Posts Tagged ‘solar energy’

Solar Power For Homes: The Advantages Of Solar Panels

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

You don’t need to be rich and famous anymore to use solar power, since solar systems are more affordable these days. There’s nothing wrong with being environmentally friendly. In fact, the Earth needs it because of the many problems it is currently facing, such as global warming. To generate electricity, fossil fuels are needed, but with the continuous burning of fuels, global warming will also become worse. Because of this fact, people are already opting for solar powered homes today.

There are advantages in using solar power for homes. How much are you paying for electricity bills every month? Many homeowners have aching pocketbooks because of the costly electricity expenses. One way to reduce your bills is by opting for solar power.

You don’t need any wiring if you use solar power systems. For instance, for your garden lights and water outlets, you can use solar power. Many of the gadgets have light sensors and you no longer have to worry about turning them off. Solar lights are readily available and you just need to take them out and place them where you want to get some good light.

Solar power is environmentally friendly. It is a great source of renewable and clean energy. You won’t contribute to pollution with solar energy, unlike fossil fuels. By using solar powered systems like a solar cooker, solar thermal systems, and solar generators, you can work without creating emissions. And, you will help in saving the environment.

During the installation of using solar power, you will need to spend some money. Just think of it as an investment which will benefit your family in the long run. For less than $200, you can set up solar power in your home. Solar power is then free, since you will use the sun’s energy to create electricity. You can then use solar lights, solar panels, etc.

Don’t cut off your conventional electricity supply after you’ve started using solar power. It’s not always sunny, and so you may need traditional electricity during rainy days. The best thing about solar power is that it decreases your monthly electric bill. If you can convert your home into a full solar powered house, you will benefit greatly and won’t even worry if fuel prices increase.

Power outages usually occur when there are problems, but as long as you have solar power, you can enjoy using electrical appliances continuously. For those who are interested in solar power, you can start with simple projects like the water features and lights in your garden. These features are easy to develop and you won’t need any wiring.

As with everything on earth, there are disadvantages as well as advantages. While solar power has many advantages, you also need to look into the disadvantages. You need to carefully consider things before you decide to create your solar powered home.

Today, it’s easy to purchase solar powered devices, such as flashlights, pool purifiers, ventilators, mosquito inhibitors, heaters, fountain pumps, radios, lighting, and many others. Be prepared to spend a little money upfront for solar powered devices, but don’t worry. After a few months, you will start enjoying savings off of your monthly electric bill. Think of it as a one-time investment, which will yield huge dividends in the future.

Want to find out more about the advantages of solar power, then visit Greg Purnell’s site on how to choose the best home solar power kits for your house.

Factors In Selecting Home Solar Power Systems

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

What exactly are home solar panel systems? The primary purpose of a solar panel is to transform sunlight in to usable electricity. This effect is a physical manifestation of the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are comprised of solar cells which are gathered together within a frame. Every solar cell has the capability to transform the sunlight in to useful electricity. However, the conversion rate of each cell is somewhat limited when measured in total wattage output. Basically, every cell only produces an amount of electrical power equivalent to 1 to 2 Watts. For that reason an extremely large quantity of solar cells need to be built-into each solar panel, and usually a significant number of panels are linked in order to form a so called solar panel array. This process is essential to produce a usable volume of solar energy for a complete home.

This joining of solar cells collectively in order to establish higher power is an inherent advantage of the solar cell system. It follows that after you require additional power for personal consumption, you only have to add more panels.

There are many kinds of solar power panel, which have various power generating characteristics ad functions based mostly on the material from which they’re made. They can be comprised of either thin-film, monocrystalline, or polycrystalline modules. The Thin-film solar cell includes alloys (amorphous-silicon) which are stored in thin layers deposited on a substrate. This means it may be quite supple (determined by the substrate used) and it is therefore more easily applicable in certain environments.

Monocrystalline, however, is created from one silicon crystal rod and can be regarded as having a rigid structure. The silicon rod is cut into thin wafers to be able to provide the base within which solar cells are formed. Polycrystalline solar cells are processed from numerous silicon crystals which are heated collectively, and then cooled down in molds to create ingots of silicon. The ingot is then cut in to wafers and processed as before in order to produce solar cells.

