Inexpensive Solar Power Generators

Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming very popular because of their size, weight, and durability?

Inexpensive Solar Power Generators

When you’re in the market for information on solar, how do you choose the best sources for building an inexpensive solar power generator? Information on going solar is available via several different venues. The Internet, books and videos can provide valuable information about going solar. How you choose to use the information is entirely at your discretion. Solar power is becoming more widely used as a home power source each year. With today’s economic woes, creating an alternative solar power generator for your home could save a lot of money in the long run.

One of the most important questions people ask about solar: How do you know which information to trust? The answer to that question could be much simpler than you think! The “best” information is the information that best applies to your particular project. Information about how to create a mobile solar power generator wouldn’t be helpful to people planning to fully implement solar power with their homes.

A personal solar generator for your home, cabin, apartment or RV could be a very valuable asset for people who often experience blackouts or brownouts. Even small power flickers can cause computer users to lose valuable time and information. People who work from home often use an uninterruptable power system (UPS) to protect their computers from immediately losing power in the event of a power outage. The use of a UPS is very comparable to the use of a solar power backup generator. Freelancers and contractors who travel a lot benefit greatly from small, inexpensive solar power generators.

Solar: How a Small Backup Generator Can Reduce Energy Costs

Small, homemade crystalline solar power backup generators can be made for under $400 and reliable for up to five consecutive hours of power. Some avid campers and nature lovers have made it a point to take their laptop and solar power generator on camping or fishing trips. They never have to worry about falling behind on work or the latest news while they’re relaxing and enjoying nature. Earth Care Products have lightweight, portable power systems utalizing our rollable and foldable solar panels available for those who are limited on the amount of space they have for storage and weight they can carry.

Installing solar power in your home not only saves a lot of dollars on electricity per year, but your initial investment could also pay for itself within 1-3 years. Solar power also adds to the resale value of your home. Minor improvements to homes often create the biggest buzz and the greatest return on investment
when the homeowner considers selling the home. A home that will save the new owner money on the electric bill and help the environment at the same time would be much more attractive to potential home buyers.

Farmers have learned to harness solar power for use on tobacco, wheat, corn and livestock farms. By use of solar powered lighting among other things, farmers have learned to solar power saves time and money. The initial investment is minimal when compared to the costs of setting up a full electrical system for various areas of their farms.

Utilization of solar power for farm use helps the environment just as much as it helps the farmer’s bank account. Fossil fuels are used in the process of making solar components, but the products themselves emit no harmful pollutants into the surrounding environment. Informational websites and books can help you determine if solar energy is right for you.

Solar How to Websites and Books

Solar how to websites are very convenient sources of information. Another great resource for solar know-how is books. Several books from the Evil Genius series, McGraw Hill’s DeMystified or even the Dummy series can help even the newest solar rookie understand the basics. When shopping for information or products, it’s a great idea to take your reading materials with you. When approached by a store representative, ask specific questions regarding solar how to.

When searching the web for information on how to implement solar power, be very specific with your search words and use quotes where appropriate. Simply searching your favorite search engine for solar generator information will bring up a lot of useless information that doesn’t apply to your particular project. Try using quotation marks when searching. Instead of just searching for solar power generator try “solar power generator” to target the phrase or any other phrase you’re searching for.

Make the Best of Solar How to Information

Website, books and videos are great sources of information. Each resource can provide information on everything solar. How would you find the best prices for solar? How would you build your own solar generator? Knowledge is a great foundation for any project.

Solar power isn’t rocket science, but the more you know, the better the end results will be. Before making the decision to fully integrate solar power, do your research. The more you understand, the more smoothly your project and transition will go. The Internet, videos and books are very valuable resources to help answer those questions and many, many more.

Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants

Solar Garden Lights Ease Energy Costs

Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming very popular because of their ease of installation and durability?

Solar Garden Lights Ease Energy Costs
The current trends of today’s economy and rising fuel costs make it difficult to have money to spend on the little pleasures in life. Gardening is a popular hobby for many people. Many homeowners take pride in their landscaping abilities and wish to show off their hard work and effort. This can be a difficult task with the current rise in electricity bills and energy costs. Alternative energy sources are a viable way to cut those costs. Using solar power may seem like a daunting task, but there are simple ways to use solar energy.

Homeowners and renters alike can benefit from do-it-yourself projects that harness solar energy and reduce electricity bills. One simple and inexpensive project is the installation of solar garden or yard lights. These types of lights can allow a garden to be stylishly illuminated while still saving on energy costs. They are a convenient and aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden or landscape.

