From Darknessto Light

SOLAR POWER – A FREE GIFT FROM NATURE!

E-Weekly-2/31

Green Earth Movement

An E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice

Remember - “you and I can decide the future”

What is Solar Power?Solar power is energy from the sun, and without its presence all life on earth would end. Solar energy has been looked upon as a serious

source of energy for many years because of the vast amounts of energy that are made freely available, if harnessed by modern

technology.A simple example of the power of the sun can be seen by using a

magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays on a piece of paper. Before long the paper ignites into flames.

Uses of Solar Energy We have always used solar energy as far back as humans have existed

on this planet. We know today, that there are multiple uses of solar energy. We use the solar energy every day in many different ways.

When we hang laundry outside to dry in the sun, we are using the solar heat to do work, drying our clothes. Plants use the solar light to make food. Animals eat plants for food. And as we learned, decaying plants

hundreds of millions of years ago produced the coal, oil and natural gas that we use today.

METHODS TO HARNESS SOLAR ENERGYVery often there is confusion about the various methods used to

harness solar energy.Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways:

METHOD 1: IN THE FORM OF HEAT (OR THERMAL ENERGY)

METHOD 2: IN THE FORM OF LIGHT ENERGY

Light energy can be defined as The electromagnetic radiation of visible light. Since light Itself is energy, then another definition is relevant: light is nature’s way of transferring Energythrough space.

HOW TO COLLECT THE ENERGY FROM THE SUN?

Solar thermal technologies uses the solar heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There are a variety of products on the market that uses solar thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location.

CONVERTING SOLAR ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGYThe solar heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the Solar Energy Into mechanical energy. So, fossil fuels is actually solar energy stored millions and millions of years ago. Indirectly, the sun or other areresponsible for all our energy. Even nuclear energy comesfrom a star because the uranium atoms used in nuclearenergy were created in the fury of a nova - a star exploding.Let's look at ways in which we can use the solar energy.

1. RESIDENTIAL

The number of PV installations on Buildings connected to the electricity grid has grown in recent years. Government subsidy programs (particularly in Germany and Japan) and Green pricing policies of utilities or electricity service providers have stimulated demand. Demand is also driven by the desire of individuals or companies to obtain their electricity from a clean, non-polluting, renewable source. These consumers are usually willing to pay only a small premium for renewable energy. Increasingly, the incentive is an attractive financial return on the investment through the sale of solar electricity at premium feed-in tariff rates.

USES OF SOLAR ENERGY

2. COMMERCIAL

On an office building, roof areas can be covered with glass PV modules, which can e semi-transparent to provide shaded light. On a factory or warehouse, large roof areas are the best location for solar modules. If the roof is flat, then arrays can be mounted using techniques that do not breach the weatherproofed roof membrane. Also, skylights can be partially covered with PV.

The vertical walls of office buildings provide several opportunities for PV incorporation, as well as sunshades or balconies incorporating a PV system. Sunshades may have the PV system mounted externally to the building, or have PV cells specially mounted between glass sheets comprising the window.

3. INDUSTRIAL

For many years, solar energy has been the power supply choice for industrial applications, especially where power is required at remote locations. Because solar systems are highly reliable and require little maintenance, they are ideal in distant or isolated places. Solar energy is also frequently used for transportation signaling, such as offshore navigation buoys, lighthouses, aircraft warning light structures, and increasingly in road traffic warning signals. Solar is used to power environmental monitoring equipment and corrosion protection systems for pipelines, well-heads, bridges, and other structures. For larger electrical loads, it can be cost-effective to configure a hybrid power system that links the PV with a small diesel generator.

