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	<title>Renewable Energy News &#187; renewable energy</title>
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	<description>Renewable Energy News Blog</description>
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		<title>How Effective Are Solar Powered Cars?</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/how-effective-are-solar-powered-cars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/how-effective-are-solar-powered-cars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:53:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Timothy Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar power]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[First, of course is, "What is a solar powered car?"  In the simplest of terms, it's an electrical car, but instead of plugging in, the electricity is derived for solar energy panels that are attached directly to the top of the car.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/making-a-solar-powered-flashlight-work/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work'>Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work</a> <small>Generally speaking, a solar powered flashlights looks quite like any...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/the-rough-beginning-of-solar-powers-history/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Rough Beginning Of Solar Power&#8217;s History'>The Rough Beginning Of Solar Power&#8217;s History</a> <small>How long has solar power been around? Well, let's see,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2009/12/homemade-wind-generator-what-you-need-to-consider/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: HomeMade Wind Generator &#8211; What You Need To Consider'>HomeMade Wind Generator &#8211; What You Need To Consider</a> <small>The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First, of course is, &#8220;What is a solar powered car?&#8221;  In the simplest of terms, it&#8217;s an electrical car, but instead of plugging in, the electricity is derived for solar energy panels that are attached directly to the top of the car.</p>
<p>The electricity for a solar powered car is generated directly from the photovoltaic (PV) solar energy panels that capture the sun&#8217;s energy. </p>
<p>At this time, solar powered cars are really short-distance vehicles&#8230;short races or commuting&#8230;as they require a lot of direct sunlight to run right.  They do have solar batteries that store any additional energy not needed for immediate operation, but currently their storage capacity is too limited to be of any significant value to do anything other than provide less than 50 miles of additional operation.</p>
<p>So&#8230;the short answer to &#8220;How effective are solar powered cars?&#8221;&#8230; right now is &#8220;Not effective enough.&#8221;</p>
<p>However, solar powered cars may well be one of the best solutions to reduction of our environmental footprint&#8230;and our dependence on fossil fuel.  </p>
<p>While coal-burning plants step up to the number one spot for the creation of greenhouse gases, vehicles fall into the second spot.  Falling into first place for both sources of greenhouse gas emissions is the United States, contributing 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide through coal-burning power plants, and 1.5 billion tons through automobile engines.</p>
<p>The United States, being the biggest offender, with only 4% of the world&#8217;s population, isn&#8217;t viewed as the environment&#8217;s strong defender.  Despite having the technology to make significant change, and to make a real contribution to the solution, there has been little forward progress.  </p>
<p>It&#8217;s not hard to see the impact of the lobbying efforts of the automobile and energy industries to deter or defer legislation or incentives to produce really tangible results.  What you see, instead, is the strong hold that gas-hogging SUV&#8217;s and other large vehicles still have on the American market.</p>
<p>In the United States, solar powered cars are developed almost exclusively for race cars.  The vehicles are light and the cockpits are deliberately kept small.  At hundreds of thousands of dollars for the solar energy panels, they&#8217;re prohibitively expensive at this point.  The technology, however, definitely shows promise.  Solar powered cars produce absolutely no pollution.  This also means no motor noise pollution&#8230;the solar energy panels work very silently in collecting, using and storing energy. And..they run fast.  </p>
<p>In other parts of the world, a few solar powered cars, with partial power from solar panels on the vehicles, are being produced for general public usage.  Most of them are called an SPEV, which means a solar powered electrical vehicle.  Like their race car predecessors, they&#8217;re tiny, light-weight, one person vehicles capable of short distance commutes&#8230;grocery store, office, etc., and return.  There is one vehicle, though that&#8217;s setting the stage for an upgrade to a family-sized SPEV that can go further.  It&#8217;s a solar-powered five-door Blue Car hatchback&#8230;fully electric, whose solar panels are being produced in Europe.  There&#8217;s an ad in inhabitat.com that describes its solar components as follows: &#8220;The solar panels on the vehicle&#8217;s roof provides some power to the vehicle&#8217;s systems. It comes with regenerative brakes and a Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles per charge. According to the manufacturer, all the materials in the construction have been sourced to be as environmentally friendly as possible.&#8221;</p>
<p>An electric hybrid car&#8230;a car with both an electric and gasoline engine&#8230;the Toyota Prius, has also made a new solar energy addition.  It has an optional solar roof capable of adding power for an additional 20 miles.  If you&#8217;re thinking that&#8217;s not a huge contribution, think of it as one baby step backward&#8230;which in this case is a good thing&#8230;in vehicle contribution to global warming.</p>
<p>Solar powered cars don&#8217;t burn fossil fuels.  Therefore they create a very viable solution to global warming and to the fossil fuel energy crisis.  Not only that, they have real, practical, right-now benefits.  Solar powered cars don&#8217;t need oil changes&#8230;emission checks&#8230;or tune-ups.  How good is that?</p>
<p>Every time we make a decision to support solar energy; by voicing our support through our representatives in Congress for incentives and fuel-reduction initiatives; by purchasing vehicles that operate on solar or other renewable energies; by voicing our support often, we diminish our carbon footprint.</p>
