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30 May 2016

Using Nanotechnology for Solar Power

Researchers at MIT have developed a new experimental solar cell which could possibly improve and enhance solar power efficiency. By placing the cells one on top of another, researchers are able to reduce energy loss which is a common problem with most solar cells.

However, when we talk about heat, it has nothing beneficial to offer solar cells. The solar cells have nano-tubes built into them that conver heat to visible light. This light is then used by the solar panels.

More research is still needed and researchers are still testing these cells. For more information, please visit thehackednews.com

11 Oct 2015
Leading By Example Solar Power

Leading By Example: Solar Power

Reliance on fossil fuels is slowly becoming a thing of the past. While in years past the move away from fossil fuels was much slower modern technologies such as solar power are making that move easier and faster for all involved. While the technology and benefits surrounding solar power are certainly attractive many of its adopters utilize it in order to lead by example. Solar power is no longer something that only the wealthy can afford nor is it something that only “hippies” want to use. The truth of the matter is that solar power is being adopted by homeowners who want to demonstrate that solar power can not only save homeowners money but allow them to do something good for the environment as well. Utilizing solar power also helps preserve natural resources.

Homeowners who elect to have a modern solar power installed at their home will enjoy a multitude of benefits. These benefits include going green, reduction of their monthly energy costs, and immediate and often very valuable rebates. In fact there are very substantial financial rebates for any California homeowner who has a solar power system installed at their home. While there is certainly some paperwork for homeowners to complete prior to receiving the state rebates, many solar power contractors get that process started and/or help homeowners fill out the paperwork quickly. In some cases the state will front a portion or the cost of installation in order to put solar power in the hands of homeowners. Stored and unused solar power can often be sold back to local power companies as well.

Of course the most popular reason for adopting solar power, at least amongst homeowners, is the reduction of their monthly energy costs and consumption. The amount of money a homeowner and his/her family saves by utilizing solar power depends largely on the type of system they have installed. Obviously the more expensive and elaborate a system is the more energy it can collect, convert, and store for use but even the most modest of modern solar power systems will help homeowners reduce their monthly electric bills dramatically. Modern families utilize a large variety of different electrical appliances ranging from old standards like a washer and dryer to more modern ones such as computers, large television sets, and mobile devices. Solar power allows homeowners and their families to utilize these appliances regularly without the fear of having to pay an exorbitant sum for doing so at the end of the month.

If there’s any downside to having a solar power system installed at a home it has to be the initial purchasing and installation costs. While the rapid advancements in and rising popularity of the technology have helped drive costs way down in recent years these initial costs can often disuade some homeowners, even those with deep pockets. Homeowners need to keep in mind however that despite its sometimes high initial costs, solar power systems begin paying for themselves immediately. Not only by reducing energy costs but by way of rebates and tax breaks as well. Homeowners should also remember to find out if they qualify for financing that will cover the initial costs of set up. The initial costs associated with producing and installing a solar power system may seem steep to homeowners but keeping in mind all of the aforementioned things the purchase of a solar power system should be more than justified.

20 Sep 2015

Solar Power: What to Expect

Solar Power: What to ExpectIt is interesting to note that eighty five percent of all solar power systems in the United States are installed within the borders of California. There were many reasons California has seen such tremendous interest and growth with regards solar power though perhaps none are more prevalent than the many benefits that come along with having a solar power system installed there. More so than any other state, California offers both home and business owners a number of tax benefits and rebates to those who elect to have solar power installed at their home or place of business. Furthermore and in many cases the state of California can assist in covering as much as 40% of the initial costs associated with solar power installation.

In addition to being one of the largest pro-solar power states in the entire Union, California has one of the largest environmentally friendly and conscious populations. More so than any other state a large portion of California’s residents and business owners want to take advantage of solar power not so much for the financial benefits associated with it but rather to help reduce their carbon footprint and to do something friendly for the planet. This fact alone is thought by some to be the primary driving force behind the sharp rise in solar power popularity within the state.

Home and business owners in California who elect to move forward with a solar power purchase will begin the process by searching for a reliable and trusted solar power vendor as well as installation experts. In many cases those that make solar power systems available are also installation experts and can address all of an individuals solar power needs. After a consultation with a solar power expert an individual can expect to receive a visit from a representative of the company they been speaking with. This representative will carefully inspect their home or place of business to determine exactly where solar panels need to be placed for maximum efficiency and aesthetic purposes. Individuals can also expect the professionals they are dealing with to go over their current energy bills and compare them with their forecasted bills in order to help them understand exactly how much they will be saving. Once the consultation, bill review, and visit have all been completed the solar power experts an individual has selected will help them obtain and submit building permits as well as the paperwork necessary for tax credits and rebates. They will also likely go over any warranties that are included in a solar power system that they’ve either sold and/or are installing.

As with anything in life there are pros and cons to solar power, though the pros far outweigh the cons especially when you consider how rapid the technology surrounding solar power has advanced. Home and business owners that utilize solar panels will consume far less fuel than they ever have, will receive state tax breaks and rebates, may receive financial assistance to help them cover the cost of installation, and will be doing something fantastic for the environment. The only real cons attached to solar power these days are the initial cost of installation and just how effective solar panels are for homes and commercial structures that reside in climates that don’t see the sun very often. The decision to have solar panels installed at home or place of business usually isn’t a difficult one to make though the aforementioned things need to be considered and evaluated before any final decision is made.