Archive for the 'Energy Saving' Category

Apr 11 2011

Generating Solar Electricity at Home

Published by under Energy Saving

Even a small ray of the sunlight that reaches the earth surface proves how useful its energy is. It can help a lot in reducing a lot of our day to day expenses in one way or the other. A lot of discussion is happening these days on saving the energy in the household. Necessary steps have to be taken to reduce it. Solar electricity at home helps in saving a lot of energy as well as reducing the carbon footprints.


Using sun energy can be categorized into mainly three groups; which are its use, production and handling. The sun energy can be used for carrying out various activities, which require power. The sun power can be effective and useful for various actions. To promote its use and save power and money, certain incentives should be given.


The popular solar cookers are being used for cooking meals for the entire family, which save fuel such as wood and coal. It is effective and saves time. Some of the other devices include heating and lighting sources, which are required for everyday activities all the time. The glass panels on the roof tops are very useful in utilizing sun power and saving both gas and electricity. The high oils prices are contributing towards promoting the use of sun power.


The fixed installation of the solar lighting system in home environment includes components such as solar cells, fans, lamps, battery system, charge controller etc. It is used for operating various devices such as lamps, fans, lights, pumps, grinders etc. The sun energy is very effective and useful for operating many home appliances.


One of the main challenges is to transfer the sun energy to usable energy and optimizing it with the available technology. The glass panels are used to convert the sun power to usable power, in terms of electricity. As the electricity produced is turbine based, it is a challenge to convert it. New technology is put in place to do the task.


The process of conversion of energy is carried out as the sun power hits the silicon crystals to generate energy, which can be efficiently used for various functions. Several incentives and programs are being implemented to encourage people and make them understand the use of this type of energy like the tax rebates that are being introduced. Interestingly, it has been observed that even on cloudy days, some electricity can be produced.


The green environment is basically living in a balanced environment. This can be achieved by using solar electricity at home, replacing most of the non-renewable and reducing its usage. The reduction will result in protecting the environment and the message for going green can be conveyed to the general masses. I have personally managed to build my own home DIY electricity system simply following a DIY guide online.

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Dec 13 2010

When Considering Battery Operated LED Lights

Published by under Energy Saving

When looking for alternatives to power consumption, battery operated lights make it possible to reduce your electric bill. This type of illumination is convenient for providing light where there is no AC source of power. They can also be very decorative and provide accent to just about any object. When there is a need to have lights in a remote location, these bulbs are just the thing to augment the occasion.


LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a result of the electronics industry where components called ‘diodes’ were needed in a circuit. They were so attractive to the curiosity of human beings that they became an industry of their own, and over the years have developed into an assortment of colors to accent and illuminate.


Because they produce very little heat, they are perfect for decorating holiday trees, and being braided into wreathes and other types of garlands. They make a lovely accent around any doorway, and can be used along side stairways to safely light up the pathway. There is something special about seeing little lights decorating the great outdoors.


Should you be interested in stringing lights along the eves of your house, the lights can be easier to install because you won’t need to accommodate any power cords that could pose a problem in rainy weather. Because they do not need alternating current it makes them very handy for use in any location, both indoor and outdoor.


For those holiday occasions when decorations are to be cheery and bright, you may want to consider battery operated led lights. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be used to highlight entrance doors, mantles, indoor and outdoor trees and walkways. The convenience of them not having to powered by standard electricity makes them an affordable means of sprucing up any of your needs for decorating.

Reduce your power bill by investing in battery operated light options! Get the low down on the best lighting options now in our battery operated lanterns guide.

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Nov 02 2010

The Cost Benefits of Using Wind Energy for the Home

Published by under Energy Saving

Wind energy is the latest in both viable sustainable alternative energy and commercial electricity generation. It is both free of pollutants and truly self-sufficient energy. The turbines can be manufactured in almost any industrialized country, and the wind is obviously anywhere. Although not the least expensive form of electricity generator in standard terms, wind energy for home still provides many benefits.


Wind power works by transforming the kinetic energy present in wind into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. The process of converting kinetic energy into mechanical energy utilizes a technique as old as the typical windmills. Wind rotates the turbine blades, which are specifically shaped to harness the wind’s power. The rotating motion is then transferred by gears to the rotor of the turbine, which causes the turbine to generate electricity.


