home accessories Archive

The Top Five Solar Green Energy Solutions For The Home

By
Gary Nugent
Published: September 5, 2010Posted in: Green EnergyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Installing a solar power system is one of the easiest ways to add a renewable energy source to your home: try these great solar investments…

1) A solar thermal panel can be installed within a few hours and can heat all the water you need.

Even basic DIY skills are all that is needed to construct and fit these to the roof of your home and to adapt the existing water storage tanks and pumping.

2) Photo-voltaic cells producing electricity from solar energy are still prohibitively expensive for the average home user.

That said, if you’re as concerned about your impact on the larger environment through your energy use as in reducing your utility bills, there are solar power systems available that can produce up to 2 kilowatts of electricity.

So, for an investment of $15,000-$20,000, you get about a third of the average home’s electricity needs from the solar panels.

Payback will be over decades not years, but with technology improving all the time and prices dropping as production increases, this form of electricity generation is already on a par with oil based plants.

Many people now use solar power lights in their gardens. The lights are charged during the days and give off their light at night. However, such lights do not put out enough wattage to be of use indoors.

3) If you want to heat a pool, there are types of blankets offered by swimming pool suppliers which actually absorb heat and release this into the pool while it is being used.

4) The higher tech option is to add a solar collector into the current filtration system your pool uses. Between the filter and the return to the pool a solar panel can be installed to heat water on the way back.

Sounds simple and it is. In fact for the average DIY enthusiast and a few materials from the hardware store your current system can be adapted in a matter of hours.

5) A home solar powered oven is still a thing of the future but DIY cookers to replace the gas fired barbecue are simple and cheap to make.

In fact if you are prepared to wait for hours, roasting and baking boxes can be constructed for next to nothing.

Hikers can carry lightweight cookers for heating water in the wilderness without the risk of fire and as a project to demonstrate the power from the sun, this is one thing the whole family can be involved in just for fun.

Using solar power should be seen as a way of making yourself more self-sufficient. yes, it can cut the cost of your utility bills but using it means you also have the option of having your own electricity on tap should the main power grid fail for some reason.

Download our free money-saving ideas report and start cutting the cost of your utility bill. Learn how to make solar panels and other renewable energy solutions at our site.

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What To Consider When Buying Used Solar Panels

By
Susan E Freemont
Published: July 3, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , ,

Many homeowners are already making great efforts to lower their carbon footprint and their energy bills. They are installing everything from tankless water heaters and compact flourescent light bulbs to low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient AC units.

Solar electric panels are another great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills while making their homes more Eco-friendly. The price of new solar electric panels has dropped about 40 percent over the last year and prices are still slowly on the decline. But even now prices for solar electric panels are a big financial investment for many homeowners.

There is another option for homeowners who want the benefits of having solar electric panels without paying the high price. Today, you can find many used solar panels on the market that are affordable for any home.

Like buying anything used there are a few things that you need to look out for to make sure that you are still getting a quality product that performs well. First of all, check closely to see if any of the glass is cracked and have the panels checked to see if the condensers are damaged. Some of the most common problems with used solar panels are damaged connections, cracked glass, and condensation build up under the glass. Another common problem that many used solar panels have is also related to the connections. Sometimes there are loose connections in the actual solar cells.

Before buying used solar panels also be sure to test them out. You can test the power output by setting your voltmeter to DC volts. You then measure across the negative and positive terminals of the solar panel. You can find information online about the proper voltage to look for with different sized and powered solar panels.

It is not a good idea to buy solar panels with lots of damages unless you are willing to pay to have them fixed. Also, keep in mind that there are some common name brands that sell decent used solar panels.

Learn more about Arizona solar electric. Stop by Susan E Freemont’s site where you can find out all about solar companies in Phoenix and what they can do for you.

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Why You Should Consider Solar Panels In Your House

By
Simon Hereford
Published: July 2, 2010Posted in: Solar PanelsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So you think you know all about solar power and think it’s inconvenient and awkward? You don’t know just how useful it can be. Take solar rings, for instance. These are small rings that hook together and cover the surface of a swimming pool.

During the day, these rings transfer heat from the sun to the water. There’s no danger — they break apart if they are touched – -and they are very inexpensive.

When was the last time you were out somewhere and your cell phone ran out of charge? Or your laptop started winding down, and there was no outlet handy to charge it back up? If you had solar powered chargers for your cell and laptop, that would not have been an issue. You can even get special cases for laptops that have solar energy cells built in, and you can charge your laptop right in the case.

You should also definitely check out a solar powered attic fan. This fan uses solar power to run a fan to cool your attic. Because the attic is so cool, the rest of your house stays cooler as well. And it only takes a single solar panel to run.

