Going Green … Gradually

The Slow Journey to Reduce my Carbon Footprint

Posts Tagged Solar

Solar Energy And Green Energy In Your House

Aug 23

Posted by Chris Ulrich in Solar Power

Solar energy is one of the hot topics in today’s marketplace. With government incentives at record levels-and some utilities paying you to switch to solar-now is the time to research more and find out how you can save money with solar energy.

But what is solar energy? How does it work? Can it really generate electricity?

Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun. When sunlight hits photovoltaic cells (they look like giant computer chips made of silicon) the photons in the sunlight cause all electrons to be freed from the silicon. If you can capture those electrons, you have electricity.

Think of it like this: you are playing billiards (shooting pool) and you hit the cue ball into another ball. What happens? The white ball ricochets making that other ball into motion as well.

When sunlight hits the solar cell, it bounces off and sets the electron in motion. Electricity is made of electrons. The more electrons you can push in motion-and harness-the additional electricity you can generate.

For an interesting article on solar energy and other green energy, visit this page at NASA http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/greenspace/clean-energy.html

So does this help you in your home? The government is fighting hard for solar energy. $19 billion dollars has been set away to help advocate solar energy throughout our country. The federal government as well as many state governments and utilities, will literally pay you to start utilizing solar energy.

Why would they do this? First, we want to eliminate our dependency on foreign oil. Second, burning fossil fuel is aweful for the environment. Solar energy, on the other hand, is completely clean. There are no byproducts. There are no carbon emissions. It is a extremely clean and pure way of producing electricity. Third, the government wants to create the solar industry in this country which will create more and more jobs and opportunities.

Solar energy is not inexpensive, however. Solar energy for a house can cost $20,000. Do not stop reading this article! There is good news. The government and utilities may rebate you up to 70% of the cost of the system. In this example, you could get tax credits and rebates for about $14,000. The net price to you is $6000. If you were to finance this, you may pay about $50-$75 each month. You may say this much or more in your electric bill! Even if you don’t, you not only done something great for the environment, but have also increased the value of your house by about $20,000! If you’re going to resell your home, this not only adds value of nature home more desirable than other homes on the market.

There are also laws preventing local government from raising your taxes when you add solar energy to your house. We cannot give you specific tax advice-you must talk with your accountant or attorney.

SaveWithSolar.org shares great information about solar energy and ways to save with solar power. Get the facts, including quotes on the solar energy rebates available in your area!

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Searching For Advice On Alternative Energy Stocks

Aug 19

Posted by Trevor Gartreese in Energy

Is it true that money is what makes the world go around? Crazy as it may sound, there can be instances where people face a variety of problems with money as their only solution. It’s true that life can be unfair at times, but if you are someone who wants to have a strong bank balance by the time you retire, taking a little risk can sometimes bring you that luck. A diverse portfolio can be a solution if you are thinking of investing in different categories. Your risk of losing is minimized and you open up new avenues of earning money. Now isn’t that great?

It’s true that investing in alternative energy stocks carry a high risk, but with risk comes profit. If one needs to earn millions of dollars, taking the first step is necessary, and in this case, a little risk of investing in alternative energy stocks.

Predictions made over the years say that by the year 2013, the market for alternative energy stocks could rise up to around 13$ dollars. If your company was one of the lucky few that invested on alternative energy stocks that the whole world agreed upon, the likelihood of ending up as a millionaire is very high. The right choice will determine the future of you and your company

Oil prices are higher than never before making the need for investing in alternative energy stocks important. Companies that are trying to help America eliminate the crisis of oil shortages, etc, are ready to invest in these stocks as it seems to be the only way to a brighter future.

Although the market for alternative energy stocks will look positive, it is advisable that you get the assistance of a financial advisor who has been studying these stocks closely. The market is full of uncertainties and the alternative energy stocks you choose might not be what the world chooses. Therefore, instead of heading for losses, it is beneficial to study the market, get help from a financial advisor and then move on to invest in alternative energy stocks.

