SOLAR ENERGY

Sun's Solar Storm Coming 2012 by Kellie Hastings

2008-04-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Sun's Calm Before the Storm
The universal wonder of deep space the magnificence of the sun should be respected as it will eventually transform and disperse its unique balance of life giving properties. And contrary to history archives of what the wrath of nature can do to our planet there is a new apprehension growing amongst today's scientists and it doesn't include the unpredictable behaviour of our planet earth.
A team of researchers from The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) officially concluded its findings March 10 2006. According to them, sunspots on the sun have literally vanished, solar flares are currently non-existent and the sun is completely quiet. And as most often say, this is like the quiet before the storm. The Solar Minimum has begun. The most powerful solar maximum in fifty years will originate from this solar storm. The next sunspot will be up to 50% stronger than its previous predecessor. And if this approximation is correct, within the next several years the rupture of solar activity will begin. The Solar Max storm of 1958 was called a solar maximum.
However, back then cell phones were non-existent along with all the modern technology of today. But the three sightings of northern lights in Mexico were what spurred an interest and people soon realized something was happening.
One can only wonder the effects of such a storm and what it can bring today. We all gaze at the sun's docile appearance as it descends downward in its nightly ritual only to re-surface on the earths opposite side. And we all take pleasure in the light of the sun's return. I suppose docile is not the correct word to describe the power of this massive star or its destructive behaviour it can impose upon our planet. Today a similar maximum would dramatically affect weather satellites, cell phones, computers and other technologies. Kpati of (NCAR) realized the mystery after two-centuries since the 11 year sunspot cycle was discovered, while scientists struggled to predict the size of future maxima and failed. In 1805 the Solar Maxima was barley measurable yet; in 1958 it was quite intense Therefore, the answer to an aging mystery is a conveyor belt on the sun which is similar to the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt here on Earth.
However, unlike the earth's conveyor belt which is currents carrying water, the sun's conveyor belt is a current of electrically-conducting gas. And moving in spherical form it travels from the sun's equator to the poles then back again. While the Ocean Conveyor Belt here controls Earths weather, this solar conveyor belt on the sun does the same thing exclusive to the sunspot cycle.
WHAT ARE SUNSPOTS?
The lifespan of the average sunspot is typically a few weeks and upon its so called death it decays leaving in its wake weakened magnetic fields. Consisting of abnormal knots with magnetic pull sunspots are produced by energy from the suns inner core. The function of this conveyor is to skim over the sun's surface in its gathering of the magnetic fields of the dead, dead sunspots. In the course of their demise they are then drawn to the poles. Here, energy from the inner core of the sun can then strengthen them giving them buoyancy to float back to the surface as new sunspots. (Solar physicist David Hathaway NSSTC)
A very interesting and uneventful process however, this is the basis used to form predictions and 30 to 50 years can pass while the belt will only complete one loop. A 30 year cycle however means abundant supplies of magnetic fields were gathered resulting in a more intense sunspot cycle creating larger sunspots. This happened from 1986 thru 1996. Thus, by the years 2010 thru 2011 that sunspot cycle will be intense. But according to the conveyor belt model some believe the next solar maximum will be dozy while others believe it will arrive around 2010, two years early. And although history has proven large sunspot cycles raise faster the first sunspots of our future cycle should appear in the later halves of 2006 or 2007.
The difference this time though is not how large they are or how intense the storm will be. This storm will create new concerns, new worries and new fears in relation to all our modern technology. The billions of signals saturating our airwaves all come from technological origins. And the impact this can have on weather, transportation, communication, computer systems and more is where the real storm will lie. Kellie Hastings 2007 www.freewebs.com/skilled-writer

About the Author
Freelance researcher and writer of articles pertaining to health, anit aging, aging, pollution, public awareness, human philosophy. Read Deadly Facts About Drive-thru Mania, FDA Deception for Control and Money and Aliens and humans-Linked at http://www.freewebs.com/skilled-writer Kellie Hastings

Is Solar Energy a Reliable and Practical Source of Electrical Power? by Martin Barwise

2008-04-01T02:42:00.001-07:00

You have probably heard it said by environmental groups that we should switch to solar energy as a power source because it is free, there is an unlimited supply, and it is a cleaner source of electrical power because there are no by-products (compared to fossil fuels like oil and gas which release greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere when burned for power.) However, can solar energy be a reliable and practical source of electrical power indeed?
When we use the term solar power nowadays, it usually refers to man-made technologies that rely on the flow of sunlight from our sun to create electricity or even mechanical power. Early pioneers in the conversion of solar power into usable forms of power were Auguste Mouchout, Frank Shuman, Charles Tellier, and John Ericksson. But the real breakthrough in conversion of solar power into pure electricity was achieved by the Bell Laboratories research team when they created the solar cell. Other people have been able to build on this development so that solar cells now have an efficiency of more than 40% and their prices have fallen to not more than $3 per watt.
Solar power technology is categorized as either being active solar, passive solar, direct solar, or indirect solar. One way solar power is directly used nowadays is to heat water for households. Solar power has an efficiency level of up to 86% when it is applied for creating hot water, which makes it a very attractive option for countries with cold climates where people find it hard to survive without hot water. Another way solar power directly affects our lives is when solar cells are integrated into everyday electronic gadgets such as calculators, or as a steady source of power for satellites in orbit around the earth. Households can now have solar panels installed on their roofs so that they can take advantage of sunlight to power their home. However, the demand for solar panels may be affected because of the shortage of refined silicon supplies.
The more cost-effective solution for large-scale use of solar power for power generation needs is construction of solar power plants. Solar power plants may either be of the older type of concentrating solar thermal power plant or the newer multi-megawatt photovoltaic facilities. The first kind, which relies on concentrating solar thermal technology, basically relies on mirrors or lenses to direct sunlight into a much smaller area of focus. However, this type of solar power technology can be disadvantageous to rely on when skies are overcast and there is little direct sunlight.
It is also interesting that solar power can also be used nowadays to power light vehicles. Proof of this is the biannual World Solar Challenge in Australia, where solar cars developed by researchers from both industry and universities have been able to reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour during the race itself. Which is not bad, considering the speed limit for South Australia where the race is conducted is set at 110 kilometers per hour.
A very practical usage of solar power is to disinfect water supplies so that they become drinkable. Water can be disinfected either through solar water pasteurization or through solar water disinfection. Solar water pasteurization relies on solar power to make the pasteurization process work, involving sustaining application of heat to water for a certain period of time so that water temperatures stay within the 60 degrees to 70 degrees Celsius range. Solar water disinfection is a less intense use of solar power because the water is aerated first by vigorous shaking in a container which is then left to be exposed to direct sunlight.
All these uses of solar power indicate that eventually solar power may become a widespread source of power not just for large enterprises but also for the average human household. All that is required is for people to be able to afford the technology and its upkeep for solar power to become a practical and dependable source of power on a daily basis.

About the Author
Green Store UK sells eco friendly gifts and energy saving gadgets. We have various energy saving gadgets such as the Smart Adapter which is a remote control plug set which enables you to quickly and easily turn off electric items off standby.

Solar Electricity Is Very Popular by Frank Vanderlugt

2008-04-01T02:41:00.001-07:00

Solar electricity has attained great popularity over the years. It has worked towards saving a lot of energy and electricity. It is created via utilizing photovoltaic (PV) technology. It converts solar energy into solar electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic systems utilize sunlight in order to power electrical equipments such as household appliances, lighting and computer. The best fact is that photovoltaic (PV) process utilizes free solar energy. This process converts solar energy into solar power. Here, we are not talking about the solar electricity thermal technology that's utilized for hot water production and space heating.
There are two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material in a PV cell. This is silicon. Once the silicon is exposed to light, electric charges are produced and this can be easily conducted away by metal contacts as direct current or DC. The output that comes from a single cell is very small. Hence, many cells together are connected together and then encapsulated in order to form a module. The PV module is the principle building block of a PV system. One can connect as many modules as desired in order to produce the desired electrical output. The PV equipment does not contain any moving parts and requires very little maintenance. It produces solar electricity without the need to produce green house emission or any other gases. The operation is silent.
PV technology is ideally suited to be utilized on buildings. They provide pollution free solar power. There is no noise during the operation and the process requires little space.
Photovoltaics are widely used on buildings in the United Kingdom. There are several ways; PV systems can be incorporated in to buildings. The best place to use PV systems is sloping rooftop. Here the modules can simply be mounted via using frames. One can also incorporate photovoltaic systems into the actual building fabric. For instance, PV roof tiles are widely available these days. These can be easily fitted into standard tiles.
Solar electricity can save your money. When it comes to the rural areas, the cost of obtaining electricity from the nearest power grid is much more than that of drawing electricity from solar panel power. The surprising factor is that the gap is increasing at a fast pace. Solar energy is also an excellent source of backup power when it comes to fighting blackout or emergencies.
The actual cost of solar panel power per kilowatt hour is about $0.55 per kwt as compared to $0.05 for wind or $0.06 for micro-hydroelectric. This is quite cheaper than paying Power Company.
In case, you want to install solar panel at your home, you need to make a good amount of up-front investment. The may sound costly but it really works. It works towards saving a lot of money and electricity on your part.
Solar electricity also ensures a clear environment. It decreases the pollution and also reduces the depletion of natural sources. You would benefit a lot by using solar electricity in your home.

About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.solar-power-2007.com Solar Power

Solar Battery Charger - Why Do You Need One by Joseph Then

2008-04-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone has ran into a problem where they need to charge a battery but they have no ability to do so. Be that they are away from an electrical source or they simply cannot get to their charger. This can be frustrating. In comes the solar battery charger that allow you more independence when it comes to charging your batteries. You are no longer tied down to a power point and it will help you, especially those who are considered the "road warriors".
Almost everyone these days has a cell phone. It can be quite a nuisance when the battery goes dead and you can not get to your battery charger. The option of a solar battery charger allows you to be able to charge your phone no matter where you are. The same can be said for other batteries that need charged.
Solar battery chargers are great for when you are camping or on a road trip. Instead of being tied up to a traditional charger that limits you due to the cord, you can be free with a solar battery charger. This charger will simply work off the free energy from the sun. There are even some models that will charge using any light source, even a lamp.
Perhaps one of the best things about this battery charger is that it is free to operate. You are not paying a dime to use the solar energy. Many people do not even know that leaving a conventional battery charger plugged in, even if it is not charging a phone, can cost quite a bit over a years time in energy costs. That means you are throwing money away. Try out a solar battery charger and you can keep that extra money in your pocket where it belongs.
A solar battery charger can be used for more then cell phones, though. They have greatly improved technology that allows them to be used for almost anything a traditional battery charger can be used for. You are not limited. Give a solar battery charger a try and see what a difference it makes.
Solar battery chargers offer you a lot over traditional chargers. You are not tied down. You can enjoy whatever you are doing without having to be tied up to a charger. Do not be a slave to a battery charger. Take control and start using solar power to help you get a handle on your battery charging needs.

About the Author
Learn how you can save money and save the Earth by using the infinite source of energy: Solar Energy. You can find more information at Joseph's website at http://www.mysolarenergyathome.com as he expounds on Solar Battery Charger

Solar Power Your Wireless Laptop and Go Green by Michael Beck

2008-04-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

Solar power for remote computing is finally catching on. It is working for everyone from the cross-country cyclist and weekend camper, to regular working stiffs that have to rough it on the job.
Many mobile computer users are going "green" with their lappies on the road. Extreme, or remote computing no longer seems too far fetched. Many professionals enjoy rugged recreational activities, but have to stay wired to the job or business.
Solar power is not just a possibility, but could be a necessity for those that go remote. Solar panels are used to collect solar energy for direct use or storage in batteries to power up later.
Here is how solar, or photovoltaic energy is realized from the "How Stuff Works" website. If you are not an electrical engineer or scientist of some sort, don't be surprised if this does make light bulbs go off in your head. You can always come back and do further research on the Internet.
"The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are photovoltaic cells or modules (modules are simply a group of cells electrically connected and packaged in one frame). Photovoltaics, as the word implies (photo = light, voltaic = electricity), convert sunlight directly into electricity. Once used almost exclusively in space, photovoltaics are used more and more in less exotic ways. They could even power your house. How do these devices work?
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently the most commonly used. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off to use externally. For example, the current can power a calculator. This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce."
To continue, we will discuss the smaller hand held devices for cell phones and PDAs, all the way to powerful self-contained and fully remote commercial solar systems. Here are several links that describe the use of solar power for mobile computers and other wireless devices from the Do-It-Yourself perspective.
How-To-Green-Your-Electronics http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/03/how-to-green-your-electronics.php
DIY Solar System for $180 http://blogs.experience.com/Patrick/2007/01/portable-solar-power-for-1_.html
How To - Laptop Solar Power http://rmowe.home.att.net/photovoltaic.html
Hand Held Solar Kits Solar kits are designed to be self-contained. They combine solar cells, rechargeable batteries, and a wide selection of cables. These won't power a portable laptop yet unless it's a miser on energy, but they will keep you connected with a limitless power supply for your cell phones, Smart phones, PDAs, and smaller devices. As long as the sun is shining, or the batteries are charged up, you will have power.
Many purists will argue anything solar is not really "green", either because it will never be energy positive (will never generate more power than it took to manufacture), or because it has a battery, making it environmentally unfriendly by default.
Arguments aside, at issue for rugged and remote users is a reliable power source, and having some sense of being connected. So, solar charging devices can be considered either as "convenience efficient" or "emergency efficient". Don't take this as a challenge to engineer types that will want to get their slide rules out, just a notation that these solar kits are an honest attempt at the "plus" column for reducing the human carbon footprint. Wider adoption and acceptance of new technology usually results in greater efficiencies.
Two promising examples that have had good reviews are the reasonably affordable products from Solar Style Dot Com, and the pricier Solio Dot Com. Do a search on YouTube and you will find many videos of Solio in action. If it did not work, we would know it by now.
Portable Solar Power Docking Stations
The idea of using solar power in remote situations is nothing new. The question for us is how well, and how fast, a solar power station will power up your notebook or laptop. Other considerations are the size, weight, and portability. You will find many products in this category, but few online reviews that confirm that these products will actually perform as advertised. The best source I have found for honest reviews in this regard is TreeHugger.com.
There are very few winners in the category of a portable solar power docking station to efficiently run a laptop computer. One that does get good reviews on the subject is the "PowerDock System".
Do an online search for PowerDock System, and you will find many retailers and dealers at different price points. So be patient and shop around. Your Mobile Desk Dot Com is the best resource for a complete descriptions of the PowerDock product line. These include from the least expensive to the most expensive: PowerDock Lite, PowerDock Basic. PowerDock Executive, and PowerDock Elite.
Power Dock Systems are relatively expensive, and range in price form a few hundred dollars on up to $450.00. The PowerDock is an attractive product design and weighs in form 5 to 13.5 pounds.
Another potential winner is the Notepower Solar Laptop Charger from Sierra Solar Systems. You will see the Notepower Solar Charger pop up along with the PowerDock in a search engine query for these type of solar products. Plug in the SmartAdapter with the extended 10 foot cord included, and start charging or topping off your computer battery as long as sunshine is available.
Once again, this is not a review recommendation, but the Notepower has had favorable comments by TreeHugger.com and other reliable sources, giving no pause to mention it here. The 3 lb. Notepower is not designed with a storage battery, but the 20-30 watts of power will charge and run most laptop computers, according to the specs.
You may not consider the Notepower as a true solar docking station, but it is an attractive portable solar package for a temporary power solution. Originally priced around $250.00.
Commercial and Military Grade Solar Power Systems
Some of the best remote solar power systems are designed to meet military standards. You could even say that anything designed for military use is pretty much guaranteed to perform. These systems will compliment anything in the fully rugged notebook computer category.
Energy Technologies, Inc. in Ohio, USA makes a wide assortment of military standard power equipment for field use. Things like field deployable inverters, converters, UPS, engine-generators, along with solar power stations with the trade name Tactical Solar Products.
The product features for these Tactical Solar Products include various combinations of charge controllers, power storage batteries, AC/DC power adapters, multiple DC outputs, and a large selection of folding solar panels. The specific product line is the Solar Suitcase I, Solar Suitcase II, Solar Suitcase III, Solar Suitcase IV, along with the folding SolarTacticalPanels.
Solar Suitcases I-IV can charge Lead Acid, Li-Ion, NiCad, NiMH & other types of rechargeable batteries. The nearly bullet proof folding solar collection panels are available from a 15 Watt to a hefty 330 Watt output panel set. This is "green power", but you are out of luck if you prefer a color other than the two camouflage patterns available.
You will have to call ETI for costs, as product pricing is not published on the ETI websites.
Computing Solar Power Wrap-up
We have looked at several of the many possibilities for solar power, and going "green" with remote computing. The possibilities are becoming more reliable and starting to make more economic sense. You can try to go solar and Do-It-Yourself, or for the less technically inclined there is a wide range of retail and commercial applications for sale. We have attempted to highlight a few of the proven DIY options, and find some of the readily available products, and systems from various online reviews.
Here are a few solar power resource websites you may want to keep an eye on: Altapower.com, RadioLabs.com, and CTSolar.com. You are sure to find more now and in the future with your online searches. Amazing products are already available and in the marketplace for solar power options. As energy costs and energy conservation continue to gain interest as mainstream issues, we should see rapid development of solar integrated design features. Soon it may be a standard feature and part of everyday portable computers.
Let's hope solar power catches on with everyone, not just those using rugged notebooks and remote computing,

