PV Gap

Rick Said:

what are some facts about solar ENERGY?

We Answered:

- better for the environment than traditional forms of energy
- has many uses such as electricity production and heating of water through photovoltaic cells and directly for drying clothes
- can also be used to heat swimming pools, power cars, for attic fans, calculators and other small appliances. It produces lighting for indoors or outdoors
- can even cook food with it
- demand for Solar Energy is currently greater than supply
- is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts
For more of this go to:
http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/…
and
http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/…

Raul Said:

solar energy facts and info?

We Answered:

Well technically the first answer is right, the entire world is powered by solar energy if you consider the fact that oil coal and gas are products of decomposed plants etc over a time period of millions of years.

As for solar energy facts, if we are talking about solar energy in the form of electricity from solar panels then its less than 1 percent as far as I know.

If you count in hydro electric and wind power ( wind and rain are also caused by the sun) its a bit more but still not a significant amount. But for some easy and simple explanations try the following:

Patrick Said:

what are some facts about solar energy?

We Answered:

1. most of the energy given off by the sun is in the form of visible light, that's why our eyes have evolved to see in that range.

2. the amount of energy that hits the earth at the top of the atmosphere is 1.3 to 1.4 kilo watts per square meter

3. enough energy hits the earth from the sun to power every car, truck, train, boat, house, factory and all the equipment in the world many times over.

4. most commercially available solar panels convert 10 to 15% of the sunlight into electricity, but panels exist that convert up to 30%

5. simple devices exist which convert solar energy into heat at close to 100% efficiency (like black pavement). That heat can power a generator at up to 40% efficiency.

6. the wind is powered by the sun, so wind turbines are also solar energy collectors.

7. ocean waves are powered by the wind, so ocean wave powered generators are also solar energy collectors.

8. Most houses will end up with a surplus of electricity if they have 700 watts worth of solar panels, that can easily fit on almost any roof.

9. if a car uses 20 gallons of gas in a week, it would need about 3.5 kw worth of solar panels to feed it's needs, that can also fit on most roofs.

10. the suns rays can be focused with a lens or a curved mirror to produce extremely concentrated beam of light that can produce extremely high temperatures.

Jenny Said:

can someone help me with facts about solar energy?

We Answered:

This article answers all your questions!

Naomi Said:

Are there any surprising facts about solar energy?

We Answered:

Here are some surprising facts about solar energy...
Farmers in the "middle ages" oriented their fields in such a way as to garner the best and most sunlight for their crops.

The sun can heat a home, cool a home, power appliances, provide light, and much more.
A sufficient amount of sunlight shines onto the surface of the earth each hour of the day to meet the energy requirements of the entire world for 365 days.

It is possible to decrease the cost of water for a home nearly 50% by simply using solar power.
Even in remote locations it is possible to use solar power.
Solar energy and wind energy are both renewable.

Solar energy does not produce any pollution or damage to the environment.
You will find more information on solar energy and power at this site...