The efficiency of a home solar power panel is measured by the number of the output and input power. Normally solar power panels return an efficiency range of from around 10 % to about 19 percent. As might be expected, the higher the efficiency rating obtained, the more likely the cost of each panel will also be higher. When preparing a new installation therefore, it’s important to take into account initial installation costs against better long term efficiency savings in order to make the best choice for you.

Identifying the right solar power panels therefore requires an understanding of some specific parameters. These parameters will help you decide which solar panel to use in your application. Three essential measurements to be familiar with consist of ‘efficiency’, ‘rated power at STC’, and ‘rated power per square foot’. ‘Efficiency’ is the ratio of the output power of the solar panel to the input power of the sunlight hitting it. ‘Rated power at STC’ measures the sum of output in watts from the panel under Standard Test Conditions. ‘Rated power per square foot’ is the power output of the solar panel at Standard Test Conditions per square foot of the panel’s surface.

Lastly, modern home solar power panel designs maximize the generation of electricity from solar energy and are now a very workable option if you would like harness this type of ‘renewable’ energy to satisfy your personal home consumption.

Learn more about solar panel. Stop by Nathan Henry’s site where you can find out all about instant hot water heater and what it can do for you.

The Cost Of Solar Panels Is Lowering

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

New research claims that solar panels will become even more affordable in the near future. The cost of solar panels will decrease in part to the life expectancy of a solar panel. It was initially thought that a solar panel would last only between 10-20 years; new studies have shown that they can last up to 30 years.

Green research institutes as well as various governments have been encouraging consumers to choose solar energy. In addition to encouraging consumers, they have also been encouraging financial institutions such as banks to make the finances available for this type of purchase.

Governments across the globe including Europe and China have been listening to these environmentalists and have been offering incentive packages for the installation of solar panels. This has increased the demand and lowered the prices of solar panels. The US and India are expected to implement similar incentive plans for their citizens as well. This will push demand even further, and prices even lower.

This type of renewable energy usually pays for itself, as mentioned above, because the main costs are actually buying the panels and installation. After that, you do not have to pay for your energy source, unlike regular electricity.

There are optimistic goals set out in the renewable energy industry. Some experts in the field are setting their expectations as high as having half of Europe dependent on solar energy in comparison to electricity grids as soon as 2020. Not only that, but with increased demand and usage it will make solar energy as cheap as buying it from an electricity grid.

Increase demand for renewable energy is growing around the globe. This means that the solar panel industry will boom, creating more profits for the companies involved, allowing them to cut costs even further.

By learning how to build a solar panel, you can save money and even build a pool solar panel.

categories: environment,home,technology,home improvement,reference,education,energy efficiency,energy,solar energy,green living

Solar Power FAQ’s

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

1. Q. I live in an area where we get a lot of cloudy days. Is solar power for my home really worthwhile exploring?

A. Yes. You may end up needing more photovoltaic panels, or you might need to configure them differently, but there are very few places in the world where solar energy can’t be captured and either used to supplement existing power needs, or totally supplant it.

2. Q. Can I afford solar power?

A. Solar power is still a little higher than fossil fuel (oil, gas, coal) in most places, but when you factor in the incentives…federal and state tax credits, rebates, net metering, escalating power bills for other sources, the question soon will be “How can I not afford solar?”

3. Q. Can you explain the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?

A. A solar hot water system is essentially a radiant hot water heater that uses the heat of the sun to warm water for use in your home. A solar power system is an array of photovoltaic cells, or other method (parabolic troughs & others) of collecting the sun’s energy and then converting it into electricity that is used and stored to provide energy for heating, cooling and power sources for lights and other needs.

4. Q. How much maintenance do solar power systems take?

A. Practically none. Other than keeping your photovoltaic panels relatively free of debris, leaves and heavy snow, solar systems are virtually maintenance free.

5. Q. Is financing available for a solar power system?

A. Yes. It falls into the same arena as most other home improvement projects that are eligible for home equity loans. Check with your financial institution before you sign up, but since solar power systems add value to your real estate, most lenders are happy to help…assuming you have good credit of course.

