Going Green … Gradually

The Slow Journey to Reduce my Carbon Footprint

Posts Tagged energy efficiency

Solar Power Help

Aug 15

Posted by Kurt Rose in Solar Power

Solar energy is a great way to run and provide power to many of the appliances in your home. Despite the fact, that there are no abundant campaigns to promote the use of this renewable energy such as making a solar power system, you can instill a positive impact to the lives of other people, when you share your knowledge on how to make solar power.

Since solar power is environmentally friendly, you can provide a benefit to Planet Earth. You should also take note that this equipment is relatively easy to construct but it is also economical and will not hurt your wallet either. It would be very beneficial that you take advantage of the solar power soon, so you and your family can experience a more cost efficient lifestyle.

If you want to make solar power, you will be glad to know that this equipment is easy to construct and not costly. You should switch to this means of providing electricity to all as many of your appliances as possible. The only thing that you should carry out when you plan to make solar power is to research and give out some time to accomplish your solar power tool.

There are numerous Do-It-Yourself manuals and guides on how to make solar power, all you need to do is to appropriately learn about all the procedures as delineated by the instructional guidelines. The comprehensive details on how to make solar power on these guides offer easy-to-do step by step process, which oftentimes even incorporate illustrated images for your convenience. Moreover, you should ensure that the suppliers or dealers of the components and materials you will draw on when making solar power are highly reliable and reputable.

Aside from environmental advantages we can derive from solar energy, there are many other benefits we can enjoy by using solar energy. Having your own solar powered electrical system will give you the freedom to be less dependent or even fully disconnected from you your electric company. When you install your renewable energy system in your home you will increase the value of your home by thousands. You can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars for the rest of your life by installing a solar power system instead of wasting money on expensive power bills. Making your own solar powered device is great fun, you can share doing with your family and friends.

It is important to leave yourself plenty of time when planning to start your solar power project. The extra time and patience you allow during the building process will result in a better constructed solar system that will have less problems down the road.

If you make solar power, you will save some money that you can utilize in other things such as vacations and out of town trips. Moreover, you will have the capability to take pleasure in all the appliances in your house, wherein you can do movie marathon without the hassle of paying an expensive electric monthly bill.

Kurt Rose is an online business owner who writes about such issues as Solar Energy Home and how to Healthy Home.

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DIY Solar Panels Gives Your Home Green DIY Energy

Aug 3

Posted by Zach Angelo in Solar Power

People are looking for different ways to be kinder to our environment and at the same time to save money; diy solar panels are a great answer to this problem. Many people think that making the conversion to solar thermal power is too expensive and complicated for the average homeowner.

The secret to building solar panels is that you do have to purchase brand new solar cells. Go to any major online auction site and search for used solar cells. You will be surprised at how inexpensive that they really are. Getting bran new solar cells is not only expensive and often not sold in the quantities that you are looking for, if you are going power your entire home.

Many sellers will use wax to store and ship solar cells. Just remember that wax is not easy to get off the cells once you have them. The cells are brittle and you could damage them just trying to remove the wax. However; they will be well protected. You might want to discuss a different shipping method with the seller. If the seller is already storing their cells like this, there is not much that you can do.

After receiving the cells and making the appropriate measurements, you will have to construct a shallow box to contain all of the solar cells. Do not make the box too deep or you will create a shadow on the cells. You want all of the cells exposed to the sun. Then cover all the cells with a piece of clear plexiglass for protection.

Turn all of the cells upside down and arrange them the way you want them to be in your panel. Next, you will want to wire and older the cells together. Remember that you will have a current running through them, so you will want to run your wiring in a logical and linear manner.

A light touch with a soldering iron is all the heat that is necessary for this project. Anything hotter or being heavy handed can possibly damage the cells and render them unusable.

There are more detailed instructions that are available but they are not anymore complicated than the basic outline written here. If you have done easy to medium home electrical and construction jobs around your home, then you will have enough skill to construct diy solar panels.

Ready to build your own solar panels with Green DIY Energy and start saving money? Then it is time to check out the Green DIY Energy review and decide for yourself. You can build your solar panels today!

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Solar Panel – How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Jul 27

Posted by Joseph Dungler in Energy

With rising prices, it is good to get cheaper power. With solar power, it is practically energy for free, and could end up earning you money. For even more affordability, it is possible to build your own solar panel.

The first thing is ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. This will mean sourcing the best solar cells for you, which should be given a good portion of time to decide. There are many out there.

There are a few other items needed. Plywood, a length of 1 x1, copper wire, a diode line, batteries and Plexiglas will be required for construction. You will also need a circular saw, screws and screwdriver, caulk, outdoor paint, soldering kit and glue.

The first step will be to draw a grid, suitable to your solar cells, on the plywood, (use them as a template). Having determined the size of the panel by this, you can cut the plywood to size and the fun can really start.

