For South Africans, energy is not something that is taken for granted. At the end of racial apartheid, only 40% of homes had electricity. Since then, that number has doubled to 83%, but that still leaves 17% of the population unconnected, and many more regularly affected by lengthy power outages. That is precisely why South Africans are looking towards a brighter future with solar energy at the helm.

In November, officials announced plans to build a 5GW solar power station in the Northern Cape—the world’s largest solar installation to date. The location was chosen for good reason, as the region is considered one of the sunniest in the world, with very few clouds and even less rain.

South Africa’s current electricity usage is somewhere between 45 and 48 GW per year, 90% of which comes directly from coal-fired power stations. This solar installation alone could cover one-tenth of the region’s electric needs, significantly decreasing their dependence on coal while also lowering their carbon emissions. The cost and time frame for getting this solar park up and running still remains to be seen. But if all goes well, it could actually replace coal and nuclear energy.

Another area where solar power looks highly advantageous is in domestic water heating. In South Africa, 40% of the average household’s electric bill goes to heating water, and it constitutes 18% of the region’s total energy consumption. But in using energy from the sun—a completely free and sustainable resource—they can lower utility bills and prevent those harmful power outages of the past.

One of the sunniest areas in the world, South Africa’s solar power potential is huge. While the country has been dependent on coal for some time, officials are realizing how much solar can do to take the region from the world’s thirteenth largest emitter of CO2 to a leader in renewable energy commerce.

Solar energy could provide electricity for every home in the South Africa, a significant increase in jobs, and a more stable economy for the future. South Africa has set its sights on increasing renewable energy usage to 15% by 2030, but in truth, the possibilities are so much greater. Let’s hope they continue to reach higher.

Kayla Albert is CalFinder’s go-getter. From green home remodeling to solar power, she is always on the cutting edge of new trends. Find information about anything from solar panels to solar contractors at CalFinder.

Solar Power projects also creates many new positions

Solar energy is one of the ideal alternative energy solutions as it is found in abundance and is clean and does not pollute the environment and best of all, is free. In fact, even an hour of solar energy is enough to provide power for the entire planet for an entire three hundred and sixty-five days. At present, this alternative energy solution is not being utilized enough though it can prove to be just the right solution to secure our long term energy needs.

The source of solar renewable energy is the sun so there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of this kind of energy because we will never be able to use too much of the sun’s power. The sun will be always be there and if we are creative enough we will continue to search for ways to harvest this energy and use it as electrical and thermal power. The question is, could there be more advantages to solar renewable energy? And another thing we need to answer is what the benefits are and would “Now” be the time to invest?

Again when you see the benefits of solar renewable energy, you are probably going to wonder why you never make the switch to solar energy before.

The Savings of solar renewable energy

The main reason for most people to look towards solar energy, is cost-effectiveness. Yes, you do need to invest some initial capital because you need to get the system up and running. But this investment is needed to buy the equipment. And this equipment needs to be put together before you can harness the energy of the sun and create your own electricity to power your house. But like any good investment, you should be in the “green” in no time.

Once the investment has been paid off, you are going to be saving on your power bill, some people will no longer have an electricity bill, others will pay much less. This all depends on the investment you make.

Solar Energy Efficiency Benefits

The efficiency factor is the second huge benefit of solar renewable energy. The power from the sun is so efficient, and it can be used for everything. Simple examples are things like lighting the garden pathway, security lights, or heating the pool. There are so many small devices that run on solar energy, that this alone can save you a lot of money. Together with residential solar panels you can switch from regular electricity to solar renewable energy.

Environmental Benefits

For the future of the earth you need to understand that one of the most important benefits is the environment. The amount of electricity we use is the cause of extreme issues like global warming and pollution of the environment. When we start using the sun to its fullest capacity we are using a completely natural and environmentally friendly energy source and we no longer need to worry about pollution because we know that we are not doing any more damage to the earth.

While silicon is actually the market normal semiconductor in most electrical units, which includes the solar cells that pv panels employ to transform sunlight into electricity, it is hardly the most cost-efficient component available. For example, the semiconductor gallium arsenide and related ingredient semiconductors give practically double the efficiency as silicon in photo voltaic devices, yet they are rarely utilized in utility-scale applications mainly because of their high construction price.

