August 31, 2010
- Solar Power For Homes Information
Jarrod Brake asked:Have you been giving thought to turning your home into a solar power house or are you building a home with blueprints that include solar panels? Here is a brief synopsis of things you ought to know about alternative solar power.
How Solar Panels Turn Your Home into a Solar Power House
Solar cells made of silicon are grouped together into solar panels. The cells in solar panels take the sun’s light and produces electricity. Silicon is the most commonly used material for photovoltaic cells because it absorbs photons from solar rays and in the process, dislodges electrons. When this occurs, an electrical field is formed. The grouping together of solar cells makes for the controllable use of the electrical current produced. It takes dozens of solar panels to produce enough electricity to make a solar power house.
The Cost Involved in Owning a Solar Power House
Affordability has been an issue when it comes to using solar panels on homes. The cost of installation ranges in price from 10 to 30 thousand dollars. Most solar panel companies offer affordable payment plans. The idea of going into more debt might give you pause, but rest assured that if you live in one of the countries offering government incentives for greener sources of fuel, you can claim more tax deductions and may even receive rebates for your decision to turn your home into a solar power house.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Panel Installation
In areas that receive full sun the majority of the time, solar panel installation can cause meters to turn in reverse. This means a large reduction in costs – in fact, power companies may end up paying you. Why? Because when this occurs, unused energy goes back into the grid and that means lower amounts of energy are being produced by power plants. The electricity you don’t use goes back into the grid to be shared by other members of the community. Let’s say you don’t get full sun the majority of the year. Even with the amount you get, your electric bill will reflect lower pricing because you will be using less electricity generated by your power company.
When you turn your home into a solar power house, you are using a renewable and clean energy resource. The carbon footprint you leave on the planet will be decreased. For many people, that is reason enough for using solar power electricity. Unlike nuclear power, solar energy does not leave pollutants on the surface of our planet. A disadvantage involved in converting to a solar power house is that you cannot take advantage of this power during nighttime hours. This is only a problem for you if you are planning to use it as your only source of energy. If you view it as a supplement, alternative solar power has no disadvantage at all.
Many people in the world are hungry for a means of helping to reduce greenhouse gases. If you are able to afford the cost of installation, a solar power house can be your contribution for helping to solve the problem of global warming.
Read more on Solar Power For Homes Information…
Energy Tags: alternative energy, hybrid cars
August 30, 2010
- Grants Make LL Bean Solar Panels Possible
L.L.Bean has long been recognized as an outdoor company with strong environmental values. In 2007 the company joined the EPA’s Climate Leaders Program and formalized a corporate goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 20 percent by 2012.
August 29, 2010
- How to Use Solar Power For Home
Michelle Lana asked:When you look for an alternative to energy source in order to save your energy bills, solar power is considered one of the great choices. There are many benefits of using solar power at your home. We are going to discuss what you will get from using solar power for home.
Solar power can be used to generate electricity to your home. The mechanism is simple. You can just derive the energy from sunlight to be electricity. How are you going to do that? You can use a component which is made of solar cells or photovoltaics. The cells will convert sunlight to electricity by using some kind of converter. You will get direct current electricity which can be converted into alternate current electricity for your home usage.
You can also use solar power for heating your house. Actually, you can do it passively by just having a glass roof and your house will be warmer in the sunlight. Or you can collect the sunlight and heat your house later. That will require different type of setup.
The last thing you can do with the power is using it to generate hot water system in your house. You can just collect the sunlight by using a particular type of equipment which can heat the water and keep it for the use.
Solar power is free and has no continual cost. It requires no infrastructure building like making pipe or wire. It is also renewable energy so we can have it as long as the world exists. With all these benefits, you may want to consider using the solar power system for your home.
Read more on How to Use Solar Power For Home…
Energy Tags: energy, solar energy
August 26, 2010
- Canadian Solar Growth
Aggressive government incentives are set to trigger booming growth in solar installations in Ontario, Canada, in 2010—but regulations requiring the use of locally sourced photovoltaic (PV) products will cause the expansion to slow dramatically in 2011, according to market research firm iSuppli Corp.
August 25, 2010
- Why Conservatives Are Bad on Energy: It’s All About the Costs
But I cannot figure out why people who call themselves “conservatives” would
say solar or wind power is “speculative.” Conservatives know that word is usually
reserved to criticize free-market activity that is not approved by well, you
know who.
August 24, 2010
- Solar Buying Power – Pittsburgh
One Block Off the Grid Kicks Off Pittsburgh’s First Solar Group Purchase
Homeowners Now Eligible for Support, Group Discounts and Educational Tools For Going Solar
San Francisco, Calif. – August 24, 2010 – One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today launched a new program to support Pittsburgh homeowners through the solar buying process. To minimize the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers a 15-percent group discount rate for installation and free, impartial advice about solar for the duration of the three-month program.Read more on Solar Buying Power – Pittsburgh…
Energy Tags: solar power, energy resources
August 23, 2010
- Solar Powered Affordable Homes
The non-profit Eden Housing and its supporters dedicated the Healdsburg Family Housing, on Friday, August 20 at 2 PM.
