PV Gap

Frank Said:

How expensive is solar energy to produce?

We Answered:

You do not produce solar energy; it is free from the sun. However it can be converted to electricity using solar panels. If you check a picture of a satellite or the space station in orbit, you will see large solar panels to produce electricity to run the machines.
One environmental problem could be the disposal of old and derelict panels.

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:

http://How-To-Build-Cheap-Solar-Energy.info

Tom Said:

How does the solar energy is stored in a battery?

We Answered:

The mechanism used to convert solar energy is called a photovoltaic cell.
Solar cells are built of a mostly silicon compound, which leaves some atoms with loose electrons. These electrons are knocked free by the energy of the sun and, if attached to a circuit, will charge the battery like any AC charger.
A car can be run very simply :) Just use an electric car, with batteries being charged by a solar panel on the roof or at a filling port (similar to a gas station).
The fastest solar car I know of is the Nuna 2 (105 mph)

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:

http://How-To-Build-Cheap-Solar-Energy.info

Tommy Said:

Why is everyone so into solar energy and wind energy? When nuclear energy is so much more powerful?

We Answered:

Wind and solar are closer to the source and SAFER!!!

Solar corresponds well to high demand during the daytime

Edward Said:

How do I create solar energy for myself and use it?

We Answered:

Well, it's true that PV cells are by far the most efficient, portable, and easiest way to capture solar energy, there is at least one more. Before the 20th century began, Nikola Tesla invented a machine that would use sunlight to heat water into steam. It was basically an array of finely tuned mirrors aimed at a tube filled with water. This method is still used today for solar power stations, except oil is used instead of water, and steam is created through the use of an oil to water heat exchanger (intercooler). This is the best way for large-scale stationary facilities, but since the mirrors have to follow the sun exactly, it requites constant attention.

Just something you may want to think about incase the hight price of solar panels turns you away, and you don't want to steal them from weather stations.

Julie Said:

How is solar energy harnessed for human benefit?

We Answered:

I saw a link to Earth4Energy above. Earth4Energy is a scam, so beware. I wrote it up in my hall of shame at http://www.nlcpr.com/Deceptions6.html

The two common collection methods are photoelectric cells (solar cells) that make electricity, and solar heat collectors. Heat collectors are usually either the flat plate variety, or evacuated tube collectors. Wikipedia is a good place to read about how solar cells work. see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoelectr…

I have a few pictures posted at http://www.nlcpr.com/SolarInsolation.htm… that you will find interesting. The houses are from the Solar Decathlon at Washington DC.

The amount of energy is dependent on where you are on Earth and the time of year. Most governments publish solar insolation maps you can use. I will post links below. For Canada use the link for natural resources Canada. For the USA use NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab). NASA has maps that cover the entire Earth. If you know the annual solar energy per square meter in your area, you can multiply it by the efficiency of the collector to get a feel for how much energy you can extract.

The efficiency of a evacuated tube collector is complex to calculate, but you can get practical equations from Institute SPF - they are European and respected. SPF tests both flat plate and evacuated tube models. I have a graph on my web site that shows the efficiency of Apricus brand tubes. Efficiency will likely be somewhere around 50%. If course, it depends on how cold it is outside. There is also space between each tube, so be careful with the math.

So, in summary: Get the total amount of energy from a solar insolation map (NASA, NREL or NRC). Get solar collector (heat) efficiencies from Institute SPF. Get the solar panel efficiencies from a reputable manufacturer like BP (British Petroleum). Use Wikipedia for links to the theory.

Wind energy is indirect solar energy if you want to enlarge the scope of your studies.

If you need a specific resource, use the contact form on my web site and if I can find what you need, I will post it on my links page for everyone.

Have fun with your project/assignment.