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on April 18th, 2012%

Carol asks…
Solar pool heating in the state of Pa. How effective?
I have a relatively new pool for which I would like to heat. Since energy is skyrocketing I feel solar may be a good option. Can anyone give me an idea how effective solar heating is, especially in Pa. I have a lot of sothern exposure on my roof.

Michael answers:
Solar heating for pool is great. You will need aprox. 3/4 of your pool surface area in solar panels. You will need that size of roof area to mount the panels. The roof will ideally be low angle or flat and sunny all day. Any supplier will willingly give you this info.
I live in Canada (you know …the place with the igaloos!!) and in the summer after a few good sunny days my pool approaches 90 dgrees F..

Ken asks…
Any nice DWF in Phoenixville to Norristown, PA areas?
Can’t seem to find any nice women 40-50 , young at heart wanting a nice, average guy. I’m a DWM – 48, 5’7, avg build, blonde, blue, glasses mustache, looking for DWF avg/avg+ looks 40-50, kids okay,prefer close to my kids’ ages who doesn’t mind I’m not a dancer and don’t like the shore. I have 2 kids (alt weekends), girl-10, boy-15, own my own house, have a good job. Interested in solar & wind energy ,and plan to buy a few acres of land and build a mortgage free retirement home in somewhere in central/northern Penna-with as much of my own sweat equity as possible. I like sports, genealogy, 80′s-modern rock music, movies, internet. PSU grad, intelligent, considerate . I like working on my house and yard, Non smoker, no drugs (other than prescriptions), light drinker. Is there anyone out there who is 5’4″ or shorter, slim-med build, prefer darker hair, non-smoker, light drinker, no drugs. my pic for yours. my email is bobcat6259 @ hotmail.com
p.s. I look and act younger than I am

Michael answers:
Dont know mate

Daniel asks…
Solar pool heating in the state of Pa. How effective?
I have a relatively new pool for which I would like to heat. Since energy is skyrocketing I feel solar may be a good option. Can anyone give me an idea how effective solar heating is, especially in Pa. I have a lot of sothern exposure on my roof.

Michael answers:
Here in the northeast, I’ve seen people use the bubble wrap style covers with moderate success. What looked even more promising is a long coil of black hose which hooks into the pump. As water is drawn from the pool, it is circulated through the very hot hose, filtered, and then returned back to the pool. It seemed to work well and is a very simple and effective way to heat the pool in a green way.
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on April 17th, 2012%

Donald asks…
I need some help, could anyone attempt to help me?
38. Fats help to maintain your skin and hair, cushion the vital organs, provides insulation, and is necessary for the production and absorption of certain vitamins and hormones.
A. True
B. False
39. _____ reproduction involves splitting or budding of the parent to produce genetically identical offspring.
A. Asexual
B. Sexual
40. Gene-sequencing machines can read hundreds of thousands of nucleotids a day.
A. True
B. False
41. The liter is used for the base unit of weight in SI.
A. True
B. False
42. Each element is different because their atoms have different number of _____.
A. Electrons
B. Protons
C. Neutrons
43. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules are used to drive chemical reactions.
A. True
B. False
44. Green plants storing solar energy is an example of an _____.
A. Endothermic reaction
B. Exothermic reaction
45. The _____ has a negative charge and orbits the nucleus.
A. Electron
B. Proton
C. Neutron
D. Isotopes
46. An alcoholic product of fermentation can not be produced if the alcohol percent is above _____.
A. 10
B. 12
C. 14
D. 20
E. 35
47. Sister chromatids separate and begin to move apart during ______.
A. Anaphase
B. Metaphase
C. Prophase
D. Telophase
48. You must make at least _____ % on each assignment, quiz and test.
A. 50
B. 70
C. 80
D. 90
49. _____ was the first to name cells and included drawings of cork cells.
A. Robert Hooke
B. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek
C. Theodore Schwann
D. Rudolf Virchow
50. Prokaryote cells have many specialized structures.
A. True
B. False

Michael answers:
I know some answers not all because i studied chemical bio in senior here
38 A
39 A
40 41 46 47(dont know)
42 A
43 B*
44 A
45 A
48 A
49 A*
50 B
star means not sure
but why majority of answers seem to be A
anyway i did not study subjects in english but i wish this helps

