home and garden Archive

About Green DIY Energy – Why Green DIY Energy Can Help You

By
Zach Angelo
Published: February 12, 2010Posted in: Green EnergyTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Installing solar panels in your home is one of the best ideas, not only for the sake of your utility bill, but because energy saving is important for the survival of our planet. If everyone did their own little bit to save energy, it would make all the difference in the world. I have looked at a few green DIY energy sites and can see from the video tutorials how it is actually possible to have my own solar panels without it costing a fortune.

The retail price of installing solar energy panels is extremely expensive; I have seen it advertised for $27 000 and even more. This is a scary amount of money and although we know that having this type of installation will save us up to 50% if not more on a regular electricity utility bill. It still takes some careful thought when you are expected to spend money in the tens of thousand to get your green energy working.

The way I saw the step by step installation process portrayed in green DIY energy videos and guides, was enough to convince me that just about anyone can do this, even if they have had no prior experience in working with solar energy. This is not the only site that punts you ability to DIY your own solar energy however, and you can get the facts from the horses mouth from many other resources.

One of the primary reasons for wanting a solar energy source, is to save money, but there is the bigger picture to consider also and what about saving the planet. You don’t have to be a Green-peacer to care about the environment. Start off with one panel if you like, and as you learn more about the process, and how to install it grow your eco friendly energy system. You would be amazed at how much you can learn from green DIY video tutorials.

One of the most famous pro-pundits of getting off the grid and becoming self sufficient in terms of your energy needs is a great role model for everyone. Ed Begley Jnr. Of St. Elsewhere and other fame! He is a green energy DIY genius, he has been doing this for many years and his aim is to be completely off the grid in terms of his electricity and water needs.

This guy has got his head screwed on right if you ask me. I think he said his utility bill for the few electrical items still running on the grid is about $100 a year!! He loves the fact he is saving energy and has a great deal of fun with this.

You too can have fun when you “do it yourself”, it is not only about cutting costs, but also knowing that you used your skill, and a little help to achieve something highly commendable.

Ready to build your own solar panels with Green DIY Energy and start saving money? Then you need to get the full scoop at the Green DIY Energy review and learn why I loved it. You can have your energy system up and running this weekend!

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Solar Power Cells for Your Home

By
Donald Olivia
Published: January 28, 2010Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Solar energy is often seen as the “energy of the future.” Solar panels, the devices used to convert power from the sun to electricity, are becoming more and more efficient. Today’s panels can now be tied to the power grid, or they can be “off grid” with the help of battery or wind turbine power. Solar power cells are the key to this electricity generation.

Solar panels are made up of solar cells. The cells are placed in neat lines and rows on the panel. This type of cell can also be referred to as a “module, ” which is a cell that is connected to others as a unit. Electrical power is created from these cells, which is an efficient and eco-friendly version of energy.

The cells are all forms of photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells use semiconductors in their creation of energy. These work by taking light from the sun and converting it into energy. This energy can then make electrons move around, which creates a current. This can be removed from the cells by a metal conductor.

Not all cells are the same. However, the most common cell is made out of silicon.

The blue panels that are most commonly seen are made up of polysilicon cells. These absorb more energy because they are made of a thicker material. However, these cells are also fragile, and must remain in a flat shape. They therefore are not suitable for certain uses.

Thin film solar panels are flexible, unlike polysilicon cells. However, they do not absorb as much energy because they are so thin. If layers of cells are placed together they can absorb more light.

While solar energy is sustainable (or can be used without negative environmental effects), it does have negative aspects. For one, it requires sunlight to work, but some places do not have year-round sunlight. However, it remains an efficient form of alternative energy.

You can build your own solar cells, install them in your home, and lower your electric bill by as least 50 percent. Free yourself from the electric grid, join the green revolution and learn how to build a home solar powered system. VisitSolar Power For Your Home for more information and to download plans for building solar panels.

