sustainable energy Archive

Why It’s Smart to Start With Solar Power Garden Lights Before Beginning Any Solar Power Project

By
Rich Vee
Published: January 24, 2011Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , ,

The small investment in solar power garden lights is a great way to learn about the character of solar energy. Luckily solar power is modular is can easily be added in components.With this small investment in a solar system you’ll learn a lot and be able to increase your solar footprint over time. Since solar projects tend to be expensive and complicated it’s smarter to start with simpler products.One of the simplest and cheapest solar investments is in solar lighting. For only fifteen dollars you have the benefit of taking immediate advantage of the sun’s rays which are always available. By starting small it will help keep your initial solar investment costs down but allow you to dip your toe into this new technology. There’s a wide array of mounting schemes that will get you on your way toward building your own home solar system.

Attractive, cost-effective and safe, solar power garden lights are the preferred lighting alternative for many homeowners. The weather-proof lanterns are easy to install and maintain. Many styles are practical and affordable, while others are expensive and elaborate.

Sun-powered bulbs have battery cells which are energized during the day. It’s best to establish them in areas with the most direct sunlight. Solar units can remain glowing up to 10 hours after a day of recharging.

There are an interesting variety of sun-powered lamp styles available. Some are shaped like flowers or bugs, while others resemble rocks or birds. They generally increase in price with larger sizes and more intricate designs.

The lamps usually turn-on automatically at dusk. However, there are some models which have on-off switches, and some that are designed to illuminate when they detect motion. The motion-detecting units often sell for a bit more than the standard models.

Some are designed to be mounted on garages or houses. These lanterns have flat panels which attach to vertical surfaces with mounting hardware. Standard models usually have an inexpensive baseline price.

Other styles are stake-mounted, and are intended to be inserted into the ground. These units offer maximum flexibility, and can be placed along driveways and paths. Smaller styles with basic designs are usually the most affordable.

Some lanterns are created to hang from posts or trees. They are free to sway in the breeze, and can provide a serene backdrop to any garden. These models are among the less pricey.

Weather-proof, easy to install and cost-effective, solar power garden lights can be ideal options for many gardens and yards. The wide range of styles available can enhance any design scheme. They are decorative, beautiful beacons which can also help increase security.

Want to find out more solar power ideas then visit Rich Vee’s site on how to choose the best solar power lighting for your needs.

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Solar Energy Information You’ll Wish You Knew 3 Years From Now

By
Rich Vee
Published: January 24, 2011Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , ,

Now here’s some solar energy information that you probably did not know or did not appreciate before. To really understand solar energy and its benefits, you need to have some basic knowledge about how your current power is generated and how much it pollutes the environment. Wherever you look today, you hear talk about going green and being environment friendly. Basically what this means is renewable sources of energy like the sun and wind will never get exhausted and we can keep generating clean energy without burning any polluting fuels.

Today we import more than half our fuel needs from foreign countries. This in itself is a big drain to our economy. Besides, it is clear that going forward the oil prices are not going to relent. With new countries in the East growing at a rapid pace, they are going to boost the demand for oil and hence its price too. This means if we don’t change now, a lot of our hard earned dollars would flow to oil rich nations. We would be at the mercy of these nations, and it is well known that these nations are friendly to us. Fortunately our government realizes this too and is promoting the adoption of solar energy though subsidies for solar systems in our homes.

The market conditions are ideal for us to go all out and embrace renewable energy sources like the solar and wind technologies. This will not only help us, but also set up this world for our children. They can enjoy a world that is self-sustaining and non-polluting. In the past, the high cost of solar energy was a major deterrent to its adoption. With government funding the technology and more and more people adopting it this technology is nearing economies of scale which are bound to bring down the costs and make it inexpensive.

There are three main reasons why people are eager to adopt solar technology today than ever before.

a) The traditional energy source – fossil fuels continue to get more and more expensive with each passing year.

b) There have been tremendous breakthroughs in solar technology

c) Government is also supported this technology whole heartedly and introduced incentives for this technology’s adoption.

Besides these generic reasons, there are some very important benefits for people adopting this technology. The most evident benefit would be the instant dip in your monthly power bills. With your house running on solar energy, you will not have to rely on utility company for your power needs. This means you are insulated from the price manipulations these companies may carry out – that is true peace of mind for anyone.

