The SolarVoice goal is to provide the best information about the use of clean renewable energy, green living, and solar technologies, that can help increase awareness about energy diversity, public health improvement, and reducuction of air pollution.
The demand for solar-generated electricity is booming due to the many benefits of this natural source of energy. At the top of the list of benefits are attractive incentives offered by state and federal governments, in addition to monthly savings in ever-increasing electricity costs. Advancements in solar technology have made solar energy a popular alternative to traditional energy sources.
The potential benefits of solar energy are greatest in warm states like California, which has areas that experience high sunlight levels throughout the year. These benefits include a reduced dependence on nuclear power and fossil fuels. read full article on the advantages of solar energy
The science of modern solar power began in 1839 when a French physicist accidentally discovered that the sun's rays emit energy. These led to further experimentation on what is known as the "photovoltaic effect" over several decades, until the first solar photoelectrical cell was built in 1877 by an English engineer named Willoughby Smith.
Albert Einstein conducted research into the photovoltaic effect and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1912 for his discoveries. By 1955, the commercial production of solar photovoltaic cells was underway. The first large scale use of solar cells was to power the Vanguard I satellite, which was launched in 1958. Since then, developments in the field of photovoltaics have continued at a rapid pace. read full article on how solar power works
Installing a solar power system can be one of the more expensive home improvement projects. However, realtors have rated installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power system or solar hot water system as a guaranteed way to add value to a home, equivalent to projects like building a deck or completing a kitchen remodel. An added advantage that a solar power system has over a kitchen remodel or deck addition is the continuing benefit of lower power bills. read more about How Solar Power Works
Other benefits that can be realized from a solar power system include financial incentives that are available in many areas. Federal, state and local governments as well as utility companies provide rebates and other forms of incentive. This helps drive down the up-front costs that are part of solar power installation. read full article on solar power system cost
If you're trying to save energy you may be wondering when should you turn the heat down. There are a few key times that can save you energy without majorly affecting your comfort level. Even working with your termostat can help you save some cash.
read full articleFor home use, small wind turbines are an excellent way to create clean energy. With costs being much less than solar panels capable of equivalent output levels, small wind turbines are also much easier to install. Using the wind to create energy isn't new. A quick look at the famous windmills of Denmark and the less famous ones in Greece are proof of our harnessing of wind energy for hundreds of years.
read full articleUniversity of Pennsylvania researchers have shown the feasibility of the transduction of optical radiation in a molecular circuit into electrical current. The process uses type of system which uses an array of nano-sized molecules of gold. This system creates plasmons on the molecular surfaces which induce and project electrical currents across molecules in response to electromagnetic waves. This process is very similar to photovoltaic cells, but on a much smaller scale.
read full articleSaving energy and money at home through automation has been around for a number of years. We have coffee pots and toasters that turn themselves on at specific times so that breakfast is ready for you when you wake up. Now we have home automation systems that learn how you use energy at home and then provide you insightful information which you can put to use to save money on your energy bills.
read full articleIn his newest budget proposal, which he unveiled on February 1st, $2.36 billion out of a total of $28.4 billion earmarked for the Department of Energy would be used specifically by the subordinate Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy(EERE), according to President Barack Obama.
read full articleIn a column published January 22nd of 2010, Liz Merry has published a few interesting facts about the solar energy industry in America. Some of the more interesting facts from this column are below.
Solar energy in America is still 1 of the smallest industries going, as far as numbers of people employed in the industry. Using the number of job postings as a guideline, even the "energy Efficiency" field is smaller. Approximately 400 jobs are posted a month for openings in the solar energy field, whereas even Energy Efficiency job openings are around 700 posted open jobs.
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The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (insolation) at the upper atmosphere. Approximately 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth's surface is mostly spread across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet.
Earth's land surface, oceans and atmosphere absorb solar radiation, and this raises their temperature.
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