Home Made Solar Power: The First Possible Choice For Energy

11/11/2009

The world in which we live is chiefly run on power resources. With regular development as well as speedy growth in technology, the consumption of power resources has increased dynamically. And the cost of such power resources is also growing with their consumption rate. With this point of high power prices and several environmental issues, home made solar power is the top possible alternative.

Figures

Recent surveys suggest that more and more people have started getting interested in knowing about homemade solar power. Few countries such as Israel have made solar power binding to be used.

Why People Prefer Home Made Solar Energy?

Homemade solar energy is becoming popular day by day. The reason is that it is the best option to reduce the energy costs. If homemade solar energy is used as an electric power, this is going to cut our power bills by up to 80%. Solar energy is environmental friendly and thus helps us in saving our environment. It is the most plentiful energy resources on earth.

Home Made Solar Energy: The Solution

If we are using home made solar energy at our house we are not only saving our money, but additionally we are contributing as a solution to the major global problem. There are many adverse effects of using nonrenewable or conventional energy resources on our environment. So it becomes our moral duty to save the environment. If we use homemade solar energy it helps us in doing so. Therefore the day we switch towards solar energy, we actually are a part of the solution.

Cost Factor

It is not very expensive to set up your own homemade solar energy system. Moreover it is a one-time investment. The cost of a home made solar energy plant is $100 to $200 whereas the cost of a solar energy system varies from $1000 to $10000.

Usage of home made solar energy is cost effective and is safe for the environment.

The solution is home made solar energy. But you will need a good guide to learn how to build your solar energy system. To find one, check out these reviews of the best solar energy guides now.

By Dustin Sandoval | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Install Home Solar Panels – 5 Reasons

08/11/2009

Home solar panels are a great option to consider if you want to upgrade your home for the future. Because in the future buying and installing solar panels will be a pretty normal activity for everyday citizens. Ultimately you will also save money when doing this, so let’s discuss a couple of reasons why it is in your advantage to get them.

Environmentally friendly

If you are very concerned about our environment and want to take the steps to make a change, then you should definitely buy solar panels as they are eco-friendly.

Get Paid

The great thing about it is if you produce more energy then you need, you can sell the excess to the power company. This electricity is then used to provide for your neighborhood.

It looks high-tech

Having them installed for example on your roof will make your house look high tech. Your neighbors will be impressed and will ask you where you bought yours. This is good, because you might be able to make some money by referrals.

Automation is the key

One thing you will not have to worry about is getting new panels every couple of years because the ones you have are outdated. The panels you have now should last you long enough to make enough money back. The only thing you need to worry about is keeping them clean.

Independence

Nothing is more important as being independent in life. Being independent when it comes to your electricity bill is really powerful, because it will definitely make you feel great. You will also make money from your own produced electricity. Honestly, what more can you ask for if you think about it.

But one thing you do need to remember is that you need to live in a area where there is plenty of sunshine throughout the year. If it is always cloudy or it snows a lot in your area, you might want to rethink about getting solar panels. It will be a bad investment if you have them installed but it does not produce enough electricity for your home.

I told you why to get them. Many citizens are taking steps now and installing it themselves or getting a local installer to help them and give them with tips when it comes to keeping it clean.

Before you make any decisions, be sure to read about solar panels.

By Chris Heltin | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Create Your Own Solar Panels

17/09/2009

Now is the time to implement solar panels onto your home as you can do this yourself. Having the right knowledge and methods on how to create your own solar panel will benefit you and your family most efficiently and economically.

You will be surprised on how much you will save if you build your own solar panels. Having the knowledge to build your own solar panels will come a long way to in cutting your monthly and yearly costs of gas or electricity alike. Not a bad idea huh?

You can place a solar panel on the side of your roof to collect sunlight each day and when there is no sunlight you can use the remaining electricity. Solar panels store energy from their panels just nicely so you won’t have to worry about this too much.

