renewable energy resources http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for renewable energy resources Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:48:55 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/renewable+energy+resources Learn About Renewable Energy As A Domestic Energy Assessor http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-about-renewable-energy-as-a-domestic-energy-assessor http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-about-renewable-energy-as-a-domestic-energy-assessor#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:15:00 +0000 renewable energy laboratoryrenewable energy programrenewable energy technologyrenewable energy promotionnational renewable energy laboratorydepartment of educationsenergy efficiency and renewable energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/learn-about-renewable-energy-as-a-domestic-energy-assessor renewable energy promotion with its creation of the National in Golden Colorado.

This facility offers programs in a wide variety of renewable energy topics which span the various green energy resources such as wind, water, sun, biomass and even nuclear. NREL also conducts ongoing research and development in the areas of . Each area of research is further enhanced by functions that cut across the various programs and reach out to industries for partnerships. These collaborations on renewable energy could include the transfer of technology, energy analysis and the integration of the various programs of each collaborator.

The 12 program areas of the are wind and hydropower technology intergovernmental projects on weatherization the technology of solar energy industrial energy efficient technology the technology of fuel cells, hydrogen and building infrastructures geothermal technology the technology of vehicles and the Freedom Car energy management by the U.S. federal government energy-efficient building systems biomass and analytic studies. Each of these NREL programs is conducted by technology management experts whose capabilities and expertise span the programs wide range.

The Analytic Studies Program at NREL studies a wide variety of renewable energy analysis to support the programs and initiatives in place at the Lab. It also works with the Office for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy EERE as well as the energy analysis community at large. The labs Office of Energy Analysis integrates this analysis and supports its functions and the functions of the various research programs and centres of technology throughout the NREL.

Those who study renewable energy analysis do so in five major interest areas. They look at the technologies involved in renewable energy, the benefits of the initiatives, and the markets for renewable energy, the policies that affect its implementation and embracement, and the analysis of the various programs. Many research programs are covered that include assessments of life cycles, vehicular systems, Web-based applications to assess renewable energy possibilities and programs. The aim of this analysis is to understand how technology, policy, markets and the various software applications can interactive to the success of expansive and continuing renewable energy programs.

The study of biomass is an important ingredient in the renewable energy implementation. Biomass offers a terrific opportunity to make use of sustainable as well as domestic resources for the production of power and fuel and the meeting of chemical needs through plants and t he material derived from them. Biomass starts with grasses, trees, biological material and agriculture. These can be used as renewable energy, either solid or through conversion to liquid or gas. These can produce electricity, chemicals, fuel or heat.

An important part of this NREL program is the development of energy-efficient and cost effective biomass technology that will reduce the U.S. dependence on oil from foreign countries, while it grows rural economies in our own country and improves the quality of our air. James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk/domestic-energy-assessor-training.htm ]]> An Overview Of Solar Energy And Other Renewable Energy Sources http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:14:53 +0000 renewable energy sourcesfossil fuel energyfossil fuelsgreenhouse gasesfuel gasespower sourcessolar power water http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources fossil fuel energy for reasons other than the factor of non-depletion.

One basic benefit of renewable energy, and the reason environmentalists all over the globe are advocate its use, is that it does give off and other harmful pollutants as do the by-products of burning fossil fuel for energy. Renewable energy such as solar power, water power and wind power, while the widespread discussion of which is new, are anything but new.

In both newly developing and highly developed countries wind, sun and water have long been used as , though not to the extent of providing the primary energy source for large metropolitan communities.

The mass production of such renewable energy is become commonplace in recent years as more and more people come to realize how climate is changing due to the pollution of fossil , due to the exhaustion of the availability of these and the political and social concerns of energy sources such as nuclear power.

Many countries and non-profit environmentally-conscious organizations are encouraging the use of by passing legislation on tax incentives for their use and subsidies to offset the added expense of converting from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

The flow of renewable energy involves phenomena that occur naturally in our world. Tides, sunlight, wind and heat derived by geothermal occurrences all provide renewable energy. Each of these energy sources is unique both in where we can use them and how.

Most technology that converts renewable energy into power sources we can use are powered at least in part by the Sun if not directly at least indirectly. The earths atmospheric system stays in such equilibrium that the heat that it gives off radiates into space to an amount equal to the radiation that comes to earth from the sun.

The result of this energy level within the atmosphere is roughly translated to the climate of the earth. The water of the earth, also referred to its hydrosphere, absorbs a lot of the radiation that comes to us from the sun.

Most of the radiation gets absorbed at the lower latitudes of the earth that exist around the equator. This energy gets dissipated all around the globe, however, in the form of ocean and wind currents.

The motion of the ocean waves might have a role in transference of mechanical energy between the ocean and the earths atmosphere by way of wind stress. Solar energy also provides the means by which precipitations is distributed and then tapped by hydroelectric energy projects as well as plant growth that then creates biofuels. James Copper writes for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk who offer energy assessor training courses for people who wish to change career. ]]> Energy Blowing In The Wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-blowing-in-the-wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-blowing-in-the-wind#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:30:02 +0000 renewable energy resourcerenewable energy resourcesrenewable wind energysource of renewable energywind turbineswind turbinespeed of the wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-blowing-in-the-wind source of renewable energy, as evidenced by the many windmills of centuries past. The flow of air is used to run s, some of which can produce up to 5 megawatts of power. The most common wind turbines for renewable energy used commercially produce between 1.5 and 3 megawatts. The renewable energy that a wind turbine gives off is derived by the cube of the . As the speed of the wind increases the power that the turbine puts out increases almost exponentially. In places where wind is strong and nearly continual such as at high altitudes and offshore are the best places to locate wind farms.