If you have one of these fans, your air conditioning will be more efficient and also therefore less expensive. Your air conditioning unit won’t have to work to cool the attic.

You can run nearly anything in your house on solar power. It ends up being less expensive too. Maybe now you are seeing how useful and efficient solar systems are.

There is a higher upfront cost with these systems. You have to have your electric system revamped to run on solar. The cost of this should be made up by your savings on your electric bills within ten years. After that it is just pure savings for you.

Some people object to the panels because they think they are ugly, or worry that the mounts can cause roof leaks. You don’t have to reject solar power if you share this opinion. They now have special singles that are designed to look like your roof. They are still as effective, but are inconspicuous.

Check out more of this author’s work regarding products including installing metal roofing and metal roofing colors.

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Solar Electric Panels: Two Things You Must Know Before Buying

By
Susan E Freemont
Published: June 29, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , ,

There are a number of ways to make your home much more energy efficient. Homeowners can invest in new appliances, water fixtures, tankless heaters, and even something as small as new light bulbs. But there is one environmentally friendly product that many homeowners have not researched, and that is solar electric panels.

Solar electric panels can be difficult to research. Instead of finding practical and helpful information, homeowners often find tons of technical jargon and staggering price information. Solar panels are still quite a financial investment for most homeowners, and depending on the size of the home and how much energy the home uses it can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years for solar panels to pay themselves.

However, this hasn’t stopped many other homeowners from investing. If you choose the right product, they will last you up to 40 years or more and many companies offer warranties up to 25 years. Plus, your electricity bills will become a mere fraction of what they used to be. Many homeowners actually see their electric meter spin backwards after installing the panels.

When searching for solar panels for your home, there are two top things to ask for:

First, you need to know the solar module efficiency for each solar panel product that you look at. Make sure that you are given information for the solar module efficiency and not the individual cell efficiency, as it is preferable to know the efficiency of the entire working unit.

Secondly, you need to know the minimum warranted power of each product. There is a negative tolerance rating for each product which is a percentage that tells you how much power the product is guaranteed to use. As indicated by its name, the percentage should be subtracted from whatever wattage is displayed on the product box. It you have a 200 Watt panel with a negative tolerance rating of 10 percent, than the product is only guaranteed to have a power rating no lower 180 Watts (so its minimum warranted power is 180 Watts). This is a little tricky, but when it comes down it this only means that you could be paying for 200 Watt solar panels and really only get 180 Watt panels. Because of this you should buy panels with a negative tolerance rating of 5 percent or less if you want more value for your money.

To obtain this information and information about the solar module efficiency, you can simply ask the salesperson to print you out a copy of the factory specification sheet. They should not be hesitant to do this, and if they are it is advised that you shop else where.

Learn more about Arizona Solar Electric. Stop by Susan E Freemont’s site where you can find out all about solar companies in Phoenix and what they can do for you.

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Make Money And Energy With A Solar Panel And Grid Tie Inverter

By
Robert Leverett
Published: June 13, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We are all of us these days encouraged to preserve money, save energy, and save the planet.

One plan could be using alternative energy, to this aim I want to promote solar panels with a grid tie inverter.

The electricity made by the solar panel of about 20 volts could be from any additional renewable resource such as hydropower electricity.

The solar panel voltage now has to be raised to home voltage in order to save cash.

The DC from the solar panel is converted by the grid tie inverter into the AC that is used in the home.

The grid tie inverter is designed so that it does not require special boxes to link to the mains, but only needs to be plugged into a wall socket. The electronics in the circuits of the inverter make the join safely.

So the uncomplicated combination of, solar panel and grid tie inverter will supply the home with power, which you would have to buy from a company, for all the time the sun was shining.

Safety is a significant ingredient with the new grid tie inverter, because current will only feed when the household power is on. This removes any danger of power being fed back up the power lines. But if the power fails the grid tie automatically disconnects.

Adding grid ties and solar panels will permit more power to fed into the home. If no power is being used in the house, if all are away at work, the meter will run backwards, neatly making the power company pay you.

This is a straight forward and efficient system to install, cost effective and will save money in the long run. Nomally the solar panel would charge batteries and a power inverter would feed electricity to the home from them. helpful at night but costs extra in setting up.

You cannot replace the power company with a grid tie, but it will save money and you will sense you are doing your bit.

I Know many of you are anxious to save your dollars, power and do your bit to save the planet. But Solar Panels and batteries, the size and cost with ALL those batteries Well NOW YOU DON’T have to because the GRID TIE Inverter, it’s simple and easy – It just plugs in. You need to find out more?

