Solar Power Using Mirrors
Solar
Solar is another ancient energy source that has benefited from the development of modern technology. The oldest forms of Solar Energy used the sun as a direct source of heat. A simple device used to reflect solar energy, the parabola mirror (dish with a concave reflective surface), can be traced to the 3rd century BC Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes. In 1882, the Abel French Pifre demonstrated a parabolic mirror can reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a boiler water, producing power enough steam to run a small printing. Several modern solar power plants use an array of reflectors, which move to follow the sun, concentrating solar energy on a central boiler.
A relatively new type of solar energy, photovoltaic cell, converts sunlight directly into electricity. The photovoltaic cell is a semiconductor device, closely linked to a computer chip, which is based on the photoelectric effect. Discovered by French scientist Edmund Becquerel Antoine in 1839, the photoelectric effect describes how sunlight can create an electrical current generating electrically charged particles.
Developed by scientists Bell Laboratories in 1954, the modern solar cells are typically made of crystalline silicon, a semi-metal. Photovoltaic cells were first developed in the 1960s as a source of energy for orbiting spacecraft in the U.S. space program. They are now widely used as an energy source for spacecraft systems, remote communication, signs and devices consumer electronics such as calculators and watches. Advancing technology has resulted in production costs by 80 percent over the last 20 years, and solar power is emerging as a potential competitor to fossil fuels.
In a new application several companies have integrated solar cells in a new generation of shingles, tiles and window glass, which allows homes and office buildings generate their own electricity. In the U.S., a home equipped with this technology costs about $ 20,000 on average more traditionally powered home. A large market for this technology is currently in Japan, due to a system of government supports introduced in 1995. At the end of 1998, Japan should have at least 25,000 homes to solar energy, enough to electrify a city of 100,000 inhabitants.
Both the U.S. and the EU (EU) has announced plans solar roof in 1997. These programs, which are still under development, are partnerships with state governments and local and private sector. They are intended to provide tax incentives, low-cost financing and other assistance to those want to use solar energy.
The main obstacle to increasing the use of solar energy is cost. Most Experts estimate that the cost of solar cells must be reduced by 50-75 percent to be fully competitive with electricity from the coal. Manufacturing automated, large plants, and cells more efficiently can generate significant cost reductions in the near future. But for now, the cells solar are used mainly in remote regions, where access to other forms of power is severely limited.
A breakthrough that promises to significantly reduce costs is to develop a new generation of thin film solar cells. These cells are less than one hundredth the thickness of conventional solar cells. They do not need to be sliced or rigidly built, eliminating costly, and can be made large, flexible sheets ideal for integration into building materials. Thin-film solar cells also use fewer raw materials, further reducing costs.
Click Find here how you can build your own Electric Power source at home!
About the Author
Nelson Doe is a recognized home energy expert from Nottingham. Click Here To Discover more about building your home energy source here: http://alturl.com/axjij
Solar Flash Steam Cannon Solar Powered Gun Trough Mirror Fresnel Lens
|
|
Brunton ComPro M2 Pocket Transit Military Compass with 0-360 Degree Scale $289.00 Classic, M-2 Military, 0-360 Degree, Com-Pro… |
|
|
Brunton Geo Pocket Transit Compass with 0-360 Degree Scale $599.99 The newest and most advanced Transit, incorporating suggestions and ideas from professionals that make this the ultimate tool for their use. The solid aluminum, waterproof Geo Transit contains a fast, magnetic north seeking, rare-earth magnet, balanced on a sapphire jewel bearing for quick measurements. The most noticeable feature is the hinge inclinometer, accurate to +/- 2?. This feature allows … |
|
|
Celestron Firstscope 114EQ 114mm Reflector Telescope $358.00 The Celestron Firstscope 114 EQ is a Newtonian reflector telescope packaged with two eyepieces and a sturdy equatorial mount. Invented by Sir Isaac Newton, reflector telescopes provide more light gathering power per dollar than any other telescope design. The Firstscope 114 EQ, with 114mm (4.5 inches) of aperture, provides images that are twice as bright as 80mm telescopes, and more than three ti… |
|
|
Concentrating Solar Power (Csp) Technology (Hardcover) $264.38 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Technology represents one of the most advanced renewable energy systems capable of large scale power production. By concentrating direct sunlight using mirrors and/or lenses, much higher operating temperature… |
|
|
Chatsworth Solar Birdbath $233.95 The Chatsworth two-tier solar birdbath is perfect for gardens, patios and balconies.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fountain from natural outdoo |
|
|
Blenheim 2-tier Solar Birdbath $243.95 The?Blenheim two-tier solar birdbath in a black iron finish?is perfect for gardens, patios and balconies.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fountai |
|
|
Ceramic Dove Solar Fountain $77.5 This gorgeous hand crafted dove ceramic solar fountain can be used anywhere outdoors without any electricity. Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fou |
|
|