Wind is the fastest growing source of power through any of the s and technologies. In the past ten years, the maximum capacity of wind power installed the world over went from a 1992 high of 2500 megawatts to a high of 40,000 in 2003 and continued to grow each year after that by another 30 percent. This shows no signs of abating. Due to wind being an intermittent energy resource most wind turbines in the European Union only produce an average of one fourth of the power they are actually capable of. Under favourable wind conditions, however, some reach 35 percent or more. In winter the EU realizes a higher load factor. What this means is that wind as a renewable energy in Europe typically has a capacity for 5 megawatts maximum per turbine but regularly produces 1.7 megawatts.

The long term potential for wind as a reliable renewable energy resource throughout the global is probably about five times what it currently produces and forty times what is currently demanded of it. Large pieces of land that are not now being used for wind turbines could easily do so, especially in high wind areas. The offshore areas, where wind is nearly twice as fast and dependable as that of inshore land masses could be increased substantially as sources.

The strength of the wind near the surface of the earth varies considerably and scientists cannot assure that the earth would have continuous renewable wind energy there unless it was combined with other sources of energy or stored in some way. Some suggest that 1000 megawatts of the capacity for conventional wind gathering could be counted on to produce 333 megawatts of power that is continuous. This could change as our technology evolves, but most experts suggest using wind in the context of a renewable energy system that has an expansive capacity for reserving the energy. Examples of these would be hydro power, desalination plants, reserve loads and the mitigation of the economic impact of variability of resources.

Not only is wind power a renewable energy, but like other renewable energies it gives off no harmful greenhouse gases while being operated =96 no methane, no carbon dioxide. The one negative of wind power is that bats and birds get caught up in the turbines and get killed. Wind turbines should, therefore, be built where this impact would be least felt. James Copper is a writer for http://www.plumbingcareer.co.uk ]]> Natural Resources - The Basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-resources-the-basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-resources-the-basics#comments Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:19:52 +0000 renewable resourcesbiotic and abioticatabearablebiotic resourcesnatural resourcesexhausted http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-resources-the-basics natural resources are natural substances which are considered valid in their form (normal) relatively not modified. A value of the natural resource rests in the quantity of the available material and the request for the certain material. The last is determined by its utility with the production.

A product is generally considered a natural resource when the primary activities related to him are extraction and purification, in opposition to creation. Thus, the extraction, oil the extraction, fishing, hunting, and sylviculture are generally considered industries of normal-resource, whereas agriculture is not. The limit was presented at a broad assistance by E.F. Schumacher in a few his Seventies where the small book is beautiful. Natural resources are often classified in renewable, the not-renewable flow, and resources.

The are generally alive resources (fish, reindeer, coffee, and forests, for example), which can restock (to replace) themselves if they with-top-are not harvested. Renewable resources can be restocked and employed indefinitely if they are employed sustainably. Once renewable resources are consumed rate which exceeds their normal rate of replacement, the actions upright (see renewable energy) will decrease and become thereafter. The rate of a utility of a renewable resource is determined by the rate of replacement and the quantity of actions upright of this particular resource.

The natural resources renewable of Not-life include the ground and sprinkle.

The renewable resources of flow are infinitely like the renewable resources, only they do not need regeneration, unlike the renewable resources. The renewable resources of flow include the wind, the tides and the solar radiation Of the resources can also be classified on the basis of their origin like . are derived from the animals and the factories (C. - with-D., the alive world). Abiotic resouces are derived from the world of not-life (for example, ground, water, and air).

The resources of ore and power are also the abiotic resources some from which are derived from nature. Extraction of the basic resource and refining one generally considers it in a form purer and directly usable, (for example, metals, oils of refining) of the activities of normal-resource, though the last can necessarily not occur close to old. The natural resources capital normal are converted into entries of the products to the capital processes of infrastructure. They include the ground, the timber structural, oil, the ores, and other goods taken more or less of the ground.

The natural resources of a nation often determine its richness and statute in the economic system of the world, by determining its political influence. The developed nations are those which depend less on the natural resources for the richness, because of their greater confidence in the capital of infrastructure for the production. However, some see a resource cursing by which easily the procurable natural resources really could wound the prospects for a national economy by stimulating the political corruption.

These last years, the exhaustion of normal capital and the attempts to move with the bearable development were an important center of the agencies of development. It is of particular interest in the areas of tropical forest, which hold the major part of the normal biodiversity of the ground - irreplaceable genetic normal capital.

The conservation of the natural resources is the principal center of normal capitalism, the environnementalism, the movement of ecology, and the green parts. Some look at this exhaustion like important source of faintness and the social conflicts in countries in the process of development. Some resources can be renewable but take extremely long-term to replace. An example is a fossile fuel which took million years. You can find more info in the http://www.glueguns.net portal, which is administrated by the author of this article. ]]> Taking The Energy Efficiency Course http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-the-energy-efficiency-course http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-the-energy-efficiency-course#comments Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:15:01 +0000 non renewable resourcesuniversity of oregonrenewable energy resourcesenergy efficiencyfossil fuelinsenergy efficient http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-the-energy-efficiency-course energy efficiency their career in some form or other, there are also free energy courses for those who simply want to make some energy-efficient improvements in their own homes. Here are some ideas on where to find these credit or non-credit energy courses.

The , for example, offers online energy courses as part of its degreed program for graduates as well as undergraduates. Its commitment to a healthy and environment is spelled out on its Web site. Pointing out that the way in which we are exponential using a finite amount of and other non-renewable resources is dooming our successors, the University offers energy courses for those who want to stop this harmful tide.

Included in these energy courses are a basic physics course that teaches the and outs of how energy and the environment work in concert with each other. The next course teaches students about and the other green energy resources that can be put into place. An environment studies course follows these prerequisites, teaching quantitative methods of improving the environment. The study of our population growth and its impact on finite resources is the topic of another of the energy courses. One course is dedicated to the study of the depletion of our ozone. One of the basic energy courses offered on the Web or in Oregon classrooms is a brief look at the basics of fossil fuel =96 how it works, how much we have of it, and how it harms the environment. The University also teaches a laboratory class on solar radiation and its use as a renewable energy.

