Solar Energy

throughout the solar system? Do they record the fluctuations in energy levels? Have any parallels to Global Warming been made? Where can that information be obtained?
Do the temperature changes on Mars parallel those on Earth?

I don’t think NASA does specifically, but there are a number of organizations which do.

Satellites have been monitoring solar activity since 1979. Over the past 31 years, solar activity has remained completely flat on average. Here’s the data:
http://www.acrim.com/RESULTS/Earth%20Observatory/earth_obs_fig27.pdf

Scientists have also put together data on solar activity from much further back using various proxies. For example, when there are more sunspots it also means there’s more solar activity, and people have been monitoring sunspot number for centuries. Here’s some longer-term data.
http://www.mps.mpg.de/images/projekte/sun-climate/climate.gif
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/sun-on-earth/600px-Temp-sunspot-co2.svg.png

As you can see, the current global warming is clearly not being caused by the Sun, since solar activity has not increased in over 50 years. This is the conclusion of every scientific study on the subject.
http://www.skepticalscience.com/solar-activity-sunspots-global-warming.htm

We don’t have enough information about the temperature changes on Mars to compare them to those on Earth. We don’t even know for sure if Mars is warming, let alone how much. But we do know that the Sun isn’t causing global warming on Earth right now.

I am looking for the residential and commercial solar panels in San Diego, California, Can some one tell me about the best organization or firm who has a best solar energy panel structure to install on affordable price?

Affordable & Custom Solar Solutions by Clary Solar

They offer solar panels and solar power installation services in California and San Diego. From commercial solar panel to residential solar panel installation. they also we provide customized solar solutions with an emphasis on protecting the environment.

can u explain in your own words what these mean!

photovoltaic cells
active solar energy
passive solar energy
concentrating solar power systems

Photovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years.

Active solar systems use solar collectors and additional electricity to power pumps or fans to distribute the sun’s energy. The heart of a solar collector is a black absorber which converts the sun’s energy into heat. The heat is then transferred to another location for immediate heating or for storage for use later. The heat is transferred by circulating water, antifreeze or sometimes air..

Passive solar heating and cooling represents an important strategy for displacing traditional energy sources in buildings. Anyone who has sat by a sunny, south-facing window on a winter day has felt the effects of passive solar energy.

Linear concentrator systems collect the sun’s energy using long rectangular, curved (U-shaped) mirrors.

i live in western New York and i would also like to know if i could use this system in winter and what the maintenance would be thanks!

Depends on a lot of different things, among other things how big of a space you want to power. The maintenance isn’t much as there really isn’t much to maintain with solar energy. The panels, inverters, batteries, etc come with warranties and the initial cost of the entire system can be reduced greatly by incentives from your utility and from NYS.

Again without specifics of what you want I really cant give you an accurate number. If its worth anything my Uncle used a company called Sun Electronics (based in Miami) for a big retro fit on his house in the Florida Keys. He had Solar and Wind installed so obviously his situation is a bit more advanced than yours, but he plugged in his solar calculation data into their website, then verified it against google and a few other sites and wound up getting a great price. He wound up referring them to my In Laws for a small solar system on their house outside of Chicago and they enjoyed using them as well.

Good Luck

Im triyng to instal a projec with solar panels, i need them to give me 26 KW per day. but i never tough it willbe so difficult to find an inverter and controller..there are so many on themarket.. idont knwo wich one is better for my needs

you need to buy one that can handle what your panels can produce at max output plus a little.
say you want 26kw but your panels can produce 35kw on a good sunny day. If you buy a 30kw inverter, there is a good chance you will fry it.
My advice is read up on your panels and find out what the max they can produce is and then start looking. Even though you will have some loss in the transfer and conversion from ac to dc, it is still better to buy more than you need. That way you can upgrade at a future date if you decide you want more and dont run the risk of having power trip failures or even worse destroying your entire system.
There is alot of information available on this topic on the internet if you search for how to choose and inverter. Some will give you a formula, say 110% of desired output, others will say this is not needed. Read about how to choose one to fit your demand then go looking for one that has the price and features you need.

I was wondering if I can build a residential solar energy system easily? I am pretty good in using tools and everything.

Depending on the rules in your area, you may be able to install at least part of it. You should, or may be required by law to, hire an installer to connect the AC side of it.

Do not get fooled by the build your own scams on the web. Most of them don’t work, and those that do are not allowed to be connected to a home. You must get UL listed panels and inverter.

You can see some residential packages here, http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/c1087/.

To determine the size of the system you need, go to a grid-tied calculator like http://www.altestore.com/store/calculators/on_grid_calculator/.

I also want to know how much go for?

try internet and paid browsing sites

we live in the country and are looking to live "off the grid". We are looking into a turbine in conjunction with a solar system, but the outright cost are VERY high!

Kudos to you! Some states offer an incentive incentive programs for home owners who generate solar energy and contribute to the power grid. For example, in Massachusetts, the state has a program that pays for 50% of the up-front costs of installing a solar power system. Programs vary from state to state.

Furthermore, if you plan to invest in renewable energy, consider staying connected to the power grid and participate in a program known as "net-metering." Some solar power home owners who currently have solar power contribute their excess power back to the power grid.

In return, they get a price break in their electric bill. Also the excess solar power helps reduce the dependency on fossil fuel and nonrenewable energy in the large scale.

Living Off The Grid is a power-packed site on renewable energy and green living. It covers 5 major areas -

• Homemade Wind Generators
• Solar Panel Installation Guide
• Run Your Generator on Biodiesel
• Renewable Energy Solutions
• Build Your Own House

These step-by-step guides show you how to build sustainable energy systems at home to save money, ensure a lifetime supply of green energy and protect the environment as well. Recommended for DIY folks who want the latest in cheap energy & green fuels.

Photosynthesis is used by plants and a semiconductor-based solar cell both harness solar energy. what are three ways these two systems are similar and three ways they are different?

Also what is Thermodynamics and how does it apply to each system?

Same
Absorb solar energy
Transform into useful from
Best oreinted perpendicular to suns rays

Different
chemical vs electrical
self produced vs factory produced
ridged vs fexable

http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx
http://hyperphysics.info/?cx=partner-pub-6503468025187103%3Akxag2b-tx0r&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=thermodynamics

I highly recommend using hyperphysics.info search for all your physics related homework.

Cheers!