<p>Solar powered cars can&#8230;and will become&#8230;more effective and more economical as we support the technology, and insist on research and development to further their manufacture and distribution.</p>
<p>Looking to find out all you can about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com/solar-power-cars/" >solar power cars</a></noindex> then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/" >home solar power</a></noindex> for you.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/making-a-solar-powered-flashlight-work/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work'>Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work</a> <small>Generally speaking, a solar powered flashlights looks quite like any...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/the-rough-beginning-of-solar-powers-history/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Rough Beginning Of Solar Power&#8217;s History'>The Rough Beginning Of Solar Power&#8217;s History</a> <small>How long has solar power been around? Well, let's see,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2009/12/homemade-wind-generator-what-you-need-to-consider/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: HomeMade Wind Generator &#8211; What You Need To Consider'>HomeMade Wind Generator &#8211; What You Need To Consider</a> <small>The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun...</small></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>Common Sense Reasons For Switching To Solar Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/common-sense-reasons-for-switching-to-solar-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/common-sense-reasons-for-switching-to-solar-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:07:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Goldwin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar power]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Well, one major reason is because of the financial aspects.  After the original investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun if practically without charge.  The recovery or payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2009/12/the-reasons-why-we-should-use-earth-4-energy/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Reasons Why We Should Use Earth 4 Energy'>The Reasons Why We Should Use Earth 4 Energy</a> <small>Nowadays we are feeling a rising awareness to the reality...</small></li>
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<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/05/common-solar-power-systems-for-homes/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Common Solar Power Systems for Homes'>Common Solar Power Systems for Homes</a> <small>Are you one of those homeowners who are dreaming of...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, one major reason is because of the financial aspects.  After the original investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun if practically without charge.  The recovery or payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.</p>
<p>There are also many financial incentives that are widely available from the federal and local government that will reduce your overall cost.  Depending on your area, if your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This nifty little idea is called &#8220;net-metering&#8221;.  Basically, it will save you money on your electricity bill if you even have one at all.</p>
<p>One great fact about solar energy is that it doesn&#8217;t require any fuel.  It&#8217;s not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.  The savings are immediate and for many years to come.</p>
<p>For the environmentally aware, solar energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.  It doesn&#8217;t pollute our air by releasing carbon-dioxide, nitrogen-oxide, sulphur-dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many usual forms of electrical generation does.  Solar energy doesn&#8217;t play a role in the global warming, acid rain or smog and as a matter of fact, it actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.</p>
<p>Solar energy can be exploited to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. For those nervous about outages it will also continue to supply your home or business with electricity in the episode of a power outage.</p>
<p>Your solar energy system can work entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can even be installed in remote locations (like cabins and remote vacation homes), making it more realistic and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.  Almost all solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.  Once installed, there are no recurring costs and they operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.  More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family&#8217;s needs mature.</p>
<p>Looking to find the best deal on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://SolairWorksInc.com" >Solar Panel Installations</a></noindex>, then visit SolairWorksInc.com to find the best advice on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://SolairWorksInc.com" >Chicago Solar Panel Installation Company</a></noindex> for you.</p>


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		<title>Photovoltaics And Their Role In The Advancement Of Renewable Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/photovoltaics-and-their-role-in-the-advancement-of-renewable-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/photovoltaics-and-their-role-in-the-advancement-of-renewable-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tisha Day</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photovoltaics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar pv]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Solar energy is one of the most abundant forms of renewable energy available to the world. Photovoltaic cells are used to convert the energy from the sun into electric power. This is done by a process called the photovoltaic effect. Continue reading and learn about photovoltaics and their role in the future of renewable energy.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Solar energy is one of the most abundant forms of renewable energy available to the world. Photovoltaic cells are used to convert the energy from the sun into electric power. This is done by a process called the photovoltaic effect. Continue reading and learn about photovoltaics and their role in the future of renewable energy.</p>
<p>Solar technology can be characterized by the way that it is captured. The solar radiation is either captured passively or actively. A passive solar capture would be when sunlight is converted without using any form of mechanical device, such as a solarium. While an active solar capture would be a conversion using either mechanical or electrical equipment. In both passive and active capture of solar energy, photovoltaic cells can be used.</p>