The University actually offers a complete program of environmental studies. Building on a tradition several decades long of research and activism in the area of energy efficiency and environment improvements, the Oregon campuses have packaged their energy courses into a complete environmental program. Its mission is to train energy-efficiency leaders who can creatively solve program, think critically, and, after empowering and instructional energy courses, become responsible and productive citizens.

The University of Oregon energy courses and environmental program are actually interdisciplinary, promoting dialogue that crosses borders and promotes collaboration. More than 100 faculty members participate in these energy courses and activities. They are scattered over thirty campuses and dozens of departments. This degree program enables students to not only take energy courses from scholars of world class renown but also work and learn along side noted researchers. They can develop concrete energy efficiency skills and analytic capabilities as well as gain valuable and relevant hands on skills. These energy courses and this program can then lead to government careers, or work in various non-profit organizations, teaching institutions or private industries.

Energy courses can help one homeowner save her or his own money and energy. They can help a green-energy enthusiast start a satisfying and lucrative career in energy efficiency and assessment. They can also help save the environment for us all. James Copper is a writer for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk ]]> Renewable Energy Research http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-research http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-research#comments Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:24:59 +0000 renewable energy laboratorynational renewable energyrenewable energy programrenewable energy researchrenewable energy programspromote renewable energynrel http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-research Renewable Energy Laboratory offers a that studies and disseminates news on the latest in energy efficient building technologies. Recognizing that construction designed around energy efficiency is crucial to growing the countries energy independence, these research as well as train U.S. residents. They work closely with manufacturers and others in the construction and building industry, endeavours and provide information to both consumers and builders about the financial savings involved in renewable energy. also works with state and municipal regulatory agencies to improve their building regulations and codes and their energy standards for appliances.

This NREL Building Technologies Program supports and development, helping it stay focused on areas such as materials for switch able window technology, thermodynamics, building heat transfer, and engineering of renewable energy heat and cooling systems. The engineers and research scientist of the Laboratory work closely with the industry, testing and evaluating new designs for buildings, new technology and new energy-efficient equipment for both commercial and residential structures.

The primary focus of the NREL building technologies program is the improvement of residential dwellings, commercial structures, the equipment and other components of such buildings, the energy involved in heating and cooling each and delivering the requisite water, the tools to analyze energy consumption, green energy manufacturing, and energy-efficient appliance and lighting standards. Key to these missions are such NREL initiatives as its Zero Energy building program, its initiative for Solid State Lighting, and its Electro chromic Window project. An initiative called Building America is another important offshoot of the renewable energy focus of the building technologies program. NREL also collaborates with a similar building technologies initiative of the federal Department of Energy. This is administered by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office.

Distributed energy is another facet of NREL initiatives. This can be used for power to our base loads, during peak time hours, as backup power, as remote power and for heating and cooling. Renewable distributed energy refers to the many small and modular technologies to generate power that work in combination with storage systems and energy management to advance the efficiency and improve the overall operation of our electricity delivery, whether connected to an electrical grid or not.

NRELs Distributed Energy Program supports renewable energy by researching various technologies that are thermally activated. It also develops the EERE program, including its Web site and other communications. NREL collaborates as well with the non-profit technology transfer associations and organizations developed throughout the various states.

From DER the consumer realizes improved reliability in its renewable and other energy, improved quality of power and its delivery, and the chance for participation in a choice of electric power markets which, through competition, brings down the cost. DER can potentially resolve transmission line congestion. Even the pricing, strengthen the security of energy and stabilize the electricity grid. With the implementation of DER technology dangerous emissions can be reduced and various applications of power and heat can become more efficient. James Copper is a writer for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk ]]> The Investment Into Green Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-investment-into-green-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-investment-into-green-energy#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:14:59 +0000 wind energy producersminimal percentageresidential consumersenergy coursegreen energyutility providerenergy providers http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-investment-into-green-energy residential consumers can buy from their standard local of from a provider that specializes in green energy. Many third party suppliers of energy provide green energy electricity that is produced from renewable resources. This energy is delivered to consumers by way of their local electric utility company. The consumer who opts for this green pays a small premium each month on her or his utility bill as the additional cost of the green energy they are getting. The other option is to buy directly from the green energy supplier.

Of course, when a consumer buys the green energy via the local utility company he or she can not know its really green energy in other words, they do not know that they truly got what they paid extra for. It is a matter of trust. The local electric company buys the electricity from the various producers. These can be nuclear, coal, hydroelectric power on a large scale or green such as solar and .

Must electricity from the local utility company in any country comes from fossil fuels or nuclear power that is not renewable and or pollutes the environment to a high and dangerous level. Green energy is the current provider of a of our worlds electricity. In fact, when utility companies buy green energy for the consumers that request it they generally only buy 25 percent of what they ultimately provide to all.

Consumers who sign up with their local utility provider to pay a premium each month for green energy are not only helping to save their environment but they are also sending a message to the utility companies and the legislature that they are willing to pay extra for healthy air for us all.

There are environmentally conscious, forward thinking countries such as the Netherlands that have committed themselves to matching their consumers purchase of green energy with an equal amount of green energy buy for governmental use. The government of Holland exempts green energy producers and users from its pollution tax. This exemption brings the cost of green energy consumption down considerably.

Several organizations in Europe promote the consumption of green energy, and there are a number of green energy providers, although the high cost of electricity in those countries has kept the use of the less expensive gas and oil the majority provider.

At work now are efforts to distribute cheap renewable electricity in these countries so the average electrical consumer can afford to support the environment and clean air efforts with the use of green energy products. Consumers can install their very own renewable green energy system, based locally.

This may be solar, wind or even water power. Geothermal heat pumps also provide green energy by tapping a few feet into the earths temperature.

