| Papers [1-15] of 69 :: [Page 1 of 5] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 —> | Search results on "SOLAR POWER": |
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Photovoltaic Cells and Solar Thermal Power Plants, 2005.
A comparison of photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 4 sources, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper
"This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
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Solar Power: A Viable Energy Source, 2005.
A look at the feasibility of solar power as an energy source.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses solar energy in terms of natural resource economics and relates it to the concept of free market environmentalism. The paper also explains the benefits of using solar power as an energy source as opposed to fossil fuels.
From the Paper
"Since the oil embargo, oil price increases have been a concern for many nations, especially for the United States. Today's high fuel prices speak to the imperative to find alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Solar power is one such potentially viable alternative. Why use solar power? In addition to its value as an environmentally clean source of energy, solar power has economic value in terms of being a renewable resource that can be controlled by the nation or region using..."
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Solar Power, 2004.
An argument in favor of a massive solar campaign in America.
2,242 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the significance of the necessary change from fossil fuel to clean, renewable energy in America. The paper explores the extensive damage caused the environment and highlights the crucial need for action. The paper describes a four-stage plan to be implemented in order to increase the usage of solar power. The advantages and benefits of the plan are outlined. The paper explains what could happen if leadership in Washington D.C. does not implement the plan.
Outline
The Resolution
Change From Fossil Fuel to Clean, Renewable Energy
Consequences of Not Implementing the Plan
The Plan
Wind Power
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Because the U.S. leads the world in the production of greenhouse gases (in particular, CO2) that are released into the atmosphere and contribute to the present climate change known as global warming, a plan of action is needed. The continuing sharp rise in the temperature of the air and of the oceans is a phenomenon that is presently causing serious problems world wide. This warming trend may, according to empirical research, lead to catastrophic, unprecedented destruction.
So, the way to resolve this most challenging of all global environmental issues, is through the implementation of a very comprehensible and pragmatic four-fold plan of attack: a) begin a massive phase-in of an energy conservation program (insulating houses, teaching people to use less energy); b) launch a major federally-mandated private/public partnership push towards the installation of solar-powered technologies in homes and businesses; c) as new and renewable energy sources come online, and energy conservation reduced the need for additional energy sources, begin the inevitable phase out of existing centralized fossil-fuel energy generating plants; d) stop building new fossil-fuel plants, and re-train coal-and-oil-fired energy workers as retrofitters of energy-saving hardware - and solar technologies - for millions of American homes."
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Solar Energy and Solar Cells, 2003.
This paper is on solar energy, solar cells (panels) and the breakdown of what happens in the process.
1,137 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solar energy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solar energy may have in the future.
From the Paper
"Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."
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Lighting and Solar Energy, 2000.
This essay discusses the invention of the light bulb and solar power.
2,639 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 9 sources, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two distinct inventions: light bulbs and solar energy. First it discusses the incandescent light bulb and its inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, and explore the differences between incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. Then the long history and increasing importance of solar power and its modern applications are discussed.
From the Paper
"On December 31st, 1879, after years of work and many experiments, Thomas Alva Edison gave the first demonstration of the incandescent light bulb at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was assisted in his invention by Francis Upton, a Princeton Graduate who supplied the mathematical and theoretical expertise that Edison lacked. This invention established Edison?s reputation as the world?s greatest inventor. Before his invention, electric arc lighting was used to produce light. In this lighting system, lights were connected in a series circuit, so if one failed, the rest of the bulbs on the circuit also failed. (First Public Demonstration?)
Edison was able to spend so much time and money on the invention of the light bulb because of his reputation as an inventor. He had the support of financiers such as J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilts. They established the Edison Light Company and loaned Edison $30,000 for research and development. (First Public Demonstration?)"
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Alternative Power, 2001.
An outline of the responsibilities and research of the renewable energy source ESEP group. In addition to describing the roles and each member of the group, the proposal explains the urgency and significance of perfecting non fossil fuel energy sources.