6. Q. Will I need a solar professional to assist me?

A. While you can simply strike out on your own…do your own research and develop your own plan, having an expert will most likely pay big dividends. Having someone who’s been in the business for awhile can help you find the best, most efficient and economical system to meet your needs.

7. Q. Do I need to get several bids?

A. Unless you have only one installer in your area, and have no other options, definitely get multiple bids. Not only will you get the most competitive bid that way, you may also get some different ideas to work with. Whoever you choose in the end, though, make sure they’re reputable, and that you agree on all of the components as well as how and when they will be installed…before work starts. That way, when it’s done, you’ll be getting exactly what you paid for…in the time frame you agreed upon.

8. Q. Will I need a lot of room for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system?

A. If you’re looking at a 1000 watt system, you’ll need between 100-200 square feet of area (an average bedroom in size), so once you determine how many watts you’ll need for your system, you can calculate how much room you’ll need.

9. Q. Can you explain net metering?

A. If you’re connected to a local utility, in most cases, they will install an additional meter that tracks how much energy you produce with your solar system, and how much you use during what hours. If you produce excess energy, it goes into the power grid and provides electricity for others. Your account is credited for this excess energy produced against any electricity you may pull from the utility grid.

10. Q. Will global warming really be affected if I decide to get a solar energy system?

A. Yes. Every single person who doesn’t burn coal, gas or oil to provide home power makes a difference. The average American produces 53,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year through energy use. Everything any of us does to reduce that number reduces our carbon footprint. In addition, you’ll be setting an example for your neighbor or someone from the next block over who walks by and sees what you’re doing. It really is true…one person can make a difference.

Learn more about home solar power. Stop by Timothy Peters’s site where you can find about other solar energy topics: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com

categories: home solar power, solar power, solar energy, renewable energy, environment

Learn How To Make Your Solar Panel

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

When you choose to embark on the practical adventure of learning how to make a solar panel easily; you discover on the internet there are many different ways to learn. Websites, manuals and other instructional materials can show you how to create a simple solar energy system. But, for most inexperienced people, the clearest guide is a demonstration of a step-by-step process. You may find this in a comprehensive set of diagrams, pictures or a video to reduce the margins for error. You can also try buying a kit that comes with the components and the instructions. There are also incentives to take advantage of, if you can. Nationwide, there is a one-time Federal Tax Credit of 30 percent offered for the installation of a solar electric system. If you are a California resident, you are eligible for a cash rebate from the state that will cover approximately 25 percent of the installation cost. Residents of other states may be eligible for rebates in their area as well. The website of the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency or dsireusa for short, will tell you of incentives available in your region. If you deciding to save money by making your own system using imperfect cells, bear in mind solar grants may require you to purchase new cells or have other conditions.

Going solar saves money in the long run, allows the freedom of an off grid life and is a tool in the fight against Global Warming. An early decision is about deciding whether you want to use a kit or not. A noteworthy fact is that determining the energy generation amount is a required step, regardless of whether you purchase kits or choose to make your own panels.

For people who prefer to Do-It-Yourself, the kit route may not be to their liking. Instructional materials on the net are available to cater to this audience. From these materials they will learn that buying solar cells is a prelude to panel construction. A solar panel is a collection of cells contained in a box that protects the fragile cells from inclement weather.

A limited budget faces the restrictive challenge of the pricing of the basic ingredient of the system. With an eye on the price, prospective solar users can find cost effective solutions in reduced priced, used and imperfect material. If the imperfections do not harm operations, this is a prudent route for those with a more parsimonious need.

Discounted products typically come from businesses that update product lines or users that upgrade their systems. The older models are sold to dealers who sell them for a discounted price. Several companies sell discounted, pre-owned and blemished cells. Manufacturers with surplus inventory may also sell older models at a discount to make room for newer generation components. Also, wholesalers can be a resource for cheaper merchandise. The advantages of taking this route should be considered. Advantages include fact that older merchandise can produce power at levels close to peak operating capacity. If cheaper cells generate less power per foot, they also cost less for additional supplies to make up the need for more power. If this is the case, the space you intend to place your panels should also be taken into consideration. Is the seller willing to test used equipment for the customer prior to purchase? The prior location of used cells, the nature of their environment and their age can help in selection process. Consider whether the used material come with a warranty or money back guarantee. Consider also that some blemishes will render your cells unusable. You need to know what can be fixed and is acceptable and what is not.

