What, exactly, is solar power? Stated very simply, energy from sunlight is converted to electricity when it contacts photovoltaic (PV) cells. Solar power can be generated bysolar roof shingles and solar panels. Excess energy can be stored in the cells, or occasionally in batteries, to continue providing electrical current after the sun goes down.
If you are a scientist, you can probably understand the explanation of the photovoltaic process set forth by NASA: "Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity." For the rest of us, it is simple enough to understand that, when ultraviolet (UV) light strikes a solar cell, it activates a thin semiconductor wafer in the cell, which forms an electric field (positive on one side, negative on the other). An electrical current results from the action of sunlight energy knocking electrons away from the atoms in the semiconductor. Well, maybe it is pretty technical after all. Let's turn to some common excuses used by people who are resistant to employ solar power. 1. I don't live in a sunny location! No worries. Energy is still captured by solar cells, even on cloudy or rainy days, because it is ultraviolet light - not necessarily direct sunshine - that produces the necessary PV reaction. Admittedly, the efficiency of the cells is lower on inclement days. But, if you need assurance that you will not have to purchase a home in the desert Southwest to use solar energy, note that Germany is a leading country (second only to Japan) with respect to solar power installations. It certainly isn't the Bahamas. 2. Isn't it too expensive? Not really. While coal-generated electricity is cheaper than solar power in the short run, there are a number of factors which should be considered in determining the bottom line. First, the more people that use solar panels, the less they cost. One estimate is that each time the volume of solar cells doubles, the cost goes down 20%. Plus, solar power installations will increase your home's resale value, according to the Appraisal Institute. It has reported that sellers can expect an additional $20.73 in purchase price for every $1 decrease in annual electric bills. Second, although there is an upfront cost for installation, the energy thereafter is free. More importantly, it is not controlled by supply and policies of a foreign country. Want even more good news? The price for PV cells is estimated to fall 30% over the next four years. Finally, long-term benefits of solar energy cannot be discounted. Reduction of our individual carbon footprints is required to slow the progress of global warming. What price can you put on a polar bear? How about your oceanfront property?
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Q: Isn't it very expensive to install solar panels?
A: Not necessarily! Research shows that you can install a home-based solar panel system for as little as $8,500. Many states offer incentives to install and use solar panels, as well. And don't forget the tax credits either! Q: How long will it take to make back my investment in energy savings? A: That depends. Among many factors include the size of the solar panel system, tax rebates and other incentives. Generally, estimates range between 10-15 years. That may improve, however, with added efficiency and grid-payback systems implemented by energy companies. If you're in it for more than just money (i.e. slowing global warming and reducing your carbon footprint), your investment payback is immediate! Q: Doesn't the process of making solar panels result in pollution? A: Of course there is some environmental impact as a result of producing solar panels, as there is with any other type of manufactured good. However, the environmental costs of production are far outweighed by the environmental benefits provided by reduced fossil fuel consumption. Even the smallest solar panel system can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 trees! Just remember that 100% of the electricity produced by solar panels is emission free! Q: Solar power has been around for as long as mankind - why has it taken so long for interest in solar panels? A: While its true that people have been using the power of the sun for centuries, modern solar panels have only been around for about 50 years. The progression of the technology to create efficient panels is continuing to the present date. Less than 3 percent of our nation's electricity is currently generated by solar power. However, solar power energy generation is growing at a rate of 20-30 percent each year. With added tax incentives, concerns about global warming and a strong desire to become energy independent, more and more people are becoming interested - and willing to invest - in solar panels. Q: What about excess energy created by PV cells on solar panels? A: Excess energy must be stored in batteries (if you are "off-grid"), or is released to the power grid. Some power companies credit customers based on the amount of energy put into the grid. This helps defray costs of the wattage that is used overnight or during less efficient solar energy periods. As alternative energies and their related products increase in use throughout America, new jobs and new business ventures will continue to emerge in response to increased consumer demand.
This phenomenon is expected to continue for decades in America. Solar power is one of the types of alternative energies used in aerospace technologies and in some applications on Earth. The solar sail has been developed far enough for use in the mid-2010s in space to help power and transport oprations and products of asteroid mining.. In the years between 2010 - 2050, aerospace mining as well as space tourism is projected to provide additional natural resources to be used for energy alternatives and other products on Earth. The new resources extraction will begin with moon mining after 2012 and progress to Mars and the Mars-Jupiter between-planets asteroid belt. All of this activity will provide long-term employment in new jobs. Hot Job Listings, Major Locations, and a Top 10 Manufacturers List are all offered below. What, exactly, is solar power? Stated very simply, energy from sunlight is converted to electricity when it contacts photovoltaic (PV) cells. Solar power can be generated bysolar roof shingles and solar panels. Excess energy can be stored in the cells, or occasionally in batteries, to continue providing electrical current after the sun goes down.