5,415 words (approx. 21.7 pages), 23 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
This research discusses the world?s current energy crisis. Fossil energy comprises the majority of the world?s energy source; however, these fuels pose threats to the environment and do not provide a renewable source of energy. Analysts predict that the world will run out of fossil fuels in forty to fifty years. Due to this impending crisis, experts research and attempt to determine renewable energy sources that meet the world?s growing energy needs while considering the technical, environmental, financial, and social impact of these alternatives. This report summarizes four of the most developed renewable energy options that could feasibly replace fossil fuels as a source of energy, including fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Fuel cells use substances such as methanol and oxygen to react and provide energy; however, obtaining a clean, reliable hydrogen source and lowering the cost must precede implementation. Solar power harnesses the sun?s thermal with photovoltaic cells to produce electricity; the paper focuses on concentrating solar technologies and the addition research required to employ this alternative fuel source. Wind power uses turbines situated in a field to capture the kinetic energy of the wind; as one of the most frequently used renewable energy resources, this solution may become feasible as prices decrease. Hydropower uses flowing water through a system of turbines and generators to produce vast amounts of clean energy, but its environmental impacts are serious and widespread. All of these renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to producing energy on a large scale. Some of these factors include cost, efficiency, environmental factors, and political and social factors. The report recommends an increase in research for each of these fields, and concludes that these renewable energy sources will only develop if society as a whole accepts the financial burden that accompanies them. Overall, the financial burden of renewable resources does not compare to the devastating effects that continued fossil energy usage will leave on the environment.
From the Paper
"As the global energy crisis worsens, scientists and researchers internationally race to refine and implement renewable energy resources to provide societies basic power needs that do not depend upon the consumption of natural resources. Within the next century, if energy consumers continue to rely on resources such as coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels at the current rate, society will deplete its fuel reserves, specifically petroleum, to the extent that alternate power sources become necessary to maintain current standards of living based on power sources. Environmentalists, scientists, and the general public target fossil fuel usage as the primary cause for the environment?s poor condition; renewable resources will offer an opportunity to prevent and possibly improve damage caused by pollution from power procurement. Globally, consumers are ill-prepared for our inevitable reliance upon renewable energy resources; moreover, developing countries in the process of electrifying their citizens will not have the means to progress in the same energy-technology development cycle and cannot base their tenuous energy dependence on a rapidly waning fuel source. In the absence of fossil fuels, people must rely on new forms of transportation and energy to power our increasingly
technology-based society. Renewable resources, such as fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydro power offers an environmentally-savvy alternative to fossil fuels, yet many of these technologies require further research, refinement, and optimization before we can rely upon them as a substitute for fossil fuels in basic power needs (SolarPACES 1). The problem involves ensuring global preparedness when low energy reserves mandate the use of renewable energy resources through proper allocation of renewable energy technology, ethical support from the public and the government, financial flexibility, and environmental sustainability."
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Solar Sailor, 2002.
A case study of the Solar Sailor, a Hybrid powered watercraft which reduces the impact on the environment.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Solar Sailor, a Hybrid powered watercraft which utilizes its sails as a means of also collecting solar power, so while the boat is being propelled by the wind the energy collected via the solar panels run the two extremely efficient electric motors. The Solar Sailor is very ecolologically and environmentally friendly since the cost of running it is very low when compared to the cost of running a diesel-powered boat. The paper looks at potential uses of the craft and discusses relevant ethical issues such as the cost of the craft itself over the environmental advantages. It concludes with the impact of the Solar Sailor on society, particularly in Australia where it was invented such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and landscape protection.