4. REMOTE APPLICATION

Remote buildings, such as schools, Community halls, and clinics, can benefit from solar energy. In developing regions, central power plants can provide electricity to homes via a local wired network, or act as a battery charging station Where members of the community can bring batteries to be recharged. (e.g. of Indian Oil Solar lantern ref. next 2 slides) PV systems can be used to pump water in remote areas as part of a portable water supply system. Specialized solar water pumps are designed for submersible use or to float on open water. Large-scale desalination plants can also be PV powered using an array of PV modules with battery storage. PV systems are sometimes best configured with a small diesel generator in order to meet heavy power requirements in off-grid locations. With a small diesel generator, the PV system does not have to be sized to cope with the worst sunlight conditions during the year. The diesel generator can provide back-up power that is minimized during the sunniest part of the year by the PV system. This keeps fuel and maintenance costs low. 

Solar Lanterns

from Indian OilMade for poor,

adored by rich…….a viable solar power

generation for India

Solar Charging Station (SCS)Customers pay rent for lantern & a fee for charging lantern

on a daily/monthly basis• Every evening, Customers bring the discharged lantern and take a charged lantern

with them• Alternatively, the charging station owner arranges for delivery & collection of

lanterns

Solar power use: Top 10 countriesModern times. With pollution breathing Heavy on the present civilisation, it just cannot do without wind and solar energy. Countries across the world have geared up to develop alternative energy sources for better living. India is densely populated and has high solar insolation, an ideal combination for using solar power. However, on the world map, India lags far behind other countries as far as generation of solar power is concerned, although the country has made significant progress in wind energy generation. In July 2009, India unveiled a $19-billion plan to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020. Under the plan, the use of solar-powered equipment and applications would be made compulsory in all government buildings, as well as hospitals and hotels.Let us take a look at the top 10 countries using solar power:

1. GermanyTotal use: 10,000 megawatts

Germany is the world leader in solar energy. Germany is expected to stay the top buyer of solar panels through 2011. Germany has a goal of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050. In 2009 alone, Germany installed 3,806 megawatts of photovoltaics solar energy capacity, which is more than Spain's total capacity and almost eight times more than what the US installed recently.

2. Spain Total use: 3,500 MW

Spain was the world leader in newly installed PV solar energy (2,605 MW) in 2008 but its new installed capacity decreased tremendously (to just 69 MW) in 2009. The reasons for this drop are attributed to complexity and delays related to a new government subsidy programme and a decrease in energy demand due to the economic crisis. With expectations that both of these will improve in and considering its excellent sun irradiation and PV potential, Spain is expected to bump up its solar energy capacity again this year.

3. Japan Total use: 2,700 MW

Japan has high national solar energy goal's to achieve 28 GW by 2020 and 53 GW by 2030. Japan invested $9 billion in stimulus money in solar energy in 2009, and the prime minister also announced a plan to install solar power at 32,000 public schools that year. 4. United States Total use: 1,800 MWSupportive state-level policies are a major driver of growth of solar energy in the US. With many large ground-mounted solar projects in the pipeline, installed capacity in the US is expected to grow significantly in coming years. The cap on the federal solar tax credit was lifted in 2009, promoting growth in this industry. 5. Italy - Total use: 1,300 MWIn 2009, Italy had experienced the second-largest solar energy growth in the world. Every two months, Italians install more solar power than California does in an entire year.

6. Czech Republic - Total use: 600 MWA generous FiT and simple administrative procedures have put the Czech Republic on this list. The market growth has probably boomed unsustainably, however, and if appropriate policies aren't put in place to slow it, the nascent solar bubble is expected to bust in the coming years.

7. Belgium - Total use: 450 MWBelgium is a bit of a 2011 solar energy surprise. Belgium's success was from 'a well-designed Green Certificates scheme (which actually works as a Feed-in Tariff), combined with additional tax rebates and electricity self-consumption.'

8. China - Total use: 400 MWChina gets a lot of attention these days for its clean energy push, and for good reason. China is a major solar panel manufacturer but hasn't installed a ton of PV itself yet. However, it now has 12 Gigawatts of large projects in the pipeline and if those projects are implemented China is expected to jump closer to the top of the list. According to China's national energy plan, it is expected to reach a total of 20 GW by 2020. According to a recent PTI report, China is marching well ahead of all of them when it comes to capturing the solar market. China's solar energy budget still stands roughly 20 times larger than America's investment in the same period, Jonathan Silver, executive director, Department of Energy told US lawmakers recently.

