How solar energy works ?
Solar energy technologies use the energy that comes from the sun. Inside the sun, hydrogen atoms combine to make helium, and the process produces the extreme amount of heat that is felt on Earth. The core of the sun has a temperature of 36,000,000 °F (20,000,000 _ C). The surface of the sun, called the photosphere, has a temperature of 10,000 _ F (5,538 _ C). The energy that the sun creates has to travel 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers) to reach the surface of Earth.
People on Earth do not feel the full force of the sun, because Earth's upper atmosphere blocks out much of the sun's thermal power. This power, sometimes called radiation, is spread out when it hits the water vapor, molecules of gas, and clouds that surround Earth. The sunlight that does reach the ground is called direct radiation or beam radiation. If the sunlight hits something before reaching the ground, it is called diffuse radiation.
The amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface of Earth is more than ten thousand times the amount of energy used by the world already. A significant amount of the sun's radiant energy, about 69 percent, is reflected back into space by such things as clouds, ice found on the ice caps, land, and bodies of water. Of the energy that is absorbed by Earth, about 70 percent of the absorption is done by the oceans. Solar energy helps keep the oceans from freezing and pushes their currents. It also prevents Earth's atmosphere from freezing.
Current solar technology
Solar technologies can be divided into passive systems or active systems. Passive solar energy projects only employ the sunlight; no other forms of energy are used. Active solar energy systems employ additional mechanisms such as pumps, blowers, or generators to apply or add to the solar energy created. Active systems often make electricity or heat. Solar water heating systems can be either active or passive.
Passive solar systems
Passive solar systems are primarily concerned with the design of buildings, homes, and lighting. Passive solar design focuses on the placement of the home or building and on windows, ventilation, and insulation to cut down on the need for electricity by using the sun. The home or building is designed to maximize the potential of solar energy for heating and cooling. In northern countries such as Canada, where sunshine is not as strong as it is in locations to the south, passive solar heating is one of the easiest forms of solar technology to use.
One important form of passive solar design is known as ''daylighting.'' In daylighting the placement and design of windows is used to encourage natural sunlight to light the inside of a building instead of electric lights. Daylighting helps cut down on lighting costs, and many experts believe that exposure to natural rather than artificial light sources provides health benefits to humans.
Another type of passive solar system is the transpired solar collector. This is a relatively new passive solar technology made of dark perforated metal. Transpired solar collectors are used to heat buildings by heating the air. They can also cool buildings in summertime.
Active solar systems
Active systems include solar collectors (also known as solar panels), which are primarily used on solar hot water heaters; photovoltaic (PV) cells, which make electricity; and concentrated solar power systems (also known as solar thermal systems), which also make electricity but on a larger scale than PV cells.
Solar collectors are used primarily to capture solar energy for use in solar hot water heaters. However, they can also be used to provide heat in a building and even to make the energy to cool a building. While not all solar collectors are used in active solar energy systems, it is more common for solar collectors to be used in an active system than a passive system.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity inside the cell. They are more adaptable than many other types of solar energy technology. In addition to powering satellites, PV cells can be put on buildings to provide electricity for any number of uses.
They do not require direct sun to convert sunlight into electricity. There are at least five types of concentrated solar power systems that focus the sun's power to make electricity on a larger scale than PV cells. They include solar ponds, parabolic trough systems, dish systems and dish-engine systems, solar power towers, and solar furnaces. Mirrors or other reflective devices draw in as much sunlight as possible to these systems. They often track the sun as it moves through the sky in order to capture the most sunlight.
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Concentrated solar power systems usually heat water, or another fluid that is connected to a source of water, to make steam. The steam is used to drive turbines that create electricity. Concentrated solar power systems are primarily used for industrial applications and to make electricity for consumers and businesses on a wide scale.
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¿Cómo trabaja la energía solar?
Las tecnologías de energía solar utilizan la energía que viene del sol. Dentro del sol, los átomos de hidrógeno se combinan para formar helio, y el proceso produce la extrema cantidad de calor que se siente en la tierra. El núcleo del sol tiene una temperatura de 36.000.000 °F (20.000.000 °C). La superficie del sol, llamada la fotosfera, tiene una temperatura de 10,000 °F (5,538 °C). La energía que el sol crea tiene que viajar 93.000.000 millas (150.000.000 kilómetros) para alcanzar la superficie de la Tierra.