Mark asks…
Is there any evidence for creationism that isn’t simply an attack on evolution?
Evolutionists (like myself) can give evidence for evolution without attacking creationism.
For instance, evolution can literally be monitored by examining the allele frequency in organisms. We have fossils to show that whales use to have legs but later EVOLVED into to creatures that don’t have them. Similarly, humans have tails bones but no tails. Why? Because physical evidence (i.e., fossils) show we evolved into being with tails. There are many fossils to show this too. The Lucy fossil, the Homo Erectus fossil and many more.
It seems like most creationists think they’re presenting evidence when they attack evolution. They’ll usually make a false claim like the classic “they are no transitional fossils” or “evolution says we evolved from monkeys and monkeys still exist so evolution is false.”
Sources:
Whales use to have legs:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94596835
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917210028.htm
List of transitional fossils:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_transitional_fossils
Evolution can be monitored by changes in allele frequency:
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/evolution-definition.html
*One more thing. The word ‘theory’ when used in science does NOT mean ‘guess’. For instance, the Heliocentric Theory states that planets in our Solar System revolve around the Sun.
..that’s not a guess! It’s based on verifiable evidence. Same thing will Cell Theory (all living things are made of cells). So when you hear ‘Theory of Evolution’, we’re not talking about a guess. In science, a guess is know an a ‘hypothesis’.
I’m a college student and one of the classes I’m taking this quarter is Anatomy & Physiology. I took Biology last quarter.
@Moon Shine:
I posted a list of transitional fossils. Yes, that means change in species.

Michael answers:
In order to maintain their world-view, Creationists find it necessary to deny reason, to deny scientific methodology and to put their trust in faith, so that even though ALL of modern science denies the possibility of a literal Genesis, they can still believe it with all of their hearts and all of their souls – just not all of their brains.
Thus, the robustness of a scientific theory will mean nothing to a believer in a faith-based religion – reason, rationality, in-your-face evidence – none of it means a thing to those who have eyes but refuse to see, who have ears but cannot hear, who have minds but cannot think.

Sandra asks…
Question for atheists?
Like atheists, I like to use cold logic in giving positions. The following is the reason theists know your position doesn’t make sense:
If science is top truth, that means everything originates from something else. A came from B, B came from C, C came from D, D come from E, ad infinitum. The theist knows this is not possible, because if a position has to be explained forever, then it’s not a position at all. But theists also knows everything has a beginning, and that beginning is God.
The cell to the animal to the land to the earth to the solar system to the Milky Way to the universe, to that beyond. Exterior infinity. The cell to the molecule to the atom to the nucleus to the subatomic to the quantum to the even smaller. Interior infinity. Since these two infinities were created and cannot be fully explained by science, then the creator can be none other but God.
The bee need the flower to survive. The flower need the bee to survive. Evolutionists believe bees and plants evolved at different times. The theist knows this is not possible. No savvy archeologist would dare attempt to explain symbiotic relationships, because there is no evidence in science to explain them adequately. The theist already knows God willed all into existence, and symbiotic relationships are easy to explain. This also explains archeological and other scientific finds that contradict common held beliefs and flies in the face of present supposed iron-clad scientific principles. They are afraid to make evidence that supports the theist public, and atheists like to play and act like these finds don’t exist. But theists know better.
Since God created humans, and humans discovered logic, that means logic, and all other things known, and yet to be known, that can be used for good, are a product of God. This is why theists are flabbergasted when atheists attempt to use logic, something God created, to explain their positions.
The smartest atheist will attempt to explain SOME of the logical facts I presented, but dare not touch upon ALL of it. This omission supports the position of the theists.
Your thoughts?
Looking at the first thirteen answers, looks like they’re running for cover instead of attempting to explain anything! Any theists out there, or is this forum dominated by truth fearers?
Like I said, the smartest atheist will attempt to explain SOME of the logical facts I presented, but dare not touch upon ALL of it. This omission supports the position of the theists.
Theists predates atheists, so the burden of proof fall on you guys!
Thanks for your answers!

Michael answers:
*facepalm*
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on April 16th, 2012%

Laura asks…
How much would a typical solar cell cost to buy? ?

Michael answers:
There isn’t really a “typical” solar cell, any more than there’s a typical bicycle.
The tiny amorphous cells on calculators probably cost about 2 cents. The kind of cell on an inexpensive garden light probably costs $1. More powerful cells can be found on eBay, or places like the site below.
The cheapest grade of multijunction cell from Spectrolab is about $250 each.

Susan asks…
Why isn’t there an electric car available with solar cells on the roof/trunk?
Your car runs out of gas – that’s a problem. Your electric car runs out of battery power – simply park and have lunch and let the sun partially recharge the batteries, then you’re on your way. Once your home or work or a store, either plug it in to an outlet or hook it up to a solar collecter car port for a faster re-charge. How many of you would buy an electric car with solar cells? I wonder what the current technology efficiency level is for recharging a small 2 seat compact anyway? I think it’s time – who wants to go into business with me?

Michael answers:
Becuase it would end the oil business

Donna asks…
where can i buy a solar cell for scince project in san jose?