Many U.S. states now offer monetary incentives for those who want to use the more costly green energy electricity sources. James Copper is a writer for http://www.plumbingcareer.co.uk ]]> Renewable Energy Trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:20:00 +0000 alternative power sourcesrenewable energy industryrenewable energy laboratoryrenewable energy technologiesnational renewable energy laboratorywhole foods marketnational renewable energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends renewable energy industry was worth getting into, with the promise of profitability, energy efficiency, and social/environmental "good karma" all in one tidy package. The following are some of the latest ways we've seen this collective foray into renewable energies take shape.

The Workforce: Businesses are given tax credits for changing over their sources of electricity to certain renewable energies, steadily increasing the demand for workers in every area of the industry =96 from research and development to manufacturing to distribution to installation, service and support.

More and more states are taking the federal government's lead and implementing their own public incentive programs and benefit funds to encourage greater renewable energy usage, with the same result. According to a report released by the National , in the five years between 2001 and 2006 the voluntary demand for renewable energies increased a thousand-fold. The bottom line is as clear as sunlight - the renewable energy industry creates jobs.

The Corporations: General Electric, , Safeway, Starbucks, General Motors, Kinko's, FedEx =96 these are but some of the world-leading companies that have made and continue to make an active and aggressive switch to renewable energies.

In the case of many companies, this comes in the form of purchasing renewable energy credits to supplant their local utility usage. In other cases, the forays into renewable power run deeper, producing their own biofuels, setting up their own wind farms, and investing in research and development into improved .

The Military: The Pentagon has ordered all branches of the U.S. military to curb energy use by 2% at all bases and facilities through pursuit of , including wind and solar energies.

The President: President Bush's ranch, the Crawford Ranch, is equipped with all the latest and greatest in renewable energy resources and operates entirely off the grid.

The World: The Australian government has a stated objective of increasing the proportion of its total electricity production that comes from renewable energy sources by 78% by the year 2010. The United Kingdom's goals are a bit more modest but praiseworthy nonetheless, shooting for 10% from only 3.6%, also by the year 2010.

The Future: An inventor by the name of Todd Livingstone has a patent currently pending on a technology to harness the power packed into lightning bolt, estimated at 11 gigawatts each. A Canadian engineer believes that his Atmospheric Vortex Engine is the way to tame a funnel cloud (also known as a tornado). The "Manchester Bobber" is a patented new device for harnessing the power of the up and down motion of waves.

Floating wind systems. Harnessing the power of differences in atmospheric pressure between geographically distant cities. Semi-transparent photovoltaic glass used as windows in office buildings. MIT's self-described "Manhattan Project" for new, renewable sources of power. Installing devices in highway off-ramps that harness the power of vehicles braking. Generate biomass energy from trees downed in hurricanes.

And if we look further down the horizon, what else can we see? Maybe the next big thing will be Focus Fusion, a technology for producing new zero-emission power plants the size of gas stations. Maybe it'll be Blackligh Power, a technology that harnesses power from particles called "hydrinos" which are even smaller than atoms of hydrogen. Or maybe it'll be electromagnetic energy. Whatever renewable energy trends we have in store for us next, there is one thing we can all count on: as the demand for these types of renewable power sources continues its steady rise, funding for research and development into new and better ways of harnessing renewable energy will also increase, leading to more efficient and affordable energy alternatives for us all. For easy to understand, in depth information about renewable energy visit our ezGuide 2 http://biogreenlife.com ]]> Renewable Energy Is The Future http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-is-the-future http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-is-the-future#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 02:15:03 +0000 bio dieselgeneration of electricityphotovoltaic solar cellspassive solar designinternal combustion enginessolar renewable energyrenewable energy resource http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-is-the-future
There are many ways to use the sun to generate renewable energy. These can include the through , the generation of electricity through a concentration of solar power, or the generation of electricity by turbines and a solar updraft tower which traps heated air and thus rotates the turbines.

can heat many dwellings and other commercial buildings through a . It can heat food with the use of a solar oven, and heat air or water for hot water or heating space with the thermal panels we mentioned earlier. Solar chimneys are also another means of heating and cooling air.

Another is bio matter, which produces bio fuel. Plants are one example of bio fuel sources. Sugar can give off , bagasse and ethanol. These can be burned in boilers or . The typical method is to burn the bio fuel, thus releasing its chemical energy. Researchers are strenuously working on other ways of converting these bio fuels into electricity, perhaps through such as fuel cells.

Liquid bio fuel is composed of either bio alcohol ethanol is one example or bio oil. Vegetable oil and bio diesel are two examples of the this type of fuel. Bio diesel is used in diesel engines and doesnt require much if any modification to the engine for that to happen. It can be devised from animal and virgin vegetable oil, from waste and from fats also referred to as lipids. Not only can you use virgin vegetable oil in a diesel engine but these engines were actually first designed to run not on fossil fuel but on vegetable oil.

The primary benefit of using renewable bio diesel energy is that its emissions are considerably lower. Carbon monoxide and other harmful hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by 20-40 percent with bio diesel energy. There are areas where farmers grow corn, sugar beets, switch grass, sugar cane and corn stalk for the express purpose of providing energy for fuel cells and combustion engines. These products produce ethanol, otherwise known as grain alcohol, which is becoming more and more common an automotive fuel resource. E85, an automotive fuel, is made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. It is now being sold to the general public.

Future plans, or at least future hopes, for renewable energy include biosynthetic liquid fuel to run our vehicles. The process that would manufacture this would more than likely be a biomass-to-liquid production method, which is also known as Fischer-Tropsch processing, after its founders.

Sugar cane is actually a direct renewable bio fuel energy resource, too. Either the crop is grown specifically for combustion or it is used for other things and the waste that comes from the plant, after processing, is then used for combustion. James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk/domestic-energy-assessor-training.htm ]]> Energy Assessors Can Help Us Go Green http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-assessors-can-help-us-go-green http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-assessors-can-help-us-go-green#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:30:01 +0000 duke energywhat this meansgreen energydefraykilowatt hourskilowatt hourpilot program http://www.artwoo.com/article/energy-assessors-can-help-us-go-green Green energy is gaining proponents throughout the globe. Many utility companies, notably in the United States, are now offering the opportunity for residents and commercial customers to choose to go green. One of the latest of these programs took place in Cincinnati Ohio just recently, when a major utility, Ohio, announced that its green energy application had been approved by the states public utilities commission.

is that Duke Energy Ohio customers, whether residential or commercial does not matter, can now choose renewable green energy as their source of power for their homes, stores, warehouses, or offices. They can choose biomass power, solar power, wind power, low head hydropower or anything else renewable and available within their part of the state. They still pay their energy bill as they always have, although they may see a slight increase in the cost.