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Install Homemade Solar

By
Donald Anthony
Published: January 22, 2010Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eco-savvy people with a view to a sustainable future should look no further than clean, renewable solar power. Recent advances in technology and manufacturing, coupled with government rebates mean that installing solar panels for your home has never been easier on the hip-pocket.

How do they work?

Unlike most other electricity sources, solar panels, also known as photovoltaic systems, do not rely on turbines to produce energy. This is because all their energy comes directly from the sun. Sunlight hits the silicon crystals in the panels, and the reaction that takes place converts solar energy into electrical energy.

Replacing grid power with solar power:

Technology still limits the capacity of these babies. Most panels can only convert about a third of the incoming sunlight into usable electrical energy. So even if you had a large number of them, you probably couldn’t run the average family home off them without some help from the mains power supply. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worthwhile, though! They can cut back your electricity bill considerably, and in some cases even put a little money back in your pocket.

Grid-tie systems:

Depending on your situation, you might be able to cut off your connection to the grid supply, and just use a battery when the solar panels aren’t keeping up. The more popular option, however, is to stay hooked up to the main power supply. If you’re generating a little extra juice, that will flow out to join the main power supply. Best of all, you’ll get paid for that power at the retail price!

On the other hand, if a cloudy day or heavy power demands at night have meant that your solar power supply is running a little low, you don’t have to go without. Any power you take back from the grid will be deducted from the power you’ve already given. If you give more than you receive, then you can earn yourself a bit of a profit.

Keeping the electricity usage down:

The way these panels work out best for you is if you’re using less power. Chuck out energy guzzling appliances and get some A++ rated ones instead, replace all your old halogen light bulbs with LED lights, get a water-saving shower head, and fill the empty spaces in your walls and roof with insulation. You’ll be saving power in no time!

You can build your own solar panels and lower your electric bill by as least 50 percent. Why not join the green revolution and learn how to build homemade solar cells for your home. VisitHomemade Solar Panels for more information and to download plans for building solar panels.

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Using Those Advantages Of Solar Energy And Why You Should Switch Over

By
Steve Schafer
Published: November 24, 2009Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , ,

Advantages of solar energy over the most used fuel resource – oil. Well there are many of them, but the biggest one will be how much better it is for the environment. So read on and find out what other reasons there are for you to consider changing to solar energy.

The sun and solar energy will always be around. As long as the sun doesn’t disappear solar energy will always be accessible to you. Yes it is true that you won’t be able to use it at night or on cloudy days. But there are ways that you can store it up, so you may not need to worry about those times.

Oil that is used all the time is not a source that is renewable. Taking millions of years in the first place to form, once it’s gone, you have to wait for that much time before you will be able to get it again. Since it’s such a highly used substance the reserves are becoming depleted quickly.

Oil can pollute the air while solar energy doesn’t. See when oil is burning it will create not only carbon dioxide but other greenhouse gases and they will go into the air. Creating an air pollutant and damaging the environment. We all know what happens with an oil spill, tons of animals can be killed and so much more.

Solar cells are something that requires very little maintenance and they are something that will last a long amount of time. It may cost you some money to first get set up with your solar panels and the other accessories that are needed. However, keep in mind that it’s a onetime cost. Something that month to month will cost you very little money. The only time you will need to spend is when you have to fix something. Oil on the other hand is something that goes up quickly and all the time.

Oil prices rise all the time and we are left at the whim of the government at times and end up paying tons of money. Solar energy will cost you that one investment and after that nothing. It’s a very simple and easy process to get set up.

Of course being good for the environment and the cost are the two biggest reasons why solar energy is much better than oil. Just remember that you may find ways that you can make your own solar panels and save money.

Look into using solar energy and save money.

