For the past several decades, there has been a growing awareness of the need for moving away from the dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels as energy sources, which have been in heavy use for more than a century. The key question has been that of finding renewable sources that could compete at least reasonably well with their fossil fuel counterparts. Although … Read More
Green Energy Options
Due to the non-sustainability of traditional fossil fuels, and the adverse environmental impacts incurred in obtaining these fuels and in using them for energy generation, the world is investing concerted effort and resources into increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Some of these, in particular hydropower, have been in use for many decades, while others are still maturing as … Read More
Solar Panel and Solar Cell Performance Versus Cost Improvements
Like the computer microchip, the evolution of solar panel and solar cell performance has been dramatic and is accelerating. Richard Swanson, founder of SunPower wrote a seminal paper in 2006 where he forecast how a steady and steep fall in the cost of solar panel production over time would lead to a corresponding increase in the deployment of solar panels. … Read More
Solar Systems Rapid Growth, Distribution and Variety
Solar systems rapid growth has been confirmed once again via the significant gains in 2016, not just in the total amount of solar systems installed, but also their distribution and variety across many types of installations around the world. Solar power systems are now being seen in increasingly diverse solar panel configurations, enabling solar installations on rooftops, in ground-mounted solar … Read More
Solar Systems Usage in Business
There is now a significant case to be made for the adoption of solar systems usage in business, with many businesses of all sizes, right up to multi-nationals already reaping sizeable benefits for years. In many cases, the financial case alone wins the day, especially once government subsidies are factored in, alongside depreciation and amortization of upfront costs. Once all … Read More
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Cells and Solar Panels
The ongoing significant technical advances in solar cells and solar panels over the recent decades have been a key driver in the transformation of solar power into a major source of renewable energy, and a serious alternative to traditionally generated electricity. There are now a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages to using solar cells and solar panels as part … Read More
Photovoltaic Cells – The Foundation of a Revolution
Photovoltaic cells (also known as PV cells) are small light-sensitive electronic devices that produce electrical current when exposed to sunlight. When grouped together in solar panels, and groups of solar panels, they form the basis for the most powerful form of renewable energy on the planet. Since the world has a growing appetite for electricity, especially in this digital age, … Read More
CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) Explained
CSP is a powerful and exciting technology for large-scale solar power generation. Although it has been in use since the 1980’s, it is still seen as somewhat new and emerging, with innovation and efficiency improvements under active development. The total power generated by CSP is small compared to Photovoltaic ( PV) solar power, but there is significant scope for the amount … Read More
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy Explained
From early applications in space exploration, to solar calculators to modern solar power generation, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy has become a significant contributor to the clean energy mix globally. This limitless form of renewable energy is growing rapidly and now extends well beyond meeting the fundamental need for our growing appetite for low-cost electricity. Photovoltaic /PV solar energy is increasingly … Read More
Solar Battery Key Facts
Although solar panels are the visible parts of solar energy systems and receive by far the most attention, the humble solar battery is poised to play an equally prominent role in the solar power world. Because solar batteries maximize the use of the power generated by solar systems, they have a pronounced effect on bringing down electricity bills and reducing … Read More
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