Use Solar Power at Home
Use Solar Power at Home
Do you want to reduce your heavy monthly bills of electricity?
The solution is simple- use solar panels!
The need to understand the solar energy has become prominent with the raising concern of ‘global-warming’. Scientists have been working hard over this concept and have finally come out with numerous innovations in this field. With the invention of solar cells and solar panels, the alternate solution to the electricity has come into form.
It is important to educate people of the benefits of using these solar devices. Earlier though people were skeptical about the efficiency of the use of solar cells, but now the situation is different. The solar panels are not only good for environment but offer a very cost effective solution to the monthly electricity bills. We need to learn the ways to use these solar panels in daily life.
One should be aware of the fact that: how much is his per month electricity consumption? What appliances are mostly used?
It is also important to find out a suitable location for installing the solar panels. As the roof has a direct exposure to the sun, so the solar panel should ideally be placed here. The installation of these panels is very easy and one can carry out this process at home itself.
The primary aspect to be learnt here is that: where can one use the solar panels effectively!
Thus, in order to become powered by solar, one can start with solar heaters and solar cookers. These devices are extensively used even at large scales. Moreover, the geysers/electrical water heaters etc. are the devices that fetch maximum electricity units when used. So it will be optimal to start with these.
Solar lights and lanterns are also a popular trend. These lights accumulate the energy from the sun throughout the day and can use the stored energy at night for illumination.
Using solar refrigerators, televisions etc are also catching the trends gradually amongst the people. The lack of major players in this segment hasn’t made it popular to the maximum reach. These devices (solar refrigerator and TV) are facing a tough competition from the electrical counterparts. The reason can be the need to upgrade the promotional and advertising strategies.
Then come, solar fans, coolers, calculators, air conditioners and other devices. These instruments have already entered a number of households and are gradually making a swift move to get the maximum reach.
The main advantage to use these devices at home can be to protect the nature! Solar panels reduce the need to generate power from the fossil fuels and reduce the pollution from the environment.…
Solar Energy Home DIY Blueprints – Is It Worth Climbing On My Roof And Installing Solar Panels?
Solar Energy Home DIY Blueprints – Is It Worth Climbing On My Roof And Installing Solar Panels?
It’s not nearly as expensive as you may have heard to build your own solar panels. However, if you want them built for you by a solar company, the price …ridiculous. You can build a solar panel and install it yourself for about $200. But everyday the price of this is dropping since people are finding ways to make it cheaper and more efficient to build their own solar energy home.
People are now making it a weekend project to build solar panels with their friends. It has become a “manly hobby” to build them with some buddies over a weekend, while hanging out with friends and building solar panels. Its not hard to do it either, especially with the company of a few friends. Building them yourself may take a little more time but it is still not hard to do. That’s why you are seeing more and more solar panels all over rooftops across the U.S. these days.
One thing to keep in mind is that you need to have a good plan to build them. Especially if you are not familiar with building them already. You can get online DVD step by step instructions and diagrams easily and for very a very low price to build your solar panel system. The videos are very high quality and are done by a solar panel expert who has a lot of experience building them. The internet has made diy solar installation a breeze compared to what it used to be which was almost non existent unless you were a genius engineer.
A lot of people are curious as to the quality of the solar panels that are diy. Are they durable? Are they weather proof? The answer to both of those questions is yes. Also, most solar panels that you purchase are backed by a 25 year warranty so you’ve got a lot of wear and tear time before you even have to worry about their condition. A solar energy home is an achievable goal for everyone. It makes sense to go solar now a days because there are so many benefits and its not very hard to do.
The number one reason that people are doing it is not because of the “environmental” benefit of owning them, it is actually, the “money saving” benefit of installing them. With the constantly rising price of electricity, people are looking for any and every option to get off of the power grid and not have to worry about taking a punch to the pocket every month it comes time to pay the bills. Solar energy home installation is has become the easiest and fastest way to cut down on the bills, which leaves more money in your pocket to spend on whatever you want!…
Produce Your Own Solar Power Electricity and Get a Monthly Check From Your Utility Company?
