nemo Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 So I was sitting in my house today, considering the chain of events taking place within my solar-powered watch as it recharged itself in the afternoon sunshine, when it occurred to me that I'd like to be able to put a few photons to work doing more than recharging a timepiece. Could anyone describe / recommend / direct me toward an implementation of solar energy within a residential setting that does not require me to invest a great deal of money, or completely redesign my electrical layout? Thanks,nemo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgrmdave Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 I did a simple google search, and found this site http://www.bpsolar.com/homesolutions/Jump.cfm?Page=295 It has a useful calculator on it, although it seemed as though the smallest system cost $27,000 minus a rebate, depending on your location. This site may be useful as well http://www.homepower.com/index.cfm# It has some good explanations of home solar power. IrishEyes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nemo Posted February 26, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2005 I just ran across this on Slashdot - I'd never heard of a solar tower before, but it seems feasable: air is warmed by solar energy at the base of the tower, rises through the 'chimney' and spins turbines on the way up. The unfortunate part about this is the size required to have a notable return of energy. Along this line of thought, though, why don't industrial plants (or any buildings with large smoke / steam stacks) use this technology already? Wouldn't that be a relatively simple and beneficial addition to the cooling towers I see on nuclear power plants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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