<p>The photovoltaic effect is the process that actually uses the photovoltaic cell. The cell is the material subjected to electromagnetic radiation and this creates voltage. The first to notice this process was Alexandre-Edmond Bechquerel in 1839.</p>
<p>The amount of solar energy that comes to the surface of the earth is so great that in one year it will exceeds double the amount of all the non-renewable resources of oil, coal, mined uranium, and natural gas combined on the earth. Different levels of solar energy can be captured in different areas around the world. The closer a location is to the equator, the more solar energy available.</p>
<p>Orbiting satellites and spacecraft were the first uses of the photovoltaic. They are now used for many things, but most often for power. A module of photovoltaic cells or solar cell produces direct current which must be converted to alternating current.</p>
<p>Solar panels that are made up of photovoltaic cells at one time were entirely too expensive to use at home or for general commercial use. Government incentive programs have made it possible for consumers to install systems at this time. Individuals are being encouraged worldwide to switch to renewable energy sources. Fortunately, over the past several years, the cost of solar panels have also decreased on their own.</p>
<p>When the public was first able to view photovoltaic cells, it was in the form of the solar calculator and other small gadgets. Roadway lighting systems are now being tested in different parts of the United States. They can now be seen in different devices like parking meters and street lamps. Across the world, there are several power stations using solar power. The need for photovoltaic cells is growing with the ever increasing need for renewable energy.</p>
<p><noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.thegreenelectrician.co.uk" >Photovoltaic</a></noindex> cells are utilized to take the energy from the sun and convert them into electric power. If you want it done correctly, , then you should get a <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.thegreenelectrician.co.uk/residential_case_studies" >PV installer</a></noindex> to do it for you.</p>


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		<title>How To Invest In The Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/how-to-invest-in-the-environment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/how-to-invest-in-the-environment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:12:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Earth News Media</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air pollution]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[For a very long time, money used for good will was called charity, while money used to earn more money was called investing. That's not the case anymore.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/05/new-green-social-network/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Green Social Network'>New Green Social Network</a> <small>Have you ever wanted to have renewable energy at home...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For a very long time, money used for good will was called charity, while money used to earn more money was called investing. That&#8217;s not the case anymore.</p>
<p>Today, the two concepts are forming into a financial arena called socially responsible investing. Both investors and mutual fund companies are implementing this new idea and discovering that they can be profitable and at the same time do some good for the environment and society.</p>
<p>Bob Guthrie, an investment broker with A.G. Edwards in Burlington, Vt. says, &#8220;Socially responsible investing means you don&#8217;t have to compromise your own personal beliefs to make money on Wall Street &#8211; whatever those beliefs are.&#8221;</p>
<p>Even back in the early 1900&#8217;s the idea of choosing investments for social reasons occurred when church members formed together and refused to invest in tobacco or alcohol companies. Guthrie also says that the trend has continued with investors dodging corporations associated with the Vietnam War or companies investing in South Africa. And that trend continues today with investors selecting companies that are more environmentally friendly over those that are not.</p>
<p>So, yes, growth in this type of investing has ballooned during the past few years as more and more investors have moved social consciousness into the main street of investing. And the impact of this trend is being felt.</p>
<p>With help from stockholders, business practices concerning the environment are starting to change, said Rob Kruger, vice president of portfolio management at Progressive Asset Management. While the issues may vary, he said companies are realizing they will suffer if they aren&#8217;t viewed as being socially responsible.</p>
<p>&#8220;As this investing community continues to grow, a lot of proposals are being put forward by investors at annual shareholder meetings,&#8221; Kruger said. &#8220;A whole variety of issues and activities is now being addressed.&#8221;</p>
<p>As part of its operation, Progressive Asset Management conducts research for socially responsible and eco-friendly mutual funds. The firm screens companies for environmental problems or nuclear involvement&#8230; whatever social issues their clients want investigated.</p>
<p>As the clock ticks, companies are becoming more cooperative if not anxious to talk about how they are more socially and environmentally responsible.</p>
<p>Guthrie agrees that business practices are changing and says American companies are aware of shareholders who are concerned with the environment.</p>
<p>He advises, &#8220;Make sure your hard-earned money is not invested in companies with little concern for the environment. Keep these things in mind when you invest and the corporations will do the same too.</p>
<p>Earth News Media a pioneer in the field of environmental and <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.earthnewsmedia.com" >global warming news</a></noindex> service profiling the positive environmental efforts of individuals, organizations and corporations around the world. Discover many <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.greenmarketingbook.com" >green business ideas</a></noindex>.</p>