Michael answers:
Just about any radio shack. I know for sure that the one at 1820 Saratoga Ave has them.
There is also Halted specialties – near Central & Lawrence.
Home Depot, Target, Costco have solar lights, and I know for sure that Home Depot has some small panels.
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on April 15th, 2012%

Robert asks…
if and how could i make money on this?
i have a 2002 Toyota Prius that i have taken out the moon roof and replaced it with a custom homemade solar panel. the panel is no bigger then the original moon roof and i can still pop open the solar panel but i cant slide it back though but anyways i have not put a drop of gas in the car for over 6000 miles now.
what im wondering is who can i tell about this so that i might be able to make some money off from my invention?
i have called a submit to industry company but they want me to pay them $700 just for them to put it in some catalog or something.

Michael answers:
You need to do a patent search,and assuming no one has already invented this, make your patent
First and foremost: Document your invention. There is a process, and it would take paragraphs to describe it, so google it.
Edit)) and remember, you will have to invest money in your invention to make money from it. It is unreasonable to think you won’t have to put some money up front to get attention.
In business school they teach us that risk and reward are directly proportional.

Helen asks…
electric motor to suit 18v solar panel?
is there any other types of fans capable of running 18v of power from a solar panel? other than radiator fan motors. i am trying to build a homemade air conditioner so i need one that’s fast. would two 12v (14cm diameter) CPU fans able to survive 18 volts? thanks in advance

Michael answers:
Http://reviews.homedepot.com/1999/100485407/18v-personal-fan-reviews/reviews.htm
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/18v_oneplus/specialty_tools/P3300
Ryobi makes a great unit that runs on an 18v battery. It has 2 speeds, is highly reliable, and can take a real beating. You can easily solder in a home unit, through the battery pack terminals, to accomplish exactly what you are looking for.

Paul asks…
parts for homemade wind generation?
i have a 12 volt solar panel charging system and would like to attempt to make a wind generator from available parts, need some advice?????

Michael answers:
Have a look at my project. Several links for pictures, wiring, charge controller, and so on.
Http://members.rennlist.org/warren/wind.html
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on April 14th, 2012%

Susan asks…
Why do environmentalists think green energy is reliable?
Did all of them forget that solar panels are extremely expensive and not cost effective, wind and most green energy are unreliable and that dams/hydro cause untold environmental damage to it’s surroundings?
Do they also think that Earth is running out of space to put a few barrels underground?
yes, they have become more cost-effective but are they reliable? Does no one else have answers to my other questions?

Michael answers:
Define “environmentalists” and define “green”.
Based on everything else in the content, it appears you need to actually research the cost effectiveness of sustainable energy generation, realize that each variety of sustainable energy is suited for a given set of conditions that when combined form a whole as opposed to a single variety being a “one size fits all” solution, develop your risk assessment skills so that you can ascertain concepts like “the impacts of large scale air and water pollution are freakishly more damaging than all hydropower combined, in spite of the fact that hydropower is an imperfect although improving technology”, and realize that space is a resource as well. Then there’s the whole “you can only burn that stuff that takes millions of years to form at a much faster rate than it forms for so long” thing.
Aside from that, your counter argument sucks as well. If you’re going to discuss the faults of sustainable energy, you should at the very least hit on bird and bat strikes by wind turbines, migration impediments to both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife created by dams, maintenance issues associated with all new and developing technology, the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of bio-fuels, the extreme lack of adequate infrastructure, etc.
Also, your title attacks reliability while your text attacks efficiency and damage without any supporting details whatsoever.

Mandy asks…
How to make a barn conversion energy efficient?
Hi all.
My family are going to be starting a barn conversion in about a month and I would like it to be energy efficient to help cut bills, C02 emissions, etc.
What is currently the best (cost effective) way of doing this?
I am interested in using things like solar panels, etc. but obviously they will need to be cost effective.
I don’t know much about this and it’s all new to me, so any ideas would be very much appreciated.

Michael answers:
Brave people but it will be worth all the effort! The Yellow House website (link below) has loads of info about improving the energy efficiency of older houses but your project might be more like a new build, in terms of fitting renewable energy technologies and insulation.
The two key features of a warm, energy-efficient building are high thermal mass and lashings of insulation. Thick stone walls and floors will help maintain a constant temperature. Oversize radiators will help your condensing boiler to run more efficiently.
Best doesn’t only mean most cost-effective. You would probably like your beautiful barn to be restored using environmentally friendly materials. This means considering the environmental impact of the manufacturing processes that supplied them. Barns are sometimes insulated with compressed straw panels or natural wool insulation: both materials have low environmental impacts.
If you are able to dig or drill down into the ground at the start of the project, you may well be able to install ground-source heat pumps to warm the building. These use electricity to run the pumps but the energy to heat your home will come from the ground beneath your feet.
Solar thermal panels will not help you with space heating because (a) they don’t capture enough heat and (b) they only work in summer! However, solar walls can be designed to capture the heat of the sun all year round, using south-facing glass walls outside the structural wall. Doors, windows and vents are then used to let warm air in on sunny days and to exclude the cold air out the rest of the time.
Rather than going on too long I’ll leave you to start planning your new ecohome. I wish you the very best of luck!

