The Law of Conservation of Energy:

• Energy can only change from one form to another.
• Energy can not be created or destroyed.

Solar Energy is the energy from the Sun.  The Sun is a big ball of heat and light resulting from nuclear fusion at its core.  The nuclear reaction releases energy that travels outward to the surface of the Sun.  Along the way to the surface the energy transforms so that by the time it is released it is primarily light energy.  Sunlight.  The two major types of solar energy that make it to Earth are heat and light.

Solar energy is often called “alternative energy” to fossil fuel energy sources such as oil and coal.

One example of our use of solar heat energy is for water heating systems.  A solar panel is used to collect heat.  The heat is transferred to pipes inside the solar panel and water is heated as it passes through the pipes.  The hot water, heated by the Sun, can then be used for showers, cleaning, or heating your home.

We also use solar thermal energy through passive solar designs.  Windows or skylights in your home can be designed to face the Sun so that they let heat into the house, keeping you warmer in the winter.

The light energy from the Sun can be transformed into electrical energy and used immediately or stored in batteries. Photovoltaic (PV) panels are the devices that convert light energy into electrical energy.

Energy changes from one Form to Another.

Let’s look at a solar powered vehicle that runs on electricity directly from solar energy as a simple example in the transformation of energy from one form to another.

• Sunlight hits the PV panel and the panel transforms the light energy into electrical energy.
• The electrical energy (electricity) passes through the wire circuit to the motor.
• The motor transforms the electrical energy into mechanical energy to turn the drive shaft which turns the wheels.
• The wheels rotate on the ground to move the vehicle transforming mechanical energy into vehicle motion (kinetic energy).

Solar Vehicle Ideal Energy Chain:

Light Energy >> Electrical Energy >> Mechanical Energy >> Kinetic Energy

Energy transformation is not perfect…..

The above case is ideal because not all systems are perfect and in reality there will be losses of energy from our system.

In a simplified view of this case some losses will be from:

• friction of electrons passing through the wires;  this is released as heat energy.
• friction of the drive shaft or wheels on the ground;  this is released as either heat or sound energy.

Even with these losses the law of conservation of energy still holds.  The amount of energy into a system will always equal the amount of energy out of a system.

Solar energy systems with battery storage are being used by businesses and residences all over the world to power a wide range of building equipment, lighting, appliances, computers and communications equipment. In general, these systems are best for applications in which backup power must be instantly available without interruption (for example, to power computers). They are also good for remote applications in which utility power is not available and a generator is not desirable.

	Component
	Solar Panel
	Inverter
	Battery
	ChargerBattery
	Auto-Transfer

An inverter is necessary for applications in which the DC power from a battery must be converted to AC. Although a small amount of energy is lost in converting DC to AC (typical inverter efficiencies are in the range of 90 to 95%), an inverter makes PV-generated electricity behave like utility power to operate everyday AC appliances, lights, and electrical equipment. Please note that you will need a special type of inverter if you want a battery backup system. For safety reasons most grid-tied inverters are designed to shutdown completely if there is a power failure

Solar energy systems with batteries operate by connecting the PV modules to a battery, and the battery, in turn, to the load. During daylight hours, the PV modules charge the battery. The battery supplies power to the load whenever needed. A simple electrical device called a charge controller keeps the batteries charged properly and helps prolong their life by protecting them from overcharging or from being completely drained.

Batteries make solar energy systems useful in more situations, but also require maintenance. The batteries used in PV systems are similar to car batteries, but are designed for deep cycling use in which a larger percentage of the capacity of the battery is used each night (and then fully charged up each day). Batteries designed for PV projects pose the same risks and demand the same caution in handling and storage as automotive batteries. The fluid in unsealed batteries is highly corrosive, levels should be checked periodically, batteries must be appropriately ventilated, and batteries should be protected from extremely cold weather. In practice we have found that when properly maintained batteries last for about 5-8 years, after which their capacity is significantly diminished.

A solar generating system with batteries supplies electricity when it is needed. The amount of electricity that can be used after sunset or on cloudy days is determined by the output of the solar energy modules and the storage capacity of the battery bank. Including more modules and batteries increases system cost, so energy requirements (both in terms of peak loads and the average duration of the loads) are carefully studied to determine optimum system size. A well-designed system balances cost and convenience to meet the needs of the particular application, and can be expanded if those needs change. Nevertheless, battery backup PV systems are typically more expensive, and have higher maintenance costs than simpler grid-tied systems.