La gente en la tierra no siente la fuerza completa del sol, porque la atmósfera superior de la tierra bloquea mucha de la energía térmica del sol. Esta energía, a veces llamada radiación, se dispersa cuando choca el vapor de agua, las moléculas de gas, y las nubes que rodean la Tierra. La luz del sol que alcanza la tierra se llama radiación directa o radiación de haz luminoso. Si la luz del sol choca algo antes de alcanzar la tierra, ésta se llama radiación difusa.
La cantidad de radiación solar que alcanza la superficie de la Tierra es más de diez mil veces la cantidad de energía que el mundo ya utilizó. Una cantidad significativa de la energía radiante del sol, el cerca de 69 por ciento, es reflejada nuevamente hacia de espacio por cosas tales como las nubes, hielo encontrado en los casquetes glaciares, tierra, y las aguas de superficie. De la energía que es absorbida por la Tierra, cerca del 70 por ciento de la absorción es hecha por los océanos. La energía solar ayuda a evitar que los océanos se congelen y empuja sus corrientes. También evita que la atmósfera de la Tierra se congele.
Tecnología solar actual
Las tecnologías solares se pueden dividir en sistemas pasivos o sistemas activos. Los proyectos de energía solar pasivos emplean solamente la luz del sol; no se utiliza ningunas otras formas de energía. Los sistemas de energía solar activos emplean mecanismos adicionales tales como bombas, sopladores, o generadores para aplicar o para agregarse a la energía solar creada. Los sistemas activos con frecuencia generan electricidad o calor. Los sistemas solares para calefacción de agua pueden ser tanto activos como pasivos.
Sistemas solares pasivos
Los sistemas solares pasivos se refieren básicamente al diseño de edificios, de hogares, y de iluminación. El diseño solar pasivo se centra en la ubicación del hogar o del edificio y en ventanas, la ventilación, y la aislación para reducir la necesidad de electricidad usando el sol. El hogar o el edificio se diseñan para maximizar el potencial de la energía solar para la calefacción y refrigeración. En países del norte tales como Canadá, donde la luz solar no es tan fuerte como lo es en localidades al sur, la calefacción solar pasiva es una de las formas más fáciles de tecnología solar a utilizar.
Una forma importante de diseño solar pasivo se conoce como "luz de día". En la "luz del día" la colocación y el diseño de ventanas se utilizan para propiciar que la luz del sol natural ilumine el interior de un edificio en vez de luces eléctricas. La "luz del día" ayuda en la reducción del costo de la iluminación, y muchos expertos creen que la exposición a fuentes de luz naturales en lugar de artificiales proporciona beneficios a la salud de los seres humanos.
Otro tipo de sistema solar pasivo es el colector solar transpirado. Esta es una relativamente nueva tecnología solar pasiva hecha de metal perforado oscuro. Los colectores solares transpirados son utilizados para calentar edificios calentando el aire. Pueden también refrescar edificios en verano.
Sistemas solares activos
Los sistemas activos incluyen los colectores solares (también conocidos como paneles solares), que se utilizan sobre todo en los calentadores de agua caliente solares; células fotovoltaicas (PV), que hacen electricidad; y sistemas eléctricos solares concentrados (también conocidos como sistemas térmicos solares), que también hacen electricidad pero en una escala más grande que las células PV.
Los colectores solares se utilizan sobre todo para capturar la energía solar para el uso en calentadores de agua caliente solares. Sin embargo, pueden también ser utilizados para proporcionar calor en un edificio e incluso para generar la energía para refrescar un edificio. Mientras que no todos los colectores solares se utilizan en sistemas de energía solar activos, es más común que los colectores solares sean utilizados en un sistema activo que en un sistema pasivo.
Las células fotovoltaicas (PV) convierten la luz del sol directamente en electricidad dentro de la célula. Son más adaptables que muchos otros tipos de tecnología de energía solar. Además de impulsar satélites, las células fotovoltaicas se pueden poner en edificios para proporcionar electricidad para cualquier número de aplicaciones.
No requieren sol directo para convertir la luz del sol en electricidad. Hay por lo menos cinco tipos de sistemas eléctricos solares concentrados que enfocan la energía del sol para hacer electricidad en una escala más grande que las células fotovoltaicas. Incluyen los estanques solares, los sistemas concentradores cilíndrico- parabólicos, los sistemas de plato y los sistemas de plato-motor, las torres de energía solar, y los hornos solares. Los espejos u otros dispositivos reflectivos captan tanta luz del sol como sea posible para estos sistemas. Siguen a menudo el sol mientras que se mueve a través del cielo para capturar la mayoría de la luz del sol.
Los sistemas eléctricos solares concentrados generalmente calientan el agua, u otro líquido que esté conectado con una fuente de agua, para hacer el vapor. El vapor se utiliza para impulsar las turbinas que crean electricidad. Los sistemas eléctricos solares concentrados se utilizan sobre todo para usos industriales y para generar electricidad para los consumidores y negocios a gran escala.
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Sierra Solar Light, Set of Four
$120.00 $105.95
4 Sierra Style solar lights. Pre-assembled lights feature the new LED technology for extra long run time. Includes ground stakes and deck/wall mounts [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Brinkmann
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E790s All Infrared Natural Gas Grill With Solar Panel & Single Side Burner On Cart
$9,385.00 $7,179.53
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 3 Infrared Burners. 792 square inches of cooking surface (36 x 22 main grilling area). Includes 23, 000 BTU back burner and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Lenmar PowerPort USB Solar Battery Charger - PPUS20
$33.99
Lenmar PowerPort PPUS20 USB Solar Battery Charger - 5V DC - Mini USB, [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Lenmar
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E660s Propane Gas Grill W/ Solar Panel, One Infrared Burner & Single Side Burner On Cart
$7,974.00 $6,100.11
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burner, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 1 Factory-Installed Infrared Burner (on left side) and 2 Cast Stainless Steel E Burners. 660 square inches of cooking surface (30 x 22 main grilling area). Includes 19, 000 BTU back burner and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Hanging Cypress Solar Light, Set of Four
$218.00 $191.95
Verde finish with frosted glass lens. No wiring - installs in seconds. Can be used as a table lantern. New LED technology for extra-long run times. Multiple LED?s for maximum brightness. Four light set. [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Brinkmann
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Black 7-Foot Solar LED Single-Lantern Outdoor Post Light
$317.00 $270.00
Line your drive or walkway with of our 7? solar lamp posts. Using a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter this tall lamp post will illuminate your pathway with our energy efficient, super-bright LEDs. The gas-light design of our solar lamp is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard. Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant and won?t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. There is also a manual on/off switch for your convenience. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included). [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Black 7-Foot Solar LED Double-Lantern Outdoor Post Light
$432.00 $368.00
Our 7? high solar powered traditional styled lamp posts are in high demand and come with 2 lights which use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. This all alluminium construction tall lamp post will illuminate your garden with our energy efficient, super-bright LEDs. The gas-light design of our solar lamp is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard. Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant and won?t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. There is also a manual on/off switch for your convenience. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included). -Rechargeable battery: Ni-Cd -Voltage: 4 x 1.2V AA -Charging Capacity: 600mAh -Lamp type: Super Bright LED -Power Source: Mono Crystalline Solar Cell -Light Duration: Up to 2 nights [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Black 7-Foot Solar LED Triple-Lantern Outdoor Post Light
$548.00 $466.00
Our 7? high solar powered traditional styled lamp posts are in high demand and come with three lights that use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. This all alluminium construction tall lamp post will illuminate your garden with our energy efficient, super-bright LEDs. The gas-light design of our solar lamp is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard. Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant and won?t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. There is also a manual on/off switch for your convenience. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included). -Rechargeable battery: Ni-Cd -Voltage: 4 x 1.2V AA -Charging Capacity: 600mAh -Lamp type: Super Bright LED -Power Source: Mono Crystalline Solar Cell -Light Duration: Up to 2 nights [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Black Solar LED Outdoor Pier Mount
$188.00 $160.00
This beautiful wall fitting solar light comes ready to install to add a great feature to your home. It uses a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. This all alluminium construction pier mount will illuminate your garden with our energy efficient, super-bright LEDs. The gas-light design of our solar lamp is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard. Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamps that are weather resistant and won?t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. There is also a manual on/off switch for your convenience. -Rechargeable battery: Ni-Cd -Voltage: 4 x 1.2V AA -Charging Capacity: 600mAh -Lamp type: Super Bright LED -Power Source: Mono Crystalline Solar Cell -Light Duration: Up to 2 nights [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E1060s Propane Gas Grill W/ Solar Panel, One Infrared Burner & Single Side Burner On Cart
$12,557.00 $9,606.11
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burner, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 1 Factory-Installed Infrared Burner (on left side) and 3 Cast Stainless Steel E Burners. 1056 square inches of cooking surface (48 x 22 main grilling area). Includes (2) 15, 000 BTU back burners and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E660s Propane Gas Grill With Solar Panel & Single Side Burner On Cart
$7,739.00 $5,920.34
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burners, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. This Fire Magic Echelon BBQ Gas Grill also includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 3 main burners producing 78, 000 BTU. 660 square inches of cooking surface (30 x 22 main grilling area). Includes 19, 000 BTU back burner and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E1060i Natural Gas Built-In Grill W/ Solar Panel, One Infrared Burner & Magic View Window
$8,847.00 $6,767.96
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Features Magic View Window allowing you to view your food without lifting the lid and losing valuable heat. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burner, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Comes ready to be built in to your island opening. 1 Factory-Installed Infrared Burner (on left side) and 3 Cast Stainless Steel E Burners. 1056 square inches of cooking surface (48 x 22 main grilling area). Includes (2) 15, 000 BTU back burners and rotis kit. Island cut-out dimensions: 50 width x 23. 5 depth x 12 height. No hose and/or regulator assembly included. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E660s Natural Gas Grill W/ Solar Panel, One Infrared Burner & Single Side Burner On Cart
$7,974.00 $6,100.11
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. This Fire Magic Echelon BBQ Gas Grill also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burner, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 1 Factory-Installed Infrared Burner (on left side) and 2 Cast Stainless Steel E Burners. 660 square inches of cooking surface (30 x 22 main grilling area). Includes 19, 000 BTU back burner and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Eco-trends Solar Charger (black) - CH-4632-ECO-BLK
$21.99
Eco-trends Ch-4632-eco-blk Solar Charger (black), [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Eco-trends
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E1060s Natural Gas Grill W/ Solar Panel, One Infrared Burner & Single Side Burner On Cart
$12,557.00 $9,606.11
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, industry exclusive cast stainless E burner, stainless rod cooking grids, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. This gas grill also includes pre-assembled all stainless cabinet cart with dual storage doors inside shelves, condiment holders, sliding propane cylinder tray with latch and four lockable swivel casters. Also includes 110v power input plug to 12v power supply, sculptured curves on corners, folding paper towel holder and folding multi-tool holder. Includes flush mounted 15, 000 BTU side burner (left side) and fold down side shelf with towel bar (right side) and comes with 10 ft. Quick disconnect gas hose for natural gas models or regulator and high capacity hose for propane gas models and a heavy duty 8 foot extension cord. 1 Factory-Installed Infrared Burner (on left side) and 3 Cast Stainless Steel E Burners. 1056 square inches of cooking surface (48 x 22 main grilling area). Includes (2) 15, 000 BTU back burners and rotis kit. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Set of Four Fluted Stainless Steel Solar Accent Lights
$87.00 $74.00
This classic model?stays bright up to 10 hours per night. It Charges by day and automatically turns on at night. Illuminates garden, driveways, patios, and walkways. No wiring needed. Comes with hardware and instructions for ground installation. -Stem length is approximately 8 inches. [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Set of Two Solar Spotlights
$63.00 $54.00
Our Solar Spotlight will light up your trees, flowers and other nice spots in your garden. It stays bright up to 10 hours per night. It Charges by day and automatically turns on at night. No wiring needed. Comes with hardware and instructions for ground and wall installation. [Read more]
Store: Bellacor.com
Brand: Gama Sonic
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Eureka Shelter/Screen Houses, Solar Shade Large
$99.99 $73.16
Cabana to go. Versatile protection from sun and wind. Features: 3 pole cabana ideal for picnic, sideline, beach, or backyard use 9. 5mm Fiberglass frame, post and grommet attachments, and power mesh pole sleeves make set up easy Front privacy door panel can zip closed or roll out of way as needed; hood over front opening provides shade without compromising side to side visibility 3 windows with toggled privacy covers allow air flow 4 wind guyout loops and 4 sand pouches for alternative anchoring Sewn in floor with taped seam Extremely lightweight, compact, and easy to carry inside carry bag with shoulder strap Includes 2 storage pockets, 2 clothesline rings, and 2 labeled organizer pockets - L - UPF Rating: 25 2 year warranty [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Eureka
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Eureka Shelter/Screen Houses, Solar Shade Medium
$69.99 $48.75
Cabana to go. Versatile protection from sun and wind. Features: 3 pole cabana ideal for picnic, sideline, beach, or backyard use 8. 5mm Fiberglass frame, post and grommet attachments, and power mesh pole sleeves make set up easy Front privacy door panel can zip closed or roll out of way as needed; hood over front opening provides shade without compromising side to side visibility 3 windows with toggled privacy covers allow air flow 4 wind guyout loops and 4 sand pouches for alternative anchoring Sewn in floor with taped seam Extremely lightweight, compact, and easy to carry inside carry bag with shoulder strap Includes 2 storage pockets, 2 clothesline rings, and 2 labeled organizer pockets - L - UPF Rating: 25 2 year warranty [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Eureka
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15971 Minidesk Calculator, Battery/Solar Power, 12 Digit Display
$17.99
15971 Minidesk Calculator Display Digits12 Digit Size24mm Angled Display Memory6-Key Backspace Key Markup/Down Key Square Root Key Battery/Solar PowerDual (operating batteries included) Size6-1/2w x 9d Replacement Batteries1.5V Silver Oxide (EVEEPX76BP), sold separately Portable, multifunction, general-purpose calculators for handheld or desktop use. Memory function and change sign key. [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Innovera
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Texas Instruments TI36XSOLAR Solar Scientific Calculator
$20.99
Scientific Calculator 6"" Height x 3.10"" Width x 0.80"" Depth 1 Line x 10 Character - LCD TI36XSOLAR www.ti.com Calculator is perfect for advanced algebra, trigonometry, computer science, chemistry and statistics. One- and two-variable statistics include results for linear regression and trend line analysis. Adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides fractions entered in traditional numerator/denominator format. Three memories, 10 English/metric conversions and eight physical constants. Runs on solar power. Calculator includes protective slide case. Solar Battery 4.80 oz Numerator/denominator fraction format Performs trigonometric functions Polar/rectangular conversion One-variable statistics Statistical analysis Boolean logic operations Unit conversions Trigonometirc Radians Grads Degrees conversion and calculations, Decimal, Hexadecimal Texas Instruments, Inc TI36XSOLAR TI36XSOLAR Solar Scientific Calculator Texas Instruments [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Texas Instruments
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Sunpak Solar/USB NiMHBattery Charger (2000 mAh) - SC-2000
$26.99
SUNPAK SC-2000 Solar/USB NiMHBattery Charger (2000 mAh), [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Sunpak
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Sunpak Solar/USB NiMHBattery Charger (2800 mAh) - SC-2800
$38.99
SUNPAK SC-2800 Solar/USB NiMHBattery Charger (2800 mAh), [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Sunpak
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Sunpak Solar/USB NiMH Battery Charger (800 mAh) - SC-800
$20.99
SUNPAK SC-800 Solar/USB NiMH Battery Charger (800 mAh), [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Sunpak
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Calculator, Hand Held, 10- Digit, Solar BlueBlue
$8.99
Calculator, Hand Held, 10- Digit, Solar Blue [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Casio
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Canon 3-in-1 USB Keypad/Calculator - 12 Character(s) - LCD - Solar, Battery Powered - 1.3" x 4.1" x 5.3" - Silver
$37.99
Keypad Calculator 1.30"" Height x 4.10"" Width x 5.30"" Length 12 Character - LCD DK1000i www.usa.canon.com USB Calculator with strong product specifications features an easy-to-read large liquid crystal display (LCD), 16 x 5mm font size, independent cursor keys, independent track ball with left and right key mouse, real PC key design and strong calculation functions. Supports tax, memory, tab key design concept. Solar Battery 1 Year Limited 4.80 oz Silver Tax Canon, Inc DK1000i 3-in-1 USB Keypad/Calculator Canon Large LCD Trackball Tax PC Link [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Canon
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Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Solar Scientific Calculator
$11.99
Scientific Calculator 5.10"" Height x 2.60"" Width x 0.50"" Depth 2 Line - LCD TI-30XIIS www.ti.com Scientific Calculator retains previous entries, memory values, and individual statistical elements. Ideal for general math, algebra, trigonometry, statistics, science and much more. View entry and results at the same time. Edit current entry. View and edit previous entries. Five variable memories. Two variable statistics. Enter/delete/insert/edit individual statistical data elements. Trigonometric functions in degrees and radians. Common and natural logarithms. Fractions and fraction/decimal conversions. Degrees, minutes, seconds/decimal degree conversions. Universal powers and roots. Reciprocals and factorials. Grads and hyperbolics. Polar/rectangular conversions. Dual power. Solar 4.80 oz Trigonometric functions in degrees and radians Fractions Fraction/Decimal conversions Common natural logarithms Reciprocals Factorials Universal Powers and Roots Polar/Rectangular conversions 2-Variable statistics: Enter, Delete, Insert, Edit Texas Instruments, Inc TI-30XIIS TI-30XIIS Solar Scientific Calculator Texas Instruments [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Texas Instruments
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CALCULATOR, 12 DIGIT SOLAR
$20.99
CALCULATOR, 12 DIGIT SOLAR [Read more]
Store: The Nerds
Brand: Casio
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EVOGUE Universal Solar Portable Power Charger - WE_PC-S400
$32.99
Universal Portable Solar Charger for any Phone that Supports Charging via a USB Data Cable., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Evogue
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EVOGUE Solar Universal Power Charger - VB_PC-S400
$32.99
Green Power - Where there's sunlight, there's power! Charge cell phones, ipod, iphone, mp3/4, and other 5V personal electronics by sunlight and electricity Dual USB ports to charge two electronic devices at the same time Power status indication by..., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Evogue
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Fire Magic Gas Grills Echelon E790i All Infrared Natural Gas Built-In Grill With Solar Panel
$7,235.00 $5,534.78
This Fire Magic Echelon Gas Grill features sleek styling with seamless control panel, double-walled tear-drop hood with warming rack, 110v hard wired electrical supply which powers the 12 volt electric hot surface ignition system with flash tubes, angled halogen internal oven lamps, and 4-zone backlit digital meat and grill thermometer in control panel. Unique solar panel powers internal lights, rotisserie motor and ignition. Also features a wood chip smoker drawer with dedicated burner, heat zone separators, feather lite easy lift hood, stainless valve manifold, polished Comfort Touch control knobs, disposable foil drip tray liners and water and rain resistant construction. Comes ready to be built in to your island opening. 3 Infrared Burners. 792 square inches of cooking surface (36 x 22 main grilling area). Includes 23, 000 BTU back burner and rotis kit. Island cut-out dimensions: 37 width x 23. 5 depth x 12 height. No hose and/or regulator assembly included. [Read more]
Store: ShoppersChoice.com
Brand: Fire Magic
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Dermalogica by Dermatologica Solar Defense Extra Rich FaceBl - 145934
$51.99
Launched by the design house of Dermatologica in , Dermalogica by Dermatologica for WOMEN posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Dermalogica
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Dermalogica by Dermatologica Solar Defense MultiVitamin Body - 145937
$50.99
Launched by the design house of Dermatologica in , Dermalogica by Dermatologica for WOMEN posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Dermalogica
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Dermalogica by Dermatologica Solar Defense WaterBlock Solar - 145933
$50.99
Launched by the design house of Dermatologica in , Dermalogica by Dermatologica for WOMEN posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Dermalogica
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PERRICONE MD by Solar Protection Body with DMAE SPF45--/4.2OZ - 165680
$38.99
Launched by the design house of Perricone MD in , Perricone MD by Perricone MD for WOMEN posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Perricone MD
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Dermalogica by Dermatologica Solar Defense Super Sensitive F - 145936
$52.99
Launched by the design house of Dermatologica in , Dermalogica by Dermatologica for WOMEN posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear., [Read more]
Store: eCOST.com
Brand: Dermalogica
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Emerging solar technologies
There are several technologies being developed that bypass mirrors and collectors to capture the sun. Solar paints contain conductive polymers, extremely small semiconducting wires, or quantum dots. Such paints could be used to coat any surface and turn it into an electrical generator. Other companies are working on similar technologies for plastics. Rolls of plastic are coated with an electricity-generating film. The plastic could be spread over roofs or other surfaces to convert sunlight into electricity.