About the Author
Michael Beck is a blogger, author and a digital nomad. He writes The Digital Nomads Blog and The Rugged Notebooks Blog, and contributes to other blogs that deal with the paradigm shift to mobility and wireless technology, including: http://www.ruggednotebooksblog.com, http://digital-nomads.blogspot.com, http://soho-quest.blogspot.com, http://sovereign-journey.blogspot.com

Solar Cell Roofing: Energy producing shingles that look like a normal roof by Alan Jacobson

2008-04-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

Solar cell roofing made from solar shingles or solar panels is being increasingly incorporated into the construction of new residential and commercial buildings. In many areas, people are choosing to replace their conventional roof with a solar roof when it is time for maintenance. And most of these people would tell you that the long-term value, or short-term increase is resale interest, made it worthwhile. A solar cell roof is called "buiulding integrated", also known by the more complete name "building integrated photovoltaic" (BIPV). BIPV suggests that you would have needed that part of the structure built anyway, and you've chosen to use material that will also serve the purpose of generating power through solar energy. The first advantage of solar cell shingles or panels on the roof is obvious: some of the initial cost is paid by lowering the overall material and labor costs involved in the construction. The second advantage is that the BIPV does not stand out - it is a normal and expected part of the design and structure of the building. These two advantages often make bipv solar roofing the clear choice over rooftop wind turbines, raised solar panels, and backyard windmills which both stand out and cost a lot more to build and install. In some parts of the world, often due to government subsidies, many new houses are built with solar roofs. Until recently, this was not the case in the U.S., UK, and much of Europe because the cost remained prohibitive. However, with the invention of what is called "thin film solar technology", solar roofing tiles, panels and shingles have become easier to fabricate and work with and are much more aesthetically pleasing. This technology is best for pitched roofs where shingles or small tiles are the norm. Large flat roofs, such as the tops of many commercial buildings, can have one giant layer of solar film, or large integrated panels. Solar cell roofs can be hooked up in two ways - on and off the grid. Off the grid solar power means that you will use the energy you gain from the solar panels and either not be connected at all to the electric company or connected in a way that is completely parallel and unrelated. Off grid appliactions might be appropriate for houses that are far from electric power lines but get enough sunlight to be completely solar, houses with combination systems with other renewable energy systems, or houses in places that get little sun so it would be unlikely that the solar power generated would ever be more than the house requires. On grid systems are hooked in with your conventional electric supply, and when the solar power system generates more electricity than you need, it actually sells it back to the power company. Your meter literally spins backwards and you can get a zero bill or even a check in the mail instead of a bill. There is some debate among real estate developers, but the general rule is that any renewable energy source for the home pays off if it returns your original installation investment in ten years or less through energy savings. The invention and perfection of integrated thin film solar roofs has led to us rapidly approaching that return, and possibly even outdistancing it depending on where you live. There are four things to consider when looking into a solar cell roof: 1. How much sun does your area get each year, independent of the outside temperature? 2. Where does your roof face - ideally it would face east/west of it is a slanted roof? 3. What is the cost now, and projected cost of electricity where you are? 4. What is the general attitude of home buyers in your area to renewables (especially if you might sell your home within 10 years)? If you do choose solar cell roofing for your home or buisiness you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the effeiciency, cost, and savings associated with BIPV.

About the Author
For more information about solar cell roofing, please see http://www.solarcellroof.net. For specific inforamtion about solar cell shingles see http://www.solarcellshingles.com, and for information about thin film technology, please see http://www.thinfilmsolar.net

Corporations Seriously Looking at Alternative Energy by John Kuzniar

2008-04-01T02:37:00.000-07:00

In his new music video for the movie "American Gangster," best selling rapper Jay-Z flaunts the euro, not the dollar, to showcase his wealth.
Recently when asked "What is the best currency in the world to own right now?", billionaire Warren Buffet replied, "Not the u.S. dollar."
It was recently reported that supermodel Gisele Bundchen refused to be paid in U.S. dollars, because of uncertainty over its strength. She instead, asked to be paid in euros.
The examples above speak volumes about what many people with money, lots of money, think about the value of today's dollar. And many of them are beginning to hedge their bets with respect to the dollar. But what does all of this have to do with renewable energy resources?
If the dollar continues to be weak against other currencies, it will produce many unpredictable side effects. But one side effect that is almost certain to happen is a rise in the prices of traditional energy resources. All imports, but specifically oil and gasoline, will become more expensive. The days of $1.20 a gallon for gas are probably gone forever.
Grid Parity and Energy Prices
Grid parity is the point at which it becomes cheaper to produce your own electricity, from photovoltaic cells using solar power, than it is to buy it from power companies off of the electrical grid. As energy prices rise, more and more people will find themselves reaching grid parity.
Until very recently, the prospect of a community reaching grid parity any time soon seemed like a remote possibility. However, as energy prices have risen, some places in the U.S. have already reached that point. As of 2007, Hawaii has reached grid parity with the peak charging rates. Parts of California, particularly Northern California, have reached gird parity as well. As energy prices continue to rise, in large part due to the dollars devaluation, we'll see many more communities reaching grid parity.
But there is also an inverse price relationship happening with solar power and oil. As the price of oil slowly increases, the prices of photovoltaic cells are slowly decreasing. Companies are becoming more efficient at producing solar cells thus enabling them to be sold at lower price points. In addition, the solar cells themselves are becoming more efficient solar collectors, which let's the home or business owner save even more money.
And, of course, other factors pushing us towards greater uses of solar cell technology are the looming worries of global warming and the pressing need to decrease greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere.
Are corporations betting on solar power? One such company, SunPower, which makes photovoltaic panels for businesses, expects to pull in over one billion dollars in sales next year. Solar Power Inc. had revenues of over 8 million dollars in it's third quarter alone. Solar power companies in foreign countries such as Germany, Japan, and China have ramped up their solar power production facilities dramatically in the past few years.
For the past several years the U.S. has been borrowing money with reckless abandon. We have a national debt of over 9 trillion dollars. Now, the rest of the world is slowly deciding that they no longer want to bankroll us. For us, that means a continued low valued dollar and increased energy costs.

About the Author
John Kuzniar is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to choosing solar power fountain pumps and other energy saving resources and tips. Visit his site at http://www.solarpowerfamily.com .

Agreeable Solar Power Technology by Vince Paxton

2008-04-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

Everything we do requires electricity most of this comes from burning coal which has very damaging effects to the environment. In order to slow down the effects of global warming people are frantically searching for alternative ways to satisfy our thirst for power. Solar power is the best way we have to do this at the moment, everyone even homeowners are calling for improvements in this technology.
New technology that affects solar panels is being created all the time. All of these little advancements add up to become something much more important.
Electricity in the Past
Humans are designed to love new things, this causes priorities to change. When the priorities of the public change businesses will start to produce different things. The money, resources and ideas all go into satisfying what people want.
During the Industrial revolution for example the priorities focused on mass producing products. During the last 20 years however the main priority has been computers. Computers are actually very helpful, and we could even say that without computers we might still know nothing about global warming.
PC + Solar Power?
The solar power industry is actually following the PC industry quite accurately. The very first computers were the size of a whole room, and didn't really do anything other than work out sums. However now you can get a really small cell phone that has more processing power than those early computers. Silicon chips have made it possible to get more and more power inside a smaller space.
The state of the art solar panels are using silicon to produce the panels. The cells that are contained in these solar panels are normally crystalline silicon. These individual cells are shrinking all the time and becoming cheaper to produce. There are also alternative uses for these solar panels, in calculators for example. Solar panels can also be rolled up because they are becoming flexible. Technology truly is amazing!
Solar panels certainly aren't the work of science fiction. They are used pretty much everywhere these days. With the continuous advancements of the industry it won't be long until we all see them attached to our homes. Using a solar panel could be enough to save this planet. Many people are demanding renewable forms of electricity, so why not do something about it yourself?

About the Author
Vince Paxton's newsletters can be discovered on numerous web sites linked to storm protection and home security. Sharing his passion in publications, he proofed his knowledge on themes dealing with casement replacement windows and storm protection.

Appealing Solar Power Systems for all your Electrical Needs! by Eric Slarkowski

2008-04-01T02:35:00.002-07:00

Everything nowadays has a computer in it, even my car apparently has a computer that tells it... well something. Another thing most things seem to have are batteries. Batteries are horrible little things that provide power for phones, PDA's, MP3 players and other devices that I can't be bothered to mention! The actual electrical equipment is quite advanced the batteries however are another story! Batteries do not last forever. And as we all know "Energy cannot be created or destroyed", so they must be recharged on a regular basis.
Many Cell Phones come bundled with chargers that plug into your cars cigarette lighter socket, which does make them a little more convenient. However if you're not at home or in the car you're a little stuck really, well that's until now! Have you ever considered solar power to charge your devices?
Solar power is nothing new in fact the military have been using it for quite a number of years in order to charge radios and other electronic gadgetry. Solar cells output electricity at 12 volts which makes it ideal for a number of battery run gadgets. Solar panels are fairly light, and mean that the troops don't have to carry spare batteries in order to make sure the device keeps working.
Solar panels are also ideal for hikers and campers. Most of these hobbies require going away from civilisation, which also means going away from power supplies! Your phone always goes when you really need it, so why not make sure it doesn't by packing a set of solar chargers. Just fold the panels out and aim them at the sun to get the most power.
The Power of the Sun at night?!
You can store the power generated by your solar panels in a battery which can then be used at night to power lighting. A small solar panel is unlikely to provide you with enough power to run appliances off directly, it can be used to charge batteries.
You can link several solar panels together in order to generate more power. However this would also make the system much less portable as it could be very difficult to transport. Many panels come in a protective carrying package, and they are normally very light which means you probably won't notice them.
If you always take loads of spare batteries everywhere you go then perhaps you should consider portable solar systems, they really are an appealing choice! Getting power for nothing is a very rewarding experience!

About the Author
Concentrating recent findings in storm windows, the author works largely for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com . Sharing his passion in detailed writings, the writer improved his know-how on topics associated with hurricane clip window and storm windows.

Technology Benefits from Solar Power! by Vince Paxton

2008-04-01T02:35:00.001-07:00

Everything we do requires electricity most of this comes from burning coal which has very damaging effects to the environment. In order to slow down the effects of global warming people are frantically searching for alternative ways to satisfy our thirst for power. Solar power is the best way we have to do this at the moment, everyone even homeowners are calling for improvements in this technology.
New technology that affects solar panels is being created all the time. All of these little advancements add up to become something much more important.
Electricity in the Past
Humans are designed to love new things, this causes priorities to change. When the priorities of the public change businesses will start to produce different things. The money, resources and ideas all go into satisfying what people want.
During the Industrial revolution for example the priorities focused on mass producing products. During the last 20 years however the main priority has been computers. Computers are actually very helpful, and we could even say that without computers we might still know nothing about global warming.
PC + Solar Power?
The solar power industry is actually following the PC industry quite accurately. The very first computers were the size of a whole room, and didn't really do anything other than work out sums. However now you can get a really small cell phone that has more processing power than those early computers. Silicon chips have made it possible to get more and more power inside a smaller space.
The state of the art solar panels and home windows are using silicon to produce the panels. The cells that are contained in these solar panels are normally crystalline silicon. These individual cells are shrinking all the time and becoming cheaper to produce. There are also alternative uses for these solar panels, in calculators for example. Solar panels can also be rolled up because they are becoming flexible. Technology truly is amazing!
Solar panels certainly aren't the work of science fiction. They are used pretty much everywhere these days. With the continuous advancements of the industry it won't be long until we all see them attached to our homes. Using a solar panel could be enough to save this planet. Many people are demanding renewable forms of electricity, so why not do something about it yourself?

About the Author
Vince Paxton usually writes detailed reports on information on home security and storm protection. His comments on casement replacement windows can be found on his site .

