Solar Energy – Alternatives to Suit Our Needs
Solar Energy – Alternatives to Suit Our Needs
Everyone knows how important the sun is to the health and growth of plants and trees, and by now we should all know how important plants and trees are to the health and growth of humans, animals and the earth we live in.
Every year we learn more ways to capture the sun’s energy. One of the ways which manages to collect the solar energy is PV (photo voltaic) panels, which then converts it into electricity. They’ve actually developed a micro converter to change dc power into ac power which is a more efficient unit. One of the most common PV panels is made of silicon and of those there are three groups: single-crystal silicon, multi-crystal silicon and amorphous silicon. Each one of these separate technologies is produced differently and each has its own pros and cons.
Single-crystal silicon panels can be somewhat expensive however are considered to be more reliable and therefore more efficient. The modules that are made from multi-crystalline or poly-crystalline silicon have more flexibility both in qualities and pricing. The amorphous silicon is a newer innovation which applies the thin film to plastics and metals. The newest of which is the CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide). The technology tends to be less efficient but is less expensive to produce and has a wider range of uses, such as cellular phones or computers to roofing materials that will allow the conversion of solar energy into electricity.
Solar heat collectors are another alternative technology that is very effective and can usually be much less expensive. One of the applications is to use a solar heat collector to heat the air by taking cool air in, heating it, and then return the warm air. This can be done either by using the air from inside a room or from taking fresh air in from outside. The other application is to heat water by using the solar energy through a solar heat collector. Some of the ways this technology is being used is in heating pools or making sure that the water in the hot water storage units in our homes remains at a constant temperature so that it takes less energy. The biggest advantage to this of course is the water is ready to use already warm.
Solar Energy is definitely the way of the future if we are to protect our environment and sustain life here on earth.…
Sustainable Living a Great Way to Save a Fortune!
Sustainable Living a Great Way to Save a Fortune!
Urban Sustainable living, once totally centered on reducing ones “Carbon Foot print” towards “Saving the Planet” has taken on a whole new meaning as of late. Informed individuals are realizing they can save a small fortune by implementing “Green Technology”, in there homes and business.
An Urban Sustainable Living, “lifestyle” is generally seen of as cost prohibited, labor and time intensive, but that is not the case for the D.I.Y.(Do It Yourself). It’s simply a matter of how you do it. Here are a few suggestions, that I hope you will find useful..
Integrate a solar water heater into your home: Don’t panic, yes there is a bit of plumbing involved, but rest assured, this is a very simple build and very simple to integrate in conjunction with your present hot water heater.
*ROI defined as (estimated time to see a Return On you Investment based on single family home,1k sq,ft with 5 residents, )
Average cost of purchase and professional installation $3K-$5k,
Annual estimated savings $500.00 per year or more.
ROI = 5-6 years
DIY (Do It Yourself-er) $50-$75
ROI = 1-2 months.
Build/make a “regular” Organic Garden: Great project for your health in general. When you grow your own vegetables you will more likely appreciate and eat them. They’re vegetables, naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, full of fiber, etc… It’s also a great way to get outdoors, and get physically involved, which can also improve ones health and reduce visits to the doctor.
Benefits: After ROI, free Vegetables,Annual estimated savings $1,000-$1,600
Annual estimated savings $1,000-$1,600
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $500.00 – $1,000
ROI = 2 years Space required, 300 Sq Ft.
DIY $200.00 – $400.00 ROI= 1 year Space required, 700 Sq Ft.
Build an Aquaponics System: An Aquaponics system is a “Food Production System” that allows you to grow Fish and/prawns, along with 100% Organic vegetables.
Aquaponics is a relatively new science which merges various aspects of farming/gardening, aquaculture, and hydroponics.
Aquaponics systems generally grow Vegetables at rates of 5-17 times faster than that of traditional agricultural methods, requiring only 2% of the amount of water as traditional agricultural methods, 1/10th the space and requires no tilling or tending to soil (it is a water based system), such as tilling or weeding. Thereby practically eliminating all labor-intensive duties required of a soil based system.
Benefits: After ROI, free food for life, Free fish, shrimp (prawns),Vegetable, herbs, spices.flowers etc…
Annual estimated savings $1,600 – $3,200 (not including saving in water when compared to agricultural soil based systems )
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $800 – $1,500.
