Are Solar Powered Cars Really Effective?
First, of course is, “What is a solar powered car?” In the simplest of terms, it’s an electrical car, but instead of plugging in, the electricity is derived for solar energy panels that are attached directly to the top of the car.
The photovoltaic (PV) solar energy panels capture the energy and convert it into electricity.
Right now, solar powered cars aren’t created for long distances, and they do require a lot of direct sunlight to operate correctly. The solar energy panels that capture the sun’s rays transfer any additional energy not needed for immediate operation into batteries in the vehicle. There, the electrical power is stored for later use. With our current technology, the batteries can only store a small amount of additional electricity, and simply aren’t powerful enough to run a vehicle for anything other than a short distance.
So…the short answer to “How effective are solar powered cars?”… right now is “Not effective enough.”
However, solar powered cars may well be one of the best solutions to reduction of our environmental footprint…and our dependence on fossil fuel.
While coal-burning plants step up to the number one spot for the creation of greenhouse gases, vehicles fall into the second spot. Falling into first place for both sources of greenhouse gas emissions is the United States, contributing 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide through coal-burning power plants, and 1.5 billion tons through automobile engines.
With only 4% of the world’s population, the United States is still clearly the biggest offender. The indicators of forward progress as a strong environmental defender have been hard to see, despite having both the technology and the desire to make a real contribution.
Take a quick look and you can’t miss the automobile and energy industries lobbying efforts. The number of SUV’s and other gas-guzzling large vehicles you see on the streets today are a clear indication of the strong hold fossil-fuel industries hold on the American market, along with their ability to thwart legislation and incentives that might actually produce tangible results.
Solar powered cars in the United States are currently developed nearly exclusively for race cars. The cockpits are deliberately kept small, and the vehicles light. The solar energy panels that are used on these cars costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their technology, however, clearly shows their capability…they can run fast and produce absolutely no pollution. This includes no noise pollution as the panels work silently in collecting and storing energy.
Globally, in the last few years, there have been a few solar powered cars (although not totally vehicle-generated electricity) built that are for use by the general public. These cars are generally what’s called a SPEV, or solar powered electrical vehicle. Most are small, one person vehicles suitable for short commutes – back and forth to work or to the grocery store. One notable advance, however, is in the solar powered five-door Blue Car hatchback, which is a fully electric vehicle with solar panels being produced in Europe. The ad in inhabitat.com states: “The solar panels on the vehicle’s roof provides some power to the vehicle’s systems. It comes with regenerative brakes and a Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles per charge. According to the manufacturer, all the materials in the construction have been sourced to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”
Similarly, the Toyota Prius, an electric hybrid car, has added an optional solar roof that can add power for a vehicle for approximately 20 miles. While this may seem a very small contribution, every additional solar “mile” operated makes a larger contribution to our carbon footprint.
With solar powered cars, we have a real, viable solution to global warming. They also reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute positively to reducing the energy crisis. And if you want to know what immediate, personal benefit they’ll have for you…besides no more trips to the gas station…just think; no oil changes, no tune-ups…and no emissions check. Hey, on the practical side, what else could you ask for?
We can each make a contribution to diminish our carbon footprint. We can contribute to this country and the world…when we invest through our purchases and our voice…when we insist that our representatives in the House and Senate invest with us…in solar power.
Solar powered cars can…and will become…more effective and more economical as we support the technology, and insist on research and development to further their manufacture and distribution.
Want to find out more about solar power cars, then visit Timothy Peters’s site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com
Socially Responsible Investing In The Environment
For a very long time, money used for good will was called charity, while money used to earn more money was called investing. That’s not the case anymore.
Today, the two ideas are coming together in a financial avenue called socially responsible investing. And both investors and mutual fund operators are learning that this new idea can be profitable, and do some good for the environment and society at the same time.
“Socially responsible investing means you don’t have to compromise your own personal beliefs to make money on Wall Street — whatever those beliefs are,” said Bob Guthrie, an investment broker with A.G. Edwards in Burlington, Vt.
The idea of selectively choosing stocks for social reasons dates back to the early 1900s, Guthrie said, when church members banded together and refused to invest in tobacco or alcohol companies. The trend continued with investors dodging corporations involved in the Vietnam War, he added, and most recently revolved around companies investing in South Africa.
So, yes, growth in this type of investing has ballooned during the past few years as more and more investors have moved social consciousness into the main street of investing. And the impact of this trend is being felt.
Rob Kruger, vice president of portfolio management at Progressive Asset Management says that with help from stockholders, business practices concerning the environment are starting to change. He said while the issues may vary, companies are realizing they will suffer if they aren’t viewed as being socially and environmentally responsible.
“As this investing community continues to grow, a lot of proposals are being put forth by investors at annual shareholder meetings,” Kruger said. “A whole range of issues and activities is now being addressed.”
As part of its operation, Progressive Asset Management conducts research for socially responsible and eco-friendly mutual funds. The firm screens companies for environmental problems or nuclear involvement… whatever social issues their clients want investigated.
“As time flies, companies are becoming more and more cooperative with us,” Kruger said. “Many of them are now very eager to talk about these social and environmental issues.”
