Solar energy- does anyone know of a DIY way to make a solar collector and transfer that energy to batteries? I would like to learn about solar energy and how I can make some panels for my home, of course with in a reasonable budget. My goal is to be able to run a refrigerator and fan off of battery. Any ideas out there?

How do solar plants and hydroelectric dams generate electricity? Can anyone explain to me in a simple way how solar plants and hydroelectric plants generate electricity? I've done research, but I'm a little confused. Please note, I am not asking how solar panels work. I want to know how solar PLANTS generate electricity.

Solar fencer do you have one, and did you notice a savings on your electric bill? I just bought a solar fencer for my horse, and was wondering if you noticed a decline in your electric bill? I bought it due to the conveince of no electirc cord running my yard all yr, can't do much about winter for the hot water tank heater, wish they would come up with a solar for that as well.

How many solar powered homes are in america and whats should we be seeing in the near future for solar houses? How many solar powered homes are in america and whats should we be seeing in the near future for solar houses?

Can solar car chargers work without having the key to the car turned to accessory? I am thinking of installing a solar trickle charger in my car. Most of them have a cigarette lighter plug-in for easy installation. But I am not sure they will actually charge the battery. I cannot get power to the cigarette lighter plug-ins without having the key turned to "accessory". If I were to plug in a solar charger, I am afraid that it would not work, simply because no complete circuit to the battery exists while the key is not in the ignition. There are chargers that connect to the battery using alligator clips. But these mean running a separate line to the battery. Is there a solution to this seemingly simple problem?

I want to install a solar powered heating element in my hot water tank? I want to install a solar powered heating element in my hot water tank. I want a very simple system with out batteries or thermostat control. Basically convert solar power to electricity & send directly to the heating element which is fitted to my water tank. 1] Has anyone any experience of such a set-up? 2] Any advice on this system- what to do & what not to do?

How would solar federal tax credits benefit the owner of a S corp? A business that puts in a solar energy system is entitled to a 30% federal investment tax credit. I am not sure if or how this could benefit owners of an S Corp. I am also wondering the same about C corps and LLC's? I was told that solar tax credits would have no benefit for S corps and the like because they typically do not pay any corp income tax. I am not sure if this is true. Thanks for any help with this.

What are some solar lights gonna do for me? I want to do some uplighting and spotlighting some trees and the facade of my house. I would rather avoid the hassle of wiring,but I am concerned about compromising the whole idea if the solars don't get enough sun to light up my life. Could you please suggest some brands that are top of the line in both solar and low voltage types? I would very much appreciate any help you could share.Thanks.

Solar Panel cost and how to pick the right ones? I am planning on putting solar panels on the roof of my house since i live in phoenix, AZ. We get a lot of sun and it only seems sensible to buy solar panels. A lot of poeple say that it costs like 15-20k to install them. I was wondering if someone knew if thats true, and how much would it cost and which ones should i install. I am very confused and it seems with the investment i will have to put in it, i should learn more about it. Thanks to everyone.

How do I build a solar generator for my cabin? We don't use much electricity, so we don't need anything too heavy-duty. I would like to run our cabin on solar electricity, but am having trouble getting help as far as what size battery, inverter, solar panel I will need. I know I also need a regulator, but don't know anything about them either. From start to finish, what do I need and where can I get all he parts I need at a reasonable price? Is it cost-effective to buy an already put together solar generator?

What direction should solar panels face if built in the Southern Hemisphere? If solar panels were on a solar home built in the Southern Hemisphere, should they face north, south, east, or west? and why?

What is the best portable solar charger? I am looking for a portable solar charger to charge my iphone and sat nav while i am away trekking in Canada. Can anyone advise what is the best option to go for. So far i have looked at the Solio classic and magnesium, power monkey explorer and the freeloader. Does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations?

Do solar radiometers rotate the same direction in the northern hemisphere the same as the southern hemisphere? Solar radio meters are the spinning fan inside what looks to be light bulb. These objects are used in physics experiments. Hemisphere is in reference to the person's location on earth who would be checking the direction of rotation for the radiometer. Water direction is opposite as it goes down the drain. Is the radiometer's direction different or the same?

Any Solar people out there? How can I warm a sunroom that has no heat during the winter? I have a sunroom on a 2nd floor with nothing underneath the room to help keep it heated. My worry is that my plants are not going to survive in the room because it gets very cold in the winter even though it is enclosed totally by windows. Somehow I want to keep it warm without having to use a space heater (something that uses alot of electricity). Maybe use solar energy but I don't know how to set it up.