Would you like to find more advice regarding puget sound energy? You will get plenty more helpful information on green living having an eco-friendly lifestyle and alternative energy for your home here: http://gogreenenergyforhome.com

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Build Your Own Affordable Solar Panels

Aug 16

Posted by Dr Jon Elsdon in Solar Power

Solar energy is without a doubt today’s number one alternative energy choice. It is no wonder then that one of the most searched for terms on the internet is cheap solar panels.

With the environmental disaster we are seeing unfold off the gulf of Mexico (The BP oil spill) more and more as a society we are finding our consciousness pricked into looking for cleaner and greener ways to help the environment.

For most people the idea of having their own solar system is indeed desirable, but there has always been the major stumbling block of the enormous cost of the solar panels.

Having a solar system installed can cost many thousands of dollars, money that many households simply do not have to spare, no matter how much they stand to save in the long run or how much they want to help the reduce their carbon footprints.

This alternative comes in the form of a DIY (do it yourself) kit. Now I’m sure some of you just tuned out at the thought of building your own solar panels, sounds complicated doesn’t it? Well surprisingly it isn’t, in fact it’s all most child play.

The kits come in the form of an easy to follow video series and instruction manual which you can downloaded in a matter of seconds online

All the materials you need to build your own panels are available from most hardware stores (tip: save even more money by sourcing the parts from your local salvage or junkyard). Armed with the most basic handyman skills, you can assemble your panels in just a couple of days (I recommend freeing up a weekend to give yourself ample time).

It’s a great project to get your children in on, provides them with an alternative to playing computer games all day, gives them a lesson in environmental issues and energy conservation. You won’t believe the buzz they will get when they realize the solar panel they built is powering a laptop etc.

Not only will you stand to save a lot of cash by building your own cheap solar panels as opposed to purchasing them pre built, you will also cut (depending on the number of panels you build and your homes energy needs) anywhere up to 80% (in some cases above this) off your traditional power usage, this can translate to hundreds of dollars saved on every power bill.

So whether you are looking to help reduce your carbon footprint or simply want to save a few dollars, take a look at the following link for side by side reviews of the leading Solar Power Kits and build your own solar panels today.

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DIY Solar Power Kits – Residential Solar Power

Aug 4

Posted by Dr Jon Elsdon in Energy

Homemade Energy is fast turning into the buzz word in energy conservation circles. People are becoming fed up with the trouble that come with using traditional energy resources.Fed up with rising costs, changes to the way we live and in extreme even being subjected to usage restrictions, a lot of householders are looking toward the newest trend in power production DIY Solar Power Kits.

Many of companies are currently now producing homemade energy instruction books, available via instant download over the net, which walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the materials for your own DIY solar power kits. The instructional handbooks are priced between $40 to $60 and the components required to build your kit will cost around $200, a lot more affordable than buying and having a traditional solar system installed. (The expense can run into the thousands).

The blueprints usually come in the form of an instruction ebook and video series which contain easy to understand blueprints, instructions and examples.

Having put together and installed my own personal DIY Solar Power Kits, I can confirm that the process is an easy and hassle free task, and the outcome in terms of saving money are stunning.

The independence a DIY solar Power Kit, allows you to feel that you are no more dependent on the power company and their spiraling costs for your power needs is an empowering one indeed. When was the last time you could leave a lounge room for an hour or so and leave the lights switched on with no concern for cost or environmental impact? As solar is a renewable energy source and does not cost a dime you can allow to be more free with your energy usage.

Most people use solar energy kits to supplement the energy company supply, this gives these people the advantage to avoid times when the power company breaks down (particularly handy for maintaining an internet connection) and in particular in times of heat waves and the power failures that come hand in hand, you will be able to remain cool by being able to keep fans running as well as some air conditioning units.

If your serious about saving money on your energy bill and you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the following link DIY Solar Energy Kits. This article, DIY Solar Power Kits – Residential Solar Power is released under a creative commons attribution licence.