According to the United States Department of Energy, clean wind power can cost around $55.60 per MWH (megawatt hour). While coal energy costs about $53.10 per MWH; nuclear power $59.30 per MWH; and natural gas $52.50 per MWH. Currently, wind energy for home is slightly more expensive than fossil fuels, but the current costs are steadily dropping as wind turbines are becoming cheaper because of mass production. Wind power costs have significantly dropped by eighty percent between 1984 and 2004.


Wind power has absolutely no fuel expenses and almost non-existent maintenance costs. However, there is a relatively substantial initial investment cost. Wind farms, for commercial purposes, producing similar amounts of electricity as a mid-sized coal-fired power plant will cost more to construct, but will essentially cost less to operate over a 20-plus year time frame.


The previously mentioned statistics on the cost of wind power do not take into account the environmental expenses. Wind energy for home has no clean-up expenditures, however fossil fuels do. Any serious plan to address man-made climate change will inevitably have to include such system like the carbon tax or carbon cap-and-trade system, making carbon emissions more expensive and therefore will provide the right motivation for people to convert to using cleaner energy sources.


The United States alone imports sixty percent of the oil and fifteen percent of the natural gas the whole country consumes. In 2007, 21.6% of U.S. electricity output came from natural gas and 1.6% came from oil. Natural gas and oil imports are key contributors to the U.S. trade deficit, so dependence on foreign fossil fuels has an indirect and negative effect on the American economy. The Netherlands is presently conducting studies on not just replacing oil-fired thermal power plants with North Sea-based wind farms, but building so many that they could export surplus electricity to neighboring countries.


There is no obvious reason why the United States could not only make wind turbines for the country’s consumption, but become a wind turbine exporter as well. As a matter of fact, the main reason why the growth of wind power in the U.S. is frustratingly slow is not because of lack of demand, but lack of supply. Many of the turbines that are set up in the U.S. are being imported from Europe. Job creation occurs in Europe and not in the U.S.

Energy for home is one way of conserving energy. To know more about it, check out http://greenhomeenergynow.com/

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Oct 14 2010

3 Types Of Solar Power Inverters Available In the Market Today

Published by under Energy Saving

Over the years, experts have seen the potential of solar technology as alternative sources of energy. Its promise is to help the community in saving money for paying bills and at the same time to reduce green house gases affecting the environment. Due to these reasons, more and more panels have been installed in rooftops year after year. Solar panels have the ability to create renewable energy though this type of technology requires solar power inverters to meet the energy requirements.


A solar power inverter plays an important role since it diverts the electrical current to alternating current. The process is not that complicated since it only takes place in a matter of seconds. There are three different types of solar inverters that work in different ways. The first one is the stand alone inverter. This works by switching direct current (DC) to the batteries or alternating current (AC). For a regular homeowner with small appliances, this could be the perfect option though the energy generated by this inverter is only limited.


The second type of solar inverter is the so-called synchronous power inverter. This one is bigger as it allows the homeowner to work with a power company. Once the electricity is collected through panels, it will be stored to batteries for consumption. But once the energy is not use, you can decide to sell it to the power company, which prevents you from wasting the energy. Another benefit of this type of inverter is that you can activate the inverters for emergency purposes like rotating brownouts. But if it happened that the solar inverters you have are not producing the required energy, you have to compensate the difference to the power company or might decide to purchase smaller inverters, which only fit your household consumption.


Last but not the least is the multifunction solar power inverter. This one is considered by experts as the most used inverter. It also allows diverting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) but in a more delicate level. For commercial establishments, having such panels is a great advantage since they can save more money rather than renting generators and paying for the gas during tough days.


Whatever type of panels you choose, it is always best to go for a solar power inverter with long-term warranty. This is very important since troubles might happen unpredictably. Rather than paying someone to fix it, you can return to the supplier and let them do the job.


These tough economic times, solar power inverters are a remaining hope to cut down higher energy costs. With the advances in the technology, solar technology has made accessible to anyone. Some companies are making their own guides on how to install panels, which helps the community in saving immense amount of money. now that you are armed with the information above, it’s now time to do your own research and look for a solar power inverted that is truly created by a legitimate company.

