29 Apr 2009
Purchase: http://hilaroad.com/video/ This video demonstrates how solar energy can be focused with a curved mirror.
Once focused this energy can be used to cook food, sterilize water even create electricity.
Includes an explanation of Energy, Power, Joules, Watts. Examples of radiant, heat, chemical and kinetic energy are given.
Includes links to directions for constructing a simple solar concentrator.
Duration : 0:6:10
29 Apr 2009
renewable energy DVD” />
As fossil fuels become more scarce and expensive there is greater emphasis on finding renewable resources. What is being done to harness natural power and potential? Can any emerging technology be utilized on a wide scale in the near future? Explore thesWhich politicians are trying to spearhead renewable resource development and implementation?What can replace oil and other fossil fuels?See experimental and well-tested methods for harnessing renewable power.
29 Apr 2009
The AquaLink RS All Button allows automatic control of your swimming pool and spa. With custom labeled buttons of all equipment you will be able to easily understand and control your pool system. Your swimming pool and spa are your own private paradise and the Jandy AquaLink RS Control System puts that paradise at your fingertips. Simple indoor programming and control of filter pump, heater, solar and up to 7 auxiliary circuits Indoor control of thermostats Indoor display of water and air temperatures Interfaces with Goldline’s Aqua Rite Chlorine Generation for convenient indoor control and monitoring of pool sanitation needs. Custom software and decal labeling of all functions Automatic equipment safety circuits and freeze protection Built-in self diagnostics Lockout the complete system, individual devices and Spa-sides from the indoor control panel All necessary relays included Systems Include: Indoor Control Panel, up to 4 Power Center Bezels with Printed Circuit Boards, 2 Jandy Valve Actuators 24V (pool and spa combo models only), 1 Water Temperature Sensor, and 1 Air/Solar Temperature Sensor and all necessary 3HP relays required to operate system. Systems require one or more power centers, cable or wireless kit. Click here for more Jandy Aqualink
29 Apr 2009
Brunton Solaris 26 The next generation of Brunton Solaris foldable solar technology is here. CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) is the most efficient thin film solar technology available. By maximizing performance while optimizing portability, it makes the Brunton Solaris 26 the most compact high output model available. The Solaris 26 is Brunton’s highest output solar panel and has earned the gratitude and respect of users worldwide. From the battlefields of Iraq to the frozen landscapes of the Arctic, the Brunton Solaris 26 is providing power in a variety of challenging environments and weather conditions. Constructed of polycrystalline solar panels, the tri-fold Brunton Solaris 26 puts out enough power to run most laptops and handily power satellite phones, video cameras and other larger electronics. But it becomes a real workhorse when joined in series. Connect up to three units to triple the high power output the Solaris 26 offers. When folded, the Brunton Solaris 26 is slender enough to store with your laptop, or slide under the seat for emergency use.
29 Apr 2009
Description This is a 20 Watt Mono-crystalline Portable Waterproof Solar Panel in black color (very rare) aluminum frame to charge your 12V battery or to run your science projects. The rare black color frame looks very nice. It is in a factory new package and is 100% brand new. The solar panel is assembled by Suntech, one of the highest quality solar cell makers. It is also waterproof. The working voltage for charging is 18V. If you need to use it to charge a car battery, you may need a charge controller to prevent the battery from overcharging. Connections included: alligator battery clamps. There are three types of Solar Cells on the market. All our Solar chargers use the best - Mono-Crystalline Solar Cells. Amorphous or Dual Junction Solar Glass are the cheapest but are only 7% energy efficient and have 5 years service life. They are big and heavy. Poly-Crystalline have 25 plus years of service life under direct sunlight and are 13% efficient. Mono-Crystalline have 25 plus years service life and are up to 20% efficient. * Product Dimensions: 17 x 1 x 16 inches ; 4.8 pounds * Assembled professionally with Suntech Mono-crystalline solar cells (in a worldwide shortage * TUV certified and IP65 rated junction box with cable with MC connector * By-pass diode to minimize power drop caused by shade * Anti-reflective high transparency tempered glass * Class II black color coated aluminum alloy frame
I'm writing a report for school on the future of renewable energy (including wind, water, solar, geothermal, and biofuel), and want to give some real world examples of how renewable energy is being used effectively today. What strikes you as some of the best real world examples you've seen or heard of?
Geothermal energy used in Iceland. Iceland's many geysers and hotsprings make it an excellent location for geothermal energy.
Niagra Falls and Hoover Dam… provide a ton of electrical power.
I was thinking of doing this on my house and would like to either build them myself or just install the units myself. And also adding in a storage for it. Just seeing if anyone has done either of these and their experiences with it.
I've seen some of the home made collectors (what solar thermal panels are called). They do not have nearly the efficiency of quality manufactured ones have, and they deteoriate rapidly. Connect with a reputable renewable energy dealer (I can recommend one). You may be able to purchase as starter system for around $1,800 (and gvt is giving a 30% tax deduction on that)
29 Apr 2009
My friends and I are fundraising to get solar panels. We want to have two ground stands and use utility and solar power. How much would this cost?
You have not really defined your needs enough to get a good estimate of how much it will cost.
My rough guess would be that you are going to need $10,000 to $30,000 for two pedestal mounted systems.
Note that your not going to generate a large amount of power, it might be enough to run a single family home.
The estimates I was given for my house was $35,000 for a system to generate the power I needed minus my air conditioner. Since I need an air conditioner and my yearly electricity bill is about $1200 I couldn't justify solar power.
I know that solar energy is energy from the sun converted into elctrical energy and all that great stuff, but if you heat a sheet of flashing copper, put it in the sun and it makes a little more energy than it did in the shade, is that thermal or solar energy
OK I think the real question I'm asking is how is thermal energy converted into elctricity
Solar energy is energy from the sun.
There are many forms of energy.
- Plants use photosysthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy.
- Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity.
- Evaporated and condensed water, thermals, and winds convert solar energy to mechanical energy.
- Copper flashing, like most things sitting out in the sun, convert solar energy to heat.
So, its solar energy until it is absorbed by the copper, then it is thermal energy (heat).
Edit: I know 2 ways to convert thermal energy to electrical. First is a thermoelectric generator. These tend to be costly, delicate, and have low efficiency. Check out the links below the article, especially the HZ-14 one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect
2nd way is to use an engine or turbine. Concentrating sunlight with mirrors onto a small boiler creates high pressure steam. It is used in a turbine to make electricity. Some experimental units have actually been deployed by utility companies in sunny areas. While they depend on government subsidies, with enough emprovement, the technologies may stand on their own. You can also use solar energy to heat air or other working fluid inside an engine to convert the thermal energy to mechanical motion that drives an electrical generator. The most efficient such engine is called a carnot engine, which is unfortunately impractical to make economically.
Finally, things like windmills and waterpower actually convert solar to mechanical power, which is then used to drive generators. These are actually variations of the 2nd point.
BTW, if you're asking how to make a simple solar cell from copper, see link: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Apf5WS6KKGtoGDDSwRyFbIsAxgt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080520203652AAT6UzD
What is the career called that deals with renewable energy, and teaches students how to design things like, solar panels and wind powered generators. What universities of colleges offer the course? Also can someone provide a link to the college or university page that deals with their renewable energy course.
Does anyone know about the course in Uvic? They have someone guy in their commercial holding a wind powered generator model.
Many many careers can deal with renewable energy..
Try civil, mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering.