The Sun as a Resource

BY DAVE BRUEGGEMANN
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Related Topics
Article: What is a Photovoltaic (PV) or Solar Cell?
Article: Why Go Solar?
Blog/Opinion: Why is This a Good Time to Invest in Solar PV?
Blog/Opinion: The Cutting Edge in Green Home Power Is Here
Blog/Opinion:Making a Case for Solar Hot Water Heating
Tagged As
Solar Energy, Solar Power
All life on earth is supported by the sun. It is the basic resource not only for photovoltaics
(PV), but all solar energy systems. It works like this: at its core the sun fuses hydrogen
into helium, radiates energy outward to the surface of the sun or photosphere and
out into space in the form of heat and light. We call this solar radiation. Only about half
of this solar radiation makes it to the Earth's surface. The rest is either absorbed or
reflected by clouds and the atmosphere. Still, we receive enough power from the sun to
meet the power demands of all mankind millions of times over.
Photovoltaic solar cells enable tapping some of this energy.
Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Photovoltaic cells are the basic building blocks of a PV system. Since a single cell does
not supply enough electricity on its own, these cells must work together. First, cells are
connected electrically in series and parallel circuits to produce higher voltages, then
sealed in a protective laminate. These grouped cells are called modules. Modules are then
assembled as a pre-wired unit referred to as a panel. It is the grouping, or array of, solar
panels that posses the ability to convert solar energy into a usable amount of direct
current (DC) electricity.
Solar energy access technology keeps developing.
Real world example
Improvements are being discovered by people from all walks of life and all ages. Take
William Yuan, for instance. Yuan is a twelve-year-old boy from Beaverton, Oregon, USA
who began studying three-dimensional (3D) solar cells in his spare time. 3D solar cells
are engineered to be free-standing, collecting light in three dimensions. Building upon
research by Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and a PSU nanotechnology lab, Yuan happened
upon a solar cell that can harness both visible and ultraviolet light. His project "A HighlyEfficient 3-Dimensional Nanotube Solar Cell for Visible and UV Light" may be the key
to manufacturing solar panels that are hundreds of times more efficient than traditional
solar panels. Source: www.KATUcom.

How to Save Energy and Money Through Your Water Heater

BY HHI STAFF
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Blog/Opinion:Rinnai Ultra Series Tankless Water Heater Review: Where Luxury Meets
Energy Efficiency
Blog/Opinion:Making a Case for Solar Hot Water Heating
Article: Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters
Article: Whole Home Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Article: A Greener Way To Heat and Cool A Home
Tagged As
Energy, Energy Saving, Solar Water Heater, Water Heater
Parramatta Hot Water
Water heaters at home are not always seen as culprits of high energy consumption. But
according to energy analysts, most homes spend about a quarter of their energy heating
water. However, changing habits and applying conservation tips will reduce a
homeowner's monthly utility bill.
According to Parramatta Hot Water:
There are two main types of residential water heating systems: (1) a storage water heating
system (tank type) and (2) an on-demand water heating system (tankless). Most homes
are still equipped with conventional water heating units while recently, many houses are
now switching to continuous (tankless) water heaters. The fuel sources for tank-type
water heaters are natural gas, propane, electricity, or oil while for tankless water heating
units, the fuel options are natural gas, propane and electricity.
If you own a tank water heater, these tips can help you save money and energy:
1. Insulate the water heater tank with an insulation blanket to trap heat. When you feel
cold, you wrap your body with a coat or jacket so you can keep warm. The same thing
happens to your water heater reserve - the heat escapes when it is not well insulated.
Remember to keep the insulation blanket away from combustion gases. You may hire a
pro to do it for you if you are not confident doing the insulation on your own.
2. Extend insulation to the distributing pipes to prevent water from getting cold as pipes
travel from the tank to the faucets and other appliances around your home. Some people
find they can handle this task themselves - all they need are pipe insulation, silver tape, a
rock knife and a little care, to properly insulate the cold and hot water distribution lines.
3. Check for leaks. Schedule a regular water pipe check-up. Have a plumber repair parts
that leak and waste water.
4. Consider replacing an electric water heater with a gas-or solar-powered water heating
system if these options are feasible in your area (see sidebar - Go Solar and Save Big?).
Electric water heaters are power hogs - the water storage tank consumes electricity even
if you are sleeping or on vacation. If you switch to alternative sources of energy sun or
wind you will stop relying on non-renewable energy resources. You will also burn less
coal eventually helping reduce carbon footprints.

Go Solar and Save Big?

According to Carl Simpson of Renewable Energy Northwest:
1) Solar hot water heating can satisfy 70-100% of the demand demanding upon cloud
cover. The only cost will be the energy-efficient circulation pump costing less than
$1/month to run in most areas.
2) Use a timer for your hot water heater. Some experts suggest you set them up for 6am9am and 3pm-8pm. You will still have hot water the rest of the time, but arent paying to
heat the water 24-7-365. Would you leave the car running in the garage just in case you
needed to make a trip in the middle of the night?
3) Whole house circulation pumps are helpful so you dont waste energy in a long run
from the mechanical room to the farthest hot water use. Ideally, these are also set up on a
timer or a thermostat.
4) Use energy-efficient equipment. Older gas and propane heaters are typically 60%
efficient with the other 40% going up the exhaust pipe. New tankless and high efficiency
tanks can achieve over 90% efficiency.
If you own a tankless water heater unit:
Water heating units that do not rely on storage tanks will reduce your energy
consumption. Although initial purchase and installation of a tankless water heater is
expensive, you can save money and energy in the long run because of the units high
energy efficiency.
Other water heater tips:
1. Use less hot water. Take showers instead of baths. You will be surprised by the
amount of water you save. When the weather is not too cold, use normal water
temperature.
2. Reduce the temperature of hot water. When you adjust the temperature setting or
control to a low level, you will reduce electricity or fuel consumption. A well-regulated
water temperature also prevents scalding because it makes water suitably warm for
bathing.