Solar Energy – Facts About What It Is, How It Works, Its Pros And Cons, And Solar Power Panels And Systems Used By Companies And The Residential Sector

Image via Wikipedia What is Solar Energy? Solar energy, by definition, is an alternative energy source which uses the bright light of the sun and converts it to electricity. It is much the same with wind and water energy source but the only difference is where and how it gathers the power. Due to technology and science, it has become easier for companies and houses to acquire this source of...

Infinite Energy

And this is infinite energy. Is it what you...

Clean Coal – The Only Viable Solution

The use of coal presents a real dilemma to the power industry. According to statistics compiled by the Energy Information Administration, it generates almost half of the electricity in the U.S., yet it is globally recognized as a primary contributor to global warming, the cause for acid rain and a general pollutant. Thus, elimination of coal as a primary source of fuel, though encouraged by many...

How I pick my clothes for tomorrow

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Wind Power is for the Birds

The Basics of Wind Power Wind energy generates mechanical power or electricity via a wind turbine. The actual power can be channeled to basic mechanical tasks, or a generator, which in turn, turns the mechanical power into electricity. As a renewable resource, wind is among the top technologies involved in providing renewable energy, projected in 1990 to offset billions of pounds of carbon...

The “Cost” of “Cheap” Energy

Hidden Costs of Fossil Fuels There is no doubt that energy created from fossil fuels appears cheaper to the U.S. consumer than some of the alternate (renewable) forms of energy. However, studies continue to substantiate the view that there are “hidden” costs, estimated as high as $120 billion in 2005. Please refer to this outstanding article for a perspective on these seemingly...

The Real Cost of Renewables

Renewables-Cheaper or Better? Or Not? According to the Institute for Energy Research, states with mandates around renewables, particularly wind and solar,  are experiencing energy costs significantly higher than during the pre-mandate period. And, conversely, thoses states that have maintained a strong focus on fossil fuel have experienced the opposite.  The following article provides...

Aging Electric Utility Workforce – Challenge and Opportunity

We are in the midst of a perfect storm with respect to the electric utility workforce: A review of electric utilities’ staffing within North America reveal that 35 to 50 percent of workforce performing critical maintenance, operations, and engineering functions are likely to retire or leave the industry within the next 5 years. A significant percentage of the North American electric grid is...

Smart Grid – Challenges and Opportunities

Smart Grid, with all of its features and potential to redefine the electricity market, can easily become disconnected from the wants and needs of the customers it is designed to serve. The challenge is clear yet not easy: Electric utilities must position themselves to listen to what their customers want and are willing to pay for, yet Recognize that their customers are not always able to...

Operation and Repair of Fluorescent Lamps

There are a number of reasons why homeowners might consider voluntarily replacing incandescent fixtures with fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps offer: More even and “shadow-free” illumination, and Improved energy efficiency as a significant amount of the electricity in an incandescent bulb is discharged as heat rather than light, where as a fluorescent bulb remains cool. Operation of...