The satisfaction that one gets when implementing their own solar panel is one of prosperity and the knowing that the future only gets better from here. What do you think about that? The popularity of solar panels is like wild fire and knowing that you have solar panels in your home will allow other people around you to do the same as well.

Solar panels produces energy each day for you and your family in the form of solar cells that can be attached to your roof side of your home or any other location that you desire. This can also include your back yard, front yard, etc.

Imagine yourself for a moment a world with free solar energy for every one? A nice idea right? This can be very possible to achieve. Why stay under the control of electrical or gas companies that support and provide you the electricity when the technology is available now for everyone?

To learn more solar panels for home use, visit: Make Your Own Solar Panels and Solar Energy

By Sebastian Thomas | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Solar Power Used To Heat Water Efficiently

15/09/2009

Deciding to switch your primary power source to solar power might require some adjustments to your current appliances. When using solar power to heat your water, you will first have to buy a solar photovoltaic panel kit. Living off grid is much easier today because of affordable solar panels that allow you to make homemade energy,which in turn allows for water that is heated efficiently.

Heating your water efficiently will require both a solar collector and storage tank. The solar collector is what is used to harness solar energy. This can be built using a home solar photovoltaic panel kit.The water will be heated by this and then stored in the tank to be kept warm before it travels through pipes into your home.

There are a variety of solar collector options,but the most common is a flat plate collector. It is a thin, flat box with a see-thru cover and it carries fluid to be heated. The fluid can be water or it may be a solution, such as antifreeze that will prevent the water from freezing. Next the water moves through the tubes to an absorber plate. This plate is black to attract and absorb the heat from the sun. When the collector gets hot, it will heat the fluid that passes through the tubes. The water will then pass through the tubes and then to the storage tank. The tank holds the water after it is heated. It is usually well insulated so the water will stay warm longer. Then the water flows into the home as needed.

There are two groups in which solar water heating systems are divided into, Active and Passive:

1. Active Water Heating Systems are the most common because they are more efficient and usually quicker.They rely on pumps or other mechanical devices that moves the water between the flat plate collector and the storage tank.

2. Heating water by relying on gravity to feed the water from the flat plate collector to the storage tank is called a passive system. This system may be slow and difficult to keep up with demand. Having the angle correct on your flat plate collector and storage tank is also a must for the passive system to work properly since it relies on gravity.

Solar power is an efficient and affordable alternative for heating water and requires some knowledge and minimal efforts. You can take the first step to living off grid by choosing to heat your water using solar power.

Want more information about living off grid? Then you will find a wealth of resources about solar photovoltaic products by visiting Kobi Haretz’s site.

By Kobi Haretz | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Are Biofuels a Green Energy Source?

04/08/2009
by Bruce Carl

The world’s current environmental situation is causing the global community to take notice. Humans are realizing that we are hurting our planet. Sustained fossil fuel use could even threaten our species. All humans must act quickly to stop and begin to reverse the damage. It is crucial that we identify alternative energy sources. One potential source is Biofuels.

Liquid biofuel is capable of being used in all types of vehicles. It is not only renewable but also natural. Natural compounds such as soy and vegetable oil are used to make biofuel. In addition, there are absolutely no petroleum used in the make. This liquid is nontoxic and biodegradeable.

Switching from petroleum based fuel to liquid biofuel reduces the amount of pollutants are cars give off. Biofuels burn clean. They do not give off any harmful by products. Several government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have already tested and approved biofuels.

Biofuels can be made from many different products. The most common method involves alcohol. Alcohols such as methanol. Methanol is combined with glycerine and methyl. Do not let the chemical names throw you. These chemicals are found in everyday items such as vegetable oil. Corn and sugarcane have also been used to make biofuels.

Glycerine is a common products and this is used in making toothpaste and soap. Since it is quite new, the process of converting it is quite expensive and right now, this is still much more expensive per gallon compared to petroleum.

But if you look at what you pay for it, the returns are huge because you get to do your share to preserve a cleaner environment, an improvement in air quality and a reduction of cancer-causing agents.

