New educational website

New educational website offers one-stop solar power resource

Source: SMA America, Inc. Published Aug. 18, 2008 MA America, Inc., the United States division of global solar technology giant SMA Solar Technology AG, has launched www.Solar-is-Future.com. This user-friendly, educational Web site explains how solar energy can be harvested and utilized via animation, illustrations and descriptions in easy-to-understand language. At Solar-is-Future.com, visitors can research the benefits of solar power and how the sun’s abundant, clean energy can be collected through active and passive solar power systems. “SMA America is very excited about the launch of Solar-is-Future.com,” says Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America. “Now there is a one-stop, online solar resource where visitors can learn everything there is to know about solar energy and solar power systems.” In addition to various illustrations explaining solar radiation, solar power systems and solar thermal energy, Solar-is-Future.com features an animated grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system, which comprises the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. solar market. The animation clearly shows how PV system components are connected and examples of where the components would be installed in a residential system. Basic components include a solar array, inverter and meter. By clicking on a component, a box appears that explains the component and its function. Elsewhere on the Solar-is-Future site is a Solar Power Professional Search where visitors can locate solar power system installers by zip code. There is also an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section that covers common concerns such as whether a building permit is required when installing a solar power system. The site’s comprehensive glossary defines the solar power industry’s most-used terms, including alternating current, grid-connected system and kilowatt hour.