solar energy Archive

3 Reasons You Should Take Solar Energy Seriously

By
Chris Scott
Published: July 28, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , ,

Did you ever consider that perhaps you should take solar energy seriously? That identical thought has occurred to lots of people. Lots of individuals have had the exact same idea a number of them actually acted on that thought. Most never see it through the daydream stage. Sometimes it is because they may have excessive inertia to get started. Sometimes it is because there are many unknowns. Still other times it is because they think they can’t do it.

Let’s not get hung up within the negatives before we begin. We ought to think and become more analytical. Let’s have a look at the for and against register on how we could take solar energy seriously and consider them one at a time.

First of all, on the “Pro” side, I’d point out that solar energy is essentially free energy, no matter what the climate there is some amount of solar energy which can be captured. Fine, I acknowledge your objection, on the “Con” side, and I agree you have a legitimate point if you say it may appear that solar energy cannot meet all your heating and power needs, which in many cases is probably true. But I want to additionally point out that we currently waste a great amount of energy, so solar can go a long way to meeting out heat and power needs.

Secondly, you truly should consider that our current sources of energy will not last forever, so what example are we leaving future generations. And, likewise, due to limited resources, the price of fossil fuel energy will only increase in the long run. Plus, even better, by using solar energy and other forms of renewable energy, we can become energy independent.

Third and finally, you’ll get a feel good factor knowing you helped the environment and lowered your energy bills. And that will mean that you have more money to spend on other more important things. What’s more, added to that, in addition, you will avoid the green taxes, which governments are considering.

Once you consider the reasons and evaluate them, I expect that you will have to admit that a compelling case can be made for thinking about how you can take solar energy seriously.

So just consider that for a moment. We just made quite a good case in favour. Perhaps you truly should take solar energy seriously.

Learn more about Used Solar Panels. Stop by Chris Scott’s site where you can find out all about Solar Covers For Pools and what it can do for you.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Landlords, Cut Your Bills With Solar Heating Tubes

By
Craig Axelrod
Published: July 27, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Anybody that has spent any time with the real-estate rental business knows that energy expenses are a big concern for landlords. Many of these costs are passed on to tenants, of course, but nevertheless, lowering these costs would help you gain a substantial edge in the real estate rental market. If you install solar heating tubes you can cut a large chunk out of your energy consumption and thus save you money on your energy bills. Landlords, cut your bills with solar heating tubes. Solar heating tubes are the next generation of solar technology, making it simple for you to harness the power of the most plentiful power source in the solar system – the sun. Recent developments in solar energy reception have made solar power practical even in areas where solar power was previously thought to be unusable, specifically cloudy countries and cold climates.

The Benefits of Solar Heating Tubes

We’re all familiar with solar panels. The technology has been with us ever since sixties, and we have all seen them on roof tops. Although solar panels work well in the right climate, they did have a few fundamental design flaws, their flat surface for example, which requires direct sunlight to function. The shape and methods of storing the energy once it was received also led too much of the solar energy being lost. Solar heating tubes correct these design flaws by using a cylindrical shape, making it possible for the tubes to be positioned so they receive sunlight during all daylight hours, thus gathering in more of the sun’s energy. Further, the energy is stored in a more efficient manner, employing a vacuum tube which retains a much higher percentage of the solar energy captured.

Solar heating tubes are ideal for providing warm water for your building, thereby reducing your landlord energy expenses. You may be able to save even more money by using solar heating tubes to heat your entire building. The more solar power you are able to use, the less you will need to depend on other, less affordable power sources. As an additional advantage, your building will appeal more to an increasingly environmentally conscious public, expanding your potential tenant base.

Go Green and Attract More Tenants

Today’s rental market is very competitive and it is only going to become increasingly so in the future. The largest expense facing any landlord is energy costs but you can stay ahead your competition in this area by installing solar heating tubes and providing hot water to your building for free.

