When the nations are running behind energy sources for various purposes we should know about the most cheapest, reliable and effective source of energy available in the world. Yes, the solar energy! The best thing about the energy is that it is totally free and easily available. All we have to do is to make good use of it. It is the best form of available energy that is environmental friendly as well.It is not just the energy of the sun that falls into the category of ‘solar energy’. It is also the energy from biomass, wind and water. The energy can be converted into electricity, to increase the temperature of water and to even dry wet clothes or to cook food. Solar energy has become a trend now and it is used from heating specific water areas to working certain gadgets. The interesting thing about solar energy is that we do not realize that we are using it, but we still continue to use it. The cooking gas, petroleum and other gases that are used as fuels, they are all part of solar energy as they were once part of a plant which grew with the help of sun.Nowadays, the number of people using solar energy at houses is increasing. It is mainly used to heat water which is the major part of the electricity bill in households. Even though the amount taken to install the device is quite high for an average household, it benefits both the environment and the user in the later stages. If the panel in the household gets a minimum of 3 hours of sunshine daily, that is ample amount of energy to produce electricity for an entire night.The sun’s energy which includes heat and light takes a maximum of 8 minutes to reach the earth. It is a non-renewable source of energy. Unlike the other resources that take a lot of time, effort and money to get an access to it, sun’s energy is easily available and the only hindrances to it might probably be the clouds or the rains.It is very interesting to note that the wide use was forethought by Da Vinci almost 6 centuries ago. Man knew how to use solar energy from very early days when he knew how to make fire. Ever since then, mankind has discovered new uses of it ranging from heating water or cooking food to using it as fuels for vehicles and many more, solar energy stands unopposed for its maximum efficiency.Sun is the most powerful source of energy available. It is said that the amount of light from the sun that is used by the people for variety of uses in a year is not even equal to the amount that falls on the earth in an hour.Natural phenomenon like rain is also caused due to the availability of solar energy. The evaporation and condensation process that keeps the earth in balanced weather conditions are also because of the sun’s energy. Face it! There is no running away from the use of solar energy.More on => http://esolarenergyfacts.net/articles/solar_energy_facts_and_wind_energy/
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Ways of Creating Awareness Through Solar Energy Information | bankstelplaza.info
Solar energy information gives us a lot of knowledge about how solar harness the free energy. The story dates back to thousands of years when the primitive man used in its passive form to dry food, clothing and to warm dwellings for millions of years. Over the years it has stood the test of time and the sun was and still is the most powerful source of energy on our planet. Learning to capture in a sophisticated manner began around 700 B.C. It was discovered that the sun’s rays directed through a piece of glass could start a fire if the rays of the sun fell on something flammable.This energy derived from the sun through the form of solar radiation. It powered electrical generation relies on photo-voltaic and heat engines. Other applications include space heating and cooling through solar architecture, day-lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking and high temperature heating for industrial purposes. Solar energy information tells us that the energy technologies could be broadly classified as being passive solar energy and active solar energy technologies, depending on the way solar energy is captured, converted and distributed.The techniques include the use of P.V panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the sun’s energy. The techniques include orienting a building towards the sun, selecting building materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.Solar power is the source of nearly all our energy. The famous song of the 1980s, “The sun always shines on T.V.”, could be slightly modified to “The sun always shines on P.V.” Photovoltaic solar panels have become the symbols of renewable energy and a greener earth in the future. Solar energy information throws up a lot of very interesting facts about this source of energy which are mentioned as follows:• The earth receives 174 peta watts of solar energy at the upper atmosphere at any given time.
• Total solar energy available on earth is approximately 3850 Zetta-joules (ZJ) per year.
• This energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt=1000 watts.
• This energy is responsible for weather patterns and ocean currents.
• Solar industrialization was predicted by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1447.Developing countries have an abundance of sunlight and since most of the population lives without electricity, there is the fastest growing market for harnessing the free energy in these countries.This energy is affected by many factors, weather being one of them. There is less energy on a cloudy day. Other factors affecting the energy are the length of the day. No solar energy is produced at night. At the north and south Polar Regions, solar power loses its appeal because of the long periods without sunlight or weak sunlight. These drawbacks can somewhat be mitigated by the use of powerful battery technology. Knowledge of solar energy information would enable us to generate surplus energy when the sun is shining and save the extra for the time s when solar power is unavailable or insufficient. With so much of the world’s population living in sunny climates, it is the most effective and eco-friendly source of energy available.Learn how to generate free energy http://www.esolarenergyfacts.net
Energy Efficiency Saves Money and the Environment | bankstelplaza.info
Any successful move towards reducing our consumption of fossil fuels as a nation needs to address residential energy consumption. According to the latest U.S. Department of Energy statistics 21% of the energy consumed by the US is used for private living quarters. Thankfully achieving sustainable levels of residential energy consumption is within reach.Reducing consumption begins with the thoughtful analysis of existing homes, green building construction of new homes, implementation of energy saving techniques and conscientious consumerism.Analysis of the HomeA home analysis identifies the areas where energy is escaping. Common areas of leakage are windows, doors, improperly insulated walls and attics. Sealing leakage areas creates a more energy efficient home.Energy efficiency testing should be done by a certified energy consultant with specialized equipment and expertise. Consultants test invisible areas of concern (between walls) using infrared thermal imaging or thermography. This non destructive test will show where there are gaps in insulation, thermal defects or air leaks and electrical system defects which are allowing energy to be lost. Consultants also perform blower door testing and duct blasting to determine the integrity and both the structure and the systems (HVAC, etc.). Testing for (and providing for removal of) combustion byproducts helps ensure the air quality and the safety of the structure.The homeowner is provided with a comprehensive list of energy saving techniques. Budgetary concerns are balanced with suggested improvements and their respective ROI (return on investment). A strategic plan can then be put in place.Energy Saving TechniquesEnergy saving techniques include exchanging incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent (this will link to mercury information) or LED bulbs, increasing or adding insulation where needed, use of ENERGY STAR rated appliances, double or triple pane windows, structural improvements and alternative energy sources.With rising energy costs and current tax incentives home owners are able to break even on their investment much sooner. The improvements provide more immediate results in property values * and cleaner living. In addition, there is an energy efficient mortgage program offered by the FHA that allows FHA insured buyers (or refinancers) the ability to add the cost of some energy efficient improvements to their mortgage without increasing the down payment. (Visit the FHA website for more information on EEM’s)Conscientious ConsumerismHome energy improvements require investments in both time and money. The idea is to create a sealed or “air tight” system with good air quality. The seal is created through properly fitted doors and windows, high quality insulation and proper air exchange. The selection of consumer products (appliances, building materials, décor etc.) needs to take the entire system into account. Off gassing levels need to considered.Having these structural systems in place will maximize the effectiveness of alternative sources of energy (solar, wind, geothermal). The alternative systems will also enjoy a longer lifespan as they are not being forced to produce wasted energy.In SummaryHome energy efficiency improvements will not only protect you from ever increasing energy costs but also help reduce our use of fossil fuels as a nation – all while helping save the environment.*Long-term studies published in the Appraisal Journal indicate that energy efficiency improvements will increase a property’s value by a 20-to-1 ratio. Meaning that for every $1,000/yr you can save in energy bills your homes value will increase by $20,000.