Solar Power can Set your Gadgets Free! by Eric Slarkowski

2008-04-01T02:34:00.000-07:00

Everything nowadays has a computer in it, even my car apparently has a computer that tells it... well something. Another thing most things seem to have are batteries. Batteries are horrible little things that provide power for phones, PDA's, MP3 players and other devices that I can't be bothered to mention! The actual electrical equipment is quite advanced the batteries however are another story! Batteries do not last forever. And as we all know "Energy cannot be created or destroyed", so they must be recharged on a regular basis.
Many Cell Phones come bundled with chargers that plug into your cars cigarette lighter socket, which does make them a little more convenient. However if you're not at home or in the car you're a little stuck really, well that's until now! Have you ever considered solar power to charge your devices?
Solar power is nothing new in fact the military have been using it for quite a number of years in order to charge radios and other electronic gadgetry. Solar cells output electricity at 12 volts which makes it ideal for a number of battery run gadgets. Solar panels are fairly light, and mean that the troops don't have to carry spare batteries in order to make sure the device keeps working. hurricane windows replacement tips
Solar panels are also ideal for hikers and campers. Most of these hobbies require going away from civilisation, which also means going away from power supplies! Your phone always goes dead when you really need it, so why not make sure it doesn't by packing a set of solar chargers. Just fold the panels out and aim them at the sun to get the most power.
The Power of the Sun at night?!
You can store the power generated by your solar panels in a battery which can then be used at night to power lighting. A small solar panel is unlikely to provide you with enough power to run appliances off directly, it can be used to charge batteries.
You can link several solar panels together in order to generate more power. However this would also make the system much less portable as it could be very difficult to transport. Many panels come in a protective carrying package, and they are normally very light which means you probably won't notice them.
If you always take loads of spare batteries everywhere you go then perhaps you should consider portable solar systems, they really are an appealing choice! Getting power for nothing is a very rewarding experience!

About the Author
Eric Slarkowski is publishing mostly for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/ , a website about storm windows . His contributions on hurricane clip window are found on http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/hurricane-windows.html .

The Answer Is In The Sun by Oze Parrot

2008-04-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

A massive amount of solar power is delivered daily to the Earth in the form of sunrays, which provides energy for all forms of life on Earth, influences the ocean's currents, the wind and prevailing atmospheric conditions. The solar power that is needed to perform these tasks represents only a fraction of the daily quota of available energy, the remainder goes mostly unused.
Solar energy is a free commodity that can be harnessed and converted into a range of valuable products. Because of the depletion of known reserves and the ever increasing costs of conventional energy sources, solar power is becoming more readily accepted as an alternative energy source. Energy from the sun is renewable, sustainable, clean and efficient and in most cases, the solar panel and installation charges, are the only costs involved.
Ancient civilizations relied upon passive solar energy for lighting, heating and ventilation. Their crops were planted in accordance with the sun's movements, and survived because of the photosynthetic process energized by the sun, which synthesizes carbohydrates and releases oxygen into the atmosphere. Because of the discovery of huge deposits of fossil fuels, and to date, their ease of harvesting, the development of solar power has been neglected, mainly because free commodities are difficult to tax.
Owing to the modern development of photovoltaic cells, production costs are decreasing and more and more people are installing PV in order to produce their household electricity. Because the costs of conventional energy are spiraling and PV systems are becoming cheaper, within a few years, installing photovoltaic arrays will be the order of the day.
A single module is enough to run a small appliance, but a household would require a group of arrays, which would form part of the building's roofing material. A solar cell collects electrons and directs them as DC electricity, to a conductor, which is wired to a battery bank to store the charge. As power is drawn from the batteries it passes through an inverter that converts it to AC electricity, making it suitable for domestic use. Solar electricity can be produced and used by individuals or fed into a community grid system.
As fossil fuel reserves are depleted and more sophisticated production methods are needed to maintain adequate supplies, one must not forget that the world's population is growing at an ever increasing rate, thus increasing demand. Put simply, all the easy to get stuff is gone and we are using what is left at an ever increasing rate. Soon, the costs involved in producing conventional energy will be prohibitive.
The answer folks is the sun in the sky.
Harnessing solar energy, gleaned from the sun's rays is not rocket science, actually, employing passive solar energy is common sense. Once a solar hot water service is installed, the house windows are positioned so as to take advantage of the sun's rays, and a photovoltaic array is installed on the roof, you are well on your way to a substantial saving on your energy costs. Not to mention, doing your bit to save the planet.

About the Author
Oze Parrot is an author, publisher and Internet marketing consultant. Formerly a tourist operator and real estate business marketing consultant Location: Queensland, Australia. You may republish this article as long as you include the name of the author and provide an active link to: http://homehunter.erlypro.com/solar/

Finding Appropriate Solar Power Systems by Greg Hansward

2008-04-01T02:32:00.000-07:00

There are hundreds of different solar power systems available which are portable, solar power is very popular at the moment. There are a wide range of different types of panels that are offered, this allows you to choose the best one to suit the needs of you and your family. You might for example just need solar panels to power a laptop computer, or you might require one to power your whole house. No matter how much power you need there is a solar panel for your needs.
You can purchase small portable solar panels, and large ones. If you want to use AC electrical equipment when you go camping then you will have to purchase a medium size of solar system. This will be able to cope with running all of the tools you need.
If you are a businessman and travels frequently then you might require a small, light solar power system which can be transported very easily. Although these are small they are capable of running small electrical items including laptops, small TVâ€™s and lights. You can also use the same panels to charge your cell phone. These panels fold up quite small and can even be stored in a backpack.
You can buy small panels that are between 5 watts right up to 30 watts. These are flexible panels that can be rolled up. This is state of the art technology that can be used to charge virtually any battery powered item. Even if itâ€™s not a sunny day the solar panels will be able to generate enough power to charge your batteries. There are a number of battery connections that are included with the panels that can connect to a variety of different gadgets. They are particularly easy to use, and instructions are provided just in case you canâ€™t understand. When using the solar panels you should point them in the direction of the sun.
Powering bigger gadgets with portable solar systems
You can also purchase portable solar systems that are much bigger and capable of powering much more. These systems are suitable for use in camping, backpacking and for emergency use. The power systems can provide 20 watts or even more, but they still remain quite light. These systems can be used to power notebook computers they can charge any equipment even when itâ€™s cloudy.
This panel is capable of providing a lot of power, this means you can run your laptop computer straight off it instead of only using it to charge your battery. Your computer can be used for a long time when using powerful solar power systems. You may need some form of converter in order to power certain notebooks. Using solar power to charge your battery will keep your batteries in good condition.
All you need to do is move the portable solar panels with you, when you want to use power just set them up and plug it in. There are a number of great features that solar systems can be used for. It can be thrown into any bag with a seconds notice, it can be used in your car or while you are out in a park. One thing for sure is this system will ensure that your gadgets will have power wherever you are.

About the Author
The magazine writer Greg Hansward is especially interested in topics associated to home improvement. You can find his writings on kitchen cabinet problems at different sources for kitchen cabinet areas knowledge.

Solar Yard Lighting is the Environmental Way to Light Your Yard by T. Houser

2008-04-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

Have you been thinking of beautifying your yard with some solar yard lighting? It is a great way to finish off the landscaping without running cables all over the yard or digging trenches to bury them. These lights do not require any cabling and are easy to install anywhere you want as long as they get direct sunlight throughout the day. At night, they will automatically illuminate your backyard. There is no need to remember to turn them off or on.
During the daylight hours, the panel on the top of the solar yard lighting converts the sunlight into electricity and recharges the Nicad batteries in the light. The battery is designed to last for several years however, they do start to deplete afterwards. The AA battery is replaceable though and available anywhere that sells them. Many styles are available on the market today to meet the needs and demands of homeowners. You can find styles that are attachable to walls or posts. Of course, the kind that you simply stick in the ground is still the most popular with consumers.
The advancement of technology has allowed for smaller and stronger cells for solar yard lighting. Many people complained that the older style was not very strong or bright; however, the features, styles and light output of the new ones have people considering trying the new styles out now. One reason for the improvement is the change from incandescent bulbs to LED, fluorescent and halogen bulbs, which are all brighter.
The most efficient solar yard lighting consists of the ones that utilize LED bulbs. They have proven to provide the most hours of light during the night. They are also effective for marking walkways and providing accent lighting in a garden or yard.
If you require lighting for security purposes then the best option is a combination LED and halogen style. When night comes, an electric eye will automatically switch on an accent LED. If motion is detected within twenty feet of the light, a bright halogen light turns on for three minutes to frighten off any intruders. If you are a camper then you can find lanterns and flashlights with similar solar technology are available.
Solar yard lights consist of a plastic case, a solar cell on the top, a single AA Nicad battery, a small controller board and an LED light source. In addition, they include a photoresistor in order to detect darkness. This type of lighting is really quite dependable. It is never too cloudy to collect and store energy. There is practically no maintenance involved, once you install that is pretty much it until the batteries need replacing.

About the Author
Take a minute and visit our site for all your outdoor lighting needs including solar yard lighting and outdoor rope lights . by T.D. Houser

Solar Energy & Photovoltaics by David Tanguay

2008-04-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

Solar energy is energy that is harnesses from the Sun. The technologies harness the sun's incredible energy for practical ends. Solar power plants use a variety of methods to collect sunlight and convert this energy into electricity.
While the use of solar energy has been used for millennia, itâ€™s potential has only been recognized within the past few decades{readmore}, when it played an essential part in the success of early commercial satellites. After the Solar energy collected, it is most often stored as heat in the thermal mass of buildings, however batteries, water tanks, and other storage facilities can be used to store energy in thermal and chemical forms.
Solar energy provides an energy efficient and environmentally friendly power source and it has satisfied the demands of activists for an eco-friendly world. Solar energy has also become an attractive solution to global warming.
Solar energy is the solar radiation that reaches the earth. The technologies have great potential to benefit our nation because it can be used in both large-scale applications and in smaller systems for the home.
Solar energy has many different advantages over conventional energy; The biggest one being that the energy from the sun is virtually free after the initial cost has been recovered.
Photovoltaic is a process where solar cells directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy collected in photovoltaic cells can be used to produce electricity for a number of uses, including: remote area power supply systems such as remote farms or in national parks electricity supply in urban areas electric fencing and telecommunications.
Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity through a photovoltaic (PVs) cell, commonly called a solar cell. This process is gaining credence among private investors as having the potential to grow into the next big industry.
Photovoltaic cells, like batteries, generate direct current (DC), which is generally used for electronic equipment. The photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity and are made of semiconductors such as crystalline silicon or various thin-film materials.
Photovoltaics can provide tiny amounts of power for watches, large amounts for the electric grid, and everything in between. It is an incredible procedure that may very well end our dependence upon fossil fuels.
Photovoltaic systems provide a unified solution, bringing power to these that need it, while making a moderate but important contribution to climate protection.

About the Author
David Tanguay is dedicated to providing research, reviews & helpful information to consumers and businesses. For more information related to Green Energy and Renewable Energy please visit http://greenenergyonline.org/

New Nano Technology Touts Solar Solution by Jason Witt

2008-04-01T02:29:00.002-07:00

When you receive the Seal you will begin to care about the environment. A new technology is being developed that may greatly help preserve the environment by making efficient and cheap solar power a reality.
The technology makes use of nanotechnology--the production of material at very small sizes. The material is called "Nano Flakes," which are tiny crystals that absorb all the light from the sun.
The Danish Martin Aagesen found the new material while working on his doctorate degree. He discovered a perfect crystalline nanostructure which he says would make the perfect solar cell.
Solar power is plagued by high cost of production and inefficiency in turning sunlight into energy. This technology promises to change all that, greatly reducing costs and much more efficiently transferring the sun's energy.
The costs in production of solar cells can be reduced because less of the silicon semiconductors are needed. That is achieved by the use of nanotechnology.
And the new solar cells will be much more efficient because the energy does not have to travel as far in the solar cell so less of the energy will be lost in the process.
Martin Aagesen says that solar cells using nano flakes may be able to capture 30 percent of the energy in the sunlight. That is twice as much as today's solar cells are converting.
This new discover opens up a world of promise--a Heaven of promise--for solving the problem of pollution from energy. Solar cells operate virtually pollution-free day in and day out.
It means that a lot more electricity can be produced from solar cells since it will be much cheaper to produce the solar cells. So they will cost less to buy while they work better at the same time.
Martin Aagesen is the director of Sunflake Inc, the company that is developing these Nano Flakes and hoping to put them into production. The website of the company tells a little more about the technology.
The substrate is the material the process happens on. Relatively little solar-grade material is needed to produce the Nano Flakes, saving considerable money in the manufacturing process.
And there is no need for a lattice-matched substrate, which is needed for the older and less efficient versions of solar cells. The new substrate does not need any solar-grade material to produce it.
When you are sealed you will begin to care about the environment. You will begin to understand that excessive pollution is unhealthy for the earth and the people living on it.
You may not be a scientist who has made a discovery like this Martin Aagesen. But you can take action. You can look for new products like these new solar cells when they are available to the public.
You could power all the electricity needs for your house with these solar cells. That way you would not use electricity that is produced by generating any kinds of toxic or dirty waste, like nuclear or coal.
When you are sealed God will show you how to care for the environment. He will plant a little garden in your soul so you will be just like a little fertile earth. And as an earth you will not want to pollute yourself when you receive the Seal.

About the Author
And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and "Get God's 'Seal of Approval' and Get the Victory Over Evil" Jason Witt

The New SunCell by Ecopowered Solutions by Kip Stringfellow

2008-04-01T02:29:00.001-07:00

EcoPowered Solutions and the new SunCell
EcoPowered Solutions has recently launched a new renewable energy product called the SunCell. The SunCell is a portable solar charger that has an internal lithium ion battery and also a built-in LED flashlight. With the 16 connector tips that are included with the product, the SunCell can be used to recharge other devices like cell phones, iPods, PDAs, GPS systems, MP3 players, Bluetooth devices, digital cameras, and portable DVD players. The SunCell has twice the battery capacity as other leading solar chargers on the market and it can recharge an average sized cell phone battery three times before it needs to be recharged. It only weighs .5lb/.225kg and easily fits into one hand, making it extremely portable and travel-friendly. The SunCellâ€™s internal battery can be recharged from the energy generated by its solar panels, enabling users to recharge their other electronic devices anywhere in the world from solar energy. If no sunlight is available, the SunCell can also be recharged by plugging it into an included electrical outlet adapter or a computer USB port. It is perfect for people with an active lifestyle who care about integrating renewable energy into their everyday lives. The SunCell can be purchased online from www.ecopowerlife.com. EcoPowered Solutions is also deeply committed to developing socially responsible uses for renewable energy. As a part of the companyâ€™s mission, there is a program that allows people to make a difference by donating money through the companyâ€™s website. The money is then used to donate SunCells to education and health organizations in developing countries where they can make a life-changing impact for those with no access to electricity.

About the Author
Kip Stringfellow is the owner of Ecopowered Solutions. A new company which offers the new solar charger called the SunCell. His dedication and passion make the SunCell an item to cherish for years to come, while at the same time helping your enviornment.

