Nature’s way to efficient fuel

With every passing day, most of the earth’s natural resources are depleting at a rapid pace. Using the sun’s energy or a renewable energy source are the few viable alternative for sustainable development. With the latest developments in biofuel and efficient use of solar cells, this alternative is proving to be an alternative that most of us can benefit from.

New discovery in the manufacture of Biofuel

Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Virginia Tech as well as the University of Georgia  have successfully used cellulose along with 14 enzymes, one co enzyme and water, heated to 32 degree centigrade to produce Hydrogen which can in turn power a fuel cell to generate electricity. The cellulose for this research was obtained from wood-chips, however switch grass as well as crop waste could also be used to produce this hydrogen gas.

The reason why this is a breakthrough is because, the use of cellulose allows the use of biomass as a primary ingredient to manufacture this biofuel. And as this is a renewable source of energy, we won’t be depleting the planet’s limited resources.

If this technology is widely adopted, using only two or three percent of the annual biomass production can bring the world to a state of total fuel independence. This figure may increase or decrease for different parts of the world, depending on their fuel consumption. For instance the United States, one of the world’s largest consumers of fuel, would need to use 10 percent of the world’s annual biomass production to meet their needs, while other countries can meet their needs with a lot less.

Super efficient solar cells

Solar cells are being used all over the world to limit the consumption of fossil fuels and the related costs that come with it. While the existing solar cells may be good enough, scientists have found a way to increase their efficiency by up to 15 percent. And to do this, they have taken inspiration from one of the planet’s most humble yet versatile creatures, the moth.

Moths have special features that make their eyes different from most other organisms. They are equipped with an anti-reflector film which helps them hide from predators because their eyes don’t reflect light. This inherent character in moths has lead to the creation of anti-reflector films to coat solar cells. These reflector cells will reduce the amount of light reflected off the solar cells, increasing the amount of light absorbed and as a result, increasing the efficiency of the solar cells.

The researchers who tested this new film on solar panels both in Tokyo and in Phoenix AZ found that the efficiency of these films depends on the availability of sunlight. They found that in Phoenix which receives direct sunlight these films increased the efficiency of solar panels by 6% while in Tokyo which only receives diffused sunlight, the efficiency was down 1% to 5%. Although the increase in efficiency is very marginal, when combined with other advancements the net result will be a much greater efficiency level.

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South Korea looks to be a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs involved in green technology. The South Korean government has announced that it plans to spend $7.18 billion over the next twenty years to build the world’s first nationwide smart grid system. This includes spending $358 million each year till 2016. South Korea has already made significant investments in green technology, so this confirms that the market is solid. One of the issues that South Korea faces is that they use a lot of electricity.

The primary way of meeting the demand for electricity is via power plants that use fossil fuels and natural gas. Even though the country has taken steps to be more “green”, they are still considered a high carbon polluter within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Part of this investment will be applied to a newly planned 2,500 megawatt offshore wind farm. The European Union is currently the world’s leader in offshore wind farm technology. Many of their wind farms are in the 300-400 MW range. So this planned wind farm is six times larger than what is commonly in current operation.

South Korea has pledged to reduce greenhouse gasses by 30% by the year 2020 and has mandated that at least 10% of its electrical power from its major power plants come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, by the year 2022. For entrepreneurs involved in wind, solar, and battery technology, this could be a very lucrative market. Both the Samsung Group & the LG Group are already involved with this project.

The other key component of this smart grid system is the creation a revolutionary system of meters, regulators, and appliances to control the system. An efficient smart grid will contain sensors throughout the system that send information about power usage and distribution in real time to monitoring stations. This will allow the power companies to monitor and watch the areas that use the most power as well as taking appropriate action in those areas. For entrepreneurs involved in smart grid applications, this also will provide some interesting opportunities.

Other energy conservation projects that the South Korean government has been involved with include creating hydrogen generators from landfills, rooftop gardens, and utilizing electric scooters for local law enforcement. These provide hope to innovators marketing their new ideas that are on the cutting edge. With South Korea allocating billions of dollars to fund an energy revolution, opportunities abound for the savvy entrepreneur.

 

S. M. Combs blogs for residential solar energy blog, her hobby blog centered on ideas to aid home owners find solar contractors and learn how to save energy with solar power.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

For quite some time, people have used green technology in their homes and offices. Whether it is because of their low-cost nature, cleanliness, or stability, there is an increasing demand for green energy sources. Luckily, manufacturers continue to come up with great technologies that make the use of green technology practical and economically viable.

