Solar Power

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.

There are many fact about solar energy that are not generally known. If they were, we would see solar energy being utilized far more, as an alternative power-source. And we would see many more solar devices widely in use. This lens will cover some o...

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...

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...

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.

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?

As of recently, I've heard of tax credits and incentives for the use of renewable energy such as solar power, wind power and other alternative energy sources. However, trying to find and understand them left something to be desired. So I thought I...

In Solar Water Heating we discussed the basic facts about solar hot water heaters, and the different types that exist. In this lens we will cover some important facts you should consider when you are looking at getting a solar hot water heater for y...

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...

Modern times are seeing more and more people creating solar homes - homes which are powered by solar energy instead of by the pollution-generating fossil fuels that cause Global Warming. Solar Power is not more expensive than other less clean forms o...

There are a variety of solar chargers available on the market today. Some can run your equipment directly from the sun, while others will charge batteries which can in turn be used to run or charge your equipment. Some solar chargers have the option...

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 Battery Chargers use the power of the sun to charge your batteries when you are away from regular power grids, in the wilderness, on the go, or when you just want to save electrical costs or make a small contribution to the fight against pollut...

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...

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.

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...

What!? A Solar Chimney? What does solar power have to do with Santa Claus? Read this lens to find out.

Imagine a T-shirt that runs you iPod, a pair of jeans that recharges your cell phone, and a beach umbrella that runs a TV. Sound far-fetched? Okay, I'll agree with you that it does. Nevertheless, research into photovoltaics and solar energy has rea...

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.

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...

As of recently, I've heard of tax credits and incentives for the use of renewable energy such as solar power, wind power and other alternative energy sources. However, trying to find and understand them left something to be desired. So I thought I...

Net Metering is the practice of consumers "selling" energy to the electricity companies when they have some form of renewable energy facility installed at their home and a surplus is created. A good example of net metering would be the case of someo...