David asks…
Ever tried using computer fan motors to power your house?
I once read in a magazine that you could connect computer fan motors to an alternator to generate all the electricity for your house. The article said it was cost effective because the motors get up to 6000 rpm and it only takes a 12 volt solar panel to power one. What kind of alternator runs off such a small motor? Is this even practical or were they just blowing smoke? Thanks.

Michael answers:
Ie the computer fan motor as a prime mover to the alternator
i dont think that the computer fan motor has the capacity to drive the alternator even if it may generate some low power output which is not enough to provide the required supply for our home.
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on April 13th, 2012%

Sandra asks…
Is ‘promising energy’ an acceptable term here?
————-
Renewable is a promising energy in Malaysia, which can be used in order to reduce the heavy dependence of this country on oil. The remote areas of the archipelago can also take benefit from some renewable such as solar, wind and bio fuels.

Michael answers:
Renewable energy is a promising resource for Malaysia. It can be used to reduce the heavy dependence of this country on oil.
…..you cannot use ‘renewable’ on its own as you have done…it must be ‘renewable resource’ or ‘renewable energy source’ something like that.

Donald asks…
Which planets or other heavenly bodies would be of the most benefit for the human race to explore or colonize?
I guess the Moon is an obvious one for escaping our gravity well and exploring the rest of the solar system. In the long term (I’m talking hundreds or a couple thousand years), which other planets/etc. will yield living space, energy resources, precious metals, military bases (interstellar exploration or defense), or anything else of practical value to the human race?

Michael answers:
You have a big imagination. You should apply at NASA. Well first of all, we should colonize the moon first and use it a platform to go out to other planets and fuel. Mars should be the first one to be colonized for living. Then some of jupiters moons and use jupiter for it’s fuel, which is a lot. For defenses and “interstellar exploration,” the kipert belt. The solar system is our turf after that.
When the sun dies out, we as humans will probably move to another habitable system.

Nancy asks…
Isn’t this only only way to lower fuel prices?
Reduce demand.
We have seen quite clearly that the escalating oil prices led to a reduced US demand for gasoline, which in turn drove the oil prices a bit lower.
I think a brave strategy to propose that would lower fuel prices and ultimately benefit our nation long-term, would be to consider some form of gas rationing. This would inspire folks to conserve, seek more efficient vehicles and to use alternative energy and transportation.
If either candidate was brave enough to be an actual statesman and propose such, combined with R & D for alternatives, funding programs for solar and mass transit, then we could begin to wean ourselves from oil much more quickly. Thoughts..?
____
Increasing supply does nothing towards solving the true problem which is that oil is finite in volume and we a running out. if we lower prices through increased supply, then, folks continue to consume. The longer we wait to re-think our energy needs, the worse the problem becomes….

Michael answers:
Reducing demand and using alternate fuels are the only way to go. Oil is in finite quantities, it will only become more expensive if consumption continues or increases.
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on April 12th, 2012%

Betty asks…
What are some of your ideas to pull America out of its Economic crisis?
What I would do:
1. Legalize Gay Marriage (because all marriages cost lots of money wether they be gay or straight)
2. Legalize Marijuana for Sale, keep it regulated (ask for I.D., etc.)
3. Legalize Prostitution, moderate it (like the porn industry) to keep it safe and put much less money in the hands of criminals since a majority of all prostitution is to fund criminal and gang-related activities
4. Get all soldiers back to the U.S., get them working and spending (let the “terrorists” do as they like in their own country since this war is basically pointless)
5. Fix energy problem (stop off-shore drilling and implement more land-drilling to create more jobs and make it slightly safer for the environment; build more solar panels, windmills, etc.)
6. Slightly increase taxes of upper-middle class and above, and decrease taxes of lower-middle class and below
7. Stop printing as much money
8. Stop printing “In God We Trust” on the dollar, since printing “In God We Trust” is a violation of the seperation of church and state, and also uses a fraction of a pennies worth of ink. Over time that cost builds up and with as much money as we’re printing currently, that only adds to the national defecit.
9. Tax all places of religious worship
10. Remove all bans of abortion and stem-cell research (without abortion there is no stem-cell research)
11. Not try to bail out miserably failing companies.
12. Stop it with the stimulus packages, we’ve tried three, two of them huge, and only created 20,000 jobs.
13. Stop buying everything from other countries.
14. More funding in space projects. Create jobs and interest kids in engineering.
15. Stop making pennies since it costs more than a penny to make a penny.
16. Introduce some sort of pay scale for high-paying jobs and do something about these bonuses for bank managers and such.
17. Have most, if not all, major sports franchises and leagues widely owned, and introduce a new CBA for each league which doesn’t allow for outrageous pays.
18. Switch from unit banking system to a branch banking system
19. Don’t “leave it to the market.” Some situations should require intervention, especially oil.
20. Minimum voter IQ, as well as mandatory voting or voting that requires a tax to get out of
21. Pay science, engineering and math teachers more money so that higher qualified people from the field will interact with students.
22. Place restrictions on quantitative finance methods, hire better educated financial experts who are focused on sustainable business and not short term maximization
23. Raise tariffs
24. Increase minimum wage
25. Lower minimum drinking age to 19.
With more money in circulation, the national debt will be gone very soon.
Keep in mind, I’m far from an expert when it comes to economics, but what I do know about economics is that by doing these things the debt will decrease greatly.
Your ideas?