If you looking for convincing argument on whether to adopt solar energy or not, analyzing the return on investment (ROI) is a great technique. What this will tell you is whether you would gain enough value in the investment to justify it today.

Today if you install a solar power system in your home, you should get back each and every dollar you spent back in a few years. There are multiple avenues from where the payback would come. The first is you will not be affected by the energy price rises every time the price increases, you save more money. As solar technology gets more popular, the value of your house will continue to appreciate too. Finally, you have a mental satisfaction that you are actually helping this world get greener too.

If you are thinking about adopting solar technology, there is no better time than now. Federal government is offering you tax credits for doing so; so are the state governments in form of incentives and rebates. To top it all, even the utility companies are giving you rebates for purchasing solar equipment.

Learn more solar energy information. Stop by Rich Vee’s site where you can find more solar info at www.solar-power-solar-energy.com . See what it can do for you.

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Why You Need A Portable Solar Power Supply

By
Rich Vee
Published: January 22, 2011Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , ,

It is important to develop and use alternate sources of energy to preserve the environment and in preparation for an energy crisis. The importance of harnessing energy from the sun is increasing daily. It is a reliable source with many uses. A lot of consumers use solar energy to operate appliances and other things at home. Presently, there are numerous portable solar power supply options for charging or operating almost anything.

Energy derived from the sun can provide numerous benefits. Reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces environmental damages. Lower electric bills benefit homeowners. And, a source of backup power during an outage would provide a number of benefits. A portable solar power supply can charge or operate a cell phone, a laptop, a small television, a radio, a small heater, or other appliances, depending on the size of the unit.

Nowadays, small, medium, and large eco-friendly chargers, units, and kits are available. A pocket sized charger works great for charging an iPod, a cell phone, or a small camera. There are a number of convenient small and medium sized units. Lamps, laptops, portable stereos, and more can be charged or operated with a small unit. Typically, more energy can be produced with larger units and larger solar panels.

A lot of people buy units for outdoor recreation. They are great for weekend camping, hunting trips, and boating. Chargers and units are available in many different sizes and designs to suit varying needs. Some units fold small enough to fit in a small tote bag. Manufacturers have designed convenient back pack units, also.

These green energy providers are very handy for emergency situations, as well. Storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters can cause prolonged periods without electricity. Having a back up source of energy during the outage would be extremely helpful. These units are very beneficial in desolate, remote areas of world, and are used for military purposes, also.

Due to research and improvements, manufacturers are producing innovative, efficient, quality, user friendly, eco-friendly energy units, chargers, and kits. They are becoming an increasingly popular option for supplying energy demands around the world. The sun provides an unlimited amount of usable green energy that can be used for unlimited future possibilities.

Purchasing a portable solar power supply unit is a wise investment for anyone. The amount of electricity that needs to be generated and the charging time are two things to consider, when shopping for a unit. Portability and ease of use are important, also. Typically, the price of a kit or unit is relative to its size, capacity, and quality.

Learn more about solar power supplies. Stop by Rich Vee’s site where you can find out all about portable solar power supplies and what it can do for you.

categories: solar power,solar energy,solar panels,alternative energy,sustainable energy

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The Secrets Out! 5 Simple Do It Yourself Answers To How is Solar Energy Used

By
Rich Vee
Published: January 18, 2011Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , ,

How is solar energy used? Solar power can be used to heat water and replace a standard water heater. This is a little more expensive than some solar conversions around the house, but pays off over time. The savings would be approximately 25% of your energy bill after installation. While transferring your current water heater to solar power can run well over $1000, the savings add up quickly. The environmental effect is immediate, and your carbon footprint is reduced.

How is solar energy used at night? Solar tubes are more versatile than skylights, and they are much less expensive. Also smaller and easy to install, they can be operated with accompanying light switches and special light fixtures to store their energy and use the light at night. Installation only takes a couple of hours, and the savings are immediate.

You may have not thought about it, but you can charge many of the batteries you use every day with solar power. Small, transportable and low in cost, you simply place them in a sunny area to collect light from the sun. This small backpack-looking device can then attach to your laptop, iPod or other personal electronic device. The sun’s light is transferred to electric power, and you are saving money right away, as well as preserving the environment.