The way this Ohio green energy program works is that Duke Energy has designated one initial 200 block of green energy for each month, and has another option to purchase additional 100 kilowatt blocks as needed in response to customer demand. Green energy customers would pay an addition 2.5 cents for each of these kWh above the standard Duke Energy rate. This cost is to the added expanse of renewable energy.

Duke Energy took the stand that green energy is becoming more and more important to the environment and its residents. It is the utilitys hope that this program will encourage additional participation in and development of green energy programs throughout the entire state of Ohio and beyond. It was the decision of Duke Energy executives that customers were ever more environmentally and green energy conscious and needed this additional electric service option.

The Duke Energy Ohio green energy program is in its pilot program phase until January 1, 2009. Based on the continued and growing supply of renewable energy and customers willingness to participate the program will continue beyond the pilot. In the very near future Duke Energy Ohio customers will be able to go direct to the companys Web site and sign up for green energy. Users can already go to the Duke Energy site and learn about green energy and how it saves their money and their environment as well. Videos that educate customers on the various money and energy saving options are found there, as well as information on loan sources for energy conservation that include installation of green energy equipment and measures. There are also some grants available for companies and consumers who want to go green.

Duke Energy Corporation, the parent of Duke Energy Ohio is one of the largest of the U.S. electric power providers, with nearly four million customers. In the Midwest and North and South Carolina, Duke Energy supplies 37,000 megawatts of electricity. In Kentucky and Ohio it is the major supplier of natural gas. Outside of the United States, Duke Energy supplies 4000 electric megawatts to various parts of Latin America.

Duke Energy Ohio has 680,000 electric power customers and 42,000 natural gas customers. James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk/domestic-energy-assessor-training.htm ]]> Chemical Energy; Why We Use It More Than Any Other Form Of Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/chemical-energy-why-we-use-it-more-than-any-other-form-of-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/chemical-energy-why-we-use-it-more-than-any-other-form-of-energy#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 12:10:02 +0000 chemical energymost commonly usedfossil fuelschemical reactionschemical reactionchemical compoundatoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/chemical-energy-why-we-use-it-more-than-any-other-form-of-energy chemical energy is by far the . Whether in the batteries that power all of our handheld devices and their s, or in the millions of uses we've developed for and their numerous chemical reactions, chemical energy is a staple of our daily lives. Coal is burned for energy throughout the world, gasoline combusts every day in our vehicles, and natural gasses are burned for heating energy every night.

It's on a very basic level that chemical energy is stored. A is composed of very simple collections of , bound together. When the bond between these atoms loosens, a chemical reaction takes place and new combinations are created. Very simple reactions, such as the oxidation of metals occurs almost constantly.

However, when a chemical reaction occurs that is exothermic, in which energy is actually released and the chemical compound is reduced, it is possible to harvest that energy for our everyday use. The very simple processes that we observe every day such as the warming of the ground when the sun beats down on it are the same basic concepts that apply to these chemical reactions. For humanity to fully harness this chemical energy though, it's necessary to understand just what happens and how we can make it happen.

Chemical energy is stored in every bond between atoms in a molecule. If a molecule is broken down and reformed into new molecules, energy is released. This kind of reaction is present in every chemical compound we see; however it is the yield of energy that differs. Food, for example, is chemically broken down by our bodies and taken apart to obtain energy within our bodies. After the energy is removed from the food, the new molecules are separated, energy absorbed for our everyday use, and waste removed.

Another example of a simple chemical reaction used to obtain energy, is in the photosynthetic process a plant undertakes to garner energy from the sun. So much energy is present in the light of the sun that a plant is able to take it and apply to existing molecules in its own structure and create new ones with the presence of carbon dioxide and water.

Chemical energy is the easiest and most efficient energy source to store and utilize, if only because it is so readily available, found in nearly everything we use. Chemical energy, as used by our bodies has been the source of life for billions of years and the developments in chemical energy technology has led to long lasting rechargeable batteries and hopefully in renewable energy resources in the future. For more information on energy resources visit http://www.energyresourcesnet.com/ ]]> Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:22:29 +0000 nitrogen fixing bacteriarenewable energy sourcehydrogen cellagricultural research serviceselecting agentnitrogen gashydrogen gas http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans
In other words, the hunt for renewable, or at least cleaner, fuels is one front in the battle against climate change.

The (ARS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, has found a hitherto unknown method of producing an energy source that does not create carbon gas emissions.

Hydrogen is a that is already being used by some car manufacturers as an alternative to traditional, environmentally damaging fuels. It is also being used by some homes in Japan as an alternative method of heating their water.A contains hydrogen and oxygen, and when the two meet heat and water are formed. The Japanese system works by placing a cell holding this reaction next to a standard water system and letting the heat warm up the water.

This new ARS research, which has taken over twenty years to complete, has looked into the potential use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in creating . Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are best known for their role in stimulating agricultural growth. Slash-and-burn agricultural practices encourage such bacteria, and once in the soil these little helpers attach to the roots of plants, converting nitrogen into a chemical form that plants use to grow. The ARS research focused on finding a that could distinguish between those bacteria that do produce and those that do not. This process would otherwise require some serious scientific endeavour -- namely genetic medication or genomic sequencing, which nobody wants to do.

Once they had these bacteria the ARS scientists found the gene that caused all the hydrogen produced to be released rather than fixed, and from that they created a fuel that can be turned into a green energy.

