Thin Film Infrared Solar Sheets - Future Tech

I have been hearing about Thin Film Solar Panel Sheets for years now. Unfortunately progress has been slow to develop a fully functioning product for the public sector that is efficient and affordable. Current technology just doesn't produce enough power in relation to surface area.

The Idaho National Laboratory along with other partners have developed a new type of Thin Film Solar Sheet that collects energy from the infrared light spectrum. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye. During Sunlight Hours... The Earth absorbs infrared light from the Sun. After Sunset... The Earth releases infrared light for many hours. This enables the sheets to collect energy both during the day and for many hours past sunset. This is all accomplished by utilizing massive amounts of atomic scale antennas all packed together on a thin flexible sheet. The antennas are the 1/25th the size of a human hair. Panels could be made for only a few dollars per foot, potentially making solar power affordable for nearly everyone.

Unfortunately this technology will not be ready until around 2012-2014. Widespread availability?... Time will tell.

For more information...
News and Video from official Website :: http://www.microcontinuum.com/solar.htm
Idaho National Laboratory :: News Archive

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Please Recycle... It's the simplest step to a healthier planet. Please Recycle... It's the simplest step to a healthier planet. Please Recycle... It's the simplest step to a healthier planet. Please Recycle... It's the simplest step to a healthier planet. Please Recycle... It's the simplest step to a healthier planet.
 

Affordable Solar Charger for Phones and Small Electronics

This is for the hiking, backpacking, and camping enthusiasts. I normally don't post anything related to shopping but the current anniversary sale at REI.com is too good to pass up. Prices are good from 5/21 thru 5/31. Also, 20% off any single item for REI members.

10 Days Only! 5/21 thru 5/31/2010

Here's a taste of what's on sale at rei.com ::

- Marrs Mission 1 Solar Charger for small electronics >> Only $34.99!!!
* I have never seen any similar device at a cheaper price. It has built in recharceable Lithium-Ion batteries. It can take a charge from the sun or, if necessary, from any computer USB port. Also has a built in LED flashlight.

- Garmin GPSMap 60CSX Color Handhelp GPS Device >> $199.99 (normally $350.00)

- Steripen Adventurer UV Light Water Purifier >> $69.99 (normally $99.95)

- MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter >> $59.99 (normally $89.95)

There are hundreds of items on sale. If you need gear for the summer... now is the time.

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Lastly, I'd like to point out my distaste for the handling of the current situation in the gulf. It makes me sick to know that big oil companies just don't care about the damage they cause to the planet. People get fired, companies pay a few million in fines, business as usual. Big Oil is soooo big that it just can't get in trouble.

Later

Thermal Solar Power

So the big problem with Solar Power is what happens when the sun goes down or a cloud rolls by? The answer to this problem is simply storing the power generated during the day for use at night. But traditional storage solutions such as batteries are not efficient enough. Batteries can store the energy but it takes a huge amount of them to do it. Their huge expense and the fact that they degrade over time has led the industry to find a better form of storing excess energy.

Thermal Solar Power Storage is actually a very basic idea that works very well. It works by retaining the heat from the sun but not using it to generate power until needed. Just like a thermos keeps your coffee hot until you're ready to drink it. Large arrays of solar mirrors reflect sunlight against a huge tank of water. The super heated water generates steam which rises to spin a turbine which generates energy. This process is already in use but obviously does not work well at night.

New technologies include using advanced insulated storage tanks. These tanks keep the liquid inside super hot for long periods of time. The solution in the tank is also very important. Water alone is no longer the best method. A Molten Salt Solution has shown that it is much better at retaining heat for longer periods of time.

A Thermal Solar System isn't something for residential use but a single large scale Thermal Solar Generator could provide enough power for a small city. But anyone can take advantage of the suns heat by installing a solar water heater. Its basically a water tank inside a reflective insulated box mounted on the roof. These are great because they don't eliminate your existing water heater. The water from the tank on the roof is used until the temperature drops too low... then the regular water heater kicks in. If you shower during the day a system like this can save a bunch of money.

