solar electric systems for africa

solar electric systems for africa

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Facts About Solar Energy - Part 2

You want the best value for your money, and knowing all the facts about solar energy is the best way forward. Whether you're looking for a whole home electricity or heating installation or a portable power supply for camping, it's better to know what's a great deal and what's not. Let's take a look at some more solar energy facts:

- The energy yield of a 1 kilowatt solar power system is approximately equal to the burning of 170 lbs of coal and 300 lbs of CO2 being discharged into the atmosphere.

- At the closing of 2005, the entire global peak power production of installed solar panels was near 5,300 MW.

- The world's biggest solar electric system was claimed by Germany. Their 10 MW Bavaria Solarpark covers 25 hectares with over 57,000 photovoltaic panels. The new Arnstein solar electric plant in Bavaria is now claiming to be the greatest. It provides 12 MW of energy to about 3,500 households from over 1,400 movable solar panels. However, in the Mojave Desert in North America is the world's largest solar energy plant. It covers 1000 acres of solar reflectors. An amazing ninety percent of the world's presently commercially produced solar power is produced there.

- Africa's Sahara desert, presuming 15% efficient solar cells, could produce more than 450 TW annually. Current yearly worldwide energy consumption, including fossil and renewable sources is about 13 TW.

- Approximately one-half of global output of solar panels is consumed by Japan. Their purpose is for the most part grid linked residential applications.

- Israel is constructing a 100 MW solar power plant. It should provide more than 200,000 homes with electricity. There are advanced plans for a further 500 MW solar power plant. This would make Israel a solar energy leader.

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Are these enough facts about solar energy for you? Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more solar energy facts, go to http://www.squidoo.com/solarcabin.

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