Astro Findings
In all probability you will have heard talk of new smart meters being installed in homes, which have the ability to relay information back to the electrical company with regards to power consumption. Unlike the old regular meters, these new smart meters can identify power consumption in detail, and it is hoped that this may result in the average person using less electricity. Let’s go ahead and take a look at what the smart meters really mean:
Traditional power meters regulate only the energy consumed, and not when it was used, meaning that it’s hard to match consumption with production. Smart meters are one of the more economical methods of measuring not only consumption, but times other information. This allows power companies to set different prices according to when the power is used. This will allow customers to save money by using power at nonpeak hours and avoiding paying too much for energy. It’s hoped that this will keep electricity prices down.
These smart meters are already in use in numerous countries such Italy, where the main energy supplier currently provides electricity to more than 27 million customers, all of which have smart meters. These meters which communicate via low voltage power lines make it possible for the electric company to monitor usage and unauthorized usage. Electric companies are now also able to turn power either on or of remotely.
With the implementation of smart meters well underway in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Scandinavia, it would appear as though it’s only a matter of time before they are implemented in the United Kingdom. In America it would seem that there are currently only certain jurisdictions which are currently moving towards smart meter technology, but the trend does look set to continue, given that more and more homeowners now believe they should have the choice with regards to buying their electricity at times when the price is reduced. Likewise, many homeowners feel they should have a choice as to when they should sell excess electricity to the electricity company, should they have any excess power.
Because smart meters rely largely on having the ability to communicate with a central command point, communication remains the biggest challenge. In order to overcome this obstacle, certain possible solutions have been proposed, such as making use of cellular networks and power line communications.
Just recently, the U.S. president openly called for 3,000 miles of transmission lines and a total of 40 million smart meters to be installed, making it the most ambitious upgrade the country’s electrical grid has seen in the last 40 years. In fact, many people believe that it will have such a significant influence on society, that it could be compared to the Internet. Furthermore, because this project promises to be able to make use of power which originates from clean power projects, it has received a great deal of support. Additionally, it is widely accepted that such a project will help to curb the need to for additional power production centers.
Smart meters can cost anywhere from a hundred to three hundred dollars to install – each. The amount depends on the quality of the smart meter in question, but it will be a significant investment. However, venture capitalists have been investing in this technology recently, so it may be possible. Soon, you could be choosing when you use power based on the price, and possibly saving money and energy.
Author: Jerry Dyess has published articles for the Commercial Energy for the past 7 years. Get more information on Texas Electric rates.
categories: energy,smart meter,electricity,green energy
Tags: Education, Electricity, energy, green energy, smart meter
Posted in Education · November 18th, 2009 · Comments (0)
This article explains a few things about the workings of solar energy, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.
Solar energy panels are environmental friendly and produce no pollution while generating electricity. Solar energy is also used as a power for satellites in space and in space shuttles. The solar energy company’s primary expertise lies with solar water heating. Solar water heating is the name given to the process where we use the power of the sun to heat up your hot water.
Power generated by using clean energy technologies can also be sold to the other countries, boosting the trade deficit. They can power remote locations, such as a cabin, RV or boat. Build solar-powered ovens and heaters with which to cook food.
Most of this information comes straight from the solar energy pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.
Solar energy collectors located at the top will collect energy to be collected and recharged during the day time to be used at night. The power stored in the batter will probably run up to ten hours thanks to LED lights being integrated in to the system. Solar energy is renewable energy which is environmentally friendly, and it is free once the solar panels for electricity generation are in place, except for the cost to maintain and repair this equipment.
Generating green energy using solar power and panels is a terrific way to take the strain off of the earth and eliminate the need for fossil fuels and pollution. Solar energy can provide power to pump water for animals, swimming pools, and watering gardens. Solar refrigeration, wood-dryers and vehicles are all useful and sensible energy ideas.
Solar energy, as the name itself suggests, is sourced from that glowing ball of fire in the sky that we call the sun. What we call sunlight is actually beams of electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the upper strata of the earth’s atmosphere. Solar energy and ‘going green’ are getting a lot of attention these days.
Those who only know one or two facts about the workings of solar energy can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
About the author: EnergySavingSite.info questions how does solar energy work and offers information on solar energy advantages disadvantages. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this paragpraph and hyperlinks are kept unchanged.
Tags: alternative energy, clean energy, Education, energy, environment, fuels, global warming, green energy, pollution, recycling, renewable energy, safe energy, solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy
Posted in Education · November 15th, 2009 · Comments (0)