Thirty some years ago, just after I first started building houses, a friend (another builder) and I took on a solar hot water franchise as a side line to home building. We thought solar heating was cool and avant-garde, and that everyone else would too.

Boy, were we wrong! We couldn’t give solar heating away. People thought that the solar collectors were ugly and no one wanted those ugly contraptions on their roofs. Besides, electricity and gas were cheap, plentiful and we would never run out of either.

My, how times and thinking about things change.

Here’s the scoop from the NAHB Research Center:

“Harnessing energy from the sun to heat water is nothing new. Solar water heaters have been commercially available since the 1800s. What’s new is how solar water heaters look these days.

Most modern solar water heaters mount flush with a home’s roof and resemble skylights. Solar water heaters are an environmentally sound way to reduce energy bills.

Solar energy can meet part or all of a home’s domestic hot water needs. Geographic location, system design, collector orientation, and collector size will determine how much energy can be provided for domestic hot water heating.

Solar water heaters come in a variety of configurations. Each differs in design, cost, performance, and level of complexity.

Most systems have back-up water heating such as electricity or gas. A solar water heating system usually consists of a hot water storage tank, a solar collector that absorbs solar energy, a back-up energy source, and (for forced circulation systems) a pump and controls.

There are two main types of systems: passive and forced circulation. Within each type, there are several configurations. A passive water heater consists of a water tank integrated into or located above a solar collector. In an integrated collector storage (ICS) system, also called batch water heater, the water is heated and stored inside the collector.

These systems are suitable only for warm climates where there is no risk of freezing. In a passive system where the storage is separate from the collector, as water in the collector warms, water flows by natural convection through the collector to the storage tank. A forced circulation system requires a pump to move water from the storage tank to the collector. Most solar water heaters in the United States are the forced circulation type.

There are several types of solar collectors. Most consist of a flat copper plate, painted black, that has water tubes attached to the absorber plate. As solar energy falls on the copper plate and is absorbed, the energy is transferred to water flowing in the tubes. The absorber plate is mounted in a casing that has a clear covering and insulation to protect the absorber plate from heat loss. Other collectors include an integrated collector and storage system and the evacuated tube collector.

Integral collector and storage systems combine the function of hot water storage and solar energy collection into one unit. Evacuated tube collectors produce higher temperature water and are more complex than flat plate collectors. Evacuated tube collectors consist of a series of tubes that contain a heat pipe to absorb solar energy and transfer it to a liquid medium. The tubes are evacuated (vacuum) so that there is very little heat loss from the tube.

Most solar collectors are roof-mounted. Solar water heaters are used for domestic hot water, pool heating and space heating needs.

There are a number of manufacturers of solar water heating systems. Manufacturers can provide information on local dealers and installers. The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation provides evaluations of solar collectors and solar hot water systems.

The evaluation includes an estimate of the performance of different systems based on the location where the system will be used.

Solar water heating systems may require periodic maintenance and have a relatively high initial cost. The payback period however is different depending on the cost of energy for heating water. In areas where electricity is used for water heating, the payback periods are shorter than for areas that use natural gas for water heating.

Care must be taken to guard against freezing of the collector and piping. Solar collectors may have installation limits some communities

An active, flat plate solar collector system will cost approximately $2,500 to $3,500installed and produce about 80 to 100 gallons of hot water per day. A passive system will cost about $1,000 to $2,000 installed but will have a lower capacity.

An experienced contractor should install solar water heating systems. Usually, a roof penetration is required

Solar water heaters save energy and use a renewable resource. By replacing electric energy or fossil fuel use for water heating, environmental carbon emissions associated with water heating are reduced or eliminated. Buy water heater with payday advance service

There’s nothing wrong about being organized for emergencies. In the present economy, nothing is certain: jobs, food, even utilities. Because of this fact, people are now opting for solar powered homes. You don’t need to be wealthy and famous to use solar energy since the solar systems are more within your means these days.

There are advantages in using solar energy for homes. How much are you spending for electricity bills every month? Many residents have empty pockets because of the expensive electricity expenses. One way to lessen your bills is by going with solar power.

