Video - New Solar Panel Innovation

Here is an example of an innovative new design for solar panels, which will lower costs considerably, while also increasing efficiency and energy production. As we discussed on Wednesday, we should be seeing more and more of these innovations in the solar energy field in the years to come, making solar power a viable source of electricity for more and more people.

Check out this short news clip to learn more about this particular example:

New Solar Panel
Reno company Snowpeak Energy has created a next-generation solar panel at half the price of a standard panel, while producing 3 times the electricity. This story is the first time it's been photographed for the public to see. Aired 04/14/2009 KTVN Ch...

New Uses for Solar Power

When you think of solar power you probably think of heating and light for your home. That is one of the many things that we use solar power for.  Solar power is everywhere and its use is growing every day. There are many different products that are made using solar power. Solar power means using the sun's natural heat to produce electricity, heat, and more.  When you use solar power you are using a natural and abundant resource that we cannot deplete, and which causes no pollution (other than the making of means of storing and processing this energy - which continues to become ever more efficient).

A basic, Sharp-brand solar calculator. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are more products that use solar power than what we realize. A lot of today's electronics use some type of solar power in order to function accurately.  Calculators are a prime example of a useful solar power product.  These calculators may or may not have on and off switches.  Some rely on the solar panel completely in order to stay or turn off.  Solar power calculators need a certain amount of light inside the solar panel in order to turn the calculator on and perform what you want it to do; add, subtract, divide, multiply and more.  The solar panel in a calculator is obviously not as big as the one that you would to power your home.  The size needed for a calculator is adjusted before installation to provide the amount it needs. Solar power use can also be found in travel products, outdoor recreation, safety products, emergency products and more. 

Solar power radios are produced with a solar panel inside that transforms the sunlight into energy allowing you to listen to your radio while you are outside.  You may also find solar power in flashlights, battery chargers, mobile phone chargers, watches, lanterns, emergency products such as sirens and lights.  As you see there are a number of products that are already using solar power technology.  Portable solar chargers are great because they charge the product that you have using just the sunlight, and they are very easy to use.  Camping equipment and supplies also work well with solar power because sunlight during the day then helps to supply lanterns, flashlights and radios at night.

Solar powered tea (Photo credit: Nick . Brooks)

Cooking outdoors can also be done by using solar power to heat the element that will ignite and allow for even cooking.  Because more people are turning to solar power for their main energy source there are more and more companies that are marketing products that are produced using solar power.  Appliances are being made specially for solar power homes.  Many new appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and more will work great in a home that is generated by solar power.  They are built to conserve energy and operate very efficiently.

As the demand for more efficient and clean energy grows, the availability of solar powered appliances and electronics will grow as well. We can look forward to seeing more interesting innovations in this field in the years to come.

Video - Small Home Solar Power System Demo

Here's a short demo of one family's small home solar power system they use to power electronics in the home. While they're not completely off the grid, they are using this small solar power system to meet everyday electricity needs such as lights, television, computers, kitchen appliances, and more. Pretty cool!  If you want to learn more about solar power kits and D.I.Y. solar power info, visit the link below the video.

DIY My small home solar power system
A brief layout of my solar system that I added to my small house. This house is still hooked up to the grid. I use it to run all the lights in my home and the tv, every day. I am able to run anything up to 1000 watts if needed


Click Here to Learn More About D.I.Y. Solar Power....

Review: 10-Watt Plug-and-Play Portable Solar Power Kit

If you're looking to build your own solar power system, there are a lot of options out there nowadays. You can go completely from scratch, or you can also use kit that is either partially or mostly pre-assembled. Spheral Solar provides a lot of great options from small to large - from small portable kits all the way up to full-size systems that can take you off the grid completely. But if you just want something simple and small that you can use in a pinch - not necessarily to supply your whole household with electricity, there are a great many advantages to the 10 Watt Plug and Play Portable Solar Power Kit. It can be used indoors, but is ideal to be taken along when camping, picnicking in the park or working outside in your garden or yard to power up electrical equipment such as handheld games, lamps, TV's cell phones, laptops etc.

The solar power kit comes with a 10 watt solar panel which charges a Duracell 300 power pack which will provide power for up to 15 hours. In case of emergency, it has a built-in fluorescent emergency light. I like the fact that this system can even jump-start a car - it comes with built-in jump-start cables and clips. 

Overall, this solar power kit is a very versatile and useful device to have at home and when on the road. It will certainly come in handy when grid power is not available or when camping.

Where to Buy: 
www.spherasolar.com

How to Make a Solar Space Heater

Here is a pretty cool article with step-by-step instructions for making your own solar-powered space heater, which will work great for heating a small space such as a garage or other small room in which you need a little extra heat. Unlike many expensive models on the market, this one won't cost you more than dinner for two, and only takes a few hours to put together. If you're looking to increase the efficiency of your home, or if you already have a solar-powered home but need a little extra heat somewhere, this is a great solution to try.

Have fun building, and be sure to come back and let us know how it turns out!

How to Make Solar Space Heater for Your Garage or Enclosed Porch
If you are looking to learn how to make solar space heaters then this is the tutorial for you. This is a step by step process using recycled materials to help you lower your heating bill and bring warn air into an otherwise unreachable ...
Publish Date: 04/20/2011 19:28
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/114675.aspx