Solar Is Sexy
Author: Davinos Greeno
Author: Davinos Greeno
Once a distant technology that just sat on roofs that a few
green minded people used, solar power has become a trendy tool
we can hold in our hands. Sunlight - solar energy - can be used
to generate electricity, provide hot water, and to heat, cool,
and light buildings.
A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional
water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a
solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which
stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter
than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When
it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can
kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar
designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent.
High-temperature solar water heaters can provide
energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large
commercial and industrial facilities.
Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to
provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems
can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system
can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a
building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used
to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative
Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial
solar system in the UK. I think it looks very futuristic and
cool!
You can generate electricity for a single building like the
co-op but there is the potential in the future to generate
enough power for a power plant. The author of a recent
Christian Aid report, John McGhie, said that for $50bn (£26bn)
the whole of sub-Saharan Africa could be turned into a
solar-generated economy. And $50bn is exactly the same amount
as the continent would have to pay on extra fuel bills from
oil," he said.
Electrical retailer Currys is about to add a new item to its
usual array of washing machines and other white goods - solar
panels. Currys is taking a risk as the solar panels will cost
far more than anything else the store sells. They say it will
cost the average three bedroom household about £9,000 to buy
and install solar panels - compared to £16,000 in specialist
stores. There are also grants available through the Low Carbon
Buildings Programme.
What other solar gadgets can you buy?
Well, Sharp, the world's number one solar cell producer, has
just turned its hand to glass studded with LED lights and
cells. Instead of generating enough electricity to run a home,
it creates a psychedelic light show at night, powered entirely
by the day's sun.
You can also buy solar chargers for iPods and phones. Other
recent outlandish additions include a solar-powered tent,
scooter and LED house numbers, while mundane ones like bike
lights, torches and radios have been around for years.
People can also use captured passive solar heat to cook food. A
basic cooker consists of an insulated box with a glass top. Heat
from concentrated sunlight gets trapped in the box and can be
used to heat food enclosed in the box. These have not been very
popular to date.
About The Author: Davinos Greeno works with the Organic and Eco
directory http://www.guidemegreen.com This growing green
products directory lists 100s of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and
Ethical companies, jobs http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com and
Campaigning Videos http://www.videos.guidemegreen.com
green minded people used, solar power has become a trendy tool
we can hold in our hands. Sunlight - solar energy - can be used
to generate electricity, provide hot water, and to heat, cool,
and light buildings.
A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional
water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a
solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which
stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter
than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When
it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can
kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar
designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent.
High-temperature solar water heaters can provide
energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large
commercial and industrial facilities.
Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to
provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems
can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system
can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a
building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used
to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative
Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial
solar system in the UK. I think it looks very futuristic and
cool!
You can generate electricity for a single building like the
co-op but there is the potential in the future to generate
enough power for a power plant. The author of a recent
Christian Aid report, John McGhie, said that for $50bn (£26bn)
the whole of sub-Saharan Africa could be turned into a
solar-generated economy. And $50bn is exactly the same amount
as the continent would have to pay on extra fuel bills from
oil," he said.
Electrical retailer Currys is about to add a new item to its
usual array of washing machines and other white goods - solar
panels. Currys is taking a risk as the solar panels will cost
far more than anything else the store sells. They say it will
cost the average three bedroom household about £9,000 to buy
and install solar panels - compared to £16,000 in specialist
stores. There are also grants available through the Low Carbon
Buildings Programme.
What other solar gadgets can you buy?
Well, Sharp, the world's number one solar cell producer, has
just turned its hand to glass studded with LED lights and
cells. Instead of generating enough electricity to run a home,
it creates a psychedelic light show at night, powered entirely
by the day's sun.
You can also buy solar chargers for iPods and phones. Other
recent outlandish additions include a solar-powered tent,
scooter and LED house numbers, while mundane ones like bike
lights, torches and radios have been around for years.
People can also use captured passive solar heat to cook food. A
basic cooker consists of an insulated box with a glass top. Heat
from concentrated sunlight gets trapped in the box and can be
used to heat food enclosed in the box. These have not been very
popular to date.
About The Author: Davinos Greeno works with the Organic and Eco
directory http://www.guidemegreen.com This growing green
products directory lists 100s of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and
Ethical companies, jobs http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com and
Campaigning Videos http://www.videos.guidemegreen.com