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		<title>The Rough Beginning Of Solar Power&#8217;s History</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/the-rough-beginning-of-solar-powers-history/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/the-rough-beginning-of-solar-powers-history/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:43:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Timothy Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[How long has solar power been around?  Well, let's see, historically speaking, it's been available since...well...since before the creation of the human race.  According to historical records, mankind figured out how to begin to take advantage of this power source.  Someone discovered during the 7th century B. C. how to take a glass-like substance, and concentrate the sun's rays on an object to start a fire.  Then, in the 2nd and 3rd century B. C. the Romans and Greeks found they could focus sunlight using the reflective properties of various objects to create heat for lighting their torches.  Not long after that, its potential destructive nature was exploited when the Greeks focused sunlight on their metal shields and set fire to Roman ships.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How long has solar power been around?  Well, let&#8217;s see, historically speaking, it&#8217;s been available since&#8230;well&#8230;since before the creation of the human race.  According to historical records, mankind figured out how to begin to take advantage of this power source.  Someone discovered during the 7th century B. C. how to take a glass-like substance, and concentrate the sun&#8217;s rays on an object to start a fire.  Then, in the 2nd and 3rd century B. C. the Romans and Greeks found they could focus sunlight using the reflective properties of various objects to create heat for lighting their torches.  Not long after that, its potential destructive nature was exploited when the Greeks focused sunlight on their metal shields and set fire to Roman ships.</p>
<p>Early on, our ancestors learned how to use the power of the sun as a &#8220;sun-spark.&#8221;  What they did with the sun spark, however, was to use it to create a fire with wood.  For more than a millennia, fire has been available as fuel, creating heat as it burns.  This has been both a bad thing and a good thing.  Good for those needing the heat it provides, and bad for the forests that have been destroyed to provide that heat, as our forests are necessary to maintain the earth&#8217;s climates.</p>
<p>However, it&#8217;s very interesting to note that the next phase of solar energy development actually occurred when wood supplies began to diminish.  During the 1st and 4th century, the Greeks and Romans both found they could use the passive energy of the sun by putting large south-facing windows in their sunrooms, and soon they similarly used this passive energy to heat their public buildings and bathhouses.</p>
<p>Somewhere around 1200 A. D., history says the ancestors of the Pueblo people in North America also found and used the advantage of passive solar energy in their homes, building south-facing cliff dwellings in order to capture and take advantage of the winter sun.</p>
<p>Despite the knowledge of how to capture the sun&#8217;s energy for heating, and its availability in many areas, the mystery of how to truly capture and use more of its benefits, remained for many centuries.</p>
<p>On the other hand, history shows that fossil fuels&#8230;natural gas, oil, and coal, have been used along with wood to provide heat and light going back to caveman days.  History also shows that the Romans burned coal during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.  In America as well, there is evidence from around 1300 that the Hopi Indians were burning coal for cooking, heating, and pottery making.  Wood held top billing at the time, however, as it was the most accessible and readily available fuel.</p>
<p>During the Industrial Revolution, coal moved into the forefront in production of energy.  James Watt invented the steam engine, and powered it with steam.  The steam was created by burning coal, thereafter making coal the energy-creation machine.  Coal, then ultimately became one of the major symbols of American power.</p>
<p>The history of using the sun for active solar energy really began in the 1860&#8217;s. A French mathematician named August Mouchet created, along with his assistant, a solar-powered steam engine, using the technology that is still used today for parabolic dish collectors.  The technology worked well.  With coal-powered steam now readily available, however, this solar-powered steam engine got &#8220;steam-rolled&#8221;  and left to collect dust.</p>
<p>Solar power, in many ways, has ever since remained behind the curve&#8230;left in the dark.  Fossil fuels, on the other hand, surged forward and now have a firm grasp around the neck of most Americans, providing 85% of all of the energy needs of the United States.  As a major source of energy, solar power has had a very difficult time getting credit and recognition.</p>
<p>In the 1970&#8217;s solar energy had its first real resurgence as a potentially viable option to fossil fuel use.  Oil prices were rising at an alarming rate, with demand far exceeding supply at the gas pumps.  All of a sudden, there was acknowledgment of how dependent the United States had become on foreign oil supplies.  Reacting to this unprecedented event, the government under Jimmy Carter&#8217;s administration, created tax credits, so research and development could begin for the development of alternative energy sources, and relieve dependence on foreign oil supplies.</p>
<p>Throwing their vast and powerful lobbying efforts into it, fossil fuel industries successfully thwarted or limited how the credits and conditions of alternative energy sources would be developing.  Existing research and methods for immediately implementing solar energy for homes and business was in place.  Entrepreneurial, rather than institutional efforts were ready to be implemented in individual home and community settings.  However, funding for research and development was diverted to large universities and organizations, where it was slowly driven to put solar energy development into large utility industrial models.</p>
<p>With fossil fuel industry intervention, renewable energy resources in a decentralized environment have not been deemed an appropriate path&#8230;despite all indications that this is its most viable application.  Instead, reaching parity with fossil fuel energy appears to be the most that any legislation is designed, or will be designed, to do.</p>