ROI = 1 years
DIY $100-$300
ROI 6 months
Build Your Solar Panels/ Electricity Generating Wind Mill: Don’t Panic, Yes, this is Electricity we’re talking about here but, the builds are very simple, educational and fun. (OK a bit tedious in certain parts). In some states a licensed electrician, must “witness” the actual tie in to the Grid system and in those states where that is not a requirement, it is still Strongly recommended if you chose to go that route.
You can supply your house’s electrical needs entirely from a solar and wind generated power, combination dependent upon your power needs, available space, the condition of your roof, for roof mounted systems.
Such technical considerations, and there are many to be considered, are beyond the scope of this article.
For the DIY we strongly recommend independent component operations, such as building a power source to operate your Aquaponics pump. Then perhaps supplying a shed with lighting which will familiarize you with roof mountings.
Benefits: After ROI, Reduced or eliminated energy costs for life. Peace of mind during grid power outages.
Annual estimated savings $2,500-$3,600.
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $15K – $20K
ROI = 5-6 years
DIY $3,000- $5,000
ROI= 1 -2 years…
Looking to Save? Try an Easy to Install Residential Solar Power Kit
Looking to Save? Try an Easy to Install Residential Solar Power Kit
With rising energy costs and the rocky state of our economy, many families are turning to residential solar power to save a few bucks. A residential solar power kit can make this job easy and affordable. Many commercial installers can charge thousands of dollars (if not more) to install this at your home. At that price, it would take you a long time to recoup your costs!
A residential solar power kit will give you step by step instructions so that even the least handy person can accomplish the installation of your solar power system. Typically, these kits can be done for just the price of the solar panels and any tools you may need. There are few, if any, moving parts which is helpful for installation but a bigger advantage of this is that you are installing a low-maintenance system resulting in fewer (if any) repairs over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a solar power kit to run a few lights in your house, or a whole house system, the money savings will be noticeable! You could potentially save 80% or more on your electric bill depending on how large of a system you install. Those savings are huge when combined with a $200 residential solar power kit.
Another added benefit of a residential solar kit is the impact it has on our environment. Along with saving ourselves money, we are limiting the number of greenhouse gases we’re producing. By eliminating the toxic gases that traditional fuels produce, we are making the earth a better place for the plants, us and our future generations.
The demand for solar panels has increased dramatically over the last three years and it will continue to do so. The price of the panels has also greatly decreased in that time. Now is the time to decide whether solar power is right for you – the affordability of installation, the effect on our environment and the long-term energy savings are powerful reasons to do so.
One last thing to consider when you are debating whether to install a solar energy system at your home is that there is a current tax rebate of 30% (maximum $5,000) from the IRS for installing such a system. Many states themselves are also offering rebates, you would need to check with your particular state for specifics. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of these rebates; you will be rewarded for your choice for many years to come.…
How Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting Can Beautify Your Garden
How Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting Can Beautify Your Garden
Solar energy, obviously is the science of attaining beneficial energy from the sunlight. The power of the sun has already been repeatedly utilized (and maximized) by science and technology for centuries. And there’s no reason why it should not be applicable even today. The thought that all of our energy comes from light of the sun, isn’t it an interesting realization that we can use solar powered outdoor lighting for our garden lights or front yards?
We can actually make use of this solar energy in our daily lives, for instance using solar powered outdoor lighting for our homes. If you want a soft diffused light at night perfect for your front yard, then you may want to consider this kind of lighting. It is ideal when accent lighting is needed and when a regular power source is not available.
The result? Solar powered outdoor lighting gives off a certain glowing effect surrounding the desired scope of the surface.
Still there are some drawbacks to solar powered outdoor lighting; its operating capacity can vary with rainy or cold-winter conditions, and this lighting typically will perform the brightest during the initial few hours of its operation, then gradually decline its capacity during night time. But then again, with just 8 hours of sunlight plus fully charged batteries, the positive benefits of solar powered outdoor lighting far outweigh its minor setbacks. Not to mention that batteries and solar cells are vastly improving from time to time especially in these modern times.
The benefits of having lights like these are they are great help to the environment since solar power is a renewable energy with virtually no pollutant emission. Not to mention that it contributes to safety too. They are generated with DC electricity from the sun’s rays, hence no electrical cables or wires necessary! Which means that owners never have to worry about connecting cables, or fear that their young children carelessly roaming around being electrocuted by cumbersome wires.
And solar powered outdoor lighting is perfect for a landscape lighting choice. With their low-voltage power lighting, if you decide later to remodel, relocate your garden setting, it’s no sweat to move wherever you want it to. And not only that, solar powered outdoor lighting is designed with their own built-in image sensors so they mechanically turn on at night and turn off during daytime. Now, that’s convenience working for you.
