A dazzling future for solar power? by Matthew Knight for CNN (May 2010)

"Solar power is expected to provide almost a quarter of the world's electricity supplies by 2050, according to a new report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Eleven percent of total supplies are predicted to come from solar panels on homes and offices while a further 11 percent will be provided by central solar power stations feeding clean electricity to populous areas.
Solar power currently accounts for 0.5 percent of total electricity supplies, but this will need to rise if cuts in carbon emissions are to be achieved, according to the IEA."

(Source: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-05-12/tech/solar.energy.iea.report_1_solar-panels-solar-power-csp?_s=PM:TECH)

Bright future for solar energy in Qatar

• Qatar: Saturday, March 19 - 2011 at 11:06
• PRESS RELEASE
  The Qatar Alternative Energy Investors Summit, being held in strategic partnership with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation on March 16th - 17th, kicked off yesterday at the Sharq Village and Spa in Doha. Hosting over 100 key players from the alternative energy industry, the summit provided its participating projects and funds a business deal flow platform by ensuring exclusive networking opportunities with serious industry investors. Pressing issues and obstacles in the industry were also highlighted and touched upon at the summit. Amongst the topics covered at the first day of the summit, the current situation of the nuclear reactors in Japan was discussed and how it serves as a learning experience for the industry globally on project planning during the construction phases needs to take into account disasters and natural hazards.
  
  The summit hosted over 12 ambassadors, amongst other VIP representations from Qatar. His Excellency Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan to Qatar, expressed his gratitude towards the summit organisers and the participants for extending their support and condolences for Japan.
  
  The first interactive panel discussion yesterday tackled the issue of investment perspective for renewable energy industry which was conducted by Daniel Calderon, Head of Organisation and Investment at Masdar, Benjamin Cotton, Partner, Earth Capital Partners and Jens Yahya Zimmermann, Partner, New Silk Route Capital. The discussions were moderated by Oliver Cornock, Regional Editor of Oxford Business Group.
  
  Zimmermann outlined three broad segments of the renewable energy industry which offer investment opportunities. These include manufacturing products for renewable energy such as solar cells or wind turbines. The other end of the spectrum includes operators of renewable energy plants and in the middle lie service providers of peripheral products to the renewable energy industry. He stressed the need for regulations, which he said, are very important not only as far as subsidies are concerned, they are also important when it comes to providing a shield for domestic players to make it to the manufacturing stage.
  
  Zimmermann also pointed out that though the progress is rapid and cost of renewable energy production has come down significantly, there is still a long way to go. Therefore, he added, governments will continue to play a valuable role with Germany, Spain and the US providing good examples of government policy working well and being able to develop a meaningful renewable energy industry.
  
  Benjamin Cotton, Partner at Earth Capital Partners LLP expressed views on investments in alternative energy, and that environmental preservation is prioritised for the short and long run results. Solar energy was the hot topic for the day, with strong participation of the regions' leading investors seeking opportunities in solar projects and solar technology providers.
  
  Some of the leading solar projects and technologies entering the regional market were a part of summit. Daniel Calderon, Head of Investment for Europe Region, Masdar Abu Dhabi Future Energy explained the crucial role banks can play in financing projects, provided both the key players are in the picture; the right sponsor and the special technology needed.
  
  Samuel Higgins, Partner at Emirates International Capital Advisory and Chairman and CEO of Axial Vector Engine Corporation introduced the recent opening of an innovative solar powered street lamps manufacturing plant in the United Arab Emirates. This product has the capacity to provide light for up to six days in the absence of sunlight.
  
  On day two, March 17th, the summit hosted renowned speakers, including Professor Bohdan Zakiewicz, Nobel Prize Nominee and Chairman and Founder of Ecological Mining Academy, Dr. Horst Kreuter, Member of the Board of Directors, Captain Chris Shroeder, Head of CSR, Environment & Fuel Optimisation, Qatar Airways.
  
  Professor Bohdan led the presentation that explained the future of the production of low cost electricity and water through the 3rd generation of geothermic power plants. The application of drilling holes up to 10km deep in 30days to harness geothermic energy more efficiently was highly scrutinized by the geothermal industry expert Dr. Horst Kreuter, Member of the Board of the International Geothermal Association.
  
  He exclaimed this application to be "magical", and compared it to being able to fly to the moon and back in 30 days, since technology to support the drilling, cooling, and extraction does not exist. Though the concept is still to be implemented, the future looks bright as many technology providers are keen to be a part of this exciting new initiative.
  
  Captain Chris Schroeder and Dr. Nimir Elbashir, Professor from the Texas A&M University in Qatar, discussed the commercialization of gas-to-liquids and biofuel technology in the mass transport worldwide, especially the importance in the aviation sector. Furthermore, it explored how private industry and academia can work together and how such partnerships can benefit each party. The summit closed leaving its participants with new key industry contacts and insights on the future of the alternative energy industry in the region.
  
