Facts About Solar Energy
This lens will cover some of the basic facts about solar energy.
Facts about Solar Energy Systems
- Photovoltaic Solar Energy Systems - These are used to convert solar energy directly from light into electricity, through the use of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic devices are also called "photovoltaic modules," "PV modules," "PV cells," "solar panels", "solar cells," "solar chargers," and "solar battery chargers." All these terms refer to the same basic device, although it is made in a variety of forms.
- Solar Heating Systems - This refers to using solar energy to warm up water in order to heat ones home or provide hot water. It is usually done through flat plate collectors installed on ones roof. A flat plate collector is a sheet of metal with some tubes going through it for water to pass through, sunlight warms up the metal which in turn heats the water going through the tubes. Such a system can drastically reduce your heating bill an will pay for itself in just a few years through the energy savings.
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Systems - This is more an industrial solar energy system. It is the cheapest and most cost effective way of producing grid-tied energy an can be used to supply energy to entire cities. Technology has advanced so far that it is now financially viable to compete with conventional power plants. There are several different designs for concentrated solar power systems such as the parabolic trough, solar dish-engine, and the Solar tower.
- Solar Lighting Systems - Solar lighting systems is a relatively new technology (well technically its not "new" as the Egyptians and other early civilizations made use of similar principles). Solar lighting technology involves taking normal sunlight and transferring it to into building through the use of fiber optic cables. The light is then used as regular room lighting, thus saving on the energy bill. This is definitely a solar energy technology with a bright future, as there are many ways to easily incorporate this into buildings.
Uses of Solar Power
Sunsei 71015 SE-24000 400-Watt 16.5-Volt Solar Panel Generator
These solar panels can be installed on rooftops of cabins, cottages, RVs or boats. These solar panels produce up to 400 watts and will charge several batteries at the same time. They are designed aerodynamically so as to reduce drag and stand up to high levels of vibration on moving vehicles (such as RVs or boats). Several panels can be connected in seconds, without any need for tools or rewiring. When your solar panel is charging, a built-in indicator blinks to notify you. The long-term energy savings, along with the reduced environmental impact, can be well worth the initial cost.
Amazon Price: $2,999.99 (as of 07/05/2009) 
Brunton SOLARIS 52 CIGS Foldable Solar Panel (Black/Silver, 12 Volt)
Solar Power has gone mobile. If you want to take your laptop or your camera with you on your next off-grid camping trip or other adventure, this foldable solar charger can provide enough electricity to fit the bill.
Amazon Price: $716.30 (as of 07/05/2009)
Brunton SolarRoll 14 - Solar charger - 14 Watt
Another device from Brunton is the Brunton SolarRoll. While it doesn't supply quite the same amount of energy as the Brunton Solaris 52 above, 14 watts is not bad either. This one doesn't fold, though - it rolls.
Amazon Price: $322.69 (as of 07/05/2009)
Voltaic 1001 Voltaic Solar Powered Backpack - Silver
The solar panels installed in the back of this daypack will provide enough energy to charge most portable consumer electronics (though not enough for laptop computers).
Ideal for a weekend hike or a short off-grid excursion, the Voltaic 1001 solar powered backpack has enough pockets connectors to charge several devices at once. The waterproof, scratch resistant, and UV resistant solar panels can generate up to 4 watts of electricity. They are lightweight and tough, designed to withstand rough use. It would be difficult to break one of the solar panels by leaning on the bag, dropping it, etc. But even if you do, the solar cells can be replaced.
Amazon Price: $219.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
More Lenses from the "Facts about Solar Energy" Series
Each of the following pages contains further information and facts about solar energy.-
Technical Facts about Solar Energy
-
This lens covers some basic technical facts about solar energy.
-
Facts about Solar Energy for the Home
-
This lens covers the basic facts and elements involved in setting up solar power for one's home.
-
Facts about Solar Energy Usage
-
This lens covers basic facts about what solar power and solar panels and be used for.
-
Solar Energy Basic Principles
-
This lens describes some of the basic principles one should know in order to get a good grounding on solar energy. The page will cover how solar energy is created, how we measure and label the available solar energy at different locations on the pla...
-
Facts about Solar Energy and the Environment
-
Solar power and solar panels have many uses. This lens covers some of the ways they can and are utilized as a clean energy source.