The use of solar energy to cool homes and buildings is another area under more development. Such systems use solar panels to produce electricity. These panels power a pump connected to an absorber machine. This machine works something like a refrigerator.
The absorber employs hot air to compress a gas. When this gas expands, it causes a reaction that cools the air. Solar thermal coolers are expected to reach the commercial market in the early twenty-first century.
Many new solar technologies are still in the experimental stage. One possibility is solar-powered air flights. Another is a different kind of solar lighting, in which a building's interior is lit by a parabolic collector on the roof. This collector is connected to the interior by fiber optic light pipes. Such a system would make its own electricity to power the lights.
Benefits and drawbacks to solar energy
One of the primary benefits to solar energy is that it is a renewable resource. Sunshine is available everywhere free. There is no limit to its renewability, at least not until the sun burns itself out billions of years from now. Solar energy also does not contribute to pollution and thus is considered a ''clean'' energy source. Using it produces no greenhouse gases and thus does not contribute to global warming.
The biggest drawback to using solar energy is the cost of the technology. Solar photovoltaic cells and solar collectors are still very expensive. While the technology may become cheaper over time, it is still costly when compared to the amount of energy it will produce over its use cycle. Similarly, it is very expensive to build solar power towers and furnaces. Using such technology to generate power on a wide scale is too expensive to be used realistically, at least as of the early twenty-first century.
Another major problem with solar technology is that solar energy is not available on demand in every location on Earth.
Heavy cloud cover can limit the use of some solar energy systems. Some systems cannot be used at all if direct sunlight is not available. In most areas of the world, only low-power solar energy applications can be used because of the lack of direct sunlight.
For large-scale projects such as solar power towers and solar furnaces, or even smaller-scale projects such as solar ponds, dish systems, and trough systems, large areas of land are needed. In the desert, where a number of these systems are currently located, the solar technology that is put there to capture the intense sunshine is considered unsightly by some people.
Environmental impact of solar energy
Solar energy can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. On the positive side, most solar technologies are environmentally friendly. They do not pollute the atmosphere by emitting (giving off) greenhouse gases, they do not produce radioactive waste like nuclear energy reactors, and they do not contribute to global warming or acid rain. Most solar energy systems are silent or quiet when they operate, which cuts down on noise pollution. If solar technologies that make electricity on a significant scale can be adopted, many countries can lessen their dependence on electricity produced by fossil fuels. This change could decrease the amount of environmental pollution in the world.
However, solar energy technologies are not perfect. In addition to large-scale projects negatively affecting the landscape, these solar technologies can negatively affect the animal life around them. Big dish systems, trough systems, and power towers take up land that animals live on and affect their habitats. The very building of these projects can pollute otherwise pristine (clean) lands, even if the solar technology itself does not. Also, while the use of solar technology does not pollute the environment, the manufacture of certain types of solar technology can.
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Tecnologías solares emergentes
Hay varias tecnologías que están siendo desarrolladas que no recurren a los espejos y los colectores para capturar el sol. Las pinturas solares contienen polímeros conductores, los alambres semiconductores extremadamente pequeños, o los puntos de quántum. Tales pinturas se podrían utilizar para cubrir cualquier superficie y transformarla en un generador eléctrico. Otras compañías están trabajando en tecnologías similares para los plásticos. Rollos de plástico son cubiertos con una película generadora de electricidad. El plástico podría ser extendido por azoteas u otras superficies para convertir luz del sol en electricidad.