Prior to your purchase learn about the types of cells and their efficiency. Generally solar cells are three basic types. Monocrystalline cells that are the most costly and most efficient. Polycrystalline cells whose efficiency level is below that of monocrystalline cells; but, more than thin film cells. These are the most popular variety at the moment. Thin film cells are the least expensive and the least efficient. It has been discovered that efficiency in all types can be increased with a new anti reflective coating. This coating was discovered by scientists to increase the amount of sunlight captured and facilitates absorption of light not affected by the sun position. Panels that do not keep up with the changing positions absorb less light.

Pre-tabbed cells will reduce work. Un-tabbed cells will increase the amount of soldering you have to do. The same type of cells produce the same voltage regardless of their size. This is why the same number of cells is required. However, larger cells produce a greater current and smaller cells produce less. The total power of a panel is determined by amount of the current times the voltage. Using larger cells produces more power, but the panel will be a challenge to carry. Using smaller sized cells will improve manageability; but, lose in power generation capacity. Mixing sizes limits the panel to the current produced by the smallest

To make a solar panel consider that it is in effect a shallow box that will not shade the solar cells when the sun comes at an angle from the sides. You will need to select the material for this box, which will be a wood of your choice. You will glue and screw the wooden planks in place. You will need to figure out what size cells t get and how many to place in each panel. Depending on the power requirements, you will also determine the number of solar panels you will need to construct. On the internet you will be able to access a calculator to help you determine this. For instance for a 1000 square foot residence, how many Watt solar panels per person would you need. What you intend to do with the power generated this way decides how many panels are constructed. Your electric bill indicates the electricity you consume. You need to look at it to figure out the kWh of electricity usage to help you determine the number of solar panels you will need. Another important measurement is the insulation value which tells you how intense sunlight is in different locations. You need the insulation value of your location which can be located online from maps containing these values. Dividing the kWh needed by the insulation value reveals what power the panels should deliver. This amount also needs to take into account the energy lost in the conversion process. How to make a solar panel easily is not difficult.

Are you tired of unclean energy? Well, with our how to make a solar panel guide, you will have clean sun energy. You can build your own solar panel easy with our information.

How To Use Home Solar Power On A Budget

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Here it comes again…the beautiful, awesome sunshine. When you walk outside and feel its warmth, are you thinking, “How could I bring this in with me and put it to work as solar energy without having to spend so much money?” A lot of people who’ve had that thought have hit upon the something that’s too often overlooked…that’s going solar one step at a time.

A good place to start in most households is with the hot water heater. The average household uses between four and five thousand kilowatts of power per year to heat water. If you start with a project like this, an entire solar power system won’t seem so overwhelming, and you can get a pretty good idea of the costs and benefits of going solar.

You can go solar with your hot water heater, and not destroy your bank account. Look at the option of buying a solar hot water heater and having it installed, and also look at whether you might be able to build it and install it yourself.

The first thing to think about is where you’d like your hot water tank located. If there’s no neighborhood covenant restriction, and you live in a warm climate, you could save space by putting your hot water tank with its photovoltaic collector up on the roof. Another option, if you’re not that crazy about seeing your hot water tank on your rooftop, or you live in a little cooler neighborhood, is to put the tank in the attic, and have the collector on the roof. Then, of course, you could also build a batch hot water system, place it beside your house and pump it in. If you want to build your own batch hot water heater, there’s a great article with pictures and instructions for the do-it-yourselfer at http://www.byexample.com. At that same site, you can also find a good illustration of an attic hot water heater, that’s connected to a roof-top solar collector.

Whether it’s a hot water heater, or some other solar energy provider, you can build your system slowly and economically. Maybe you just want to build one solar panel, and see how it works. You can build one in your spare time in your shop or garage without a lot of material or difficulty. First, you’ll need to collect the necessary parts…a shallow box to hold the necessary components…generally plywood or metal, solar cells, substrate such as masonite pegboard, wire, screws and hardware to hold the box together, a diode, a jones plug, a piece of plexiglass or glass to cover the box and protect the cells, and some silicone caulk to make sure your box is sealed against the elements.

