renewable energy systems
The mythology of renewable energy has grown as rapidly as the field itself. Too often these myths have affected our attitudes towards and acceptance of alternative fuels. Most objections to alternative energy harvesting methods are based on myths, not facts. While many alternative energy solutions are not perfect, the benefits are too great to ignore. The common concerns expressed usually involve availability, affordability, and the “greenability” of alternative energy sources.
Proponents of alternative energies are often painted as “tree huggers” who ignore the real human costs of their environmental agenda. Proponents of fossil fuel resources are portrayed as uneducated, uncaring environmental butchers or greedy Texas oilmen. It is understandable but unfortunate that these stereotypes are used to bolster the arguments against renewable energy sources or fossil fuels. These prejudices have been successfully forwarded by those who most benefit from the promotion of one energy source or another. The fact that we do not have to make an either/or choice for energy supply goes conveniently ignored.
It is often argued that renewable energy is not reliable energy. Critics point to solar and wind energy as limited by their very nature. The sun is only available so many hours a day and the wind not constantly available in most regions. The variability of their availability is presented as a “deal breaker” of sorts which ignores the unreliability of more traditional sources and the forecastable nature of new renewable sources.
Experts in the field of renewable energy sources cite nuclear energy production as a perfect example of the unreliability of traditional energy sources. “Of all U.S. nuclear plants built, 21 percent were abandoned and 27 percent have failed at least once. Successful reactors must close for refueling every 17 months for 39 days. And when shut in response to grid failure, they can’t quickly restart.” Others believe that we have reached or are about to reach peak oil production and the resulting depletion will decrease oil reserves and supply. They propose that the shortage in fossil fuels is just as certain that the source of solar power will come up tomorrow. Solar electricity can be produced even when there is only enough light to see your hand in front of your face.
Renewable energy can be highly predictable and continuous as well. Wind is forecastable and it was found that “three German states were more than 30 percent wind-powered in 2007-and more than 100 percent in some months. Atmospheric energy is continuous and should prove to be highly reliable. Tidal energy is fast proving to be nearly continuous and according to one study, “A wave energy scheme installed in Australia generates electricity with an 80% availability factor.”
It is widely believed that alternative energies can be integrated into the existing grid. According to Amory Levins, “Mostly renewable power generally needs less backup than utilities already bought to combat big coal and nuclear plants’ intermittence.” Energy storage systems will have to be developed for maximum benefit. The possible storage options include hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, pumped-storage hydro systems, batteries, among others. This development of energy storage may be costly, however as the sources and demands for renewables increase, the economy of scale should recover the costs in a relatively short period of time.
It is in our best interest to become aware of the real and perceived short comings and benefits of renewable energy. One must sort through the sometimes deliberate misinformation, in order to make a judgment on the desirability of renewable resource exploration, innovation, and implementation.
Don O’Brien and associates explore new frontiers in commerce and the role of the small business owner. This series explores the myths and misinformation of green or renewable resources, and new energy sources.
Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc.
