Posts Tagged ‘energy’

A Look At Green Energy Solar Powered Homes

Sunday, November 11th, 2012

Most of us don’t have the budget for a large-scale solar installation, and these systems are generally not very cost effective yet. If you live in an apartment, then you are definitely out of luck; not only are you unable to add solar panels outside of your apartment, but you also have no control over many of the appliances inside the apartment, which means that management can fill your apartment with energy hogging appliances and there is little you can do to stop them. There is hope for those wishing they could go a little greener, however. There are many devices entering the market that have self-contained solar power units, many of which will also charge using inside lights or streetlamps.

The smallest unit of solar electricity generation is a solar cell. These are small wafers of silicon and generate about as much power as a flashlight battery. While not very useful on their own they can easily be joined together to generate more power. To put this into numerical terms, each solar cell produces one to two watts (W) of electricity. If you are reading this on a laptop, it will consume around 100 watts, so you need to wire 50 to 100 cells together just to run one item. Of course, the sun isn’t always shining, so you will need even more cells to charge a battery that can power your laptop when it’s nighttime or on cloudy days.

Place power usage meters in all of the outlets in your home. While this may seem a little much, these meters will tell you how much each item in your home is drawing in terms of power. This will make you more aware of ghost electronic items that draw a lot of energy even when they are not on. This will make you more aware as how to save energy each month. This is a wonderful way to increase your energy savings and help you get the most out of the energy that you generate through your new solar panels.

Can I buy solar panels anywhere? – Most electronics stores and garden or home improvement stores or will stock solar powered goods at the very least; find the right store and they will sell everything you need. If you don’t know what you’re doing with electronics it is highly advisable that you seek professional guidance, and a quick search on the Internet or a flick through your phone book will find several distributors and fitters of PV tiles and grid tie systems.

Get your property inspected by an expert. Solar panels will work well in a sunny area; you might have to cut down some trees to improve the exposure of your roof or yard. Find the best location possible for your solar panels and assess your energy needs carefully. There are a few things you can do to reduce your energy consumption, such as switching to sustainable light bulbs, using skylight tubes to get natural sunlight and making a conscious effort to turn off the lights and appliances you do not use.

Systems that generate energy from the sun can create a tranquil home environment, due to their silent and efficient operation. They also do not create harmful emissions that damage the environment, leaving you with a feeling of contribution to the larger scheme of things.

Make sure you check out the new technologies available to you. The solar energy industry is fairly new as far as the current market trend. Therefore, you need to make sure you consistently look for new options as you continue to learn more about solar energy and plan your house accordingly.

Many people are switching over to solar energy as a means to save money and give back to the environment. Solar energy is clean renewable energy and can be a great alternative to traditional means of getting the energy you need to power your home. Hopefully this article has given you a better idea of some of the positive as well as negative aspects of making the switch to solar energy.

If you want to install solar panels yourself, you have to be fully equipped with all the information you need. So before you start planning your DIY Solar Power System Project, Click Here for more detailed tips about Solar Power Benefits and Disadvantages.

Why I Use Wind Turbines for Home Use

Saturday, October 13th, 2012

Sustainable and renewable strength is a significant solution to local weather adjust and wind turbines for dwelling use are slowly currently being presented like a superior choice electrical power resource. In the previous, kinetic or wind electricity was employed to strength windmills for applications of farming and water generation. But now, wind generators can be used to make electricity in homes. one. How do wind turbines work? Wind generators are geared up with large blades that require in kinetic electricity, which is then transformed to mechanical vitality. In simpler phrases, the turbine’s blades spin quicker due to wind velocity, producing an electricity-generating turbine. Electric power is then generated to electric power household appliances and gizmos. The power generated by a wind turbine might range between underneath a hundred watts to 50 kilowatts. Wind turbines for home use are usually smaller and produce electrical energy from 0.6 kilowatts to two.five kilowatts.

two. Exactly what are the kinds of wind turbines employed for residences? You can find two kinds of wind turbines for household use: the roof-mounted turbines and free-standing mast-mounted generators. Roof-mounted wind turbines are smaller sized and put on roofs where maximum wind ability might be obtained. To the other hand, free-standing mast-mounted turbines are tall structures erected in open up destinations in which there are potent winds and tiny obstruction this kind of as trees and buildings.