Everything they never told you about Solar Power Inverters revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure and check out Solar Power House.

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Oct 05 2010

PV Solar Panels: A Bright Future

Published by under Energy Saving

PV solar panels were actually developed to provide electricity for missions in space. They are now used in over 100 countries and are the fastest growing source of natural electricity in the world.


London has decided to unveil their new solar heating and cooling program that would create 25,000 green jobs generating over $2 billion in revenue. New York has plans to become Americas leading cities in solar energy use. Many other countries and cities are following the example of these great leaders.


The word photovoltaic has two parts. The first part is photo which is the Greek word for light and the second part of the word is volt which relates to electricity.


Semiconductors such as silicon are the most commonly used photovoltaic cells. Sunlight hits the cells and is absorbed into the semiconductor material. The absorbed light is then transferred to the semiconductor loosening electrons, allowing them to flow freely creating energy that is turned into electricity. Electricity is used to power anything from a laptop computer to a cellular phone.


Modules are a group of cells fit into a frame connected electrically (known as a solar panel). Depending on the quality and production of the solar panel, the amount of electricity generated varies. Physical wear can reduce the level of operation and efficiency. Modules are used to release electricity at the desired voltage. One of the most common is the 12 volts system. Currents are produced depending on the amount of light that hits the module.


New technology introduces more durable designs as development in the solar field continues. Modern living is more demanding of our natural resources and requires continuous advancement in the growth solar energy.


More and more people are aware of the importance of using renewable, natural resources like solar energy. PV Solar Panels come in all shapes and sizes. New designs and models come out every year. There is much to look forward to in the world of solar energy. Technology is booming and the advancements in this field are excelling daily.

Prices and information about Solar Power and PV Solar Panels.

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Oct 03 2010

Brief Overview of a Grid Tie System – How It Works

Published by under Energy Saving

Once you have installed your solar panels onto the roof or outdoors in a spot where they are able to soak up the energy of the sun, the problem arises of what to do with this energy. A grid tie system simply allows a means of using this energy and converting it into electricity, by connecting with the utility company’s own power grid.


Therefore, you become a source of electricity overall, which the utility company will pay you for. To become part of this system, there are a few different components that are necessary. These include the solar panels, a combiner box that will include connecting devices, a DC breaker box, an inverter, and a disconnect option that allows you to get out of the system.


The solar panels are the most important portion of any solar energy system. They will produce direct current electricity by using the rays of the sun, and then it is run through the inverter and switched over to alternating current electricity. The AC power is the type that is used by the utility company’s own power grid, and can be fed directly into this grid tie system with the use of a combiner box. Those are, in essence, the main functions of this type of system.


There are several different reasons why a person would be interested in becoming part of a grid tie system utilizing solar energy. The primary reason for many is the fact that it drastically reduces your electricity bills, since there are no maintenance fees and you are in essence creating all of your own electricity. You may even be able to make a profit off of it if you are generating a large amount of energy. The government often allows tax breaks or rebates for the cost of construction, in an effort to improve the environment.


This government interest is also one that can be reflected personally. Switching over to alternate energy sources is an important first step in helping to clean up the planet and prepare for the future. Buying into a grid tie system allows people to do just that from the comfort of their own homes, while at the same time saving money and being able to say they made a difference. The first step is to gather more information about solar energy and how it could work within your own household, which is much easier than many people think.

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Sep 02 2010

What You Need to Know When You Want Off Grid Energy

Published by under Energy Saving

These days awareness of higher energy costs are gradually motivating people to think outside the box. A way to save energy is of course, to limit the use of electrical appliances, but most people look for easier, cleaner, cheaper and more energy efficient solutions when it comes to their energy consuming appliances. One of the alternatives is to buy solar panels for on site electric generation. Let us take a closer look at what to consider when you choose to generate your own electricity with solar panels.


For anyone unfamiliar with solar panels, it is a devices that catches light from the sun and converts it into usable electricity. The more bright the sunlight is, the more electricity the panel can produce. But investing in this device can get very expensive so buying very large solar panels is not cost efficient.


