operating condition.

Your marine solar system can be adapted to charge batteries while undergoing dockside maintenance. If your craft is prone to making stops or anchoring often, you will have to sustain a floating charge so you can keep the batteries topped up to avoid a lack of power when you are ready to start up the craft.

Your appreciation for this alternative form of renewable, not to mention clean energy, will soar when you experience the utility of the unit and begin to see the cost savings associated with it. Operating a marine craft on open water comes with unique challenges and one of the most critical ones is operating electricity. Storing power in marine solar batteries is a solution to these special needs. There are some special requirements that must be monitored due to the surroundings such as corrosion of parts, replacing them when necessary so the system operates at peak efficiency and optimal power.

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Solar Energy Myth Buster #3 – Solar Power Costs Too Much!

Richard Nelson — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:24:03 +0000

The price tag for building the various pieces solar power equipment is quite quickly becoming less expensive; however, the consumer expenditure to set up a residential solar power unit continues to appear excessive – is it really?

Sleight Of Hand

The Federal US government has customarily supplied inducement and financial support of some kind to the energy sector and usually for conventional resources like nuclear and coal generated power. The financial handouts given to renewable sources are actually about one hundred times less and this makes these power supplies seem to be more expensive than they actually are. This is a sleight of hand tactic where money changes hands and things do not appear to be what they really are.

Does This Mean Traditional Power Will Become Cheaper?

Not in the least! As the reserves of fossil fuel diminish, the price of accessing an increasingly more difficult to locate supply increases and guess who winds up paying for it? This scenario is getting worse and there is no relief in sight. The rates we pay for utilities have risen annually by 5.5 percent since 1970. The tough part to stomach is that when we pay these rates we can never expect to recoup the cost in equity. The rates keep going up and we continue to pay it with blinders on.

Concealed Expense Of Conventional Electricity

Federal handouts to this industry make them appear to be a great deal for us. However, there are certain intangible expenses that are not obvious. In the end, you pay taxes and these taxes go to pay out the subsidies. More costs you do not readily see are the pollution related expenses, damage to the environment, natural habitation, and health care expenditures from contaminants produced by conventional energy.

When you factor in these hidden expenditures, renewable power sources start to look pretty good.

State Governments Offer Hope

Many more states are realizing the need to have a larger footprint with renewable energy and solar power is the target. They are supplying consumers with sizeable reimbursements for new solar power installs. California in particular is one of the leaders with their California Solar Initiative giving rebates based on the forecasted effectiveness of a new solar power set up. They help significantly in assisting the consumer and balancing the field of play.

Concealed Benefits Of Solar Power

While we easily recognize the more obvious advantages of solar power systems, lower electric bill or no bill at all, safeguarding the ecology, there are some not as blatant. For instance, when you install a solar power system at your home you could very likely be increasing the value of your home. Often home improvements do nothing to raise property value, not so with solar. This capital gain alone needs to be considered into the cost of solar power.

As we continue to witness the damage done to our environment from conventional energy supplies, the acceptance of solar power as a renewable power source is taking too long to implement. The reason is thought to be because of the many myths and fallacies that abound regarding this incredible source of energy. The number one being that solar power is too expensive. By presenting a viable defense of the solar power sector, the hope is more people will consider the advantages available when solar power is installed in their homes.

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Solar Energy Myth Buster #2 – We Must Sacrifice Various Conveniences With Solar

Richard Nelson — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:49:19 +0000

There are so many false statements being made about solar power and renewable energy that it is time to set some facts straight. One of the truths of solar power is that utilizing solar power systems does not mean you will have to give up on certain conveniences.

The Truth Is Not Inconvenient

The established thinking is that if you use solar power by itself off of the grid, it will be necessary for you to live without the use of some appliances and conveniences you would otherwise enjoy while powering from the grid. This is due to a solar power system being unable to provide the necessary electricity to run your refrigerator? Guess again! Maybe no power tools while the lights are on? Just ridiculous! Electricity requirements will be too great and needed to quickly for the solar unit to provide it? Wrong again!