<p>Despite the rough beginning and continuing obstacles that solar energy has experienced, that it is a viable alternative to fossil fuel is no longer debatable&#8230;with or without government support.  Driven to produce more fossil fuel energy quickly and more profitably, companies within these industries have taken shortcuts and incurred the consequences. The risks have resulted in unacceptable loss, both in the loss of human lives, and horrendous damage to the environment.  Technological advances are pushing the production of solar energy more clearly into the forefront now, making it cheaper and more readily available.  With the lack of similar potential to destroy the environment, solar and other renewable energy sources will drive production up and costs down.  At this point, directing solar energy resource and development tax dollars toward the creation of large, profitable utility companies may be all fossil fuel lobbyists are able to do&#8230;if&#8230;they are able to accomplish even that.</p>
<p>There is no myth&#8230;nor real mystery&#8230; to global warming. It&#8217;s here.  It&#8217;s now, and it&#8217;s everywhere.  It can be seen by the environmentalist and the man on the street, both in the climate changes, and in the environmental damage created by our lust for fossil fuel energy.  Whatever the debate, breathing clean air and protecting the Earth for generations to come requires all of us to stay focused on the full development of solar and other renewable energy sources as our best&#8230;and only really viable option&#8230;for our future.</p>
<p>Looking to find out all you can about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/solar-energy-history/" >solar energy history</a></noindex> then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/" >home solar power</a></noindex> for you.</p>


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		<title>Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/making-a-solar-powered-flashlight-work/</link>
		<comments>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/making-a-solar-powered-flashlight-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:40:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Timothy Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Generally speaking, a solar powered flashlights looks quite like any ordinary flashlight.  There's a simple on and off switch.  One end of the flashlight has an area that emits light...enough light to allow you to be able to see a small area at night, or into a darkened recess.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Generally speaking, a solar powered flashlights looks quite like any ordinary flashlight.  There&#8217;s a simple on and off switch.  One end of the flashlight has an area that emits light&#8230;enough light to allow you to be able to see a small area at night, or into a darkened recess.  </p>
<p>A solar powered flashlight uses sunlight energy, converted into electrical energy in a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell or panel that sits on the outside of the flashlight, that is then stored in a battery.  Most solar powered flashlights use LED or Light Emitting Diode lamps rather than an incandescent light bulb, as LED&#8217;s take less electrical current to operate, and they last longer.  While an incandescent light lasts, on average, for about 1000 hours, an LED lasts for an average of 100,000 hours.</p>
<p>Similarly, solar charged batteries that are used in the solar powered flashlight, as compared to the normal, single use nickel, lithium, or cadmium batteries generally seen in flashlights, usually will not require replacement for about two years with steady use.  The comparison rate is about 15 hours for a regular battery, compared to around 2500 hours for a solar rechargeable battery.</p>
<p>If you want to get the most out of your solar charged batteries, leave your solar flashlight on for 15 hours or more at least once a month.  This will fully expend the charge.  Because rechargeable batteries have a memory effect, so if you keep using your flashlight without fully discharging it, it isn&#8217;t going to be able to return to 100 percent of its available power, and will eventually only recharge to a lower memory level.</p>
<p>A window sill is good place to keep your solar powered flashlight when it&#8217;s not in use.  Placing the flashlight where the solar panel is exposed to the most sunlight possible, will maximize its power.  But if you&#8217;re not using your flashlight regularly, don&#8217;t forget to turn it on, and leave it on, as previously described, at least once each month.</p>
<p>You don&#8217;t have to look very hard any more to find a solar powered flashlight in a hardware store.  They&#8217;re great lights for emergency use, and for camping.  It&#8217;s good to have at least one in your home, and in each of your vehicles.  It&#8217;s a good idea if for no other reason than to lower your worry level. Remember all those times you needed a flashlight in a hurry, found it, discovered the batteries were dead and you didn&#8217;t have any spares&#8230;or at least didn&#8217;t know where they were?</p>
<p>More than just your basic solar flashlight, you&#8217;ll also find some very innovative designs.  You can get add-ons like cell phone chargers, flashers and sirens, to name just a few.  You&#8217;ll also find in the marketplace solar flashlight key chains in all kinds of designs.  What you&#8217;ll have to pay for add-ons really varies based on how unique the style is, what the additional functions are, and how cool the outside casing is. </p>
<p>And if you&#8217;re into &#8220;spreading the light&#8221; from a solar powered flashlight, check out bogolight.com.  The name for this website came from &#8220;Buy One, Give One.&#8221; The company that operates the BoGoLight Program, called SunNight Solar, is a limited liability company founded by Mark Bent in 2006.  Mark served in the American Diplomatic Corp in various developing countries, and saw the need for light in many places.  So he set about finding a way to provide.  Purchasing one solar flashlight at BoGoLight, or one of its affiliates, like InHabitat, sends another identical solar flashlight donation to a non-profit organization set up to collect and ship the flashlights throughout the world to areas where they are needed.</p>
<p>Isn&#8217;t it awesome to shine a little light&#8230;in a very solar way&#8230;for those who sit in the dark at night and cannot see?</p>
<p>Learn more about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/solar-power-lights/" >solar power lights</a></noindex>. Stop by Timothy Peters&#8217;s site where you can find out all about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/" >home solar power</a></noindex> and what it can do for you.</p>


