Learn everything you need to know about Energy, from conserving it to energy drinks

Steve Morris works with solar 365 ltd a company specilising in solar water heating and runs webmojo web design awebsite design UKcompany

Anil Kumar Raju A

Earth4Energy.com

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar power companies.

Solar Energy Overview

Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. The sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. Solar energy is also considered a clean energy because it does not produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the environment.

Solar energy was the first energy source used by mankind. Of course, the use was limited to drying things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In modern times, solar energy has been a power source since the early 1950s, but was not widespread due to technological issues which rendered it an ineffective and expensive energy source. With technology advancements, solar energy is moving to the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, which will be mixed in the paint you use for your home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy panels that will power your home

Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells, however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.

Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very different ways

Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on.

Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the panels will then either directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility. Active systems are more expensive and complex.

Solar energy has numerous advantages over other energy platforms. It is produces no pollution, requires little maintenance and comes with significant financial incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from manufactures. In a majority of states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities per a concept known as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries and significantly cuts utility bills.

Unfortunately, solar energy has some disadvantages as well. The initial cost of purchase and installation can be expensive. Second, areas with limited sunlight are problematic. Third, solar energy obviously can’t be produced at night. Despite these disadvantages, solar energy is a booming energy platform.

The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the United States. California has recently introduces a solar initiative devoting over three billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by residents in the state. As this overview demonstrates, the solar energy platform is coming on strong.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on solar power and solar energy facts.

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Of course, the primary motivation to installing outdoor lighting is to improve visibility at night. A close second is security. Therefore, the first thing you need to consider is the level of brightness you want. Some outdoor solar lighting options may not be bright enough for your liking. As you search your options be sure to keep this in mind. If you are not too concerned about security, but just want something to light up the path or provide beauty, then you need not worry about brightness when looking for outdoor solar lighting. This low voltage outdoor lighting option will be ideal for your needs.

So why is outdoor solar lighting the best option? First of all, this low voltage outdoor lighting option is just that… low voltage. A huge concern with outdoor lighting is the danger of electrocution it presents. Even if the wiring is done professionally and up to code, there is still a risk of accident. Outdoor solar lighting is low voltage and doesn’t present any danger. Though you should be careful regardless of the voltage level, especially if you have a pacemaker.

Another reason why outdoor solar lighting is a good option is because it doesn’t use any electricity. Here’s how it works. Small solar panels connected to the lights charge internal batteries during the day. Then at night, either by a sensor that triggers at dark or by a switch you control, the lights come on to illuminate its area. The batteries run down at night and then are recharged the next day. The batteries of outdoor solar lighting can even recharge during overcast days. What a way to take it easy on the environment and your wallet.

If you are looking for a low voltage outdoor lighting option then outdoor solar lighting is a good option that you should consider.

Loni writes on home improvement and outdoor lighting topics for Quality Outdoor Lighting. Sign up for her home improvement tips newsletter by sending her an email to outdoorlighting@aweber.com.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies.

Having a solar lighting grid system placed on the outside of your house utilizes the sun for energy. When the sun is not out, the lights in your house operate as they normally do, tapping into your local energy source to turn on and off. The nice thing about this system is that you will not lose power. When the sun is out, your energy will come from the sun. At night and during cloudy periods, it will come from your normal energy source.

Solar lighting offers many different advantages to home owners and business owners. For starters, it can dramatically reduce one’s energy bill. Those who use solar lighting in a very sunny area, such as California, can reduce their energy bill by up to 50 percent.

Another advantage to using solar lighting is having a back up energy source. Sometimes during a natural disaster, large storms or over use, an area energy grid will go out leaving its citizens without power. Families who have solar grids on their houses, will at least have power during daylight hours. This obviously makes life more comfortable and allows the family to continue their day to day actives.

Going Commercial

Most people think that solar lighting is for homeowners. However, as solar lighting has become more popular and businesses have become more environmentally friendly, businesses have jumped on the solar lighting band wagon. Some businesses do it strictly for the environmental value, others do it as part of a strategic business plan to save money.

Solar lighting panels can be placed outside on commercial buildings. They can also be placed on street lights, in parking lots, on billboards and on outdoor trails. These solar lighting grids offer the same advantages as home-based grids. However, they do offer one more advantage. In the case of a power outage, public ally located solar lighting grids help maintain public safety. In these cases, solar lighting keeps areas well lit instead of leaving them to the dark, keeping the public safe until the lights come back on.

My Lighting Pro is one of the leading lighting information resources online. We cover everything from low voltage lighting to low voltage track lighting.

Today’s homes have vast energy requirements, whether for
heating, cooling, lighting or another purpose. All these
require electricity or energy.

The most common use of Solar Energy in residential houses is
for the purpose of heating water. A solar panel can convert
sunlight into heat. The bottom of solar panels is black so
that they can absorb as much heat as possible. A
glass-covered water pipe then coils up along the side of the
solar panel. When it is sunny, the water in the pipe is
heated and this hot water can then be stored in a tank
underneath the house or somewhere else out of sight.

Another major and more common use for Solar Energy is the
conversion of sunlight into electricity. Solar cells convert
sunlight into electricity. These cells are usually made out
of silicon which is common material found in sand. Electrons
from silicon atoms are released when sunlight hits a solar
cell, and these electrons flow away. Since electricity is
actually the flow of electrons from one place to another,
each solar cell produces a small amount of current or
electricity.

Solar Energy is now used in a variety of ways. Calculators
and watches often run on solar cells, and larger solar cells
are used to provide power for solar cars.

Other areas where Solar Energy is being used are heating
swimming pools, power for satellites in space, power for
parking meters and street lights.

The Solar Home Site provides energy-efficient ideas, how-to’s and product recommendations, such as how to install a solar hot water heater or use solar panels. Save on your electricity costs as soon as this year!