  Sponsors and partners at the summit include; I2BF, Ecolutions, Azmeel International for Construction and Trading, Eland Private Equity, RECL, Moserbaer, Solairedirect, Kedco Plc, Novenergia II, International Geothermal Association, Enterprise Ireland, Polish Wind Energy Association, International herald Tribune, CNBC Arabia, Zawya, amongst others.
  

(Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/259585.html)

Safer than Nuclear – Renewable Energy, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency

Safer than Nuclear – Renewable Energy, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency

On March 18, 2011, in Blog, by John Addison

“In 88 minutes, the sun provides 470 exajoules of energy, as much energy as humanity consumes in a year.” In Scientific American, Ramez Naam adds, “In 112 hours – less than five days – it provides 36 zettajoules of energy – as much energy as is contained in all proven reserves of oil, coal, and natural gas on this planet.”

We have no shortage of energy. Fortunately, we are increasingly producing and delivering more renewable energy at lower cost. At the same time we are more efficient about using energy for everything from lighting, to buildings, to transportation. Most promising is the trend to make energy cheap when plentiful, more expensive at peak, and use intelligent energy management to level the use. The grid is starting to get smart.

With a smart grid and national network of high-voltage lines, solar and wind power that are intermittent in single locations become predictable sources of steady power with a smart super grid. Renewables such as hydro, bioenergy, geothermal are already used as base load. The most cost-effective way to meet most of our base load needs is with efficient combined-cycle natural gas power plants.

As nations around the world rethink their plans for nuclear energy, better alternatives are seen in energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas, smart grid, and intelligent energy management.

Workers in Japan are heroically risking their lives to prevent a Chernobyl-type disaster. Earthquake exposed cores are tenuously contained hour by hour. Onsite spent fuel rods are being prevented from melt down minute by minute. Most problematic are nuclear plants that are over 30 years old. In Germany, Chancellor Merkel has called for a temporary shutdown of all nuclear plants built before 1980.

Such dangers should give us pause in the United States where over 100 plants were built pre-1977 with 40-year target lives. 59 of those plants have had their licenses extended to 60 years. The nuclear industry has campaigned to stretch these to 80-year licenses.  In almost all cases, like Japan, the spent rods are stored onsite in U.S. plants. Some U.S. reactors are located near major earthquake faults.

Fortunately, we have safer and more cost-effective energy solutions. The new Clean Energy Trends 2011 highlights strong growth in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and innovative integration of natural gas and CSP. The report documents rapid progress: “The global market for solar photovoltaics (PV) has expanded from just $2.5 billion in 2000 to $71.2 billion in 2010, for example, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.8 percent. The global market for wind power, which like solar PV we have tracked every year for the past decade, has similarly expanded from a global market worth $4.5 billion in 2000 to more than $60.5 billion today, for a CAGR of 29.7 percent.” Clean Edge research projects wind power to expand from $60.5 billion in 2010 to $122.9 billion by 2020, and solar to expand from $71.2 billion to $113.6 billion by 2020. Clean Trends 2011 also looks at innovative combination of cost-effect base load power and renewables:

The integration of natural gas and renewable energy offers an opportunity to transition smoothly away from dirty energy sources. One key trend in pairing natural gas with renewables has been the development of solar-gas hybrid systems, such as Florida Power & Light’s Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, which recently connected a 75 MW, concentrated solar power (CSP) plant to the largest natural gas plant in the U.S. (3.8 GW). Other hybrid plants in development include an NV Energy project in Nevada and two separate projects in California led by Inland Energy. Along with tackling renewables’ intermittency issues, hybrid plants are an enticing idea because the sharing of existing infrastructure, such as turbines and transmission lines, promises to reduce upfront capital costs. Integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) plants, which increase steam generation by adding solar heat to gas-turbine waste heat, are another example of the mixing of solar and gas.

The best solution of all is to encourage people to save money by being more energy efficient. By making energy cheap off-peak and more pricey during peak hours, consumers know when to run their energy-efficient appliances, and industry knows how to optimize electricity demand.

Twenty-seven percent of all global electricity is consumed by lighting. I write this article sitting underneath new LED light bulbs that use one-tenth the energy of the old fashioned incandescent bulbs that came with the home when we bought it three years ago. As I finish the article, no lighting is needed. Sunlight streams in to welcome a bright day and a brighter future.

(Source: http://www.cleantechblog.com/2011/03/nuclear-power-renewable-energy.html)

Solar Energy - Our Future Energy

Well guys it is true that the world must act now!!!

What Is PV Solar Energy – It Pays You To Know

(I was searching for material about solar energy then i find this information interesting so i'm sharing this below.)