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		<title>Construction Of A Solar Energy Panel</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:16:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Timothy Peters</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[The decision's made...you really want to reduce your reliance on your local power company.  And you want to decrease your carbon emission footprint.  So who do you increase your reliance on?  The "Big Power Company" of course...the sun.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The decision&#8217;s made&#8230;you really want to reduce your reliance on your local power company.  And you want to decrease your carbon emission footprint.  So who do you increase your reliance on?  The &#8220;Big Power Company&#8221; of course&#8230;the sun.</p>
<p>Wow&#8230;what a great idea (not that you didn&#8217;t know that already).  Of course, you&#8217;ll want to be sure you live where you get enough sunshine that you&#8217;ll be able to pay for your materials over time and begin to save money.  In some areas of the country, using solar energy simply isn&#8217;t feasible, so before you begin, a good place to visit is the U. S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) website to look at whether the area you live in is suitable for solar energy.</p>
<p>With the site determination behind you, you&#8217;re ready to start construction.  What you&#8217;ll quickly determine is that building a solar energy panel really isn&#8217;t rocket science, and once you&#8217;ve got your materials paid for, your energy bill may well trend downward significantly.</p>
<p>Many consumers think solar energy installation is an all or nothing project.  Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.  It&#8217;s easy to start small, see how it works, and then add on if it works well and is energy-efficient.</p>
<p>Currently,   &#8220;pre-built&#8221; solar energy panels are becoming more cost-effective.  But&#8230; they&#8217;re still far from cheap.  Plus, it&#8217;s fun and interesting to build your own.  And&#8230;if you&#8217;re a do-it-yourselfer with a little extra time who&#8217;s a little short of money, you can save a chunk of change.</p>
<p>You can find many recipes for building solar energy panels.  Books, e-books, and lots of articles on the Internet describe how to build solar energy panels.  With a little bit of searching, you can undoubtedly find exactly what you need to build a solar energy panel for your needs, as well as a list of the most available materials.</p>
<p>Research on the currently available technology, and most available construction materials for a photovoltaic (PV) panel, you can expect to find the following items on your basic list:</p>
<p>1.	Solar cells</p>
<p>2.	A shallow box built of plywood </p>
<p>3.	Substrate of some material like masonite pegboard</p>
<p>4.	Plexiglass to protect cells</p>
<p>5.	Hardware and screws</p>
<p>6.	Wire</p>
<p>7.	Silicone Caulk</p>
<p>8.	Diode</p>
<p>9.	Jones Plug</p>
<p>The solar cells are connected (soldered together in a series) with a blocking diode mounted inside the panel, and a polarized two-pin jones plug is connected at the end of the wires.  The solar cells must be connected and protected within the box, usually with a piece of glass, which is sealed with silicone caulk to prevent possible water damage.  Get everything put together, properly sealed, then connect your panel to a battery bank/inverter and you&#8217;ve got an &#8220;off-grid&#8221; power system.</p>
<p>To get a demonstration of how one solar panel was put together using this recipe, go to http://www.mdpub.com/solarpanel/index.html.  You&#8217;ll find the box size, solar cell size, photographs, and where the author was able to get all of his materials.</p>
<p>One of the things this article points out is that although there are many types of solar cells, cells of the same type all produce the same voltage.  So if you use larger solar cells, you&#8217;ll get more power, but the panel will weigh more.</p>
<p>One of the key considerations, I believe, is keeping the panels manageable for one person to handle.  Most DIY&#8217;s (do-it-yourselfers) not only build, but also install whatever they&#8217;re building, so unless you&#8217;re making a permanent installation, and will have plenty of help getting it up,  keeping the panel small and light is a plus.  You can add multiple solar panels and a larger battery bank, with more inverters to expand your system if you decide the whole process is worthwhile&#8230;and I&#8217;m talking about worthwhile from both the energy-saving costs and the IDIM (I did it myself) factor.</p>
<p>Solar cells, as previously mentioned, are still fairly expensive.   Construction of solar energy panels is advancing rapidly with new technology, however.  A few fascinating innovations coming to the forefront are described at http://www.treehugger.com.  One of these is CIGS (copper indium gallium diselinide) thin film technology for solar cells.  It&#8217;s being developed by the U. S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and it is expected to be cheaper to produce than the current silicon-based cells.  Another innovation is the Cool Earth Inflatable Balloon, which is designed to directly concentrate sunlight into smaller solar panels.  Then, there are thin solar panels constructed from &#8216;hairy&#8217; thin nanowires.  There are some very clever solar innovations on the horizon.</p>
<p>As you will see after a little research, there are choices for construction.  Whatever you use, however, to construct your solar energy panel, it&#8217;s a project with a payoff.  You&#8217;ll be decreasing your own reliance on a non-renewable energy source (fossil fuel), lessening your negative environmental impact, and, as a DIY&#8217;er, you&#8217;ll be doing it the most cost-efficient way.</p>
<p>Learn more about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/solar-energy-panels/" >solar energy panels</a></noindex>. Stop by Timothy Peters&#8217;s site where you can find out all about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homesolarpowerexplained.com/" >home solar power</a></noindex> and what it can do for you.</p>


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		<title>Benefits Of A Do-it-yourself Solar Water Heater</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/benefits-of-a-do-it-yourself-solar-water-heater/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:07:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nathan Henry</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[If you are a beginner with do-it-yourself projects, the Do-it-yourself solar water heater is still an excellent venture to do. There are various levels of difficulty that can be built, based on which kind of project you're undertaking. Irrespective of your level of knowledge, it is possible to find a suitable project that's suitable for both your needs and your degree of experience.