Beneficial Savings when Installing Solar Power by Linden Walhard

2008-04-01T02:28:00.001-07:00

Many people are interesting in looking after the planet, one way of doing this is to convert your home to run on solar power. This is also a really good way to save money on utility bills. Most people are tempted with the idea until they realize just how expensive it will be to install such a system. As of 2007 there is only one home that runs completely on solar and hydro power, that's hardly a lot now is it? Solar power is a sensible option for people that want to save the environment while still being able to use their favorite gadgets.
Going Down?
The cost of installing solar panels has decreased ever since the 70's, they continue to fall every year. Many companies are starting to supply solar panels. The best way to work out the solar power cost is to work out an estimated cost per watt. Back in 1982, the cost per watt was $27. In 2003 it was $4 per watt, and it's still falling.
The cost of installing the solar panels to start off with is also falling. Lots of states will help out with the cost by offering tax breaks. This is especially true in California. Even in New York there are incentives for environmentally friendly power generators. Taxes and rebates are changing on a regular basis, as a result of this you must check with your local department of energy before installing the panels.
You don't have to just use Solar Power
Converting your home to run completely on renewable forms of energy is extremely difficult. It may be impossible for some homes to do this reasonably. You don't have to convert your whole home to run on solar power, every little bit helps. Solar power can be used to run individual appliances, or even small gadgets including cell phones and calculators. You can even sell your solar power back to the power company, which beats using batteries!
The reason that more companies aren't using solar power is because it's not as efficient and easy as other forms of generating electricity. You require huge areas of space to install solar panels. Recently the size of the cells has decreased which makes it possible to get more energy from less space.

About the Author
Linden Walhard publishes mainly for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , an internet site about drywall installation , drywall repair and other ideas. With his writings like http://www.insidewoodworking.com/drywall/howtoinstalldrywall.html , he expressed his experience on issues similar to how to do drywall installation.

Solar Yard Lighting Ideas by Tom Houser

2008-04-01T02:27:00.000-07:00

If you have a backyard chances are that you have thought about using solar yard lighting to provide night illumination. A big advantage with them is that there is no wiring running across your lawn, which could cause people to trip. The main thing to consider is that your yard must get direct sunlight during the day to charge the lights. They generate and store power during the day and then when the sun has gone down they release it, which is very similar to how a satellite works.
Solar yard lighting consists of a plastic case, a solar cell on the top, an AA Nicad battery, a small controller board, an LED light source and a photoresistor to sense darkness. Many homeowners use these types of lights for safety reasons. They may have a very dark or dangerous pathway or set of stairs that needs nighttime illumination. Since they do not require electrical power, you do not have to worry about them not working during a power failure.
The sensors that are a part of solar yard lighting is able to tell the onset of nightfall and daybreak, which means they automatically turn off and on without any intervention by the homeowner. This is a good feature as it allows your yard to be lit whether you are home or not.
There are other types if solar yard lighting that run off of one solar panel. The panel must be in the sun while not all lights running off it need to be in the sun, you can have some in the shade if you wish. These alternative energy sources are very popular now and they save people money and are much better for the environment. If you have never considered this form of outdoor lighting then it is time you joined the cause.
Solar yard lighting adds beauty to your landscaping as well as providing a safe walking area at night. People use these lights to illuminate statues, water fountains and flower gardens as well. The cost of purchasing these lights has diminished over the last few years making them an even better investment now. They are also quite simple to use and require little effort to install.
Solar yard lighting must be charged long enough to provide adequate nighttime lighting. The improvements in batteries and solar cells have made it easier to find an acceptable location to charge during the day. When searching for the proper lighting to meet your needs make sure you get the information on how long the charge lasts. Some lights stay on longer than others do. This form of lighting is not as bright as traditional outdoor lighting. Some people may find this to be a disadvantage but it really depends on your own specific needs when it comes to lighting an area at night. It is ideal for setting a relaxing and subtle mood in your yard. Many retail outlets now sell these types of lighting systems. Online stores also offer different types of solar lighting as well.

About the Author
Take a minute and visit our site for all your outdoor lighting needs including solar yard lighting and outdoor rope lights . by T.D. Houser

Solar Power Can Save The Environment, And Your Money by Linden Walhard

2008-04-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

About the Author
Linden Walhard continually produces articles on areas similar to drywall installation and drywall repair. His contributions on how to do drywall installation are published on his site .

Six Easy Steps To Estimate Cost of a Solar Power System by Cooler Planet

2008-04-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

Solar power energy systems are not inexpensive. That said it's important to compare them within context of other types of home improvement projects. Home buyers and realtors view a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water heating system as a significant value-added improvement - similar to adding a deck or remodeling your kitchen. Plus unlike a deck or kitchen remodel, you also gain one-up on your power bills.
Solar power systems often get an additional financial boost as well: many jurisdictions and utilities across the USA offer attractive financial incentives to drive down the upfront capital costs associated with a solar power system.
Here are some foolproof ways to estimate the cost of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system and to figure out if a solar energy system makes sense for you. Let's start with a home photovoltaic (PV) system.
Step 1: Estimate your home's electricity needs
To get started, it's good to have a sense of how much electricity you use. You'll have a better point for comparison if you find out how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per day, per month, per year. Your utility bill should include that information.
Of course, the utility bill will also display your costs and many utilities include a graph that displays how your monthly energy use/cost varies throughout the year. That helps you estimate where your highest energy use is and at what time of year.
New Home Construction
If you are constructing a new home, then you'll need to estimate your demand based on the type of equipment you plan to install and your home's square footage. The pross call this "your load".
To figure out your anticipated load, create a table to record the watt use for each appliance. Each appliance - be it a water heater, electric light, computer, or refrigerator - should have a nameplate that lists its power rating in watts. Or you can get the information from the manufacturer's website.
Some labels list amperage and voltage only; to obtain watts multiply the two together (amperage x voltage = watts). In another column, record the number of hours each appliance is expected to operate. Then multiple the watts and hours together to estimate watt-hours used per day. Since it's hard to anticipate all electric loads (it may get tedious scouting out every toothbrush and mobile phone cell charger), you might want to add a multiplier of 1.5 to be safe.
Step 2: Anticipate the future
In 2005, average residential electricity rates across the USA ranged from about 6 to nearly 16 cents per kilowatt hour depending on where you lived. Average retail and commercial electricity rates have increased roughly 30% since 1999 and the upward trend will likely continue especially as costs for the coal and hydropower used to generate that electricity rise as well. So think about your home electricity needs and present and future cost in relation to one another.
Step 3: How much sun do you get?
The Florida Solar Energy Center has conducted a study to examine how a 2-kW photovoltaic system would perform if installed on a highly energy efficient home across the continental USA (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html/FSEC-PF-380-04/). The study accounted for all factors that impact a PV system's performance such as the temperature effect on the photovoltaic cells, the amount of sun peak hours in various regions, and the efficiency of inverter to convert solar derived energy from DC to AC.
As the study implies, solar photovoltaic systems work just about anywhere in the US. Even in the Northeast or in "rainy Seattle", a pv system can pencil out if designed and installed properly. In New York or New Jersey, a one kilowatt system should produce about 1270 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, in Seattle, a one kilowatt system should produce about 1200 kilowatt hours per year. In the Southwest, of course, those ratios will be much greater.
Solar contractors in your area can help determine the best size for your solar photovoltaic system.
Step 4: Size your system
In general, solar photovoltaic systems sized between 1 to 5 kilowatts are usually sufficient to meet the electricity needs of most homes. One advantage of grid-tied systems is that you can use solar PV to supplement or offset some of your electricity needs; therefore you can size your system to match your budget and always add to the system later if needed.
Also as a side note, here's a rule of thumb to remember to help you estimate the physical space your PV system might need: one square foot yields 10 watts. So in bright sunlight, a square foot of a conventional photovoltaic panel will produce 10 watts of power. A 1000 watt system, for example, may need 100 - 200 square feet of area, depending on the type of PV module used.
Step 5: Know your rebates
Many states and local jurisdictions offer rebates, tax credits and other types of incentives to homeowners for installing residential photovoltaic and solar domestic water systems. To view a comprehensive database of the incentives available for renewable energy visit http://www.dsireusa.org.
At the Federal Level, you can take advantage of a 30% tax credit (of up to $2,000) for the purchase of a residential solar system at least until December 31, 2008.
Step 6: Run the numbers
Although the cost for a solar PV system will depend on the size of the system you intend to install, your electricity rate, the amount of kilowatt hours you expect to generate, and the state/local rebates/tax credits that may be available, the formulas for calculating the returns are pretty much the same.
For those who appreciate having the formulas, use the ones listed below to do a quick ballpark estimate of how much a solar photovoltaic system might cost you.
Retail Price for Solar Photovoltaic System+ Building Permits- $2,000 Federal Tax Credit- State or Local Tax Credit or Rebate- Utility Rebate or Other Incentive= Net Investment
Kilowatts of electricity generated from PV per yearx Kilowatt hours used per year= Annual Kilowatt energy from the PV system Annual Kilowatt energy from the PV systemx Current Residential Electricity Rate= Annual $$ Saved
Yearly Excess PV Energy Producedx $$ credit applied per watt= Annual Value from Net Metering
Of course, a more accurate assessment can be made by a pro. Work with a solar power contractor to size and price the right system for you. As is true with any major purchase, don't hesitate to ask for several bids from different contractors.
Many solar power providers will provide you with a comprehensive estimate. Helpful information to know includes:
- Total cost to make the system operational (labor cost for design and installation and equipment costs)- Equipment (Make and Model)- Warranty info- Permit costs, if needed- Tax, where applicable- Federal tax credits- State or local jurisdiction tax credits or rebates- Utility rebates- Expected Renewable Energy Certificates or Net metering credits- Expected operation and maintenance costs- Projected savings
Solar Thermal (also called Solar Hot Water)
Solar thermal systems capture the sun's energy to heat water and are one of the most cost-effective renewable energy systems. They are used to heat hot water tanks and/or a heating system. A solar pool heating system is another type of solar thermal system designed specifically to heat a pool or hot tub.
Generally it's worth investigating the economic viability of installing a solar hot water system if you have an electric water heater with utility rates of at least 5 cents per kilowatt hour and have tax credits or rebates available. (It may even be worth changing out a gas-powered water heater if your costs are at least $8/million BTU).
The formulas for costing out a solar water heater system are similar to estimating the cost for installing solar PV system. Many solar energy professionals can help you determine what system might work best for you.
Heating Your Swimming Pool with Solar Power
Although few jurisdictions provide financial incentives for using solar energy to heat a swimming pool or hot tub, in general, using solar power to heat your pool is a "no-brainer" from a return on investment standpoint.
The electricity used to heat a pool during the swimming season often amounts to the same amount of energy that homes-without-pools consume over a year. Combining a solar thermal system to generate heat for the pool with a solar thermal pool cover to retain the heat generated can further maximize efficiencies and extend your swimming season.
Most installers recommend that a solar collector used to heat a pool is sized at roughly half the square footage of your pool surface area. Solar thermal panels typically last 10 - 20 years and come with a 10-year warranty.
How long it takes to break even on the cost of your solar power pool system depends on where you live. In California or other parts of the Southwest, you'll break even in 1 to 3 years but places as "far north" as Canada, a solar pool heating system pencils out over a slightly longer period of time.

About the Author
Find more solar panel, solar power, and solar energy information at Cooler Planet.

Solar Vehicles Are Taking Off: A Biofriendly Transportation Method by Peter Verhoeff

2008-04-01T02:24:00.001-07:00

The Panasonic World Solar Challenge, an event held from October 21-28, 2007, consisted of an invitation to design, build and drive a biofriendly vehicle across the vast Australian continent, using only sunlight as fuel. The winning team from Delft Technical University in the Netherlands crossed the 3000 km trajectory from Darwin in the North to Adelaide in the South at an average speed of over 90 km/h. (1)
It was the 20th anniversary of this event and the fourth year in row that the Dutch team has won the race. A similar event, called the North American Solar Challenge is scheduled for 2008, where solar vehicles will â€œrayceâ€ the 2400 miles from Dallas, Texas to Calgary, Alberta in Canada.
These often futuristic-looking vehicles are not designed as production vehicles and are mostly developed by engineering schools and corporations like GM, Ford and Honda.
Solar vehicles are simple in principle. Sunlight strikes the solar (photovoltaic) cells on the carâ€™s surface, which generates electricity to power the electric motors that turn the vehicleâ€™s wheels. Surplus electrical energy is stored in rechargeable batteries, to be used when less sunlight is available or when extra power is needed, such as to climb hills.
The challenges in designing and building cars that operate on energy from the sun alone are considerable. Since these vehicles use solar power only, efficient design is vital. Weight is kept to a minimum, as are friction and aerodynamic drag. This makes them fragile and lacking in driver comfort. Their future viability depends to a large degree on the cost and efficiency of the solar cells that power them.
Promising developments are occurring in solar cell technology, such as spray-on solar cells that capture infrared energy. There is even the possibility of full-spectrum solar cells that could deliver up to 70% efficiency. This is about twice as efficient as the best photovoltaic cells available today. (2)
Meanwhile, motor vehicles with internal combustion engines are still the norm and technologies that make better use of them will improve the environment, lessen dependence on fossil fuels and limit costs. Biofriendly Corporation is a company whose Green PlusÂ® liquid fuel catalyst causes a more complete burn resulting in reduced harmful emissions, increased torque and improved fuel economy.
References:
(1) http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/dutch-win-solar-car-race/2007/10/25/1192941227965.html
(2) http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/MSD-full-spectrum-solar-cell.html

About the Author
Author, Peter Verhoeff, contributes articles on environmental issues for Biofriendly Corporation. More information on these and other topics can be found on the Biofriendly site.

Portable Solar Power Generator - Never Run Out Of Power Again by Adrian Fletcher

2008-04-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

I know, it's pretty annoying when your ipod battery is flat only a few hours into a long journey. No music, no audio books, gee you'll have to think of something else to do. Or perhaps it's your cell phone that is the problem, just as you are talking to someone. You hear those dreaded beeps and then the phone goes dead. You'll have to find a phone box somewhere - one that works that is.
I'm guilty as charged. These days I want my entertainment or business ready at the touch of a button. That's probably why I have more gadgets and hand held devices than I care to think about. However they all need power and quite often I forget to charge them fully leaving me stranded. The solution to this problem is to use a portable solar power generator.
Given the increasing awareness of renewable resources, many portable solar generators are been developed. Basically they consist of the same things. There are numerous solar cells that create electricity when exposed to direct sunlight. This is used to charge a battery in the generator. The generator will have one or more power points where a hand held device can be plugged in and utilize the battery's charge.
The best part is that as long as there is some sunlight, your solar generator will always be charged or at least not losing power. Provided there is some sun out, the battery will always be charging. This should mean that whatever hand held device you may be using will always have a potential power source. You'll never be inconvenienced again from lack of power.
If a portable solar generator sounds like something you need then here are a few pointers on selecting one. You should consider the efficiency of the solar cells in the generator. Larger panels will be able to charge a battery quicker. However you don't want the generator to be cumbersome. You need your solar power generator to be similar with regards to size with the portable devices it will be charging. It should be easy to carry round on a belt or in a backpack.
Another factor is the length of time the battery will power a device. A good test of this would be to determine how long a portable dvd player would last using the battery. Obviously the longer time this is the better but again size will be a factor if you want it to be truly portable.
Finally, you should check out what portable appliances can be plugged into the generator and how easy this is. At a base level, it should be compatible with your cell phone and any of personal digital appliances you may have (including a gps device if you do a lot of car traveling). You will probably use it most often with entertainment devices like PSP's , portable dvd players and mp3 players so it should be compatible with these devices too.

About the Author
Get extra details on portable solar power generators visit http://www.solarpowerappliances.com/ . The site also features many other products including solar powered ovens and outdoor lighting.

