My Inquiry/Big Idea

POWER/ENERGY

What type of power is most energy efficient?

Electricity is the most efficient source of power, for heating and lighting for example.

It is a clean energy source and does not lose any of its power, like coal does when it burns.  However electricity is now a primary power source like wind and solar energy is.  

The most efficient  generator of electricity is hydroelectric such as a dam which can be up to 95% efficient, although initively it is very expensive to build.

Other electricity generating methods are no more the 50% efficient at best, e.g. the best are solar generators.  Nuclear power plants are also very efficient.  

My questions:

1. Can solar energy be used in domestic places?

2. Could you run your whole house on solar energy alone?

3. Where can you put solar panels around your home?

4. Which way should solar panels should be facing?

5. Is electricity the most efficient power source?

6. What is produced by a wind farm?

7. Is an open fire an efficient heater?

8. How expensive is electricity?

Answers:

1. Yes it can be use as electricity and heating of hot water.

2. Yes you can if you are careful with the way you use it.  On cold, wintery days, the water system may not be as hot as it could on a bright day.  If you have alot of people/user this could drain the energy quicker to not last the day.

3. The best place to put your solar panels is on your roof as this is a high point without shade/shadows.

4. Facing North is the best place to capture the Sun.

5. Yes it is as you can tell by reading my review on energy use.

6. Electricity from the blades of the big windmills to capture the wind.

7. No it is not as it pollutes the air however the beauty of an open fire is that is can give ambience to your home which can make you feel warmer.

8. This will depend on your useage and where you source your energy.  For example solar panels will have an initial layout for cost, but long term it will and should pay for itself.  Energy companies have various plans and their rate will be based on this with your use.