Currently, there several technologies that relate to green energy. Many more continue to come up each day. Here are five of them:

Urine

Believe it or not, urine is one of the latest developments towards renewable energy. According to researchers at University of Ohio, urine can act as an affordable source of hydrogen. Though hydrogen is one of the cleanest energies available, its production has been quite expensive and few people have been willing to make huge commitments and it has always been seen as a rather impractical source of energy.

Ocean Energy

Energy is harnessed from the ocean buy using the waves as a source of energy to turn the turbines of a generator. This technology although not widespread, is useful because it has very little environmental impact. Unlike hydroelectric generators which will require interference with the flow of rivers and so on, turbines driven by ocean waves do interfere with the marine environment.

Tree Energy

Another source of the latest technology when it comes to renewable energy source is the tree energy. Research has indicated that there is usually a PH difference between the ground and the inner trunk of the tree. This PH difference can be used to generate some small amount of electricity. Obviously, not much energy from this source is expected to be used in homes soon. However, action is underway to use the electricity generated by these trees to be used to power wireless sensors which will in turn be used to monitor the conditions of the forest.

In conclusion, solar power is not the only viable source of green energy. As time goes by, newer and more efficient sources of green energies will be discovered as the tradition and slightly more expensive sources or technologies are discarded.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

Regardless of whether you have a car, you must have been affected by fluctuating oil prices at one time or another. In addition to unreliable prices oil is also one of the greatest pollutants in the world. For this reason, governments and companies are working hard to come up with oil substitutes and one of these substitutes is solar power.

You may have heard about solar powered cars and you might be thinking that that it is one of the most impractical things ever. You probably believe that you will never drive a solar powered car in your lifetime. Well, guess what? If that is what you are thinking, you are wrong!

Their History

People have used solar energy in their homes for quite some time now. However, the use of solar energy to power vehicles was a concept that was explored in the 1970s when the world was experiencing a severe oil shortage. However, the interest in solar powered cells was not pursued intensively by car manufacturers. The interest in the cars has not been consistent and has largely depended on oil prices.

How It Works

Well, you may be wondering how solar powered cars work. The main function of a solar panel is to receive light from the sun and then convert the light to electricity. The electricity is then used to power the car and make it run.

Practicality

From the above explanation of how solar powered cars work, one might think that the process is quite simple and even wonder why such cars are not being produced and sold. Unfortunately, a car that is powered by solar power will require having an extremely light frame and body so as to make it light enough. Again, such a car would have to stay in the sun at all times. This means that putting the car inside the parking lots and the shades will not work. Therefore, these vehicles are just made for demonstration purposes and as hobbies (by individuals.)

Now

Reading the above article it might be right to conclude that solar powered cars are only meant for the future. That would actually have been the case were it not for the creativity of the Toyota Company of coming up with the Toyota 2010 model which has a solar powered moonroof. The energy from the solar panel will then be used to power the air conditioner and help reduce your gas bill.

Though existing technology is still expensive and which means that the cars will not be so widespread, we hope for better things ahead. As companies continue make huge investments into solar powered cars, you and I will son be cruising in our neighborhoods with fully solar powered cars.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

The Christmas season is one of the most hectic holidays in a year. The demands for gifts and the parties all over can cause you to spend a lot of money during this time. However, your money is not just spent on gifts and parties, but also on another must-have Christmas prop – the Christmas lights.

Do you know anything about Solar Christmas lights?

Well, if you don’t, you should. The solar Christmas lights are a great invention for those who would like to save on unnecessary energy costs. It’s even more fascinating if you are a nature lover or someone who cares about the environment.

How They Work

To have your Solar Christmas lights working, you need to position your solar panel in a place that receives maximum sunshine exposure. The power that is generated by the solar panel is then used to light up low wattage LED Christmas lights.

Effectiveness

Since these solar Christmas lights are designed to consume less energy compared to the tradition Christmas lights, they tend to produce less light than their traditional equivalent. This means that you must be ready to give up some “fun” associated with extra bright lights. However, the light that comes from solar powered LEDs is enough to make your Christmas eventful.

Cost

The cost of any item is usually one of the most important factors that you will consider before you buy anything. The same should be the case with solar powered Christmas lights. A set of solar Christmas lights goes for between $20 to $40. And although they are slightly more expensive than the traditional solar lights, you will not have to worry about power bills once you set them up.

Disadvantages

As already mentioned, one of the biggest disadvantages solar Christmas lights is that they have got a very low output due to the low wattage of their LEDs.