Guthrie agrees that American corporations and business practices are aware of stockholders who are very concerned with social and environmental responsibility.
“Make sure your hard-earned capital is not invested in companies with little concern for the environment,” he advises. “Be sure to keep these things in mind when you invest and companies will too.
Earth News Media is proud to promote global reforestation as well as help sustainable communities with their recycling programs, eco-tourism, water conservation and other environmental topics.
Solar Camping With The Nomad 27M Solar Panel
The Nomad 27M solar panel which utilizes mono-crystalline solar technology has already proven itself to be an extremely convenient and cost effective source of energy. In fact, the Nomad 27M puts out 27 watts and one of the great things about it is that it can be charged during all weather conditions. During clear, sunny spells, a full charge takes approximately four and a half hours. The amount of time required for a full charge does of course depend on the weather, so when it’s partly cloudy, charging takes more or less seven hours, and if the sky is completely over overcast, it may take up to 15 hours. It should also be noted that charging times also vary depending on the type of batteries being used. All in all, when one considers the fact that you’re getting free electricity, waiting for the batteries to charge poses no real problem at all.
When it comes to charging electronic equipment such as mobile phones, flashlights and MP3 players for example, nothing beats the Nomad 27M solar panel. When in use, the unit measures 22.5″ x 44.5″ x 0.03″, and when folded away for storage, it measures just 10.5″ x 7″ x2″. This makes it an ideal traveling companion, given that it can easily be store away inside your backpack, and because it only weighs 3.4 lbs, you’ll hardly even know you’re carrying it. Need to charge your phone while you’re hiking in the hills? Simply open up your Nomad 27M, attach it to the outside of your backpack, and then connect up your phone, flashlight, or any other appliance which needs charging. By the time you stop walking to take a break, your phone battery will be charged – it’s that easy.
Of course the biggest advantage of the Nomad 27M solar panel over the 13.5M panel is that the 27M produces a higher output, thereby making is more efficient. With that said, the 27M is also capable of storing energy for a greater length of time than the 13.5M version. Both models do however use the same 12V voltage for charging purposes, although the 27M utilizes an 18V open voltage circuit.
Included with the Nomad 27M solar panel are 3 Aluminum support rods which can be used to improve stability during outdoor charging. Additional, the kit also includes 4 robust grommets which allow you to position the panel at practically any angles, and if you’re concerned about having wires running everywhere, there’s no need to be because the connector cord is housed in a built-in pocket of its own. This of course helps to minimize the chances of someone tripping over the wire.
Unlike many similar products, the Nomad 27M solar panel has been manufactured with durability in mind, and considering it’s also water resistant, it should last you for many years. Even if you leave it standing outside in the rain, the unit will continue working, although of course, if you’re not using it, then it should ideally be folded up and stowed away in the case which comes with the unit when you purchase it.
Jordan Eske believes all people can live eco friendly. And the power of solar helps you get there. The Nomad 27M Solar Panel is a good idea for campers.
There Are Alternative Energy Solutions Which Can Cut Your Household Bills.
If you want to save money on your electricity bills then you may be looking for alternative energy solutions. Fluctuating energy prices and a difficult economic climate are leading many people to look for savings on their household costs. There are several ways to change your energy supply and save money.
Besides saving on energy costs, another concern for many people is environmental damage and climate change. If you are looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint then there are two main areas to look at with regard to your house. Energy conservation is important. This can be achieved by using wind power or having quality insulation so that you can turn your boiler down. The other consideration is installation of a green energy technology.
There is no reliable average figure for energy savings as there are too many variables for each case. However you can get a good idea of the possible savings you could make by using an energy calculator. There are many websites which have them and you just need to fill in the information about your house and electricity consumption. It will use this information to work out how much money you can save by using different technologies. This may help you decide which type of sustainable technology to install and how much money it is worth investing.
Wind and solar power are the most used forms of renewable energy in homes. The weather is usually the deciding factor when deciding between the two. It is a rare place that has as much sun as wind and so you need to choose the one which will generate the most power.
The photovoltaic cells in solar panels need a lot of sunlight to generate significant amounts of electricity. Therefore they have to be placed in a location where they can take in as much of the light throughout the day as possible. For many years solar power did not represent good value for money to many people as the installation costs were very high. However in recent years the cost has come down a lot and so now the investment may be worth it for you.
When investigating wind power there are a couple of things to check out. Firstly you need to assess whether there is sufficient wind where you live to power a turbine. Also you need to work out how much power you will get from the size of turbine which you can afford and have space for. Just like solar power the up-front costs of wind power have come down a lot over the last few decades. The turbines are also more efficient and will make more electricity from the same wind.
Many people are not aware that it is possible to build both these technologies at home. Except for large turbines you will not need any specialist experience and the knowledge is easily available on the internet. Solar panel can be constructed using products from hardware stores. The process is fairly simple and for an average size panel could be completed in a weekend. If you do not want to build one from scratch the other option is to use a self-assembly kit. Turbines can be a little more complicated as there are more safety considerations. If you are building a large turbine it is advisable to get advice from an expert. However micro turbines are easy to make and install.
Alternative energy solutions are being sought by many people as they try to save money and lower their carbon footprint. The internet is a mine of information you can utilize to start your search.
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