Solar and Wind Energy Basics

Solar Energy

solar-image The Sun (a.k.a. Sol, latin for Sun) produces approximately the equivalent of 384 billion billion megaWatts per second (384 x 10**24 watts/s). Through nuclear fusion, in the time it takes to say, "Boy, it's hot today!", the sun has crushed and cooked 700, 000, 000 tons of hydrogen, resulting in 695, 000, 000 tons of helium plus 5, 000, 000 tons of pure energy (3.86e33 ergs in the form of gamma photons). Radiating in all directions, our nearest star has steadily churned out energy at this rate for 4.5 billion years (give or take 0.1% during each eleven year solar cycle) and estimates are that it will continue doing so for at least another 4.5 billion years.

Only a very very tiny fraction of solar output lands on Earth. Yet, it is the primary source of energy for our planet (99.8%). It grows our crops, heats the oceans, produces clouds and generates the wind. For Earth, the Sun is "The Source" of energy that makes life possible.

Solar Energy has several forms:

1) Primary Solar Form: This is the energy we receive in the form of light and radiant heat. The visible light portion can be converted into electricity using Photovoltaic Technology. The radiant heat portion (Solar Thermal Energy) can be collected and stored as simple thermal energy (i.e. hot water, steam, etc.). More on these technologies later.

2) Secondary Solar forms: Most other forms of energy we see on earth can be traced back to solar energy translated from its primary form. For instance:

2.1) Wind energy is the result of the sun unevenly heating the land, oceans and/or atmosphere.

2.2) Hydro energy (typically utilized in hydroelectric dams) is the result of gravity forcing water to flow from a higher level to a lower level. The flow can power anything from a turbine, a dynamo or a water wheel for milling brain. However, continuous hydro energy would be impossible unless solar radiation evaporated the water from lower areas into clouds (thereby over-coming gravity). Water, from rain and melting snow deposits at high elevations, can then flow into rivers to begin the cycle anew.

2.3) Fossil fuel energy is energy derived from crude oil, coal and natural gas. These substances are nothing more than the remains of plants and animals that died some 300 million years ago. Under geothermal pressure and heat, the remains of those plants and animals eventually transformed into the substances we know today. However, the energy in the compounds that made up their remains, were originally derived by plants through biological processes that stored energy from the sun as food (photosynthesis --> glucose).

2.4) Biomass Energy essentially this is energy produced from organic refuse (dead plants, trees, manure, even tires).

Solar Energy Technology Basics -

The solar cell (or photovoltaic cell)

At the heart of current solar energy technology is the solar cell. Also referred to as the photovoltaic cell, (PV cell) this device has the ability to convert sunlight into electricity. There are several types of PV cells. The cheapest and most common being based on cadmium sulfide technology. These cells have a conversion efficiency of about 7%. This means that on a clear sunny summer day, (at around noon or so) when typically one square foot of sunlight contains approximately 100 watts of energy (about 340Btu/hr), a cell based on this technology could be expected to produce about 7 watts of electricity per square foot (the cells are typically arranged in multi square-foot panels). An eight unit bank (or array) of 3 ft. x 6 ft. solar panels would produce electrical power at the rate of 8 x 18sqft. x 7 watts = 1008 watts per hour or 1.008 kilowatts/hr of power. Of course, this rate of power production decreases as the sun moves across the sky and changes its angle of incidence relative to the array. Realistically, over an 8 hour day the total power output might be at most no more than 5kWhrs (depending on location and time of year). Potentially, it will produce more if the array is able to track along the solar path, keeping its collection surface pointed directly at the sun in similar fashion to a sunflower.

Solar Thermal

Easily the oldest and cheapest form of solar technology, solar thermal technology utilizes collectors to capture the sun's radiant heat energy. After capture, the heat energy (in the form of steam ) can be used to drive electrical generator turbines or simply stored as hot water for use later. The collectors themselves are of four general types, solar plate collectors, batch collectors, parabolic and hyperbolic trough and compact linear fresnel reflector (CLFR), heliostat and tower. Plate and batch collectors are common for residential use.The reflector type collectors are common to commercial and industrial applications, including large scale power generation. However, there are individuals that have established specialized reflector applications for residential installations.