What is PV solar energy? Well, there are two ways in which the Sun's rays can be turned into energy you can use. You might be asking the question because you are confused between thermal and electrical solar energy.

And both will inevitably gain importance in your life as energy costs and shortages, and global warming, bite deeper. And, knowing the nature of anything you need to use is a great start to choosing the best at the least cost.

Thermal solar energy is anything, usually air or water, warmed up directly by the sun's rays. When you soak up some warmth from the sun, sitting inside behind a window, that's you using thermal energy from the sun.

And you just thought you were relaxing there...Well, this is the principle used by solar hot water heaters and passive solar design in buildings.

So, What is PV solar energy then?

PV stands for photovoltaic. Photo means light and voltaic refers to volt, a unit of electrical force. Hence photovoltaic activity is the process where electricity is generated, using light. Solar panels that use PV chips are designed to do just that whenever the sun shines on them.

Chips

PV solar chips incorporate semiconductors. Those are materials that release electrons when exposed to light, our basis for electricity in this case.

You have heard of silicon chips of course. It is abundant in sand. And some 98% of solar PV cells are made of this. Well that's a semi conductor, engineered to be very good at releasing energy when exposed to light.

In PV solar energy, PV cells consist of two layers of semi conductors. One that's positively charged, the other negative.

When these two semi conductors absorb light their electrons get excited. And you know that tension occurs between all opposite forces in this world. Take mountains and lowlands that enable rivers to flow or the argument you're having with someone of an opposing view that causes lots of hot air!

The negatively and positively charged particles flowing from these semi conductors then create tension: Volts! And the more light the more electricity.

It lights us up

So there you have it. A PV solar panel can turn on your lights, equipment, anything – provided you have enough of these cells working for you.

Large areas often need to be taken up for solar panels to deliver the needed domestic electricity.

By contrast you can actually buy equipment such as laptops or BBQ's that come with their own small panel.

What Is PV Solar Energy is one question. How you can get more solar energy with smaller surfaces coated with PV cells is another.

You are probably talking thin film solar panels, integrated solar PV in roofing and even spray-on solar films. But that's for another day.

(Source: http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/what-is-PV-solar-energy.html )

 Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Below is the list of advantages and disadvantages of Solar Energy:

Solar Energy Advantages

Saves you money

• After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
• The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
• Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost. (visit www.dsireusa.org to find out about incentives available in the state you live in!).
• If your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This nifty little scheme is called "net-metering".
  
• It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
• Solar energy does not require any fuel.
• It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
• The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
• The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

Environmentally friendly

• Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
• It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generation does.
• Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
• It's generated where it is needed.
• By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.

Independent/ semi-independent

• Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
• A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
• The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
• Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

Low/ no maintenance

• Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
• Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
• They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
• More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.

  

Solar Energy Disadvantages

• The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
• The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
• Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
• The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
• The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
• Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
• As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.

As you can see there are many Solar Energy Advantages
Disadvantages can be found in any product or system, but it
is important to know that they can be managed in this case. Overall you can see that advantages have an upper hand here.

(Source: http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-advantages-disadvantages.html)

Future of Solar Energy

Steckborn, Switzerland. A tower clock using solar cells

The success of solar power will depend on the answer to the following question: 'What do you do when the sun goes down?'
The simple answer is to build an auxiliary system that will store energy when the sun is out.. However, the problem is that such storage systems are unavailable today. Simple systems, like water pipes surrounded by vacuum, do exist. It is based on the concept that provided the pipes are insulated, the water will store thermal energy.
The ocean is a natural reservoir of solar power and could be used as a source for thermal energy. If we can draw warm water from the surface and cold water from the depths, an ocean thermal plant could operate 24 hours a day. George Claude tested this hypothesis as early as 1930 in Cuba. Cold water from the pipe and warm water from the surface were pumped into a plant on shore. It produced 22KW when the water temperatures were optimum and 12KW when seasonal current fluctuation reduced the efficiency.
There are also the hybrid systems. Wyoming has a system that holds back water on a neighboring hydroelectric plant when the wind is blowing, which for the time being, runs the turbines. As discussed earlier, wind is an indirect form of solar energy. Thus the hybrid system is used in the fuel saver mode.
Research on photovoltaic cells will continue. Compared to the other options, majority of the resources will probably flow into research for developing better and more efficient solar cells. Parallel to that, more research will be undertaken to develop rechargeable batteries that will last longer hours.

Source: http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/solar/future.htm

Pakistan is most suitable for solar energy projects.