There is also a problem of unreliable sunshine. December is one of the months that has the least sunshine, yet that is the month that hosts the Christmas season. This means that the problem of low wattage bulbs is compounded by the lack of sunshine.

All in all, if you want to enjoy a unique Christmas, try out the solar Christmas lights. With increased technology, it is not only expected that prices will come down, but also that the LEDs will be more effective in the amount of light that they will produce.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

Mylar solar products give you as a homeowner the ability to produce clean and renewable energy coming from the sun and at the same time enabling you to keep energy savings each month. Mylar came about in the mid years of the 1950s by the DuPont Teijin Company in Hopewell, Virginia. Mylar is a clear film of polyester which is not only strong but resistant to a majority of chemicals and a variety of temperatures. Mylar can be used on many applications such as electronic components, the entertainment industry and packaging materials.

In theatre, Mylar is a type of metal foil which has been laminated between Mylar sheets. The final product ends up being highly reflective such as a mirror is and at the same time it maintains its flexibility. In addition, Mylar is durable and of a light weight when compared to what a glass mirror would be. Some of the Mylar products that power your future include the transparent Mylar solar shades which are made using a three ply, 4 mil Mylar material.

A thin aluminium coating which reflects heat is laminated in between two dyed polyester sheets which reduces glare. The air space for insulation between the glass and the shade together with the metallization creates an effect similar to the thermos bottle on the windows. The transparent Mylar solar shades are a flexible duo pane and they also provide privacy during day time by eliminating inward vision from the side of the street.

Should also know that Mylar solar products are not bonded permanently to windows and glare, fading and heat can be controlled when it is quite sunny. You can roll up the shades when a full light is required. The transparent Mylar Solar Shades reduce the cost of air conditioning, which increase your comfort by ensuring that an even and comfortable temperature is maintained throughout the year and eliminates glare to the work area and this in turn reduces strain on the eyes and fatigue while at the same time it increases readability. The Mylar solar blanket is able to reflect 90% of body heat in case of an emergency. They have a light weight and are compact and this makes it easy for you to carry it around.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

Solar power can be considered friendly to the environment because it does not involve combustion of fuel. This generally means that there is no association of emissions with the generation of electricity from negligible solar technologies. The supply of solar energy in Texas is virtually unlimited and is ranked first in the US in regard to the potential of solar resource. Its level of direct radiation is considerably high and suitable for supporting large scale power plants. Texas is amongst seven states that partner with DOE as well as the Western Governors Association in installing a concentration of solar power systems.

You need to have information on various programs that will help you access solar power in Texas. The nationwide program, Leadership Energy Environmental Design (LEED) is used in Texas for obtaining solar power certification. This is a similar system everywhere in the United States of America and it is verified and certified as a third party system. This certification is a system that is run through in a bid of proving that a respective building can be considered a green building. The marketplace is full of numerous talk regarding green buildings besides a third party system certification requirement to verify that whatever is being carried out is in accordance to what has been stated.

Another program you need to know is the CPS Energy. This is a component of a large program whose design ensures a reduction of the required electricity within the Texan service territory while additionally offering you rebate for water heaters that use solar. Generally, if you are a customer of CPS Energy, this qualifies you to receive this rebate although the systems require this to be new in addition to its system for electric back-up being permanently installed. The calculation of rebates is usually in accordance to the estimation of annual savings by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation system’s OG-300 table based on the application in the area of San Antonio.

The design of the interim certification ensures that products are permitted to acquire limited certification on SRCC on an advanced basis until the completion of a full performance product testing. Any solar power system has to go through an evaluation by the SRCC in accordance to its operating guidelines as well as minimum certification standards. In respect to this, your design has to meet the minimum required standards for operation, installation, design, reliability, performance, safety and maintenance as specified in the certification. The ratings for thermal performance are evaluated on the basis of the successful performance and durability testing of any given sample unit. After fulfilling these requirements you can successfully get a solar power certification in Texas.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

The use of solar powered systems and solar power as a whole in homes has been on the increase in the past few years. This is attributed to the increase in the number of campaigns that are advocating for the use of environmental friendly sources of energy.

The systems for solar power work in a simple way. Usually, the home system for solar power begins with the capability of the solar cells in capturing sunlight converting it into electricity. Most solar powered systems for the home offer a range of photovoltaic (PV) modules as well as arrays that are equipped with numerous solar cells. The conversion of sunlight into electricity occurs due to the availability of an inverter that all the companies offering solar power systems give to the customer. They are basically designed so that they can be easily interconnected with the already existing utility so that the installation process is simplified.