Using the Sun to Light your home at Night by Grace C.

2008-04-01T02:22:00.002-07:00

Using the Sun to Light Your Home at Night
Solar energy is a wonderful source of electricity. It burns clean with little or no pollution into the atmosphere, and it cuts down on our dependence upon other energy sources such as petroleum. Solar energy is, essentially, the process of turning sunlight into electricity.
Ever since the energy crisis and oil embargo of the 1970's, people have at various times tried to find alternative sources of energy. Solar power seemed so obvious, if only we could learn how to harness its power in long-lasting, meaningful ways.
The homebuilding industry has been looking into ways to incorporate more environmentally friendly products into houses for many years. Solar lighting has been one of those items that intrigue people. However, there has just been some question as to the usefulness of solar power in the home.
In the case of garden lighting, for many years, solar lights were very limited in their capacity to store and release energy. This resulted in the manufacture of lights that could only provide a minimum of electricity for a very short duration of time. Solar lights were viewed as sufficient along a pathway or in dark corners of the yard, but were never really thought of as solid design elements - not until fairly recently.
A New Technology
New batteries inside the lighting unit can now store electricity generated by the sun for much longer periods of time. This battery output can last twelve hours or more based upon one day's sunlight accumulation.
Use of LED bulbs in the fixtures, which are five times brighter than standard bulbs, not only burn cleaner, but provide a far superior ability to illuminate. The light from one LED outdoor light can now equal that of a 20-watt lamp.
This has allowed the homebuilding, landscaping, and design industries to take another look at solar lights as design elements.
Easy to Use
Solar lights offer many benefits in terms of their flexibility. There are no wires to be run, no trenches to be dug, no transformer to install, and no permits to obtain. You do not need an electrician to install them.
Placing solar lights really is as easy as taking them out of the box, deciding where to put them, then mounting them with just a bracket and screws.
One of the many beauties of solar lights is the versatility they offer. If you decide to change your landscaping, or when trees and bushes grow over them, you can simply pull them up and reposition them. In as little as a few minutes, you can update your outdoor lighting.
They offer great safety as well. No longer do you need to worry about children getting electrocuted if they dig up wires. Pets and other family members benefit by the enhanced safety solar lights offer.
How Solar Lights Work
There are only a few components that make up a solar light fixture. The outer case, which is usually decorative, surrounds the light bulb. On top of the lighting unit is a solar cell that collects energy from the sun during the day. A small battery in the bottom of the light stores the energy collected from the sun. The battery and light source are connected to a small control board, which is attached to a photoresistor. The photo resistor detects darkness and tells the light when to turn on. Once the light turns on, it will run until it has used all of its stored energy.
The newer power source and brighter lights now mean we will be able to find more ways to incorporate the use of solar energy into our homes and yards.
Solar Effects Outdoors
Until recently, the use of solar lighting for landscape design was very limited. Since the lights could not produce much illumination and would last only a few hours, their inclusion in landscape architecture was almost non-existent.
Recently, however, the market has seen the appearance of solar lights in almost every shape, color, and design. From lanterns and wall-mounted sconces to pillar-top mounts and even spotlights, solar energy is finding its place in the yard.
No matter what your design scheme, solar lights now come in many materials, colors, and styles. Brass carriage lights, metal ground stake lights, sleek ultra-modern spotlights, hanging lights, and deck and step lights all come with solar power.
For those hard to light shady areas, there are now sets complete with a solar panel. All you have to do is ensure the solar panel receives sufficient sunlight, and the garden lights connected to it can be placed anywhere - even in the shade.
Examine Before You Buy
If you have any question as to the effectiveness of solar lighting in your yard, you can view demonstrations at your local home show or home and garden center. Examine the various types of lights and compare their light sources and battery storage systems. The manufacturer or sales associate should be able to tell you how many watts of light and how many hours of use you should be able to expect from a particular solar light.

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Author Resource
Grace C. provides information on the Solar Lights for A1 Outdoor Lighting - Illuminate your home!

Investment into Alternative Energy Research and Development by Jerry Durham

2008-04-01T02:22:00.001-07:00

This article has been written with the intention of providing some enlightenment on Alternative Energy. Please read and inform us as to whether you have been enlightened or not.
The US government must continue to back the expansion of the role of alternative energy research and development and its implementation by companies and homeowners. Although this writer believes in the reign of the free market and that â€œthat government is best which governs leastâ€, our current system has companies and people expecting federal backing of major initiative with direct investment, in the form of tax breaks, rebate incentives, and even direct central bank investment into the alternative energy industry.
Whenever one reads anything about Alternative Energy, it is vital that the person enjoys reading it. One should grasp the meaning of Alternative Energy, only then can it be considered that the reading is complete.
Producing such an interesting anecdote on Alternative Energy took a lot of time and hard work. So it would be enhancing to us to learn that you have made good use of this hard work on Alternative Energy!
The more readers we get to this article on Alternative Energy, the more encouragement we get to produce similar, interesting articles on Alternative Energy for you to read. So read on, and pass it to your friends.
The US and its citizenry need to invest all of the time and energy that they can spare to the conversion from a fossil fuel burning society to one that is green for several different reasons. The green economy will not harm the environment or the quality of our air like fossil fuel burning does. We can become the energy independent nation that we need to be by cutting away our need to import oil, especially oil that is produced by anti-American nations such as Iran. Ultimately, renewable energies and extremely efficient energies like atomic energy are far less expensive than the continuous mining and drilling for fossil fuels. If we do not invest in our future now, catastrophe awaits us. We are going to need to consume more energy than ever in our history as we sail into the 21st century and beyondâ€"our dependency on foreigners for meeting these energy needs only leaves us open to sabotage while draining our coffers in order to fill other nations'.
Isn't it amazing how much information can be transferred through a single page on Alternative Energy? So much stands to be gained, and to lose, about Alternative Energy through a single page.
The information available on Alternative Energy is infinite. There just seems to be so much to learn about, and to write about on Alternative Energy.
It can be argued that federal, state, and local governments should work in conjunction on the issue of alternative energy research and development and implement mandatory programs for new home construction and all home remodeling that stipulate the installation of alternative energy power sourcesâ€"eventually over a certain period of years transforming into 100% installation of alternative energy sources for any new home or corporate buildingâ€"as well as backing a similar program to have all new vehicles produced in the nation be hybrid vehicles or hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles by the year 2020. All levels of government could also impose mandatory compliance laws on construction and utilities companies. The utility companies in all 50 states should be required to invest in alternative energy research and development while also being required to buy back, at fair rates, excess energy produced by homeowners through their use of alternative energy power sources. Strong financial incentives need to be in place for new companies to invest in developing renewable energies. This would not only make the US energy independent at the fastest possible rate, but it would stimulate the growth of the economy and provide tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs for people.
People have an inclination of bragging on the knowledge they have on Alternative Energy. However, we don't want to brag on what we know on Alternative Energy, so long as it proves useful to you, we are happy.
Alternative energy generation in the forms of solar, wind, hydroelectric, biofuel, geothermal, and atomic; alternative energy storage systems such as more efficient batteris and hydrogen fuel cells; and alternative energy-furthering infrastructures with superior energy efficiency all need to be brought into the affordable price range through development. Government investment into these matters would surely help us along.
It would be nice if you could now give us a feedback on this article of Alternative Energy. What do you feel about this article? Is it informative?

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Investments in Alternative Energy by Jerry Durham

2008-04-01T02:21:00.001-07:00

It was only after some pondering that we came up with an idea of writing about Alternative Energy. This is indeed an article worth reading.
It is possible to have a portfolio which profitably (that's the key word, is it not?) invests in alternative energy funds. â€œGreenâ€ energy production is expected to be a multi-billion (in today's dollars) industry by 2013.
Don't judge a book by its cover; so don't just scan through this article on Alternative Energy. Read it thoroughly to judge the value and importance on Alternative Energy.
Writing an article on Alternative Energy was our foremost priority while thinking of a topic to write on. This is because Alternative Energy are interesting parts of our lives, and are needed by us.
The most recently developed wind-turbine technologies have brought us wind-produced energy which is more cost efficient as well as more widespread. More state-of-the-art wind energy technologies are typically more market competitive with conventional energy technologies. The newer wind-power technologies don't even kill birds like in days of old! Wind energy production is a growing technology, and companies engaged in it would make up an excellent part of a growth or aggressive growth portfolio.
We were rather indecisive on where to stop in our writings of Alternative Energy. We just went on writting and writting to give a long article on Alternative Energy.
Next to consider are solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, technologies. These are to be found implemented in pocket calculators, private property lights, US Coast Guard buoys, and other areas. More and more they find their way onto the roofs of housing and commercial buildings and building complexes. Cost is falling. Their energy efficiency (the ratio of the amount of work needed to cause their energy production versus the actual energy production) is steadily on the rise. As an example, the conversion efficiency of silicon cells has increased from a mere four percent in 1982 to over 20% for the latest technologies. Photovoltaic cells create absolute zero pollution as they are generating electrical power. However, photovoltaic cellls are not presently as cost effective as â€œutility producedâ€ electricity. â€œPVâ€ cells are not [capable at present for producing industrial-production amounts of electricity due to their present constraints on space. However, areas where photovoltaic cell arrays could be implemented are increasingly available. In sum, costs are going down while efficiency is rising for this alternative fuel technology.
Many alternative energy investment portfolio advisors are confident that alternative energies derived from currents, tidal movement, and temperature differentials are poised to become a new and predominant form of clean energy. The French are actually fairly advanced at hydro power generation, and numerous studies are being made in Scotland and the US along these sames lines. Some concerns center around the problems with the deterioration of metals in salt water, marine growth such as barnacles, and violent storms which have all been disruptions to energy production in the past. However, these problems for the most part seem to be cured through the use of different, better materials. Ocean-produced energy has a huge advantage because the timing of ocean currents and waves are well understood and reliable.
Reading all this about Alternative Energy is sure to help you get a better understanding of Alternative Energy. So make full use of the information we have provided here.
Investments in hydro-electric technology have grown in the last two decades. Hydro-electric power is clean; however, it's also limited by geography. While already prominent as power generation, the large, older dams have had problems with disturbing marine life. Improvements have been made on those dams in order to protect marine life, but these improvements have been expensive. Consequently, more attention is now being paid to low-impact "run-of-the-river" hydro-power plants, which do not have these ecological problems.
When a child shows a flicker of understanding when talking about Alternative Energy, we feel that the objective of the meaning of Alternative Energy being spread, being achieved.
Quality is better than quantity. It is of no use writing numerous pages of nonsense for the reader to read on Alternative Energy. Instead, it is better to write a short, and informative article on specific subjects like Alternative Energy. People tend to enjoy it more.
The reality is, the energy future is green, and investors would do well to put their money out wisely, with that advice in their minds.
We worked hard to come upon this respectable composition on Alternative Energy. Donâ€™t let these efforts go to vain; use it wisely.

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Solar Energy Collecting as an Alternative Energy Source by Jerry Durham

2008-04-01T02:20:00.002-07:00

When I was doing my research for Alternative Energy, I was really amazed at the stuff that I manage to discover. That's one of the reason why I decided to share this info with you as I believe you'll gain tremendously from this knowledge.
Photovoltaic cellsâ€"those black squares an array of which comprises a solar panelâ€"are getting more efficient, and gradually less expensive, all the time, thanks to ever-better designs which all them to focus the gathered sunlight on a more and more concentrated point. The size of the cells is decreasing as their efficiency rises, meaning that each cell becomes cheaper to produce and at once more productive. As far as the aforementioned cost, the price of producing solar-generated energy per watt hour has come down to $4.00 at the time of this writing. Just 17 years ago, it was nearly double that cost.
This article on Alternative Energy was written with the intention of making it very memorable to it's reader. Only then is an article on Alternative Energy considered to have reached it's objective.
Writing on Alternative Energy proved to be a gamble to us. This is because, there simply seemed to be nothing to write about Alternative Energy in the beginning of writing. It was only in the process of writing about Alternative Energy, did we get more and more to write on Alternative Energy.
Quality is better than quantity. It is of no use writing numerous pages of nonsense for the reader to read on Alternative Energy. Instead, it is better to write a short, and informative article on specific subjects like Alternative Energy. People tend to enjoy it more.
It's not always that we just turn on the computer, and there is a page about Alternative Energy. We have written this article to let others know more about Alternative Energy through our resources.
Solar powered electricity generation is certainly good for the environment, as this alternative form of producing energy gives off absolutely zero emissions into the atmosphere and is merely utilizing one of the most naturally occurring of all things as its driver. Solar collection cells are becoming slowly but surely ever more practical for placing upon the rooftops of people's homes, and they are not a difficult system to use for heating one's home, creating hot water, or producing electricity. In the case of using the photovoltaic cells for hot water generation, the system works by having the water encased in the cells, where it is heated and then sent through your pipes.
Isnâ€™t it wonderful that we can now access information about anything, including Alternative Energy form the Internet, without the hassle of going through books and magazines for Alternative Energy!
Photovoltaic cells are becoming increasingly better at collecting sufficient radiation from the sun even on overcast or stormy days. One company in particular, Uni-Solar, has developed solar collection arrays for the home that work well on inclement days, by way of a technologically more advanced system that stores more energy at one time during sunlit days than previous or other arrays.
There is actually another solar power system available for use called the PV System. The PV System is connected to the nearest electrical grid; whenever there is an excess of solar energy being collected at a particular home, it is transferred to the grid for shared use and as a means of lowering the grid's dependence on the hydroelectrically-driven electricity production. Being connected to the PV System can keep your costs down as compared to full-fledged solar energy, while at once reducing pollution and taking pressure off the grid system. Some areas are designing centralized solar collection arrays for small towns or suburban communities.
Some big-name corporations have made it clear that they are also getting into the act of using solar power (a further indication that solar generated energy is becoming an economically viable alternative energy source). Google is putting in a 1.6 megawatt solar power generation plant on the roof of its corporate headquarters, while Wal Mart wants to put in an enormous 100 megawatt system of its own.
Did you ever believe that there was so much to learn about Alternative Energy? Neither did we! Once we got to writting this article about Alternative Energy, it seemed to be endless.
Nations such as Japan, Germany, the United States, and Switzerland have been furthering the cause of solar energy production by providing government subsidies or by giving tax breaks to companies and individuals who agree to utilize solar power for generating their heat or electrical power. As technology advances and a greater storage of solar collection materials is made available, more and more private investors will see the value of investing in this â€œgreenâ€ technology and further its implementation much more.
We had thought that producing some matter on Alternative Energy would be an impossibility. However, once we started, there was no turning back.