3. What exactly are the main advantages of wind generators for dwelling use? Wind turbine energy have positive, long-term effects to you personally as well as the environment. First of all, appliances that are operate by wind turbines don’t depart carbon footprints on the surroundings due to the fact it does not launch any carbon dioxide. Similarly, since the most crucial resource of kinetic power will be the wind, that you are certain to help save on power and be freed from electric power prices. Moreover, with the government’s Feed-In Tariff (Match) plan, houses which create electrical power through wind turbines is going to be paid a specific volume to the electricity created.

four. Exactly how much do wind turbines for domestic use value when it comes to set up and servicing? Prices would depend on the size and kind of turbine. Roof-mounted turbines price tag 2,000 while a free-standing turbine ranges from 15,000 to 22,000. Preservation fees might attain as many as 200 but checks are only performed every other 12 months. Turbines previous as many as 20 years, but there may be a ought to replace inverters and batteries.

5. How do you determine if wind turbines for domestic use are right for you? Potential energy generation by the wind turbine will rely on your area’s wind velocity and wind trail. If you live in the UK and are fortunate to receive 40% of Europe’s wind area, then a wind turbine system is perfect for your home. Otherwise, it is suggested that you install an anemometer for three months and observe the average wind velocity in your area. You may also use a Power Predictor, which tells the wind and solar potential of your location. Lastly, consult with manufacturers on the specifications and requirements of their wind turbines to see if you are a fit candidate to have this renewable energy system in your home. The 8 Benefits of Wind Turbines for Home Use A good renewable and sustainable energy source is wind energy, and this has resulted in the creation of smaller wind turbines for home use. Homes in the UK, US and Canada have already made wind turbines as its main source of energy with its ability of creating enough electricity to power appliances and other utilities. Acquiring a wind turbine energy system may cost around 2,000 up to 20,000 depending on the size and kind of turbine, while maintenance costs range from 1,000 to 2,000 every other year. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits of wind turbines for home use make the investment worth it. Benefits of Residential Wind Turbines

Wind energy is clean energy. It does not waste any resource because it creates infinite energy from wind velocity. Energy generated by wind turbines for home use does not leave a carbon footprint on our environment. Wind energy does not produce carbon dioxide or other hazardous chemicals which cause climate change. Since wind energy comes from our environment, it does not release any pollutants and hazardous waste materials. Compared to nuclear or gas energy, wind energy ensures that no resource is wasted. Energy from wind turbines is considered as a sustainable and renewable source. With wind as its main source, wind turbine systems promise to give you infinite energy. Wind turbines for home use does not cost that much to maintain. Turbines last 20 years and needs to be checked only every few years. Inverters, batteries and other mechanisms are replaced only when needed. Wind energy will eliminate your energy costs. Having a residential wind turbine allows you to create your own electricity from the wind, an unlimited natural source. When your turbine is in place, you will be free of electricity bills. You will experience independence from electric companies by acquiring a wind turbine energy system for your home. You no longer have the burden of paying extra charges on your electric bill because you have now created your own energy source. Unlike other alternative energy systems, turbines collect energy 24 hours a day, thus making wind turbines for home use ideal because of its infinite supply.

You can get details about Save Energy at Home options and a summary of the benefits of using the Wind Turbines for Home Use Tips , now.

Solar Energy For Homes – Using Solar Panels

Friday, October 12th, 2012

You don’t have to be an environmentalist to understand the value of clean renewable energy from the sun. Solar energy is a form of energy that pays for itself time and again. This is something you cannot say about fossil and other earth based fuels. Even though setting up a solar energy system represents an out of pocket expense initially, when you use solar energy, your fuel bills will decrease, and you may even be able to sell some energy back to the power grid. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of solar energy.