From the Paper
"A 21 metre Solar Sailor costs around $3 million compared to $2 million for an equivalent diesel engine model. Even though over a 15 yr period taking into consideration fuel and maintenance costs the Solar Sailor works out to be considerably cheaper. The only thing that is stopping the Solar Sailor from becoming a worldwide success is the fact that the older style propulsion technologies enjoy a huge comfort zone, which is bolstered by the world?s fiscal policies and risk-averse conservatism. The view of Dane is that ?Until we start taxing people for carbon emissions, or taxing diesel for the costs it imposes on the environment, the attractions of these kinds of technologies will increase only slowly?. Over time he hopes that his patience, hard economic numbers and the day-to-day performance of his Solar Sailor will win buyers over."
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Nuclear Power: A Critical Evaluation, 2002.
Presents the pros and cons of nuclear power for electricity.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses alternatives to nuclear power like fossil fuels, solar and hydroelectric power and describes the problem of waste disposal at the Yucca Mountain Repository for nuclear waste.
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Environmentally Friendly Power Options, 2005.
This paper discuss environmentally friendly power options that are renewable rather than non-renewable such as oil and coal.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the problems with existing use of fossil fuels like coal and oil are (1) eventually they will be depleted and (2) fossil fuels are dirty thus causing acid rain, global warming and poor air quality. The author points out that environmentally friendly, renewable power solutions include wind, solar, geothermal, wave and tidal energy, hydrogen fuel cells and modern biomass developments. However, these are still in limited use, thus the world remains depends on fossil fuels. The paper relates that another problem is the power of the big oil companies, who stand to lose a lot of money if alternative power really does catch-on; instead, they should be using their resources to develop these alternative power sources thus making the planet healthier, too.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem
Solutions
Summary
From the Paper
"None of these solutions are being used enough to remedy the problem, and there are many reasons why they are not being more heavily used. Many of the long-term projects are very expensive to build and operate, and so utilities are hesitant to invest in them. Around the world, many countries are investing in alternative power, such as wind power. Another writer notes, "India, China, and a dozen European nations have installed thousands of wind turbines that generate electricity at a cost comparable to new coal-fired power plants." Here in the U.S. wind power has caught on in some areas, but the vast areas needed to create these "wind farms" is limited, and many people here find them unsightly, so they are not as popular as they are in other parts of the world. They have to be in an area that gets a lot of wind, too, which limits where they can be installed and used."
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Solar Energy, 2004.
An analysis of the potential of solar energy and its use.
2,449 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
In order to better understand the issue of solar energy, this paper presents a definition of the terms and concepts relating to solar energy. The paper examines the technologies that are currently used to put solar energy to work. A short historical background on the development of solar technology in the past sixty years is presented. The paper explores the reasons why it is important to develop solar energy and discusses its future costs and benefits.
From the Paper
"Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that can produce heat, generate electricity, or cause chemical reactions. Solar energy is inexhaustible and nonpolluting, but it is not an efficient energy source, since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs or scatters over 50% of incoming solar radiation. Solar collectors collect the radiation and transfer it as heat to a carrier fluid. It can then be used for heating. Solar cells convert solar radiation directly into electricity, by means of the photoelectric effect.
Very often, there is confusion about the various methods used to harness the sun's abundant and clean energy. Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways: in the form of heat (or thermal energy), and in the form of light energy. Solar thermal technologies use the sun's 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 is a variety of products on the market that utilize 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. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy. "
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Extra-Solar Planets, 2005.
A look at the search for extra-solar planets.
1,640 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a definition and description of the planets within our solar system and then goes on to discuss extra-solar planets and the ongoing search for them. The paper describes some of the technology and techniques employed in this search, a discovery of an extra-solar planet by scientists at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, and recent advances in locating extra-solar planetary objects.
From the Paper
"The word planet means ?wanderer? in Greek. It derives from the fact that planets within our solar system seem generally to wander eastward about the so-called ?fixed stars across the zodiac constellations (Kolb). There is no clear consensus precisely defining what constitutes a planet, as distinguished from brown dwarfs, which are the material remnants of burned out ancient stars whose masses where too small to form white dwarfs or collapse completely, forming black holes in the manner that stars much larger than ten solar masses, or ten times the mass of our sun (Hawking)."