This is not the first study to suggest that environmentally friendly renewable hydrogen cells may be created from organic matter. Towards the end of last year a study found that certain bacteria that feed on biodegradable organic waste can be encouraged to produce hydrogen gas by letting them come into contact with electricity. Of course, even though the cars running off this type of fuel would not create any green house gases -- just water -- the actual manufacturing of the fuels, as it requires electricity, would not necessarily be carbon neutral.

Both last years' study, which came out of Penn State University, and this ARS research are similar in that they both suggest that the future of renewable energy might not necessarily come from controversial ethanol biofuels. These biofuels, which were once lauded as our best hope for green, renewable energy, have had trouble in the face of global food shortages, as many people cannot justify producing a fuel on land and from crops that could be used for feeding people.

The hunt for renewable and green energy sources should be seen as one of the most vital scientific endeavours going on right now, and let's hope that the people holding the purse strings in our universities and in our Research and Development departments are spending their money wisely.Matt Gammie is a writer for ecoswitch]]> Sun Sational Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy#comments Mon, 15 May 2006 09:32:05 +0000 solar energy societysolar energy systemamerican solar energyinternational solar energygeothermal energyamerican solar energy societybiofuels http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy Solar Energy Society is a national non-profit group that dedicates itself to promoting and advancing solar energy use to benefits the national as well as global environment. It is the ASES mission to promote widespread use of solar engery for the short term as well as long term.

The Society publishes a bi-monthly magazine that has won a number of awards. Called Solar Today, it covers all facets of solar energy and other renewable energy technological breakthroughs. Continuous topics addressed in the issues include case study building, solar and other energy policies and projects on a community-wide scale.

ASES is the U.S. arm of the Society, and as such dedicates itself to adoption and development of renewable energy including solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy, , ocean energy, energy from and overall energy efficiency.

Some specific and ongoing ASES projects include the promotion of regional and national short and long term solar energy sue, the organization of the national conference on solar energy, the annual nationwide solar tour, and the online newsletter, the Sunbeam. ASES also sponsors roundtable discussion on solar energy and related issues in our nation's capital, distributes publications of interest to solar energy advocates, and organizes a network for solar action.

On its Web site ASES publishes answers to frequently asked solar energy questions. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions and their answers.

Can solar energy be used for my home or my business? How do I determine if I will have enough sun for it?

The answer is that there are few places where the solar energy would not be adequate to meet at least some of your needs. A solar energy system designer in your area, or an installer or builder or solar architect can assess your requirements for power, your property, the type of system you would need, the availability of sun and other factors to make the determination if your solar energy system would meet your power needs. Typically, a solar energy system will give off plenty of energy even on a cloudy day. It will just give you less than on a sunny day.

The next question is about whether solar electricity can be used to heat a home or office's water? The answer is that this is impractical, as a solar water heating system is much more cost effective. Similar, if you want to heat a small space you could do this best with equipment that creates solar thermal heat with passive solar designs or collectors that are transpired. http://energy-hq.com Learn everything you need to know about Energy, from conserving it to energy drinks ]]> The Hottest Topic of the Moment, Renewable Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-hottest-topic-of-the-moment-renewable-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-hottest-topic-of-the-moment-renewable-energy#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:50:26 +0000 electricity electricitysource of electricitysolar calculatorsunrise to sunsetsolar electricitystreet lampspower of the wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-hottest-topic-of-the-moment-renewable-energy
, electricity from the sun!

From the sun produces an unimaginable amount of energy each and every day, and all you have to do is tap into that energy. You can use a solar collector to help heat the water in your home or use a Solar cell to convert the sun's energy to electricity, and if you have ever used a I am sure you understand the idea. This has moved on from the calculator to cells helping to providing power to homes, cars, , cell phones the list is endless. You will find solar cells helping provide power from the Artic to the equator.

Wind Energy

For thousands of years man has harnessed the , it used to be the only way a ship could get across the oceans. You will have also seen windmills that harnessed to power of the wind to grind grains or to pump water. Nowadays we are harnessing the power of the wind to create a clean in all parts of the world. Wind Farms have been appearing all over the countryside, and can produce enough electricity to power thousands of homes. They are surprisingly simple in how they work, the blades of the windmill and connected to an electrical generator through the use of gears and shafts, that mean when the blades turn electricity is created by the generator.

Water Power

Water power is another example of renewable energy that has been used for hundreds of years. The earliest machines were waterwheels, which back then, provided power for grain mills and lumber cutting. Hydroelectricity, as it is now called is the same principle but on a larger scale, the power of the water is used to turn turbines to produce electricity. Hydro power produces an impressive 60% of the electricity in Canada today, unfortunately, the United States are nowhere as close.

For the home owner the simplest ways to get started in producing alternative energy is to look at solar power or wind power, there are now a multitude of options available to get started with. Remember you don't have to start big, as big changes usually come from lots of small ones, so what small change are you going to make today.Gavin Dye is the webmaster at Solar Power 4u where you can learn about solar power and other forms of alternative energy you can use around your home. You can also learn how you can do your bit to stop Global Warming.]]> Clean Sources Of Energy To Avoid Contributing To Global Warming http://www.artwoo.com/article/clean-sources-of-energy-to-avoid-contributing-to-global-warming http://www.artwoo.com/article/clean-sources-of-energy-to-avoid-contributing-to-global-warming#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:27:04 +0000 alternative sources of energywind turbinesenvironmental protection agencysolar cellsgeothermal energyelectricity generatoras a matter of fact http://www.artwoo.com/article/clean-sources-of-energy-to-avoid-contributing-to-global-warming Environmental Protection Agency has formed a partnership to help encourage the usage of these .

Wind energy is one option when it comes to renewable power. Large spinning turbines harvest the movement of the air, and the energy is transferred into an for usage in any application. While it's not available everywhere, wind energy represents one of the fastest sectors of growth when it comes to alternative power sources, and it is consequently one of the most widely used alternative sources. , since the year 2000, the number of present in the United States has more than doubled!