When you compared conventional heating methods with generating your heat with harnessed energy from solar panels, it is needless to say you will need to store energy during the day for heating in the night. That means you will need considerable space to store connected batteries. The use of this energy would last much longer when appliances would operate on DC instead of AC. Solar power is free of monthly expenses for as long as it operates. In an off grid house the consumption of power should be as limited as possible. Not only would you need it to provide heating, it also has to provide cooling and ventilation and many other things through your electric appliances. In certain countries, governments even gives allowance and incentive to people who provide in their own electricity needs!


When you consider investing in homemade electricity, it is primarily important to know your electrical needs. So first thing to check would be which electrical appliance you wish to power, and how much power they need. Most common use for solar panels is heating of water because this consumes a lot of power. I would do the same. The most energy consuming appliances would best be substituted with solar energy. A DC to AC converter would be needed to use typical household appliances on solar power. When you have summed up the total wattage of your commonly used appliances, but a solar panel capable of producing a high wattage. This will ensure that the solar panel you will be using will have enough power output for your energy needs.


The roof of your house is most commonly used for locating the panels. You want your solar panels to have maximum light collection throughout the day. A solar tracker will provide maximum energy output, but it will cost additional investments. The use of such a device would be advisable for larger scale and when applied at a location that is predominately sunny during the year. The best thing to do without such a device is to place the solar panels in a way that they would be facing the sun directly when the sun is at its brightest.


Check the guaranteed service and lifespan of the solar panels you buy. The lifespan can range between 10-20 years. Compare the expenses of the commonly used panels to buying a more expensive and durable panel. It could give you savings considering it will only last for such period of time. People think it lasts forever, no it does not!


Solar panels truly give benefits to our houses. But other alternatives are appearing so most people hesitate to buy them. New technology can create much more efficient panels but always consider costs and benefits when buying your own electricity generating system. Moreover, do not oversee the time that your equipment will last. You want to enjoy the benefits of generating your own power, not suffer the high cost.


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Aug 31 2010

Why You Must Take a Fresh Look at Solar Power

Published by under Energy Saving

With ever-rising energy prices and a global need to move towards more sustainable energy alternatives, solar power is a rapidly growing technology. Each year it moves on with better developments. While installation costs have been a traditionally high barrier for people, prices are now coming down. In many places government grants are available too.


So what is a solar panel? Simply put it is a panel made up of many smaller solar cells. These are wired together to create a usable output. As each cell is so small, they can’t provide sufficient power for our domestic needs alone. As a rule size of the panel is selected to supply the correct output, and the larger the panel the higher the output.


These panels are designed to take the energy from our sun and convert it into electricity. This process is called photovoltaic.


People have been harnessing the power of the sun for many years. Even the earliest cultures used it to dry food and heat liquid. The process was further refined around the industrial revolution. New solar applications were constructed to use the heat from the sun to boil water and create steam to drive factory machines. These, though groundbreaking, were very crude and it would take many more years until fully usable power could be harnessed.


Solar power is not just great for our homes either. It is also widely used in new road building projects. Lights, traffic signs, warning signs etc can all be powered, or partly powered by solar technology. This means a higher initial outlay for the project, but far lower running costs to local governments.


The most popular application in recent years has been that of solar powered external lighting. These types of lights are now available at such low cost and are so easy to fit that they are now commonplace in gardens across the world.


Space technology has also been enhanced and improved with the use of solar power. Indeed many of our satellite applications would not be possible if it was not for the natural power from our sun. A good thing to remember the next time you are watching your favourite sport in HD.


Of course, we must not forget that it not just the cost savings, which make solar power attractive, it is also a silent process with no emissions to damage the environment. They are also maintenance free. Isn’t it about time you looked at solar power?

From fitting a door draught excluder and insulating your house to working on efficient driving techniques. Saving money is our aim.


Carol J Jenkins

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May 11 2010

3 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

Published by under Energy Saving

If you are like most, you have become accustomed to living a comfortable lifestyle with little thought behind just how much energy your habits are actually consuming. If you are living “on the grid”, then you are paying a high premium for the comforts that you have come to love and expect.