Planning Is Everything

If you are going to meet the electricity requirements of any home, you will need to do an evaluation of all appliances and electronics utilization. This is called sizing a system and it supplies the data required to establish which elements you will need and how many of each so you will be able to operate all your electronics and appliances when solar is set up. Computers, home entertainment systems, appliances, office equipment, all need to be calculated. You will probably get a good idea of average power usage by calculating median numbers from past power invoices you have paid if they include wattage usage.

The beauty of using a solar power unit for your residence is it is a modular set up. This means as your power needs change, you can simply add to your photovoltaic array to make up additional power.

All The Power, All The Time

Though not often considered but certainly a factor to think about is that the chances of using all your electrical apparatus’ at the same time is highly unlikely and actually not really normal! It is for this reason that sizing a system takes into consideration the electric equipment usually used on a frequent basis, while at the same time being compliant with other devices and appliances that while operating are using the most energy.

Still, if sizing the solar unit so it can handle all the electrical devices in your home operating at the same time is your desire, go for it. The only drawbacks are the cost to install it, the space required and the general inefficient use of an oversized solar installation.

So Do Not Worry About It

In the end, it comes down to when you have a solar power system installed in your home, there is no need to concern yourself with giving up convenience for an off the grid power source, specifically solar energy. There are so many cases in point of homeowners powering off the grid and enjoying all benefits it offers, along with all the power they ever need.

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How To Buy The Right Solar Panels For Your Project

Richard Nelson — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:07:45 +0000

More people than ever are considering a purchase of solar power systems for home or even at their businesses. Solar energy converted to electricity is a marvelous method of satisfying your electrical requirements. As exciting as this relatively new source of energy is, few people really know much about it or how to purchase solar panels.
Any of us understand that solar panels collect the sun’s rays to generate electricity but we are neophytes when it comes to choosing the panels we need to generate the power we require.

Let’s have a quick look at choosing the correct solar array for our particular solar power project.

How Do Solar Panels Function?

Solar panels operate via the photovoltaic response to sunlight; this is why they are usually called PV cells or panels. This photovoltaic process was first seen in the 1800s when a French researcher named Edmund Becquerel realized that as particles of light landed on specific materials, like silicon, a small electrical current was produced.

Over time and some refining, this process evolved to the place it is at currently, and today’s solar cell panels are engineered to generate a considerable amount of power. The cells are linked with each other to make a solar panel and when a few of these are placed together you have a solar array that can produce meaningful amounts of solar power to charge your home and devices.

What Kind Of Solar Panels Are Available?

There are three main types of solar panels on the market for commercial use – monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous.

Each of these has its own benefits and shortfalls. Monocrystalline cells are designed from single crystal silicon and have the highest efficiency ratio per panel – they are also the most costly variety. Polycrystalline cells are made with particles of single crystal silicon and are less costly than the mono type, however, they are not as efficient. Amorphous cells or thin film cells are produced by introducing non-crystalline silicon on to a surface like plastic or metal. This kind is the least expensive and also the least efficient.

What Type Of Solar Panel Should I Purchase?

You should consider several points when choosing the right solar panel for your needs. Much is based upon your bank account size and the dimensions of the solar power unit you want to install for your electricity requirements. Another factor to consider is how much available space you have to affix the panels.

Though you might have two solar panels the same size, the power they generate may be quite different. This depends on their age, their type, and the quality of the solar cells utilized when they were engineered and built. Newer solar panels could be the same as the older model panels, but because of technical advancements, will quite likely be more efficient.

The thin film kind of panel – the amorphous type – remain the least expensive option on the market but because of their known inefficiency, more will be required to generate your electricity needs and this means you will need to utilize more of your space to install them which could be a logistical issue.

