Solar Energy
We can utilize the sun's radiant energy to supply our energy demands in two ways: by converting it to heat or by converting it directly into electricity(photovoltaics).
Solar energy can be converted to heat in a variety of ways, both high tech and low tech.
Opening the drapes on a cold day to let the sun in is zero tech and all it requires is a little effort and common sense.
On the other end of the tech spectrum the sun's rays can be concentrated to produce enough heat to make steam and spin a generator which generates electricity.
Solar hot water heating lies somewhere in the middle and is one of the most cost effective ways to use solar energy.
On the average 20% of the energy usage by households in the United States is devoted to water heating so this is a significant cost savings as well.
With various incentives offered by governments and utility companies, a large portion of the costs can be avoided.
There are also incentives offered for buying photovoltaic systems and in some jurisdictions utility companies are required to buy any surplus energy you generate.
Blogs
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US To Invest Millions In Solar Energy
December 29, 2009 by NOOR
renewable energy blog - news, views and strong opinions on alternative energy resources including solar energy, wind power, wave energy, geothermal & other ...
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Solar: The Future's So Bright
by Southern Beale
I'm sure the notion of $400 billion in subsidies for solar energy over 40 years strikes fear in the heart of conservatives, but why not? Even by the most conservative estimates, the Iraq War will cost us $700 billion in direct spending ...
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Written Remarks on House Bill 2502, House Draft 2: Solar Energy ...
by Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Over 93 per cent of Hawaii 's energy is supplied by fossil fuel. By allowing solar energy facilities to be built on marginal agricultural lands or agricultural lands with soil classified D or E, there will be more beneficial effects for ...
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Bigger and Better
by Dan Daniel
Look for two new articles today in our Solar Energy section. The first is about the revolutionary new capabilities in solar outdoor lighting made possible by the combination of low-cost solar panels and liquid crystal emitting diode ...
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Benefits of Solar Energy
by Travis Schnepp
It also provides a hedge against rising energy costs. As we become more aware of greenhouse gases and their detrimental effects on our planet, clean energy alternatives like Solar Energy becomes more important than ever. ...
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China's toxic waste in solar energy,
by Physics Today
Washington Post: China is rapidly becoming a leading manufacturer of solar-cells. Unfortunately, the highly toxic waste -- silicon tetrachloride -- from the production of polysilicon, which is used to make solar cells, is polluting ...
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