The two ways the light of the sun can be used are categorized as passive or active. The passive techniques include building methods that use materials that have thermal mass with light dispersing components. Space inside a building can be designed to circulate the air in a natural way. Solar energy, used actively collects the sunlight using Photovoltaic panels.
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.
Photovoltaic panels and their installation were once too expensive for the average homeowner to buy. The decrease in cost is due to its popularity increasing production. Now the initial investment is worth the cost. The panels are functional for more than two decades once they are installed.
For some families, depending on meeting certain criteria, there are government subsidies to help cover the cost. There may be rebates or tax deductions offered in return for having the installation done. This makes it affordable for most homeowners.
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.
Solar energy is a concept developed by a famous United States inventor. Frank Shuman was an engineer who built a small sun powered engine. It reflected the suns energy into square boxes of ether. This in turn powered a steam engine.
Together with a British physicist, Sir Charles Vernon Boys, Shuman developed an advanced system using mirrors. They built the original thermal power station in 1913. Development of solar power was curtailed when cheap oil was discovered in the early 1930s.
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 how there are photovoltaic panels mounted on top of these signs. Explain that is the reason they do not need to be plugged in to light up. The cars that run on solar power are bound to capture their interest. Someday these kids will be inventing new designs for alternative energy utilization.
One exciting event is the World Solar Challenge, which is held yearly in Australia. The automobile race allows only cars powered by the sun. Also in Australia, in Sydney Harbour, there is a passenger ferry named the Solar Sailor. It is powered by the sun, the wind or batteries. It runs on petrol on those days it is needed.
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.
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.
Photovoltaic panels and their installation were once too expensive for the average homeowner to buy. The decrease in cost is due to its popularity increasing production. Now the initial investment is worth the cost. The panels are functional for more than two decades once they are installed.
For some families, depending on meeting certain criteria, there are government subsidies to help cover the cost. There may be rebates or tax deductions offered in return for having the installation done. This makes it affordable for most homeowners.
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.
Solar energy is a concept developed by a famous United States inventor. Frank Shuman was an engineer who built a small sun powered engine. It reflected the suns energy into square boxes of ether. This in turn powered a steam engine.
Together with a British physicist, Sir Charles Vernon Boys, Shuman developed an advanced system using mirrors. They built the original thermal power station in 1913. Development of solar power was curtailed when cheap oil was discovered in the early 1930s.
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 how there are photovoltaic panels mounted on top of these signs. Explain that is the reason they do not need to be plugged in to light up. The cars that run on solar power are bound to capture their interest. Someday these kids will be inventing new designs for alternative energy utilization.
One exciting event is the World Solar Challenge, which is held yearly in Australia. The automobile race allows only cars powered by the sun. Also in Australia, in Sydney Harbour, there is a passenger ferry named the Solar Sailor. It is powered by the sun, the wind or batteries. It runs on petrol on those days it is needed.
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 Massachusetts solar energy, 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.