Therefore, the smartest principle to exercise when purchasing solar panels is to measure cost per watt and for your best value, you should be paying about four dollars per watt. Therefore, for one hundred watts of power [buying a 100 watt module – or panel] you will pay four hundred dollars, or somewhere in that vicinity would be fair.

Conversely, if you have no problem finding the space to install your system, your better option would be to buy solar panels utilizing the older technologies if the price is less and they still satisfy your requirements. They do the job just fine and save you money though they require more space.

Because the solar panels are the costliest portion of your photovoltaic system, its significant to understand what it is you are paying for and how much it is going to cost you. With any fortune, you are now in a better position to buy solar panels now, then you were before reading this article and you have the confidence to buy the right solar equipment.

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The Truth About Solar Energy In 2010

Richard Nelson — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:45:50 +0000

With 2009 fading into the past, recorded data will explain how solar power stocks tolerated a difficult year. This is old news and not really earth rattling, since the high foreheads on Wall Street literally kicked the stuffing out of this segment for a good part of the year.

The pundits figured the bad news was going to simply carry forward into 2010, forecasting a pasting being taken by roughly half the solar energy businesses around the globe. The thinking [a term used loosely] on Wall Street appears to be somewhat like this:

Experts initially stated there was an enormous saturation of polysilicon – the raw product forming part of the silicon based Photovoltaic cell panel. This was just part of the story and solar panels sold at increasing rates quickly taking a bite out of the additional supply.

Experts made another bad call when analyzing the novel thin filmed solar panel technology everyone was raving about. They believed businesses that manufactured thin film solar were facing ruin due to the oversupply of polysilicon that would continue to allow for the under pricing of photovoltaic panels making it troublesome for thin filmed solar companies to thrive. This narrow minded forecast was one for the books. Many of these business authorities may well be choking on crow right about now.

With that said, here is a glimpse at the actual solar power division.
[It should be noted that some solar power companies will fail and others will lose money heading into the future but that is a truism of any competitive and active sector].

The markets for electricity producing solar photovoltaic cells are rising quickly. We will not see what happened twenty or thirty years ago in this sector when four hundred solar panel producers was reduced to just five as the marketplace for this technology just tanked.

The solar power industry only requires a slight adjustment in opinion.

Solar Industry Bosses Speak Out

During the Solar power International 2009 conference set in Anaheim, California last fall, the leadership of solar power companies added their voices regarding the condition of their field and their insight into the future.

Ron Kenedi, vice president of solar Energy Solutions Group at Sharp Corporation is high on the coming year 2010 stating that they are witnessing expansion in solar overall and it began in the previous few months. There has been development in the residential segment with new methods of financing projects. Grid utility scale operations are in startup phases and conventional solar is also taking off. Every sector in the solar power field is enjoying a surge in growth.

Zhengong Shi, Chairmen and CEO of Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. Is so high regarding the future of solar in the US market that his company will be constructing a new production facility in the US. In 2009, the Spanish market made up about one half of the world market for solar. Aside from the Spanish marketplace, every other industry tied market expanded at fifty to one hundred percent and this is seen as a very fruitful indicator. He says his company is thrilled with the US marketplace due in part to the Obama government’s openness and support for renewable energy growth and solar power and the added understanding the general population seems to have for alternate energy supply. They are confident their market share will carry on expanding throughout the US.

However, one industry exec, Jerry Wolfe, the CEO of private enterprise GroSolar, hit the nail on the head when discussing the real problem preventing solar power from opening up traditional markets. He says the technology is here and constantly getting better with residential and commercial / industrial building being less costly with solar power units than when they are powered by just the utility. People cannot figure this out so the industry’s biggest problem is the need for a societal shift in thinking and recognition of solar, this he believes is their biggest obstacle.

Turning on to Solar Power

Reminiscent of IBM’s Chairman discussing the novel computer idea in 1943 when he stated that there was a world market for maybe five computers. Evidently, we should not be discussing new tech promises with current technologists. Discuss solar power with a fossil fuel producer or the utility dependent upon fossil fuel for electricity and the opinions will be one sided. There will always be opposition to change.