Wind Energy Technology Basics

As mentioned earlier, wind energy is simply the result of uneven atmospheric heating by the sun. Warmer upward expanding air masses flow toward cooler downward contracting areas in a spiral pattern because of the earth's rotation. These shifting patterns of atmospheric movement are further modified by terrain irregularities (i.e. mountain ranges, oceans, lakes, etc..).

Wind Technology Basics -

The wind turbine - At the heart of wind technology and its application to power generation is the wind turbine. A wind turbines is essentially a device that inverts or reverses the function of an aircraft propeller. Instead of an engine that spins a propeller to move air, the wind turbine spins due to the force of the air pushing on its blades (as in a windmill). It converts the rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy using a generator (or perhaps, an alternator).

Types of wind turbines - There are basically two types of wind turbines, horizontal axis wind turbines and vertical axis wind turbines. Both come in various sizes and therefore electrical power generating capacities. The horizontal type resembles, as mentioned before, a windmill where the propeller, (or rotor, as it is commonly referred to) can reach a diameter of 350ft. or more with tower heights in excess of 40 stories. Commercial machines of this type can produce power in excess of 6MW (megaWatts) supplying energy to many thousands of homes. A horizontal residential turbine might have a rotor diameter of up to 30 feet mounted on a 25ft. tower and supply pretty much all of the homes power requirements (typically less than 50kW). Vertical wind turbines are less frequently used commercially, but are gaining popularity in residential markets (for more information see our Residential Wind Power page).

Comments

Solar Power
This is great resource information for news reporters seeking a better understanding of solar power and solar alternatives.
Green is the way to go, or at least an understanding of green alternatives.
By Collegian
3^rd October 2009 - 7:07pm

Residential Wind Turbines
Great read, I really enjoyed it!

I have a website on Solar power so I am very interested in these types of subjects.

Kind Regards John
By John Zimbe - Website
26^th July 2010 - 8:14am

Helping homeowner find the best solar lease programs
Should you Rent, Lease, or Buy a home solar system? With so many home solar options on the market today, many homeowners are overwhelmed with which option best matches their family's energy needs, and offers the best cost savings. Many smart homeowners have selected to use the services of 2RentSolar.com to match them to the best solar lease or purchase plan. They use over 25 points of comparable data, and many other variables to find which of the top renewable energy providers (including all of the above mentioned and more) will match best for your home energy needs and they even contact the selected matching provider program and submit your request for a solar quote, so you can see how much you will save by going solar. The best part is their matching service is free to homeowners! So before looking anywhere for a home solar lease or purchase program, go to www.2rentsolar.com and submit your quote request, and they will do the rest. They really do make upgrading to a home solar system "simple and affordable."

By Gregrory - Website
1^st October 2010 - 6:06pm

cheap ugg boots
thanks a lot. your website is very good! i like
By cheap ugg boots - Website
14^th December 2010 - 12:16am

Solar Power yourself!
The sun is our seemingly limitless source of energy!

I didn't know that we could rent this energy. The most i've been doing is trying to conserve energy and use more efficient eco friendly products. My most recent change is using LED flashlights and lightbulbs.

By Jean - Website
15^th February 2011 - 2:24pm

mbt uk
This article is truly relevant to my study at this moment, and I am really happy I discovered your website.8-)
By mbt uk - Website
3^rd March 2011 - 7:50pm

Radha Energy Cell
Dear Sir/Madam,
we are manufacuture of solar products like solar inverter,
solar water heater, solar water pump, solar cooker, solar cap,
solar street light, solar garden light etc.
if u need then plz cotact us.
Parveen Kumar
(sales.ex)
0161-6572248