The Best (Affordable) Solar Products

Families across the nation are trying to save their planet and go green, but the task can be expensive. While solar technology has greatly improved over the last few years, few homeowners have the space or money to own the number of solar panels needed to take their house off of the grid.

Even installing a few panels onto a roof to generate electricity for the home can cost many thousands of dollars and require professional help. There are tax incentives for making this drastic commitment to solar energy, but they do not offset the costs entirely. Those who can’t afford a large-scale project can find inexpensive ways to use the sun to improve life in their home and reduce their dependence on polluting energy sources.

A Brief History of Solar Technology

Humans have been harvesting the power of the sun since ancient times. The Greeks and Chinese often redirected sunlight onto indoor spaces with mirrored objects in order to heat and illuminate spaces. One of the central thrusts of the profession of architecture has always been to use natural light effectively.

The first major developments in solar technology were made near the end of the nineteenth century as part of the scientific advances of the Industrial Revolution. Solar engines and collectors were produced, but the inventions were laid aside for the better part of the twentieth century. The expansion of solar technology seen during the oil crisis of the 70s would not happen at the same rate until just a few years ago, when the world once again feared a fossil fuel shortage. When worries about the fragile state of the environment and the limit of the remaining oil supply began to mount at the turn of the millennium, more scientists began working on solar energy technology. Since then, the field of solar products has grown rapidly.

Tubular Skylights

Almost every home has a dark hallway or a cavernous bathroom. The dim and dreary places can ruin the ambiance of a living space and make it hard to see. Those who worry about adding another power-gobbling light fixture to their home should consider installing a tubular skylight.

These products are not skylights in the traditional sense. Once installed, they look more like an electric can light than another window. A tubular skylight is a reflective tube that can be ran through the attic to any part of the house that needs more light. Sunlight is gathered and concentrated from a lens on the roof and then carried down into the desired room. The shape and reflective properties of the tube guarantee bright light even on cloudy days or at dusk. These skylights only cost a few hundred dollars and can sometimes be installed by the homeowner.

Potable Solar Products

Solar radios and flashlights are not new, but they have recently been revamped with more efficient technology. The disposal batteries usually used to power these products poison the environment with acids and plastics. Those that are charged directly from wall plugs raise electricity bills, and their chargers will continue to drain power even if they are not connected to anything.

Some solar flashlights will work up to eight hours after being in the sun for eight hours. Solar radios can be played and charged simultaneously. The best part about these products is that they are often priced competitively with their non-green cousins anywhere from $25 to $50.

Small Solar Panels

It may be infeasible for some to make the complete switch to solar energy, but those who can’t afford to deck out their roof with permanent solar panels needn’t worry. There are lots of small, cost-effective panels on the market that can get any family started going green.

Few people realize they can make their home more efficient with a few helpful products. There are many potable solar arrays available that can be used to charge small electronics. Not only can these products be used on the go or for emergencies, but they can save energy at home. Solar chargers start at around $50.

Those who want to dabble in creating energy for their home without making a commitment can try some of the solar energy kits on the market. Plug-n-play kits come with a solar panel and a battery. Any appliance can be plugged directly into the system. Size and capacity will vary great depending on the kit. These units start at a few hundred dollars.

Choosing Solar

As more alternative energies vie for a market share, choosing the best way to conserve energy can become confusing. Instead of giving up on the idea, start slowly implementing new technology. Solar products are reliable and are a great starting point for those new to energy conservation efforts.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author

About Author: Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to energy conservation such as Outdoor Solar Lights

Hello!

Yesterday my neighbor began installing a new Solar Power System for his home. It consists of around 30 panels and should be enough to power his entire house. I have been interested in these systems for awhile because they save money of course, but they are also a way to live independently, off the grid, and completely environmentally friendly. In many states you can sell your excess generated energy back to the power company for a profit! That's right... The power company pays you!

I have been looking into ways to build my own Solar and Wind Power systems very cheaply. I have found some positive looking ideas and hope to talk about it further soon.

Green Tip: Recycle Everything, Stop Using Disposable Plastic Bottles