Solar Panels For Homes

Should the government stop subsidizing bad solar technology and put the money into research?

The state of solar panel technology (especially thermal) is stuck where it was 30 years ago because the government is subsidizing projects using that old technology rather than investing in research into new more efficient was to capture solar energy. Here in Florida we have a glaring example of how much of our tax dollars the government can waste while making a select group rich. This solar project will never produce the energy it is suppose to.

“Solar panel technology is stuck where it was 30 years ago”? Are you kidding me? Solar panel research is ongoing and is cutting edge. Conversion efficiencies have skyrocketed in the past few years and we’re now seeing thin-film solar technology that can be affixed to windows and roof tiles and such. We’re at the point where solar power is reaching price parity with natural gas. Give it a few more years and it’ll be economical to have it widespread.

Sure, solar research could always use more money, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put money into the end product. If no one is buying the fruits of the research, what’s the point of the research?

As for hail and storms, many modern panels are built to resist all but the worst impacts. In areas where this is a problem engineers take this into consideration and prepare for it.

Solar is the way of the future as it’s the only fuel source that is available world-wide and will never run out (ok, maybe in 5 billion years). Pair it up with natural gas in the short-term and hydrogen production in the long-term and you have an electric grid that’s clean and doesn’t depend on the whims of OPEC.

Chemistry & Biology : How Does Photosynthesis Relate to Solar Panel Technology?

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger $29.99 Freeloader PICO is a compact and lightweight solar charger designed for people on the move! Using advanced solar cell and lithium ion battery technologies, PICO will charge its internal battery in double quick time. It then takes only 30 minutes to deliver its power to give a mobile phone, iPod or GPS etc etc. Freeloader PICO is supplied with four connection tips, a master cable and a comprehensiv...

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun $9.65 SOLAR ENERGY - SAVED BY THE SUN - DVD Movie...

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $55.00 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri...

Goal Zero Escape 150 Adventure Kit W/ Escape 150 Battery & Boulder 15 Solar Panel $423.11 What inchs in the Box: 1 x Escape 150 Power Pack; 1 x Boulder 15 Solar Panel; 1 x AC wall charger; 1 x 12V output female cigarette adapter....

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 $52.99 the Logitech 920-002912 K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard makes battery hassles a thing of the past in a streamlined, comfortable design. The solar power keeps this keyboard charged and ready-even indoors. And with the advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology, this keyboard allows you to work or play in more places like your comfy couch or even in your bedroom, the long-range wireless connection virtually...

ReVIVE Series Solar ReStore External Battery Pack with Universal USB Charging Port for Portable Smartphones / E-readers / MP3 Players and More USB Powered Devices $27.99 Portable Extended Battery Charge Pack This easy-to-use, multi-functional charger let's you take charging on-the-go. It's equipped with a universal USB charging port & a powerful internal backup battery that stores backup power for when you are away from outlets. Charge it up by the power of the Sun, USB or an AC outlet to provide a full-charge to most mobile devices. It's also designed with a conv...

Goal Zero Elite Nomad 7-Watt Mono-Crystalline Solar Panel W/ Usb Combo W/ Rock-Out Speakers $83.99 Rock Out charges directly from Nomad 7 or USB in 4 hours. mad 7 charges your cell phone in 1 - 2 hours. Rock Out charges directly from Nomad 7 or USB in 4 hours. What's in the Box: 1 x Nomad 7 Solar Panel, 1 x Rock Out Portable Speaker, 1 x USB to mini-USB cord, 1 x Chaining Cord, 1 x 12V cigarette adapter ....

Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio $139.95 The Duracell Powerpack 600 features an internal sealed, non-spillable 28 amp-hour AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery for reliable power delivery and recharging capability. This heavy duty power source operates multiple 120-volt AC household power applications and 12-volt DC applications (charging portable electronics devices) simultaneously with ease. Offering 280 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of startin...

MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight $89.95 Motion - activated Dual Solar Light burns bright at any movement! No wiring! Super-bright, dual-headed Solar Security Light mounts anywhere you need a little extra light. 180 detection "pops" on the light whenever movement happens in-range. Each adjustable head contains 4 white LEDs to provide maximum darkness-defeating shine to backyards, driveways, walkways and more. The included high-efficiency...

IOGEAR Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit GBHFK231 (Black) $20.91 IOgear GBHFK231 Car Hands-free Kit GBHFK231 Cordless and Mobile Phone Headsets...

NOVA: Power Surge (DVD) $14.84 The filmmakers at NOVA investigate the possibility that mankind could use modern technology to ward off global warming by exploring the effectiveness of such ambitious green energy innovations as solar panels, wind turbines and artificial trees. Innova...

Diy Solar Projects (Paperback) $14.8 Advances in solar technology have made many DIY-friendly products available to consumers. ,several of which will be hitting the market for the first time in 2011. These include solar water heaters, solar battery charging stations, solar powere...