Produce Your Own Solar Power Electricity and Get a Monthly Check From Your Utility Company?
What do you need to harvest solar power electricity? Well that depends on what the end goal is.
There are different ways in which to utilize solar power; primarily there are “off grid” systems and “grid tie” systems and a combination of the two.
In a grid tie system, your home is connected to the “grid” (the electrical distribution system), the electricity you produce is fed back into the grid for all to use, typically a special meter is installed that monitors the electricity that you produce and you are paid for the electricity that you feed into the grid.
An off grid system is where you have completely disconnected from the electrical distribution system, relying only on the electricity that you are able to produce yourself.
Both types of systems require the same components that tie the solar power cells together: solar panels (homemade or manufactured), a mounting system to ensure the panels are securely fastened, an inverter or micro inverters to convert the DC (direct current) power that solar power cells generate into the AC (alternating current) electricity we use. Off grid systems require batteries to store the electricity you harvest so it can then be used when the solar panels are not producing the electricity required to power your home (during the evenings and cloudy days). Some people opt to have a hybrid system, and although they are utilizing the grid tie system, they opt to have batteries as a backup during power outages.
If you are considering a solar electric system the first thing you want to do is to check out government programs from your federal, state and local governments as some of these programs will help fund your home solar power project in the way of tax credits and rebates, there are even incentives in some countries that will buy the electricity you produce (at many times the market value).
Wouldn’t it be nice to get a monthly check from your utility company instead of writing one?…
Even Today the Sun Contributes Its Share – Solar Energy
Even Today the Sun Contributes Its Share – Solar Energy
Consumption of energy today is touching the zenith and it is sure to affect the already exhausted natural resources tremendously. This increasing rate of the depletion of fossil fuels is sure to leave nothing for the coming generations and thus the sustainable development and preservation of our natural resources are the need of the day. The government agencies, scientists and other international organizations are leaving no scope today to work out different alternatives for these fossil fuels and make sure that the consumption rate is controlled instantly. If the same rate continues then its sure to bring havoc on earth.
The discovery of solar energy as a potential fuel for the usage of common man came through as the sigh of relief and has brought in a new hope to preserve the fast depleting fuels. It is a very safe alternative to the petroleum products. Various countries today especially the developed nations are investing a lot of money in their solar energy projects. In America solar energy Tucson is one such project which promises a lot of potential for the people of America. The common man is sure to benefit by mammoths through these upcoming projects as they will shift the focus from high prized petroleum products to a much cheaper option that is solar energy.
Harnessing of solar energy today brings in the prospect of a brighter future, free from the pollution free atmosphere of earth which will consequently control other environmental hazards and succeed in providing a more disease resistant life to our future generations.
If you are looking for solar modules Tucson for on-grid and off-grid residential and commercial systems then feel free to look over the internet and choose the best device fulfilling your purpose. The grid maintains the temperature of the surroundings and function efficiently to make sure that the money invested is a not a waste. They are specially designed to deliver the best efficiency.
Various organizations today are investing in the development of solar energy today which is sure to benefit common man. The fossil fuels are firstly highly priced and secondly as mentioned previously they add to the pollution of nature. The solar energy in a way is a constructive way of using the energy of sun and does not involve any harm to nature. The sun for times immortal has been the source of life on earth and even today helps man in all his endeavors.…
Renewable Energy – The Ultimate Ways of Development
Renewable Energy – The Ultimate Ways of Development
Energy is a vitally important sector to every society and economy. It is the motor of productivity everywhere and is the driving force for development. Therefore, every country of the world is trying to utilize its energy resources with highest possible care, caution and foresight for the national benefit, development and for the future generations.
Conventional resources like natural gas, hydro-power, and petroleum are not adequate in many countries. So these cannot gear up the economy of any country for its limited use. Hence the need for trapping alternative energy resources and developing cheaper and renewable energy for our national self-sufficiency and meeting increasing need in future.