The system cannot work at night since direct sunlight is not available. Most companies give their customers a back up battery where electricity can be stored and used at night. For such a system to work correctly, there are a number of devices that you should have fixed in your homes. They include the following;

The photovoltaic panel

This is a panel that is used in the capturing of the sun rays. This panel is usually placed on top of buildings or at a place where they can get direct sunlight. The price of such panels depends on the wattage as the higher the wattage the higher the price of the pane.

The charging controller

The controller is important since it is responsible for the control of the system. It normally feeds electricity into the batteries from the panel in addition to preventing the battery packs from being overcharged. It also prevents reverse flow of electricity when it gets dark or cloudy.

The battery pack

It is made up of batteries using the lead acid technology and it is responsible for storing electricity that is generated through the panels.

The inverter

This is the last component that is need as its main function is the conversion of the dry current (DC) into alternate current (AC) of 120V. The inverters can either be the modified sine or the sine wave inverters. The choice is left to you.

With the complete installation of the above equipments, you can just sit and experience this renewable source of energy and at the same time you would be contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

Part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was announced today by President Obama, and his goal is to help the growth of our economy and geo thermal and solar power technology in the United States.   This amount of money will help ensure that solar energy is on the fore front of our power goals in becoming more energy independent and more green conscious.

Obama is trying to stimulate the economy with these new jobs created in the renewable energy fields and the world waiting to see the results that will come from these decisions.  Obama claimed that we could be known for being big guzzlers of oil or for leading the world in clean energy technologies.

The solar power industry is growing by leaps and bounds every day and has seen over a 10% annual growth rate in America alone.  117 million dollars of the funds will go to helping companies excel in the production and inclusion of solar power.  This includes aiding in the solar commercialization at colleges, government offices, and even in the private sector.  The goal is to become a clear leader in the international community regarding solar energy technology.

51.5 million will help in getting photovoltaic cells to be more productive and to become more efficient in the production of electricity from the power of the sun.  The more efficient these cells will be the more power will be able to be produced for less money and will make it more affordable for everyone.

40.5 million will go to help in the aid of getting set up with solar energy.  This includes everything that works around the solar panels, like the grid system, batteries, inverters, etc.  This will also fund the cities and local governments to figure out how to make solar power more accessible in the marketplace.

25.6 million will go to the every important research and developement.  This is the most important part of the package in my mind but the least funded.  More research must be done to make solar power a viable option to the average individual not just to rich and power companies.  Until the average consumer can utilize solar power at their homes, solar power will always be looking in the distance.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

The Pros and Cons of Going Solar

Solar power is simply the conversion of solar heat and light into usable energy. Solar energy is currently used on almost all spacecraft, and earthbound use is increasing with homes, businesses, government buildings, educational institutions and more all making use of solar power. For those considering solar power there is one obvious question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of going solar?

The advantages of going solar are almost too numerous to name. The first major benefit of converting to solar power is the positive environmental impact it will have. Most power taken from the grid comes from coal or nuclear plants that either result in harmful greenhouse gas emissions or unsafe nuclear waste. Solar power on the other hand is totally emission free and has no negative impact no the environment. The other major benefit of converting to solar power is the long-term financial savings it will provide. There is no per-unit cost to obtain solar power since it comes directly from the sun, so once a solar power system is in place it will provide energy at no cost, regardless of how much is consumed. This is in stark contrast to energy taken from the grid that is metered and billed to the consumer depending on the amount consumed.

The obvious disadvantage of converting to solar power is the up-front cost. It can be expensive to purchase all the equipment required to collect, convert and use solar energy. In years past this has been the main obstacle to people switching to solar, but there is good news on this horizon. As with most technology, the cost of producing solar power generation equipment has gone down as the technology has improved. This has greatly reduced the cost to the consumer so that solar power use is now growing at a rate of about 25% per year. Solar power is much more affordable to the average consumer than it was ten years ago. The other caveat to the up-front cost of solar power is the government incentives that are now available. As the spectre of global climate change looms, governments are looking for ways to encourage their citizens to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This means that there are now many rebate programs through which consumers can have some of the cost of solar power generation equipment refunded by their government. There are also programs in which excess power can be sold back to the grid or to power companies. For some, this means that using solar will not only eliminate some or all of their electricity bill, but that it will be paying them on a month to month basis!

In conclusion, the benefits of going solar are many and varied. While there is the disadvantage of up front cost this is more than made up for by the long-term benefits to both the environment and your pocketbook. It is these advantages that truly make solar the wave of the future.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.