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POPSSolar Panel Performance Testing This a very good idea. Lack of an across-the-board standard for solar panels has hindered its adoption. Having panels tested independently by the government will boost consumer confidence. Solar tiles are also an example of integrated technology. They are not as noticeable as panels. Their price is also slightly offset by the fact that they replace the need for roofing tiles where they are installed.
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POPSPhotovoltaics - How they Work It'd be nice to see a video of this.... The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839. The first photovoltaic cells were made in 1918. Since then Einstein developed photovoltaics. There was a lot of research and development during the 1960's Space Race, when satellites were powered by solar panels. The 1970's saw the beginning of residential solar use. For houses living far off the electricity grid, photovoltaics made financial sense. Prices have since fallen from $30 a watt down to $7 a watt for residential installations. Now due to technology advancing and power costs rising, the price of solar energy is still falling. The future of solar energy looks bright indeed.
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POPSSolar Stocks It's interesting the connection between oil and electricity. Part of it is psychological. On the other hand, oil prices do effect electricity, especially coal based electricity. Oil is used in the transport and extraction of coal. And also, oil is so central to all our commerce that its price has multiple side effects on our economy.
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POPSWhere the Real Power Lies- in the Distribution Network This article touches on one of the great strengths of solar energy - the ability to produce power in many de-centralized locations and distribute it widely with very little loss. And as in the spread of telephones, electricity, tv and railway, the real power is held by those who own the distribution network. What's especially interesting here is that you can draw parallels between solar power and the biggest network around at the moment - the internet. The way in which both these mediums are alike is that they inherently resist centralized control. While you can build giant solar power stations, there is still the capability for a homeowner to have their own mini-power station on their roof. This democratization, of information by the internet, and electricity by solar power, is, I think ,a good thing. Both for the environment and for the individual.
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POPSBuilt-in Obsolescence in Solar Tariffs Creates Growth By removing the major obstacle to solar energy - high start-up costs - solar has grown tremendously in Spain. Phasing out this tariff gradually over time is also wise. This decreases dependence on these tariffs - which could destabilise the solar energy market
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POPSSolar Energy in Bangladesh Large government investment in Bangladesh grows solar industry. In remote rural areas, solar panel installations can rapidly improve living conditions. These reduce the urgency for large electricity infrastructures to be built.
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POPSGreen Collar A new term to indicate a new sector of our society. And a possible upheaval to come in this sector.
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POPSSolar TPower in Africa An interesting economic proposition . Countries that were previously disadvantaged by desert and arid land have the potential to become the main suppliers of solar energy.
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POPSIncentives may end for Solar Energy This may in fact be a good thing. While I think solar energy needs to grow as a energy source, artificially lowering the price has a limited useful life. For instance, the oil crisis of 1973 caused car manufacturers to make much more efficient cars. Similarly, a change in solar prices could induce cheaper, more efficient solar panels. The stakes are already high for to fill the gap created by oil's high cost. It looks like they may get higher.
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POPSSolar City in Alice Springs Interesting idea. However, one of the major benefits of solar energy (in my opinion) is it's decentralizing of energy. In effect, each person can be responsible, to a degree, for their own electricity. This ownership by the individual is both empowering and democratic. This gives greater responsibility to the individual. I think this is one of the major changes that needs to happen for our consumption to be more sustainable.
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POPSCarbon Neutral Business and Planting Trees to offset CO2 This is an interesting calculation. The practise of planting trees to offset carbon emissions has been praised and questioned. While planting trees can only be a good thing, whether it is as effective as cutting down emissions is doubtful. Ideally, businesses would do both.
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POPSThin Film Photovoltaics Thin film photovoltaics are an interesting develpment. Fuelled by a worldwide shortage of silicon (caused by a huge growth in demand for solar energy) thin film solar has risen in popularity. While less efficient (now) than traditional solar panels, thin film is cheaper to produce.
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