Difference between revisions of "Energypedia - FAQs"
From energypedia
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=== What is www.energypedia.info? === | === What is www.energypedia.info? === | ||
| − | The Internet platform www.energypedia.info is a '''renewable energy wiki''' in the context of development cooperation. It is operated by the nonprofit company energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt). Everyone can create and revise articles on technologies, approaches and projects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. | + | The Internet platform www.energypedia.info is a '''renewable energy wiki''' in the context of development cooperation. It is operated by the nonprofit company <span data-scaytid="1" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> <span data-scaytid="2" data-scayt_word="UG">UG</span> (<span data-scaytid="3" data-scayt_word="haftungsbeschränkt">haftungsbeschränkt</span>). Everyone can create and revise articles on technologies, approaches and projects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. |
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| − | === What is energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt)?<br/> === | + | === What is <span data-scaytid="4" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> <span data-scaytid="5" data-scayt_word="UG">UG</span> (<span data-scaytid="7" data-scayt_word="haftungsbeschränkt">haftungsbeschränkt</span>)?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is a nonprofit company that hosts the platform www.energypedia.info. Its legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. Energypedia promotes knowledge and experience exchange to achieve universal access to sustainable energy for all people. Hence, '''energypedia.info is open and free for everyone'''. | + | <span data-scaytid="14" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> <span data-scaytid="6" data-scayt_word="UG">UG</span> (<span data-scaytid="8" data-scayt_word="haftungsbeschränkt">haftungsbeschränkt</span>) is a nonprofit company that hosts the platform www.energypedia.info. Its legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. <span data-scaytid="15" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> promotes knowledge and experience exchange to achieve universal access to sustainable energy for all people. Hence, '''energypedia.info is open and free for everyone'''. |
| − | Energypedia thereby pursues its vision of a world of free knowledge exchange and mutual learning on renewable energies in which everyone has access to sustainable energy sources. [[Energypedia|Find out more about energypedia!]] | + | <span data-scaytid="16" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> thereby pursues its vision of a world of free knowledge exchange and mutual learning on renewable energies in which everyone has access to sustainable energy sources. [[Energypedia|Find out more about energypedia!]] |
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=== What is a wiki?<br/> === | === What is a wiki?<br/> === | ||
| − | A '''wiki''' is a special website which enables its users to contribute and modify content via their web browser. Wikis are often used for collaborative working and knowledge | + | A '''wiki''' is a special website which enables its users to contribute and modify content via their web browser. Wikis are often used for collaborative working and knowledge management. The most famous example is the online encyclopedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia Wikipedia]. Ward Cunningham, the developer of the first wiki software, <span data-scaytid="24" data-scayt_word="WikiWikiWeb">WikiWikiWeb</span>, originally described it as "the simplest online database that could possibly work". The word "wiki" is Hawaiian and means "fast". |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === What is energypedia's legal form?<br/> === | + | === What is <span data-scaytid="25" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> legal form?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia is officially registered as a "Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)" in Wiesbaden, Germany. This legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. Additionally, energypedia is recognized as a nonprofit organization by German tax authorities. | + | <span data-scaytid="21" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> is officially registered as a "<span data-scaytid="27" data-scayt_word="Unternehmergesellschaft">Unternehmergesellschaft</span> (<span data-scaytid="22" data-scayt_word="haftungsbeschränkt">haftungsbeschränkt</span>)" in Wiesbaden, Germany. This legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. Additionally, <span data-scaytid="23" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> is recognized as a nonprofit organization by German tax authorities. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Why is energypedia recognized as a nonprofit organisation === | + | === Why is <span data-scaytid="30" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> recognized as a nonprofit <span data-scaytid="33" data-scayt_word="organisation">organisation</span> === |
| − | Energypedia only persues nonprofit activities which are defined in its [[Energypedia - Charter|charter]]. Hence, energypedia was recognized as a nonprofit organization due to the promotion of "Science and Research" as well as "Development Cooperation" by German tax authorities (i.e. Finanzamt Wiesbaden I) as of 6th December 2011. | + | <span data-scaytid="31" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> only <span data-scaytid="35" data-scayt_word="persues">persues</span> nonprofit activities which are defined in its [[Energypedia - Charter|charter]]. Hence, <span data-scaytid="36" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> was recognized as a nonprofit organization due to the promotion of "Science and Research" as well as "Development Cooperation" by German tax authorities (i.e. <span data-scaytid="38" data-scayt_word="Finanzamt">Finanzamt</span> Wiesbaden I) as of <span data-scaytid="39" data-scayt_word="6th">6th</span> December 2011. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === What does energypedia do? === | + | === What does <span data-scaytid="40" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> do? === |
