Facts About Solar Energy

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Solar Energy is a renewable resource that doesn’t just save you money on that monthly electric bill, but benefits the entire planet we live on. Solar power is often looked over because it is not yet widely used on residential homes, although it has been used around the world for years. In this article are some quick solar facts that may help you understand the idea behind solar power.

1. Solar energy is a renewable resource (it may go away at night, but we will always have it.)
2. Solar energy will not pollute our air with carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and bad emissions.
3. Solar energy can be used to heat water, dry clothes, heat swimming pools, power attic fans, power small appliances, produce light for both indoors and outdoors, and even to power cars, among other things.

First Wind Turbine at Ski Resort

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Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA begins generating its own power today. Friday August 3, 2007, the blades of a GE 1.5 MW wind turbine caught the Berkshire breeze and began generating electricity to directly satisfy Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort’s electrical demands.

With such a high demand for electricity, businesses are turning toward alternative sources of power. The Jiminy Peak Resort has taken a step toward green energy by becoming to first business in North American to produce all of its own electricity from a wind turbine.

FAQ About Power From the Sun

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Do I need to have an electrician help me install a small system?

Where is solar electricity practical to use?

How complicated is putting a solar electric system in my boat or RV?

Is solar electricity really as good as it sounds?

Have questions about solar power and whether or not you home is compatible with solar panels? Learn more from PowerFromtheSun.com’s facts and questions page.

Total Primary Energy Supply

Solar Land Area
Total primary energy supply

Solar power systems installed in the areas defined by the dark disks could provide a little more than the world’s current total primary energy demand (assuming a conversion efficiency of 8%). That is, all energy currently consumed, including heat, electricity, fossil fuels, etc., would be produced in the form of electricity by solar cells. The colors in the map show the local solar irradiance averaged over three years from 1991 to 1993 (24 hours a day) taking into account the cloud coverage available from weather satellites.