U. of I. (http://illinois.edu/) professors J. Rogers and X. Li researched lower-cost ways to produce thin films of gallium arsenide which also allowed adaptability in the types of devices they could be incorporated into.

If you could reduce significantly the cost of gallium arsenide and some other compound semiconductors, then you can increase their own range of applications.

Typically, gallium arsenide is transferred in a individual thin layer on a smaller wafer. Either the needed unit is created right on the wafer, or the semiconductor-coated wafer is cut up into chips of the preferred size. The Illinois team considered to deposit multiple layers of the material on a simple wafer, making a layered, “pancake” stack of gallium arsenide thin films.

If you increase 10 levels in one growth, you only have to fill the wafer one time. If you do this in ten growths, loading and unloading with heat range ramp-up as well as ramp-down get a lot of time. If you consider what is needed for each growth – the equipment, the planning, the time, the workers – the overhead saving this technique offers is a considerable cost decrease.

After that the scientists separately peel off the layers and transfer them. To complete this, the stacks alternate layers of aluminum arsenide with the gallium arsenide. Bathing the stacks in a formula of acid and an oxidizing agent dissolves the levels of aluminum arsenide, freeing the individual small sheets of gallium arsenide. A soft stamp-like system picks up the levels, one at a time from the top down, for move to another substrate – glass, plastic material or silicon, depending on the application. After that the wafer could be reused for one more growth.

By performing this it’s possible to produce significantly more material a lot more quickly and a lot more cost efficiently. This process could make bulk amounts of material, as compared to just the thin single-layer method in which it is generally grown.

Freeing the material from the wafer additionally starts the probability of flexible, thin-film electronics made with gallium arsenide or additional high-speed semiconductors. To make products which could conform but still keep high efficiency, which is considerable.

In a document shared on-line May twenty in the magazine Nature (http://www.nature.com/), the group details its techniques and shows three kinds of units utilizing gallium arsenide chips produced in multilayer stacks: light devices, high-speed transistors and solar cells. The creators also offer a comprehensive price comparability.

One more advantage associated with the multilayer technique is the release from area constraints, especially important for solar cells. As the levels are eliminated from the stack, they could be laid out side-by-side on another substrate in order to create a much greater surface area, whereas the standard single-layer procedure confines area to the dimension of the wafer.

For solar panels, you want large area coverage to catch as much sunshine as possible. In an extreme situation we could develop sufficient levels to have ten times the area of the standard.

Next, the group programs to investigate more prospective item applications and additional semiconductor resources which could adapt to multilayer growth.

About the Author – Shannon Combs publishes articles for the <a href=”http://www.residentialsolarpanels.org/”>residential solar power savings</a> website, her personal hobby website centered on guidelines to help home owners to conserve energy with sun power.

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Ever since humans started burning wood or other organic matter to keep warm and to cook food, we’ve been using biomass energy, or bioenergy. Today we can also use biomass to fuel vehicles, generate electricity, and develop biobased products.

Here are the different ways to use biomass energy:
Biofuels
Fuel your vehicle with ethanol or biodiesel.
Biopower
Buy clean electricity generated from biomass.
Bioproducts
Use products, like plastics, made from biomass.

Biofuels
Biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels—biofuels—for use in our vehicles. The two most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.

Ethanol
Ethanol—an alcohol—is currently made primarily from the starch in corn grain. It’s most commonly used as an additive for petroleum-based fuels to reduce toxic air emissions and increase octane. Today, roughly half of the gasoline sold in the United States includes 5%–10% ethanol.
Ethanol is also available as an alternative fuel. E-85 is an alternative fuel blend containing 83% ethanol in the summer and 70% ethanol in the winter. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have corrosion-resistant fuel systems and other modest modifications to accommodate either E-85 or regular gasoline.

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made primarily from soybean oil and sunflower seed. Its use is currently relatively small, but its benefits to air quality are quite dramatic.
You can also visit sites like Biodiesel Centre and Biodiesel SA for more information about biodiesel in South Africa.