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A Short History of Solar Energy by Adrian Fletcher

2008-04-01T02:20:00.001-07:00

The start of modern solar power history can be traced to the middle of the 19th century. During this time the industrial age was beginning to influence much of western Europe. The need for a combustible resources in massive quantities being one of them. This resource was coal and forward thinkers, inventors and scientists began to ponder what might happen to society should this resource run out. The results of this thinking is the modern solar power industry. This article will plot the history of solar power from this time to modernity.
From 1860 to 1880, Auguste Mouchout, a French engineer devised and developed a solar powered engine. The purpose of the engine was to convert solar heat into steam power. He saw the increased need for an energy resource given the sudden expansion of factories and railway lines during the early industrial revolution.
The authorities in France were extremely interested in the project and began to finance his efforts. This included further research. However as more mines were opened, coal, the primary energy source of the day became cheaper. This caused the French government to lose interest in the project and the financing was stopped.
Around this time, William Adams, an Englishman living in India, devised another solution. He built a rack with many small mirrors around a stationary boiler. This allowed him to get 2.5 horsepower out of the engine.
Charles Tellier started working on a solar powered system in 1885. By 1889 he had created one of the first solar collectors that are used today. He installed the collector on the rooftop. The energy generated was used to cool refrigeration units.
In 1903, Aubrey Eneas started working with solar power. He studied the work of Mouchout but expanded on the scale and efficiency of the original design. He produced a solar power engine that had commercial potential. To this extent, he managed to sell one to a Doctor in Arizona for nearly $2000. It became damaged soon after being transported and was never used. He managed to sell another engine for a similar figure but this was also never used as it became damaged in a hailstorm.
At the same time, Henry E. Willsie developed 2 solar plants that collected energy during the day for use at night. The plants used flat plate collectors that produced an output of around 15 horsepower.
In 1906, Frank Shuman made improvements of the original Willsie design. This increased the engine output to 33 horsepower. He continued to tweak his designs to the extent that he managed to get the engine up to 55 horsepower.
There were no note worthy developments until around 1954. Bell Laboratories researchers discovered the reaction of sunlight and silicon. This was investigated and lead to the creation of the photo voltaic (PV) cell.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the underlying principle behind the solar panels that you see on many a rooftop today. It creates direct current from sun light.
When the energy crises hit in the 1970's, it caused many people to look at how they got there energy resources. This increased the thinking that alternatives to fossil fuels had to be found so that the energy resources couldn't be used as a political bargaining chip again. This increased the interest in solar power. Research went into improving PV cells.
PV cells have come a long way in terms of cost and efficiency. This will only increase, as will new methods of creating solar power, in the future. Many governments and individuals are looking to embrace the technology and provide grants and subsidies for research and use of solar energy.

About the Author
For more residential solar power information visit solarpowerappliances.com. You will find plenty on solar applications, including solar outdoor lighting and how to find rebates on solar systems.

The 5 types of Solar Energy by Dick Jonson

2008-04-01T02:19:00.001-07:00

With Solar power potentially being I significant ingredient in the cake of renewable energy sources the world will need to replace fossil fuels it is important to understand the different types of Solar power. This article will give an over view of all the different types.
* Solar Power form Solar Cells -Just about everyone has seen solar cells being used on pocket calculators with LCD displays. This is of course not the only sue for a Solar cell with many being placed on top of buildings. Most Solar panels are made form silicon and act as semi conductors converting sunlight directly into electricity.
* Solar Power from Fibers - This method is similar to Solar cell in that sunlight is converted directly to electricity. Unlike the Solar cells however this method uses a solar tape made from titanium dioxide. It has been suggested that this tap could be used in building materials or even in the construction of cars.
* Solar Chemical Power - Solar Chemical Power is still in the early stages of research but the theory behind it is that a chemical reaction is used to turn sunlight into electricity.
* Solar Power using the Solar Pond - The Solar pond uses three different layers of salt to prevent heat convection and store energy from the sun. A solar Pond would typically be used to provide heat rather than electricity.
* The Solar Updraft Tower- The Idea of the Solar updraft tower is that air passes through a green house like building and becomes heated this air is then channeled through a tower where it rises and drives turbines in much the same way as a conventional power station.
Most of the technologies mentioned above are still in their infancies but some appear to be very promising in particular solar fibers, which have huge potential as they can be integrated into other materials. This could in theory lead to buildings that could power themselves through absorbing light using their brickwork or cars that charge themselves up with energy if left in the sunlight. Clearly Solar Power is a good way off this at the moment but in time Solar Power is a technology that really could change the world.

About the Author
Dick Jonson would like to tell you more about renewable energy such as Solar Power, you can find out more by visiting http://www.greensun.us .

What's mean battery The Fuel Cell (3)? by mary lv

2008-04-01T02:18:00.001-07:00

What's mean battery The Fuel Cell (3)? What's mean battery The Fuel Cell (3)? The first practical application of the fuel cell system was made in the 1960s during the Gemini space program, when this power source was favored over nuclear or solar power. The fuel cell, based on the alkaline system, generated electricity and produced the astronauts' drinking water. Commercial application of this power source was prohibitive because of the high cost of materials. In the early 1990s, improvements were made in stack design, which led to increased power densities and reduced platinum loadings at the electrodes. High cost did not hinder Dr. Karl Kordesch, the co-inventor of the alkaline battery, from converting his car to an alkaline fuel cell in the early 1970s. Dr. Kordesch drove the car for many years in Ohio, USA. The hydrogen tank was placed on the roof and the trunk was utilized to store the fuel cell and back-up batteries. According to Dr. Kordesch, there was "enough room for four people and a dog". more info:www.abatteryweb.com

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if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.abatteryweb.com

Attractive Solar Technology to Power your Home by Jack Blacksmith

2008-04-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

There are hundreds of different companies that are able to supply solar power equipment. These companies have increased in popularity due to people wanting to protect the environment. By using solar power you can protect the environment by not having to burn fossil fuels. The amount of fuel that we have available is limited and they are quickly running out, by using solar power you are conserving the natural resources.
The most important part of any solar power system is the solar panels themselves. Huge companies such as Big Frog Mountain, Solar Cell Sales and Mr Solar produce a fairly basic kit which contains a solar panel, batteries and everything else you would need. There are a few very large companies such as Kyocera Solar Power, these are made possible by the popularity and demand for such systems.
You will also need to purchase inverters and batteries from one of these solar power companies. One company called evergreen solar produces photovoltaic modules, these are used in very big solar installations. Photovoltaic or PV is the name for the way the energy is converted from light into electricity.
Another really useful use for solar equipment is heating. Solar Attic and Go Solar Company produce, design and install solar heating equipment to your home. After sales support is also available from these companies, and most are very friendly. You can also purchase solar heating equipment to heat swimming pools.
The Wireless Solar Process
Some solar power companies have pioneered wireless solar power, one such company is known as SunWize technologies Inc. By doing this you can create environmentally friendly power without much effort.
Solar energy can also be seen on race cars, space craft and even airplanes! Solar power companies all around the world produce silicon solar cells which are used in such applications. A company known as Nanosolar creates roll prints of solar cells which are much thinner than silicon, 1/100th thinner to be precise! Solar technology also finds itself at home in remote locations, particularly on livestock farms.
You will be able to find wholesale solar distributers, and retail shops. One useful wholesale distributor is www.solardepot.com. The retail solar stores are the ones that you should look out for if you want to buy equipment for your own home. Large systems are often only for industrial use, however you will find that many companies make smaller systems suitable for private use.
Commercial buyers may also be interested in solar powered street lights, billboards and parking lots. Many other companies have produced products which are aimed directly at personal use, from calculators, to laptop computers.

About the Author
Jack Blacksmith's reports are published on large numbers of web pages with information about cordless compressor. You can find his publications on 12v air compressor at many different sources for 12v air compressor news.

Investigating Solar Power Companies by Jack Blacksmith

2008-04-01T02:16:00.002-07:00

There are hundreds of different companies that are able to supply solar power equipment. These companies have increased in popularity due to people wanting to protect the environment. By using solar power you can protect the environment by not having to burn fossil fuels. The amount of fuel that we have available is limited and they are quickly running out, by using solar power you are conserving the natural resources.
The most important part of any solar power system is the solar panels themselves. Huge companies such as Big Frog Mountain, Solar Cell Sales and Mr Solar produce a fairly basic kit which contains a solar panel, batteries and everything else you would need. You will not need any other specialized equipment like an air compressor. There are a few very large companies such as Kyocera Solar Power, these are made possible by the popularity and demand for such systems.
You will also need to purchase inverters and batteries from one of these solar power companies. One company called evergreen solar produces photovoltaic modules, these are used in very big solar installations. Photovoltaic or PV is the name for the way the energy is converted from light into electricity.
Another really useful use for solar equipment is heating. Solar Attic and Go Solar Company produce, design and install solar heating equipment to your home. After sales support is also available from these companies, and most are very friendly. You can also purchase solar heating equipment to heat swimming pools.
The Wireless Solar Process
Some solar power companies have pioneered wireless solar power, one such company is known as SunWize technologies Inc. By doing this you can create environmentally friendly power without much effort.
Solar energy can also be seen on race cars, space craft and even airplanes! Solar power companies all around the world produce silicon solar cells which are used in such applications. A company known as Nanosolar creates roll prints of solar cells which are much thinner than silicon, 1/100th thinner to be precise! Solar technology also finds itself at home in remote locations, particularly on livestock farms.
You will be able to find wholesale solar distributers, and retail shops. One useful wholesale distributor is www.solardepot.com. The retail solar stores are the ones that you should look out for if you want to buy equipment for your own home. Large systems are often only for industrial use, however you will find that many companies make smaller systems suitable for private use.
Commercial buyers may also be interested in solar powered street lights, billboards and parking lots. Many other companies have produced products which are aimed directly at personal use, from calculators, to laptop computers.

About the Author
Focusing on latest developments in cordless compressor, Jack Blacksmith works mostly for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . His writings on 12v air compressor are found on his website .

Have You Been Tricked By The Big Oil TV Commercials Touting Alternative Gas Solutions? by GARKO

2008-04-01T02:16:00.001-07:00

To be honest I donâ€™t watch television. I catch anything important like segments from the Daily Show and other things on You Tube! But a few nights back a buddy gave me a call. They told me that they were watching TV on Saturday night (please get a life!!) and they were amazed to have a commercial come on (gawd they watch commercials! Not even using Tivo! ) about alternative energy. They told me that they were skeptical at first as they lay there on the couch staring at what they conceived was probably the next environmental campaign for conserving energy, and not an apparently educational 30-second bit. Then they shared with me that the biggest shocker of all, to them, was the last comment and that the commercial sponsor: Chevron. Yes, one of the main culprits in fossil fuels is proclaiming the benefits of alternative energy! My friend was awfully excited. The stated mission of Chevron Energy Solutions is to â€œto assist customers to use less energy and save money when they do have to buy energy. So in pursuit of this mission, the Chevron subsidiary promotes alternative energy. More precisely, they seek to promote better energy solutions in public institutions and businesses. They accomplish this through the application of projects and research in areas besides fossil fuels. Solar electric and stationary fuel cell technologies are among these projects. THAT IS TO SAY THAT THIS IS THE STORY THAT THEY TELL PEOPLE! â€œAs a group of scientists, project manager, energy managers and analysts, Chevron Energy Solutions harnesses the power and professionalism of the environmentally friendly industries - all in its quest to advance alternative energy and technology. This Chevron underling is out to not only salvage natural resources in the production of energy, but to lower toxic emissions too. This is achieved through the reduction in demand for electricity that would otherwise be produced by fossil-fuel power plants.â€ ARE YOU BELIEVING ANY OF THIS? â€œChevron Energy Solutions also claims that it has designed and commercialized alternative energy technologies. These alternatives include fuel cells, as mentioned earlier. They also include photovoltaics and advanced batteries. The company has also stated it is active in hydrogen fuel research and development efforts too. In fact, Chevron is investing three hundred million dollars every year into alternative fuel sourcesâ€. GOTCHA!!! THE STORY IS FALLING APART NOW. I WILL EXPLAIN HOW AFTERWARDSâ€¦ So what is the real story? Chevron is a , a household name in the petroleum-based energy industry. And, as with any company of that size they are motivated only by the â€œprofit axiomâ€. Therefore, they have more than enough cash to put on a good facade and even construct a big infrastructure so as to provide the appearance of embracing the development of alternative energy. It all appears well and good except for one thing, well, severalâ€¦ 1. Automobiles are manufactured since the mid 1990s with a built in computer system. These computers actually are rigged against getting the gas mileage that they would usually be able to attain! If the automotive and petroleum companies wanted people to get more bang for their buck at the filling station they could reset their computers!! This is a highly illegal action in violation of contracts that these companies have with the EPA and other regulatory agencies regarding fair business practices. 2. A car in 1908 performed 40% better than we get in our cars today. That is on purpose. It couldnâ€™t be any other way! 3. And here is the most important one. The know how to operate automobiles with water-based engines has been around for 90 years! In the last couple of years it has become accessible on the grassroots level via Water4Gas and their open source developments in the area which has enabled many others to participate in moving the technology forward. So Chevron is making billions every year in profit, they let go of a few hundred million to â€œresearchâ€ new fuels, meanwhile, they persist in collusion with car manufacturers to place artificial limits on MPG and they purposely fail to recognize the fact that Brownâ€™s Gas, Hydrogen from Water, Hydrogen On Demand and so forth are being used in the car engines of thousands of drivers on the road right now AND they use the image that they are trying to find alternative technologies as a smoke screen and a diversion so that people donâ€™t know that the technology already exists!!! So in the event that you considered that Chevron or any of the vehicle manufacturing companies or petroleum corporations were working in the public interest, now you know. We need a revolution! And we need it today for the sake of our environment. And the technology exists so we can be successful right now!

About the Author
Learn how to increase power and save gas and how to run a car on hydrogen from water which is the best of the ways to increase your gas performance by learning all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology

Gimme a Green Cell Phone by David Tanguay

2008-04-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about LG's green-hued Mint Chocolate phone (although, if I were in the market for a new Chocolate, the green Mint would be my preference). What I'm actually referring to is a new type of technology that the wireless industry is testing out that will use alternate energy to power cell phones. Cell companies have "heard the call" of millions ofgreen energy advocates and, in response, have begun working on ways to change the methods they have had in place for years.
There is a variety of ways that the cellular industry can utilize in place of their current mode of providing this convenience to its users. They are realizing that cell phone towers may have the ability to be powered by wind turbines. For those who don't know, turbines are any of various machines in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid, such as water, steam, or gas, is converted to rotary motion.
These same cell towers could also be operated through the use of solar panels, making use of the energy of the sun to power up the cell phones. Antennas could also receive their back up energy from hydrogen fuel cells and computer equipment could be cooled through geothermal methods.
The wireless industry has come to realize, whether through their own conscience or through the voices of millions who care about the earth's current deterioration and eventual demise, all of the negative effects that its current methodology has had on environmental factors, and they seem to have a desire to alter their techniques in order to do their part to improve the condition of our world. However, my skepticism prevails, and it almost seems as if their concerns still reside more so in what impact this alteration with have financially. In other words, if this will save them money, they are more interested in attempting it.
The ideas that they have for this change over are still in the experimental phase, meaning it could take many years for this critical plan to be brought to fruition. To be fair, it should be noted that Sprint Nextel has been testing alternate energy sources for their cellular power since 2004, already using hydrogen fuel cells at 65,000 of its sites. In addition to this, Sprint has already been making use of many of the above mentioned alternates. T-Mobile is also attempting the application of some alternatives. T-Mobile's director of national operations planning mentioned tax incentives that are given to companies from states when using alternate energy resources.
The idea of "green" wireless technology is one step closer to attaining a more livable earth. Not only is there a certain amount of radiation that is emitted from the cell phone antenna, the electricity being used to operate cell phone towers is immense. Because the electricity is generated in the current, traditional ways, it wreaks havoc on Mother Earth. These new ideas that are being generated with some cellular companies (and I'm sure all will follow suit at some point) are crucial to the necessary end result of using alternative energy wherever is humanly possible.

