Tag: systems solar

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Solar Energy

Solar energy is energy from the sun in the form of heat and light. The sun’s energy can be used to provide lighting and heat for buildings and to produce electricity. It is also considered a part of hydroelectricity as the sun’s actions on water cause evaporation and rain to fill reservoirs.

Historically, solar energy has been harnessed through passive solar systems.  Solar energy can be harnessed only during the day and only if the sunlight.

Today, two active solar technologies that involve electrical or mechanical equipment are becoming more common. First, solar collectors or panels are used to heat water or ventilation air for use in buildings. Second, solar photovoltaic technology uses solar cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Off-grid or grid-tie systems can use battery storage to alleviate the shortfall of darkness interfering in the production of energy. There are other ways to ‘store’ the energy by pumping water to a tank above a micro-hydro generator for later use. Even compressed air can run a back-up generator!

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Carbon Monoxide and Climate Change

There’s a lot of talk about rising levels of carbon dioxide these days. So let’s take a quick look at its deadly cousin.

One of the most prominent factors that no one seems to be talking about in climate change is the incredible increase of carbon monoxide (CO) and decrease of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere in recent years.

Recent studies have found that our atmosphere has the highest amount of carbon monoxide levels in the last 800,000 years and averaging around 411 Parts per Million (ppm). Three years ago, the average levels were 208 ppm, which equates to a 68% increase in just a mere three years. This increase has been documented in the past, however it would taken over 250 years to change this much.

Before 1990, CO levels increased an average of a 0.5% or less increase per year. Since 1990 the average annual rise is 2% or higher. This means that since 1990 there has been more than a 56% increase in carbon monoxide levels.

Next time you consider burning, which is pretty much anything, please remember the carbon monoxide it produces. This can be your vehicle, a woodstove fire, or even electricity that is generated by coal, oil, or natural gas.

Alternative products are renewable technologies like wind and solar panel electric as well as hydrogen fuelled catalytic convertors that produce water as a by-product.

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Did You Know

Did you know that renewable energy for your home is more than solar panels?

Did you know that solar heating works in subzero weather?

Did you know that wind turbines are solar powered?

Did you know that there are hydroelectric generators that fit in the palm of your hand?

Do you know to call Systems Solar at +1-604-354-7881?

Now you know!