The good news is that there are many things that you can do to reduce your consumption of energy, and eliminate waste altogether, without changing your lifestyle or lowering your standard of living. Since most of our energy consumption is at home, that is where we will begin our audit to see if you are applying all the energy saving and reduction measures that are available.


What’s Cooking?


Our first stop is in your kitchen. Are all of your appliances Energy Efficient? Each appliance you use demands electrical power, and the difference between standard appliances and energy efficient appliances can equal up to $400 a year in utility charges. Would you rather be saving that money or giving it away to the utility company?


Replacing old appliances with newer energy efficient models will help bring down your energy consumption, which in turn will lower your utility bill, and at the same time contribute to helping to protect the environment.


Power Thieves


Did you know that “Phantom Power” adds about 15% to your total utility bill? Phantom power is wasted energy that most of us are not even aware of.


Home electronic devices, those comforting and enjoyable toys we all have, stereos, DVD players, TV’s, home computers, are sucking energy 24 hours a day, while we sleep, are away at work, gone on vacation.


An easy solution to stop the waste of energy through Phantom Power is to use Power strips for all of your electronic devices. When you are not using them, simply turn off the power strip, and turn off the drain of electrical consumption.


Our electronic toys do not need to be in a “stand by” mode, once you turn the power strip on the electricity is there, no need to wait for the device to “warm up”, it will come on just as fast as if the power had always been on. So why let the energy flow when it is not being used?


Placing the power strips strategically so they are easy to access is about the most difficulty you will face. Once you have figured that out, and begin to use them, you will see a reduction in your utility bill, and can feel good that you are contributing to the environment by living a greener lifestyle.


Light of My Life


Standard light bulbs are cheaper to buy than energy efficient light bulbs, but that is deceiving. Energy efficient light bulbs, compact florescent light (CLF) or light-emitting diodes (LED) provide the same light but use 75% less energy to use, and can last 10 to 35 times longer than the standard light bulb. So where is the savings?


Switching all of your lighting sources to energy efficient light bulbs will save you money in the long run, and will also contribute to reducing the amount of pollutant output that your lifestyle generates. Sounds like a win/win situation to me!


As Darkness Falls


If you are like most people, you like a little light outside at night. Light offers a sense of protection, and obviously makes it easier to see our way when we are out and about in the evening.


Solar lights can provide the needed light and not cost you a dime in energy costs. How many times have you left your outside lights on all night, and come home from work the next day to find they are still on? A total waste of energy that is adding to your utility bill unnecessarily! Shop around and find outdoor solar lights that fit your needs. They can be a very attractive addition to your yard, and will help contribute to living a greener life style!


Incorporating these simple changes will not change your lifestyle, just decrease your energy consumption.


Good News! As an incentive to encourage you to upgrade to more environmental friendly products, special offers and rebates are often offered. You can check out what is available in your area at Energy Star by entering your zip code.

Every bit counts! Learn more about new green technologies and how to live green at Definition of Green

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Mar 10 2010

What You Need to Know About Solar Panel Prices

Published by under Energy Saving

Solar panels are a great way to reduce electricity costs and to protect the environment. They come in a lot of flavors from very high tech and expensive to very cheap. They can be silicon based and even organic. This is why a lot of people are intimidated by solar energy panels. They do not believe that they can build their own panels from scratch.


By now you should be enthusiastic about building your own solar energy panels and wondering how you can build them yourself. You may not be very confident but you should know that most of the sites that selling these panels are run by people that building them themselves. You do not have to be an expert in order to build some basic solar energy panels.


If you decide to outfit your house with solar energy panels you will build, you should start look for a course on the subject. These courses usually cover everything you need to know about building solar panels. You should be able to go through the entire course in a day or two. They will also teach you how you should plug the solar energy panel system in your grid.


You probably already have the skills required to build a solar panel. The parts you need are very common, cheap and can be found at your local hardware store. You can even build enough panels to go completely off the grid and no longer depend on the power companies. Try it now!

And, a step-by-step video guide that will show you how to Make a Solar Panel at home can be found on my site. Click here to find out how YOU can save thousands by making your own solar panels and save even more off your power bills.

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