The solar cells are connected (soldered together in a series) with a blocking diode mounted inside the panel, and a polarized two-pin jones plug is connected at the end of the wires. The solar cells must be connected and protected within the box, which is sealed with silicone caulk to prevent possible water damage. Get everything put together, properly sealed, then connect your panel to a battery bank/inverter and you’ve got the beginning of a solar energy system.

All of the details of one particular solar panel construction using this recipe, with box size, cell size, photographs, and where all of the material can be obtained, can be found at http://www.mdpub.com.

Check out your local bookstore, or go online for books on solar projects. With a little help from Google or the other search engines, you can find many ideas on how to build solar hot water heaters, solar panels and other projects.

If you liked building your own solar panel, or solar hot water heater, and really could see that it wasn’t that expensive, or time consuming, don’t quit. Keep building.

You can move into living “off the grid” if you plan your design at the beginning. You can put your system together one piece at a time. It will work best if you design a system to support your home when you first start, and then build one part of the system as you can fit it into your budget. For a great website to help you check out your energy needs, go to http://www.oksolar.com. It’s a great website that walks you through how much energy you’re consuming now, and then showing you how that will convert into inverter and battery wattage, so you can “size” your system. They also have premade solar panels there, and you can compare your overall do-it-yourself costs against the premade solar panel costs.

At http://www.byexample.com/homestead/energy/current_system, you can find an excellent example of how someone started small and then expanded their solar energy system. The author describes in good detail how they started their project with just several 12V PV panels of different wattages, and have continued to upgrade, with a plan to move soon to a 24 volt system.

Their tips on buying many “pre-owned” parts to build their system, and using as many “around the house” available resources for insulation and construction of their system, can help even the most budget-conscious builder become an “off the grid” solar power aficionado.

Looking to learn the truth about home solar power? Then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on home solar energy for you.

Myths About Solar Power

Friday, June 11th, 2010

As new concepts and theories for residential power production emerge, several sceptics voice their opinions claiming these new ideas merely do not life as much as the hype. Solar farm energy is 1 such notion which has generated a considerable amount of cynicism.
With this article I aim to shed some light on some on the typical misconceptions relating to the use of photo voltaic roof panels being a viable indicates of residential power production.

“Solar panel systems will take too much time to pay for themselves”

Yr following 12 months we are seeing our vigor bills going up by ever increasing percentages. The promise of more affordable fuel bills from nuclear energy never came to fruition so the need to have to contemplate renewable vigour sources such as photovoltaic energy is now a viable alternative. From the current economic climate, investment in more cost-effective bills for the future is really a sound financial concept as remaining reliant on non-renewable vitality sources just like coal, gas and oil can only develop into far more overpriced as they become scarcer and as a result extra high-priced.
On common UK homes consume close to 3000 units of electrical power every yr and typical photo voltaic vitality panels will generate close to 1500 units just about every year (estimated regular under UK conditions) which is half with the typical yearly consumption. It’s complicated to state exactly how extended it would take for residential photo voltaic panels to pay for themselves as many variables are involved. These variables consist of the initial price of each photovoltaic panel, the sort of installation plus the price of installing the system, the price your electricity supplier charges and whether or not your vigour supplier will pay you for any additional units which are fed back in for the grid. It is also worth checking with your local council as quite a few grants are obtainable which could cover as much as 50% from the charge of installing dwelling solar panels. What we do know is that non-renewable power prices will continue to rise. It can be no longer a query of ‘can I afford pv panels?’ It is a lot more a query of ‘can I afford to not have solar panels?’

“Pennsylvania is not sunny enough”

This is often a popular false statement concerning the use of solar farm panels in PA. Most people assume solar vigour panels will need direct sunlight in order to function. In actual fact they only require light from any source rather than direct sunlight as they absorb the electromagnetic radiation found in photons. This means that a solar roof panel will even work at night by absorbing photons from star light and street lighting; however, this happens on this kind of a minimal scale you’d by no means notice. The output of every single photovoltaic panel is considerably higher on sunnier days as strength of light (or the shear quantity of photons) can be a major factor, as is the angle the solar panel to your sun.