9. France - Total use: 350 MW

France has a well-designed FiT for building-integrated photovoltaics, so BIPV dominates the market there. They've put protections in place to help avoid abuse of the system, and may revise the tariffs to accompany price speculations. One key issue of concern in France is that although many MW of solar energy have been installed, a lot of them have not been connected to the grid. In 2009, 285 MW of capacity was installed but only 185 MW connected to the grid. This is a major issue that needs to be resolved.

10. India - Total use: 200 MWIndia has fast-increasing electricity demand and it has very high sun irradiation levels. Its Government has also been moving forward Strongly on clean energy. The country has a goal to reach 20 GW by 2020 as well. India could quickly rise higher on this list with proper government strategies.

SOME OF THE SOLAR PANEL DEALERS, MUMBAI(list not exhaustive)

Sanjay Marketing Company Gala No 201 Rajasthan Industrial Estate Pathan Wala Compound, Opp Shreyas

Cinema, Lbs Marg, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai – 400084 – Tel: +(91)-22-61614129J & J Solar Systems

S-005 Ecopark Chs, Near Borosill, Marol Military Road, Andheri East, Mumbai – 400059, Tel: +(91)-22-61637358

Twincity Sunlife PVT LTD 2/22, Evergreen Industrial Estate, Shakti Mill Compound, Near Famous

Studio, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai - 400011, Tel: +(91)-22-61612058Entegra Limited

K G Marg, Delhi-110001, Tel: +(91)-(11)-43588640, 43588641Solar India Inc

1/2,Apolla Arcade, Old Palasia Road, Old Palasia, Indore - 452001 (Also serves Mumbai), Tel: +(91)-(731)-2560554

Solar Spectrum Energy Systems Nerul, Navi Mumbai-400706Ultimate Natural Resources Thane West, Thane-400601

When selecting a solar contractor here are some key things to look for:1.General Experience - How many years experience does the company have in installing renewable solar energy systems. Solar is a growing area and many contractors have limited track records. 2.Local Experience - Has the contractor done solar homes in your local area. The closer the better. See if any of those homes might allow you to talk to the owner. 3.Licensing - Is the contractor licensed in your county and are they familiar with state and local building regulations that impact solar installations. 4.Certifications - Does the contractor have any specific manufacturer or industry certifications. 5.References - References are invaluable, particularly if they reflect local work that is similar to what you plan to do. Don't rely just on written references because too often these might be from family or friends. Get references you can call and then don't be shy about calling. That is often the best way to get the real scoop on a contractor. 6.Knowledge of Incentives - Most states and some local governments provide a number of financial incentives for solar systems. These can make a huge difference in the cost of your solar energy system. Find out if the contractor you are considering is familiar with these incentives. Moreover, find out if they will apply for the financial incentives for you as part of their package. 7.Warranties - The best contractors warranty their work. When comparing bidders look to see who provides the strongest warranty. Check the fine print!

Solar Energy is widely viewed as a ray of hope in a world that is being rapidly

degraded by pollution and deforestation. Tapping energy provided by the sun, Tata BP Solar has been showing the way with a

range of non-polluting, environment-friendly technologies and systems that offer not only reliable energy, but also hope for a

better future.

The last word on solar power from the largest solar company in India

78, Electronics City, Hosur Road, Bangalore-560 100.

Tel: 080-235 8465 / 852 1016 Fax: 080-852 0972 / 852 0116

Email: tatabp@tatabp.com Website:

www.tatabpsolar.com

Petroleum Resource will exist till 2020, Gas Resource till 2050 then What...? Save

Our Nation, Use Freely available Solar Power....

This Presentation was produced by Green Earth Movement (GEM) Team, c/o St Xavier’s Community Centre, Panvel

Tel: 2745 5556Email: panvelchurch@gmail.com, gemenewsletter@gmail.com