With the united states and several other world governments firmly behind green energy initiatives, the government will underwrite much of the costs in switching over to renewable energy technology. Solar heating tubes are on the leading edge of the new green energy movement. Whether your building houses apartments, industry, or virtually anything else, landlords, you will cut your bills with solar heating tubes.

Craig Axelrod is a principal for Emmy Energy, a NY solar energy operation offering solar heating tubes solar electricity systems & clean energy products in the North East.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Concerning The Government Incentive Benefits Of Utilizing Solar Power From Sunfusion Solar

By
Robert Witherspoon
Published: July 25, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , ,

Government incentive benefits of utilizing solar power exist in many areas of the world, and are contributing to the growth of this earth friendly industry. The solar technology began with satellites and has spread to many public and private arenas. Japan pioneered much of the commercial and residential applications, followed by Germany and the United States. Government programs provide incentives, develop markets, and support the use of solar energy in many ways.

The current incentives in the United States consist of tax credits, tax relief or exemption, and grant money being available to encourage the installation of solar devices. The program is a federal one, but is often administered on the state and local level. Any taxpayer is eligible for tax credits. Grants are often limited to large projects, such as hospitals or schools, or to small business, but some localities have programs, administered through the social service agencies, for low income families who wish to use solar energy arrays for their homes.

The ‘cap’ or limit to the percentage of cost that can be offset by tax credits changes often, but the savings can amount to 30% or more of installation price. Sometimes the savings can be even greater when the federal, state, and local incentives are added together. Not all states or localities offer incentives, so you will need to investigate what is available in your area.

Tax credits are savings, in that they lower the tax liability of the taxpayer. Exemptions are up front savings, as when no sales tax is collected on solar components and services. The new energy system may be exempt from property tax assessment, too. Contractors, government officials, and tax experts can tell you what is offered in your region.

The government subsidizes solar energy projects when it awards grants, which do not need to be paid back, or underwrites low cost loans. These are repaid by adding the payments on to the monthly electric bill. Utility companies often have incentive programs of their own, and sometimes offer rebates on energy efficient appliances.

As the governments around the world line up in support of using of solar energy, the number of users will grow, expanding the market and making the technology ever more affordable. The recession has slowed the spread of solar power, but the industry is bouncing back as concern over greenhouse gases grows. It is estimated that the world could get more than half of its energy from solar power one day in the not so far off future.

An expanding market is more attractive to investors, and the economics of solar energy production should grow rapidly with the boost of incentives. This switch to solar power will relieve some of the burden on the conventional grid supply, and lower the price of electricity for all. The benefits of government involvement in this technology go far beyond the initial investment of tax monies, as all people share the world’s economy and environmental pollution consequences. When you think of energy gathered from the sun, whether you plan to use it or not, remember it is helping you and your planet.

Understanding the government incentive benefits of utilizing solar power may make you a fan of solar power even if you never use it anywhere but in your cell phone. This space age technology may help us save the planet and save money as well.

For additional info and questions in regards to SunFusion Solar and Government Solar Incentives please visit the SunFusion Solar group at www.sunfusionsolar.com

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Solar Heating Tubes: The Ideal Solar Energy System

By
Craig Axelrod
Published: July 25, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , ,

In the current financial and political climate, intelligent building owners are looking for new ways to conform to the ever changing government regulations and the demands of tenants. Searching for more environmentally conscious ways to supply energy to our buildings presents a big challenge.

We’ve all heard about the latest advances in wind technology and the great strides that have been made in that area, but you may not have heard about solar heating tubes: the other green energy source. There is no better, or more untapped, source of renewable energy than the sun. Every day, 365 days per year The sun gives us energy in the form of light and heat all year long. But most of the energy it supplies goes to waste, while instead we burn carbon fuels, which are quickly running out, becoming more expensive and pollute the atmosphere. Things will only get worse if we continue to rely on fossil fuels, and the time to embrace an environmentally favorable approach to supplying our energy needs is now, while the governments of many states and countries are offering financial incentives.