Picture your garden or backyard producing that soft light from the solar powered outdoor lighting, not too bright enough to blind you or squint your eyes. Just enough to focus your eyes on a certain spot and highlight a glowing landscape area. It’s like gazing at your mini paradise of a garden still illuminating with just the right amount of brightness even as the sun goes down and the darkness of the night begin to unfold.
Consequently, this article about solar energy is out to prove that solar power is not only for scientists and technical people whose facts and lingo are too superfluous for us everyday people to decipher. Now, we can make use of solar lights for our everyday use.…
Solar Power Energy – The Real Key To A Great Neat And Air Pollution Free Planet
Solar Power Energy – The Real Key To A Great Neat And Air Pollution Free Planet
Currently the earth confronts the likelihood of a serious energy deficiency, and other alternative energy resources will have to be used. 1 way that individuals can change the scenario is to explore alternate energy solutions for themselves.
Not only can they save on power but save on the impact on the planet and will not have to depend upon the government to think of all of the answers. One of the choices offered to overcome diminishing energy resources which are also environmentally friendly would be to use solar power energy.
Quite a few folks today believe within the importance of going green. As a matter of reality, you’ll find cars right now which are environment friendly. You can find also a lot of campaigns against air pollution, burning garbage, etc.
When it comes to electricity production, there is also a method to go green. By depending on residential solar power energy to bring electricity to your homes, you will have the ability to have a a lot more harmonious relationship with mother earth.
Although solar energy is rapidly gaining in popularity, it still remains a comparatively minor source of the world’s power. Some countries, for example Spain, Japan, Australia along with the United States, are making strong efforts to incorporate photovoltaic systems into large-scale power grids to decrease fossil fuel use.
Yet tiny size solar grids are additionally becoming popular installation in new and retrofitted homes. Inside the United States alone, some estimates claim that over 10,000 homes are now largely or completely run on solar power energy.
You can find two major forms of solar power energy: thermal and photovoltaic. Both uses are presently the subject of significantly analysis and discovery in the advent of global warming and a vanishing supply of fossil fuels.
The renewable energy out there from the sun can be processed to perform anything that other kinds of heat and electricity can cope with. Since the sun is a fairly dependable source of energy in sunnier places, this makes solar power energy an integral player within the future of energy technology and use.
Renewable energy is really a form of power we have been utilizing for over a millennium, though not within the ways you’d expect. We’ve employed wind power to power along boats and ships, but also to mill grain in windmills.
Solar power has been used to heat pipes for hot water and water power provided an alternative for grinding grain in water mills. Right now, our need to have for power is diverse as we use primarily electricity for all of our needs.
Generating electricity from alternative energy has received a terrific deal of recognition inside the past few years. Nonetheless both wind and solar power generation have substantial disadvantages. For example, wind acceleration and path can vary, making the amount of electricity generated by a turbine sporadic and clouds obscure the sun having the quantity of power generated by solar panels also irregular.
To deal with these inconsistencies, it really is desired to take advantage of both solar and wind energy together with each other for power generation for economic, practical, and environmental purposes.…
Build a Solar Panel For an Extra Income and to Save the Earth!
Build a Solar Panel For an Extra Income and to Save the Earth!
That big ball of fire that rises in the east and sets in the west each day is a lifetime Powerful energy source. And it beams its rays everywhere on Earth- for Free !!
Yet as they say, we vast majority of human race, tend to ignore such clean source of pure energy all these centuries.
But I would not agree to that statement anymore…
Since YOU (a HUMAN amongst the vast majority) have come all this way to this article in order to understand how to efficiently utilize that energy thrown to us by that big beautiful source of energy – the Sun.
Let’s clear the basics first; the energy that is given to us by the sun is called as Solar energy.
Today’s certain green technologies have many efficient way to trap such an abundant source of energy and utilize it to generate electricity. One such technology is known as Solar panel. In simple terms solar panel could be defined as a panel that produces either electricity or heat when light shines on it.
For some decades, reaching the heights into solar-generated power for your home electricity was viewed by many as an unrealistic, tentative, and overly expensive project, but some saw it as the ultimate solution for the crisis which future generation would face inevitably.
You are one of many hundreds who search the web to understand How to build a solar panel for Extra Income and to Save the Earth, which just tells me that the range of people wanting to educate themselves on this cost-saving and earth-saving technology is increasing exponentially.