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Solar Cell Manufacturing Process, 2008.
An analysis of the steps involved in the process of solar cell manufacturing.
968 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the process of solar cell manufacturing and looks at each step of the process in detail. The paper describes the processing stages of chlorine-free polysilicon production and describes the purity requirements for the silicon used in solar cells. The paper also briefly looks at the changes in the solar cell manufacturing industry over the past few years.
From the Paper
"The very last step of manufacturing a solar cell is adding the electrodes (electrical contacts) and interconnection strips. Electrical contacts connect each solar cell to another, creating a solar panel, and then to the receiver of the produced current. The contacts must be very thin (at least in the front) so as not to block sunlight to the cell. Metals such as silver, nickel, or copper are vacuum-evaporated through either a photo-resister, silkscreen, or they can be deposited on the exposed portion of cells that have been partially covered with wax. All three methods involve a system where the part of the cell on which a contact is not desired is protected, while the rest of the cell is exposed to the metal. And finally, the interconnection strips are soldered into place. Flux is applied to cell interconnection strips before soldering to act as a deoxidizer. It ensures better adhesion between the solder and solar cells. This provides positive contact for an electrical current and greatly lowers the probability of the current shorting out. After applying the solder and flux, the cell surfaces need to be cleaned with a chlorofluorocarbon compound."
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Inner and Outer Solar System, 2002.
An explanation of the inner and outer solar systems, with the sun at its core.
3,162 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to explain the nature of the solar system. Starting with the inner solar system, the paper explores the make-up of the sun, central to the system, followed by Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The paper then explores what is known as the outer system, beginning with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The paper then offers a three-point conclusion, beginning with the sun and then dividing into the outer and inner solar systems.
From the Paper
"Many theories have been formulated by scientists and scholars that help explain the nature and origin of the solar system, which gave birth to the planets in it, which includes the planet Earth. Among these formation theories, the most widely-accepted theory is the Nebular Theory of Solar System Formation. This theory states that the solar system was formed as a result of the collapse of an interstellar cloud, which eventually became the solar system and all the planets and elements within it. This space phenomenon happened 4.7 billion years ago, and as the interstellar cloud collapsed under the force of gravity, it rotates at a fast rate, eventually forming a ball of hot gas and dust, called the protosun."
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Solar Energy, 2004.
Examines the history, future, and practicality of solar energy.
2,556 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
Scientists, environmentalists, and advocates of cheap, clean energy often tout solar energy as the answer to the world's energy problems and the energy source of the future. This paper examines whether solar energy is, indeed, the answer and whether its use on a large-scale is practical for use in the United States. It also looks at the history and types of solar energy.
From the Paper
"In addition, creating solar power generators it is a much smaller endeavor than building power generators for neighborhoods and businesses. Solar energy is quiet, reliable, and safe, and it makes sense in a variety of situations. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, are adopting stricter standards for utility companies concerning utilizing more solar power. A recent amendment by the New Jersey Legislature requires the state's electrical utilities to utilize solar power as a portion of their power generation."
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Solar Cells, 2001.
A look at solar cells and the technology behind them.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper defines what solar cells are, how they are created and the technological history behind their development. It provides scientific theories to support this information and explains the uses of solar cells in today's technology.
From the Paper
"A solar cell is any device that directly converts the energy in light into electrical energy through the process of photovoltaics. Unlike batteries or fuel cells, solar cells do not utilize chemical reactions to produce electric power, and, unlike electric generators, they do not have any moving parts. Solar cells are also called solar batteries and, as the term solar implies, they are in most cases designed for converting sunlight into electrical energy.
"In the basic structure of a typical solar cell, light enters the device through a layer of material called the antireflection layer. The function of this layer is to trap the light falling on the solar cell and to promote the transmission of this light into the energy-conversion layers below. Such materials as silicon oxides or titanium dioxide are employed as the antireflection layer in solar cells."
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