Ceramic Frog Solar Fountain $77.5 This gorgeous hand crafted green frog ceramic solar fountain can be used anywhere outdoors without any electricity. Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to t |
|
|
Country Gardens Solar Birdbath $171.95 This Country Gardens?Fountain Birdbath is made from lightweight resin with a cast stone weathered finish.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fountai |
|
|
Blue Glazed Fish Solar Fountain $109.95 This gorgeous hand crafted?fish solar fountain can be used anywhere outdoors without any electricity. Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fountain fr |
|
|
Antique Brown Cascade Solar Fountain $120.95 This gorgeous hand crafted multi-tier?antique brown?ceramic solar fountain can be used anywhere outdoors without any electricity. Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is |
|
|
Green Ceramic Solar Cascade Fountain $109.95 This gorgeous hand crafted multi-tier?green ceramic solar fountain can be used anywhere outdoors without any electricity. Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplie |
|
|
Country Gardens 2-Tier Solar Fountain $259.95 The Country Garden 2-tier solar fountain / birdbath is made from lightweight resin with a?weathered stone finish.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the |
|
|
Kensington Gardens 2-Tier Solar Birdbath $258.95 The?Kensington Garden 2-tier solar fountain / birdbath is made from lightweight resin with a?white weathered stone finish.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is suppli |
|
|
Japanese Tea Garden Solar Birdbath $137.95 The Japanese Tea?Garden?Fountain Birdbath is made from lightweight resin with a?leaf green?finish.?Using state of the art solar panel and solar pump technology, power is supplied to the fountain from |
|
|
Solar Power Inverter – SOLPI12000X $204.49 MPN #SOLPI12000X. Solar Power Inverter. Most Electronics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
|
|
Solar POWER INVERTER – SOLPI8000X $90.29 MPN #SOLPI8000X. Solar POWER INVERTER. Most Electronics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
|
|
Solar POWER INVERTER – SOLPI4000X $55.69 MPN #SOLPI4000X. Solar POWER INVERTER. Most Electronics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
|
|
Baytown Solar Lamp W/Planter $229.95 Capture the energy of the sun and enhance your outdoor lighting experience with this beautiful Baytown Solar Lamp/planter in black finish. Using patented cone reflector technology in combination with super bright LEDs, this Solar Lamp/planter will beautifully illuminate your pathway, deck, and pool areas. With a convenient high/low brightest switch, you can choose between a brighter light or longer lasting light at night. The solar lamp/planter will shine for up to 12 hours on the low setting and up to 10 hours on the high setting with a single days solar charge. Solar Lamp is powder-coated cast-aluminum, the planter a durable poly-resin, both are weather resistant requiring no maintenance. The solar lamp/planter turns on at dusk and off at dawn automatically. No wiring needed. It is also portable and can be easily moved to accent different areas of your home and garden as the seasons change. The Solar Lamp/Planter assembles in minutes with no tools required! Super bright LED’s Efficient Li-ion battery pack Manual On/Off with High/Low brightness switch Patented cone reflector creates a brighter light Beveled Glass Planter 15″ wide Available in black finish Voltage-3.2V Charging Capacity-1500mAh Lamp type-6 Super Bright LED Power Source-Solar Panel Light Duration-10-12 hrs Dimensions 77″ |
|
|
Lenmar Sol20 PowerPort Solar – Portable Battery and Charger with Solar Panel $54.99 Basking in the sun all day long may drain your body of energy, but it doesn’t mean that your digital devices have to be drained too. Enjoy the sun and get powered for more fun with the Lenmars Sol20. Keep your smartphone , iPod® and other handheld devices powered on the go with 2100mAh Lithium-Polymer power that gives you hours of extra battery life. Easily recharge your Sol20 using any AC wall adapter, 12V DC car adapter, laptop with USB output, or harness the power of the sun to charge your PowerPort using the solar panel. The Integrated Polycrystalline solar panel provides enough power for a 5-10 minute mobile phone call with a 1 hour solar charge. The sleek design with scratch-resistant black rubberized finish is compact and durable, making it great to travel with. Includes a 1-year warranty. UPC: 29521842593 Manufacturer’s Part Number: SOL20 |
|
|
Universal Solar Power Pack (2700 Mah) $22.99 UNIVERSAL SOLAR POWER PACK (2700 MAH) |
|
|
Universal Solar Power Pack (1350 Mah) $14.99 UNIVERSAL SOLAR POWER PACK (1350 MAH) |
|
|
Imperial Solar Lantern W/Post $269.95 Go Green with our Imperial Solar Lantern. Using our patented cone reflector technology, this classic gas lamp design solar lantern with super bright white LEDs will safely light your entry, elegantly enhance your home, and impress your neighbors. The powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp post are weather and rust resistant requiring no maintenance. Worry-free, the solar lantern turns on at dusk and off at dawn automatically. Solar lantern Post included Automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn Manual Hi/Lo light brightness switch 8 super-bright White LED bulbs New efficient Li-Ion rechargeable batteries included Beautiful beveled glass Patented cone reflector technology to create the brightest light possible Solar lanterns have a durable, rust-resistant frame Available in black finish Rechargeable battery-Li-ion Voltage-3.2V/3,000 Ma Pack Charging Capacity-3000mAh Lamp type-Super Bright 10mm LED with Patented prism Power Source-Solar Panel Light Duration-8-15 hrs |
|
|
Solar e Power $61.99 Solar e Power This unit recharges mobile electronics via sun. It also contains a built-in Li-ion battery which fully recharges in 5-8 hours via sun. |