Biomass Energy or Biopower
Biomass electrical generation or biopower is second only to hydropower as a renewable energy source.
Most electricity generated using biomass today is by direct combustion using conventional boilers. These boilers burn primarily waste wood products generated by the agriculture and wood-processing industries. When burned, the wood waste produces steam, which is used to spin a turbine. The spinning turbine activates a generator that produces electricity. Many coal-fired power plants also add biomass to their coal-burning process (i.e., co-firing) to reduce the emissions produced by burning the coal.
Biomass can also be gasified prior to combustion. Gases generally burn cleaner and more efficiently than solids, which allows removal of toxic materials. Gasification also makes it possible to use biomass in combined-cycle gas turbines, such as used in the latest natural gas power plants. Using gasification, these natural gas power plants can achieve much higher efficiencies. Small modular biomass gasification systems are well suited for providing isolated communities with electricity.
In addition, the decay of biomass in landfills produces gas (primarily methane) naturally, which can be harvested and burned in a boiler to produce steam for generating electricity.

Bioproducts
Whatever products we can make from fossil fuels, we can make using biomass. These bioproducts, or biobased products, are not only made from renewable sources, they also often require less energy to produce than petroleum-based products.

Researchers have discovered that the process for making biofuels also can be used to make antifreeze, plastics, glues, artificial sweeteners, and gel for toothpaste.

Other important building blocks for biobased products include carbon monoxide and hydrogen. When biomass is heated with a small amount of oxygen present, these two gases are produced in abundance. Scientists call this mixture biosynthesis gas. Biosynthesis gas can be used to make plastics and acids, which can be used in making photographic films, textiles, and synthetic fabrics.
When biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, it forms pyrolysis oil. A chemical called phenol can be extracted from pyrolysis oil. Phenol is used to make wood adhesives, molded plastic, and foam insulation.

In the future, you may see biorefineries—much like petroleum refineries—producing not only biofuels but also a variety of bioproducts. These biorefineries could also generate electricity, for their own use and for possible sale, as well as their own process heat.

At the moment renewable energy is a big word all around the world.  Around the world various sources are being researched like biomass and geothermal to name but two.

Biomass energy. (click on link)
Using biofuels for your vehicle, buying clean electricity and products created from biomass, and heating with wood and pellets.

Geothermal energy.
To heat and cool your home, in some countries you can buy clean electricity from geothermal power plants, green power.

The Earth’s heat, which constantly flows outward from its core, provides an enormous source of energy called geothermal energy.  This could be a rich source for future renewable energy

Hydrogen.
Hydrogen and fuel cells can provide energy, another sources for green power.

Hydrogen—a colorless and odorless gas—is the most abundant element in the universe. However, because it combines easily with other elements, it’s rarely found by itself in nature. Hydrogen usually combines with other elements, forming organic compounds called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons include plant material and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Water is produced during the burning of any hydrocarbon.

Hydrogen can be separated from hydrocarbons through the application of heat—a process known as reforming. Currently, most hydrogen is made this way from natural gas. An electrical current can also be used to separate water into its components of oxygen and hydrogen. This process is known as electrolysis.

Currently, hydrogen has great potential as a power source for fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide heat for homes and buildings, generate electricity, and power vehicles.

Hydrogen can also join electricity as an important energy carrier. An energy carrier moves and delivers energy in a usable form to consumers.

Hydropower.
Energy from flowing water can be converted to electricity, this source of green power has been around for a long time. Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and turned into electricity. This is called hydropower or hydroelectric power.

Ocean energy.
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. As the world’s largest solar collectors, oceans generate thermal energy from the sun. They also produce mechanical energy from the tides and waves. Even though the sun affects all ocean activity, the gravitational pull of the moon primarily drives the tides, and the wind powers the ocean waves.

Solar energy.
Solar energy can be used for heat, electricity, and light.  Step outside on a hot, sunny day, and you’ll experience the power of the sun’s heat and the light. That’s solar energy.

You can use solar energy to do the following:

• Heat your home through passive solar design or an active solar heating system
• Generate your own electricity
• Heat water in your home or swimming pool
• Light your home both indoors and outdoors
• Dry your clothes. Use a clothesline to reduce the energy consumed by your clothes dryer.

Wind energy.
Wind can be used to generate electricity and pump water.  We have harnessed the wind’s energy for hundreds of years—from windmills that pump water or grind grain to today’s wind turbines that generate electricity.

If you live on at least one acre of land with an ample wind resource, you can generate your own electricity using a small wind electric system. You can also use a small wind turbine for pumping water.

You may have the opportunity now or in the future to buy clean electricity from a wind power plant

Which light bulb to choose? Rather choose to go Green.