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<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/01/save-fuel-with-a-solar-water-heater/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Save Fuel With A Solar Water Heater'>Save Fuel With A Solar Water Heater</a> <small>Heating water for your home can be very expensive. If...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/the-basics-about-solar-water-heating-system-for-homes/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Basics About Solar Water Heating System For Homes'>The Basics About Solar Water Heating System For Homes</a> <small>Solar water heating systems for homes are not new. The...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are a beginner with do-it-yourself projects, the Do-it-yourself solar water heater is still an excellent venture to do. There are various levels of difficulty that can be built, based on which kind of project you&#8217;re undertaking. Irrespective of your level of knowledge, it is possible to find a suitable project that&#8217;s suitable for both your needs and your degree of experience. </p>
<p>There are various choices for DIY solar water heaters and the easiest among these are batch water heaters. They are designed so that the parts you need are available at your neighborhood hardware store. The various options consist of different designs that can be modified to suit your specific requirements or personal style.</p>
<p>The batch water heater utilizes a water tank that is positioned where it&#8217;ll heat the power utilizing the sun&#8217;s energy. This is then attached to your home&#8217;s plumbing system. You want the sun&#8217;s heating of the water to be as effective as possible, and you may need to get a little creative to accomplish this.</p>
<p>The very first thing is to have the water tank painted a black matte color. Because black absorbs lights, this helps the tank to take in and keep as much heat as achievable. Beyond this you need to take stock of what is available to you and get innovative. Lots of people encase the batch water heater inside a simple glass box. This creates an insulated area close to the water heater which will also help to hold the heat in.</p>
<p>Some people get even more innovative. Several Do-it-yourself solar water heaters integrate portable mirrors located strategically surrounding the water tank. The suns rays then strike these mirrors and are reflected on to the system, increasing the surface area that will be heated. These types of mirrored systems are usually the most reliable types since the largest surface area is utilized, helping the tank to make probably the most use of the sun&#8217;s rays.</p>
<p>However, if you reside in chilly climates you need to understand that the batch water heater is probably not a good option for you. If you come across long periods of below freezing temperatures then you will certainly want to stay away from the batch system. Chilly places as well as freezing temperatures can cause batch heaters to break. Batch heaters in colder climates must be drained during the winter season to protect them.</p>
<p>As a result, in the event you live in a cooler climate you should consider one of the other many options available for DIY solar water heaters. One alternative is a closed loop system. Using a closed loop system the water is in constant movement, certainly not having the chance to freeze and cause damage. Yet, closed loop systems are more technical and require greater plumbing expertise so you should only try it if you have lots of DIY experience.</p>
<p>The fantastic thing about this kind of system is that they can reduce your energy cost and reduce your carbon footprint so they are excellent for the environment. Most DIY solar water heaters could be constructed for under $1200, and therefore it will not take long before your investment pays for by itself and you will have fun building this new, money-saving system.</p>
<p>Looking to find the best deal on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://solarlearn.com/" >solar power</a></noindex>, then visit http://solarlearn.com to find the best advice on <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://solarlearn.com/252/what-are-causes-of-global-warming-a-must-read-book-the-real-global-warming-disaster/" >instant hot water heater</a></noindex> for you.</p>


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		<title>Discover Alternative Energy And How It Can Benefit You</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/discover-alternative-energy-and-how-it-can-benefit-you/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:59:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Wendell John-Baptiste</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[We should not allow ourselves to fall into a crisis over energy. There is too much energy available for us to utilize. We have actually fallen behind in harnessing the energy available to us, and it seems that there is almost no limit to what we can do. We may need to some day assist other countries with an energy situation, as well as simply providing for our own. It will be a great day when we can flip a switch for electricity that is completely controlled by the power of the sun. Either by panels in our own yards, or by solar electric plants. Alternative sources are also sustainable sources and will not do away with the reserves of limited natural resources that we have now. Future generations will depend on these stores at a later time. The following will help you to learn alternative energy for your future.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/06/our-future-is-a-good-reason-we-should-look-at-renewable-energy-now/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Our Future Is A Good Reason We Should Look At Renewable Energy Now'>Our Future Is A Good Reason We Should Look At Renewable Energy Now</a> <small>Renewable energy is no longer a thought or goal for...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/03/alternative-energy-sources/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Alternative Energy Sources'>Alternative Energy Sources</a> <small>Are there any alternative energy sources that can fulfill all...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/04/alternative-energy-solutions/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Alternative Energy Solutions'>Alternative Energy Solutions</a> <small>Alternative energy is energy derived in such a way that...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We should not allow ourselves to fall into a crisis over energy. There is too much energy available for us to utilize. We have actually fallen behind in harnessing the energy available to us, and it seems that there is almost no limit to what we can do. We may need to some day assist other countries with an energy situation, as well as simply providing for our own. It will be a great day when we can flip a switch for electricity that is completely controlled by the power of the sun. Either by panels in our own yards, or by solar electric plants. Alternative sources are also sustainable sources and will not do away with the reserves of limited natural resources that we have now. Future generations will depend on these stores at a later time. The following will help you to learn alternative energy for your future.</p>