Solar power is another significant source of renewable energy. known as photovoltaics are placed on sun-catching areas such as the roof of a house. These cells turn light energy into electricity, and enough electric panels can provide power for an entire home, leaving you independent of the energy companies altogether.

represents a source of energy that is not commonly discussed. Heat from underneath the earth's surface is harvested as steam, which helps to spin a turbine much in the way of wind power. The spinning motion is sent to an electricity generator, and the power can be used in any modern application.

Low impact hydropower represents another significant source of renewable energy. Incorporating the use of a turbine, hydropower is created in streams and rivers which produce enough of a force to properly spin the turbines. Many aspects of hydropower need to be approved to ensure that the turbines do not significantly effect wildlife that may be living in the area where the energy is being harvested. Most hydropower sources do not dam a river up; they operate with the river in free-flow as to minimize the effect on the environment.

While these sources may not be easy to come by, your conscience can be unburdened regarding the climate crisis by switching to one of these environmentally friendly sources of energy. Do your part in helping to change our planet for the better! Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://iweatherworld.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://irealestatecentral.com/ and http://fortheloveofscience.com/ ]]> The Power Generated From Sun And Wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-power-generated-from-sun-and-wind http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-power-generated-from-sun-and-wind#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:20:00 +0000 solar water heatersolar energy systemshot water systemtoxic hydrocarbonspalm springs cauk householdswind turbines http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-power-generated-from-sun-and-wind toxic hydrocarbons that make us and our earth sick. Some green energy sources are sun, wind and water.

Green energy produced by the sun is called solar energy, generally captured through solar panels. There are two types of these solar panels. Each uses its own technology to create this green solar energy. collectors are green energy panels that absorb the suns energy and transfer it to water to heat it Solar or photovoltaic electric panels transform the radiation from the sun directly into electrical energy. For the best efficiency in solar green energy homeowners or contractors should mount the panels on a roof that faces south and at a 30 degree angle from the horizontal, and not near any shade or shadow caused by surrounding buildings, trees or chimneys.

for water hearing are the most popular green energy in use in the United Kingdom. Connected to a homes , the solar panels provide more than half of each hot water for a year. The two choices in solar collectors to heat water are evacuated tubes or flat plates.

Wind has been a source of green energy for several years. The primary early use of this green energy is to pump water and mill grain. Recently improvements in the technology of have enabled the use of harnessed wind for the generation of electricity. In high wind areas such as , for example, youll see hundreds of wind turbines turning continually on the hills along the major thoroughfares. The electricity these generate then get exported to a grid for local use or for energizing a standalone application.

Wind as green energy has enormous potential both offshore and onshore for farming. It is one of the safest and cleanest of any of the renewable energy methods. The largest green energy source is the UKs use of wind energy. There youll find small green energy battery charging by wind at the lower end of the wind energy spectrum and huge wind farms that produce vast amounts of electricity at the higher end. While wind is currently producing less than one percent of the worlds energy green or otherwise, it has the potential for providing more than 10 percent. The expectation is that this will happen within the next twenty years, especially due to its highly competitive cost. Green energy from wind is very simple to create and maintain, and still leaves the surrounding land available for farming or development.

Of course, as with any green energy, neither solar or wind energy produce emissions or pollutants during their operation. About the only negative for either is the fact that some folks object to the look of the wind turbines, claiming it has a negative visual impact. Others disagree. James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk ]]> How To Get A Career In Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-career-in-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-career-in-energy#comments Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:19:51 +0000 energy efficiencyinsresidential dwellingsefficiency factorsefficiency reportsenergy efficientenergy legislation http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-a-career-in-energy residential dwellings.

One of the best energy courses to start your understanding of in the UK is called Energy Efficiency from A to Z. The energy course came about with the UK government understanding that the energy used in the United Kingdoms residential dwellings now represents the greatest part of the countrys total use of energy.

Regulations in both the UK and all of Europe now demand improvement in energy standards and energy-.

The first in a series of energy courses, this introductory one day look at energy efficiency is designed to teach domestic energy assessor candidates, builders, home owners, home buyers, landlords, property managers and any other interested individuals and organizations the and outs of making residential dwellings .

Included in the information of this and other energy courses will be a look at the UK legislation that regulates energy and the reasons behind the implementation. These courses will also study throughout other parts of Europe. This energy course will provide a practical look at the factors involved in making a home energy efficient.

Those who attend this energy course should, at the end of the day, know and understand several key energy . They should understand why it is important to become as energy efficient as possible, both from the eyes of the home dweller and the government.

They should have a clear understanding of all new and old legislation. One important law that they will fully study is the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings. Included as well will be country-specific building and housing regulations that have energy-efficient elements.

This and subsequent energy courses will define and study fuel poverty as well as ways to combat the problem. The course will teach home energy rating systems and the regulations for compliance.

Those who attend this energy course will learn as well about the various choices of heating, cooling and hot water controls and systems. They will be trained in comparison of the costs of each. They will be apprised of grants and other funding help that is available for those who want to improve on their homes energy efficiency.

They will learn the meaning and the value of renewable energy, as opposed to non-renewable fossil fuel use. They will also learn about ways to conserve on heating costs, through things like ventilation, insulation and reduction of condensation.

This, as with all the government-provided energy courses, is open to many. Attendees at these energy courses include front line energy assessment teams such as domestic energy assessors, members and staff of local authority agencies, staff of pertinent housing associations, health and medical care professionals, staff and managers of utility and other energy firms, homeowners, landlords, property management staff and potential home buyers. James Copper works for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk who offer energy assessor training courses for people who want a new career. ]]> What Is Solar Power - Your Questions Answered http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-solar-power-your-questions-answered http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-solar-power-your-questions-answered#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:30:00 +0000 environment solar powerusing solar powercharge regulatoroutput energycharge controllerbattery chargesrenewable fuel http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-solar-power-your-questions-answered
There are two different principles that are used with solar power. If you want to produce hot air or hot fluids, then solar thermal principles are used. However, if you want to product electricity, photovoltaic principles are used instead. If you want to produce solar power, there are four components that are needed, including a battery, a , a solar panel, and an inverter.

