The easiest way to size your solar electric system is to have a vendor come to your home and perform a site analysis and load assessment. Solar electric vendors have the experience and tools necessary to gather the data needed for the calculations. Most vendors will supply predesigned package systems that range from [...]
When energy prices soared during the 1970s, most Americans recognized the inherent danger in the U.S.’s dependence on imported petroleum. Despite current complacency, the potential economic and national security threats have not diminished. In 1995 the United States exceeded the level of imported petroleum it reached during the 1970s. Today, in fact, more than half [...]
This article is part 3 of Biopower Facts.
Biomass Cofiring
Cofiring is a near term, low-cost option for efficiently and cleanly converting biomass to electricity by adding biomass as a partial substitute fuel in high-efficiency coal boilers. It has been demonstrated, tested, and proved in all boiler types commonly used by electric utilities. There [...]
This article is part 2 of Biopower Facts.
The Benefits of Biomass
Using biomass, such as energy crops, crop processing waste, and agricultural residues, to produce energy benefits the nation, especially rural areas. The U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture work together to advance the development of electricity generation systems that use biomass instead of [...]
This article is part 1 of Biopower Facts.
Benefits
Productive use of marginal lands
Establish management practices for production of switchgrass as a potential alternative new crop
Encourage rural economic growth and development
Applications
The results of this project will lead to the development of a biomass fuel industry in the Northern Plains. [...]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to advancing technological solutions to promote and increase the use of clean, abundant, affordable, and domestically- and sustainably-produced biofuels to diversify our country’s energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce our dependence on oil.
U.S. energy consumption is expected to [...]
It shouldn’t be a surprise that energy would be a hit in Texas—but 8,000 people on the first weekend to tour a home that uses less than half that of a standard new home, and makes the rest itself? There is no magic in the technology and engineering, but clearly builder Jim [...]
Most of us are aware that windows provide us with natural light, ventilation, and a view. But windows still remain the least understood building design component, even though many homeowners place much importance on the functioning and energy efficiency of their windows.
Windows transmit not only sunlight but also both indoor heat [...]
A passive solar home is an exceptional home, differing from standard construction in the thermal integrity of its shell and its well-considered design. The design options, employing the principles and methods described here, are endless.
However, workmanship is always extremely important when installing insulation, air sealing the building envelope, and installing the windows.
Most [...]
Here are the five elements that constitute a complete passive solar design, using a direct gain design as an example. Each performs a separate function, but all five must work together for the system to be successful.
Aperture (Collector): the large glass (window) area through which sunlight enters the building. Typically, the aperture(s) should [...]