How is solar energy used in the kitchen? Solar ovens are becoming more and more popular. These amazing devices range from small portable tin-foil boxes to permanent appliances, and cook with directed rays of sunlight. Did you ever use a magnifying glass as a kid to ignite something? That is the basic premise of solar ovens. Great for outdoors and in the home, they conserve natural resources and save you money.

How is solar energy used outdoors? Using solar energy to heat pools and ponds is a great way to conserve tons of electricity. Heating a pool in cooler climates can get very expensive. By using solar panels to collect, store and disburse the heat, you save money, while at the same time helping the environment.

Solar energy can be used without any installation or out of pocket cost. How is solar energy used without spending a lot of money on expensive technology? Turn off lights and open your drapes on a sunny day. When the weather is nice outside and the sun is shining, turn your thermostat down and head outside. Make “sun tea” by placing a tea bag in a container of water and leave in the sun instead of boiling on the stove. These are just a few simple steps you can take to harness the power of the sun.

Learn more about home solar power systems. Stop by Rich Vee’s site where you can find out all about solar energy and what it can do for you.

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The Truth Behind Solar Power As An Alternative Energy Source to Get Solar Power Benefits

By
Rich Vee
Published: January 13, 2011Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , ,

Huge improvements in the quality of life have been delivered by the Industrial Revolution, but with these have come problems. Pollution and frightening depletion of natural resources like coal and oil have become very serious issues, defining government policies and generating new industries like those associated with solar power.

The sustainable development industry is born of the problem of resources depletion. It is apparent to all that human beings cannot continue to pump oil or mine coal forever at the present rate. Collecting some of the Sun’s energy before it goes through the time consuming process of first being turned into coal before it is used to heat water seems to be a good idea. Allowing people to enjoy the solar power benefits of the sun is a victory for the sustainable development industry.

The Sun through nuclear fusion, produces and pours down upon the Earth, about 386 billion megawatts of power. Solar cells, interconnected into panels can collect tiny amounts of this energy, sufficient to provide electricity for some domestic chores like heating water. When considering the billions of households all over the globe which might generate these small amounts of electricity, the scale of the project seems apparent.

Solar, or photovoltaic, cells catch small amounts of the Sun’s energy.They are arranged in panels which connect the cells. Although the capacity of any panel will depend on its position and exposure to sunlight in various strengths, it can be expected to enough electricity for one house per day. This must be stored in batteries when the sun does not shine, at night or on cloudy days. Although installation costs are high the investment does produce free clean energy from day one.

Because the expense of coal and oil generated electricity are rising to prohibitive levels, alternative sources are being sought urgently. Nuclear power plants are being built, and individuals the world over over are being offered various government inducements to install energy saving measures.

The amount of energy produced will depend on the position of the roof and the amount of sun it gets. Usually it is not enough to supply all household’s needs, but it can heat the water, especially if hot water is used sparingly. Anyone who has measured the amount of electricity used without thought to keep the water hot will understand how great their solar power benefits will be.

This one development within the sustainable development industry is interesting because it seems to prove a prediction made half a century ago, that the world would become a global village. Communally people are turning back to using the Sun’s clean and renewable energy, and co-operating to reduce pollution.

Get complete details on how you can get solar power benefits to not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint! You can get all the information you need at www.home-solar-power-guide.com today.

categories: solar power,solar energy,home solar power,solar panels,home solar system,altenative energy,sustainable energy,energy efficiency,home improvement,education

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Green Energy In China

By
Saul Goodman
Published: October 22, 2010Posted in: Green EnergyTags: , , , , ,

Green energy. You hear about it all the time these days. The U.S. needs it. China is getting ever more involved with it. Green energy. But what does it all mean? Our newspapers tell us that it is the wave of the future, the only way forward. Yet nothing is happening in this nation, where most green technologies have been invented, and it’s China that seems poised to dominate this industry of the 21st Century.

So what makes for green energy, and why is it so important? The term is a lot more accurately referred to, technically speaking, as sustainable energy, energy that meets present requirements with out compromising the environment upon which future generations will also depend.

To be regarded as sustainable generally means to be renewable in such a way as wind, solar, and water-generated energy is. Conventional fission power, or nuclear, power is technically a eco-friendly form of energy though many environmentalists believe that its potential hazard far outweighs the advantages to be derived.

Moreover, disposable of spent nuclear fuel rods is a major challenge, with a high likelihood of leagage in most scenarios. Now how has China gotten into the issue? Well, it is not just the world’s fastest-growing economy, but also its fastest-growing polluter, rivaling the United States.