| − | Energypedia's action scope is defined in its [[Energypedia - Charter|organizational charter]]. In order to achieve [[Energypedia - Vision and Mission|our vision]] and comply with our charter, energypedia's | + | <span data-scaytid="42" data-scayt_word="Energypedia's">Energypedia's</span> action scope is defined in its [[Energypedia - Charter|organizational charter]]. In order to achieve [[Energypedia - Vision and Mission|our vision]] and comply with our charter, <span data-scaytid="43" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> primary task is to operate and fund the wiki platform www.energypedia.info. We offer our user support and all posted information for free. We develop the underlying software to implement more and easier to use knowledge sharing tools. And we continuously improve the content quality (for example, by revising articles with our [https://energypedia.info/index.php/User:Wiki_Gardener "Wiki Gardener"]). |
| − | Besides these efforts, energypedia is promoting free | + | Besides these efforts, <span data-scaytid="47" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> is promoting free knowledge exchange and the need for sustainable energy access for all in publications and on events. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Where is energypedia working?<br/> === | + | === Where is <span data-scaytid="50" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> working?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia maintains an office in Eschborn, Germany. [[Energypedia - Contact and Directions|Click here for our full contact details and directions!]] | + | <span data-scaytid="51" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> maintains an office in <span data-scaytid="54" data-scayt_word="Eschborn">Eschborn</span>, Germany. [[Energypedia - Contact and Directions|Click here for our full contact details and directions!]] |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Does energypedia has own projects in developing countries?<br/> === | + | === Does <span data-scaytid="55" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> has own projects in developing countries?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia is an | + | <span data-scaytid="57" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> is an organization dedicated to human development. However, as a wiki provider, <span data-scaytid="56" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> does currently not have own projects in developing countries. Nonetheless, we are working together with experts and institutions worldwide to share knowledge on renewable energies and energy efficiency and to improve people's live. Have a look at our [[Energypedia - Donors and Partners|supporter and partner list]] for more information on current projects with other organizations. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Who supports energypedia?<br/> === | + | === Who supports <span data-scaytid="63" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span>?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia's main supporters are our users who contribute and maintain the | + | <span data-scaytid="65" data-scayt_word="Energypedia's">Energypedia's</span> main supporters are our users who contribute and maintain the platforms content. Without enthusiastic and engaged users, <span data-scaytid="66" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> would not exist! Besides our voluntary supporters, <span data-scaytid="67" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> has received in kind and financial support from different organizations which are [[Energypedia - Donors and Partners|listed here]]. We accept no money - directly or indirectly - from companies primarily focusing on non-renewable energy generation like oil or nuclear energy production. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Is it possible to work for energypedia?<br/> === | + | === Is it possible to work for <span data-scaytid="76" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span>?<br/> === |
| − | + | Vacancies will be announced on [https://energypedia.info/index.php/Special:RunQuery/Job_offers_search energypedia's job portal] when available. | |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === Does energypedia offer internships?<br/> === | + | === Does <span data-scaytid="83" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> offer internships?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia offers | + | <span data-scaytid="86" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> offers regular internship positions in its office in <span data-scaytid="87" data-scayt_word="Eschborn">Eschborn</span>, Germany. If you are interested, please send us an email with your CV at [mailto:info@energypedia.info info@energypedia.info]. Unfortunately, <span data-scaytid="90" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> can not cover any travel expenses. |
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== Funding<br/> == | == Funding<br/> == | ||
| − | === Can I become an energypedia member?<br/> === | + | === Can I become an <span data-scaytid="91" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> member?<br/> === |
| − | Everyone can register with www.energypedia.info to become an user. However, the nonprofit | + | Everyone can register with www.energypedia.info to become an user. However, the nonprofit organization <span data-scaytid="96" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> is not a member-based organization. Hence, it is not possible to become an official member. However, we invite everyone to register with <span data-scaytid="97" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> and contribute to its content. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