There are lots of advantages to using solar energy. Find out more at Steve solar energy blog.

categories: solar energy,solar power,solar technology,green living,alternative energy,environment,home and garden,home,landscaping

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Choose Solar Christmas Lights To Brighten Your Festive Season

By
Steve Schafer
Published: November 18, 2009Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Almost everyone enjoys the Christmas festive season. It is a time when we can feel happy even though it may be cold and dark outside. The festival is not the same without the installation of various beautiful lights and decorations. Today many people are concerned about the rising cost of energy bills, to help alleviate this problem it is now possible to install solar Christmas lights. These have become very popular over the last few years and are now being bought by many families up and down the country.

These solar lights appear the same as ordinary Christmas lights. In fact the only difference is that you do not have to connect them to the power supply of your home. They come with solar cells and a battery which are used to power the bulbs and LEDs.

Many people may not be aware that even in the middle of winter the sun still provides enough energy to produce electricity. This is even true on a cloudy day. The solar cells with store the energy in a battery or two so that even at night the lights will function.

Apart from the financial savings, solar Christmas lights have another useful aspect. As they use a renewable source of energy they are much better for the environment than are regular Christmas lights.

Solar Christmas lights can be had in as many different varieties as ordinary Christmas lights. They come in many sizes, colors, designs, and styles. You can buy those that will be continuously on, or others that will twinkle like stars. The controller board will have settings on which you can fix the time that they will switch themselves on and turn themselves off.

Most brands can be safely used both indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working in any weather and conditions. They look perfect when they are attached to trees, porches, guttering, and garden accessories. If you choose to use them inside your house you must remember to leave the solar cell outdoors! You can even use them for other occasions such as birthday parties.

There are two main types of solar Christmas lights. There are the rope lights that have a row of LEDs contained in a transparent plastic tube, these look delightful when hanging from a door frame or window. The other option is string lights; these are better suited for trees and walls. All can add to a beautiful display that improves your Christmas experience.

Before you buy anything online, be sure you check Steve Schafer’s excellent free report on solar lights, and solar Christmas lights

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Indoor Solar Lights

By
Steve Schafer
Published: October 23, 2009Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

How much do you know about solar lighting? Most people don’t realize that it can be used both indoors and out. While many of us may not have considered using solar power to provide indoor lighting, it is becoming a growing trend world wide. It is a great way to save both money and energy.

Although history records the use of solar power as far back as the 7th century BC, indoor solar lighting technology is still in its infancy. In the United States, however it is being used to light small buildings in parks and other locations as well as for more industrial applications. These locations are ideal due to their lack of close proximity to sources of conventional electricity. A small number of commercial buildings in America have also installed solar lighting and we are seeing more every day.

Today most industrial indoor solar lights are a combination of light tube technology and solar powered lights. In some applications light tube and solar powered lighting is used in security sensitive areas such as prisons. The fact that light tubes can transfer a lot of light into an interior room through a very small opening makes them perfect for this application. Combining these light tubes with solar powered lighting creates a hybrid lighting system that is unmatched in effectiveness and efficiency.

There are actually many uses for indoor solar lights; like lighting up your garage, shed or gazebo – not to mention the inside of your home. The fact that you don’t need an electrical source is a big advantage. All you need is a direct source of sunlight. No worrying about light bulbs or power outages. Indoor solar light installation is usually fairly easy and requires little if any maintenance and upkeep.

Some buildings on your property may be located far away from the main dwelling, making it expensive to provide electricity for even a single bulb. Indoor solar lighting is a great way to solve that problem swiftly and in most cases at very little cost. You can use them in your home as well, in the form of solar track lights or solar skylights.

It is no wonder that that indoor solar lighting is becoming so popular, with all of the different options that are becoming available. Check out your local home improvement store and you will likely find plenty of styles of these eco-friendly lighting products. It is truly exciting to see how rapidly the science is developing with nanoparticle research and solar ink technology, making it cheaper and easier for everyone to go solar. The great thing about using indoor solar lights is that you get to save money and help the environment!

Need an easy solar lights project? Go to easysolarlighting.blogspot.com. For more info on solar technology, try solarlightssite.com.

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