AN INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR
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The sun's
potential as an energy source for man's use is almost unlimited.
Its availability is tremendous. For example, one day's supply of solar
energy on earth is more than 600,000 times greater than the combined daily
output of Hoover, Parker, Davis and Glen Canyon Dams. Each day, Los
Angeles and Orange Counties receive more energy from the sun than the entire
nation consumes in a year.
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Attempts to
capture solar energy are not new. The use of solar energy dates back
into man's history. For centuries the sun has been used to warm man's
shelter and dry his food. In the 1930's and 1940's, solar energy
systems proved they could provide useful heat for domestic and commercial
purposes. These early systems worked well, but could not compete
economically with conventional energy systems that used gas, oil, coal
or electricity.
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Until recently,
fossil fuels were abundant and inexpensive, and the positive benefits of
solar energy were outweighed by the high cost of installation. Today
however, with energy shortages and higher fuel costs, conditions are rapidly
changing. Solar energy has assumed new importance as a prime source
of renewable energy. While it is not the "whole solution" to the
energy crisis, it is one of the energy sources that must be developed if
the nation is to meet its long-term energy needs.
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WHAT IS
A SOLAR/GAS SYSTEM?
Since the
sun doesn't always shine, all solar installations require an auxiliary
fuel system to handle extended adverse weather conditions. Our interest
in solar energy is in conserving natural gas for future use and in providing
the necessary back up fuel for solar energy systems.
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The Gas Company
does not endorse any particular solar energy system or product since it
is not possible for us to investigate the performance of numerous solar
products on the market or to verify claims made concerning those products.
But to help answer some questions, we have produced this booklet and a
buyer's guide, "What You Should Know Before Buying a Solar Energy System".
Both publications are available free of charge by calling the Gas Company
Conservation Hot Line at 1-800-352-4124.
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