Solar Power Blog

Solar energy is at the top of the list of these energy sources in the future, because the sun is something that is not likely to disappear in the near future, or at least within our lives immediately. In addition, the sun released a thousand watts of energy per square meter. This energy is the same throughout the world that is available to anyone and can be renewed an offer on a daily basis.

Now the problem with the use of solar energy in a high level of performance necessary to serve large areas is that at this time, the technology simply does not exist to adequately capture the totality of solar energy and the process successfully. The technology is evolving to make solar panels capable of processing more than the energy that passes through them. Hopefully in the near future we will able to do more and more in the sunlight as a sustainable form of energy that will help to reduce (or eliminate) the need for the burning of fossil fuels.

However, there is a growing number of people are converting their homes to use solar energy. Large-scale infrastructure may not exist to power entire communities and cities, but at the individual level people are able to successfully capture and use this energy for their own needs. This is the direction the world is moving forward, clean, renewable and sustainable energy.

So effective is this method of energy production that pastoralists in Mongolia, due to the extension of its powerful steppes are isolated by large distances from the grid and, therefore, depend on solar energy to supply their electricity needs . They are now able to bridge the large gap in the technology of the physical distance that has kept them in the past and now use cell phones while riding their horses.

Another form of energy that can be renewable and sustainable nuclear energy. However, there are many concerns about this type of power supply and the dangers that can arise if not handled properly. Apart from the fact that pollution and low melt are an ever-present reality, nuclear power is dangerous due to its derivatives that can not be reabsorbed or destroyed.

In fact, products of nuclear waste to millions of years to decompose which means it can never be dispersed freely in the ecosystem of storage in a nightmare.

There are only a limited amount of space and nuclear waste are filling up. While nuclear energy meets an immediate need for us, you never know the effects or consequences of the far-reaching our future generations will inherit. So while this energy source is one that will be able to carry large amounts of energy for many years, has some serious drawbacks to keep in mind if you use on a larger scale in the future.

For now, investigators are still looking for ways to implement renewable, sustainable forms of energy that can be used in the future without harming the environment. The sense of urgency has increased environmental concerns has been addressed on the national stage, where energy companies are exploring the use of solar, wind, hydropower and where they can.

Unfortunately for the moment, we have to continue relying on fossil fuel energy to a realistic solution is presented. What can we do now is reduce our demand on natural resources for their maintenance over time.
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As far as solar gadgets go, this is really cool. It’s a solar frisbee, and we don’t even sell it (yet!). We’re trying to source these, as it looks like they’re just available in the states at the moment. Ok, so we’re solar geeks, but we make no apologies. We just love what solar technology can do now, and there’s no harm in having some fun with it. It’s a great way for children to learn about renewable energy too.

We promote  a solar panel charger as the ideal renewable energy source, but how does a solar charger actually work? We just assume that sun shines ones them, and then magically electricity comes out the other end! It’s actually a fairly simple process and the technology to produce them is becoming more efficient and less expensive

To get a better idea of how a solar panel charger produces electricity, take a look at this short video, which shows one in action. Obviously the same principles apply to all solar chargers:

www.SentientSolar.co.uk has recently been delighted to supply a registered charity with solar panel chargers. Engineers Without Borders teaches children in the Bristol area about sustainable energy through unique methods, and recently ordered several solar chargers to this end.

The solar powered panels will be used in a workshop in local schools, where a presentation is given about solar energy, and then the pupils are given the task of building a model solar car. They are given a list of components (such as CDs or milk tops for wheels) which all have a ’price’ and they are allowed to spend up to ’£100’ on components. Each group of 4/5 has an engineering undergraduate to help if necessary, but the emphasis is very much on the group, whose ages range from 12-18.

We are fascinated by the usage here of the solar powered chargers, as we don’t believe any of our solar chargers have been used in this way before. It’s an excellent way for the younger generation that we don’t have to be reliant on the power that comes out of our sockets, and there are natural resources that will do exactly what we need them to do if we harness them correctly.

Engineers Without Borders is a student led charity that utilises the engineering skills of it’s members to break down barriers and has made improvements not just in the UK, but around the world.

We just hope that the solar powered chargers supplied by SentientSolar go some small way to assisting with this worthwile charity.

Here’s a great demonstration video we found on Youtube of how a solar charger can charge an iPod/mobile phone charger etc. It can be powered via solar power, or via USB with your PC. If you’re relying on sunlight, it means you need never have to worry about your iPod of mobile phone running out of battery. Great for travelling, holidays etc, particularly abroad - you don’t even need a socket adapter, because you don’t need an electricity supply!

A couple of really fun items to tell you about today. The first is a fun gift for kids. The clever monkey uses solar power to climb his rope. Great idea for teaching kids about solar power and solar chargers. The second is the Shake Torch. It does what it says on the tin - just shake it - no batteries required! This uses motion to generate power to create light. It’s not a solar charger, you don’t even need sunlight for this one!

Solar propelled monkey model kit

Shake torch

How solar panels are made. A bit cheesy presentation styel, but great at going back to the beginning and helping us understand how solar panels and solar chargers actually work.

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Here we go with a couple more solar chargers / solar gifts to add to our Christmas range.

Some really cool stuff on it’s way as well, so keep checking back!

Water powered clock

Ok, so this isn’t solar powered, but it’s a great little gift. You don’t even need to tell your kids that it’s an educational gadget!

Build your own clock and then experiment with what will keep the clock running: water, toothpaste, ketchup, cola… A great educational gift for the inquisitive child:

Solar window light

If you’re looking for a small, portable solar powered light that you can stick just about anywhere, now there’s an answer: the solar powered window light.

Ok, so it’s only the end of October, but I know some people who start their Christmas shopping before Easter!

So here at Sentient Solar we’re delighted to release 12 solar gifts, solar gadgets, solar chargers and solar toys - one for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas (clever eh?).

We promise not to put the decorations up just yet, but we’ve got some really unusual gift ideas here, so it’s only fair that we share them with you!

So here’s a couple to get started with - we’ll keep updating the blog all week.

iPower SX portable solar charger for mobile devices - all mobile phones, iPods, MP3s and MP4 players - all in one:

‘Lightcup’ solar powered water bottle with LED lights - A water bottle that doubles up as a solar powered lantern – perfect for camping!

Clip from James May’s Big Ideas where it is shown that you can burn and melt stuff with a ’solar furnace’. The power of solar power - not quite a solar charger, but impressive anyway!

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