-
Solar Energy History
-
Throughout man's history the sun has always been a subject of speculation and worship. In fact, most ancient cultures have deified the sun, due to its life-giving and energy-giving qualities. Thus, the subject of solar energy is one of the oldest su...
-
Home Solar Panels
-
Is it realistic for everyday people to get solar panels installed in their homes? Does it cost too much, and what are the energy savings? Are there less expensive options for those who aren't ready to install a full solar power system for their home?
-
How Does Solar Energy Work?
-
This lens describes what solar energy is, how it works, and its different forms. The explanations are written in as simple terms as possible. We want to make it easy for anyone to understand solar energy.
Large Scale Solar Energy Solutions
-
Parabolic Trough Solar Field Technology
-
The above title is quite a mouth full. But what does it actually mean? This lens will explain what parabolic trough solar field technology is and how it works to provide solar energy on a broad scale.
-
Concentrated Solar Power
-
This lens is about a form of Solar Energy known as Concentrated Solar Power (or "CSP"). Concentrated Solar Power is the type of solar power which is created by concentrating sunlight into a small area, creating intense light and heat, which can in t...
-
Solar Dish-Engine
-
A solar dish-engine is a clean energy system that uses concentrated sunlight in order to produce electricity. As it uses sunlight as its "fuel," no harmful emissions are created in the process of generating electricity. It is a clean and environmenta...
-
Solar Ink
-
Huh? What's solar ink? Have you ever heard of solar ink? Well, there are some really smart people out there, creating some really smart inventions, and this is one of them. Read this lens to find out what solar ink really is - and don't forget to ta...
-
Solar Towers
-
A solar tower is a device that converts solar thermal energy (heat from the sun) into electricity. Solar towers are suitable for large-scale power generation. This lens will describe the component parts of solar towers, how they are used, and how the...
The Future of Solar Energy
Unleash the Future - Solar Energy
Miriam Horn, co-author of Earth the Sequel, explores the innovations underway that could help make solar the energy source of the future. Part 1 of Environmental Defense Fund's video series, Unleash the Future.
Runtime: 2:09
20166 views
10 Comments:
Solar Powered Devices and Equipment
-
Solar Chargers for Camping
-
You can take your electronics with you when you are camping without access to power grids. You simply need to get the right type of solar charger for your equipment and needs.
-
Solar Laptop Chargers
-
Are you planning an expedition or some other adventure into the wild, but you need to take your laptop with you? Fortunately, the solar energy industry is catching up with the computer industry. It's now more possible than ever to charge your laptop...
-
Solar Cells
-
This lens describes what solar cells are and how they work. It also covers the developments that have been made in solar technology, and how these have now made it possible for solar power to come into practical use for the every day person.
-
Hybrid Solar Chargers
-
A hybrid solar charger can collect power from the sun, or from an ordinary wall socket. Its battery can then be used to charge your electronic devices and equipment.
-
Solar Hot Water
-
Solar water heating systems are an effective way of conserving energy and reducing your energy bill. This page will cover a bit of the history of solar water heating (yes, you can skip that section if you are in a hurry), how solar water heating work...
-
Photovoltaic Cells
-
This lens is about photovoltaic cells - what they are, how they work, and how we can use them.
Equipment Using Solar Energy
Solar power products and equipment are available for a wide range of purposes today.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNews and Updates on Solar Energy
Recent Posts from Our Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byOur Bookmarks on Delicious
These are websites and pages which I find useful or interesting and bookmark - usually on the subject of solar power or alternative energy.
Suppliers of Solar Panels and Solar Power
Find More Information on Solar Chargers and Solar Power
Thank You for Visiting
Please Leave Your Feedback!
This lens is brought to you by Anna (aka solarstories) of Solar Chargers and Portable Solar Power and Living Clean.
For social networking, you can visit me at Twitter, Friend Feed, MySpace, MyBlogLog, or you can find a full list of Social Network profiles at Solar Stories Squidoo Lens.
I appreciate that you have stopped by at my lens, and I hope you will take a moment to leave a comment. Thanks!
HenryE wrote...
It's nice to see other people trying to improve our energy situation. I am into geothermal energy but I know that solar is great, too. Best of luck to you!
Posted June 13, 2009
john wrote
I like the video on "printing" solar panels.
Posted September 27, 2008
by solarstories
Photo at AllPosters.com
I support the use of solar power, a cleaner environment, Alternative Energy, and work against Global Warming.
At the momen... (more)
