The light from the sun is a renewable source of fuel that is either passive or active. Passive ways of capturing it include construction that uses materials with light dispersing components. The interior of a home can be designed to cause air to circulate naturally. There are also active ways to use solar energy.
Active methods collect the rays of the sun in black photovoltaic panels. In a warm southern climate, the sun will be enough to provide all that is needed in a house. For those living in massachusetts, it will be insufficient in the winter.
This active method was prohibitively expensive when first used. The panels absorb and store the heat and light from the sun. In a warm climate it will be sufficient to run a household. However, in Massachusetts solar energy is not going to be enough. In addition to the photovoltaic panels on the roof, the homeowner must be connected to what is called a grid. This enables him to use electricity from another source when there is a cloudy or cold winter day.
A few decades ago, the cost of having photovoltaic panels installed was prohibitive. Now the cost is much lower due to increased production. Once installed, the panels are functional for twenty to twenty five years. It makes the initial investment worthwhile.
Some homeowners will be eligible for government subsidies. They can receive a cash rebate or a deduction on their income taxes. The panels will be financially beneficial with or without the subsidies.
Although there are 174,000 terawatts of radiation transmitted from the sun, only fifty-percent of that amount reaches the ground. Thirty-percent is reflected upward into the atmosphere. The remainder is absorbed by oceans, ground and the clouds. The temperature rises as a result.
A famous United States inventor developed the concept of using light from the sun to convert to electricity. This engineer, Frank Shuman built a sun powered engine. How it functioned was by reflecting the energy from the sun into small boxes of ether. The resultant power ran a steam engine.
He collaborated with Sir Charles Vernon Boys, a British physicist, to develop an advanced version that used mirrors. In 1913 they constructed the first thermal power station. It was built in Maadi, Egypt. Then the availability of cheap oil in the 1930s curtailed the need for solar power development.
Kids are the scientists, homeowners and consumers of the future. It is time to get them excited about the development of solar powered - everything. Tell them about the solar panels on the big orange highway signs. They are not plugged in so how do they light up?
Tell them to look for the black photovoltaic panels on rooftops and the sides of cars and boats. Get them interested in the cars that will run on sunlight instead of petrol. The energy of the sun is converted into electricity to fuel them. New designs are being tested.
Kids should be excited to hear about the World Solar Challenge, a race held in Australia. This race only allows the use of cars that run on energy from the sun. In Sydney, Australia there is a passenger ferry in Sydney Harbour called the Solar Sailor. It has the capability to run on solar energy, wind, battery power or diesel fuel.
Researchers are discovering new ways to use solar power every day. It is a field that is exciting. The children will someday become scientists, researchers and inventors. They may start by inventing things that run on sun power and enter them in the science fair at their school.
Active methods collect the rays of the sun in black photovoltaic panels. In a warm southern climate, the sun will be enough to provide all that is needed in a house. For those living in massachusetts, it will be insufficient in the winter.
This active method was prohibitively expensive when first used. The panels absorb and store the heat and light from the sun. In a warm climate it will be sufficient to run a household. However, in Massachusetts solar energy is not going to be enough. In addition to the photovoltaic panels on the roof, the homeowner must be connected to what is called a grid. This enables him to use electricity from another source when there is a cloudy or cold winter day.
A few decades ago, the cost of having photovoltaic panels installed was prohibitive. Now the cost is much lower due to increased production. Once installed, the panels are functional for twenty to twenty five years. It makes the initial investment worthwhile.
Some homeowners will be eligible for government subsidies. They can receive a cash rebate or a deduction on their income taxes. The panels will be financially beneficial with or without the subsidies.
Although there are 174,000 terawatts of radiation transmitted from the sun, only fifty-percent of that amount reaches the ground. Thirty-percent is reflected upward into the atmosphere. The remainder is absorbed by oceans, ground and the clouds. The temperature rises as a result.
A famous United States inventor developed the concept of using light from the sun to convert to electricity. This engineer, Frank Shuman built a sun powered engine. How it functioned was by reflecting the energy from the sun into small boxes of ether. The resultant power ran a steam engine.
He collaborated with Sir Charles Vernon Boys, a British physicist, to develop an advanced version that used mirrors. In 1913 they constructed the first thermal power station. It was built in Maadi, Egypt. Then the availability of cheap oil in the 1930s curtailed the need for solar power development.
Kids are the scientists, homeowners and consumers of the future. It is time to get them excited about the development of solar powered - everything. Tell them about the solar panels on the big orange highway signs. They are not plugged in so how do they light up?
Tell them to look for the black photovoltaic panels on rooftops and the sides of cars and boats. Get them interested in the cars that will run on sunlight instead of petrol. The energy of the sun is converted into electricity to fuel them. New designs are being tested.
Kids should be excited to hear about the World Solar Challenge, a race held in Australia. This race only allows the use of cars that run on energy from the sun. In Sydney, Australia there is a passenger ferry in Sydney Harbour called the Solar Sailor. It has the capability to run on solar energy, wind, battery power or diesel fuel.
Researchers are discovering new ways to use solar power every day. It is a field that is exciting. The children will someday become scientists, researchers and inventors. They may start by inventing things that run on sun power and enter them in the science fair at their school.
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To save money with solar energy Massachusetts homeowners should first review the necessary information online. Get expert advice about solar panels from this recommended source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJaYk8QQbRU&list=PLLZmhGXTTVAfbygFC8xkQF5EDsTMWDYKQ.
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