What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?

Solar energy is heavily promoted for its ability to produce a clean form of energy production. It does not pollute the environment and therefor considered a very green technology.

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Layers of a unique material contained the Photovoltaic conversion absorb sun's rays directly to product electricity.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. Solar energy is a type of energy This method utilizes reflecting surfaces and mirrors to amplify the amount of heat that can be generated. (thermal). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion essentially means light that is converted to electricity. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When you expose the two layers inside a solar panel to direct sunlight, electricity is created.

A solar power cell's speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The best result require longer exposure to direct sunlight.

Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.

As stated earlier, anytime someone uses a hand-held or lighted magnifying glass to get a fire going, have used solar energy.

The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about using the sun to create your own solar power with a magnifying glass, then visit Julie Manther's site on how to choose the best magnifiers and magnifying mirror for your needs.

Solar Power: Slash Your Electric Costs Now

Oil prices are on the rise again, and electricity prices will soon follow. Over the last 25 years, the solar energy industry has made great strides in producing solar energy.

With the price of power rising and the price of solar power systems falling, now is the time to educate yourself about solar power.

Is Solar Energy Really Affordable?

Yes, thanks to government incentives. The state, federal and local governments are now giving large incentives to home owners. Based on your location, you may be incentivised 33% - 60% of the price of your solar power system. With financing available through many solar power companies (as well as home equity loans) you may be able to reduce monthly electric bills by more than the system costs.

Will the Utilities Buy Surplus Electricity from Us?

Yes, the utilities will "buy" your excess electricity as it is produced. If your solar energy system produces more electricity than your house is consuming at that moment, the extra electric feeds back into the power grid, and your power meter will literally spin backwards! If you are away from your house, and leave as many electric items turned off as possible, the surplus electricity can automatically flow back earning you money.

Are Professional Installers Available for Solar Power Systems?

Absolutely. In fact, because you are integrating with the electric system of your home, it is recommended that an experienced licensed electrician install the system for you. Most solar power installation companies have electricians to handle this.

What is Required to Get a Solar Energy System?

Generally, you should have a home with exposure to the south, southeast or southwest. You will want to have as few shadows on the roof as possible. Having your home in the southern United States has advantages, but home owners in the north also do extremely well with solar energy. Before you make a purchase, most reputable solar power companies send an experienced technician to inspect your home, property and landscape to determine whether solar energy will work and what sort of savings you can see.

Is Solar Energy Really Good for the Environment?

Yes. While electricity is clean, the fossil fuels required to generate the electricity is not. By harnessing the energy of the sun, you are truly able to produce your own electricity with no negative impact on the environment. This reduces pollutants in the air, decreases our demand on foreign oil, and helps to lower the overall cost structure of power in this country.

Does the Government Really Support Solar Power?

Yes. There are local, state and federal programs designed to encourage home owners to switch to solar energy (as well as wind and other alternative energies). Washington knows that our dependency on foreign oil cannot continue, and our dependency on them is bad for our nation as well as our ecology. By offering financial assistance for people to convert to solar power, the fed is making an investment in you, to help sole the energy crisis. In the coming years, millions can switch to solar power, significantly reducing tax our dependency on foreign oil.

What Does a Solar Energy System Cost?

This depends on the amount of energy you want to produce. Obviously the larger the system, the more energy you can make. Solar Energy Systems can range from $10,000-$30,000 or more depending upon your needs. If a system costs $20,000 and the subsidies are 65%, the cost to you is $7,000. depending on how you finance it, this may cost you approximately $50-$75 per month. Many will save more than this in their first month on their electric bill. The exact savings will vary based upon the cost of the system, the tax incentives, and the amount that you currently pay for electricity.

For more information, we encourage you to visit our website at http://WWW.SaveWithSolar.org

About the Author:

By Chris Ulrich. SaveWithSolar.org shares great information about solar energy and ways to save with solar power. Get free information, including information on the solar energy incentives available in your geography!

Why To Use Solar Christmas Lights To Decorate Your House

Christmas is the one season that almost everybody enjoys. It is a time when we can forget about the darkness and cold that is outdoors and instead share happy moments with our loved ones. Even the act of putting up Christmas decorations can bring us all a degree of joy. Most people are now aware that the cost of electricity is more expensive than it has ever been. But it is now possible to use solar Christmas lights so that your energy bills will not rise. This option is becoming more and more popular every year with families around the country.

In appearance they look like ordinary Christmas lights. The difference is that they have a controller board that contains a battery linked to solar cells. From this the power is transmitted to each of the bulbs.

You may think that in winter time the sun is not strong enough to create enough energy to power even a small light but this is not true. Modern solar cells are very efficient even on an overcast day and as they transfer the energy to a battery you will have enough power even during the darkest nights.

Apart from the obvious financial savings that are had by using this renewable source of energy, another important factor is that you know that you are not contributing to environmental problems.

As with the old fashioned Christmas lights, the solar Christmas lights can be bought in many different sizes, designs, styles, and colors. There are some that can be continuously on and others that will switch on and off to give a flickering appearance. Usually the controller board has settings so that you can choose when they will turn themselves on and for how long.

Solar Christmas lights are safe to be used both indoors and out, and in any weather. You can place them on Christmas trees, guttering, porches, and throughout the garden. If you are going to put them inside your house then you must remember to place the solar cells outside! Also they can be used for other events apart from just Christmas. When you are hosting a birthday part or anniversary party they can make excellent decorations.

Generally, solar Christmas lights come in two different forms - rope lights and string lights. Rope lights have a string of LEDs which are contained within a clear plastic tube. These are perfect for hanging around doors and windows. String lights do not have a tube and look magnificent on trees or hanging from a roof. They are a perfect addition to your Christmas decorations.

More more information on solar Christmas lights, head on over to Steve's Solar Lights site at solarlightssite.com. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.