If you are a scientist, you can probably understand the explanation of the photovoltaic process set forth by NASA: "Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity." For the rest of us, it is simple enough to understand that, when ultraviolet (UV) light strikes a solar cell, it activates a thin semiconductor wafer in the cell, which forms an electric field (positive on one side, negative on the other). An electrical current results from the action of sunlight energy knocking electrons away from the atoms in the semiconductor. Well, maybe it is pretty technical after all. Let's turn to some common excuses used by people who are resistant to employ solar power. 1. I don't live in a sunny location! No worries. Energy is still captured by solar cells, even on cloudy or rainy days, because it is ultraviolet light - not necessarily direct sunshine - that produces the necessary PV reaction. Admittedly, the efficiency of the cells is lower on inclement days. But, if you need assurance that you will not have to purchase a home in the desert Southwest to use solar energy, note that Germany is a leading country (second only to Japan) with respect to solar power installations. It certainly isn't the Bahamas. 2. Isn't it too expensive? Not really. While coal-generated electricity is cheaper than solar power in the short run, there are a number of factors which should be considered in determining the bottom line. First, the more people that use solar panels, the less they cost. One estimate is that each time the volume of solar cells doubles, the cost goes down 20%. Plus, solar power installations will increase your home's resale value, according to the Appraisal Institute. It has reported that sellers can expect an additional $20.73 in purchase price for every $1 decrease in annual electric bills. Second, although there is an upfront cost for installation, the energy thereafter is free. More importantly, it is not controlled by supply and policies of a foreign country. Want even more good news? The price for PV cells is estimated to fall 30% over the next four years. Finally, long-term benefits of solar energy cannot be discounted. Reduction of our individual carbon footprints is required to slow the progress of global warming. What price can you put on a polar bear? How about your oceanfront property? What, exactly, is solar power? Stated very simply, energy from sunlight is converted to electricity when it contacts photovoltaic (PV) cells. Solar power can be generated bysolar roof shingles and solar panels. Excess energy can be stored in the cells, or occasionally in batteries, to continue providing electrical current after the sun goes down.
If you are a scientist, you can probably understand the explanation of the photovoltaic process set forth by NASA: "Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity." For the rest of us, it is simple enough to understand that, when ultraviolet (UV) light strikes a solar cell, it activates a thin semiconductor wafer in the cell, which forms an electric field (positive on one side, negative on the other). An electrical current results from the action of sunlight energy knocking electrons away from the atoms in the semiconductor. Well, maybe it is pretty technical after all. Let's turn to some common excuses used by people who are resistant to employ solar power. 1. I don't live in a sunny location! No worries. Energy is still captured by solar cells, even on cloudy or rainy days, because it is ultraviolet light - not necessarily direct sunshine - that produces the necessary PV reaction. Admittedly, the efficiency of the cells is lower on inclement days. But, if you need assurance that you will not have to purchase a home in the desert Southwest to use solar energy, note that Germany is a leading country (second only to Japan) with respect to solar power installations. It certainly isn't the Bahamas. 2. Isn't it too expensive? Not really. While coal-generated electricity is cheaper than solar power in the short run, there are a number of factors which should be considered in determining the bottom line. First, the more people that use solar panels, the less they cost. One estimate is that each time the volume of solar cells doubles, the cost goes down 20%. Plus, solar power installations will increase your home's resale value, according to the Appraisal Institute. It has reported that sellers can expect an additional $20.73 in purchase price for every $1 decrease in annual electric bills. Second, although there is an upfront cost for installation, the energy thereafter is free. More importantly, it is not controlled by supply and policies of a foreign country. Want even more good news? The price for PV cells is estimated to fall 30% over the next four years. Finally, long-term benefits of solar energy cannot be discounted. Reduction of our individual carbon footprints is required to slow the progress of global warming. What price can you put on a polar bear? How about your oceanfront property?
Have you had your mind blown yet? You need to check out these new technologies!
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Jennifer Lomeli
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