| One of the difficulties that solar and renewable | | | | electricity systems: the panel generates energy, |
| energy have faced in the past is that it requires | | | | the wires transfer it, a battery stores it and the |
| people to learn about it. People are busy and they | | | | light bulb uses it. |
| are also reluctant to change and learn. It is much | | | | One of the unfortunate effects of the |
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| to homes through the wires of the electricity grid. | | | | production and the need for its proper |
| However, we are becoming increasingly aware of | | | | management. When we plug into a wall and get |
| problems with this entrenched attitude. We seem | | | | instant energy, its easy to forget that that |
| to hear almost daily about power blackouts and | | | | energy is finite and inhibited by circumstances. |
| brownouts, along with warnings about dwindling | | | | The effect of holding a small solar electric system |
| energy supplies. | | | | in your hands takes some of the mystery out of |
| One way to begin to educate yourself and your | | | | energy and power. Energy is no longer something |
| children about energy and electricity is to | | | | made at a distant generating station or power |
| purchase one of many different kinds of small | | | | plant. The effect is, well, empowering. Its similar |
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| the relationship between energy generation and | | | | Purchasing a small solar electric system like those |
| availability. From your solar light, you will learn that | | | | found in solar toys or other gadgets can be a |
| a sunlit day will make the light shine powerfully | | | | simple and efficient way to introduce both you |
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| relationship between cloudy days and dimness or | | | | just may come in handy in the coming years, as |
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| storage (the battery) and conservation. Even a | | | | plants. |
| solar light gives you a micro-version of all | | | | |