What effect does the solar wind have on Earth’s magnetic field? What effect does the solar wind have on Earth’s magnetic field? A. Compasses on Earth stop working. B. Earth’s magnetosphere is spread out farther on the side of Earth not facing the sun. C. The magnetic field on the side facing the sun is warmer. D. Solar wind causes magnetic declination.

do the solar windowscreens really work? i live in a mobile home,wondering if the solar screens really help with keeping heat out,and lower electric bill?

What is the best way to charge solar powered garden lanterns quickly? I have a set of solar powered garden lanterns I need to use for a play. The man at the store said to leave them in full sun (I'm in England, so that's never going to happen!) for three days before turning them on. However, I need them before that for rehearsals. Is there a way to quickly and artificially charge solar cells? What sort of artificial light works/works best in charging solar cells?

how many solar panels would I need to power my home? or how many watts? i dont use much electricity. i have on a couple of lights and a computer, sometimes the tv. how many solar panels would i need to power those constantly throughout the day, and maybe charge batteries for night? the air, refrigerator and hot water heater i would still use regular electricity.

How to connect a solar panel to an outlet? I have a cabin in the woods and need more light. I do have enough sun but I was wondering how or where do I get a solar panel to lead to a power outlet? In a perfect world I would like to get a solar panel with a connecting wire to an outlet or something so I could power a small TV. I know its hard enough but can I get that pre-made? Or even lastly should I look at wind power consider I would like this to be under $500? Thank you for putting up with this bundle of questions.

What size solar panel do I need to power a meraki outdoor router? The meraki outdoor router is 12w. What kind of solar setup do I need to power this thing 24hrs a day?

How can I install a solar heating system on my new pool? We just signed with the pool company today and they will begin the work to install an inground pool in our yard. I've asked that they put in the necessary plumbing so that we can add the solar system later (paying approx $400 for 3 pipes?). How difficult is it to do this? Is this something relatively simple/straightforward? I should add that we have a computer control panel, so according to our pool man, we should be able to hook up to it and have it controlled remotely. So my question is, once it's stubbed for solar, what are the next steps and best cost approach? Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

What about imbedding a small solar panel on the roof of a vehicle & running on both solar and gasoline? On sunny days, you could run off the solar panel, and on cloudy days the gasoline would kick in. How many batteries would it take, and would it be feasible?

How efficiently do plants use solar energy when compared to solar panels? How does the amount of chemical energy stored in plants compare to the electrical energy stored by solar panel/batteries?

Do solar lights work in colder cloudy climates? I purchased a few lights and they have not worked so far. Has anyone had success with outdoor solar lights?

When solar energy is available in abundance why we rely on oil and other alternative? Why can solar energy be not used everywhere? Is it very expensive to tap it?

Where to get parts to build a solar heater for a pool? I was at a pool store and was looking at a solar panel for pools. It had a bunch of very small rubber tubes that were molded together and the ends were connected to 1"1/2 or 2" ABS pipes. I know were to get the larger pipes but I can't find the smaller rubber tubes. They are connected in groups of four or five. I know I could buy individual tubes but would rather find the ones molded together.

What are the materials composition to make solar panels? I am interested to know the materials composition to produce solar panels. I know its made of silicon. I want to know what are the raw materials used to make solar panels.

Why do I need to clean my solar panels? How much efficiency will I lose if I neglect cleanings? I have a 3.5kw solar system on my house. I noticed that my panels are dirty. Do anyone know of a service that will clean them for me. Must be insured.

How should I hang the solar system in my sons room? We have this solar system to hang, but I want to hang it in the proper order and way. Should I hang them in a row, a circle. I am not sure?

Does installing a solar hot water system increase the value of your home? A lot of solar hot water systems claim to also increase the value of your home but provide no real information regarding it. Who would determine this value or how might it be applied to the value of the home? If it does increase does this increase depreciate?

Why, when you first connect a solar cell to a watt meter it first spikes and then continuously falls? I have done a science experiment measuring the output of solar cells and, based on the results, the wattages for each of the solar cells spiked within the first 20 seconds and then started to level. Is there an actual thing that is occuring that I don't know about, or is there just a problem with my measurements and/or electric voltmeter/currentmeter? Thank you in advance, and don't be afraid to explain complicated answers!

How can I make water flow through a solar panel in a laboratory experiment? Hi, if I were to do a laboratory experiment on how to find the energy conversion rate for a solar panel (an array of pipes), how can I make cold water (from a beaker at one end) flow through the panel? Then make hot water on the other end? Please advise, many thanks!!