About the Author
David Tanguay is dedicated to providing research, reviews & helpful information to consumers and businesses. For more information related to Green Energy and Alternative Energy please visit http://greenenergyonline.org

Going Green In The Workplace by Dave Cosper

2008-04-01T02:14:00.002-07:00

Go Green at Work If you use our simple tips for making your office greener, saving the world can be a reasonable New Year's resolution
Itâ€™s just another day in my life and Iâ€™m driving to work with the window down and listening to the guy on the radio complain about another disappointing Chicago Cubs season. He then turns the microphone over to the weatherman and Iâ€™m being told to expect a glorious day in the high 80s. Iâ€™m thinking this is just awesome. The only problem: Itâ€™s late November. How can this be? For the last 33 years, my body has been used to five inches of snow at this time, not to mention body-hurting cold. I never thought I would miss winter, but I do.
Sure, Iâ€™m exaggerating just a little, but thereâ€™s no doubt that there have recently been some alarming changes in the worldâ€™s climate. Itâ€™s such a big topic that Al Gore recently walked away with two Academy Awards and a Nobel Prize for his work on the subject. His documentary An Inconvenient Truth has brought global attention to the problem and driven home the fact that change needs to start today. Here in Chicago, for instance, 10 of the last 12 Halloweens have been warmer than normal, which begs the question: As things warm up, whatâ€™s normal these days?
Weâ€™ve all heard the stories of how companies have restructured their entire buildings according to green standards, but most of us donâ€™t have the money for such projects. You can, however, make your business a little greener by introducing some simple and inexpensive changes to your employees.
Change Your Light Bulbs
If youâ€™ve recently been shopping for light bulbs, youâ€™ve probably come across the quirky compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If you purchased a CFL two decades ago, you probably were unimpressed by the annoying flicker as the bulb came to life and the fact that it couldnâ€™t light up a small room. The bulbs have improved, but one thing hasnâ€™t changed: CFLs still use 70 percent less electricity than their incandescent counterparts, which, as a result of a bill passed last December, will begin to be phased out in 2012. In fact, they use such little power that in about five months they pay for themselves with lower electricity bills. Even better, the bulbs often last for five to 10 years. Installing CFLs in your office lessens the strain on our power plants, taking greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere and putting a little extra money in your pocket.
Recycle Paper
This one sounds simple, but getting co-workers to change habits theyâ€™ve had since day one is a difficult task. In the end, though, it pays off. For instance, companies like Bank of America started recycling programs back in 1970 and by 1997 the company was saving $483,000 just in trash-hauling fees. Starting a recycling program at your company can be easy. First, find a group of employees who want to oversee this program. Start slow, because introducing only a few changes at a time into your employeesâ€™ daily routine yields a greater chance for success. Lastly, clearly mark recycling areas. Recycling doesnâ€™t have to be limited to sticking stuff in a bin: Here at Americaâ€™s Best, we recycle by minimizing the printing of our e-mails and other documents. If we do need to print, we print on the back of old faxes and other printed materials. Implementing these practices will help your employees become recycle-conscious and proud of your companyâ€™s commitment to the environment.
Recycle Your Computers
During the computer boom of the early 90s, 24 million computers were tossed in the garbage. By 1999, only 14 percent were being recycled or reused, leaving the vast majority in warehouses or landfills to leak toxic waste into the environment. Today, there are many companies and organizations that are more than willing to recycle your old computers, monitors, laptops, and desktop printers. Big companies such as Staples are happy to recycle your old equipment even if you didnâ€™t purchase it there. You can also donate your old computer to a local school, charity, or nonprofit organization. By doing so, you qualify for the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, which extends tax incentives to private companies that donate computer hardware or software to K-12 classrooms.
Be sure to unplug your cell phone charger when your phone is done charging. Approximately 95 percent of the power consumed by cell phone chargers occurs when theyâ€™re left plugged in. Only 5 percent is used for the actual charging. If 10 percent of the worldâ€™s cell phone users unplugged their chargers after use, the resulting energy saved would be equivalent to the energy used by 60,000 households per year. Source: Nokia
Carpool to Work
Try to get into the habit of carpooling with other employees who have the same work hours. If youâ€™re the only employee going to work from your area, the folks at Nuride.com will match you up with someone near your home. Companies such as Old Navy and Starbucks will give you gift cards for using Nurideâ€™s services. You can also use public transportation or ride your bike if you really want to make a point.
Break and Lunch Time
When most of us get to work in the morning, we fill our little Styrofoam cups with hot Joe and then just throw them away. At some point, your kids or friends have probably given you a silly coffee mug that you never thought youâ€™d useâ€"nowâ€™s the time to bring it to work. You can also bring reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses to cut down on extra waste. Lastly, talk to your office manager about getting filtered drinking water to help reduce bottled water waste. When it comes to saving the planet, you canâ€™t go around with the mindset that one person canâ€™t make a difference. If we all pitch in, we just might see some climate changes for the better within 20 years. After all, how are my Cubs ever going to win if hell canâ€™t freeze over?
Soak Up the Sun: Green Success
In 2001, Tom Benson, owner of The Worldâ€™s Largest Laundromat in Berwyn, Illinois, made the radical step of converting his water heaters from natural gas to solar power. With natural gas, his bills were costing him over $13,000 per month, around 25 percent of his monthly revenue. Today, a group of massive solar panels dominate the top of his business, relieving him of over $25,000 per year in expenses. â€œTen years ago, people thought that going green was going to cost them extra money,â€ Benson says. â€œNow you go green and you save money.â€ Entrepreneurs like Benson are making the big steps toward a green-friendly business world when so many are focused on making small ones. Benson expects that the panels will easily pay for themselves within 15 years. â€œEven if the environment wasnâ€™t a factor, I would still think itâ€™s a good business decision,â€ Benson says. â€œOur customers like the fact that weâ€™re being responsible as business owners.â€

About the Author
Dave Cosper Vice President America's Best Companies

Skin Cancer Causes and Occupation Risk Factors by Kevin Flatt

2008-04-01T02:14:00.001-07:00

Non-melanoma skin cancer, which includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is the most common type of cancer in the United States and results in substantial morbidity and treatment costs. It is estimated that 1.2 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer occur each year in the United States. (BMC Dermatology 2001, 1:3).
Variations in the incidence of skin cancers between similar populations living at similar latitudes suggest other factors may play a role.
A Canadian study found elevated risks for squamous cell carcinomas in people exposed to insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and seed treatments as well petroleum products, grease, and several other exposures.
Elevated risks of basal cell carcinomas were seen in people exposed to fibreglass dust and dry cleaning. Also, prior non-diagnostic X-ray treatment for skin conditions increased risk of both cancers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1996, 5:419-424).
Several studies have shown an association between cumulative ultraviolet exposure and risk of basal cell carcinoma, although the magnitude of risk conferred has been small.
Other studies have failed to find a significant association between estimated cumulative sun exposure in adulthood and the presence of basal cell carcinoma.
Other non-ultraviolet environmental exposures that have been associated with increased risk of basal cell carcinoma include ionising radiation, high dietary energy (especially fat), low intake of vitamins, and various chemicals and dust. Exposure to arsenic predisposes to multiple basal cell carcinomas. (BMJ. 2003 October 4; 327(7418): 794-798).
Among workers in direct contact with livestock, risk is apparently higher for squamous cell carcinomas. Although there is a slight possibility of false diagnoses of squamous cell carcinomas in the case of viral warts, such a problem would seem unlikely, in view of the fact that the cases were reviewed by a panel of pathologists who verified the diagnoses. (BMC Public Health 2007, 7:180doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-180).
It has also been reported that 2% of such tumours could be associated with exposure to radon in the UK. (Health Phys 2003, 85:733-739).
The results of our study show a strong association between the occupation of miner and both types of non melanoma skin cancer, with the strength of association for basal cell carcinomas being double that for squamous cell carcinomas.
The explanation for this result might partly lie in the above-mentioned exposure to radon in the case of basal cell carcinomas; and possibly lie in exposure to arsenic in the case of squamous cell carcinomas.
The authors conclusion: This study shows the association between non-melanoma skin cancer and certain occupations. For non-melanoma skin cancer as a whole, miners and quarrymen, secondary education teachers, and masons register excess risk, regardless of exposure to solar radiation and phenotype (such as skin, hair or eye color). (BMC Public Health 2007, 7:180doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-180).
Reference: Adapted from: Berta Suárez, Gonzalo López-Abente, Carmen Martínez, Carmen Navarro, Maria José Tormo, Stefano Rosso, Simon Schraub, Lorenzo Gafà, Hélène Sancho-Garnier, Janine Wechsler and Roberto Zanetti. Occupation and skin cancer: the results of the HELIOS-I multicenter case-control study. BMC Public Health 2007, 7:180doi:10.1186/1471-2458-7-180. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
For information about Skin Cancer visit: Skin Cancer Causes and Risk Factors. For a Natural way to cure Non-melanoma Skin Cancers visit: Alternative Skin Cancer Treatments.

About the Author
Kevin Flatt is a Freelance Journalist specializing in Natural Medicine. He is also the publisher of Natural Health Remedies If you are searching for information on improving your health with less drugs and more natural therapy, then this website is for you. http://www.kflatthealthnews.com

The 10 Most Important Things to Know About Aura by Rose Rosetree

2008-04-01T02:13:00.001-07:00

Whether you are a sophisticated aura reader or simply curious, have I got a list for you! After you go through these 10 most important things, count up how many are new to you. This short list could change your life.
1. Not Just Color
How often have you heard misleading phrases like, "See auras" and "See the colors"? I've successfully taught aura reading to thousands of people, on three continents, and I'm here to tell you that many folks never see colors at all. Nevertheless, they can become superb aura readers.
When people do see colors, it is usually only a small part of the information that they receive. Not so for some really famous aura readers, like Sylvia Browne, Doreen Virtue, and Barbara Brennan -- but maybe one reason they are so famous is that their gift sets match what people expect.
Ladies, do you believe that there is only one way for you to be beautiful? Where is it written that nobody will look at you twice unless you are tall and skinny, blonde and busty? That kind of myth helps nobody.
Guys, you get your share of pressures, too. Does your value in life depend on how close you can come to looking like Swooney Clooney? There's just one George Clooney, and he isn't you. (Somehow you have managed to get over this. I just know it.)
Well, there are plenty of ways to be gorgeous--and powerfulï¿½"as an aura reader. A good teacher will help you to read auras as yourself, not trying to copy anyone else.
2. Not Just Vibe
Is it aura reading when you get "good vibrations" about somebody? Sure, it's a start. However, vibe-reading isn't quite the same thing as literacy.
Back in the day, before you could read words on a page, you could look at somebody's handwritten note and decide if it looked good or bad or pretty or scary. In a way that's informative, but why stop there?
Unless you developed more literacy than that, you wouldn't be able to read the words here. Think for a moment about the difference between getting a vague impression versus actually reading. So much knowledge comes to you because you learned how to read words. If you can do that, you can learn this other kind of literacy. You can learn to read auras in depth and detail.
3. Real Bodies
Your physical body is surrounded by layers of subtle body, made of electromagnetic energy and full of information. I like to say that, having all these layers, you are just like an onionâ€¦ only you smell better. These energy layers make up your aura, so it is physical, only in a metaphysical way.
Once you appreciate that auras are 3-D energy bodies, you'll understand why it's so limiting to think of them just as colors. How would you feel if someone came into the room where you are right now, looked you up and down, and saw only colors? Sure, there are colors in your skin, hair, and eyes, but do you want to be judged only by that?
3. Hundreds of Databanks
Ever hear that an aura contains chakras? Its true. Spiritually literate people have been reading chakras for 10,000 years. In fact the word "chakra" comes from ancient Sanskrit. and it means that every human aura contains major and minor data centers, like the heart chakra, the throat chakra, etc.
A recent discovery about chakras is reported in my latest how-to book, "Cut Cords of Attachment." Every major chakra contains 50 different databanks of information.
Yes, that's a lot of data, isn't it? Whatever your curiosity, certain databanks can give you really practical, accurate information -- whether you want to learn about character, emotions, health, consumer concerns, or more.
Reading these databanks in auras isn't weird or other-worldly. It's a vital survival skill for the 21st century. Once you find a teacher who can help you to find your way in to this information, reading auras is easy and fun. Sometimes even funny!
4. Hidden Gifts
Every databank in your aura contains two types of information: gifts and "stuff."
For instance, you have a databank in your solar plexus chakra (at your ribcage) that I call "Personal Power When It Counts." When you're emotionally invested in a relationship, how do you handle conflict? That's different from your solar plexus databank about "Power When at Work."
In each databank, you have a gift of your soul. This is permanent, like a fingerprint. It's validating to learn about your gifts. Do you tend to be fair, kind, forgiving, or naturally assertive? Building from your strengths is smart. By learning about your innate gifts, you can find enormous validation for your natural way of doing things.
5. Stuff
Yes, that's one of my technical terms. "Stuff" means things that distort the gifts of your soul. "Stuff" could be dysfunctional patterns learned in childhood, coping mechanisms of all kinds, stuck fear or pain, even things added into your aura like mix-in's put into ice cream at some dessert restaurants. Instead of M&Ms or cashews, your aura could contain cords of attachment, negative thought forms, or other forms of astral debris.
But here's the important part. Stuff can always be released. Always! I say this as someone who regularly does phone sessions of Energy Spirituality, moving out stuff permanently. And I'm hardly the only healer in the world. Speaking of whichâ€¦
6. Smart Consumers Read Auras
Have you ever gone to a non-doctor doctor? In America, appointments to holistic healers began to outnumber physician visits in 1997, well before the start of this millennium. Your favorite healer might do chiropractic, Healing Touch, Reiki, massage, shiatsu ï¿½" anything from acupuncture to z-cupuncture (okay, I made that one up).
What do all these healing methods have in common? They mostly align your aura. All the benefits to your body are a kind of mind-body-spirit side effect.
So many doctors, so little timeâ€¦ How can you tell which practitioner really helps you? Read your own aura before and after the treatment. This is just one way that aura reading is indispensable for a consumer.
Reading auras, you can taste fruit before you buy it. And never again will you buy those pricey roses that droop once you bring them home. Flowers like that may look pretty on the surface, but their auras are puny. That's why they die so fast. Get your money's worth. For the same price, you could buy flowers that are aurically radiant.
7. Your Perfect Gift Set
Ever since you've been born, you have owned a perfect set of gifts for reading auras. That probably isn't 100% about seeing colors.
No problem! You don't have to be visual in a particular way to succeed as an aura reader. And I'd urge you to strongly question any "teacher" who has led you to believe that success requires that you be anything other than who you naturally are. Having to "work at" aura reading is a pathetic misunderstanding. A teacher who asks you to work hard in order to read aurasâ€¦ has failed you.
Also, if you have been waiting to get rid of a "block" that keeps you from seeing auras, consider that you don't have any block at all. Learn techniques that use the gifts you have. In "Aura Reading Through All Your Senses," I list a whole table of techniques at the front because the book contains over a hundred of them.
However you approach auras, give yourself the benefit of a variety of techniques. Even talented people need this. Practical techniques have helped you to read, and write, to play any sport or musical instrument, to use a spoon, to shampoo your hair. Why should aura reading be any different?
8. Regular Photos Are Fine
Have you ever seen colorful aura photos? They're sold at psychic fairs. Some people say that you need a photo like this to read an aura. Ridiculous!
I can teach you to read auras from regular photos, Internet photos, cell phone photos. You can read auras when you watch TV or movies. (Finally, the mystery of screen chemistry solved!) Read auras whenever and wherever you like. It isn't rocket science, trust me.
Because aura reading is so portable and practical, it may be the most useful hologram of the soul that you can read. For astrology, you need a birth time. For handwriting analysis, you must have a written sample. For face reading (another of my specialties, something I dearly love doing), you need a decent frontal photo. Just yesterday, a reporter sent me a celebrity photo to read and the guy's face was almost completely covered by a football helmet. Sure, I could have read his aura, but for a face reading I had to beg her to supply a different picture.
Once you find your way in, you'll be amazed how much you can learn by reading auras from photographs.
9. Practical Insights
Just how practical is the information from reading auras? It could save your life.
Sometimes companies hire me to do personnel profiles. I'll point out when a job applicant's aura shows a tendency to deception, cruelty, even violence.
Reading auras, in person or from photos, you can do three different lie detector tests. Might there be a problem with alcohol or drugs? That shows clearly in an aura, too. What else? You can even preview a lover sexually.
This is accurate information, folks. And those who scoff just don't get it.
10. Glorious Service
Whatever kind of work you do, you can help people more by reading their auras. Use any aura reading technique that works for you.
For some people, aura reading is about psychic flash, but it doesn't have to be. Personally, I use aura reading as a technique for spiritual development. When you can read people deeper, don't you think that might change the way you relate to their Source?
It's glorious, too, reading your own aura. You discover your own gifts of the soul. (Just because you have them doesn't mean that you've known about them consciously.)
Use aura reading to move into all your gifts more fully. You'll respect yourself more, be yourself better.
Aura reading, for me, is as indispensable as the other kind of literacy, the kind you and I are using right now.
There's no more accurate, or easier, way to find the good in people. Gifts of the soul are encoded in auras. Not only can you read them in grownups or kids. You can start reading them right from pregnancy, when a baby's aura blends with the mother's aura. This, of course, is why pregnant women glow.
Yes, you can read anyone's gifts of the soul. Sometimes, you will find problems. But I promise you this. Whatever you find in those fascinating databanks, the very act of reading auras can wake you up to awe, to wonder and to glorious service.