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Home Water Heating Devices And The Various Types

By
Evan Roberts
Published: December 22, 2009Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

While many people consider the up front cost of hot water heating systems, they should pay just as much attention to the impact that one may have on their monthly heating bills.

This article is going to focus on the leading types of water heating systems, and it’s my goal to make you familiar with some of the most popular varieties.

Most people will generally use gas water heaters for their needs and the reason for this is that the up front cost associated with buying these is generally the cheapest.

On the other hand, there are a few negatives that come with the territory too. These are a bit harder to set up than other devices, and any owners of these will constantly need to purchase gas refills to keep the unit going.

Many people like the convenience offered by an electrical model. These are pretty easy to install, and owners don’t need to worry about buying gas refills to keep them going. On the other hand, one’s electric bill can be pretty high after leaving these running all the time.

Perhaps the lowest maintenance device is the solar hot water heating system, though it’s also the most expensive. Since the energy cost here is nonexistent, this is a great option for those who can afford the cost. These solar devices continue to grow in popularity.

If this is out of your price range, the on demand hot water heater might be the perfect solution for you. Your energy costs will be reasonable since the unit only runs when you want it to, though without advance planning, you may end up having to wait for your water to heat.

As it stands, these are the best possibilities in the world of hot water heating systems. Figure out your objectives, and begin looking into the process of finding the right fit from there.

While we’ve gone over the basics of the different types here, a lot more details on on demand hot water heaters can be obtained by those looking for more information.

categories: water,energy,drink,solar energy,finance,home improvement,home accessories,product reviews,advice,education,science,technology,shopping,family

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Solar Electricity – Go Green

By
Liz Durrham
Published: November 24, 2009Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , ,

Solar electricity is clean, green and even… free. It will reduce your family or business’s green house gas emissions significantly, which have been proven to contribute to global climate change. Solar electricity is the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity. Light striking solar cells is converted into electric energy . Solar electricity is generated by a group of solar modules called an array that’s installed on your roof or in your yard.

Solar energy is very clean and is a good alternative for traditional electricity. The energy comes from the sun’s rays and is known to be very environmentally friendly. Solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun’s energy and make it useable. Today, the technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand. Solar energy is produced at the core of the sun by nuclear fusion. This energy is then radiated to the convection zone, where mixing transfers the energy to the photosphere.

If you considering making use of solar energy you will be pleased to learn how easy it is to employ these solutions. Not only is it easy to implement, but it will go a long way in cutting your electricity bill substantially. In fact, you can even eliminate your electricity costs altogether.

I was surprised to learn about a few novel solar power utensils. Before we have a look at them, I need to reassure you that solar power can be stored in batteries and switched right into your existing electricity grid. You will therefore be able to use all the appliances and utensils that you are currently using. Let’s have a look at a few solar based utensils though.

Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking utensil that uses absolutely no fuel for cooking. You can cook food for up to five people in the small box. If you are thinking that using a solar cooker will reduce your chances of spreading up a varied platter on the dining table, you will be surprised to know that you can not only boil food items in the cooker but also roast and bake! The only limitation with the solar cooker is the time it takes to cook. However, given the free source of energy it uses, this is a great option for cutting down those sky-rocketing bills and saving some power.

Solar home lighting: A solar home lighting system converts solar energy into electrical energy for your home. This is done via cells that are charged with solar energy. So, in the night, if you wonder how the lights are on in the house, it is because of the solar energy stored in the solar cells. You can install the solar home lighting system in your house and not worry about the electricity bills anymore.

It is the marriage of residential solar heating and traditional heating system components that make residential solar heating so cost-effective .and popular.. Installing a solar heating system in your home is easy and will help cutting down your electricity bill. You will be pleased to know, solar heating systems are aesthetically-pleasing. As per as expenditure, investing in a solar heating system is calculated to break even in three to four years. Thereafter… your heating energy is free!

Solar energy is the future. One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it is renewable, since it takes advantage of an endless supply of energy in the form of the sun. It is also non-polluting during the generation phrase, although the production of solar cells and infrastructure can generate some pollution. Once installed, however, these cells do not pollute, and they are free to use. In fact, in regions where people can feed excess power back into the electrical grid, having solar panels can actually generate money.

With the ever increasing costs of living and threats of global warming, there hardly could be a better time to save some by starting to generate your own electricity. Learn How To create Your Own Solar Electricity.

categories: solar electricity,solar power,alternative energy,green energy,home improvement,home accessories

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Solar DIY

By
Burt Randalls
Published: October 30, 2009Posted in: Green EnergyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Therefore, solar DIY is definitely something to think about if you live in a warm climate.Would you like to cut your power costs? Home solar will definitely reduce the amount of energy you are contributing to the environment. Solar DIY instruction guides are available at all levels and commonly include the construction of solar panels, also known as photovoltaic technology to create energy you can store and use for household appliances.