El uso de la energía solar para refrigerar hogares y edificios es también otra área en desarrollo. Tales sistemas utilizan paneles solares para producir electricidad. Los estos paneles accionan una bomba conectada con una máquina de absorción. Esta máquina funciona un poco como un refrigerador.
El producto absorbente emplea el aire caliente para comprimir un gas. Cuando este gas se expande, causa una reacción que refresca el aire. Se espera que los refrigeradores térmicos solares alcancen el mercado comercial éste siglo.
Muchas tecnologías solares nuevas todavía están en la etapa experimental. Una posibilidad es de vuelos aéreos con impulsión solar. Otra es una variante de iluminación solar, en la cual el interior de un edificio es iluminado por un colector parabólico en la azotea. Este colector es conectado con el interior por cañerías de fibra óptica ligeras. Tal sistema crearía su propia electricidad para encender las luces.
Ventajas y desventajas a la energía solar
Una de las ventajas primarias a la energía solar es que es un recurso renovable. La luz del sol está disponible por todas partes libremente. No hay límite a su renovabilidad, por lo menos hasta que el sol se apague en unos mil millones de años de ahora en adelante. La energía solar tampoco contribuye a la contaminación y así se la considera una fuente de energía "limpia". Su uso no produce ningún gas de efecto invernadero y no contribuye así al calentamiento del planeta.
La desventaja más grande de usar energía solar es el coste de la tecnología. Las células fotovoltaicas solares y los colectores solares siguen siendo muy costosos. Mientras que la tecnología pueda llegar a ser más barata en un cierto plazo, es todavía costosa al ser comparada con la cantidad de energía que se produciría sobre su ciclo del uso. Similarmente, es muy costoso construir torres y hornos de energía solar. El uso de tal tecnología para generar energía a gran escala es demasiado costosa para ser utilizada en forma realista, por lo menos hasta la fecha en éste siglo.
Otro problema grave con tecnología solar es que la energía solar no está disponible a pedido en cada localización en la tierra.
Una gruesa cubierta de nubes puede limitar el uso de algunos sistemas de energía solar. Algunos sistemas no se pueden utilizar en absoluto si la luz del sol directa no está disponible. En la mayoría de las áreas del mundo, solamente los usos de energía solar de baja potencia se pueden utilizar debido a la carencia de la luz del sol directa.
Para los proyectos en gran escala tales como torres de energía solar y hornos solares, o aún en proyectos menor escala tales como estanques solares, sistemas de plato, y sistemas concentradores solares, áreas extensas de tierra son necesarias. En el desierto, en donde un número apreciable de estos sistemas se localizan actualmente, la tecnología solar que se instala allí para capturar la luz de sol intensa es considerada antiestética por alguna gente.
Consecuencias para el medio ambiente de la energía solar
La energía solar puede tener efectos positivos y negativos sobre el medio ambiente. En el lado positivo, la mayoría de las tecnologías solares son respetuosas del medio ambiente. No contaminan la atmósfera emitiendo los gases de efecto invernadero, no producen desechos radioactivos como los reactores de energía nuclear, y no contribuyen al calentamiento del planeta o a la lluvia ácida. La mayoría de los sistemas de energía solar son silenciosos o estables cuando funcionan, lo que reduce la contaminación por ruido. Si las tecnologías solares que generan electricidad en una escala significativa pueden ser adoptadas, muchos países podrían disminuir su dependencia de la electricidad producida por los combustibles fósiles. Este cambio podría disminuir la cantidad de contaminación ambiental en el mundo.
Sin embargo, las tecnologías de energía solar no son perfectas. Además de los proyectos en gran escala que afectan negativamente al paisaje, estas tecnologías solares pueden afectar negativamente a la vida animal alrededor de ellos. Los sistemas grandes de plato, los sistemas concentradores convexos, y las torres de energía ocupan la tierra en donde los animales viven y afectan a su hábitat. La construcción misma de estos proyectos puede contaminar tierras de otra manera prístinas (limpias), incluso si no lo hace la tecnología solar por sí misma. También, mientras que el uso de la tecnología solar no contamina el ambiente, la fabricación de ciertos tipos de tecnología solar lo puede hacer. |
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