Using solar heating tubes to produce green energy has several benefits, both to property owners and their tenants. Depending on the amount of hot water is used in the building, the savings can be enormous, even if solar energy is used only to heat the building’s water. Obviously, different types of building will use massively different amounts of hot water, but very few buildings use no hot water at all, whether it’s tenants taking showers, doing laundry, washing dishes, or using warm water for general cleaning purposes. Many homes also use central heating systems, using coils of heated water underneath the floor boards to heat the entire building. If your buildings are heated this way, you will be able to cut your heating bills significantly, if not entirely.

In places like New York solar energy has always been regarded as ineffective as the weather is changeable and there is often not enough direct sunlight for solar panels to be effective. Solar heating tubes, on the other hand, work differently and are able to capture much more sunlight. The shape of the solar heating tubes allows the receiving unit to harvest solar energy throughout the day, as the sun’s rays will be striking the surface of the cylinder during all daylight hours, as opposed to flat solar panels, which need direct sunlight to work effectively. The energy collected is then kept inside copper rods and the tubes are vacuum-sealed, allowing almost none of the energy to escape. The tubes are so well insulated that the outside of the tubes will remain relatively cool even though the copper rods inside can reach more than three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. The combination of these two factors makes it possible for landlords to use solar energy even in cooler climates. If you are a landlord in New York green energy is now a practical option.

This is one green technology that you would be a fool not to make use of. Installing solar heating tubes will not only reduce your carbon footprint and help save the planet, it has the potential to leave a lot of added green in your bank account. When you look at it that way, it’s very difficult to ignore the benefits of installing solar heating tubes.

Craig Axelrod is a principal for EmmyEnergy.com, a LI solar energy system operation delivering solar heating tubes solar power systems & clean energy systems throughout the Northeast.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Sun Energy History Goes Back To Historic Civilizations

By
Jim Gallow
Published: July 25, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , ,

The use of the sun for energy is steeped in solar power history. Although the collection and use we see today was not developed until the late 19th century, ancient societies used it for warmth and as a growing tool.

Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans all used the sun for their heating and even for the growing of plants. Glass windows were used by Romans because they understood the benefits of catching sun through glass and that the heat did not escape easily.

The Romans took it a step further than heating for their homes and made crude greenhouses in which to collect the sun to grow plants and vegetables more quickly. It extended their growing season and gave them larger crops.

The pueblos and other hillside dwellings were often built by Native American and Greeks facing the sun so they could collect the warmth to heat their houses, then at night the air would cool and they had fresh heat that would enter in the morning.

Greeks used the sun in much the same way, although they did not get the idea from each other. Societies independently figured out that the sun was a useful resource that should not be wasted.

That was the extent of the use of the sun for several hundred more years. In the late 1700′s a man named Horace de Saussare designed a device that collects sunlight. The collector cone gathered the sun to boil ammonia. The result was refrigerant. Scientists were enthralled with this new idea all the way throughout the 1800′s.

Steam engines were developed next, but were not particularly efficient. They were expensive to run and difficult to keep running once they were started. There was still great potential in the sun’s power, though, so experimentation continued and a solar cell was invented in the 1800′s, beginning the practical solar power history.

In order to utilize solar and wind electricity, please visit my website, where you can also read my GreenDIYEnergy review.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

There Are Alternative Energy Solutions Which Can Cut Your Household Bills.

By
Adriana Noton
Published: July 25, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

If your energy bills are getting higher and higher and you are finding it difficult to cope then you may be thinking of investing in an alternative power supply. There are now some cheaper ways to get renewable energies installed and you could be making savings quickly. You can now get lots of information on the internet and elsewhere about alternative energy solutions.

The momentum for changes in energy is also coming from the environmental movement. Climate change and environmental degradation is a concern for many people so organizations, governments and individuals are all trying to bring about change. Individuals are contributing to the fight against global warming by changing their energy use and using sustainable green energy, wind power, and clean supplies.