Michael answers:
Right on. I like all these solutions
legalizing marijuana for sale! Its a major cash crop. That alone would help the economy

Lisa asks…
Why would someone line their front yard with mirrors all propped up against the inside of the fence?
I pass a house in my neighborhood that has the entire front yard lined with mirrors of varying sizes. They are all propped up against the inside of the fence, but pointing in, so someone standing in the yard could turn around and see their reflection from all sides. They don’t appear to be solar panels and it doesn’t look like they’re connected to anything, but I could be wrong about that part. Neither is there any indication they are for sale or part of any art project.
I was thinking it maybe it was a ward or superstition but birds probably is the most reasonable explanation.

Michael answers:
Mirrors will scare away birds, and possibly other little critters..but I know it will work on birds.

John asks…
Home upgrades yes or no?
Hi. I’ve just bought my first home about 3 months ago. I’m 21 and bought it as a “investment” home and plan to sale it in about 3-5yrs…hopefully. I purchased it for $110,000 as a banked owned home..very lucky… It’s 1250sqft 3bed, 2bath and on the gulf with a bay view here in Navarre, FL (Destin, FL Area) . I completely remodeled the house inside and out, Wood/Carpet/Tile Floors, Stainless Steal Appliances, Custom Cabinets, Granite Counters (all), tub/showers. Lights, Paint and so far I only spent about $7,000-$8,000 on the remodeled got everything at wholesale and installed mostly everything myself. Also have (10) 200w Solar Panels on the roof which were gave to me as a gift. Power bill has been on average $25.00 a month + I have a private well so my water bill is mainly my electric bill. I just discovered that I’m going to have to replace my Hot Water Heater so my question is should I spend the $2500.00 that I was quoted for the Tankless Heater? are just replace it with another conventional tank for $800? and save the money? If I go with the tankless should I see a return are extra value on my house?
Yes I know this area is highly populated with military . I plan to sale not rent I don’t really want to do the landlord thing or let a company handle that for me. Rather Sale and cash out. Renting the house and buying another would require me to keep both homes maintained and that could be alot of work.

Michael answers:
YES. >.
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on April 11th, 2012%

George asks…
Home Owners Association limitations on solar panel/water heater installation?
I’m writing a paper for my environmental law class and am looking for a starting point having to do with maybe the different restrictions state governments place on HOAs in their ability to limit solar panel and/or water heater installations on homes. Any help would be great, thanks!

Michael answers:
Currently right now the Covenant, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) of Homeowners Associations would allow their board of directors and management companies (if contracted) to restrict the use of solar panels because of uniformity to standards of all housing units within the association. But your point is well taken, because in time when home owners should be allowed to manage their energy consumption, look to sources to improve their energy needs and reduce the amount of energy consumption from commercial sources, the placement of solar panels is a very important endeavor each home owner must be able to adventure into without HOA restraints. There is no doubt many court cases will arise between HOA’s and homeowners on this very issue.
You selected a very good subject and cause. I would be very interested in the outcome.

Mandy asks…
Solar panel installation help?
Has anyone ever installed their own home solar panels? Can you tell me how to start to do this? I went to Home Depot but they did not offer very detailed help with their product. Is there somewhere else that will give step by step instructions to make it easy?

Michael answers:
Candy, there are several web sites giving info on solar panel installation. SPI from Yahoo, solarpanelinfo.com/site news, and Solarenergylive.com to name a few. Home Depot does offer installation so retry them and see if they will install their product for you. Good luck.
Spartawo…

Susan asks…
I am looking for courses on solar panel installation. Both hot water and electricity generation.?