“Solar panels are useless during the short winter days”

Though there is certainly some truth to this statement, residential solar panels are far from useless through the winter months. The daylight hours are significantly shorter meaning each and every photo voltaic panel will produce less energy over the course of a full day. The truth of the matter is that hour for hour; every single pv energy panel is on normal equally as efficient as it would be throughout the summer. Prior on the installation of solar panels one ought to consider how much sun light will likely be hitting their solar panels during the winter months. Your roof may possibly be inside shadow of nearby trees or a chimney stack might reduce the efficiency of the pv panels by leaving all or part on the photo voltaic panel in permanent shade whilst the sun is lower inside the sky.

“If I don’t generate enough solar power power, I’ll have no electricity”

This basically just isn’t the case. Your residence will still be connected to your national grid, so anytime you demand extra electrical energy than the solar farm panels are providing, you’ll get it as normal from the mains. It can be unlikely that a household will likely be able to create 100% of it is power being a result of installing photovoltaic roof panels as we have turn out to be far to reliant on electrical appliances. Saying that, it has been proven in the past that once a household begins generating its own power utilizing solar farm panels, its occupants come to be far a lot more conscious on the way in which they use it and day by day will use far less electricity.

“It takes additional vitality to manufacture a solar panel than it will ever put out”

The energy payback of pv panels varies depending on which type of solar power panel is fitted. Currently, the microcrystalline-silicon pv panels have an estimated vitality payback of much less than 4 many years where as the ‘thin-film’ photo voltaic panels have an vigour payback of around 3 many years. Future developments in renewable photovoltaic electricity coupled with increased manufacturing are expected to halve the vitality payback time of both microcrystalline-silicon PV solar farm panels and thin-film pv panels.

“Modern photovoltaic panels are still not efficient”

Solar farm vigour has come along leaps and bounds since the development inside manufacturing with the very first practical pv cells inside 1950’s. These had a sunlight vigor conversion effectiveness of close to 6%. By the late 1980’s scientists had developed pv cells with an efficiency of 17%. By 2000 photo voltaic cells had an efficiency of 24%, rising to 26% in 2002, 28% in 2005 and 30% by 2007. Increased efficiency coupled with lower manufacturing costs indicates residential photovoltaic energy systems are less costly and additional effective than ever before.

You may possibly ask yourself a single query relating to the above figures, “If pv panels are getting additional efficient and less costly 12 months following yr, maybe I ought to wait a handful of more many years?” Despite the fact that there’s some logic to this thought, the truth belonging to the matter is waiting a handful of extra many years could well prove to be a false economy. At the moment the British government are offering a variety of grants to financially assist those seeking to run a greener residence, including the installation of domestic photo voltaic panels which could save you as much as 50% belonging to the installation expenses. Government grants like this might not be obtainable a couple of several years down the line.

Want to find out more about PA Solar Energy, then visit Endless Mountains Solar to discoover how to choose the best PA commercial solar power for your needs.

Green Products Has Found A Low Cost Balloon Shaped Solar Design That Is Highly Efficient

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Can you imagine getting electrical power from balloons? This is what Cool Earth of Livermore, California, has designed the next generation of solar collectors to look like. The basic concept hasn’t changed; convert sunlight into electric power using solar cells; but the packaging has changed, and this is where the solar balloons are unique.

The cost to install and maintain the current flat-panel solar cell design is prohibiting its large scale adoption. The glass cover is easily damaged by windstorms, hailstorms or vandalism. When this happens, it leaves the solar array exposed to the elements where they can be damaged. The unique balloon design by Cool Earth eliminates many of these shortcomings.

One side of the balloon is made from reflective silver Mylar plastic. The other half is transparent to allow in sunlight. The silver material is parabolic-shaped to concentrate the sunlight on to a single point to achieve maximum light concentration. This is why high performance solar cells are used.

With the new design comes and the ability to increase sunlight concentration and reduce expensive solar cell material by 300 to 400 times. This cost reduction will bring the price down to a mere one dollar per watt. To give that some context: a typical flat-panel PV(photovoltaic) system on a residential rooftop is about seven to eight dollars per watt.