 

Pakistan is most suitable for solar power:

As you can see, the cons of implementing solar power in your home are primarily cost and location related, but if those two items do not pose issues for you, the good news is…
If solar power is looked at through a long-term lens, you will eventually make back what you originally spent, and possibly start saving money on your investment
Let’s not forget that solar energy increases the value of your home too. Solar power is not subject supply and demand fluctuations in the way that gas is. Silicon, the primary component of solar panels, is also being more widely produced, therefore, less and less expensive with each passing year.
Solar power is independent, or semi-independent. This is great because you can supply your home with electricity during a power outage. Solar power can also be used in remote locations, places where conventional power can’t be reached. On a larger scale, solar power also reduces our need to rely on foreign sources for power.
And last, but certainly not least, it’s good for our planet! Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable. It does not fill our atmosphere with carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury or any other pollutants. It is a free and unlimited source of power, unlike expensive and damaging fossil fuels.

Source: http://www.paksolarpower.net/

USE of Solar Energy in Sindh, Pakistan

The photo above shows Solar Panels being used for water extraction in village Rarkou in Nagarparkar, Sindh

Solar Energy at Home

Solar Energy in Pakistan

Today in Pakistan we are facing shortage of almost every basic need of life like water, gas, and especially electricity. It is the worst conditions we are facing now a days. The reason for that is…well we all know “THE REASONS” don’t we!!! Few days back I was reading an article in a local newspaper which was about getting electricity like many European countries which is from “Wind Turbines”. It’s a very good idea and we must have to think other ways of energy to meet our needs. Another idea which I’m going to discuss here is “SOLAR ENERGY”.  As we all know that summer season is longer than winter in Pakistan. So it means we can get more and more sunlight. In my view Solar Energy Systems will be more successful in Pakistan than any European country because thankfully we can have more sunlight than Europe. Many scientists and engineers from all over the world are working in this field. Some say that it’ll be very costly, YES it’ll be but only in start as like everything when it’s new its price is high but when the competition arises then prices goes down its simple economics. We've used the Sun for drying clothes and food for thousands of years, but only recently have we been able to use it for generating power. The Sun is 150 million Kilometers away, and amazingly powerful. Just the tiny fraction of the Sun's energy that hits the Earth (around a hundredth of a millionth of a percent) is enough to meet all our power needs many times over. In fact, every minute, enough energy arrives at the Earth to meet our demands for a whole year - if only we could harness it properly and preserve it.

            Here are some techniques that are being used in many parts of the world to get energy from the sun light.

Solar Cells (really called "photovoltaic" or "photoelectric" cells) that convert light directly into electricity. In a sunny climate, you can get enough power to run a 100W light bulb from just one square metre of solar panel. This was originally developed in order to provide electricity for satellites, but these days many of us own calculators powered by solar cells. Solar cells provide the energy to run satellites that oribt the Earth. These give us satellite TV, telephones, navigation, weather forecasting, the internet and all manner of other facilities

Solar water heating, where heat from the Sun is used to heat water in glass panels on your roof. This means you don't need to use so much gas or electricity to heat your water at home. Water is pumped through pipes in the panel.
The pipes are painted black, so they get hot when the Sun shines on them. This helps out your central heating system, and cuts your fuel bills. However, in very cold places especially in winter season you must remember to drain the water out to stop the panels freezing. Solar heating is worthwhile in places like California, Australia, South East Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) where you get lots of sunshine as I mentioned it earlier.

Solar Towers One idea that is being considered is to build Solar Towers. The idea is very simple - you build a big greenhouse, which is warmed by the Sun. In the middle of the greenhouse you put a very tall tower. The hot air from the greenhouse will rise up this tower, fast - and can drive turbines along the way. This could generate significant amounts of power, especially in countries where there is a lot of sunshine and a lot of room, such as Australia.

Advantages

• Solar energy is free - it needs no fuel and produces no waste or pollution.
• In sunny countries, solar power can be used where there is no easy way to get electricity to a remote place.
• Handy for low-power uses such as solar powered garden lights and battery chargers

Disadvantages

• Doesn't work at night. (Positively thinking it’ll cut our huge fuel and energy bills into half if we even have the solar energy system in day time. So that’s make it a negligible disadvantage.)
• Very expensive to build solar power stations.
  Solar cells cost a great deal compared to the amount of electricity they'll produce in their lifetime.
• Can be unreliable unless you're in a very sunny climate. In the United Kingdom, solar power isn't much use except for low-power applications, as you need a very large area of solar panels to get a decent amount of power. However, for these applications it's definitely worthwhile.

Is it renewable?

Solar Power is renewable. The Sun will keep on shining anyway, so it makes sense to use it.

            Why “THE PROFESSIONALS” from Europe and America etc. I’ll suggest that to lower the cost we should use our own manpower which is cheaper and hardworking. By the Grace of ALLAH we are blessed with everything in our country like skilled manpower, raw material and especially more and more SUN LIGHT!!! As I mentioned earlier Europe like UK and many other countries are facing problem with less sun light but By the Grace of ALLAH we don’t have to face it. We just need good management of these things and work with diligence.