Since you have landed on this article, I would like to give you some more vital information as to How to make a solar panel for Extra Income and to Save the Earth.
Not so long ago, a skilled renewable energy specialist designed rather a simple method for you to construct solar panels by using low cost materials which could be found at any local hardware store. And you don’t even have to know the construction terminology to build this.
There happens to be quite a few people around the globe, who have been guided by this method to harness solar energy in the most efficient manner. And the best part is, some have even managed to earn a steady income by selling the unused, extra power they have generated to the local power supplier.
I am sure with this method, you would definitely be guided to harness solar energy in the most efficient manner and in turn rejuvenate the spirit of the earth.…
How to Be More Eco-Friendly With Electricity
How to Be More Eco-Friendly With Electricity
We may say and act like we are environmentally conscious but truly, are we? We can save aluminum cans, recycle paper and plastics, use bio-degradable materials and we can conserve electricity just to name a few eco-friendly examples. Sounds great except for the part about saving electricity. Over 5% of all electricity consumed by Americans is wasted and that figure may go up two or three times that amount by 2010 according to estimates from the US Department of Energy.
If the United States is more environmentally aware than ever taking efforts to utilize green resources as a clean alternative to fossil fuels and other limited “dirty energy” sources like electricity, than how can we be so wasteful? The answer is painfully simple and obvious but overlooked by most Americans every day. A few basic adjustments in our daily routines combined with simple awareness would greatly reduce our daily waste of electrical power.
So what is cause of this wasteful practice? It is our use and dependence upon electronics in our daily lives. It is not the use that is so wasteful but the answer lies in the non-use of all of our electronic gadgets. You see even when our cell phones, DVD players, televisions, stereos, and other electronic devices remain in “off” mode they continue to draw small amounts of power as long as they remain plugged in to a power source. All of these electronic devices and many others do not turn off or power down while at rest, they remain in standby mode ready for the next use.
Over time this small amount of wasted standby power begins to add up significantly. Probably the most common example comes from our dependence of cell phones. Even when a phone is at full charge or when the phone is disconnected from the charger, the charger itself will continue to use electricity as long as it remains plugged into your wall socket. Of course the answer is obvious, when not charging your phone conserve electricity by unplugging your charger from the wall.
Some electronics will continue to draw 30 or 40 watts while not in use. The biggest energy drains comes from old appliances. If you are still using a dated refrigerator from 10-15 years ago, that antique requires three times more energy to operate than a modern energy efficient refrigerator of the same size. Washing machines and hot water heaters that are old are not doing you any favors either when it comes to electricity conservation. Now solar power technologies can be utilized as a method of heating water within your home and many incentives to convert to a solar powered system are available. Outdoor garden lighting also does not require electricity as there are many solar landscape lights available on the market. For major appliances you may want to consider an upgrade to energy star models in the near future.
There are many simple steps and practices that we can use to promote energy conservation within our daily lives. Washing your clothes strictly in cold water and insuring proper insulation of your hot water heater are a couple of examples. If you are considering a new refrigerator, models with a top or bottom freezer compartment use up to 15% less energy than a side by side model. Also, you can skip the dry cycle on your dishwasher and turn off ceiling fans when you are gone. Unplug appliances where applicable such as the coffee maker and of course the cell phone chargers, toasters, TV, and any other electronics within reach. Everybody knows the curly fluorescent light bulbs are much more energy efficient than the traditional incandescent bulbs that are being phased out all together.…
Solar Power Vs Wind Power – Who Wins?
Solar Power Vs Wind Power – Who Wins?
Here’s a good battle that needs to be fought. Let’s allow the two most common forms of alternative energy to face off, hand to hand, technology to technology, and see which one is better for you. These are the types of solar panels available to anyone, and small consumer wind turbines, not the big wind farm types. So folks, put on your gloves and let’s get ready to rumble.
Placement – Solar panels will fit on any roof, but it has to be south facing. There are no local laws or ordinances that will not allow solar to be put up. Wind turbines generally need to be mounted high off the ground for optimal efficiency. Many local laws prohibit towers or structures in cities or suburban neighborhoods. Solar wins hands down and is perfect for city dwellings.
Performance – Solar panels need sunlight to work efficiently, although the newer panels produce useable electricity on cloudy days as well. Windmills need wind, so in theory, they could produce electricity 24/7, BUT that just doesn’t happen. The reality is, both technologies are dependent on mother nature, so we have to call this one a draw, although in naturally sunnier climes, solar has an advantage.
