Archive for September, 2010
why are manucturer not putting solar energy in the all transportation so we don’t rely on gasoline?
we need to think of other sources to power our vehicle. I think solar panel should be place in car, place, boats, train, etc.
Two clear reasons (for cars).
1. It is not commercially viable.
2. It is not and probably never well be technically viable.
1) Commerce.
As those posting before me rightly explain, solar cells are very expensive, and the prototype cars built by Honda to carry just one person with no luggage at speeds of upto 50mph cost over a million dollars to build.
2) Technical Limits.
A family car today uses about 30 Kilowatts of energy (the same as 15 hairdryers) and needs this much to haul you and your luggage about.
As a poster above has pointed out, solar cells only convert about 20% of sunlight to electricity, but on top of that, only about 1Kw of sunlight falls on every square metre….
What this means is, with present technology, a family car would need a 150 Square Metre solar sail to supply it enough power to move, in full sunlight on a clear day. Which isnt really very practical as the roof size of a typical car is only 4-5 square metres.
The situation for boats and trains is no better.
Solar power is a good solution for things like heating water or supplying electricity to your home, but for powering cars and the like, there just isn’t enough energy in the sun to make it work for the types of cars most of us drive (i.e. that carry several people and luggage). And a prototype vehicle that can do 50mph carrying one (slim) person and no luggage can only reach 40-50mph on the flat, and costs over $1,000,000 to build.
What has been done to encourage a wider uptake of solar power/energy?
Worldwide.
Many states have rebates or other subsidy programs. Arizona has, through the utility companies programs that almost cut the initial cost in half. Great, huh? Problem is, even with the subsidy, your break even time is almost 20 years. I looked at the expected life of the panels and it was 10 years!
Greed rules when the government tries to help us. Every time subsidies are made, the price goes up because everybody thinks the government has limitless supplies of money.
What are some basic starts for green living, starting at home?
can you list at least ten things please, if not than fewer,
Thanks!
Well, there are a lot of things you can do:
1. you can turn off all the lights you aren’t using
2. change your light bulbs to the eco bulbs you can get at the store for about the same amount of regular bulbs
3. use plastic or glass cups and plates rather than paper
4. don’t throw away paper, put it in the recycling bin
5. unplug any lamps or electronics when you’re not using them
6. instead of sending mail send e-mails to save paper
7. walk short distances instead of driving
8. carpool to save gas
9. Use battery operated electronics rather than plug-ins
10. recycle bottles at your local grocery store and re-use plastic bottles instead of buying new ones
hope this helps! 
Wind Power – to Combat Climate Change
Not a single day goes by without mention of the environmental and climate challenges facing the world. The ice caps are melting right before our eyes and the oceans are rising as we quest for answers and durable solutions to the worlds growing energy needs.
Wind is one of Denmarks most abundant natural energy sources, today accounting for one-fifth of the electricity supplied through Danish outlets. In just under 30 years, Denmark has become world champ when it comes to harnessing the otherwise tough-to-control wind energy in the power system. But how? This is precisely what this film wants to clarify.
Duration : 0:3:44
solar panel system with low cost ammeter
This solar power system provides lighting for a household, and has a digital voltmeter and an ammeter using low-cost multi-meters, costing less than 7 dollars each. Besides, you can extend three thin gauge wires and have your volt-amp monitoring station anywhere in your house, and even have several volt-amp monitoring stations throughout your house.
Duration : 0:1:57
Home Made Wind Generator still running
It has been in service for a few months now and still working great. Thanks to all those who have great web sites that provide info. You know who you are.
Duration : 0:0:21
Afghanistan’s struggle to tap wind energy – 21 Nov 08
It was in the Panjshir Valley that both the Soviets and the Taliban were repeatedly repulsed by Shah Massoud.
Now, as Al Jazeera’s David Chater reports, the lair of the Lion of Panjshir is the site of the country’s first ever wind farm.
Duration : 0:2:54
Home Made Wind Generator still running
It has been in service for a few months now and still working great. Thanks to all those who have great web sites that provide info. You know who you are.
Duration : 0:0:21
Kitegen Stem – High Altitute Wind Energy
The Kitegen Stem is an italian developed power plant that is rated at 3MW. A 27MW kitegen Windpark (9 stem units) is under construction since Dez 09.
1MW installed will be about 4 times cheaper than conventional windturbines with a capacity factor from 50-85% depending on location an operating high (800-10.000m).
The Stem could be operated offshore or on a ship.
Heres much more information on the project (with comments by the Italien inventors).
http://europe.theoildrum.com/node/5538
http://europe.theoildrum.com/node/5554
www.kitegen.com
Duration : 0:4:38
What are some basic starts for green living, starting at home?
can you list at least ten things please, if not than fewer,
Thanks!
Well, there are a lot of things you can do:
1. you can turn off all the lights you aren’t using
2. change your light bulbs to the eco bulbs you can get at the store for about the same amount of regular bulbs
3. use plastic or glass cups and plates rather than paper
4. don’t throw away paper, put it in the recycling bin
5. unplug any lamps or electronics when you’re not using them
6. instead of sending mail send e-mails to save paper
7. walk short distances instead of driving
8. carpool to save gas
9. Use battery operated electronics rather than plug-ins
10. recycle bottles at your local grocery store and re-use plastic bottles instead of buying new ones
hope this helps!