About the Author
Rose Rosetree is the founder of Energy Spirituality, offering personal sessions of Cutting Cords of Attachment, Aura Transformation, Regression Therapy, and Face Reading. Rose teaches workshops internationally. Order Rose's books, join her e-zine newsletter or blog, etc, by visiting http://www.rose-rosetree.com or call toll-fr

Solar Powered Base for Air Compressors by Ken Morris

2008-04-01T02:12:00.001-07:00

Electricity is used by millions of people every day which is great. However most of this power comes from burning fossil fuels, this is what causes the problem. By producing non-renewable energy we are actually destroying the planet. Many people are also looking at ways to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, by creating viable alternatives. Many energy companies are trying to do things to help, many use solar powered air compressors.
Great, But What's An Air Compressor?
I'm sure you've heard of an air compressor before, they're pretty common. It might be difficult however to find out exactly what one is. A solar power compressor does exactly the same as a regular compressor, but it's powered by the sun.
That's fantastic, but what on earth is an air compressor? Well believe it or not they compress air. These force air into a tiny space so that it is pressurized, this air can then be used to drive motors and machinery. Air compressors are often used to power drills used by oil and gas companies because there is no power available, solar powered air compressors make powering these drills very easy.
It may seem strange to use solar powered drills in order to find fossil fuels, but it really is done! It may only be a tiny thing but it does make a difference. You can only run solar powered air compressors from the solar panels, you cannot run one from a battery at night for example as this could cause damage to the delicate circuit. The solar powered air compressor is completely green and will look after the environment.
What About For Me?
You may not need a huge solar powered drill, however there are alternative uses for solar technology. Solar technology is now small enough to be used to charge your cell phone, run a laptop. You can also buy smaller solar air compressors to run smaller drills and machinery.
The solar power air compressor is basically a standard air compressor with the power being generated from the sun. If you buy one of these compressors you should have everything you need.

About the Author
Being very passionate about workbench design and workbenches, Ken Morris has been authoring numerous online reports in this specific area. Writing for detailed publications like http://www.insidewoodworking.com/workclam/howtobuildaworkbench.html , the writer improved his capability on areas related to building a observations bench.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars: the way of the future? by Andrew Regan

2008-04-01T02:11:00.002-07:00

After the recent 2008 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto car convention, held between the 6th and 16th of March in Geneva, Switzerland, any self-respecting car enthusiastâ€™s first concern would likely be to find out the latest news from the motoring world. Among the most interesting cars unveiled at the auto show was Italian car manufacturer Pininfarinaâ€™s new concept car, the Sintesi - Italian for synthesis - and designed to explore ideas and solutions for the cars of the future. Using man's freedom over technology as a concept, the car was designed with a view towards a future where cars can disseminate intelligence from cross-media sources regarding traffic and security to create a continuous, transparent dialogue between the city, the road and vehicles without limiting the motoristâ€™s autonomy. From the outside the Sintesi is a sleek sports car, but its aerodynamic exterior belies a unique design concept â€" rather than designing the car around its mechanics, the car and mechanics have been designed around the passenger space. The approach, known as â€œLiquid packagingâ€, has overturned the carâ€™s volumetric balances, improving weight distribution and lowering the centre of gravity - giving the driver more physical space without compromising key dynamics which are essential for driving. The car uses four modular hydrogen fuel cells - known as the Quadrivium Fuel Cells system - positioned near the wheels, with each providing 20kw of power per wheel; as well as an electric motor, with additional battery charge provided by solar panels and regenerative braking. Thanks to its sophisticated electronic architecture, the car makes modular use of the available power depending on driving conditions. Inside, the translucent dashboard displays the flow of information received and processed in real-time, lighting up when matters requiring the driverâ€™s attention occur. The carâ€™s headlights also play a part, using tele-cameras and a proximity radar system to ease the processing of information. Though the concept of cars such as the Sinesti dominating the roads might seem like a far-fetched science fiction scenario, the concept is built on technologies already available, and could in theory create safer and better flow of traffic in the near future. The Sinesti received much coverage in motoring news publications, both offline and online, prior to its unveiling in Geneva thanks to a teaser campaign website that received over 250,000 hits since it was launched in December. Car enthusiasts wishing to find out additional information about the Sinesti and other motoring news are currently spoilt for choice, with dedicated websites, forums and RSS feeds ensuring that information regarding the motoring world is only a click away.

About the Author
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

Booking Your Electric Campsite by Ken Morris

2008-04-01T02:11:00.001-07:00

While a certain percentage of avid campers prefer to see by the light of a wood fire and a simple flashlight, there are dozens of choices when it comes to lighting the way around an outdoor site. Some of these alternatives involve electricity, while others call for bringing along a kerosene lamp or propane for such items as a cook stove.
Should the camper decide to stay with a simpler plan, such as a combination of wood fire and fuel-driven lamps, preparations will include stocking up on wood, liquid fuel and wicks for the lamps. As a backup plan or alternative, many campers who rely on natural fuels for light also take along battery-powered flashlights and lanterns for those wet nights and quick trips away from the campsite.
But if the climate you are traveling to calls for more comfort than wood and fuel lamps can provide, it may be necessary to make arrangements for a campsite with electricity. When campers move beyond the more "primitive" level of tent camping and open fires, they often arrive at their outdoor destination in a truck-mounted camper or self-contained motor home. Connecting to electrical service at the campsite provides power for cooking, indoor lighting, recharging battery-powered items and much more. (While some campers and RVs may have electric heat, campers are often warmed by bottled LP gas.)
With most campgrounds it will be necessary to take a few minutes for booking the electric campsite, as the number of RV campers has gone through an amazing growth in recent years. A few minutes spent confirming that a site with electricity will be waiting at the other end of the trip will eliminate most of the stress that comes with making a home away from home. As the family settles in at their "electric" campsite, a number of amenities become available. One family member may prepare a meal on an electric stove or on a range supplied by the same bottled LP gas that serves the camper's heater. Other family members can turn on a chair-side or bedside electric lamp and read, just as they would at home.
Campers and equipment companies have added another option to the list of ways to shed light on your campsite. In some ways, this new method is a return to the natural sources such as wood. When the sun shines, campers now have the option of operating solar-powered accessories for hours. A unique item known as the photovoltaic cell gathers the sun's energy and stores it in rechargeable batteries. The best thing about this method: the batteries are often lighter and less bulky than batteries used for traditional flashlights and lanterns because the bulbs require less power.
No matter how you choose to light your way when camping, plan for two methods of lighting. The choices are there!

About the Author
Ken Morris's publications can be encountered on a lot of websites with reference to property for sale in benidorm. His articles on benidorm apartments to buy and benidorm properties can be discovered on his online sites.

Using Sun Rays To Generate Hydrogen As Fuel For Your Car by GARKO NOVIS

2008-04-01T02:10:00.001-07:00

This is more scientific than any of my other articles. There is a reward at the end if you can make it through. Honestly, you can skip over if you donâ€™t care about the science stuff. Itâ€™s only there as examples to illustrate a point only. What point? Will tell you laterâ€¦. Penn State scientists have developed a proof-of-concept device that can use Solar power to split water and produce recoverable hydrogen. So far, experiments have not yet been successful in creating a perpetual solution. The method it uses also generally has a higher cost than splitting water with electricity. One source of trouble is that once produced, hydrogen and oxygen easily get back together again (unlike the Beatles or me and my ex). When visible lightwaves hit a dye in the water, the chemical release of energy excites electrons in the dye, and this, with the help of the catalyst, divides the water molecule. The experimenters impregnated a titanium dioxide electrode with the catalyst. They submerged the electrodes in a salt solution, but held them separate them from one another to keep the hydrogen and oxygen from getting back together again (gotta keep an eye on those two)!. All that is required then is for light to shine on the titanium dioxide anode for the system to work. This type of cell is of a similar kind to those that generate electricity, but adding the catalyst facilitates the reaction to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen. The water splitting requires 1.23 volts, and the system as they have it set up currently is just shy of achieving that level so .3 volts is added from another source. As it is currently configured it achieves an efficiency of about 0.3 percent. "Photosynthesis, as it occurs in nature, is only about one to three percent effective," says one of the team members. "Which explains why you can not expect the clippings from your lawn to power your house and your car. The team has an assortment of choices to explore to optimizeimprove the process. They are planning to look into improving the efficiency of the dye, optimizing the catalyt in different ways and adjusting the general geometry of the system. "At every point in the process, we have choices," said another team member. "The situation we are confronting is how to get the electrons to stay in the proper path and not shoot their wad and go down to ground state without doing any work." Ok, here is the lollipop! What is most fascinating to me about all this is that we already have the problem solved with electrolysis in the Water4Gas system, so they are pretty much reinventing the wheel. It might be fun but how does it help anybody? A much better use of their time would be to help us at Water4Gas push forward what we have already established! WATER4GAS is providing information for a nominal fee which individuals can use in their garage or wherever to put together a small device which instills hydrogen into the gas/air mixture that their car runs on. The process makes smaller particles out of the ones that the system burns as fuel. Therefore the system gets to use much more of the gasoline. By doing this you can minimumly expect to improve your fuel performance by 30-50% or significantly more. Those goblets "musta" been pretty darn huge in some systems before. But with W4G they are made consumable so you can improve your fuel performance. It also helps make emissions substantially cleaner. This package of info has been purchased by over NINE THOUSAND car owners already and happy members number about 99%! So how about you?

About the Author
GARKO shows you tips on how to lower gas consumption and that a water powered car is now reality and is one of the best alternative fuel solutions

Solar Power Becoming More Viable Every Year by John Kuzniar

2008-04-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

The popularity of solar power increases every year. Here are four reasons why more and more people are turning to it.
Solar power produces almost no pollution
The amount of pollution produced by solar panels is significantly less than the amount of pollution produced by other power sources. For example, these days carbon dioxide is one of the most talked about atmospheric pollutants. Even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the atmosphere, in recent years, we as humans have began to overwhelm the earth's eco system to the point where carbon dioxide has begun to reach toxic levels. We introduce carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in many ways, but one of the primary ways is via burning woods or fossil fuels for heating. Solar panels do not emit carbon dioxide and when we replace traditional energy sources such as wood or fossil fuels with solar panels, we decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that we introduce into the atmosphere.
Solar power saves you money
The upfront purchasing and installation cost for solar panels on the typical home is currently more than the cost of equivalent traditional energy appliances such as radiators, hot water heaters, and so on. Things are changing however as recent advances in solar panel technology not only make them cheaper to produce but also increase their kilowatt output efficiency. This means that even though the initial upfront investment costs may be higher for solar panels, the long term payback in energy saving will be more dramatic and occur at a quicker rate than ever before. If you want to free yourself from the spiraling costs of oil and gas, now may well be the perfect time to take a new look at the solar technologies available in your city and state.
Solar power tax credits helps to save you even more money
Few people know this but in 2005 congress passed the Energy Policy Act which gives a 30-percent tax credit to any home that purchased residential solar water heating, photovoltaic equipment, or fuel cell properties. The law has since been extended to the end of 2008 and will potentially be extended again.
In addition, many states offer their own tax credits to homeowners and businesses. Massachusetts, for example, offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. The state of Oregon's Business Tax Credit, under certain conditions, covers up to 50% of the solar system cost. More states are climbing on the solar power bandwagon every year so it's definitely worth your while to not only take advantage of the federal tax credits but also check if there are state or local tax credits available to you as well.
Solar power panels are virtually maintenance free
Solar panels, in general, have less moving parts than traditional energy appliances so there's less to go wrong. Typically, once a year you'll have to do a visual inspection, but for the most part, assuming that you've purchased quality panels, once the solar panels are in place, there's not much you have to do to maintain them - estimates range to less than 20 hours a year.
It's been a long road getting here, but solar power is finally coming into its own. And not a moment too soon, because we can no longer afford the energy sources of the last century.

About the Author
John Kuzniar is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to off grid solar power becoming more popular and other energy saving resources and tips. Visit his site at http://www.solarpowerfamily.com .