<p>Our alternatives sources of energy come in many different forms. They can be converted into both heat and electricity for our use. All alternative forms of energy are not necessarily renewable forms. Hydroelectric energy for example is not really renewable, because the reservoirs must be evacuated once they fill in order for them to be used again. The evacuation process is very expensive. We have come a long way in a short period of time, but in order to keep up with our own demands, advancements will need to continue at a much more rapid pace.</p>
<p>One way that we can convert solar energy into electricity is by using photovoltaic cells to change the solar radiation into direct current (DC). To meet the demand for these cells, the manufacturing has increased by twenty percent per year beginning in 2002. Your first solar calculator certainly did not have cells this powerful.</p>
<p>Solar thermal collectors come in three different temperatures and are used to heat different types of things. Low temperature collectors are used to heat the water temperature in underground swimming pools, while medium temperature collectors can heat the water for homes and office buildings. The high temperature collectors are actually sunlight directed toward mirrors and lenses, and is completely different from the photovoltaic cells. These high temperature collectors turn the suns radiation directly into electricity.</p>
<p>Biomass power is created when plants absorb the sunlight for us. This process is actually known as photosynthesis. When we need a fuel source, the plants can be burned for fuel. We can use this in different ways, either by growing plants for fuel, or using what is left over from already grown plants.</p>
<p>Wind power is capable of running large turbines which can then generate enough electricity for commercial usage. Wind turbines require large amounts of land to be successful, and of course have to be placed in heavy wind areas. Several states are currently very active in using wind power.</p>
<p>We have another power source directly under our feet, and it is known as geothermal energy. The core of the earth radiates heat and when trapped, it produces steam. We can take this steam and turn it into electric power.</p>
<p>Hydropower is as strong as its name implies. The Hoover dam is the larges hydroelectric plant in the world. One small stream of water can generate a massive amount of electric power, and there is a lot of water available to us.</p>
<p>We have really just hit the tip of the sunbeam so to speak in our efforts. We need to have solar panels in every yard and wind tunnels in every field, but we are getting there. You are on the way because you took the time to discover the future and learn alternative energy.</p>
<p>Do you want to use a <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.earthforenergysite.com" >alternative energy</a></noindex>? Well, we all want to save the earth and should think about that before it&#8217;s to late. Our knowledge can help you learn more about the new upcoming alternative ways to make energy. Http://www.earthforenergysite.com</p>


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<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/03/alternative-energy-sources/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Alternative Energy Sources'>Alternative Energy Sources</a> <small>Are there any alternative energy sources that can fulfill all...</small></li>
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		<title>Solar Panels For Home: How Does Solar Energy Work?</title>
		<link>http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/07/solar-panels-for-home-how-does-solar-energy-work/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nathan Henry</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Basic principles of solar power.


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<li><a href='http://www.myrenewableenergy.net/2010/04/how-solar-panels-work/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How Solar Panels Work'>How Solar Panels Work</a> <small>Solar Panels...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Basic principles of solar power.</p>
<p>Solar energy is probably the cleanest, most viable kind of alternative energy available and you can use it in several forms to help power your home. Numerous gardens now utilize solar lights or solar garden water features. The availability as well as wide utilization of solar energy in gardens displays just how versatile it can be as a source of power. The technology and the systems have become smaller, more compact and also better looking compared to when they were first developed and used. Earlier samples of solar power systems can be observed in California where, in the eighties, sufficient solar power panels were set up to power more than 10 million homes.</p>
<p>Just how do solar tiles function?</p>
<p>To put it simply photovoltaic tiles and other types of solar energy function by transforming some of the energy in sunlight in to a clean kind of electricity which you can use in our homes. The PV cells consist of a positive along with a negative slice of silicon positioned under a thin piece of glass. As the protons of the sunlight beat down on to the PV cell they knock the neutrons off the silicon. The negatively charged free neutrons tend to be attracted to the silicon but are trapped by the magnetic field that&#8217;s produced from the opposing fields. Small wires on the silicon catch these neutrons so when linked in a circuit an electric current is made.</p>
<p>This reaction gives Direct Current electricity though, and it must be passed through an inverter to be converted into an Alternating Current used in our houses to power any electric items. A few of the power is actually lost with this part of the process as the inverter is only close to 95% effective however this is a much greater efficiency than was once available.</p>
<p>The nature of the PV cell means there is little or no maintenance required and there aren&#8217;t any moving elements; which means that a typical Photovoltaic cell can last as much as 40 years with no work apart from an annual clean.</p>
<p>How can I use them to power my home?</p>
<p>There are many methods to utilize solar power at home and not only for powering. You may use this to heat your hot water, heat your pool as well as your own central heating or if you&#8217;ve plenty of roof space and a reasonable quantity of sun you may get a grid tie system; a grid tie system means that not only are you able to power your entire house but during those times when you create too much electrical power you are able to sell it back to the grid. An efficiently solar powered home will be able to reasonably produce between 75 and 100% of their very own power and due to the grid tie system this implies you may well not need to pay for electricity again.</p>
<p>Learn more about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://solarlearn.com/" >solar energy</a></noindex>.  Stop by Nathan Henry?&#8217;s site where you can find out all about <noindex><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://solarlearn.com/214/solar-power-efficiency-sunforce-39126/" >tankless water heater</a></noindex>  and what it can do for you.</p>


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