The basic structure of each orb is simple. It has a lightweight circular metal frame with an arm that holds the solar cells near the top of the clear side of the orb. Even though the balloon is eight feet in diameter, the frame is the only rigid component of the basic design. It connects to a point where external hardware is attached for mounting.

Like all solar designs, the system will not be used as a base power plant because the energy collected during the day cannot be economically stored for nighttime operations. On the other hand, the system will be an ideal “peaker” power plant to be used during the hot summer months when energy demands are high.

At Green Products, one of the most interesting aspects we see is the way the system is brought together to create a solar power plant and the near elimination of physical limitations on plant installations. Check it out.

Michael

Get more information about greenproducts at go green products

Why Is Wind Power So Important?

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Unless a person has been completely out of touch from the world for the past decade, they will understand all too well about the debate over global warming as well as the constantly changing costs of oil in recent years. These are just two of the reasons why wind power has become such an important topic of discussion when considering the future of energy sources.

Wind power is is relatively clean and continually renewable. After all, is there anyone who has ever known the wind to simply cease to exist forever? Certain environments, or parts of the country are much better than others to trap wind power, but just about anywhere that has generally sustained winds, especially in mountain passes and canyons, can benefit from wind energy.

So what makes wind so vital? Depending on the person that you talk to, you might find a different emphasis on this answer. For masses who believe that global warming is being caused by human consumption and more specifically by the carbon emissions commonly connected with burning oil, then the positive attributes of wind power can be easily recognized.

Wind creates no emissions that can harm the atmosphere that contributes to global warming. These damaging emissions also cause smog around many metropolitan cities, most notably Los Angeles that deals with pollution on a regular basis. Wind power is never-ending; when one day ends, you don’t have to calculate how much wind you have used. It will always be available.

Of course, there will be days that produce more wind that others, and some days may not create any wind whatsoever, but that isn’t an issue with wind power. The force that is captured by wind turbines -those large modern-style windmills- on what are known as wind farms, is sent along power lines to a location that holds that energy for distribution. At the moment, wind power doesn’t provide the electricity for any towns or cities completely, but rather supplements the typical forms of electricity.

So what precisely can you gain by using wind power? If you’re a homeowner and are responsible for the utilities in your home, then by utilizing a portion of the energy brought in to your home created by wind power, then you will be able to reduce the annual cost of your electric bill. The more power that is generated by wind power, the greater the savings.

Basically then, wind power is important to many people for financial gain, rather than the advantages it can offer to the global climate. Perhaps the greatest benefit that wind power can be of to people is that wind won’t cost more depending on how much is available, as is the case with oil or coal. Since it is a replenishing source of power, then any rate increase using wind power would have to be a product of inflation, not because it is becoming a scarce commodity.

Wind power is vital for anyone who worries about the environment, or who desires to save money over the long-term.

Craig Axelrod is a principal for Emmy Energy, a Long Island solar power business installing solar heating tubes solar pv systems & clean products throughout the Northeast.

Solar Thermal Energy Is The Free Energy Answer

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

The sun has been producing energy constantly since its birth, however only now are we seriously looking to harness that energy for our every day modern lifestyles. We can capture solar energy for heat to warm our homes and even our swimming pools.

Today we can use solar energy to produce two forms of energy. We can either process the solar energy directly into electricity with solar panels, or we can capture the suns energy to heat water. This hot water can then be used for washing or to heat our homes.

In what way can we use the heat generated from the sun for our everyday lives. Well, we need hot water for washing and we also need hot water to heat our homes. This can be done with under floor heating, and reduce annual heating bill costs from oil and gas.

Getting the energy from the sun requires a piece of equipment known as a solar water heater. The solar water heater can capture and store a great deal of solar heat within a very small space. One of the cheapest designs to produce and maintain is a passive solar heater.

When solar water heaters were first used to principle of the passive solar water heater was prominent. Still today the passive water heater is one of the most popular designs to replicate. It is also the cheapest design to replicate, using standard parts in its construction.

Choosing a suitably sized black water storage vessel will depend on your hot water demands and the purpose of the solar water heater. Once a tank has been chosen, materials need to be purchased to build a solar thermal collector box. The water storage vessel within sits within the solar thermal collector box, which will increase the temperature around the tank. It’s then a simple case of arranging the flow and return system and necessary pump to move the water.

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