What are the solar panel things on the side of the road? I live in Chicagoland and along the tollways are poles with what appear to be solar panels attached to them. Usually the pole has 2 panels and if I had to guess, I'd say each is about 2 feet by 1 foot in size. They don't seem to be near any signs and I haven't identified a pattern of how they are place (for example, they don't appear to be place every "x" miles). What are they?

How much will solar increase the value of my house? If I spend $15,000 equipping my house with solar power, how much might I expect this to add to the value of my house?

How can I be part of the solar panel industry? I think that solar panels are the future and i think that the conventional way of generating electricity is going to be replaced by solar panels. I would like to be part of this industry as an entrepreneur but i do not know how to since i do not have a technical background. I would like to sell solar panels to consumers and to business. Should I start a manufacturing company that manufactures solar panels? Should I buy solar panels from manufactures and sell them to consumers? What should I do?

How to install solar film on windows? Did you face any problems? I'm planning to buy solar films from the local DIY shop to install on my residential windows. For those who have done it, did you encounter problems? What exactly needs to be done to install them properly? If i screw up while doing it, can it be removed without damaging the windows permanently?

What is the angle between the solar plane and the galactic plane? What is the angle between the solar plane and the galactic plane? Does it change over time?

How many solar panels do I need to run my two bedroom townhouse without electricity from the grid? How many solar panels do I need to run my two bedroom townhouse? Are there different solar panels? How many solar panes to produced 1 KW of electricity?

Does anyone have a solar /wind / altenative energy house in North America? How much will it cost to build one? which part of North America is good for Solar? wind? and other alternative energy houses? Please share your knowledge.

Why is solar energy a renewable resource and also some advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy? Please tell me some disadvantages and advantages of using solar energy. I also need to know why it is a renewable resource. Can you also tell me how much of of solar energy is left and how long it will last. Thank you so much. [Tell me some websites to vist about this information]

Could Solar Power work more effectively if the solar rays were magnified? If we focused the sun's energy like a magnifying glass does into the solar panels, would this generate more power at all?

Will a solar panel discharge a battery at night without special equipment? I'm interested in purchasing a 5 watt solar panel to hook up to a car battery.

How efficiently do solar cells work with artificial light? For instance, a calculator using a solar cell will work in artificial light with no sun (I think). How efficiently would that run? What kind of bulb would be best?

What is the time lag between a change in solar radiation received or retained and a climatic effect? Suppose that the earth received a constant solar flux for 1000 years (to establish an equilibrium starting condition) and then the solar flux increased by 3 W/m^2 and remained at that value for the next 1000 years. How long would it take for the change to be noticable and how long would it take for a new equilibrium to become established? Should the same time constant apply to both AGW and solar activity theories?

What are the advantages and disadvantagesof using solar power? Mainly what are the plus/minuses of SOLAR THERMAL DISHES but any information you have on SOLAR POWER would be a great help! Thanks, 10 points best answer! Oh, and by the way! I kinda mean using solar power for companies like as a alternative to using coal, not just for your own use at home by setting up your own private solar powered devices! Thanks!

Can you give me information on solar energy? I would love to use some solar energy in my home. What can you tell me about how much it costs to begin? Is there some sort of federal tax credit? What all do I need to buy (panels, batteries, etc)? Can a homeowner do the installation or must it be done by a professional? Would also appreciate any websites for retailers of solar energy items. Thank you very much for any information.

How about giving me some good tips for a solar pump I want to install in my pond? I would need to know about equipment to buy,how to install it. I want it to be completely solar, My pond is about 6 ft deep, about 10ft diameter and I would love to have a small waterfall, from about 2 ft above the water surface. Is this at all possible?

How to prevent solar power lights from getting stolen? Although they haven't been stolen YET, I expect my solar power lights to get stolen sooner or later. I was wondering if you know a good way to prevent them from getting stolen (other than moving them somewhere else or not putting them out at all)?. Oh, and i would not like to make a cement foundation for them or buy different ones -lol. Any help will be greatly appreciated :) oh, and please make the answers reasonable, don't be crazy.

Can Solar Energy be used to cool buildings, is it cost effective to use such features? Is it possible to create a Solar Air cooler, on what principle does it work? What would be the materials and cost required to built such solar air coolers. Do you have any prototype to make such air coolers.