Michael answers:
Centre for Alternative technology run very good courses http://www2.cat.org.uk/shortcourses/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=46850a458908f8724cf4ccc4b697e2e7
they have actually been living and working with these technologies since the 70s. Plus it’s a great plce to visit
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on April 10th, 2012%

Mark asks…
Are Solar Panels worth it at this point? And how much power do they produce for your home?
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOLAR-PANEL-120-WATT-120W-12-VOLT-PV-Solar-Module-/310306871619?_trksid=p5197.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DRPSI%252BSIC%26itu%3DUCP%252BUA%252BMAGEXP%252BUCI%252BIA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D270733194145%26po%3DLPV%252BLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8497966210962221812
thats an example of a Solar Panel… say I were to buy.. 3 of them, which would be a little over $1k. How much power would that generate through my home? Enough to power a TV? A microwave? Maybe the kitchen lights?
And how long would that take for it to pay for myself and start saving me money.

Michael answers:
A friend lives on an island where they pay 50c/kWh for electricity. Solar panels are very cost effective for him. Another friend lives in WA state where her power is 5c/kWh. Not such a good deal there unless the grid fails and she really needed electricity enough to buy backup batteries. I live over a mile from the nearest power line- it would cost me hundreds of thousands to run a line to my house so solar is not just an option but a necessity for me.

Helen asks…
Going solar for my home, I have ?s, and only want answers from people that have it in your home.?
I know the Monocrystalline solar panels cost more then the Polycrystalline solar panels, but which one of the two will last longer?, and will they leak over time? and will they fade over time?
what I mean by leaking is, moisture underneath the glass.

Michael answers:
I don’t have them in my home, if no-one else on here can answer then I might be the best you’ll get :/ I’ve done a little research on solar panels (we developed CdTe rather than Silicon but we worked with other lab groups that do use silicon).
Most solar panels will degrade slightly with time (a common cause is because solar cells rely on a junction, and thermal energy jiggles about the atoms and can mix up your dopants so that the junction quality goes down a bit over time). Generally speaking, more grain boundaries between crystals speeds up the rate of degradation so polycrystalline panels should degrade more quickly than monocrystalline ones (although if other decay mechanisms are dominant, or the system is generally stable, then the difference will be tiny).
Generally panels are well sealed against the elements so it shouldn’t notably fade. Keeping the glass reasonably clean is good for output.
What do you mean ‘leak’? Silicon panels are solid state devices, unless you’re planning on heating them to hundreds of degrees C they will remain solid and shouldn’t ‘leak’!
When I say polycrystalline cells should degrade more quickly than monocrystalline, it’s all relative. Most solar panels will be guaranteed for somewhere between 20-30 years and over that period they should not fall below 80% of their rated output (many should degrade even less).
EDIT: Moisture underneath the glass isn’t a problem I’ve heard much about (but my experience is with lab tech devices we’ve grown specially rather than full scale real world ones!). In principle it shouldn’t be much of a problem; typically your cells will be ‘sandwiched’ between two glass layers which are then hermetically sealed. There’s a chance of leakage, in the same way double glazing might leak occasionally. This effect shouldn’t be that different between mono- and poly- crystalline cells and it should be accounted for when they give you their 20-30yr guarantees!

James asks…
How much would it cost upfront to install solar panels in my home and what could I save?
I’m curious what the average household spends to install solar panels in California. Also for those of you that have installed them, how much would you say you saved in the first year? The second?
Thank you for your time answering this.

Michael answers:
Solar systems can be a “Hefty” investment. But there’s a great return. If you were to install a system the federal government will give you 30% of what you spent. Many utility companies will often give you an incentive/rebate.
And last of all, your electricity bill will be much less then you are spending now. You could even receive a credit on your bill each month if you produce more energy with your panels then you use. You can read more about it on the Sungate Energy Solutions website and blog:
http://thesungate.com/blog/?p=49
http://thesungate.com/sungate_products/howsolarworks.cfm
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on April 9th, 2012%