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The 27M Solar Panel Kit

Jul 22

Posted by Jordan Eske in Energy

The Nomad 27M solar panel which utilizes mono-crystalline solar technology has already proven itself to be an extremely convenient and cost effective source of energy. In fact, the Nomad 27M puts out 27 watts and one of the great things about it is that it can be charged during all weather conditions. During clear, sunny spells, a full charge takes approximately four and a half hours. The amount of time required for a full charge does of course depend on the weather, so when it’s partly cloudy, charging takes more or less seven hours, and if the sky is completely over overcast, it may take up to 15 hours. It should also be noted that charging times also vary depending on the type of batteries being used. All in all, when one considers the fact that you’re getting free electricity, waiting for the batteries to charge poses no real problem at all.

When it comes to charging electronic equipment such as mobile phones, flashlights and MP3 players for example, nothing beats the Nomad 27M solar panel. When in use, the unit measures 22.5″ x 44.5″ x 0.03″, and when folded away for storage, it measures just 10.5″ x 7″ x2″. This makes it an ideal traveling companion, given that it can easily be store away inside your backpack, and because it only weighs 3.4 lbs, you’ll hardly even know you’re carrying it. Need to charge your phone while you’re hiking in the hills? Simply open up your Nomad 27M, attach it to the outside of your backpack, and then connect up your phone, flashlight, or any other appliance which needs charging. By the time you stop walking to take a break, your phone battery will be charged – it’s that easy.

Nomad 27M solar panel differs from the 13.5M panel in the number of watts. With a higher amount of wattage, it provides more power and is more efficient than the 13.5M panel. It also stores energy for much longer. Both use about the same charging voltage of 12V (+/-2V) but the 27M has an open circuit voltage of 18V.

Included with the Nomad 27M solar panel are 3 Aluminum support rods which can be used to improve stability during outdoor charging. Additional, the kit also includes 4 robust grommets which allow you to position the panel at practically any angles, and if you’re concerned about having wires running everywhere, there’s no need to be because the connector cord is housed in a built-in pocket of its own. This of course helps to minimize the chances of someone tripping over the wire.

The Nomad 27M solar panel is made from top quality material which is durable and hardwearing. This essentially means that once you’ve bought it, you’ll have for many, many years. The unit is also water resistant, so even if you leave it standing outside overnight, you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged if it rains. Rain and dew will have absolutely no affect on it at all, but if you know you won’t be using it for a while, then it is of course better to fold it up so that it can be safely stored away in the case provided.

Jordan Eske has been helping people find solar products since the beginning of 2010. And the Nomad 27M Solar Panel helps people who want survival gear. This article, The 27M Solar Panel Kit is available for free reprint.

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Solar Power In Detail

Jul 10

Posted by Heidi Andrews in Energy

What can solar power be used for? Humans use solar power to produce renewable energy for different work environments or at home. The main type of energy solar power is transformed to is electric energy.

How much does it cost? The sun offers us free power. But the systems that capture it do cost. Finding money for solar power is not always easy, but some are creating and turn into real home money makers with things like profit from domain materials.

What’s the life expectancy of a solar system? For the solar panels used to produce heating energy, the producers offer a warranty of 6 to 8 years, and the functionality duration is somewhere around 20 years. Solar panels that transform sun rays into electricity can be used for more than a quarter of a century.

Will the investment pay off? The investment will be recovered in time, but the exact period is hard to evaluate because it depends on many things. People can appreciate that they’ve already earn the investment money back anywhere between 3 to 10 years. What happens if the sky isn’t clear or during the winter? The new technology solar panels can capture radiation that are not visible to human eye. This means that they do their job even under cloudy skies, during winter and low temperatures and even at night. It’s clear that during these circumstances the solar panels function at a lower rate, but they do function. If you want to install such a solar system that can also aid you with your electricity expenses, you have to live in a region that has a temperate climate at least, if not even tropical, where there are many sunny days throughout a year.