It is the solar panels that actually get the radiation from the sun and use it to charge up the battery. Then, the actually makes sure that the as it should. Of course, probably the most important pieces of equipment are going to be the solar panels and usually they in watts. These panels can be wired in a variety of ways, although usually parallel or series wiring is done to either increase the amperage or the voltage.

So, are there benefits to ? Yes! There are a variety of amazing benefits to using solar power. In fact, many people all over the world are already using this type of energy to supply their electricity. Some of the benefits are as follows:

- Creation of new hi-tech jobs - Protection of the environment - Solar power is abundant, free and renewable - Fuel supply is diverse - Rapid and cheap deployment

As long as the sun is hanging there in the sky, we will be able to have the energy that solar power produces. In fact, there is so much energy there, more than 10,000 times the amount of energy we need is available. You should learn as much as possible about solar power so that you will know about the great benefits offered and how your life will change for the better if you decide to go with solar power instead of using other energy sources.

CONCLUSION

Whether you have a business or a home, you'll find that solar power can offer many advantages for both. Solar power is one of several alternative fuel energy sources that is cheap and renewable. From a business perspective this can add to the bottom line tremendously. From the home perspective using this can cut down on expenses. Since solar power is friendly to the environment, you will not have to worry about toxins or pollutants from this type of energy and you won't have to worry about the issue of global warming either. Milton Barnes makes it easy to use solar lighting quickly and easily. Learn the essential keys to solar lighting power. To learn more about Solar Lighting Power visit: http://www.solarlightingresources.com ]]> Home Ethanol Production http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-ethanol-production http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-ethanol-production#comments Wed, 02 May 2007 08:20:00 +0000 corn ethanolproduction of ethanoltake into considerationconversion kitsgrain productionfuel shortagesirrigated grain http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-ethanol-production
The words home ethanol production are creating a buzz all of the USA, because of fears of and price increases, plus global warming and pollution, people are getting more interested in home ethanol production. One thing to with the , is safety, so it would be a good idea to get as much information as you can before starting. If your intention is to run your car on it you will probably need to check ethanol .

Relating to Home Ethanol Production:

Home ethanol production is considered essentialy a major deal in the renewable energy debate, and in regards to the issue of homespun ethanol production, there are some facts that should really be known relative to an acre of US corn yielding approximately 7,100 pounds of grain for processing into 328 gallons of ethanol; the energy economics get worse at the processing plants, where the grain is crushed and fermented, as many as three distillation steps are needed in order to separate the 8% ethanol from the 92% water.

When adding up the energy costs of and its following conversion to ethanol, it has been found that 131,000 BTUs are needed in order to be able to make just 1 gallon of ethanol; one gallon of ethanol only has an energy value of 77,000 BTU, which is considered as being clearly not good.

Possible negatives with ethanol production:

Figures show that US grain production today erodes the top soil about 12 times faster than it can be reformed or replaced, with using groundwater 25% quicker than it can be naturally be replaced by rain etc. If you add to these figures that costs approximately $1.74 a gallon to produced, in comparison to the 94 cents per gallon that gasoline costs, its clear that more investigation is required before committing more and more resources to ethanol production.

There are so many questions with concerning home ethanol production and the production of ethanol in the private sector with regards to the environment and also to the quality of life in general, as to whether or not ethanol is the proper choice as a renewable energy source; there are actually so many positive factors that stem from it, and yet many negative ones as well, and so this is a matter which is almost certainly going to take some serious time and consideration to accurately figure out.

However, there are some top-notch brilliant people in the world who are looking closely into the ethanol situation at this moment, this will also include home ethanol production, and so we can rest assured in knowing that the problem will be taken care of properly. http://ecoholistic.com : For information, articles and tips about ecological and holistic topics. Home Ethanol Production At http://www.EcoHolistic.com ]]> Solar Power -- Advantages And Disadvantages http://www.artwoo.com/article/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages http://www.artwoo.com/article/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages#comments Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:27:02 +0000 solar energy systemsenergy from the sunsolar power systemsgreenhouse gasessulfur dioxideelectricity billenergy solar http://www.artwoo.com/article/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages
The Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy saves you money, period. Once you recover the cost of installing the equipment, there is no running cost as the is 100 percent free. Since production of solar energy does not require any fuel, you aren't affected by its supply and demand, or the ever-increasing price of gasoline.

Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, and so protects the environment in a number of days. Unlike gas, coal, and oil, the supply of solar energy is renewable, though only for the next 4.5 billion years. Unlike more traditional forms of electricity generation, it doesn't pollute the environments with carbon dioxide, or mercury. We would be healthier if more people get their energy from solar power.

Since solar energy doesn't release any pollutants into the air, it does 'ot contribute to global warming. Rather, it contributes to the decrease in emissions of . can operate independently, without any dependence on a power or a gas grid. Not only does solar energy reduce your , it is available at all times and is not affected by power outages.

The are practically maintenance free. Once installed, they can last for decades, with no recurring costs. They are silent in operation and do not create any offensive smells. If your electric needs increase, extra panels can be added to the existing system.

The Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The main disadvantage of solar energy systems is their initial installation costs, as the semi-conducting materials are expensive. To achieve a good level of efficiency, solar panels require a large area for installation. The location of the sun also affects the efficiency of the system, but this is overcome by installation of extra components--an added cost.

Pollution in the air, as well as the presence of clouds, affects the production of solar energy. There is no production of solar energy at night. However, this can be taken care of with a battery backup system or net metering. Net metering is a scheme, available in 40 states and Washington D.C., through which your utility company buys the extra energy that your solar energy system produces from you, building up a credit on your account. If you need to buy some of this back, you might break even. http://www.real-estate-magazine.com http://www.tech-tips-now.com ]]>