PV Gap

Nora Said:

Does anyone know of the company that uses geothermal energy to heat homes?

We Answered:

ABOUT GEA
The Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses.

Our members have offices or operations in many states and in numerous countries throughout the world.

To accomplish this, the GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects.

Antonio Said:

Science Help. Can someone answer and explain these for me?

We Answered:

I wouldn't have found the web site much help either! Some of the questions are harder to answer until you look down the list of questions and see where they are going - e.g. question 2 depends on what you consider to be important (!), but is most likely going to be space vehicles because of the following questions.

1.) What is the importance of solar cells?
Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity.

2.) What is one of the most important uses of solar cells?
Powering space vehicles

3.) How is solar energy collected on earth satellites?
Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity to charge batteries.

4.) What do you think might be some of the most important problems that could be encountered when using solar cells in outer space?
There is not enough concentrated sunlight in outer space to power the cells.

5.) Why would there be few solar heated homes in Canada, but many in Florida?
In winter Canada has very long nights and the sun is not out.

6.) How do solar flares and sunspots affect the earth?
both 1 and 2

7.) Why do sunspots appear as darker spots on the surface of the sun?
They are cooler than the surrounding areas.

8.) Explain the existence of the magnetosphere.
Charged particles form a belt of radiation.

9.) Which of the following accurately describes sunspots?
They are storms of swirling electrically charged gases on the surface of the sun.

10.) Which of the following statements correctly describes sunspots and solar flares?
all of the above

Francisco Said:

solar energy for water heating?

We Answered:

State of the art was reached early in this century. A doctor in charge of the Smithsonian did a bunch of experiments on solar heating and cooking. A lot a small incremental improvements since.

The best systems are designed into the house as it is built. That way you can have a platform on the roof to hold a tank of water. The cold water goes into the black painted tank first and comes up to air temperature over time. The kinds of collectors are many. Look for good materials and workmanship.
Designs which have to be aimed at the sun are better for people who want to play with their solar system not the average homeowner. A collector with many different kinds of metals is more likely to have corrosion problems over time. If you can, look at some collectors that have been installed for several years prior to purchase. If you live in freezing climes, you need a collector that won't be damaged a a long freeze spell. If you can touch part of a collector and burn yourself, they have not insulated it very well. Some collectors are made of glass. Buying a glass collector in a neighborhood where rocks are thrown is foolish.

Collector can be made on the cheap out of used building materials. Many places have building codes that force you to do things certain ways.

Collector are cost effective even without tax breaks, but it is like buying all the hot water you'll need for the next 15 years on the day you move in to your new house. A lot of money goes out and a steady trickle comes back.

Jeffrey Said:

DO you KNOW the ANSER? 10 points?

We Answered:

1-4 decreases

5. It is greater at see level..since the denser air always settles down...the air is heavier at see level, so the pressure is more there.

6. probably they heat the water and use it for bathing!

7.Smog is very harnful in nature. It causes diseases. It also reduces visibility.

8. ozone is actually a very poisonous gas..it can be very harmful to humans is they go near it. But is has its own importance in atmosphere..it absorbs all the harmful radiation from sun which have the petential to cause diseases.

9.i dunno........ maybe absorbed by animals or humans and reflected back by earth. After it is reflected some of it gets trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases..this maintains the temperature of the earth. But if the greenhouse gases increase..the absorbtion of heat wud be more..leading to global warming.

10..maybe to your east....no idea