On the positive side, solar energy is 100% free once you make the initial investment. And, at least for another few billion years, the sun isn’t going anywhere. It’s far more likely that the human species will be wiped out long before the sun burns out. So as long as it’s here, it’s providing free power for all.

Another common use of solar heating is in pool heaters. This setup works the same as the solar water heater only instead of water for home use, filtered pool water is run through the system. When coupled with a pool cover these systems will generally double the amount of time the pool is usable in a year. If you need access to your pool year-round, however, you will probably still need a gas or electric heater as the lower temperatures couples with weaker sunlight means the solar system will have a hard time keeping up. These systems will even pay for themselves in as little as two years.

Many governmental building have incorporated enormous solar panels to support the use of solar energy. Consider an outing with your children where they spot buildings that use solar energy. Even if you can’t afford to adapt your house to solar energy you can familiarize your children with solar panels and their many benefits.

Another factor that you need to consider is if your energy savings amount is realistic. Yes, your electric bill will be cheaper, but is it going to be as cheap as you hoped? The amount of money you will save will depend on many things. How big is your house? How big are the solar panels? How many solar panels are you planning on installing? Factor in the savings and make sure your expectations are realistic.

Considering that you’ve seen some of the most remarkable solar energy facts and now have an understanding regarding what solar energy can possibly do for the environment, you’d probably want to know just exactly what solar energy is. To put it simply, solar energy is the heat and light energy emitted from the sun. The sun constantly generates vast quantities of energy into our solar system. Approximately 30% of the sun’s energy that reaches the earth is immediately deflected by the atmosphere, and another 20% is absorbed into the atmosphere. However, around 50% of the energy actually reaches the earth’s surface, where it fuels photosynthesis in plants, maintains both hot tropical and warm temperate climates, maintains the temperature of the ocean, and generally speaking keeps our planet alive. All of this is accomplished without creating any pollution or destruction of natural resources.

You have to know what kind of wattage you’re going to be using in your home. Look at your past energy consumption, and also think about how you’re wanting to transition. You are going to be thinking about and finding ways to reduce energy consumption within your home, so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open to this wonderful learning experience.

As you can see, pv solar panels have many advantages, but they are a long term investment, so it is important that you carefully consider your purchase decision, especially if you are planning on moving house within the next 5 years. Perhaps your money could be better spent on various other green home improvement options instead.

If you are searching for more particular information about Solar Power Costs and Benefits, I highly recommend you visit the Installing Solar Panels on Your House Blog.

About Solar Energy Panels

Saturday, October 6th, 2012

With the concerns many have about what pollution has done to our environment, you are probably looking for ways to leave as little of an impact as possible. If you can not afford to use solar panels to provide energy for your entire home there are still things that you can do. Continue reading this article to learn about inexpensive ways to put the sun’s rays to use.

Once the system is installed and running, it should last for a long, long time. The cells used are very durable, as well as most of the other materials used. Solar systems will usually have a longer life than the actual shingles you have on your roof. So once they’re up and running, you won’t have to worry.

Find out about tax incentives to help you pay for your solar panels. This takes a lot of research. There are federal incentives for solar energy, and individual states have also gotten into the act to varying degrees. Even some local cities have incentives available for those who choose to power their homes with solar energy. Find out what you are eligible for, so you can get as much help as you can.

Lastly, this decision is about you and your family. Now that you have this information, talk with your family about the benefits and downfalls of switching to solar energy. Make sure that you have more than enough funds to start and complete the project, as the installation of a solar energy unit can be costly.

This is something you will have to check individually. Some people cannot even grow a certain type of bush or pave their driveway due to the laws and different ordinances where they live. So before you make the financial investment of purchasing solar panels, you need to make sure that your association will allow it to be installed.