| − | === How can I support energypedia?<br/> === | + | === How can I support <span data-scaytid="102" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span>?<br/> === |
| − | There are many ways how you can support energypedia's vision of free knowledge exchange and universal energy access for all: | + | There are many ways how you can support <span data-scaytid="103" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> vision of free knowledge exchange and universal energy access for all: |
| − | *'''Share Your Knowledge:'''<br/>Your | + | *'''Share Your Knowledge:'''<br/>Your knowledge about renewable energies and your experience in implementing projects in the field will help to quicker spread renewable energy solutions to the energy poor. |
| − | *'''Spread the Word:'''<br/>Tell your friends, colleagues or fellow students about energypedia and encourage them to share their experiences and knowledge! | + | *'''Spread the Word:'''<br/>Tell your friends, colleagues or fellow students about <span data-scaytid="107" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> and encourage them to share their experiences and knowledge! |
| − | *'''Donate:'''<br/>Energypedia is a fully independent non-governmental | + | *'''Donate:'''<br/><span data-scaytid="109" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> is a fully independent non-governmental organization supported by contributions from individuals, foundations and companies. In order to maintain <span data-scaytid="111" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> independence and neutrality, we also need funds from people like you!<br/>For more information and account details, please visit [https://energypedia.info/Energypedia our donation page]. |
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=== What happens with my donation?<br/> === | === What happens with my donation?<br/> === | ||
| − | Energypedia wants to be an independent, high quality information source on renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. With your donation you help us to | + | <span data-scaytid="115" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> wants to be an independent, high quality information source on renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. With your donation you help us to |
| − | #'''Inform''' about the importance of clean energy access for human development and the existence of energypedia as a free knowledge sharing platform available to all people. Some 1.4 billion people worldwide living without access to electricity are dramatically hampered in their development. About 2.7 billion are cooking or heating with firewood or other biomass, with negative consequences for their health and the environment. This is an intolerable situation, we have to make people aware of. | + | #'''Inform''' about the importance of clean energy access for human development and the existence of <span data-scaytid="117" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> as a free knowledge sharing platform available to all people. Some 1.4 billion people worldwide living without access to electricity are dramatically hampered in their development. About 2.7 billion are cooking or heating with firewood or other biomass, with negative consequences for their health and the environment. This is an intolerable situation, we have to make people aware of. |
| − | #'''Support''' all energypedia users in their efforts to share their knowledge on energypedia.info. We are there for our users to help them sharing their knowledge in the most efficient way. If you have any questions, simply [[Energypedia - Contact and Directions|contact us]]! | + | #'''Support''' all <span data-scaytid="119" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span> users in their efforts to share their knowledge on energypedia.info. We are there for our users to help them sharing their knowledge in the most efficient way. If you have any questions, simply [[Energypedia - Contact and Directions|contact us]]! |
| − | #'''Assure''' the quality of energypedia's content. Even though we encourage our users to correct mistakes and update information, a professional guidance is necessary to keep our set standards. As a result, we implement quality assurance measurements like [[Maintenance Boxes|maintenance boxes]]. Additionally, the [[User:Wiki Gardener|energypedia Wiki Gardener]] continuously looks out for little flaws and can be directly contacted in case of any questions. | + | #'''Assure''' the quality of <span data-scaytid="121" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> content. Even though we encourage our users to correct mistakes and update information, a professional guidance is necessary to keep our set standards. As a result, we implement quality assurance measurements like [[Maintenance Boxes|maintenance boxes]]. Additionally, the [[User:Wiki Gardener|energypedia Wiki Gardener]] continuously looks out for little flaws and can be directly contacted in case of any questions. |
| − | #'''Implement''' knowledge sharing projects for free | + | #'''Implement''' knowledge sharing projects for free especially involving people from developing countries. For example, we are currently developing a publication database with students from Mozambique in close collaboration with one of our [[Energypedia - Donors and Partners|cooperation partners]]. |
#'''Promote''' the distribution of renewable energies through knowledge sharing, especially targeting remote regions without current access to modern energy sources. In the future we would like to expand our project work according to the wide range of possible activities defined in [[Energypedia - Charter|energypedia's charter]]. | #'''Promote''' the distribution of renewable energies through knowledge sharing, especially targeting remote regions without current access to modern energy sources. In the future we would like to expand our project work according to the wide range of possible activities defined in [[Energypedia - Charter|energypedia's charter]]. | ||