You want the right amount of light, and you want it to last a long time, especially if it’s for a hard-to-reach place. But you don’t want it to add to your electric bill. You can get everything you want if you use a little energy know-how.

Fluorescent bulbs

Highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs may cost more than regular incandescent bulbs, but their efficient use of electricity and long operating life can offset the cost. Here’s how: Suppose your living room table lamp is turned on for 1,000 hours a year, every cent counts.  Check out Eskom’s energy calculator.

Living room energy savers, the green way.

Your local grocery or home store offers a dazzling array of light bulbs. Here’s “watt” you need to know before you buy.

Regular incandescent bulbs.
Everyday pear-shaped bulbs with a screw-in base, these bulbs use electricity to heat a filament until it glows white hot, producing light. About 90% of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs is lost as heat. These bulbs typically burn for 750 to 1,000 hours—or about three hours a day for a year.

Compact fluorescent bulbs.
These bulbs provide as much light as regular incandescent bulbs while using just one-fourth the energy. For example, a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb gives out the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs last about 10,000 hours—10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent spotlights and floodlights.
Known as spotlights or floodlights, these bulbs are used in recessed ceiling fixtures or outdoors. A special coating helps direct and focus the light. They burn for about 2,000 hours.

General service fluorescent bulbs.
More energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, general service fluorescent bulbs don’t produce heat. They’re thin, long tubes often used in kitchens, offices, garages, and basements. They last from 10,000 to 20,000 hours—10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Zero energy home design
A Zero Energy Home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination results in a home that produces its own energy—as much or more than it needs. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net zero energy consumption from the utility provider.

Zero Energy Homes optimize and include the following design features:

• Climate-specific design
• Passive solar heating and cooling
• Energy-efficient construction
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• Solar water heating system
• Small solar electric system.

These homes have a number of advantages:

• Improved comfort—an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations
• Reliability—a Zero Energy Home can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts
• Energy security—a home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices
• Environmental sustainability—a Zero Energy Home saves energy and reduces pollution

Kitchen energy cost savings

There are many ways to go green in your kitchen.  here are some ideas how:

• Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher, or heat vents. Make sure the door seals are airtight.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full before you run it but don’t overload it.
• Use pots that fit the size of the burners on your stove. Use lids so you can cook at a lower temperature.
• Match the water level and temperature settings on your washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the machine for just a few items.
• Clean your dryer lint filter before you put in a new load.
• Make sure your water heater is set to 48 degrees Celcius. Some thermostats are preset to 60 degrees Celcius, which can cost you more money.

Choosing the right refrigirator (Go Green)

You’re on a budget and need a new refrigerator. The best buy is the fridge with the lowest price, right? Not necessarily. How much an appliance costs depends on three things: purchase price, repair and maintenance costs, and energy costs. To estimate how much you’ll spend on an appliance over time, you have to consider all these costs.

Energy efficiency is an important part of any decision. What makes one appliance more efficient than another? Most of the differences are on the inside. Even if two models look the same, certain features can mean a big difference in your energy bills.

To make an energy-smart decision (Green choise):

• Select the appropriate size and style . Measure the space in your kitchen to be sure your new appliance will fit. Make sure that you have room to open the door fully and have enough clearance for ventilation.
• Know where to shop. Appliance outlets, electronics stores, local retailers, and Internet sites often carry the same brands and models. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, compare deals.
• Ask about special offers . Your local utility company may offer cash rebates, low-interest loans, or other incentive programs if you buy energy-efficient appliances

The lighbulps we use, choose green.
Energy efficient lighting can save you money. The law requires light bulb manufacturers to provide information to help you choose the most energy efficient bulb. For all standard bulbs, including halogen, reflector, and compact fluorescent bulbs, the package must tell you about:

• Light output: How much light the bulb produces, measured in lumens. A 60-watt regular incandescent bulb yields about 855 lumens. A 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb yields about 900 lumens.
• Energy usage: The total electrical power a bulb uses, measured in watts.
• Voltage: If the bulb is not 120 volts, the voltage must appear on the label. Most bulbs run on 120 volts. Light output and efficiency decrease when you use a bulb with voltage that is different from the voltage you use in your house. Most places in the United States operate on a 120-volt system.
• Average life in hours: How long the bulb will last.
• Number of light bulbs in the package (if more than one).

use the energy calculator :Eskom Energy Calculator