Renewable energy is very important for any country of the world as the world solely depends on the natural energy. The availability of natural resources such as gas, coal and petroleum are limited. Today or tomorrow, these resources will come to an end. In order to ensure interrupted supply of energy, the renewable energy is very important
Bio-gas is a promising renewable energy. It is produced generally based on cow dung. This is an easy source of energy and is cheap. It keeps up the environment pollution free. Especially in the rural areas, bio-gas is a perfect source of energy. Tree biomass, agriculture residues, animal wastes etc. are the primary source of renewable energy. In the past, these traditional fuels were available in abundant and was sufficient to meet the demand. But with the increase of population, the total demand is constantly increasing and at the same time clearance of more land for agriculture, cutting trees for brick fields and domestic cooking are adversely affecting the supply of tree biomass.
Solar energy is the best source of renewable energy and may be the best choice of the world in the 21st century. Solar Photo Voltaic may be considered as an alternative. It converts solar energy directly into electricity which can be used in a decentralized way. It can be used for purposes. Fridge, water heater, TV etc can run on solar power.
Wind power is also another prospective source of renewable energy. This power can be used for driving motors for grinding grains, water pumps etc. Wind power is being used for producing energy in some European countries.
Hydro-electric project is one of rising energy sectors. The revering countries have ample opportunity for hydro-electricity. It is safe and time-befitting source of energy. By making huge hydro-electricity project, huge energy can be produced.
In the modern time atomic power station has become a popular and heavy source of energy in many of the countries. Through Uranium enrichment, there produces extreme heat which can be used for producing electricity. Almost all the developed countries of the world have taken some steps to plant atomic power station which can save other costly energy.
In fine, it can be said that renewable energy is very important source of energy. If this energy can be utilized properly, it will certainly contribute a lot towards the development.…
Solar Energy Companies – Moving Forward With Molten Salt Technology
Solar Energy Companies – Moving Forward With Molten Salt Technology
In the light of our global power shortage, it seems that many businesses are looking into the possibility of solar power becoming a household name. With such an infinite supply of energy, it has the highest potential to provide us with an efficient and environmentally safe alternative for electricity.
Solar energy companies of today are currently trying to solve several of the limitations relative to the use of solar power with the expectation that in doing so, the scope of its use can be widened. One of the latest developments has been the discovery of molten salt technology to address the concern of storing enough of the sun’s energy for use during the night and over long periods without sunshine.
Simply put, molten salt refers to salt that is in the liquid phase that should normally be in solid form at standard temperature and pressure. This product has been around for quite some time now and is used in other processes such as the manufacturing of steel and aluminum. But just recently, scientists discovered more of its characteristics that make it applicable and valuable to solar power technology.
These attributes include molten salt’s ability to attain very high temperatures (over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit), conduct electricity, and most importantly, the fact that it has good heat transfer properties.
Two notable solar energy companies in Italy and Spain have banked on this high-tech principle and built concentrated solar power plants that use it. The scientific explanation behind this innovation is that since the molten salts only melt at high temperatures and do not turn to vapor until they get considerably hotter, they can be used to store a lot of the sun’s energy as heat. The molten salts are then situated in proximity to water via a heat exchanger. The hot steam from the water can then be made to turn turbines without losing too much of the originally absorbed solar energy. With this efficient storage of heat and production of energy, the power plants that use this technology can produce enough electricity for almost eight hours after the sun has set.
Another salient point of this breakthrough is that it is environmentally friendly. The components of the salts used are sodium and potassium nitrates–the same elements in fertilizers. This means that even if the power plant were to spring a leak, it would have no consequential negative effect on the environment or human life.
The only drawback of the molten salt technology is the building cost. To be able to maximize the heat storage and generate full electrical capacity, an immense power plant has to be built. The one in Spain is 126 hectares long. Aside from the factory itself, there is additional expense for the molten salt storage tanks. In total, the Andasol 1 power plant in Spain and the Archimede plant in Italy cost around $380 million dollars each.
