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[W817]Wind & Solar Power

by Karolin Frimodig, Kar

The Sun, which is located more than 150 million kilometers away from planet earth, has been producing extremely powerful solar energy rays also known as solar radiation, for billions of years. The energy emitted by the Sun is so powerful that if a device were invented to capture the solar power that hit the earth for just one minute alone it would be likely to for fill the whole of the earths power needs for more than a year.

How is solar power used?

The following list covers the three main ways in which solar power is put to work using today's technology-

To produce electricity

Perhaps the most well known use today of solar power is to convert it into electricity using a photovoltaic cell or PV unit (Photo Voltaic). Solar cells are much more common nowadays and they are used to power calculators, satellites, street lights, water buoys, charge mobile-phones with the more recent uses including the powering of complete data centers for hosting websites (this amount of solar power output was previously very difficult to achieve). Solar cell development is now advancing very fast and we are currently in the third generation of solar cell technology with efficiency, power storage and output capacity leading the charge.

To heat water

Solar power is most commonly used for general hot water supplies in the home or workplace. This is a relatively simple method which requires the installation of solar heating panels that are then positioned towards the sun so that when water passes through them it is heated. The water can either be available for immediate use or stored in a suitably insulated hot water tank and drawn upon when required. This technology is evolving fast, with costs that are significantly less than 10 years ago and due to the advances in the materials used it is becoming much more viable for homes that are found in less sunny climates.

Solar furnaces

Solar furnaces use a huge and elaborate array of mirrors to concentrate the Sun's energy into a small space to produce very high temperatures of up to 3000 Deg C. The solar furnace principle is being used to make inexpensive solar power cookers, solar-powered barbecues, and for solar water pasteurization and there is currently a prototype reflector being constructed in India for use in a solar crematorium.

Solar Power Today

Solar Power along with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass (biomass is a renewable energy source, referring to living and recently dead biological material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production) account for most of the available renewable energy on Earth. Solar power is an eco friendly resource that should be utilized and today many local governmental bodies are offering rebates to homeowners to install a solar powered system as well as offering grants to researchers to create cleaner energy appliances, including solar energy. Businesses are also incentivized and rebates are offered to companies that put solar powered products to good use.

Summary

All of these factors combined with the recent shortages and price rises in other non-renewable fuels mean that there has never been a better time to invest in solar power.

These questions can be answered by a visit to the Internet. It offers a variety of web sites loaded with guides and plans on DIY solar cells, commercial home power systems, permitting, hooking to the grid and how to construct your own solar or wind components out of materials purchased from your local hardware store. Use this information to guide you along the path to energy independence.

The main reason to generate your own power is the savings you will see on your energy bill. A conservative figure of 80% can be attained on your yearly energy consumption. The average homeowner will spend about $2500 per year on their electrical bill. Using solar cells plus a wind power system, not only can your energy bill be cut drastically, but the extra power that you produce can be sold to your local power company adding credits to your utility bill against future use.

Ever consider becoming a power supplier to your community? Add more solar cells to your system. As the price of energy climbs because of our dependence on large scale power providers and foreign imports, think of the considerable and generous tax breaks that the government, under the Obama administration, hands out each year to those who embrace clean, renewable, natural energy.

The environment needs our help. People are very conscious of the devastating impact traditional energy sources have on the environment such as global warming and are demanding that we change our ways. What better than producing your own energy from sustainable free energy sources such as the Sun and wind.

One modern, commercial solar power system can produce the equivalent amount of clean power a fossil fuel powered system will, while churning out 5000 tons of CO2 less, annually. Building a DIY home energy system can involve the whole family. Use the experience to educate your children about the envionment while teaching them about energy conservation.

The clean benefits of producing your own power, whether just to supplement your own home energy needs or to produce extra power with an integrated system of solar cells and wind turbines, can add value to your property, enhance your personal environment and teach future generations how to respect the only planet that we have. Start with a visit to the Internet to learn what is available. Start that journey on your road to energy independence now.

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About Author

Both Karolin Frimodig & Pat Herron are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Karolin Frimodig has sinced written about articles on various topics from Entertainment Guide, Computers and The Internet and Entertainment Guide. The author of , namely Karolin Frimodig is a freelance technology writer, who also writes articles for www.ecofriendlyideas.net. Karolin Frimodig's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.

Pat Herron has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Computers and The Internet and Health. Help improve your environment and save money by producing your own energy. is easy, affordable and a rewarding family project that will add value to your. Pat Herron's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.