28
January
2010
what are the problems of solar power as we keep talking about solar but not using it?
Everywhere people talk about solar but not used much why?
Everywhere = only sunny place.
and not all the part of the world.
In some places, the electric companies charge a very low rate, and it is more economical to simply use that rather than invest large sums up front.
In other areas, it would be more economical in the long run to use solar panels, but in this economy, companies simply don’t have the capital to invest.
As a homeowner, would you rather pay $10,000-20,000 up front for solar energy, or would you rather pay $80/month??
Posted: solar power
26
January
2010
What are the drawbacks to using wind turbines or solar panels for providing all power to a home?
A. The wind and sun are not constant, so there would be times when no electricity would be generated.
B. The wind and sun are constant, so there would be plenty of electricity for the home.
C. Wind and solar power are inefficient and too expensive to use and maintain.
D. Wind and solar power are efficient, but they are not able to produce enough electricity for a single home.
again trying to help..again thnx 4 the previous………
nothing else…………but A.
NO COMMENTS ON THE OTHER OPTIONS….
except these there is another drawback…….its when your brother breaks the solar panel after quarrel with you……then no electricity will b produced………….hope this funny answer u liked……..its just to make yahhooooooooooo answer FUNNNNN…………
Posted: solar power
24
January
2010
I was trying to figure out how solar panels work today and I found that electrons get displaced in 2 layers of a solar panel by photons coming from the sun to create power. If the electrons come from the solar panel and go into the electrical grid, how are they replaced in the solar panel? Wouldn’t the solar panel eventually lose all of its electrons and stop working? Electrons have mass, so wouldn’t the solar panel slowly deteriorate?
I think solar energy is awesome and I really want to know how it works. Any help in enlightening me on this subject would great, thanks!
It’s because the photovolcaics are closed-loop systems. A photon will come in and basically knock an electron across what is called a "junction" and create current, but it is "caught" (really simplified version) on the other side of the junction and kind of "bounced back" into place.
It’s like Formula 1 racing or NASCAR. The car will be sitting in the Pit, just waiting to go, then will tear out, run a few laps until it requires more fuel, then stops in the Pit again, gets refueled, and just waits for the signal from the Pit Boss to get going again.
The limiting factor on solar cells isn’t the cell itself, as in the electrical circuits and semiconductors, but rather the very slow degradation of the (usually plastic) that holds each small cell in place, so that it can create a useful photovoltaic cell. Since modern plastics can be treated with UV coatings to prevent degradation, and are practically immune to water, the only thing that can really hurt them is somebody whacks it with a hammer or drops it while installing it on the roof.
They’re excellent. The south face of my roof is sufficient, along with a small vertical-axis wind turbine, to generate more power than I need, and it actually gets sold back to Sempra Energy/SDG&E.
Posted: solar panels
17
January
2010
i know its a stupid question, but explain please
Because the solar power charges up a battery that can last for a very long period of time, so at night time, when its raining or during solar eclipses you still have power
Posted: solar power home
10
January
2010
we are looking at solar power for our new land, are you a family of 5? have you done this before, thanks.
Hey Hotmumma, I applaud you for looking into solar power. In my experience, when you look into solar power, the one thing there is an abundance of is misinformation.
We live in a home that has been powered by the wind and sun for 10 years now. Our solar array fits quite nicely on the space provided by our one car carport, it generates 1.4 kilowatts during peak sun, and does not need thousands of square feet of space. Our entire system, including the wind turbine, battery bank and other electronics costs less than $15,000 USD. After state incentives, tax deductions and the small amount we receive selling carbon credits to industry, our cost is just under $10,000. We do have a small, efficient home, just under 1,200 square feet, but the point is clear, you don’t need to mortgage your sisters second home to pay for it. We still have the utility company here, but our monthly bills average about $6. I would estimate our payback at 10 to 12 years, but that is not the main reason we did all of this.
Last year, there were two power failures in our county, each lasting about half a day. In both cases, we were not aware of them. It’s difficult to put a price tag on something like that. There is also the fact that when we do a load of laundry, or run the TV, we are not adding CO2 to the air and mercury to the water because our power is not sourced from a coal power plant. In a few years,we plan on replacing one of our cars with a plug in hybrid, which will charge from our solar array once we add a few more panels to it, at a cost of about $1,000. This will allow us to have transportation in town with virtually no environmental footprint, or any need to buy gasoline.
Beyond our own personal benefits, having a solar powered home has made us the defacto expert on the field in our town. To that end, we started running solar power seminars at our local school several years ago. We spend an hour or so with the 5th graders in school, hooking up a panel, battery, and some small loads so they can learn how it works. Then they run a field trip out to our place to see a working solar powered home first hand. Our hope is that in several more years, they will grow up to persue the same thing you are today.
Powering your home from solar power requires more than mere technology however, it requires some lifestyle changes. People who grow their own tomatoes know a great deal about soil, watering, bugs and sunlight because they have to. Even though it might be cheaper to buy them at the store, they go to the trouble to maintain a garden. People who grow their own electrons instead of buying them at the power company have a similar curse. They have to know where each one goes in their home. When you power your home from renewable sources, there is no such thing as an, "Average House," or "Standard Size Panel." Every situation is different. No matter how well you plan your system, or how many contingencies you allow for, there will always be a day where you have a shortage of power. Most solar homeowners I know have a generator for just such a shortage, but they work hard to run it as little as possible. Like I said, it’s a lifestyle, and only you can decide if it’s right for you. What I would suggest is you do some more research, beyond asking people who have never tried it for advice over the internet. First get a subscription to Home Power Magazine, the only periodical devoted to these things. Then check out some of the non profit groups I have listed below. Learn what you can, try to make it to one of the renewable energy fairs in your area. In the end you might decide not to get involved at all, and that’s fine. At least you will be well informed. Good luck, and take care, Rudydoo
Posted: solar power home
10
January
2010
We want solar power
No don’t build in a good spot, sopme stupid desert mouse no one has ever seen might get hurt.
Don’t believe me, check the attempts of California to build solar generation plants.
Don’t forget how Ted Kennedy screeched and blocked them from building a wind turbine in his favorite sailing spot.
Liberals do not want to save the environment or conserve energy they just want to control your life.
Posted: solar power
4
January
2010
I want to build a house and put solar panels on my roof. What angle do I need to build my roof at so I can just place solar panels flat on my roof? Which direction does the solar panels need to be facing?
This depends on your latitude and where you are. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, it faces south, with a tilt direction at the sun with respect to the average tilt of the earth. If you’re in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels (both photovoltaic and solar thermal) face north. If you’re on the equator, then they may lie flat on your roof. In US at a latitude of 40 degrees, you may want a tilt of about 20 degrees (because of change of seasons). You can alway angel the panels easier than modifying an existing roof. Be sure NOT to shade any part of photovoltaic panels at ant time.
Posted: solar panels