Looking for some great solar light products to put in the front yard.? I currently reside in Florida, so I figured to take advantage of all the sunshine and decided to buy some solar lights and solar decorations to make the front yard look wonderful at night without having to use electricity . I found some good sites online, particularly www.officialsolarproducts.com but I am still searching for some great solar products for a bargain price. If anybody knows a good place to get some solar lights and solar decorations, please let me know.

Should I have solar panels installed on my house now, or should I wait for the technology to improve? I live in Southern California, and I have been considering solar panels for some time. I'd love to air condition my house, but I'm not willing to do so until and unless we come up with an alternative energy source. I'm somewhat anxious to go ahead with the solar idea. It seems, though, that the technology is changing rapidly. I wonder if it would be smarter to wait.

Am I allowed to put solar panels on my home/business in Plano Texas? And what are good resources to learn about solar energy from, and where can i buy solar panels.

please help me find stores that sell solar plates in the phils. what is the downside in using solar power? how do you get the appliances connected to the solar power apparatus? does it have some kind of special switch or plug or anything....? i really don't have any idea. or do you have to buy an appliance specially made for solar power? if so can anybody recommend a brand or store that sells these?

can a solar water heater be hooked with a tankless water system? i am thinking about saving cost and energy. want to get a tankless water heater. i would like to have a solar water heater too, but heard that u need a stoage tank for the solar heater. not sure if i can combine the two. anyone got an answer for me?

Do solar fish really work in your swimming pool? I have a 33ft round pool that is 54 inches high. The solar cover is a pian in the butt. Don't have a heater - does the solar fish really work? I live in PA so it is not constant sun and heat. Thanks!

How do you transport solar power tower energy to a building that is 4 kms away? And is an area of 1 km^2 for a solar power tower enough to produce energy for five houses? can you make an approximation of how much it could supply?

where can i buy a solar heater for a family sized paddling pool? i'm thinking of buying an 18ft garden paddling / kiddies swimming pool for my two daughters, but i want to heat it for them. I've been told about solar heaters but i wasn't told where to buy one or approx how much. Can you help?

How can I make solar energy work cheaply-can I rig up a device to provide energy for electrical appliances? I have heard it can be done with aluminum cans placed with glass and water. Seems like a great idea using solar anyone know more?

how can i install solar energy in a new home in a rural area what do i need, cost , equipments etc? i am building a new home in a rural area in Africa where electricity is not constant and i would like to use solar energy alone or with electricity(whenever it is available) is it possible? It sometimes rain alot in some months- will rain be a problem eventhough it is generally hot most of the time.

Is it possible to make solar panels for generating electricity out of everyday materials? I have made a wind generator out of cheap, everyday materials. Is it possible to make solar panels for generating electricity from everyday materials, perhaps something like a thermocouple with two different metals?

What would be the best solar powered lights to use? My parents recently moved into a new house and would like to get some lights to line their walkway. They need to be bright enough for my mother to see the path, but they don't like the cool toned lights. Does anyone know of a good brand/model of solar light that might fit the bill? I've been researching this and am having a hard time finding something other than the white LED lights which I know would be the cool toned they don't like. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Does our knowledge of the solar system give us a better chance of surviving such a catastrophe? Geologists generally agree that the Earth has been hit many times by other objects in the solar system, and most predict that another object will again strike the Earth in the near future. Does our knowledge of the solar system give us a better chance of surviving such a catastrophe? How? What other benefit is it to know the solar system better? How can the position of sun, moon, and planets help us to know our position on Earth? How does knowing the conditions on other planets help us to appreciate Earth? Could there be life on other bodies in our solar system? Why or why not?

What effect does sunspots and solar flares have on Earths weather,and do they have different effects? I recall this topic disscussed in physics class, however that was many many years ago. I also can't remember if the solar flares have an efect on weather paterns or just the Van Allen radiation belts?

How much will solar panels cost to power our home? It would be nice to go green but it needs to make sense money wise. We have a 1,300 square foot home on the beach home with plenty of sun. Our electric bill is 100 bucks a month give or take. How much will solar panels cost and how many solar panels will we need to effectively power our home.

What types solar cells are better for use in solar panels? Amorphous cells, Polycrystalline cells, Single-Cell Solar cells can you tell me which one is better according to power produced?

How do I build a solar panel and are there free plans and instructions to safely put it to use? I would like to reduce my use of electricity by trying to go to solar power but I have limited resources (cash and knowledge). I would need free plans and instructions on how to build and simple procedures for maintenance, care, and use of the system. I also need any safety precautions I would need to follow to implement this system. I have no mechanical background so I need layman's terms so I can understand what I am going to be doing.