Before you invest in sustainable energy you will probably want to understand the potential savings. There are no accurate average figures for this as really there are no average households. Many factors change energy consumption and the gains from each technology. Therefore it is a good idea to use an online energy calculator. It will use your information to work out how much you can save by using different types of sustainable energy.

The two most popular forms of sustainable home energy are wind and solar power. There are advantages to both but the location of your house will probably be the deciding factor because the weather is so important. For example, to make use of solar power you really need many hours of sunlight each day.

The photovoltaic cells in solar panels need a lot of sunlight to generate significant amounts of electricity. Therefore they have to be placed in a location where they can take in as much of the light throughout the day as possible. For many years solar power did not represent good value for money to many people as the installation costs were very high. However in recent years the cost has come down a lot and so now the investment may be worth it for you.

When investigating wind power there are a couple of things to check out. Firstly you need to assess whether there is sufficient wind where you live to power a turbine. Also you need to work out how much power you will get from the size of turbine which you can afford and have space for. Just like solar power the up-front costs of wind power have come down a lot over the last few decades. The turbines are also more efficient and will make more electricity from the same wind.

One way households can reduce the costs of installation and start saving money quicker is to build and install the new energy technology themselves. Building solar panels from scratch is possible from items available online or in hardware stores. There are also kits which have all the parts and instructions but they are a little more expensive. It is also possible to build wind turbines but if you intend to install a large one it is better to get professional help. However micro turbines can be built and installed even by people who do not have building experience. If you wish to investigate the self build route then there is lots of advice on the internet.

Finding alternative energy solutions is important for all of us so that we can mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce energy costs for our households.

Since 1970, the top retailer for solar power toys offers a wide variety of resources to aspiring scientists. Learn about alternative energy solutions, among other scientific knowledge, with these high-quality science lab equipment.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Be In Control Of Your Own Energy! Use Wind Power!

By
Allen Anderson
Published: July 24, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , ,

Wind energy is readily available but wind power is not. Unfortunately, the wind power system has not reached the status of becoming a regular power system. However, the good news is that the concept is picking up.

Why should we care so much about wind power? Wind power is a great solution to our energys problems of supply and pollution. The convention ways of producing electricity make use of the non-renewable fuels, not only making such resources scarce but also affecting the environment negatively. The power generated by wind proves beneficial in the following ways:

Free source of energy ” Wind power obviously comes from wind energy. This wind energy as we all know is free. As long as the wind keeps blowing we can have a steady flow of usable energy for all of our needs. No environmental hazards “Wind power does not release any by product into the air even as it is converted into usable energy.

Cost-effective ” Once you get the initial costs of a wind energy system out of the way, you wont be paying much to generate this electricity. After installation, youll be generating free energy, thus reducing your energy bills.

Self-dependent source – Making use of wind power makes you independent. You no longer depend on the government and its agencies for power.

So how does power come from wind?

A wind turbine is employed to make use of the abundant wind energy. Wind turbines takes wind and is able to make it into mechanical energy which in turn could be made into electrical energy. Such a wind turbine is generally referred to as a windmill. A wind generator is a wind turbine that further converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

For what can we use wind power?~

The uses of wind power can power pretty much anything any other power source is used to power. Lets look at some of the popular ones: Running all possible electrical and electronic appliances.

By employing a wind turbine at your home or farm, you definitely make the world a better place. Wind power eliminates or at least reduces the need and dependence of fuel which is one step closer to fixing our energy problems. The now solution is wind and solar energy.