If I install a solar system, can I unsubscribe from my electricity company? This is only possible, without risks, if you are situate in Earth’s ideal regions. In daily use, a backup system is necessary, like having a power generator or not giving up to the power supply subscription. It doesn’t mean that you will end up using the backup system too often, but it has to be present there just in case, and also because solar systems that can offer exceptional independence are far too expensive for the average person.

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What Can We Get From The Solar Energy?

Jul 8

Posted by Chuck Randolf in Solar Power

There are some amazing benefits that are offered by solar energy, and which one would see if they were to take the time to learn about solar energy facts. More people than ever before are taking advantage of solar energy and all its benefits, but there is still a large group of people out there who really have no idea what solar energy is and what it has to offer. Of all the solar energy facts the most important to be aware of are what the benefits are. These solar energy facts go to explain why it is such a big deal and why it is worth it to make the switch now.

When it comes down to the solar energy facts, one of the most important benefits offered by solar energy is that it is renewable. The difference is that when you are relying on solar energy rather than electricity, you are going to cut costs and also if you are aware of the solar energy facts then you would know that solar energy is environmentally friendly whereas electricity is not. Therefore solar energy is always readily available and we do not have to worry about it running out, as we do with sources such as oil and coal. The sun is the largest and most natural resource in the world.

There are other important solar energy facts as well including the fact that solar energy our civilization really depends on it. Especially in comparison to fossil fuels, what the majority of the population relies on now, it is easy to see just how much better for the environment solar energy is. After learning about some of the solar energy facts, if you want to get started then you want to head out and get a solar energy system.

Another interesting solar energy fact is that solar energy is quickly becoming a very attractive option to developing countries as they are realizing how much money they can save and how otherwise beneficial solar energy is.

These are just a few of the most basic solar energy facts, and the more that you learn about solar energy and what it has to offer, the sooner you will realize why you should make the change to solar energy as well. The solar energy facts are vital for everyone to be aware of, because if we do not start doing something, the earth that we live in is going to be gone. But the solar panels are actually completely quiet while they are collecting energy and so you will not even know that they are there. Solar energy has a lot of benefits to offer.

More information on the heat pumbs and modern family use like solar power panel and hot water cylinders.

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Solar Energy

Jun 23

Posted by Durant Brown in Solar Power

Not only people but the world in general can benefit from solar energy. Solar energy is the energy from the sun that is then taken and converted into thermal or electrical energy and it can be used to power an entire home or it could just be used for a light outside. These solar energy advantages can make a major difference in your life and also help the world around you.

There are a few solar energy advantages in particular that you want to be aware of and which are sure to make up your mind in terms of whether or not it is going to be worth it for you to make the switch.

Of course one of the main solar energy advantages and one that affects the world is one that is in regards to how environmentally friendly it is. Unlike regular electricity and fuel, solar energy does not pollute and so you don’t have to worry about it doing damage to the environment in any way. Global warming is causing an increase in the average temperature of the earth which, if it continues, means that eventually the world would come to an end. Solar energy uses the sun as its resource and so there is no pollution being caused and this is one of the most important issues because of how poor a state the environment is in right now.

Another of the most major solar energy advantages is that when you make the switch to solar energy you are able to save a bundle. When you take a look at the poor state of the economy today, it is easy to see that jobs are needed all around the world and as consumption of solar energy grows, so will the number of jobs that are involved with this field. In fact if you have your whole house running on solar power you will not get an electricity bill at all and that means extra money in your pocket at the end of each month. This is definitely one of the best solar energy advantages.

Also for the top three solar energy advantages there is the fact that there is little to no maintenance required for solar energy systems. The solar energy advantages definitely win over and come out on top. Think of it as an investment because of all the benefits that you will be receiving but also because you are going to more than make your money back. There are more people than ever before who are benefiting from solar energy advantages and you can too.

