Monday, November 30, 2009

Causes Of Land Pollution And Recycling Facts

By Joanne Tong

Have you ever wondered if what you know about the causes of land pollution is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on the facts about solar energy.

Solar energy is a general term for the electro-magnetic radiation emitted by the sun. We can capture and convert solar radiation into useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, using the latest solar panel technologies. Solar energy presents a very attractive option to solar power numerous devices ranging from watches and calculators to homes and boats. This source of renewable energy can be effectively used for electricity production, chemical processes and heating or cooling. Solar energy is derived ultimately from the sun. It can be divided into direct and indirect categories.

Solar energy is produced at the core of the sun by nuclear fusion. This energy is then radiated to the convection zone, where mixing transfers the energy to the photosphere. Solar energy can be used for powering home appliances and a solar water heater can give you hot water for laundry and normal household use (bathing, preparing meals, cleaning). Look for the most efficient and cost effective options for your solar home. Solar energy will fall in price to match the cost of conventional fossil fuel electricity far sooner than previously expected, the UK's largest solar company has claimed in a new report. The solar company said British homeowners will see solar achieve "grid parity".

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about the causes of land pollution? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Wind energy does not reduce the huge investment cost we have for conventional energy but only the cost of conventional fuel. If the conventional energy happens to be nuclear, there are then hardly any cost savings since fuel consumption is pretty steady.

Solar energy research is expanding rapidly, with many new ideas being explored - some using exotic nano-materials combined with ingenious engineering approaches. PVs look set to contribute significantly to future power generation. Solar energy use accounted for 129 kilo tons of oil equivalent (ktoe) in 2000 and is projected to be 431 ktoe and 828 ktoe in 2010 and 2020, respectively.

Renewable energy provides more jobs per unit of output and per dollar spent than conventional energies do. Economic woes and high unemployment rates influenced Spain's 94 decision to invest in renewable energy. Renewable energy is no less reliable than energy generated from more traditional sources and using it does not mean that you have to change your lifestyle or your appliances. Using renewable energy can be as simple as using the sun for drying clothes or can mean taking advantage of more sophisticated renewable technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) cell systems, which use the sun's heat and light to generate energy, wind turbines or ground source heat pumps which extract energy from underground. Renewable energy is important for the environment as it produces little or no greenhouse gases. The exception is biomass which is considered as being 'carbon neutral'.

If you've picked some pointers about the causes of land pollution that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.

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Wind Powered Generators- You Can Easily and Economically Build Your Own Wind Energy Turbine

By Ben Tunk

You've almost certainly heard a lot lately about saving money on your energy bills by using wind energy and building your own wind powered generators. Have you ever wondered if it actually is that uncomplicated? Well, the good news is that, yes, it is.

Using the wind energy to run equipment has been about a long time. Remember the old windmills from hundreds of years ago? Fortunately for us technology has improved to the point where we can not only generate electricity from wind we can also store it for later use.

You don't actually have to understand how it all works in order to benefit from it. Most of us don't have a clue how our computer works, nevertheless we nevertheless use it. The fundamentals are that the wind is captured by the wind turbine and than stored for use at a later time.

Wind turbines come in several different shape and sizes. Clearly the bigger the turbine the more electricity you will be able to generate.

There are many sources available today that can easily, and cheaply, show you how to build your own wind turbine, step by step. Many can even be built for less than a few hundred dollars.

If you have a lot of property, and time, you may perhaps build your own little wind farm and possibly generate enough electricity to power your own home without having to buy any electricity from your utility company.

For most people though, one or two small turbines to generate a little extra power is all they're really looking for and this can be done without difficulty.

So if you are interested in saving a little money, helping the earth, and even have some bragging rights, you can use wind energy today by building your own wind powered generators. It is quick, inexpensive, and straightforward to make your own wind turbine for use in your home. Begin today and you can be saving by tomorrow.

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Types Of Energy To Save Our Planet

By Samantha Troutman

The following article presents the very latest information on the different types of energy. If you have a particular interest in the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, then this informative article is required reading.

Solar energy is environmentally friendly because it has virtually zero green house emissions; because of this, more and more households are switching to solar energy products. While we cannot yet expect solar-powered elevators or solar-powered computer systems and IT infrastructure, there are numerous solar-powered items available for purchase. Solar energy will fall in price to match the cost of conventional fossil fuel electricity far sooner than previously expected, the UK's largest solar company has claimed in a new report. The solar company said British homeowners will see solar achieve "grid parity". Solar energy use accounted for 129 kilo tons of oil equivalent (ktoe) in 2000 and is projected to be 431 ktoe and 828 ktoe in 2010 and 2020, respectively.