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Sunforce 11240 1000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Remote Control
$194.00 The Sunforce 11240 1000-Watt Pro Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power into clean, stable AC power that is ideal for running home appliances, pumps, and motors. It provides 2000 Watts of peak surge power to get your gear started, and 1000 Watts of continuous power to keep it running. Pure Sine Wave inversion guarantees optimum compatibility with sensitive equipment, computers, motors, t... |
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Sunforce 45444 600W Wind Turbine
$721.62 Generate power day and night with the Sunforce 600 Watt Wind Turbine. This versatile wind turbine charges both 12 Volt and 24 Volt battery banks to help run your appliances and electronics. Ideal for cabins, 12 Volt battery charging, remote power, back-up power and more, this unit is made with aerodynamic fiber glass blades to ensure low wind noise. Built with a weatherproof industrial design, thi... |
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Sunforce 11260 2500 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
$430.70 The Sunforce 11260 2500-Watt Pro Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power into clean, stable AC power that is ideal for running home appliances, pumps, and motors. It provides 5000 Watts of peak surge power to get your gear started, and 2500 Watts of continuous power to keep it running. Pure Sine Wave inversion guarantees optimum compatibility with sensitive equipment, computers, motors, t... |
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Energy Crossroads: A burning need to change course
$25.95 As our global population and its appetite for energy rise drastically, resource depletion and global warming have become the most pressing issues facing humanity today.Most experts agree that global peak oil production, when demand exceeds supply, will occur within the next 15 years and will drastically change the very fabric of our industrialized world.As fossil fuels power every facet of the Ame... |
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The Great Squeeze: surviving the human project
$25.95 This award-winning film explores our current ecological and economic crisis stemming from our dependence on cheap and abundant energy. Although our actions have lifted our civilization to new heights, it has come at a tremendous price.We are now at a point where humanity's demands for natural resources far exceed the earth's capacity to sustain us. The extraction and the consumption of these resou... |
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Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more
$34.95 Solar Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engin... |
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Sunforce 81096 Solar Shed Light
$21.90 Super - handy Solar Shed Lamp! Easily adds illumination to any outdoor space, including garages, greenhouses, barns and gazebos. Compact solar panel power source means no messy wiring and a clean, "green" power source that will never run out! Solar cell drinks up enough sun energy during the day to power the Light for up to two continuous hours come nightfall! Installs easily with included mountin... |
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Solar leather lighted cover for Kindle 4 (Please note current Lighted Cover fits AMAZON KINDLE only, new products for Kindle Keyboard, Kindle Touch & other Kindle Models are under development.)
$79.99 SolarKindle Lighted Cover- 3 month + unplugged power Keep Your Kindle Protected, Powered and Illuminated The first solar cover for the Amazon Kindle e-reader takes an environmentally friendly approach to enhancing form and utility. The SolarKindle Lighted Cover is designed to look smart and feel great in your hands without being bulky or heavy. The form-fitted cover keeps your Kindle safe while ... |
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Sunsei 71015 SE-24000 400-Watt 16.5-Volt Solar Panel Generator
$1,040.24 A perfect match for back-up power in cabins, cottages, RVs and boats, the Sunsei Solar 400-watt 16-1/2-volt charger provides reliable, renewable energy as an alternative to noisy and expensive diesel, propane and gas generators. Giving power all year round when exposed to daylight, this solar charger produces 400 watts of high-efficiency polycrystalline charges for multiple batteries at once. With... |
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Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller
$16.95 The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x... |
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Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems (Hardcover)
$129.44 Description not available. |
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Photovoltaics Design And Installation Manual (Paperback)
$31.61 Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, compreh... |
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Solar Hydrogen Hybrid Energy Systems (Paperback)
$116.46 The complete mathematical and chemical description of hydrogen used for storing and re-using the energy from renewable energies is covered in the book. RENs, mostly photovoltaics and wind, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage and fuel cells are described in... |
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Renewable Energy Systems (Hardcover)
$129.43 Description not available. |
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Renewable Energy Systems (Hardcover)
$57.38 Description not available. |
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Renewable Energy System Design (Hardcover)
$97.69 Description not available. |
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Wind Energy Systems (Hardcover)
$264.38 Large-scale wind power generation is one of the fastest developing sources of renewable energy and already makes substantial contributions to power grids in many countries worldwide. With technology maturing, the challenge is now to increase... |
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Wind Energy Basics (Paperback)
$17.79 Wind Energy Basics offers a how-to for home-based wind applications, with advice on which wind turbines to choose and which to avoid. Paul Gipe guides wind-energy installers through considerations such as renewable investment strategies and gives cauti... |
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A Practical Guide to Renewable Energy (Paperback)
$32.83 "Learn more about renewable energy, how to install and inspect renewable energy systems and gain certification. This is a perfect introduction to one of the construction industry`s leading growth areas. It provides an overview of all types of renewable... |
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Solar Cooling Handbook (Hardcover)
$76.6 Our energy system faces a fundamental transformation and renewable energies will play a dominant role in the future energy supply. One of the promising solutions is the use of solar thermal energy in buildings, for cooling, heating and domestic hot wat... |