Get the latest use of the solar power like hot water cylinder and you can also know the good points about the heat pumbs.

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Solar Energy Merits Unveiled

May 22

Posted by Jim Santos in Solar Power

Solar Energy features many advantages to supply, not only to people but to the world on the whole. These solar power advantages are essential for everybody to be aware of and especially within the environment at this time where we are struggling with major environmental crises along the lines of climatic change, there’s never been a more essential time for you to start off generating the swap from electrical energy which causes pollution to solar power which won’t. These are the solar power advantages that you want to learn more about and which are the most crucial. Of all the excellent solar technology benefits that are offered, these particular are the top rated.

Naturally one of the major solar energy benefits and also one that affects the entire world is one that’s in relation to how beneficial to our environment it really is. As opposed to ordinary electricity and fuel, solar power doesn’t pollute so you never need to stress about it doing injury to the ecosystem in the slightest.

Global warming produces a slight increase in the average temperature of the world which, in cases where it persists, means that at some point the globe would come to an end. Solar power utilizes the sun as its resource and for that reason there is absolutely no pollution being created and this is among the most significant issues because of how bad a state the atmosphere is in today.

Yet another of the major solar technology rewards is that it is so cost effective. Your electrical power expense will likely be slashed by two in the event you actually have one any longer. So not only are you caring for the atmosphere by depending upon solar power alternatively but as well you will have more cash remaining within your wallet month after month that is something that you’re absolutely going to value. The actual solar power benefits impact everyone.

Additionally with regard to the prime 3 solar power positive aspects there is the fact there exists little to no servicing required for solar energy systems. All a person does is put them together and after that because there are absolutely no moving components in solar technology systems, you are not going to need to worry about continuing expenditures for various parts as well as for routine maintenance work.

So this implies that you aren’t likely to have to worry about anything as soon as the actual system is set up which surely provides relief. Every person should be aware of the solar technology benefits and of just what solar power is able to do for them and begin creating the transition right away.

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Slash Your Electric Bill with DIY Green Energy

May 15

Posted by James Falcon in Energy

At the time the world gradually coming into the energy crisis, it is important that we shrink the utilization of non-renewable sources of energy. Alternative Energy solutions that keep on production energy without exhausting the natural resources refer to renewable energy solutions. Three categories fall into the group of renewable energy solutions most recognized and studied today: solar energy, hydro power, and wind energy.

Because the solar energy is limitless and free, use it. You may utilize sun power options at home. Using power from the sun for home will reduce your electrical power bills and save the environment. Depending on you are set up, you will apply solar power for cooking, heating and AC systems, lighting, and other electrical devices.

The solar power systems include many advantages apart from being cost-effective and environment-friendly. They really are low on maintenance as a result saving your time and effort. Investing in solar energy for your home makes a lot of sense. You receive a return on investment really soon and the systems become free to use. Bear in mind that cooking using sun power is considered incredibly healthy. If you utilize solar or wind energy in many states, you can get tax incentives to help cover any costs you may have during installation.

People have been using wind energy since before the birth of Christ. The oldest kind of renewable energy is wind power. Initially, windmills were used for towing boats and pumping water although over time, they went from grinding grain into flour to generating electricity. In this author’s opinion, this is the most efficient and sustainable form of alternative energy.

Windmills and wind generators have been always in demand. Once used in your own home, wind energy will help cut down the use of standard energy. Since wind energy is a great supply of renewable power, it will go a long way promising a bright future for next many years.

Another outstanding resource of renewable energy is hydro or water power. One can transfer the hydro energy into electrical energy to run vehicles and a variety of electrical appliances. Usually, the hydro energy is created on industrial bases. Most of the electrical energy created in the world from renewable energy, is created by hydro power.

Join thousands of individuals who make their own alternative energy for home throughout the world. Reduce your electrical energy bill and save the environment. There is a link below for more information.

Click Here for More Renewable Energy Info

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