Innovation is moving the solar industry forward, now and into the future and that is what North American industry as a whole has always taken pride in. In 2011 when the market experts are eating their yearly ration of crow, the solar power industry will still be churning out innovative new products, more solar businesses will be making money and the solar sector of the alternative power push will continue to mark its place within the new green economy.

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Putting Solar Energy To Work In Your Own Residence

Richard Nelson — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 06:12:07 +0000

Not only is solar power an excellent means of saving money on utility rates, installing a solar energy system in your home is great for the environment. You will be doing your bit to help “green up” the neighborhood. You will also be the envy of all your neighbors! This short write up will explain the essential elements of putting solar energy to work in your home.

If you wish to power your entire house with solar power, you could be looking at an expenditure of up to $50,000. This of course depends on the dimensions of your home and how sweeping your modifications will be. Do not let that price tag scare you away from the solar power concept. There are less expensive ways to get started in solar power. You can install smaller units that will just add additional power to your existing set up. You will still save money over time even though your system is smaller.

Remaining on the grid to some degree has its advantages. You will always have the grid supply if you run out of solar power for some reason and the grid will continue to power your home. One further benefit is the power you produce with the solar unit can be sold back to the grid, saving you on your monthly bill and helping you whittle down your initial costs.

You can hook your solar unit up to a battery array and store the power you make so even at low production periods you will still have power, particularly useful if not having power could be a danger in your location. It is not necessary to count on solar energyby itself. You could use hydropower as a type of back up. You would need a ready source of falling or flowing water though.

Hydroelectric power is generated by using this water to turn a small turbine, thus, you would have the potential to make power daily without the instability of weather shifts and winter months. When you amalgamate the two methods to power your house, it is a wonderful solution. You could also combine home solar power with a small wind turbine as a supplemental source though the wind is not a reliable source of power either.

Before you install the alternate power sources, you need to be certain your home is prepared for them. Try and conserve as much power in your home as possible. Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances that are up to present energy consumption standards.

If a solar power installation in your home is not yet in the cards, you can still make a dent in your monthly utility rates by following through with your energy conservation check up. Learn more about saving energy use and keeping more of your money by researching solutions online. You could arrange for an energy audit from a government agency or private firm from the phone book.

Solar power installation costs are dropping all the time and different levels of government offer energy rebates and incentives to purchase domestic renewable energy systems for home use. This will cut your initial investment considerably making it easier to justify the investment in solar power.

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Half Of Moroccan Territory To Be Powered By Solar Energy

Richard Nelson — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:59:31 +0000

This makes perfect sense given the fact that the North African Kingdom receives more than three thousand hours of dependable sunshine on a yearly basis. Nine centuries of unremitting sunlight have drenched this Kingdom of Morocco with all of its ancient charm and intrigue.

Morocco has plans to invest nine billion dollars in advance to construct two gigawatts of solar power, dispersed between five solar power facilities within ten years.

Two Gigawatts or [Two Thousand Megawatts] is plenty to provide for forty percent of the country’s electricity requirements for thirty two million inhabitants, who by the sounds of it, utilize very little energy in general. For instance, in California in 2008, they needed to add three thousand megawatts of power – primarily in the form of wind energy production. Nevertheless, it was supplying but a small fraction of the states actual energy requirement.

In Morocco, their five solar power facilities will be constructed successively, the initial plant slated for construction beginning in 2015. It will start saving Moroccans money straight away since it will reduce the need for foreign fossil fuel imports from adjacent oil producing nations.

It is inspirational to see the country’s politicians get behind the solar power initiative stating how they desire to see a “green footprint in the sands of time” and even more astounding was the ability to garner the majority of ballots in the Kingdom’s parliament that will give it the necessary push to get it off the ground.

No Right Wing Media Pundits Here!