Richard asks…
Dear Atheists, would you read this and comment?
The Miracle of Iron
HARUN YAHYA
Iron is one of the elements highlighted in the Qur’an. In Surat al-Hadid, meaning Iron, we are informed:
And We also sent down iron in which there lies great force and which has many uses for mankind… (Qur’an, 57:25)
The word “anzalna,” translated as “sent down” and used for iron in the verse, could be thought of having a metaphorical meaning to explain that iron has been given to benefit people. But, when we take into consideration the literal meaning of the word, which is, “being physically sent down from the sky,” as in the case of rain and Sun rays, we realize that this verse implies a very significant scientific miracle. Because, modern astronomical findings have disclosed that the iron found in our world has come from giant stars in outer space. 1
Not only the iron on earth, but also the iron in the entire Solar System, comes from outer space, since the temperature in the Sun is inadequate for the formation of iron. The sun has a surface temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius, and a core temperature of approximately 20 million degrees. Iron can only be produced in much larger stars than the Sun, where the temperature reaches a few hundred million degrees. When the amount of iron exceeds a certain level in a star, the star can no longer accommodate it, and it eventually explodes in what is called a “nova” or a “supernova.” These explosions make it possible for iron to be given off into space. 2
One scientific source provides the following information on this subject:
There is also evidence for older supernova events: Enhanced levels of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments have been interpreted as indications that a supernova explosion occurred within 90 light-years of the sun about 5 million years ago. Iron-60 is a radioactive isotope of iron, formed in supernova explosions, which decays with a half life of 1.5 million years. An enhanced presence of this isotope in a geologic layer indicates the recent nucleosynthesis of elements nearby in space and their subsequent transport to the earth (perhaps as part of dust grains). 3
All this shows that iron did not form on the Earth, but was carried from Supernovas, and was “sent down,” as stated in the verse. It is clear that this fact could not have been known in the 7th century, when the Qur’an was revealed. Nevertheless, this fact is related in the Qur’an, the Word of Allah, Who encompasses all things in His infinite knowledge.
Astronomy has also revealed that other elements also formed outside the Earth. In the expression “We also sent down iron” in the verse, the word “also” may well be referring to that idea. However, the fact that the verse specifically mentions iron is quite astounding, considering that these discoveries were made at the end of the 20th century. In his book Nature’s Destiny, the well-known microbiologist Michael Denton emphasizes the importance of iron:
Of all the metals there is none more essential to life than iron. It is the accumulation of iron in the center of a star which triggers a supernova explosion and the subsequent scattering of the vital atoms of life throughout the cosmos. It was the drawing by gravity of iron atoms to the center of the primeval earth that generated the heat which caused the initial chemical differentiation of the earth, the outgassing of the early atmosphere, and ultimately the formation of the hydrosphere. It is molten iron in the center of the earth which, acting like a gigantic dynamo, generates the earth’s magnetic field, which in turn creates the Van Allen radiation belts that shield the earth’s surface from destructive high-energy-penetrating cosmic radiation and preserve the crucial ozone layer from cosmic ray destruction…
Without the iron atom, there would be no carbon-based life in the cosmos; no supernovae, no heating of the primitive earth, no atmosphere or hydrosphere. There would be no protective magnetic field, no Van Allen radiation belts, no ozone layer, no metal to make hemoglobin [in human blood], no metal to tame the reactivity of oxygen, and no oxidative metabolism.
The intriguing and intimate relationship between life and iron, between the red color of blood and the dying of some distant star, not only indicates the relevance of metals to biology but also the biocentricity of the cosmos… 4
This account clearly indicates the importance of the iron atom. The fact that particular attention is drawn to iron in the Qur’an also emphasises the importance of the element. In addition, there is another hidden truth in the Qur’an which draws attention to the importance of iron: Surat al-Hadid 25, which refers to iron, contains two rather interesting mathematical codes.
“Al- Hadid” is the 57th sura in the Qur’an. The abjad of the word “Al-Hadid” in Arabic, when the numerological values of its letters are added up, is also 57.
The numerological value of the word “hadid” alone is 26. And 26 is the atomic number of iron.
Mo

Michael answers:
Uh, no.