Now it’s time to fully draft up that plan. Take everything you’ve learned into consideration, and draft up a plan the way you see yourself solarizing your home. Your plan will have changes from time to time, and you must be open to changes. New things surface all the time, and you will be consistently researching.

With any type of construction some areas require certain licenses and permits. You will need to find out if there are any special requirements for the area you live in. Without following the rules in your area, you could get into quite a bit of trouble (even if you did not know about the rule).

Once you know the basics and have continued your research of the solar energy industry, you are going to find the rest of the process will go fairly smoothly. The sooner you install, the more money you’re immediately going to start saving. Come out from under the power company, and use clean energy. Protect your wallet and the environment. Remember these helpful tips as you carry out your solar energy plan for your home.

If you are searching for more particular information about Homemade Solar Power System, I highly recommend you visit the Energy Produced By Solar Panels Blog.

Solar Energy For Homes – Using Solar Panels

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Solar panels initially entered the general public’s eyes in the 70s, which was way back when an average solar PV installation for house could possibly cost next to 10,000 dollars or more. Lately though the price tag of solar power along with professional installation is a lot less making these a worthwhile option for home owners and firms alike. The way in which solar panels operate, they make use of energy directly from the sun’s light and transform it into electrical power for your residence, business and more. Solar energy is more preferable for the eco system and therefore is increasing in attractiveness amongst homeowners and businesses.

Show them products they should purchase so that they can use solar energy. Let your family know where they can find solar energy products and let them know that the market is growing for products like this. You can let your friends know as well because it is important that as many people as possible invest in solar energy. With a combined effort, people can slowly convert to solar energy, and we can help this planet as a collective that much more.

One of the downsides about living in any civilized country is that there are more laws and regulations than you can possibly fathom. In America alone, the federal government passes tens of thousands of new laws a year. And while most of them are minor, you are still almost guaranteed to be in violation of at least a dozen! You just don’t know about it. So before you install any panels, check with both your local, state and federal regulations just to be safe.

The most immediate and quantifiable benefit of installing solar energy is the fact that you will reduce your monthly electric bill. All over the country, local utilities are seeking to increase rates for electricity because of the rising cost of fuel to power their generators. Given this fact, and the fact that the cost of energy has been increasing for the past several years, you can only assume that your monthly electric bill will be going up. By installing solar energy panels in your home, you insulate yourself from the volatile and expensive fossil fuel energy market.

You should know that you can sell a part of the electricity you produce with your solar panels to the main grid. This usually covers the energy you draw from the main grid at night, but you could end up making a few dollars if you make a conscious effort not to use energy at night and get a couple more solar panels than you need. Between this, your tax return and the money you will be saving on utilities, you should be able to cover the cost of your solar panels in the long term. You could also buy your electricity from a provider who relies on green energies; this is usually more expensive than getting your electricity from a more popular provider, but you will benefit from tax incentives.

Some people are afraid to install solar systems in their home because they may not have power on a cloudy day. However, solar system do still work on cloudy, rainy days. The power will just be at a reduced level.

If you want to go all out and make solar energy the only source of your energy you will need to switch over any gas lines to use electricity. The initial expense of this can be somewhat high, but if you can afford it, you will be able to eliminate your energy expense completely. Of course, you will also be doing the environment a huge favor, which is likely one of the reasons you want to use only solar powered energy. Be sure to hire a professional to help you retro fit your home, to ensure that you do not incur additional expensive fixing the system later.

Solar PV systems deserve the large amount of attention they have gotten in recent years, with few disadvantages for the individual homeowner – and a multitude of benefits for the world-at-large. Take these insights and use them to enhance your own knowledge of how to make the important decision of whether to install solar roof panels in your own home.

For more information about solar power systems and how to successfully install them yourself, don’t hesitate to visit these links: How to Install Solar Power Systems, Solar Power System Installation.