Despite the expense, molten salt technology remains a quantum leap for scientists and solar energy companies in the aim to bring solar power to a wider population by providing a solution to the challenges related to it.…
Solar Energy – My Vision For 2020
Solar Energy – My Vision For 2020
I envisage solar energy will be Australia’s fastest growing industry and a major source of domestic energy supply by the year 2020. Bold prediction maybe but with the cost of electricity rising every six months why will the average consumer continue to pay exorbitant rates to make a few major energy corporations and their shareholder’s disproportionately wealthy?
The technology for building solar panels at an affordable price is now readily available on the internet where the average tradesperson could kick start an industrial shed revolution and start building, supplying and installing solar panels in their local communities. This is a fast opening value add to any trade business prepared to work through a few teething problems but one that will do three major things:
1) The trade business who bites the bullet and does it will become the market leader in their region and
2) They will make heaps of money because the type of business they could set up has franchising potential.
3) This is the way I see solar power as a preferred and viable alternative energy source for domestic consumption evolving.
If solar power is not going to be owned and subject to market manipulation like has happened since the power sources were privatised in Australia then it is up to us as consumers to find and implement an alternative supplier. As my Grandmother used to say “there is more than one way to skin a cat” and we need to trim the ‘fat cat’ corporations back into caring for humanity again.
For any trade business who wants to grow their business and if they are already working in a competitive market, then they need an extra arrow in their quiver to get them to the top and away from the competition. Building and installing solar panels domestically will do it for them.…
Solar Energy Solutions – Finding the Best DIY Plans
Solar Energy Solutions – Finding the Best DIY Plans
There are two myths about solar power that go hand in hand and keep most people from even considering the option of having solar energy in their home: solar panels are expensive to make, and professionals have to build and install the panels in a home. Both of these ideas, although plausible to many people, are wrong. Anyone can benefit from solar energy solutions by building their own solar panels. The process is often quite simple and only involves a visit to a local hardware superstore. Even if you don’t know a lot about tools, you can still build solar panels simply and without much effort.
How do you know which solar panel kits are best? And how much do you have to spend? Well, that’s all a matter of doing a little research. Your goal will be to find the simplest and most effective solar power instructions, and then figure out what the materials will cost. Generally, you can get away with spending less than $200 on your solar panel project, which is much less than what you could save over a lifetime by implementing these panels into your home.
The best DIY solar panel plans will be the ones that are easy to understand. You should make sure that you find the one that fits your skill level and abilities. If you are barely able to remember what a socket wrench looks like, you wouldn’t buy the same guide as a licensed contractor, for example. Even if you’ve never used tools before, you can still find great kits and guides that will help you to create effective solar energy solutions for your home. It’s much more affordable than buying pre-made panels and can be a simple process for anyone.
Solar power is going to save a lot of money on your energy costs. There are so many different solutions for solar energy, and it’s up to you to find what works for your particular needs. If you need a very basic guide to build solar panels, find it. If you know a little more about tools and building and are able to use a more advanced guide that can allow you to get the job done faster or with less effort, get the guide that allows that. It’s all about knowing that you DO have options for solar energy solutions and that you don’t have to spend a fortune on professional installation, know a lot about tools and building, or buy expensive pre-fabricated panels.…
Photovoltaic Shingles Or Solar Panels – Which is Right For You?
Photovoltaic Shingles Or Solar Panels – Which is Right For You?
Photovoltaic systems are becoming more popular and efficient as a means to produce electricity and reduce energy costs. Homeowners are turning to solar energy alternatives in greater numbers to help offset their home electricity needs. As solar energy technology becomes more advanced consumers can choose between photovoltaic panels and photovoltaic shingles. Each system has its own advantages and drawbacks, and it can be difficult to determine which system is right for your home. The following paragraphs will outline both systems, and look at set up, installation and energy output to help decide which system is right for you.
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from the sun. Placement is important for solar panels, and for homes in the northern hemisphere, the panels should have a southern exposure. To maximize power generation, the sun should strike the panel in a perpendicular manner. Therefore the angle of the solar panel should match the latitude of its location. For example, a solar panel system on a home in Denver should be at an angle of approximately 38 degrees. Photovoltaic panels can be set up to be adjustable, allowing you to adjust the angle of the panels as the seasons change to produce as much electricity as possible throughout the year.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 100 square feet of solar panels will produce about 1 kilowatt. Many homeowners find that they can produce 25%-50% of their home electricity needs with solar panels.