Solar DIY is just one way to say do-it-yourself solar kit. You need particular parts to build a solar panel by yourself. You can build a solar panel by hand even if you do not take part in mechanical skills. A lot of people get scared at this point, because they do not have the right guidance. However, this can be as easy changing a light bulb once you have a little practice and understand the dynamics of how everything works.

Solar DIY is just one way to say do-it-yourself solar kit. You need particular parts to build a solar panel by yourself. You can build a solar panel by hand even if you do not take part in mechanical skills. A lot of people get scared at this point, because they do not have the right guidance. However, this can be as easy changing a light bulb once you have a little practice and understand the dynamics of how everything works.

With a solar DIY kit you can build a solar generator, which is what powers your electrical appliances using solar energy. Special cells are used to store generated electrical energy for future use should you choose to go that far into your project, but it does take the learning curve to the next level. So, you can light your home even after the sunset. By the way, they are emission free which means they emit no gas or pollution of any kind.

You can start building your own solar panels. You only need a set of good instructions, some simple materials and a small portion of patience and dedication. With little as US$ 200 you could have your first solar energy generator available and start enjoying the following benefits. The following are some Solar Energy Facts if you decide to welcome this clean energy source into your life.

Using my solar DIY kit I initially built a mini solar system to generate enough power for my light bulb and it worked just fine. Later, I went ahead and build a bigger one and started to see some savings on my energy bills. Gradually you will see lower and lower bills. You can save up to 80% of the electricity bill by using solar energy. This can not be a bad thing for your wallet or your families budget.

Solar power is an amazing thing. The Sun blasts enough energy over the surface everyday to provide us with more than enough power to sustain ourselves.Right now, technological limitations and financial considerations are the only reasons that we aren’t using solar power for the majority of our energy needs. That won’t be the case forever though.

Solar DIY panels use two different silicon layers to convert light into energy. The first n-type silicon layer uses light plus energy to create electrons, which increase in energy and travel through the holes of this layer onto the p-type layer, allowing the electric current to capture and convert light into electricity.

Building your own solar hot water panels collectors is a breeze. The technology is simple and easy to understand if you have the basics. Tinker your own DIY solar into new savings.

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Solar Panels On The Cheap

By
Burt Randalls
Published: October 30, 2009Posted in: Green EnergyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Additionally you want to find out if the panels are out of production, closeouts or simply not the most recent model. Many times you will want to buy replacement panels and this can affect availability. It is also important to verify that appropriate mounting hardware or kits will be readily available.

Additionally you want to find out if the panels are out of production, closeouts or simply not the most recent model. Many times you will want to buy replacement panels and this can affect availability. It is also important to verify that appropriate mounting hardware or kits will be readily available.

The average price for buying solar panels wholesale ranges from less than $2 a watt for large-scale customers to under $2.50 a watt for smaller buyers. A year ago, prices ranged from $3.50 to as much as $5 a watt. A typical residential system produces 4 to 5 kilowatts, or 4,000 to 5,000 watts.

The public has many opportunities to find wholesale or close to wholesale prices for all their solar panel needs. There are many online resources depending on if you are looking for just the panels or an entire system. Make sure that you check out our other articles on solar panels and all solar power products.

Also to be considered as an option for wholesale pricing on solar panels are the new websites like groupon.com where companies will post offers of their group discounts. And with the way the economy is, we can all use a discount right about now coupled with some more savings on our electric bill.

A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device which generates electricity directly from visible light by means of the photovoltaic effect. In order to generate useful power, it is necessary to connect a number of cells together to form a solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic module. There is more about the the different types of solar cells. The nominal output voltage of a solar panel is usually 12 Volts, and they may be used singly or wired together into an array. The number and size required is determined by the available light and the amount of energy required.

Buying solar panels wholesale does not always insure getting the most up to date products. Many of the high end manufacturers only sell to authorized dealers who they certify personally. It is very unlikely to find the newest panel designs sold as wholesale products. After a product has passed its prime then they are sold in bulk to supply companies who wholesale them to dealers and non-dealers alike.

Many companies that sell solar panels wholesale primarily purchase foreign made products. These are not subject to the same stringent inspections as those made domestically. For this reason it is important to make sure that you recognize the brand name and manufacturer of any solar products that you purchase. Most foreign manufacturers are located in Mexico, Hong Kong or China.

Building your own solar panels wholesale is a breeze and just what you want to take the edge off of those high electric bills. The technology is simple and if you have the basics. Tinker your own solar panels wholesale into new savings.

categories: home improvement,green energy,solar energy,DIY,education,hobbies,home accessories,home repair,technology

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