Additionally, desalination plants will be coupled with the solar concentrating plants to bring fresh water to people in Africa. Additionally, its partnership with MIT is only one of over 600 (with research organizations, universities and manufacturers) worldwide. Nonetheless, it may be a very important one for solar power and all the things related to that! Additionally, the company is supported by several other agencies. So far the company has received 3m in funding, and is seeking a further 7m to complete its product development.

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about the different types of energy? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Wind generators can be merged with the home solar panel system. Wind energy can help produce tones of megawatts of electricity. Every time employed at individual estates, it can help do away with conventional power sources. Thin-film solar has been a major focus of U.S. Silicon cells are easy to manufacture, dependable and efficient, but some researchers viewed them as inherently limited. Thin-film solar cells are cheaper than traditional solar panels, such as those made of polycrystalline silicon, but the yield is lower. However, the combination of these properties is promising according to the Thin-Film Future conference organized recently in Munich.

China is investing heavily and preparing to leave the rest of the renewable energy world in the dust. In the past two weeks, they currently the largest solar module manufacturer in the world, signed 2 GW (2000 MW) of projects in China. China plans to spend about $200 billion on renewable energy over the next 15 years, including solar energy and wind power, as well as biomass. Its solar-power ambitions could be limited, however, because of a shortage of polysilicon, the raw material used to make solar cells.

Currently, there is a need for allocating increased resources in solar research. Compared to the old forms of depletable energy (coal, oil, nuclear), solar energy offers a clean renewable form of energy. Currently, these include long-term feed-in tariffs, government-issued investment subsidies, tax incentives and regenerative energy quotas. Put in a nutshell: CSP projects - parabolic trough plants in particular - have become bankable. Currently, prices of highly efficient solar cells can be above $1000, and some households may need more than one. This makes the initial installation of solar panels very costly.

That's how things stand right now on the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news to do with the different types of energy.

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Solar Electricity - It Is Cleen, Green, And Free!

By Beth Meldroid

Solar electricity is clean, green and even... free. It will reduce your family or business's green house gas emissions significantly, which have been proven to contribute to global climate change. Solar electricity is the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity. Light striking solar cells is converted into electric energy . Solar electricity is generated by a group of solar modules called an array that's installed on your roof or in your yard.

Solar electricity is one of the most prominent alternative sources of energy. Many countries have been toying with the idea of its development. Solar energy is power from the sun's rays that reaches the earth. Using photovoltaic cells made from silicon alloys, sunlight can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity. Solar energy is also becoming very popular with island nations. Perhaps the biggest advantage of solar energy is that it allows people to be independent of power companies, because it allows them to be self sufficient.

It is somewhat strange that most of us shy away from installing solar power solutions at home thinking them to be expensive and cumbersome. You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to employ these power solutions. Moreover, these will help cut down your power bills. You will probably be delighted to know tat you are doing your bit to save power for the future generations.

I was surprised to learn about a few novel solar power utensils. Before we have a look at them, I need to reassure you that solar power can be stored in batteries and switched right into your existing electricity grid. You will therefore be able to use all the appliances and utensils that you are currently using. Let's have a look at a few solar based utensils though.

Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking utensil that uses absolutely no fuel for cooking. You can cook food for up to five people in the small box. If you are thinking that using a solar cooker will reduce your chances of spreading up a varied platter on the dining table, you will be surprised to know that you can not only boil food items in the cooker but also roast and bake! The only limitation with the solar cooker is the time it takes to cook. However, given the free source of energy it uses, this is a great option for cutting down those sky-rocketing bills and saving some power.

With current design changes, the cost of hybrid solar lighting is expected to fall by more than 50 percent in the next two years. When that happens, going green with fibre-coupled sunlight will be within reach of a lot more consumers. Today, solar lighting is being preferred more than the common lights that have been used in past. People today know better than to buy cheap electric-powered lights and succumb to high electricity bills. One thing you should know about solar lighting is that the light that is emitted is not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Whether or not you consider this a disadvantage will probably depend on your individual taste.

