Which is better Hydro power energy ,or Solar power energy?

Posted on November 28, 2011 by admin

I’m doing a science fair project and i need some help. Which is better hydro powerr or solar power. Where I live, there are streams running in the backyard off everyones house. So hydro power is more usful here. What do y’all think?

hydropower is proven and reliable technology and currently the most dominant source of renewable energy in United States while solar power is the fastest growing industry in the country ans also the most abundant renewable energy source.
any way here’s more info:

http://www.renewables-info.com/hydropower/hydropower.html

http://www.renewables-info.com/solar_energy/solar_energy.html

Posted in solar power energy | 7 Comments

With respect to thermal energy, in the form of radiation from the sun – why does a solar water heater?

Posted on November 18, 2011 by admin

i: use copper pipes
ii: have a black surface
iii: has a large suface area

1/ Copper is a good heat conductor (which is a reason not to use it!).
But it is:- easy to work with, relatively cheap, and readily available.

2/ Black surface best for absorption of radiant heat.

3/ More area, more heat absorbed.

Posted in solar thermal energy | 3 Comments

Solar energy that makes it to Earth’s atmosphere is transformed to thermal energy.Thoroughly explain how.?

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

This is an extra credit i really need please help it would be very helpful!!!!

The simple answer is through electromagnetic interaction. The photon energy of the incoming radiation is transferred in whole or in part to atoms in the atmosphere. As these atoms absorb the energy they begin to move faster, and collide with other particles. Before you know it, there is a large area of faster moving atoms and molecules, raising the temperature of the surrounding area and producing thermal energy.

Posted in solar thermal energy | 2 Comments

How is Solar Thermal energy used?

Posted on November 11, 2011 by admin

Is this energy resoure used in Australia? and if so to what extent? (Is it a large-scale energy resoure, or just used on a small scale? Where in Australia is it used – accross most of the country or only in a particluar part

Is this energy resource used across the world and if so, to what extent? Which countries are the main ones using it? Is there a reason why some countries are using it and others arnet?
Thanks

Are you speaking of Solar energy?
Where the sun shines on Solar panels and is used to generate electricity?
People put them on the roof of their house in the UK.

They don’t use it much in Norway because they dont get much sun
Norway is steep and has rivers so they use hydroelectricity there.
I believe it’s used in africa on a small scale, great sun but not much development there
Australia is very sunny and very developed, no wars no terrorists to destroy the solar panals.
Money to buy them in the frfst place.

Posted in solar thermal energy | 1 Comment

How does solar energy help power the motion of water in Earth’s oceans?

Posted on October 13, 2011 by admin

Solar energy is the driving force of weather on Earth. In the water cycle, the sun is responsible for evaporation of ocean water. If you have anything to add or if I am wrong please correct me. Thank you in advance to all the smart astronomers who are willing to help.

the hydrologic cycle is driven by evaporation, condensation and precipitation to say the absolute least.

but the motion of Earth’s oceans and tides is mostly affected by the MOON; the sun contributes a little less than the moon based on its vast distance.

so you’re right about the water cycle, but the motion of oceans is mostly due to the moon and plate tectonics

(To be honest, geologists would probably know more about this than astronomers ;) just sayin’)

Posted in solar power energy | 2 Comments

Where can I find the solution manual for Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems?

Posted on September 30, 2011 by admin

I have been assigned a TA for solar engineering class. I am looking for the solution manual for Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems.

Can anyone please help me locate this or know of someone I can contact?

Thank you.

Ask the professor that you report to, they should know. Possibly the department has one to lend to you.

Posted in solar energy systems | 1 Comment

Is solar Photovoltaic energy is good investment ROI?

Posted on September 14, 2011 by admin

ROI is all over the place … what is that actually mean ?

It’s like a low yield bond, you’ll make a return but if you had just continued living on the grid for another couple of years and then invested, you would’ve had a much higher return. Current efficiencies of commercial systems are about 15%, the current record in the lab is 42.8% and 65% efficient photovoltaic’s are on the drawing board. Is it worth it to barely have a return over the next 15 to twenty years when the return could be double that over that time period if you just waited another two years?

ROI is return on investment. If you invested in 10 year US Treasury bonds now, you would be getting about a 2% return on investment so it doesn’t make sense to invest on anything unless you get at least a 2% or better return. 20 years at 2% per annum gives you a 48.6% overall return that is $100 invested would give you $148.59 over twenty years, at 4% per annum it would give you 119.11% return over the twenty years in that $100 invested would return $219.11. If you had to wait two years to get the 4% per annum return and then only get 4% for 18 years, you would still get 102.58% return so does it make sense to invest for 20 years at 2% per annum to get a return of 48.6% or to just wait two years to get the 4% per annum return and have a return of 102.58% over the same time frame?

Posted in photovoltaic solar energy | 5 Comments

What do the batteries to store solar energy contain?

Posted on September 11, 2011 by admin

I am told batteries for storing solar energy contain cadmium and small amouts of mercury. Is this true? what else do they contain?

These are your best bet for solar energy batteries, most are just simple car batteries. If you think about it, all is required is that they store electricity. The battery doesn’t know where you generate it from so I have complied a list of batteries you could use for storing solar electricity (bear in mind you will need around 5 of these for it to it be worth your time)

Your choice of solar batteries breaks down into these six groups:

Golf cart batteries – These are relatively cheap but will only last 2-6 years

Regular deep cycle batteries – Reasonably priced and will last 4-8 years

Premium or "heavy-duty" deep cycle batteries – The extra pounds will get you a lifespan of 7-15 years

Sealed gel cell batteries – Cheaper than AGM batteries but will only last 2-5 years

Sealed AGM batteries -Will last 4-7 years with little maintenance

Industrial batteries (e.g. forklift) – These workhorses can last 10-20 years

I know all of this because I work for a Solar Photovoltaic installer and I know just about everything there is to know about them as I have the responsibility of sourcing, ordering & installing the panels!

Hope this helps!

Chris

Posted in solar energy | 4 Comments

Need solar energy solution?

Posted on September 8, 2011 by admin

I am the president of Society in Delhi/Mehrauli. We have around 30 CFL of 15 W each. By that way the total consumption is around 450W. I want to bring to bring them on solar enery. Could you please the cost for the same

Dear Satya

I am really happy that Societies in India are thinking in terms of conservation

But I am afraid a Solar PV solution to cater to 500 w will be far too prohibitive and unweildly

And I need to talk to u in detail to give u a specific solution to your needs

I have helped many communities with energy solutions tailored to their needs

Write in to me at atul292@gmail.com and we can discuss what will suit u

Posted in solar energy society | 3 Comments

What is the best energy out of wind, solar, hydro, nucular, coal, geothermal("heat"), waves or tides?

Posted on September 5, 2011 by admin

I need to know what is the best energy out of wind, solar, hydro, nucular, coal, geothermal ("heat"), waves or tides before tomorrow so plz tell me and don’t say none of them are more good than the others cuz I need one and one only

In economics, "best" would mean the lowest cost per unit of energy. Based on Total System Levelized Cost per megawatt-hour, that would be natural gas.

Posted in wind solar energy | 5 Comments