Lizzie asks…
Dear Atheists, would you read this and make some serious comments. TQ..?
The Miracle of Iron
HARUN YAHYA
Iron is one of the elements highlighted in the Qur’an. In Surat al-Hadid, meaning Iron, we are informed:
And We also sent down iron in which there lies great force and which has many uses for mankind… (Qur’an, 57:25)
The word “anzalna,” translated as “sent down” and used for iron in the verse, could be thought of having a metaphorical meaning to explain that iron has been given to benefit people. But, when we take into consideration the literal meaning of the word, which is, “being physically sent down from the sky,” as in the case of rain and Sun rays, we realize that this verse implies a very significant scientific miracle. Because, modern astronomical findings have disclosed that the iron found in our world has come from giant stars in outer space. 1
Not only the iron on earth, but also the iron in the entire Solar System, comes from outer space, since the temperature in the Sun is inadequate for the formation of iron. The sun has a surface temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius, and a core temperature of approximately 20 million degrees. Iron can only be produced in much larger stars than the Sun, where the temperature reaches a few hundred million degrees. When the amount of iron exceeds a certain level in a star, the star can no longer accommodate it, and it eventually explodes in what is called a “nova” or a “supernova.” These explosions make it possible for iron to be given off into space. 2
One scientific source provides the following information on this subject:
There is also evidence for older supernova events: Enhanced levels of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments have been interpreted as indications that a supernova explosion occurred within 90 light-years of the sun about 5 million years ago. Iron-60 is a radioactive isotope of iron, formed in supernova explosions, which decays with a half life of 1.5 million years. An enhanced presence of this isotope in a geologic layer indicates the recent nucleosynthesis of elements nearby in space and their subsequent transport to the earth (perhaps as part of dust grains). 3
All this shows that iron did not form on the Earth, but was carried from Supernovas, and was “sent down,” as stated in the verse. It is clear that this fact could not have been known in the 7th century, when the Qur’an was revealed. Nevertheless, this fact is related in the Qur’an, the Word of Allah, Who encompasses all things in His infinite knowledge.
Astronomy has also revealed that other elements also formed outside the Earth. In the expression “We also sent down iron” in the verse, the word “also” may well be referring to that idea. However, the fact that the verse specifically mentions iron is quite astounding, considering that these discoveries were made at the end of the 20th century. In his book Nature’s Destiny, the well-known microbiologist Michael Denton emphasizes the importance of iron:
Of all the metals there is none more essential to life than iron. It is the accumulation of iron in the center of a star which triggers a supernova explosion and the subsequent scattering of the vital atoms of life throughout the cosmos. It was the drawing by gravity of iron atoms to the center of the primeval earth that generated the heat which caused the initial chemical differentiation of the earth, the outgassing of the early atmosphere, and ultimately the formation of the hydrosphere. It is molten iron in the center of the earth which, acting like a gigantic dynamo, generates the earth’s magnetic field, which in turn creates the Van Allen radiation belts that shield the earth’s surface from destructive high-energy-penetrating cosmic radiation and preserve the crucial ozone layer from cosmic ray destruction…
Without the iron atom, there would be no carbon-based life in the cosmos; no supernovae, no heating of the primitive earth, no atmosphere or hydrosphere. There would be no protective magnetic field, no Van Allen radiation belts, no ozone layer, no metal to make hemoglobin [in human blood], no metal to tame the reactivity of oxygen, and no oxidative metabolism.
The intriguing and intimate relationship between life and iron, between the red color of blood and the dying of some distant star, not only indicates the relevance of metals to biology but also the biocentricity of the cosmos… 4
This account clearly indicates the importance of the iron atom. The fact that particular attention is drawn to iron in the Qur’an also emphasises the importance of the element. In addition, there is another hidden truth in the Qur’an which draws attention to the importance of iron: Surat al-Hadid 25, which refers to iron, contains two rather interesting mathematical codes.
“Al- Hadid” is the 57th sura in the Qur’an. The abjad of the word “Al-Hadid” in Arabic, when the numerological values of its letters are added up, is also 57.
The numerological value of the word “hadid” alone is 26. And 26 is the atomic number of iron.

Michael answers:
So are you basically just trying to tell us to believe that God is real because iron happens to be related to the Qur’an?
Sorry I don’t mean to sound rude.
But it is very hard to change people’s beliefs that they grew up with.

Chris asks…
Got the googling rod out….?
I’m searching the internet for results using,
set wall face on geographical coordinates axis
I’d like to find a way to determine the exact angle of a house wall and determine from it’s exact geographical coordinates what direct sunlight will be on it – in particular coming in through a window during each day of the year and any expected eccentricity over years.
At around midday-early afternoon, the sun is disappearing around the other side of the house and I intend to use reflective strips on any suitable inside edge of the window to maximise light coming in, angling it to reflect both the diminishing (non direct) light and rechannelling the last of the direct light that does not beam all the way to the back of the room.
I’d also like to estimate how much extra light and warmth on average this is per year based on average figures and comparable to peak times.
I think I basically need to plot a solargraph of the year’s days, and be able to model the window and it’s relative horizon – so I may just need to know where on the horizon the sun appears/disappears and the path it takes across the sky each day over a year, then I can model it in Sketchup
- is it prudent to start with a model of earth, set the correct tilt and draw the sun’s 365 day long pattern of changing days, then view the model out from the window to see the paths traced across the sky, all accountable using a line connecting the instant of starting & finishing illuminating the inside back wall, and calculating the rest of the sun’s positions throughout to determine ideal reflective areas and angles for optimum annual intake …?
Which for obvious reasons makes me think it will be a respectable amount of energy saving if both lighting and heating requirements can be reduced… – just some reflective strips & fixings too – a simple one-off upgrade budget….
Could a person turning professional installing and setting up this light/heat boost get set up with an immediate source of information
- What tools of the trade for visiting any property and determining size of materials, angle of mounting, cutting, fitting & if necessary, monitoring?
Tape measure, compass/GPS, solar forecasting, light meter, reflective material, fittings – seems about right
Notably it is for an approx SE facing upstairs window with opening measuring 1778 x 1035
It is at 53.34° Lat in Lincolnshire UK.
In fact the upstairs window, on the wall* as [*only] seen in Google Earth is approx coordinates 33.08.87 to .77 W
(will this cross reference with the 1778mm width?)
Maybe I should reiterate I’m optimising the amount of sunlight coming in through the window so people can point the project in the right direction

Michael answers:
Maybe you should start with Why you are attempting this mathematical conundrum. It would help other people point you in the right direction.
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