The light from the sun is a renewable source of fuel that is either passive or active. Passive ways of capturing it include construction that uses materials with light dispersing components. The interior of a home can be designed to cause air to circulate naturally. There are also active ways to use solar energy.
This active method was prohibitively expensive when first used. The panels absorb and store the heat and light from the sun. In a warm climate it will be sufficient to run a household. However, in Massachusetts solar energy is not going to be enough. In addition to the photovoltaic panels on the roof, the homeowner must be connected to what is called a grid. This enables him to use electricity from another source when there is a cloudy or cold winter day.
Several generations ago, the average homeowner could not afford to have installation of the panels done. The cost has decreased with increased demand and production to meet that demand. The initial investment pays off because it remains functional for twenty years or more.
In addition there are government subsidies available for those who meet certain criteria. The savings can be in the form of paying for part of the installation, or giving a tax deduction to the family that owns the home. Over the twenty five year period, those panels can result in significant savings.
Although there are 174,000 terawatts of radiation transmitted from the sun, only fifty-percent of that amount reaches the ground. Thirty-percent is reflected upward into the atmosphere. The remainder is absorbed by oceans, ground and the clouds. The temperature rises as a result.
The individual responsible for building the first sun powered engine was a well-known US Senator, Frank Shuman. It collected the radiation from the sun in small boxes of ether. This was sufficient to power a steam engine.
Along with a British physicist, he went on to develop a more advanced system that used mirrors. By 1913 they had built the original thermal power station, located in Maadi, Egypt. Development of power from the sun was curtailed by the discovery of cheap oil in 1930.
The schoolchildren of today are the homeowners, scientists and consumers of tomorrow. Getting them excited about possible uses for the suns power is a good idea. Do they ever ask how those big orange signs along the freeway system light up without being plugged in. Tell them about the solar panels on top of each sign.
Tell them how there are photovoltaic panels mounted on top of these signs. Explain that is the reason they do not need to be plugged in to light up. The cars that run on solar power are bound to capture their interest. Someday these kids will be inventing new designs for alternative energy utilization.
Kids should be excited to hear about the World Solar Challenge, a race held in Australia. This race only allows the use of cars that run on energy from the sun. In Sydney, Australia there is a passenger ferry in Sydney Harbour called the Solar Sailor. It has the capability to run on solar energy, wind, battery power or diesel fuel.
There are so many inventions and so much research into the use of sun power. It is an exciting time. Who knows, some kid might enter a sun powered robot in the next science fair, or possibly has already done so.
This active method was prohibitively expensive when first used. The panels absorb and store the heat and light from the sun. In a warm climate it will be sufficient to run a household. However, in Massachusetts solar energy is not going to be enough. In addition to the photovoltaic panels on the roof, the homeowner must be connected to what is called a grid. This enables him to use electricity from another source when there is a cloudy or cold winter day.
Several generations ago, the average homeowner could not afford to have installation of the panels done. The cost has decreased with increased demand and production to meet that demand. The initial investment pays off because it remains functional for twenty years or more.
In addition there are government subsidies available for those who meet certain criteria. The savings can be in the form of paying for part of the installation, or giving a tax deduction to the family that owns the home. Over the twenty five year period, those panels can result in significant savings.
Although there are 174,000 terawatts of radiation transmitted from the sun, only fifty-percent of that amount reaches the ground. Thirty-percent is reflected upward into the atmosphere. The remainder is absorbed by oceans, ground and the clouds. The temperature rises as a result.
The individual responsible for building the first sun powered engine was a well-known US Senator, Frank Shuman. It collected the radiation from the sun in small boxes of ether. This was sufficient to power a steam engine.
Along with a British physicist, he went on to develop a more advanced system that used mirrors. By 1913 they had built the original thermal power station, located in Maadi, Egypt. Development of power from the sun was curtailed by the discovery of cheap oil in 1930.
The schoolchildren of today are the homeowners, scientists and consumers of tomorrow. Getting them excited about possible uses for the suns power is a good idea. Do they ever ask how those big orange signs along the freeway system light up without being plugged in. Tell them about the solar panels on top of each sign.
Tell them how there are photovoltaic panels mounted on top of these signs. Explain that is the reason they do not need to be plugged in to light up. The cars that run on solar power are bound to capture their interest. Someday these kids will be inventing new designs for alternative energy utilization.
Kids should be excited to hear about the World Solar Challenge, a race held in Australia. This race only allows the use of cars that run on energy from the sun. In Sydney, Australia there is a passenger ferry in Sydney Harbour called the Solar Sailor. It has the capability to run on solar energy, wind, battery power or diesel fuel.
There are so many inventions and so much research into the use of sun power. It is an exciting time. Who knows, some kid might enter a sun powered robot in the next science fair, or possibly has already done so.
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To save money with solar energy MA residents should first review the essential information on the Web. Get expert advice about solar panels from this recommended source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJaYk8QQbRU&list=PLLZmhGXTTVAfbygFC8xkQF5EDsTMWDYKQ.
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