A new option for photovoltaic systems is solar panel shingles. Solar roofing shingles mount directly on the roof structure and provide as much protection as traditional asphalt shingles. The photovoltaic roof shingles are made of amorphous silicon but look much like traditional shingles once they are installed. A photovoltaic shingle can produce up to 17 watts of electricity each day under full sun. The greater the area covered with the PV shingles, the more electricity you can produce.
While both photovoltaic panels and shingles produce electricity and provide a renewable source of energy for homeowners, they each have different qualities that suit the different desires of homeowners. Solar roof shingles can be much more aesthetically pleasing because they look like normal shingles and do not require a separate mounting system. Further, one product serves two jobs, both sheltering the house from the elements and producing electricity. A small or large area of roof can be covered with solar shingles, giving buyers flexibility to choose how many they want to buy and how much energy they want to produce. It is important to have a professional install photovoltaic shingles to ensure quality protection and energy production.
Solar panels produce electricity through the same means as shingles, but they can be more efficient. This is because they can be set to the most advantageous angle, regardless of the slope of the roof. Also, by being able to adjust the angle of the panels to be perpendicular with the sun’s rays, the panels can be made to work at optimum energy production throughout the year. Consumers are also attracted to solar panels because they can be built and installed without contracting a professional. By following a do-it-yourself guide, consumers can inexpensively build their own solar panels and eliminate many purchase and installation expenses. No matter which system fits your needs the best, using the renewable power of solar energy is a great way to reduce household energy costs.…
Homemade Solar Panel – Make Your Own Electricity
Homemade Solar Panel – Make Your Own Electricity
Solar energy, which Earth receives in one hour, is more than the whole energy world uses in a year. Solar energy when harvested through homemade solar panel is the easiest way to save money on home electricity. Solar panels promise big savings on your monthly energy bills. Still it is not that popular as it should be; maybe because of huge cost of the system installed by professionals. But the small investment on homemade solar panel can get immediate results.
How Solar Energy is generated
In the depths of sun, hydrogen atoms are fused in to helium atoms which results in non stop thermonuclear explosions. As a result huge energy is released during this process. Part of which reaches the earth in the form of radiation. This is the free source of energy for our homemade solar panel. Solar panel converts this solar radiation into useful electrical energy which can be stored in batteries for our use.
Working of your homemade solar panel
A photovoltaic panel has the array of Solar Cells, or photovoltaic cells, which are arranged in a grid-like pattern. These solar cells function is similar to the function of large semiconductors. When photons from the sun rays strike these solar cells, they displace electrons from the atoms. This leaves an empty space which attracts other free available electrons. If a PN junction is made-up in the cell, then the dislodged photons starts flowing towards the P side of the junction. The effect of this electron movement results in a flow of electrical current which can then be routed from the surface of the cell through electrical contacts to produce power. The output of your PV panel depends on the number and quality of solar cells. More the number of solar cells more will be the output from solar panel.
Where to fit your Homemade Solar Panel
Rooftop generally receives the most direct sunlight. Therefore it is an appropriate place to install your PV panel. Our main goal is to get the unobstructed sunlight. You can place it in your backyard as well wherever you feel it will get direct sun rays.
Tracking of your homemade Solar Panel
As the earth moves in the elliptical path around the sun through a yearly cycle, the angle of sunlight changes. To get the maximum output from your system, you can track the sun as it changes its position. You can go in for an automatic solar tracker which automatically follows the sun’s daily path or you can adjust your solar panels accordingly to track the sun by yourself.
Some guidelines to do this by yourself:
· In the month of February set your panel at the same angle as the latitude of the place you live.
· In the month of May set your panels at the angle of your latitude minus 15 degrees.
· In the month of August set your panel at the same angle as your latitude.
· In the month of November set your panel at the angle of your latitude plus 15 degrees.
If you are willing to put in the effort in building your panels, you will find it will save you large amounts of money on your electricity bills.…