Shining Some Light on Solar Energy
Solar energy has been around for centuries, but its popularity as an alternative power source has exploded in recent years. If you're considering this path, here are some important facts to consider:
* Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun; and before that, the sun's heat was harnessed by plants through photosynthesis-which is why they need sunlight to grow. * The SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) offers a free online course on solar photovoltaic technologies, just in case you're feeling ambitious. * The course offers an overview of the solar market, and how solar panels are used in the marketplace. * It also covers a bit on types of solar panels, their uses in a variety of industries, and the conversion process from light to electricity.
* There is a growing need to reduce our use of fossil fuels as an energy source, and solar power is being seen as a viable alternative. * Solar energy harnesses the sun's power to generate renewable energy; it does not produce harmful emissions or cause greenhouse gas build-up. * Investing in this form of power generation can allow you to generate free electricity with no monthly charge-though you will have to invest some money up front in order to get started. * You may want to look into a solar lease as an option, as it allows you to pay for the panels over a period of time.
* The biggest problem with solar power plants is that they generate power after dark; in fact, about half of the energy plants generate is at night or on cloudy days.
* For one thing, you can never be 100 percent sure that you'll have sunlight during winter months. * The best time to install solar panels is between May and September-though they may not provide enough energy throughout the year. * Taking advantage of energy generated through solar energy is a great option, as you will see money in your pocket right away.
* You can claim that you are a sustainability leader if you install solar panels on your property. * When designing or building new homes or buildings, it is important to diversify their sources of energy.
* There are two main types of photovoltaic panels: Thin film and monocrystalline silicon (or poly-crystalline). * Thin film solar power could actually be harnessed in ways that are not currently being done; for example, thin film solar panels can be used for a type of medical device called "nanoscale heating" that turns heat vision into electrical power.
* The best way to learn more about solar power is to take advantage of free online courses. * Solar power is still a growing industry, and one that can save you money over the long haul, so you should do your research before beginning the process of installing solar panels at your home or office.
* Solar energy is a good option for those who want to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. * Despite its benefits, it is still a new option for many individuals; however, it will likely become more popular in the coming decades as fossil fuel resources are depleted. * For now, it's still a good idea to do your research and compare the costs of various solar energy systems before you make your final decision.
* Not everyone is right for solar power, though; if you're not in a position to install panels on your own property but still want to turn some power into electricity, you may want to consider taking advantage of a lease option. * Know that leasing allows you to get access to free electricity for up to 20 years with no upfront cost; then, after that time period has expired, m you will be able to buy the panels at a lower cost than what was originally paid for them.
http://usinfo.org/...
The NY Daily News has an article on how solar power is already making a difference in this city.
The article gives some background and statistics on solar power, then follows up with two specific cases: One family that installed the panels has saved $100/month, and a synagogue installed six solar panels which have boosted income by $8,000 after six years.
http://www.nydailynews.com/...
Read some comments from the insiders in this NYTimes article about the role of New York City's Dept of Sanitation in getting to work with solar energy.
The article discusses how Mayor Bloomberg, the NYS governor, and NYS Senators are working together to make New York City a leader in solar energy. The article also talks about how the Dept. of Sanitation is involved - and one insider says that the Dept. of Sanitation is the only agency currently focusing on solar energy in NY City.
http://www.nytimes.com/...
Learn about New York City's plan to build an extra 1 GW of solar power by 2015, which will also yield upwards of $200 million for NYC taxpayers over that same period ($1 billion for NYC taxpayers by 2020).
The article discusses the plan's details, focusing on how the power will be bought at an early price of 36 cents/kWh - which is cheaper than the current rate of around 50 cents/kWh. This price is expected to drop over time as more solar panels hit the market.
http://www.nytimes.com/...
Learn about three NYC companies that are using solar energy to shave costs, boost productivity and improve air quality in their buildings - all while cutting their carbon footprint by a whopping $1 million a year!
Clients include The Stern School of Business at Yeshiva University, and The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
http://www.nytimes.com/...
Leveraging New York's Long History of Innovative Thinking and the City's Growing R&D Council, the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) is spearheading an unprecedented initiative to make New York a world leader in urban solar power by 2015.
At the heart of this new effort is a plan to generate 1 GW of solar power - enough fresh electricity to power more than 400,000 homes, enough to eliminate 20 million tons of carbon emissions each year, and enough sunshine that enough energy could be captured from NYC rooftops and stored for use during winter months when there is no sun available. The DCP plans are already yielding results.
http://www.nyc.gov/...
Learn about the New York City Solar for All program, which is a public-private partnership that will make solar energy available to more residents and small businesses by creating an accessible model of financing that makes solar energy more accessible to New Yorkers.
The program will also create a framework of incentives for solar energy with the goal of helping the City achieve its goal of 1 GW of solar by 2015. The program will make solar energy accessible by lowering lease costs, reducing energy bills and making it easier to own key components such as panels and power inverters.
Conclusion
While some states and cities are having trouble getting their heads around setting their own renewable energy goals, New York has been a pioneer in this field for quite some time. The NYC Department of City Planning has led the way for many other government agencies, and even major corporations to move forward with clean energy projects. It's well past time for the rest of the state to hop on board!
What will you do? Why not become an urban pioneer like New York City! Click here to start your own clean energy project now.
Source: http://www.nyc.gov/...
----- Original Message ----- From: "Riccardo Di Nicolo" <riccardo@greenesperanza.