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Solar Power Information

According to The DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), solar power can be divided into four major categories: Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), Photovoltaics (PV), Solar Heating and Solar Lighting.

Glossary of Solar Power Terms

The Solar Glossary is from EERE website. For detail information, please visit EERE website...

How to select wire and cable size your system?

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Solar Maps.

Solar FAQs — Photovoltaics (PV)

The Basic	What is photovoltaics (solar electricity), or "PV"?
	How can we get electricity from the sun?
	What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
	What's the difference between PV and other solar energy technologies?
	How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?
	How does sunlight affect life on Earth?
	How long do PV systems last?
	How much electricity does a photovoltaic (PV) system generate?

Applications	What does energy conversion efficiency mean?
	Where are photovoltaic (PV) systems being used?
	Can I use photovoltaics (PV) to power my home?
	Can I use photovoltaics (PV) to power my business?
	Can I design and install a photovoltaic (PV) system myself?
	When will I be able to buy a solar electric or PV-powered car?
	When will solar electric systems replace coal and nuclear power plants?
	How much space would be needed for photovoltaic systems to meet the entire electrical needs of the United States?
	Are photovoltaic (PV) systems used in government buildings?
	How do I know if I have enough sunlight for PV?
	How big a solar energy system do I need?
	How is a solar electric system designed, installed, and maintained?

Benefits	Why should I use photovoltaics (PV)?
	Why should I purchase a PV system?
	Are there disadvantages to using solar energy?

Financial Issues	How much does a solar energy system cost, and how much will I save on utility bills?
	Can I afford photovoltaics (PV)?
	How do I find out about financial incentives such as rebates or tax credits in my home state?
	What resources, grants, loans, and other incentives are there for installing a PV system?
	How can I start my own photovoltaic business?
	What is net metering? Is net metering available where I live and work?
	What is the energy payback period for photovoltaics (PV)?
	What is an average break-even point for a solar energy system?
	How can federal facilities make the economics of solar work for them, given the long payback period? Are there financial incentives available to help them pay for solar roofs?

Solar FAQs — Concentrating Solar Power

The Basic	What is concentrating solar power (CSP)?
	How does concentrating solar power (CSP) work?
	What's the difference between concentrating solar power (CSP) and other solar technologies?

Applications	Since the sun doesn't shine 24 hours a day, can we count on solar energy to supply power when we need it?
	Since concentrating solar power plants are reliable, why haven't more been built in the last few years?
	Since Solar Two is no longer operating, are solar power tower plants considered failures?
	Do concentrating solar power (CSP) plants require a lot of land? How much, exactly?
	Where are the best places to build a concentrating solar plant?

Benefits	What are the environmental impacts of concentrating solar power plants (CSP)?
	What are the advantages of using concentrating solar power (CSP) rather than other power generation technologies?
	What is the benefit of continuing federal support for research and development in concentrating solar power?
	Are concentrating solar power technologies viable in today's energy markets? If so, where are the best market opportunities?

Solar FAQs — Solar Heating

The Basic	How does a solar water-heating system work?
	Are there any disadvantages to using solar energy?

Applications	Can a solar water heater replace an electric or gas water heater?
	Can solar water heaters be used in northern states and other colder climates?
	Can I use a solar water-heating system to heat my swimming pool?
	Can solar power be used to heat my home and business?
	What about heating my swimming pool with solar?
	Can solar power be used to heat my home and business?

Benefits	What are the benefits of using solar energy to heat water in my home?

Financial Issues	How much does a solar water-heating system cost?
	How much money will a solar water-heating system save on my utility bill?
	How do I find out about financial incentives such as rebates or tax credits in my home state?