Want to learn more about how to reduce your energy bill and make your own solar energy? Learn more about your own homemade solar panels at Go-SolarEnergy.com!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

How To Build Your Own Windmill

By
Allen Anderson
Published: July 23, 2010Posted in: Solar PanelsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A windmill is a device that converts wind energy into other types of energy. They produce this energy by using mechanical energy that produces electrical energy. Windmills have been discussed as a great way to produce power instead of traditional ways due to clean method and unlimited resource. Producing wind energy from windmills is not a new idea as it has been around for a while, pumping water and used for towing boats. People have used their knowledge of how to build a windmill to create wind energy for decades.

Wind power is something that should be invested in, especially in these economic and environmental times. We should strive to make the world a better place and alternative energy is a step in the right direction in doing so. The windmill proves to be an economical option, especially in farms and in the countryside. A windmill may not be the optimum solution in a highly-populated area.

What are the prerequisites for setting up a windmill?

The first pre-requisite is that you have at least an acre of space dedicated to the spot of where you are going to place your windmill.

It is not recommended to work with less than an acre of space due to the fact that the windmill blades may not be able to produce as efficiently and create enough wind power to generate wind energy.

Another thing to keep in mind when installing your windmill is to be sure your area has the average wind speed of 11 miles per hour blowing through your neighborhood. If you live in areas where there are skyscrapers or high-rise buildings that may interfere with wind, you may want to be sure you have an area where it wont be blocked by such. You can easily find research on the wind speed in your area to find out if you meet these pre-requisites.

You will need the following components to make a windmill.

Blades: These blades are responsible for making use of the wind energy. Blades are typically made of wood or plastic.

Tower: The tower is the pillar that holds the system high enough to be able to use the wind. They are made up of sturdy material such as poly-vinyl chloride.

Shaft: The shaft is used to join the blades to the tower, at the same time allowing them to rotate smoothly.

Base: The base of the windmill is what holds the tower and the blades intact.

How can you setup a windmill? You can find do it yourself windmill kits on the market now with easy to understand instructions to install yourself.

Find a review of great guides such as Earth 4 Energy review to see if it fits your needs in helping you build your own wind energy system today. These guides also help you learn how to make solar energy.

Want to learn more about how to reduce your energy bill and how to build your own windmill? Learn more about the Green DIY Energy review windmill guide at Go-SolarEnergy.com!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Is A Nomad 27M Solar Panel Kit

By
Jordan Eske
Published: July 23, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Nomad 27M solar panel is a convenient source of power made in mono-crystalline solar technology. This particular product uses 27 watts of electricity, and is rechargeable in all types of weather. When it’s sunny, it can take as little as four and half-hours to recharge fully. When partly sunny, it takes up to 7 hours and 15 hours in overcast weather. These times may vary depending on the battery you are using. For instance, the Sherpa 120 will take 10, 17 and 36 hours in sunny, partly sunny and overcast weather respectively. Others like Ranger 350 will take 31, 45 and 100 hours to recharge fully in the three different types of weather respectively. This is not a long time to wait considering there are no bills to pay for the recharge!

It is ideal for charging electronics and has eight small panels providing power, so you can use one at a time. One of the greatest attributes of the Nomad 27M solar panel is its size. It measures 22.5″ x 44.5″ x 0.03″ which drops to 10.5″ x 7″ x2″ when folded. Folding it makes storage easy. Homes where space is a problem will find it quite appropriate because when folded, you can easily store it in a drawer or case. It is also light in weight (3.4 lbs) and can be carried along when traveling, going on a hike or any other outdoor adventure. Simply attach whatever it is you need to charge on the solar panel, be it a phone or torch, fasten the panel on your backpack and keep walking!

Of course the biggest advantage of the Nomad 27M solar panel over the 13.5M panel is that the 27M produces a higher output, thereby making is more efficient. With that said, the 27M is also capable of storing energy for a greater length of time than the 13.5M version. Both models do however use the same 12V voltage for charging purposes, although the 27M utilizes an 18V open voltage circuit.