It is the marriage of residential solar heating and traditional heating system components that make residential solar heating so cost-effective .and popular.. Installing a solar heating system in your home is easy and will help cutting down your electricity bill. You will be pleased to know, solar heating systems are aesthetically-pleasing. As per as expenditure, investing in a solar heating system is calculated to break even in three to four years. Thereafter... your heating energy is free!

Solar energy is the future. One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it is renewable, since it takes advantage of an endless supply of energy in the form of the sun. It is also non-polluting during the generation phrase, although the production of solar cells and infrastructure can generate some pollution. Once installed, however, these cells do not pollute, and they are free to use. In fact, in regions where people can feed excess power back into the electrical grid, having solar panels can actually generate money.

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Friday, November 27, 2009

Is Alternative Energy Potent Enough?

By Adriana Noton

The future of the planet depends largely on our ability to tap into alternative energy resources and create successful and long term environmental solutions. There is no doubt that while there have been ample promises over the years the political and ethical debate that has caused progress to trickle instead of surge has the potential to be ongoing. With the planet creeping closer and closer to peril the continued need for championing is much appreciated.

While other countries are proving that there are many ways to convene on the subject and move forward aggressively there are many here at home (including many politicians and potential investors) that want to consider whether we can offer restoration of clean air energy projects. How much is the output? What happens when there are weeks on end with little to no wind or even ample sunshine? There are some heavy political feet that are being dragged while this question is answered.

Geographical considerations also complicate the matter, as there are factors that can come into play that make the answer to biggest question obsolete from region to region. What might work in one area may very well not in another. Wind is plentiful along the ocean, at least until you reach June, July, and August. At this point there is the option for sun power yet many wonder how cost effective it would be to have dual services running from a single area of generation.

As much as the environment is at stake in the progress of alternative energy, the flip side indicates that the careers of many politicians can be at stake as well. Unfortunately, when you politicize an issue like this one it becomes a campaign platform for some while it becomes a torch to bear for others. If any politician supported the resources it would take build an "experimental" or "initial" system for adequate delivery and the system failed, the political consequences could be huge.

First, try finding two politicians that can agree on renewable or alternative power sources and their plan for execution. Second, there is a limited knowledge regarding the initial ability to support the power demand. In the early stages it may very well be a doubling up of power sources, one traditional and one alternative, in order to test the systems and make sure that everything is moving forward without massive hiccups.

Some suggest giving the power to the people, literally. If each household became eligible for a significant tax credit for taking themselves off the power grid then eventually the government could start to mandate that consumers become responsible for making their own electricity through alternative energy resources. The biggest flaw with this issue is that it leaves the renters of the world without much power to stay safe and get clean.

With these potential issues, science and technology are still fighting hard to create the most effective and efficient alternative energy sources. The more we uncover through technology and science the more we can determine whether or not we can sustain power throughout the year and without major system flaws.

The new and improved floating wind turbine is a perfect example of the progress and the direction we are heading. This wind turbine is now aptly making itself useful by connecting to the power grid. It is hoped that by studying these improvements we can all look forward to life saving alternative energy that can produce the necessary power for humanity.

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Wind Energy- Is It Truly Worth It? The Examination Is On

By Ben Tunk

Utility costs, like so a lot of other things, continue to go up. This rise along with the wish to go green, has sparked renewed interest in using other forms of alternative energy. Many people are turning to wind energy as a way to lower their utility bills, but is it a feasible choice?

It really doesn't matter what topic you pick, there will always be some people who agree and some who disagree. And that's fine, as long as they talk about the facts and not just throw around their opinion and make it appear as though it's reality.

Using the wind to power turbines for home use is one such debate. There are a lot of people on both sides of the subject, but you have to make up your own mind.

Here is a list of some of the pros and cons, you decide:

Pros

1. Building a turbine for your home is inexpensive and simple. 2. Using wind power is free of charge. 3. Wind power will not pollute. 4. Wind power is renewable and efficient.

Cons

1. Wind power isn't a constant. You won't have wind every day. 2. The technology, while improved, still isn't 100% efficient at converting the wind into energy and storing it. 3. A lot of people aren't going to want to construct their own turbines and buying one can be very expensive.

For most people, I think the pros probably outweigh the cons. For a small investment you can save quite a bit on your utility bill, but the decision has to be yours.

As you can see there are good arguments for and against using wind energy to supply your electricity requirements. It's up to you to decide what is best for you, your home, and your lifestyle. I hope this list helps.

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