Radha Energy Cell
Manufacturer
By Parveen Kumar - Website
27^th July 2011 - 6:18am

discounted gucci bags
jingruiljhDispatch gucci outletsof Netease science and technology on October 27 message, according to AllThingsD report, Gucci BackpackYahoo just announced interior to undertake " Yahoo employee satisfaction spends investigation " report,Gucci Clutches developed the case with exceeding and low morale. Nevertheless, Yahoo board of directors and tall canal people should not feel accident to this. This investigation is to be in what the CEO before Yahoo is fired begins that week of Kaluoer Baci, Be in next a few Zhou Li gets Gucci Eveningmajor response in succession. The employee evaluation to be in charge of a layer high, Replying " whether is Yahoo a management the organization with effective, good Gucci Hobosoperation " when, think "Be " employee scale dropped than last year 11 percent. Likewise troublesome is, a lot of recount the personage of findingsGucci Shoulder Bags says, have 19%Yahoo employee expresses, once appear better chance, They plan to leave a company inside 1 year. This attributes high proportion to Gucci Top Handlescompanies of any a high-tech. Tall canal of many manpower resource says, normally this scale below the circumstance is in commonly 10% the left and rightGucci Totes sides, Although the chart of Yahoo shows, average level is the industry 14% . Anyway, The result that this investigation shows is Yahoo leaves hisgucci outlets post intent scale is top for years. Worse is, in product branch this proportion is higher, achieve 21% . Be in nevertheless positive aspect, mix to spirit of administrator efficiency, group ask duty system, The evaluation of product branch rises somewhat than last year. Message personage still leaked newest gucci outlets storestatistical data: Replying " whether does Yahoo have innovation power "On: The person of 42% is held with, the person of 27% remains neutral, the person of 31% is not approbated.gucci bags outlet Replying " the capacity that Yahoo reachs demand change to go up in predicting client demand " on: 33%the person is held with, the person of 37% is not approbated.louis vuitton outlet What be worth to rejoice nevertheless is, 79%the employee feels proud tolouis vuitton bags working in Yahoo. (Mu Xiulin)(Article origin: Report of Netease science and technology)

By louis vuitton outlets - Website
30^th October 2011 - 10:28pm

http://www.replicahandbags.uk.net/
By replica handbags - Website
14^th November 2011 - 1:48am

http://www.replicahandbags.uk.net/
By replica handbags - Website
14^th November 2011 - 1:49am

rolex replica watches
Rolex replica watches offer you the entire collection with exact look and same functions like water resistance, scratch resistance face, different colors and sizes. These watches give you the same feel of luxury watch and at the same time charge a minimum amount from your income. replica Rolex watches are the ideal imitations of branded watches as they work for long time and truly worth your money. These watches are very beautiful that add an extra ordinary look and charm to your overall personality.
By rolex replica watches - Website
25^th November 2011 - 2:48am

replica watches

Replica watches is a fashion house from France which is famous for its ready to wear, lifestyle accessories, perfumes and many more.
By replica watches - Website
25^th November 2011 - 2:48am

thomas sabo
I would like to start a library in my church,so christians of different denominations would grow as they enjoy eading christian books.
By thomas sabo - Website
13^th December 2011 - 9:03pm

abercrombie and fitch sale
The things that France and Britain have been doing in Ivery Coast, Lybia and else where are things that
By abercrombie and fitch sale - Website
13^th December 2011 - 9:03pm

abercrombie sale
You do what you have to do to stay in th Premiership. If Wenger
By abercrombie sale - Website
13^th December 2011 - 9:03pm

abercrombie and fitch uk
I would love to see a new kind of egalitarianism spring up from the left, no longer ideologically motivated, but based in scientific knowledge and naturalism.
By abercrombie and fitch uk - Website
13^th December 2011 - 9:03pm

replica watches
In this modern and fashionable society, people are pursuing for
replica watches cool, unique, stylish and innovative. Whether it
is fake watches or fashion accessories all means a lot for modern
society of today. Same is the case with trendy looking replica
watches. When these are replica watches uk, the excitement just
gets doubled. Most chic looking replica watches are in fashion
now. These are one of the favorite fashion accessories for men
and women long time ago. If you have not yet tried swiss replica
watches, it's time to own one and feel the difference it can make
to your personality. These are just brilliant and fabulousreplica
watches. They are most iconic and can provide you with a new
feeling and enhance confidence. The quality of swiss replica
watches is just superior to what you have dreamt of. Today owning
a new and trendy looking replica watches are not only meant for
the wealthy people. These are now made luxurious and affordable replica rolex to reach out to every budget and range. You can just
enjoy them by ordering replica watches online where you get the
complete satisfaction and genuine quality at best possible rates.

By replica watches - Website
8^th January 2012 - 11:45pm

Solar And Wind Energy Basics