With the exception of hydroelectric power, the wind-power industry is far more developed than most other types of renewable energy. Over the past decade, the technology associated with wind power has improved significantly. New designs for adjustable blades on wind towers now allow wind farms to be sited in areas that lack steady winds. In …
Fossil fuels are almost gone… Solar Energy? Hell Yes!!
Infinite energy resource Solar energy is not a finite resource as fossil fuels are. While the sun is up there it constantly produces all the energy we can use. Reduced maintenance costs While not maintenance free, what technology really is? Once solar panels, wind or water power facilities are in place, no fuel or lubricants …
Solar energy is free, but what does it really cost?
“Solar energy is free, but it’s not cheap” best sums up the major hurdle for the solar industry. There are no technical obstacles per se to developing solar energy systems, even at the utility megaWatt level (e.g., 14 MW utility scale PV system at Nellis AFB or a 64-MW CSP system in Nevada); however, at …
Photovoltaic End-Use Application Markets
Photovoltaic markets can be classified based on the end-use application of the technology. The most common PV projects are off-grid applications. Water pumping also represents an important application of PV, particularly in developing countries. The largest long-term market potential for PV, in volume of sales, is with on-grid applications. On-Grid Applications In grid-connected applications, also …
Biodiesel – Myths and Facts
What is Biodiesel? Few facts you most probably know already, but never the less to mention: A clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil and even new sources such as algae. Contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum …
Smart Ways to Save Money with Alternative Energy
Alternative energy is currently a hot button topic. Whether your desire to use alternative energy stems from concern for the environment or a desire to create a healthier home, you will benefit financially from making the switch to alternative energy. Transitioning to alternative energy can save you a lot of money. There are numerous changes …
Stand-Alone PV Systems
Stand-alone PV (photovoltaic) systems are used when it is impractical to connect to the utility grid. Common standalone systems include PV-powered fans, water pumping systems, portable highway signs, and power systems for remote installations, such as cabins, communications repeater stations, and marker buoys. The design criteria for stand-alone systems is generally more complex than the …
Is Wind Power the Answer to Small-Scale Renewable Energy?
Wind Power. A subject that is close to my heart (literally, as I live in a very windy valley!). Wind power has the potential to be used in a home environment only in the right circumstances, and has the potential to power everything your home needs, from electric radiators to hot water. In this instance, …
Setting the scene in UK – Why renewable energy?
Energy is at the heart of our society. To date, the developed world has relied predominantly on fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and nuclear power for energy. Inevitably these will run out and we will need to turn to other sources of energy as the world’s population and global demand for energy increases: …
Are renewable resources practical?
While few people disagree that renewable energy is a good idea, most also recognize there are two practical barriers to implementation on a wide scale. First, all renewable energy sources, except for hydro-electric power, cost from two to five times what fossil fuel and nuclear energy costs, even when their “free” fuel costs are factored …