Biodiesel has been proven, on the road. It has offered the same amount of power to efficiency as petroleum based fuels when climbing and hauling. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or mixed with petroleum based fuels. Several varieties are commercially available. B20 is a mix of 20% biodiesel to 80% petroleum based fuel. E85 uses 85% biodiesel and 15% petroleum based fuel.

You could buy a new automobile capable of running on biodiesel. This is not necessary. It is possible to make some engine modifications and run biodiesel in any vehicle. These modifications do not even void your vehicle’s warranty.

Is it too late? Not yet because there is still time to use biofuels and others as green energy sources.

About the Author:
Begin generating your own homemade energy today. You can build items such as solar panel, electricity generators, and alternative fuel with as little as $200 in materials. Check out Carl’s website Home Made Energy Today for reviews of home made energy plans.
By Bruce Carl | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

A Little Short on Cash?

02/08/2009
by Michael Edwards

Take a look at the energy saving ideas and new green products in this and the next few articles, and see how many you can use to save your hard earned cash. Then use the savings to fund a short vacation or a trip to Disneyland.

Replace Bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

A Compact Fluorescent Lamp (or CFL) is a small circular fluorescent light bulb used to replace incandescent bulbs. They typically take the same amount of space as an old incandescent bulb, and screw right into the same socket.

CFLs produce light on a different principle than incandescent bulbs. When an incandescent bulb is turned on, current is sent through a wire filament. The filament heats up until it starts to glow, and the glow produces light. A CFL is a sealed tube of glass filled with argon gas. Mixed with the argon is some mercury vapor. When an electrical current is applied, an invisible ultraviolet light is generated. When the ultraviolet light hits the fluorescent coating (called phosphor) on the inside of the tube, visible light is emitted.

You have heard this before, but unless you are only going to turn on that incandescent bulb a couple of times a year, you are wasting money (no matter how cheap the bulb is). Green products help you save money. One of the new Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) saves around 75% over an equivalent incandescent bulb. In one year, that could add up to a $30 savings – per bulb!

Many of the newer CFLs are available in a wide variety of shades of white light. The color varies from very warm (yellowish) to a bluish white light. This allows you to use the color of the CFL to set the mood of a space or room. Many CFLs come in “warm” colors to match the light of the old incandescent bulbs.

When using the Daylight or bluish bulbs be aware that their light appears harsh to many. People with light sensitivity could be adversely affected. If you notice them squinting or avoiding areas where this light is used, then try using a warmer light.

You will find on most CFL packages a number like 2700K. The K stands for Kelvin or color temperature range the bulb will produce when lit. The lower the number, the warmer (or more yellow) the color. Most Soft White bulbs will produce color in the 3500K-4100K range. Bright white or Daylight bulbs will be found in the 5000K-6500K range. Higher numbers are very blue and harsh.

A 9-13 watt CFL will replace a 40 watt incandescent bulb; use a 13-15 watt to replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb; for a 75 watt incandescent bulb use a 18-25 watt CFL; and use a 23-30 watt CFL to replace a 100 watt incandescent bulb.

Don’t forget that even though a CFL is one of the new green products, it cannot be thrown in the regular trash. In fact some states have laws that forbid this. I am told that a CFL contains about five milligrams of mercury, and should not be put in landfills.

To dispose of an old CFL, visit a retailer like ACE Hardware, Orchard, Home Depot or IKEA. Many of them will recycle these bulbs for you.

A host of new green products for outdoors, poolside, garden, and sidewalk lighting are moving to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The new LED bulbs are 90% more efficient than an incandescent bulb. I would recommend using an Energy Star compliant system; you will usually have a longer time between bulb replacements. However, stock up on replacement bulbs – the manufacturers seem to change the design every couple of years, and then it becomes hard to find replacement parts.

One of the next green products will look at is small appliance power supplies.

Michael

About the Author:
Michael Edwards writes cool stuff. Get more of it at alternative energy and Green Funding
By Michael Edwards | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)