pv renewable energy
Renewable energy is a source of power which is replenished naturally, such as solar, wind or biomass. In 2005, about 13% of global primary, or raw, energy comes from renewables, of which most is from traditional biomass like wood-burning.
Hydropower is the second largest renewable source, supplying 2-3%, while modern renewable technologies such as solar, wind, marine and geothermal collectively produce less than 1% of the total world energy demand.
Solar
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert radiation from the sun into electricity. PV will work in any weather so long as there is daylight – the greater the intensity of sunlight on the PV panels, the more electricity is generated. Research is ongoing in solar technology, and efficiency is expected to increase substantially (current PV is approximately 15% efficient) as developments such as solar thermal energy generation (STEG) are brought into the mainstream.
Despite our infamous weather, the average UK home could generate 50-60% of its electricity needs from PV panels installed on the house rooftop.
Wind
Wind turbines harness the power contained within a moving mass of air. The rotation of the blades causes the shaft of the turbine to rotate inside a generator, producing electricity. The greater the speed of the wind, the more power is produced and as wind speed increases with height, turbines are normally sited on a tall mast.
Biomass
Biomass is only considered renewable because it can be replaced at the same rate as which it is used (by growing trees for example). Biomass includes two main categories: woody (forest residues and energy crops like willow) and non-woody (animal waste and high energy crops like rapeseed).
Biofuels
Biofuels are derived from biomass and are used in vehicles as a blend with conventional fuel. Petrol vehicles can be modified to take a blend of 85% bioethanol and 15% petrol, while diesel vehicles generally accept 5% biodiesel and 95% mineral diesel. Some manufacturers, such as Volkswagen Germany, cover their diesel engines to run on 100% biodiesel.
It should be noted that 100% biodiesel engines are not carbon neutral – life cycle assessments show that first generation biofuels can save up to 60% carbon emissions, while second generation biofuels can save up to 80%.
Recently, biofuels have gained headlines in the form of disputes over land-use. Italy and Mexico have both seen that increased use of land for biofuels inevitably leads to lower crop-production, sparking protests over the price of pasta or corn flour.
The UK has set a target for biofuels under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which requires 5% of all fuel sold by 2010 to come from renewable sources.
About the Author:
For more information and insight into climate change, carbon offsets and energy – or simply to download the Spanish feed in tariffs visit our educational climate site here: http://hotclimate.wikidot.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What Is Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy – Solar Electric
|
|
Opti-Solar 12 Watt Green Energy Solar Charger Kit for iPhone, iPad, and Other Mobile Devices
$149.00 Mobile phones and tablets are vital tools for communication and safety - but they're useless if you can't charge the battery. The Opti-Solar 12W Green Energy Kit gives you an easy way to get power whether you're in your yard or in the wilderness. Our solar panel connects to a "power bank" with a USB output that lets you quickly charge your device, allowing you to stay connected no matter where yo... |
|
|
Solar Energy Farm Business Plan - MS Word/Excel
$18.95 The Solar Energy Farm Business Plan is a comprehensive document that you can use for raising capital from a bank or an investor. This document has fully automated 3 year financials, complete industry research, and a fully automated table of contents. The template also features full documentation that will help you through the business planning process. This is a full and complete business plan wit... |
|
|
Sunforce 50033 15-Watt Solar Charging Kit
$94.95 Works with Automobiles/Boats/Tractors/ATVs/Electric Fences/Deer Feeders/Telemetry and More. Maintenance Free / Easy Installation. Pre Cut Holes for Easy Installation. 4 Stainless Steel Screws. Battery Clamps. CLA Adapter. 12ft Wire. 7 Amp Charge Controller. Works in All Weather Conditions. Ultra Bright Blue LED Provides Charging Indication. Built-in Blocking Diode Protects Battery Discha... |
|
|
HQRP Solar 10A Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp with LED Indicator plus HQRP UV Chain / UV Radiation Health Tester
$29.91 HQRP Solar Charge Controllers are high quality, efficient and reliable Solar Power Regulators. They are perfect for rural electrification system. They offer a lot of possibilities and benefits. Regulations point: 14.4 Volts; Low voltage Disconnect: 11.1V Volts; Low voltage Reconnect: 13.1 Volts; Microcontroller digital accuracy; Type of Charging: Series PWM & stat of charge(SOC); 4 Stages: equaliz... |
|
|
Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller
$55.00 The Sunforce 60022 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12 Volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12 Volt solar panels, and can handle up to 30 amps of array current and up to 450 Watts of solar power. The 60022 will provide maintenance free protection of your solar panel and batteries. The controller will automatically indicate the charged condition of your battery on the ... |
|
|
Solar Electricity Handbook - 2011 Edition: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems
$13.48 The Solar Electricity Handbook is a simple, practical guide to using electric solar panels and designing and installing photovoltaic PV systems. Significantly updated for 2011, the latest edition assumes no previous knowledge of solar electric systems. The book explains how solar panels work and how they can be used. It explains the advantages of solar energy and the drawbacks that you n... |
|
|
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual
$30.00 Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject.Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education providerâSolar ... |
|
|
Photovoltaic Design and Installation For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science))
$13.77 The fun and easy way to get a grip on photovoltaic design and installationDesigning and installing solar panel systems is a trend that continues to grow. With 'green collar' jobs on the rise and homeowners looking for earth-friendly ways to stretch their dollars and lesson their carbon imprint, understanding photovoltaic design and installation is on the rise.Photovoltaic Design & Installation For... |
|
|
Photovoltaics Design And Installation Manual (Paperback)
$31.61 Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, compreh... |
|
|
VIII Workshop of the Gravitation and Mathematical Physics Division of the Mexican Physical Society (Paperback)
$134.14 In general, these proceedings will appeal to people interested or active in the area of CPV, PV, and other fields of renewable energies, such as students of physics, university professors, scientists, technologists, people in the world of finance, and ... |
|
|
7th International Conference on Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems (Paperback)
$169.34 In general, these proceedings will appeal to people interested or active in the area of CPV, PV, and other fields of renewable energies, such as students of physics, university professors, scientists, technologists, people in the world of finance, and ... |