The Moroccan Minister of Finance has said that the solar project will be an obviously significant point regarding the vital requirement of government to step up to the climate change question and he says this is simply their initial effort as a country. He adds that Morocco is placing a priority on environmental safeguards in every foreseeable project.

The Moroccan Minister of Energy also is staunchly behind the solar power progress. She emphasized that though it is a formidable plan it is a realistic endeavor and that guarantees are in place for all financial and technological resources for the project to be a winning venture.

The government of Morocco is putting into place all of the necessary financial resources as it collaborates with the World Bank, the European Commission as well as Desertec to realize their vision of a future with lean solar energy at the forefront.

One can only wish that our own western governments – specifically North American – could be so simply persuaded to leave their own green footprints in the sands of time. Domestic reliance on fossil fuel is so great that making any significant inroads toward a renewable energy future is more of a transparent gesture at this time than a determined energy policy promoting green renewable energy advances.

Granted, countries such as Morocco have less of a power commitment than most western democracies do and they have their predictable climate going for them. However, until political will is transformed across the aisle, green energy initiatives will continue to be patronizing at best.

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Concentrated Solar Electric Energy

Richard Nelson — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:07:06 +0000

By now, we all know the definition of solar electric power – generating electric power from the energy of the sun. It could take the form of direct to photovoltaic or PV, or perhaps it could be the indirect route. An example of the indirect method is concentrating solar power, for instance, when the sun’s energy is focused to boil water than utilizing that heated water to generate electrical power.

Two years ago in 2008, solar energy had the potential to perhaps supply one thousand times the total human power requirement, nevertheless, only a fraction of that amount was actually generated that year. Should solar energy carry on with increases averaging three years or even fewer, it will not take long for it to develop into primary source for energy and power in this century.

Until recently, photovoltaic was utilized as a power source for small to medium sized functions – for your solar cell calculator to households away from the national grid that used a PV power array for electricity. Installing solar power units can carry with it an enormous cost, but the knowledge base and technical development of solar have begun to lower this expenditure gradually. Far more developing nations are using or setting up solar power arrays and plants intended to take over for more traditional power sources.

The suns radiation is inconsistent and because of this solar power, production needs to be amalgamated with a form of power storage or other forms of energy to guarantee the supply of power remains uninterrupted. However, this issue is something for distribution companies and power utilities to contend with, the problem is mute for the consumer who relies on net metering. On an enormous level, combining power production is proving its worth with wind power, hydroelectric, biomass and solar energy production working together to supply grid requirements. In the end, the net result of this combo model of energy production is total renewable power.

Concentrated Solar Energy

The most common form of concentrated solar energy available is solar trough technology. Concentrating solar power units utilize mirrors or huge lenses along with tracking capabilities to focus enormous quantities of sunlight into a beam of light energy. Then this concentrated energy is utilized as a heat supply for the more customary kind of power plant facility.

There are several varieties of solar concentration technology in use today. The most advanced forms are the parabolic trough, the Stirling dish and the linear fresnel reflector. A number of methods are utilized when tracking the sunlight and concentrating its energy. In each procedure, the focused sunbeam heats the operational fluid, which is then used to produce power or warehouse the energy for another use.

Right now, various levels of government are offering financial inducements to assist with the installation of solar electric power units. These incentives are designed to increase buyer motivation toward solar PV’s and spur a competition between solar power generation and the more traditional methods of generating electricity.

One more method of increasing awareness of photovoltaic [PV] solar power creation is to break into the educational institution market for green technologies since universities and colleges are an influential sector for renewable energy solutions that would facilitate an impactful stimulus for the renewable power industry globally.

These days, solar electric power has garnered a fair share of attention, gaining a foothold in the residential market and small business and industry. Many of these consumers find they are able to generate excess power and are able to make an additional income by reselling their surplus power back to the grid and the power utilities. How exciting it must be to witness their electric meters running backwards for a change!

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