- Solar Homes Community In So California
Villages at Heritage Springs to Be Nations Biggest Solar Community
Listen to AEHQ’s interview with Bob Comstock CEO of Comstock Homes as he tells us all about this energy efficient housing development – Bob Comstock Interview
Read more on Solar Homes Community In So California…
Energy Tags: hybrid cars, solar energy
August 12, 2010
- Wild Swings In Solar Cells Market Could Impact Solar Companies
“Makers of solar cells, as well as PV installers and other supply chain participants that can’t deftly manage these inventory swings, may risk being stuck with bloated stockpiles that could drive up their costs and put them at a major competitive disadvantage that will be impossible to overcome,” he added.
August 10, 2010
- “Greenest” Local City Pool
Citizens of Richmond successfully promoted a bond issue in 1926 to create the Richmond Municipal Natatorium, at that time a “state of the art” two-story building with an indoor warm water swimming pool, a fountain, observation balconies, and an open truss ceiling reminiscent of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco. Richmond’s population was about 20,000 at that time, grew to over 200,000 during the “war years” and is now about 80,000.
August 9, 2010
- Solar Powered Homes – Growing Trend
The Villages at Heritage Springs, the nation’s largest solar community, has won impressive third party certifications for its commitment to using energy-efficient practices and products in its construction. Energy Star and Build It Green certifications are independent verifications of the builder’s dedication to healthy and sustainable construction practices.
August 5, 2010
- Solar Power For Homes – ACRO Energy CEO Harry Fleming
We love to get insights from industry leaders about how alternative energy solutions are developing for consumers and business alike. This week Harry Fleming, CEO of ACRO Energy agreed to talk to us and give his insight on the solar power business in the USA. ACRO Energy is a rapidly growing solar energy installation company based in Houston Texas. They are focused on installing residential solar panel systems in California right now and looking to expand into the Southwest markets of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.Read more on Solar Power For Homes – ACRO Energy CEO Harry Fleming…
Energy Tags: battery technology, biodiesel
August 4, 2010
- Solar Homes – The Benefits of Solar Power at Home
Anne Clarke asked:Solar lights and other solar home products are, indeed, environmentally friendly. But you do not need to consider yourself an environmentalist to realize the benefits of using solar powered products.
What are some other benefits of solar powered home products? Well, when you use solar home items, your electricity bills will go down. Why pay outrageous prices for electricity when you can create your own electricity at home?
Another, less-thought-of benefit is the lack of wiring. If you buy solar lights to light up a garden path or if you have solar powered water features, you do not have to worry about installing any wiring. Also, solar garden lights usually have darkness sensors, so you never even have to worry about turning them on or off. Pretty much, you can pull your solar lights out of the box, place them where you want them, and then never worry about them again.
Let us again go over the benefits of solar energy:
· It is environmentally friendly. Solar energy is clean and renewable. It does not pollute (traditional forms of electrical generation do).
· Solar energy systems require very little maintenance. You do not have to worry about recurring costs or adding extra fuel, etc.
· When you use solar energy in your home, you will save money in the long run. After all, energy from the sun is free once you have purchased your solar panels or solar lights, etc. There are even some financial incentives from the government that can reduce your cost. And if you do not use as much energy as your solar system uses, you can sell that extra energy to your utility company. When you use solar energy, you are no longer affected by the supply and demand of regular fuel.
· Power outages will not affect you if you have a full solar system in your home. When you use solar energy, you lessen your dependence on both centralized and foreign sources of energy.
· Many solar systems (especially outdoor solar lights and outdoor solar water features, etc.) are very easy to install and require no wiring.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to having a solar home. Namely, a solar energy system can be expensive (but remember, after even a relatively short time of use, it can pay for itself). Also, depending on where your home is located in relation to the sun and how large of an area you have to install solar panels, solar power pay not work as well for you and your home.
There are many different solar home devices that you can buy. You may want to consider buying a solar powered car ventilator, solar flashlights, solar video cameras, solar pool purifiers, solar heaters, solar mosquito inhibitors, solar radios, solar powered fountain pumps, solar lighting, etc.
Read more on Solar Homes – The Benefits of Solar Power at Home…
Energy Tags: energy resources, solar power
- China Green Policies Spur Local Wind Energy and Photovoltaic Markets
El Segundo, Calif., Aug. 4, 2010—Chinese government policies intended to promote the adoption of green technologies are having the desired effect, with the country enjoying a boom in wind power capacity and Photovoltaic (PV) installations that is fueling the establishment of a new generation of global green energy suppliers, according to iSuppli Corp.
Read more on China Green Policies Spur Local Wind Energy and Photovoltaic Markets…
Energy Tags: energy, energy resources
August 3, 2010
- Solar Market Set to Continue Expansion in 2011
El Segundo, Calif., August 3, 2010—Despite concerns that reductions in government incentives will halt growth in installations of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems in 2011, iSuppli Corp. predicts the global PV market will continue to expand next year as falling prices make solar energy more attractive, according to iSuppli Corp.
