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Using A Solar Power Kit For Educational Purposes
from: A small-scale solar power kit might not provide as much power as a homeowner might need, but it can serve a few educational purposes very well. When it comes to demonstrating the effectiveness of this sustainable energy source, even a very affordable kit can do the job incredibly well.A solar power kit for educational purposes can range in size and complexity. A standard kit to produce solar power will involve these components:
• A solar collector device – Whether it is a full solar panel or a scaled down module, a solar power kit must have some mechanism for collecting the sun’s photon energy. Solar collectors trap the sun’s power and help convert it into DC electricity. In most cases, solar panels in kits or otherwise include silicon as the semiconductor material that makes the panels work.
• An inverter – This machine is designed to take the DC energy a solar panel captures and turn it into usable AC power. If an inverter isn’t included in the mix, a solar power kit might not serve its function very well.
• Battery – A battery will be required to store the energy collect and transformed by the panel and inverter. In many cases, a charge controller will also come along with a solar power kit purchase to help ensure maximum efficiency of the battery included.
• Other hardware and devices – In addition to the actual solar power collection devices, most kits come with some form of hardware to mount the panel and feed the batteries. Cables, hardware and other similar items might be included in a kit.
A solar power kit can work very well in two circumstances for educational purposes. They are:
• A demonstration for homeowners – A solar power kit won’t power an entire home or even run a large appliance in most cases, but it can clearly show how this type of system functions. Depending on the size of the kit, the battery might be able to power minor appliances, such as a toaster or power tools. This is a great way for homeowners or skeptics to see how solar power works and why this sustainable energy is worth exploring further.
• Classroom use – Teachers who want to demonstrate how this form of energy works often use solar power kit models to do the job. For classroom use, a solar kit is generally very small in design. It will still typically include all the components of a larger system.
Telling people how solar energy works doesn’t necessarily work as well as showing them. When a small scale teaching tool is desired, a solar power kit can get the job done right.
Solar Power For Home Use News
Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal - Los Angeles Times
 Los Angeles Times | Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal Los Angeles Times Proponents say the Public Utilities Commission decision to expand its "net metering" program would help California remain the nation's leader in solar power. Above, solar panels shade the rooftop deck of a Hollywood Hills home. Colorado regulators tighten rooftop solar energy incentives PUC to rule on solar credits Colorado PUC voted Thursday to cut solar subsidies nearly in half |
Act Now: Solar Panels Deadline Revealed - MarketWatch (press release)
 Telegraph.co.uk | Act Now: Solar Panels Deadline Revealed MarketWatch (press release) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, May 25, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- As expected, the Government have announced the changes they will be making to the feed-in tariff scheme linked with solar panels. The DECC have revealed that tariff rates will be slashed ... UK solar subsidy to be cut Solar panel payments slashed again, leaving homeowners just weeks to grab ... Government plans to cut solar feed-in tariff |
Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power - BusinessWeek
 Press Herald | Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power BusinessWeek By STEPHEN SINGER Dmitri Donskoy figures he'll save only $20 a month on his electricity bill after solar panels are installed on the roof of his home under a state-subsidized program. But he shrugs it off because the green energy appeals to his ... Connecticut subsidies seen spurring home solar power |
Green energy futures: Part 1 - Edmonton Journal
Green energy futures: Part 1 Edmonton Journal Today two attractive, modern, infill net-zero-ready homes bookend a net-zero show home with a large solar array in the middle. All three homes feature different heating systems. A net-zero home is one that produces as much energy as it consumes. |
Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power - Boston.com
Conn. subsidies seen spurring home solar power Boston.com Dmitri Donskoy figures he'll save only $20 a month on his electricity bill after solar panels are installed on the roof of his home under a state-subsidized program. But he shrugs it off because the green energy appeals to his environmental concerns. Robot To Wash Solar Panels Among Winning Student Inventions |