Nomad 27M solar panel comes with three support rods made of aluminum, which provide stability when charging. You can use them to hold the panel in place when charging outdoors. It also comes with four sturdy grommets, which enable you to hang the panel at different angles. If you are worried about the clutter connecting electronics often brings, then you don’t have to anymore. It has a built in pocket that holds the connector cord in place when charging your items. This prevents the danger of someone tripping over the cord and being injured. You can place it at a far corner or if there are children in the house, you can easily put it under a chair or under the bed.

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 living eco friendly since 2008. And in 2009 he decided to help consumers go green too with solar power. The Nomad 27M Solar Panel is rising in popularity for adventurers.

categories: portable solar panel,solar panel,battery charger,portable power,power,energy,green,eco friendly,solar,alternative energy,survival,recreation,travel,camp

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I Want Self Sufficient Living!

By
Toby Chacone
Published: July 23, 2010Posted in: solar energyTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With pollution on the rise and economic troubles mounting, more and more people are becoming interested in self sufficient living. Let’s take a look at what it means to be self sufficient as well as things to keep in mind when considering transitioning to that lifestyle.

A Definition… Self sufficient living refers to depending on renewable resources for the needs of everyday life. This means choosing to utilize those resources as opposed to depending upon municipal systems for our power, water and fuel needs. It also involves learning to grow our own food, along with preserving and storing that food. As people become more and more accustomed to sustainable living, many also learn how to make a variety of the items they use everyday – like soap, clothing, etc..

The hectic pace many people live is causing them to look for a better way. For many, that better way is found in self sufficient living. They’re concerned about their health – both physical and emotional. Others are concerned about being prepared for the unknown – things like natural or even man made disasters.

Here are the major things to think about when considering the option of self sufficient living.

Alternative Energy – There are numerous solutions to getting off the grid. Some are happy with a simple, generator and battery setup. However, this still requires gasoline, diesel or propane to sustain the system. A far better method would be something like solar power, which is low maintenance and powered by nature. While it can cost around $10,000 for a small system, that investment will be payed back over time. Other choices include wind and hydro power.

Food – There has been increased interest in gardening in recent years as evidenced by an increase in garden seed sales. This is truly a part of self sufficient living that anyone can start right away. While there are many helpful books on the subject, this is one area in which it largely comes down to experience. Thus, the sooner you get started, the better. Even if you only have a small patio, you can start gardening in pots, even during winter months, you can grow some things in the house. The other aspect of food involves learning to preserve and store food. This is something that people used to be better at, but with the convenience of supermarkets, many do not consider just how fragile a family’s food supply can be. Natural disasters remind us of this when interruptions in transport result in shelves being emptied in only a matter of hours. Methods for food preservation and storage include canning, dehydrating, air vacuum sealing, and use of air tight storage containers.

Water Sources – Another important consideration involves water. Where are you getting yours from? Sustainable water sources include springs, wells, and even creeks or streams – in which case you’d need to consider a filtration method. Keep in mind that there may be legal limitations pertaining to the use of surface water where you live. Many overlook the importance of this issue. Furthermore, it’s wise to consider the volume of water required to sustain not only your family, but also additional needs such as agriculture. You can see that there may not be a whole lot you can do about this unless you’re in a country setting with a considerable piece of land with water on it. This takes us to our final point.

Country Living – When considering what is involved in becoming more self sufficient, it becomes clear that living in a metropolitan area makes it more difficult for the average family to pursue a more sustainable way of life. While the subject of locating and purchasing country property is beyond the scope of this article, families are finding that with careful planning and perseverance, making such a transition is possible. Rural living is ideal in terms of becoming more independent.

Conclusion – Self sufficient living is within the reach of most individuals and families if they’re willing to invest the time and energy into making it happen. Furthermore, such a way of life positions people to be better equipped to not only take care of themselves in times of need, but also to be of help to others. In this sense, it is truly a responsible way to live, and thus a noble pursuit.

self sufficient living can be your way of life. Learn more at http://www.selfsufficientlivingblog.com.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

« Older Entries