It also happens to be the largest market for green technologies and, as the “workshop of the world” also the single largest manufacturer of all the hardware involved. And so any conversation on anything green must, in the end, focus on the role of China.

But what is China’s position in all of this? As it is generally been: driven by necessity. With the world’s largest population living only on a mere fraction of its arable land, the nation is highly sensitive to all kinds of issues related to the environment, energy policy, and economic growth. Going green, China’s leaders recognize, is the best chance they’ve got to not only survive in the post-industrial world but also to prosper.

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What You Must Know About Solar Water Heating Systems For Your Home

By
Jose Unterholz
Published: July 13, 2010Posted in: GeneralTags: , , , , , , , , ,

Solar water heating systems for homes have been around for some time. The increasing cost for energy, and growing concerns for the environment have motivated more and more homeowners to consider installing a solar water heating system. Advances in technology, which make the collectors much more efficient, have resulted in reduced cost of these systems. It also helps that, federal tax credits are available to help with some of the cost, provided your solar hot water system supplies 50% or more of the domestic hot water demand.

Two kinds of solar hot water heating systems are used for homes: open loop systems or closed loop systems. Open loop systems are installed in climates where temperatures stay above freezing and where the water is soft. In an open loop system, the incoming cold water is circulated through the solar collectors, and then stored in the solar hot water storage tank from where it goes to the water heater. In the closed loop system, a heat exchanger isolates the domestic water from the solar collector loop. The fluid running through the loop is usually a freeze-proof glycol solution. Because of the added heat exchanger and a bit more piping, the cost of a closed loop system is higher than that of a comparable open loop system.

Size and number of collectors depend on the type of collector you decide to use, for a given hot water requirement. Flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors are the two most frequently used types. Evacuated tube collectors have a higher efficiency than the flat plates, especially in colder or foggy weather and climates. It is generally ok to use flat plate collectors in sunny and warm climates, as long as your water is soft. The more expensive, but also more efficient, evacuated tube collectors are a better option in colder, cloudy or foggy regions.

You will need to keep your domestic water heater, or add one in your new home, even with the solar water heating system. It is a must to have this back-up full-sized water heater to ascertain that you have enoughsufficient hot water, even in the event of numerous days of overcast or snowy weather. A solar hot water storage tank is also installed, in addition to the standard water heater mentioned above. Consider the solar water heating system as a system that PRE-heats the incoming cold water on most days. It will be heated to the required temperature in the regular water heater. With a correctly designed system, enough hot water will be made in the solar collectors on sunny days to not require the regular water heater to be used. When you have several days of overcast weather however, that is when the regular water heater kicks in.

Where are you planning to install the solar collectors? I guesson the roof somewhere. The “somewhere” is critical. You have to make sure that the location you decide on receives enough direct sunlight, all year. Numerous tools are available online to help you determine this. Some of these tools are free. Be aware however, that some of these tools might not include the shading from trees. You can also contact a local solar heating system installer. Many will do a free analysis for you and they will include trees and tall buildings next door.

Now on to the roof itself. Will it need strengthening? How exactly will the collector support system be anchored to the roof? What about the pipe penetrations? What will be required to make sure that the roof is still totally waterproof after the solar system has been installed. Talk to a trusted contractor.

More things to investigate. Is there space in the basement or closet, next to the water heater, for the new solar storage tank, pump and possibly expansion tank (closed system only)? For initial planning purposes, you will need at least 2 1/2 times as much space as you use now for your water heater. More is better, so you will have easy access for maintenance.

Almost done. One more thing. The pipes. Where and how can you run them between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors on the roof? You have to find either two locations that can each accommodate a 1″ pipe with 1″ insulation, or put them next to each other in the same chase. Hint: closets or walls behind toilets, if the first floor powder room is below the second floor bathroom. Avoid having to build pipe enclosures in the living room or dining room. Expensive and not very nice looking, unless you are creative and hide the pipes behind a shelf.

That’s it. You have done a lot of the important up-front work. Hopefully you now know enough to be dangerous, can make educated decisions and ask the right questions about how to plan, design, purchase and install, or have installed, a solar water heating system for your home.

Don’t make the same mistakes others have made before you when they were designing and installing a solar hot water system. Get educated and learn how to plan and prepare for a successful system.

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