The 1 x 1 will need to be cut into sections depending on the size of the base, and attached using the screws and the caulk. Once all set, this should be painted with the outdoor paint; though not over the grid of course.

The solar cells now need to be glued into place. However, they first need to be attached in a series. This is quite simple; soldering the tabs at the back of each together. It does need to be done carefully though, as the cells are delicate.

The copper wire should now be attached from the cell to the electrical system and batteries. To ensure no power is lost in the opposite direction, a diode line will also need to be attached at this point.

Finally, a suitable sized piece of Plexiglas should be attached with caulk. This will ensure it is weatherproofed, and cannot be damaged by debris and the like. Having learned to build your own solar panel, perhaps you’ll make enough power to sell back to the grid?

By learning to build your own solar panel you can save money, help the environment, and generate electricity using free energy from the sun with do it yourself solar panels.

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Help The Environment With Solar Panels For Your Home

Jul 21

Posted by Joseph Dungler in Energy

Many people now have worries over where their electricity comes from. We are constantly being bombarded by news stories of how we are having a negative effect on the planet and environment. Most of our electricity still comes from fossil fuels that add to the amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. If you want to switch your electricity source to a “greener” technology then you should choose solar panels for your home.

There are immediate benefits to using solar power to produce your electricity. The financial savings can be considerable when measured over a number of years but there are also grants and tax breaks you may be eligible for through switching to an alternative energy source. All local authorities are now encouraging people to conserve energy and switch to green practices. Find out if there are any grants available in your area to cover the cost of the installation charges.

If you have a building or a property in a remote location then it may not be possible for you to connect to the national power grid. By installing solar panels you will be able to have an unlimited supply of power. There is no longer a necessity to depend on a utility company and our government to provide us with the electricity we require.

Even just five years ago photovoltaic cells were not so efficient. This has forever changed as there have been rapid advances in the field of solar technology. Now even on a rainy or cloudy day the cells will be able to produce enough electricity to make a difference.

It is possible to run your home completely off solar panels or use the cells to produce a proportion of your needs. Either option is simple to plan and put into operation. The more panels you use the greater amount of electricity that will be produced.

There are many companies that can install solar panels on your property though if you have a basic understanding of DIY then you can do the job yourself in just a short time.

The cost of solar panels is decreasing. To make it even more affordable you can craft your own DIY solar panels.

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Ways To Conserve Energy In Your Home

Jun 28

Posted by Adriana Noton in Solar Power

While Canada is one of the best countries to live in, the fact remains that our climate is unpredictable and residents are forced to spend large amounts of money in the winter to heat their homes, and to spend just as much money in the summer to cool them down.

It is just early June and already residents of Canada have been forced to shell out cash due to intense heat waves. Not only is the heat incapacitating, it can be dangerous for the elderly and for those who do not remember to keep their bodies hydrated. Therefore, spending money on cooling costs is not luxurious spending. It is essential to the wellbeing of the average Canadian.

In addition to the extra spending, Canadians must remain conscious that the energy being used to cool their homes not only leaves a hole in their wallets, it also increasingly damages our environment by using up precious resources. The question remains as to how we can reduce our energy costs and conserve at the same time, while still maintaining a basic need.

There are some easy ways to reduce your cooling costs, and remain environmentally friendly at the same time. Canadians are now starting to follow these easy tips. If you live in a sunny home, close the blinds. While sunshine is lovely, it can greatly increase the heat generated in your home. If you want the sunlight, close the blinds during 12pm and 2pm, which are the hottest hours of the day.

Buy an air-conditioning system sized appropriately for your home. If you only have a small space you wish to keep cool, purchase a small system. Consult with the person selling the system and ask for their best opinions with regards to space and size.

Ensure that your air-conditioning condenser is not crowded or blocked by other pieces of furniture and that it is located in a shady spot of the room.

Awnings can be installed over sunny spots of your house. Turn off the air conditioner when you are not home. Maintain repairs to your unit, and change the filter monthly.

Make sure the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 13 or better. If a machine is less efficient than this, it will cost more to run. If you don’t use particular rooms of your house, close the ducts and shut the doors.

Make sure your ducts are not covered by furniture. Turn off your televisions and computers when they are not in use because they generate heat. When you are not using lights, turn them off, as they also generate heat. Most of your home’s heat is absorbed through the roof; make sure your attic is properly ventilated.

If Canadians follow these simple tips they can drastically reduce their energy bills in the summer.

There are also ways that you can calculate your cooling by going to Natural Resources Canada: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/cooling-ventilation/rooms-ac/cost-calculation.cfm

This will help you figure out how much you are spending, and how you can reduce you costs.

Adriana Noton is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of financial topics including personal budgeting and debt counselling. For more information about personal finance, ConsolidatedCredit.ca is a tremendous resource on the topic for Canadians.

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