You don’t need any wiring if you use solar energy systems. For illustration, for your garden lights and water features, you can make use of solar energy. Most of the devices have night sensors and you no longer have to be concerned about turning them off. Solar lights are easily to be had and you will just need to take them out and set them in the right location where you want to get some good light.

Solar energy is environment friendly. It is an excellent form of renewable and clean energy. You won’t contribute to pollution unlike fossil fuels. By using solar energy systems like the solar cooker, solar thermal systems, and solar generators, you can cook without emissions.

During the opening phase of using solar energy, you will need to pay out money. Just think of it as an investment where you can profit in the long run. With less than $500, you can already use solar energy in your home. Solar energy is free of charge since you will use the sun’s power to make electricity. You can make use of solar lights, solar panels, etc. Don’t cut off your conventional electricity supply even when you’re already using solar energy. It’s not always sunny all throughout the year and so you will need conventional electricity during rainy days. The paramount thing about solar power is that you can reduce your monthly electric bills. If you can switch your home into a full solar energized house, you can surely profit significantly and you will not be anxious even if fuel prices grow.

Power outages usually take place when there are troubles but as long as you have solar power, you can benefit from using electrical appliances continuously. For those who are interested in solar energy, you can start off with undemanding projects like the water features and lights in your garden. These features are simple to develop and you won’t need any wiring.

In all you find here on Earth, there are advantages as well as drawbacks. True enough, solar energy has many advantages but you also need to look into the disadvantages. You need to think over things first before you consider opting for a solar powered home.

These days, you can easily acquire solar power gadgets like flashlights, pool purifiers, ventilators, mosquito inhibitors, heaters, fountain pumps, radios, lighting, and many others. Get ready to spend for the solar energy devices but don’t be troubled. After several months, you will start saving a lot of cash on your monthly bills. Think of it as a one-time investment and in the future, you can unquestionably benefit. buy solar panel with payday loan service

There are so many reasons why you should take advantage of DIY home solar energy that it’s actually kind of hard to know where to begin. The greatest benefit that leaps out to so many is the opportunity to create an endless amount of free electricity to power your home.

The other benefit will be appreciated by those that are concerned about the carbon footprint that we are leaving on this galactic rock that we inhabit called Earth. Fossil fuels emit pollutants into our atmosphere every time they are used and are a finite source of energy that are not only very expensive but are also being depleted by the day.

The increased demand by developing nations such as China and India are driving the costs of fossil fuels used in the home including heating oil and natural gas higher and higher. Couple that along with the ever present political turmoil in the Mideast and you have a recipe for runaway fuel costs.
Unless you are wealthy and money is no object then a DIY home solar energy system is hands down the way to go. You can go online and purchase an instantly downloadable e-book that contains complete plans for building and installing your own solar panels as well as videos that will walk you through how to do it step-by-step.

Constructing your own home solar energy system is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to commercially built and installed solar panels. You can build your own photovoltaic solar cells and string them together into a solar panel that is every bit as good as a commercially constructed one for a fraction of the cost.

Commercial solar energy systems for a home of average size can run upwards of $20,000 and above. You can build your own solar panel and install it yourself for about $200 or even under $100. And once more, there are no special skills required to build your own solar panels and all the parts that you will need can be purchased at your neighborhood hardware store.

You can begin your foray into DIY home solar energy slowly by building a single panel which will generate enough electricity to run many of your household appliances. When you begin to become proficient at building the panels you can build more and add them to what you have already created which will of course enhance your ability to generate electricity free of charge.

And just think about this… it is very, very possible to generate enough electricity to completely power your home and no longer have to pay those expensive utility bills. Not only that but you can also go completely off the grid and even produce enough electricity that you can sell it back to the power company for a profit. It’s a beautiful thing isn’t it? And it’s all within your reach.

The PMP Exam was initiated in 1984 to recognize an individual’s demonstrated understanding of the knowledge and skills to lead and direct project teams and to deliver results within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources. Candidates for the PMP credential ensure that all of the aspects of the project plan are executed and that progress and variances are properly addressed and communicated. They are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project and not only lead and direct the project, but also oversee project team members.

The PMP Role Delineation states that candidates for the PMP credential and PMP Certifications:

Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project

Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget,  and scope

Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.

To be eligible for the PMP credential, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. All project management experience must have been accrued within the last eight consecutive years prior to your application submission. PMBOK is one of interesting idea to start with.