#'''Run''' the platform in terms of hosting, software updates, backups, and last but not least to run our office. | #'''Run''' the platform in terms of hosting, software updates, backups, and last but not least to run our office. | ||
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Currently, you have two options: | Currently, you have two options: | ||
| − | *Directly transfer money to energypedia's account | + | *Directly transfer money to <span data-scaytid="128" data-scayt_word="energypedia's">energypedia's</span> account |
| − | *Donate online via Paypal. | + | *Donate online via <span data-scaytid="130" data-scayt_word="Paypal">Paypal</span>. |
More donation options will follow soon. For more information and account details, please visit [[Energypedia - Donate|our donation page]]. | More donation options will follow soon. For more information and account details, please visit [[Energypedia - Donate|our donation page]]. | ||
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=== Do I get a receipt for my donation?<br/> === | === Do I get a receipt for my donation?<br/> === | ||
| − | Energypedia can only issue receipts for German residents. For a donation receipt please send an email with your address to [mailto:fundraising@energypedia.info fundraising@energypedia.info]. Usually we send annual receipts in January for the past year.<br/> | + | <span data-scaytid="131" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> can only issue receipts for German residents. For a donation receipt please send an email with your address to [mailto:fundraising@energypedia.info fundraising@energypedia.info]. Usually we send annual receipts in January for the past year.<br/> |
== Usage<br/> == | == Usage<br/> == | ||
| − | === Who can access energypedia?<br/> === | + | === Who can access <span data-scaytid="133" data-scayt_word="energypedia">energypedia</span>?<br/> === |
| − | Energypedia is open to the general public so that everyone can read and download content. If you want to create or edit articles you first need to register with a valid email address and your full name (first and second name) as username. | + | <span data-scaytid="135" data-scayt_word="Energypedia">Energypedia</span> is open to the general public so that everyone can read and download content. If you want to create or edit articles you first need to register with a valid email address and your full name (first and second name) as username. |
<br/> | <br/> | ||
Revision as of 11:14, 13 November 2013
At a glance | Vision & Mission | History | Team | Donors & Partners | Get Involved | Donate | Features | Documents | FAQ | Contact
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General Questions
What is www.energypedia.info?
The Internet platform www.energypedia.info is a renewable energy wiki in the context of development cooperation. It is operated by the nonprofit company energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt). Everyone can create and revise articles on technologies, approaches and projects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries.
What is energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt)?
Energypedia UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is a nonprofit company that hosts the platform www.energypedia.info. Its legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. Energypedia promotes knowledge and experience exchange to achieve universal access to sustainable energy for all people. Hence, energypedia.info is open and free for everyone.
Energypedia thereby pursues its vision of a world of free knowledge exchange and mutual learning on renewable energies in which everyone has access to sustainable energy sources. Find out more about energypedia!
What is a wiki?
A wiki is a special website which enables its users to contribute and modify content via their web browser. Wikis are often used for collaborative working and knowledge management. The most famous example is the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Ward Cunningham, the developer of the first wiki software, WikiWikiWeb, originally described it as "the simplest online database that could possibly work". The word "wiki" is Hawaiian and means "fast".
What is energypedia's legal form?
Energypedia is officially registered as a "Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)" in Wiesbaden, Germany. This legal form is comparable to a Limited Company. Additionally, energypedia is recognized as a nonprofit organization by German tax authorities.
Why is energypedia recognized as a nonprofit organisation
Energypedia only persues nonprofit activities which are defined in its charter. Hence, energypedia was recognized as a nonprofit organization due to the promotion of "Science and Research" as well as "Development Cooperation" by German tax authorities (i.e. Finanzamt Wiesbaden I) as of 6th December 2011.
What does energypedia do?
Energypedia's action scope is defined in its organizational charter. In order to achieve our vision and comply with our charter, energypedia's primary task is to operate and fund the wiki platform www.energypedia.info. We offer our user support and all posted information for free. We develop the underlying software to implement more and easier to use knowledge sharing tools. And we continuously improve the content quality (for example, by revising articles with our "Wiki Gardener").
Besides these efforts, energypedia is promoting free knowledge exchange and the need for sustainable energy access for all in publications and on events.
Where is energypedia working?
Energypedia maintains an office in Eschborn, Germany. Click here for our full contact details and directions!
Does energypedia has own projects in developing countries?