Efficiency – When the sun shines, your solar panels are producing 100% of their rated power output. Wind power needs a minimum of 5 mile per hour wind just to get the blades spinning, and anywhere from 10 to 20 miles per hour wind for optimal electricity production. It is calculated that over the course of one 24 hour period, a consumer wind turbine will produce only 10% of it’s rated power. Winner to solar panels.
Cost – Right now, 600 watts of solar panel power will run about $6000 dollars. That comes complete with an inverter, hardware and everything. A 600 watt wind turbine will run about $1000 dollars, and that’s just the turbine and nothing else. You’ll need to add a tower-which can cost thousands-and an inverter etc etc. Remember, your 600 watt rated windmill will only, on an average, be putting out 60 watts per day. When the sun shines, your solar panels are putting out 600 watts, period. You would need 6 wind turbines to equal the performance of one 600 watt solar panel, on a daily basis, plus tower costs and all the other costs. Winner, once again, solar panels.
Overall – Solar wins, and it’s not even close. Couple that with your 30% tax credit and other state incentives, and solar wins going away, no doubt, stick a fork in it, game over! Leave the windmills for the wind farms, but for consumers, there’s only one way to go, and that’s solar all the way!…
Locations For Home Solar Energy Systems
Locations For Home Solar Energy Systems
If you are thinking about converting your house to a home solar energy system, you need to take your location into consideration. Where you live can make a big difference in how much electricity your system can generate.
The reason? Different areas of the country get different amounts of average usable sunshine.
While some sales people for home solar energy systems would like you to believe that the amount of sunlight that will hit your solar panels is the same regardless of where you live. The truth is, your location can have a big impact on how much electricity your system produces.
The Solar Energy Map
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory produced a map for the US Department of Energy that shows the amount of usable solar energy for each location in the United States. It clearly shows that solar for home use will produce more electricity in some locations than others.
That isn’t to say that there isn’t any reason to convert to a home solar energy system if you live in one of the less favorable states. Using renewable forms of energy are always a good idea. You will still be able to see some cost savings on your utility bills regardless of your location. It just means that you will not see as much savings, and you will need to rely on public utilities a little bit more.
So where are the worst and the best locations?
The Worst Locations for Solar Energy
The two worst locations in the U. S. for average usable solar power are the State of Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Pacific coast of Washington.
Areas such as the Great Lakes region and the New England states did not fare well, but they are much better than the first two areas mentioned. In fact, the amount of usable energy is nearly 30% higher in these regions.
The Best Locations for Solar Energy
The best possible locations to set up a home solar energy system are the Southwest United States. Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Western Texas all fared very well in the study. IF you live in these areas there is really no excuse not to take advantage of the free energy source that strikes your home every day.
More and more people are turning to solar power as a way to save money on their energy bills, to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and to use a clean and renewable source of power.
If you haven’t considered a home solar energy system, now is the time to give it some thought. You will be amazed at the amount of money you can save. Solar power really does work.…
3 Alternative Cheap Electricity Suppliers to Slash Your Energy Bill
3 Alternative Cheap Electricity Suppliers to Slash Your Energy Bill
Due to increasing costs for home energy, more and more people are trying to find a cheap electricity supplier.
For many of these people it means turning to alternative sources of energy that many people may have not considered in the past.
Here are three great alternative sources, that are also green, that you can use as a cheap electricity supplier starting today.
Residential Windmills
Residential windmills are becoming more and more popular. This is because more companies are producing various different models, to fit all types of homes.
Quality home windmills can be purchased between $4000-$10,000. Usually these can be freestanding or attached to the top of your house.
To cut down on the cost, some people are even selling excess energy back to their energy suppliers.
Electromagnetic Generators
Electromagnetic generators, also called over-unity motors, can be a great way to generate free electricity. These systems are very easy to build and plans are often available on on the Internet.
While these may not be able to generate enough power for your whole house, by tying these into your house electrical grid you can dramatically reduce your energy bill.
Solar Energy
Solar energy panels are becoming more and more commonplace on homes across the country. While most energy panels currently only have a 15% efficiency rating, this rate is increasing yearly.
The great thing about solar energy is that it is almost an inexhaustible source and is fairly cheap to harvest.
As you can see, if you’re looking for a cheap energy supplier, you can find one. The three technologies mentioned do require some initial investment of capital on your part, but most of these should be able to pay for themselves in less than five years.…