Read more on Solar Market Set to Continue Expansion in 2011…
Energy Tags: battery technology, biodiesel
July 22, 2010
- One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Launches Philadelphia’s First Solar Group Purchase Program with Mercury Solar Systems
Philadelphia Homeowners Now Eligible for Group Discounts and Support Buying Solar Power
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today announced the launch of Philadelphia’s first solar group purchase program. Designed to reduce the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers free impartial advice and a group discount rate for installation. Mercury Solar Systems was selected as 1BOG’s program partner and will service all member installations for the duration of the three-month program.
Energy Tags: alternative energy, energy resources
July 12, 2010
- Generate Solar Power at Home and Save a Fortune
Dave Simpson asked:We are all being told, every day, that we need to do our bit to save the planet and prevent global warming. That’s all very admirable, but most of us have trouble finding enough time and money to just pay the bills, never mind go on an environmental crusade. But, have you ever thought that the two needn’t be separate – it is possible today to save yourself a lot of money while still helping to save the planet.
One way to do both, is to generate solar power at home – yes that really is possible. All you really need are a south facing yard, or a decent sized south facing roof, and some solar panels. Although it helps if you are in a sunny climate, with today’s solar technology it’s not even all that important anymore. It is possible to use pre-made solar cells, or if you are on a really tight budget, you can even have a go at making your own. With a few tools and the right knowledge it is possible to construct solar cells over a weekend and these cells can be every bit as efficient as professionally installed ones. Solar, or photovoltaic cells, work by converting the suns energy into either hot water, or electricity. The electricity can be stored for use overnight, or the hot water can be used to heat your home, or be used for washing and cooking.
More and more people are choosing to generate solar power at home, and this can also have an unexpected benefit, for its possible in some states, to sell surplus power back to the power company for a profit. The more space you have, the more solar cells you can run, and the more money you can make. Remember that solar panels are virtually maintenance free once built and installed, so over the long term this can be quite a profitable investment.
Read more on Generate Solar Power at Home and Save a Fortune…
Energy Tags: biodiesel, energy resources
July 11, 2010
- Home Solar Power System Batteries
Eric Moore asked:There are a number of different types of batteries, but which one is best for solar power? By the end of this article, you will know the answer. The sun doesn’t shine all the time (take for example, night) so if you are going to install a solar power system and are going to want to use electricity when there is no sunlight, you’re going to need some method of storing the power produced when there is sunlight. Batteries and a solar charge controller are the way to accomplish this. So, let’s talk about the different types of batteries and which type is best for solar.
The first question you might have is about the newer battery technologies used in hybrid cars or laptops or iPods. There are reasons these batteries are a good fit for those devices, but as you’ll see they don’t apply to solar power systems.
The biggest advantage these newer battery technologies have is size and weight. These newer battery technologies, though, cost a great deal more than the older technologies for the same capacity. These newer types of batteries make devices like cell phones more expensive, but they allow the devices to me much smaller and lighter and in these applications size and weight are more important than cost.
Your solar power system, though, isn’t going to move around. Capacity, in contrast, is going to be very important. So, much more important than size or weight will be cost per watt/hour of capacity.
When it comes to best cost for capacity, the best type of battery technology is plain old sealed lead acid batteries. That’s right, the same kind of battery that is in your car. The newer types of batteries are going to cost you between 2 and 4 times what sealed lead acid batteries will for the same capacity. Sealed lead acid batteries are rugged, cheap and safe.
The most common voltage for sealed lead acid batteries is 12 volts. The most common voltages for home solar power systems are 12, 24 or 48 volts. These voltages can easily be obtained by connecting together the proper number of 12v batteries in series. You then take these groups of batteries tied together in series and wire the groups in parallel to increase the amount of power you can store and then later release from the batteries.
A 12 volt solar charger will use the electricity produced by the solar panels to keep the batteries charged. The charger will ensure the voltage going to the batteries is correct, and will prevent overcharging.
One last thing you will need if you want to power appliances you usually plug into the wall is a power inverter. To mix power from your batteries and from the power company, or to sell excess electricity back to the power company, you will need a grid tie inverter. If not, a standard power inverter will be cheaper and work fine for your standard appliances.
That’s pretty much it. When it comes to batteries for a solar system, the old technology is best. Sealed lead acid batteries are the best choice for home solar power systems.
Read more on Home Solar Power System Batteries…
Energy Tags: alternative energy, biodiesel
July 5, 2010
- Solar Flights Night And Day
Swiss adventurers unveil the plane design for their round-the-world solar powered flight.
CNN’s Diana Magnay reports***
- Aviation, the “fastest growing source of greenhouse gases”
- With radiative forcing factored in, aviation represents 12-13% of emissions
Read more on Solar Flights Night And Day…
Energy Tags: energy resources, energy
July 4, 2010
- Solar Power For Homes:Good Options
Make your own solar energy
Energy Tags: biodiesel, alternative
