Posts Tagged ‘Solar Cells’

Solar Power for Home:

Friday, May 8th, 2009
solar power
pratibha asked:


Solar power has become the new rich energy source for our planet. Countries and people have become more aware of the importance of environment friendliness. Gradually we’re shifting towards a life style that is healthy and intelligent. Instead of senselessly wasting the natural energy sources, we are not turning to the idea of making good and maximum use of our available natural resources. Solar power is one of the most copious energy sources available. Its consumption in residential areas is more profitable, because it’s easy and consumer friendly. In fact, use of solar power in home is the wise choice for the future.

Its feasibility is unquestionable; financially speaking it can cut short your fuel cost. It also means that there will be no fuel taxes, no danger and no maintenance at all. Since , solar power is renewable source so it doesn’t produce emissions, and obviously there’s no burning of fossil fuels as well. Solar power also functions in blackout. So there is no shortage. And the best shot about solar power is that we’re not fuel dependent, we’re making it…you see the point!

But obviously this deal cannot help the areas where sufficient sunshine is not available. Another thing which should be kept in mind that roofing needs to be carefully considered before applying a solar array. Once a home solar system has installed repairs and replacement to an existing roof can become expensive and labor intensive. The system must be removed and reinstalled if major work to the roof is required. Solar cells are composed of cadmium which could create a serious environmental injury, if handled inappropriately. So there are few points which should be considered before its installation.

There are some outdoor solar powered lighting systems available that can be placed exactly where you want them without any wiring or trench digging. They fall into different types, one is the decorative lights those have a separate panel to which the lights are connected and the solar panel can be hidden aside. Then, there are small panel designs as well. At any place, where bright sunlight is available, solar powered outdoor lighting can be applied and thus whole environment will be shining with bright clean light. Wireless circuitry allows for widespread placement and they’re portable too.

Technology has gone far away more by combining solar power with the latest technology in LED lighting, which draws ultra low power while providing super white lights. And yes it has allowed solar lighting to advance in leaps and bounds.

Solar light can lighten up every corner of your choice; name it pathways, gardens, landscape areas or any part of your home. You can use them in decorative ways as well, like by spotlights, highlights, overhead lights, backlights, footlights and safety lights. Its all fun to apply them around… Solar lights for home can be next status symbol!!



Renewable Energy: Solar Power Vs. Wind Power

Friday, January 9th, 2009
solar power
Marvin J Markus asked:


Solar power & wind power are the two environmentally friendly choices that most people consider when thinking about trying to get started producing their own electricity at home. I think it’s a good idea to think about options before making such a decision and that’s why I am writing this article.

Solar power is also commonly known as solar energy. It is a method which harnesses the incredible power of the sun (which is 93,000,000 miles away from earth) to create electricity.

When most think about solar energy they think of solar panels. These are also known as solar cells and by their more technical name photovoltaic cells. These are devices which take light and turn it into electricity using something called the photoelectric effect.

While most people think of solar panels as a rather new invention, this is actually not the case at all. The first solar panels were created by a man named Charles Fritts way back in the 1880s and they’ve been used to power satellites since 1954!

The amount of sunlight that you receive where you live should obviously be a consideration when deciding whether solar power is the right choice for your “DIY” renewable energy source. If you live in an area where there are far more cloudy days than average (such as in Washington State) then it may not be advisable to go the solar route, perhaps a windmill may be more suited for you.

Wind power currently makes up very little of the world’s electricity production. Currently it only accounts for about 1% of the worldwide electricity produced. But although it’s usage is still quite low, it has been increasing rapidly over the last 8 years and most assume that it’s use will increase further in the future, particularly with new President Barack Obama taking office looking to take America’s economy in a more “green” direction.

Either wind power or solar power (or perhaps even both together) would be a good choice for most people who want to power their homes themselves. Both choices create environmentally friendly renewable energy that is great for the environment.

Again, like with solar power, you need to consider where you live before deciding if wind power is right for you. If you live in a place that is particularly windy then you should definitely consider it, on the other hand you may want to think twice if your area is more calm than most. Check weather websites online for comparisons if you are not sure.

Some people worry about their power going out when the sun goes down or when it the wind stops blowing and decide against going this route. But that’s really a nonsensical fear because these types of systems are equipped with batteries for storing excess energy created when it’s very sunny or very windy so that it can be used when it’s not so sunny (like during the night) or when it’s not s windy.

It may also be a better choice economically because with a renewable source of energy, a home owner will no longer have to send money to the electric company for the electric bill every month. In fact, many electric companies will actually buy any excess electricity created by DIY home based solar panels and windmills.

Imagine that having the electric company pay you instead of you paying them and saving the environment while you do it. That’s exactly the admirable position where many people using solar & wind power at home find themselves today.