Energypedia is an organization dedicated to human development. However, as a wiki provider, energypedia does currently not have own projects in developing countries. Nonetheless, we are working together with experts and institutions worldwide to share knowledge on renewable energies and energy efficiency and to improve people's live. Have a look at our supporter and partner list for more information on current projects with other organizations.
Who supports energypedia?
Energypedia's main supporters are our users who contribute and maintain the platforms content. Without enthusiastic and engaged users, energypedia would not exist! Besides our voluntary supporters, energypedia has received in kind and financial support from different organizations which are listed here. We accept no money - directly or indirectly - from companies primarily focusing on non-renewable energy generation like oil or nuclear energy production.
Is it possible to work for energypedia?
Vacancies will be announced on energypedia's job portal when available.
Does energypedia offer internships?
Energypedia offers regular internship positions in its office in Eschborn, Germany. If you are interested, please send us an email with your CV at info@energypedia.info. Unfortunately, energypedia can not cover any travel expenses.
Funding
Can I become an energypedia member?
Everyone can register with www.energypedia.info to become an user. However, the nonprofit organization energypedia is not a member-based organization. Hence, it is not possible to become an official member. However, we invite everyone to register with energypedia and contribute to its content.
How can I support energypedia?
There are many ways how you can support energypedia's vision of free knowledge exchange and universal energy access for all:
- Share Your Knowledge:
Your knowledge about renewable energies and your experience in implementing projects in the field will help to quicker spread renewable energy solutions to the energy poor. - Spread the Word:
Tell your friends, colleagues or fellow students about energypedia and encourage them to share their experiences and knowledge! - Donate:
Energypedia is a fully independent non-governmental organization supported by contributions from individuals, foundations and companies. In order to maintain energypedia's independence and neutrality, we also need funds from people like you!
For more information and account details, please visit our donation page.
What happens with my donation?
Energypedia wants to be an independent, high quality information source on renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. With your donation you help us to
- Inform about the importance of clean energy access for human development and the existence of energypedia as a free knowledge sharing platform available to all people. Some 1.4 billion people worldwide living without access to electricity are dramatically hampered in their development. About 2.7 billion are cooking or heating with firewood or other biomass, with negative consequences for their health and the environment. This is an intolerable situation, we have to make people aware of.
- Support all energypedia users in their efforts to share their knowledge on energypedia.info. We are there for our users to help them sharing their knowledge in the most efficient way. If you have any questions, simply contact us!
- Assure the quality of energypedia's content. Even though we encourage our users to correct mistakes and update information, a professional guidance is necessary to keep our set standards. As a result, we implement quality assurance measurements like maintenance boxes. Additionally, the ***** continuously looks out for little flaws and can be directly contacted in case of any questions.
- Implement knowledge sharing projects for free especially involving people from developing countries. For example, we are currently developing a publication database with students from Mozambique in close collaboration with one of our cooperation partners.
- Promote the distribution of renewable energies through knowledge sharing, especially targeting remote regions without current access to modern energy sources. In the future we would like to expand our project work according to the wide range of possible activities defined in energypedia's charter.
- Run the platform in terms of hosting, software updates, backups, and last but not least to run our office.
How can I donate money?
Currently, you have two options:
- Directly transfer money to energypedia's account
- Donate online via Paypal.
More donation options will follow soon. For more information and account details, please visit our donation page.
Do I get a receipt for my donation?
Energypedia can only issue receipts for German residents. For a donation receipt please send an email with your address to fundraising@energypedia.info. Usually we send annual receipts in January for the past year.
Usage
Who can access energypedia?
Energypedia is open to the general public so that everyone can read and download content. If you want to create or edit articles you first need to register with a valid email address and your full name (first and second name) as username.
May I edit articles published by other users?
Yes of course you may do so! The idea behind a wiki is that users collaboratively work on texts. In turn others are allowed to edit your articles, too. Please don't mind and see it as a valuable input into your own and our community's knowledge. As you can always check the article´s history to see who has changed or edited an article, there is no need to worry about vandalism. Wikipedia has already proven it works!
How do I edit articles?
Creating and editing articles is fairly simple - just click the "Edit" button on the top right corner of each page. Easy - that's how a wiki should be! Check out our help section for more information and detailed manuals.
What if I forget my password?
If you cannot remember your password, let a new one be sent to you! Simply type your user name into the login field and click on "E-mail new password" next to the login button.
