Solar Power Your Home For Dummies 2e - Deck 1 Flashcards
How much energy falls on the face of the earth from the sun in terms of amount used by humans?
35,000 times the total amount of energy humans use falls on the face of the earth from the sun on any given day.
What is renewable energy?
Energy that constantly replenishes itself with little or no human effort. E.g. solar power
Is renewable energy always good for the environment?
No. Firewood is renewable but burning it pollutes and requires cutting down trees which is not always done with thought for the overall health of the forest.
What is sustainable energy?
Sustainable energy forms are not only renewable but also have the ability to keep the planet’s ecosystem up and running, in perpetuity. Society is not compromising future generations health and well-being, nor their ability to use their own sustainable resources to any less capacity than we have in the past.
What is the carbon footprint of the typical American?
36,000 pounds (18 tons)
What is grey energy?
Solar power has no carbon footprint except the energy that was used to manufacture the solar panel - this energy is called grey or invested energy.
What if trees or other impediments are shading your property?
The government acknowledges the value of the sunlight that hits your home. You have a legal right to demand that your neighbors remove trees that impede your solar access.Check with local government for specifics.
How are deciduous trees better than evergreens for solar power?
They shade the house in the summer to keep it cool but lose their leaves in the winter allowing more sun to hit the solar panels.