Solar garden lights store and generate their own power during daylight hours and release that energy at night. A typical landscape light uses 12 volts of electricity and requires bulbs. Solar garden lights contain solar panels that harness the sunlight. This is especially convenient for homeowners and renters who do not have outdoor electrical outlets. These solar panels charge the interior LED (light-emitting diode) battery. A photoresistor activates the battery when it detects little or no light, causing the lamp to illuminate. LED batteries are inexpensive and have an average lifespan of two years. One LED solar light emits the same brightness as a 2 watt bulb. LED battery powered lights run for about 100,000 hours, while an incandescent bulb runs for only 3,000 hours on non-renewable energy. Solar garden lights on average remain lit for 10 hours per night.

Solar garden lights require the simplest installation of any solar lighting. They can be placed in any area of the yard that receives direct sunlight. Most solar garden lights are mounted on stakes that can easily be driven into the ground. These types of solar lights require no wires or underground digging. Some also have the option of being strung together so they can hang along eaves or awnings.

Solar garden lights are available in various styles, colors and shapes. They can be stylish additions to any garden. Solar garden lights can be used to illuminate a path or walkway. There are also floating solar lights that can be displayed in a pool or pond. Another convenient type of solar light is a solar deck light. These lights are small and can be placed along stairs, making decks safer for nighttime use. They are made from plastic and are weighted down to avoid being blown around by wind.

A growing trend among solar powered landscape lighting is rope lighting. This type of lighting involves a string of LED bulbs that are encased in clear plastic tubing. The tubing protects against weather and allows for flexibility. Solar rope lighting works much the same as solar garden lighting and does not require electricity. These lights also come in a variety of colors, and some models have twinkle or blink settings. Rope lighting can be used to trace a path or walkway or be mounted along a house or deck. It could also be used as outdoor decoration for holiday seasons.

Solar garden lights are sold at most major retailers and home improvement stores. They are the most energy efficient choice for outdoor lighting. Solar garden lights are affordable; pricing increases are usually due to style and color choice.

Renewable energy is both environmentally friendly and economically vital. Solar power is an important resource in the effort of homeowners and renters to lower electricity costs and use renewable energy sources. Solar energy allows people the luxury of small pleasures, like garden lighting, while being affordable and eco-friendly.

Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants

Converting an RV to Solar Power

Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels are becoming an RV Owners delight Who wants to drill holes in the roof of an expensive RV?

Converting an RV to Solar Power
There’s never been a better time to convert to solar power. North Americans are only too aware of the ramifications of the continued use of non-renewable energy sources. Global warming and greenhouse gases are terms understood by even the youngest of citizens. The possible impact of ignoring the warnings could have devastating consequences for future generations. “Solar how to” is on the minds of many social and environmentally-conscious individuals.

Environmental concerns extend beyond the front door. RV travelers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of converting to solar power. Many have become traveling ambassadors for the cause. They stand to set a new trend when it comes to relying less on hydro-electric energy and more upon natural sunlight when traveling.

* The number one reason that RV vacationers are reluctant to go solar is the notion of cost.

* The second is the perceived hassle involved. Both of these may be misconceptions. RV owners may find on closer review that the cost is not as great as believed. The long term savings will likely far outweigh the initial cost of conversion. Plus, the greater travel options may decrease the hassle involved in RV traveling.

Solar power is energy generated from the sun. Solar how-to for RV’s involves the placement of solar panels atop the roof of the vehicle. The panels reflect the sun’s rays and help convert it into energy. This energy can produce heat, electricity and even cooling.

The benefits of converting an RV to solar power are tremendous. Just a few of them include:

* Less reliance upon access to an electrical outlet. One of the first things RV travelers look at when planning a trip itinerary is electrical accessibility. Many campgrounds have limited numbers of sites with electricity. This can sometimes make it challenging to find a convenient travel route. Conversion to solar power eliminates the need to plan travel around electrical access. Solar power opens up more campground options. It also makes outback RV travel a possibility.

* RV solar systems can be tailored to fit needs. Power needs differ according to RV size, number of appliances, etc. Some travelers may wish to simply run an engine battery on solar power. Others may decide to convert all parts of the vehicle, including hot water heaters and kitchen appliances to solar energy. All of these needs can be accommodated by installing the right kinds and number of solar panels.

* Solar systems can be expanded as needs change. RV owners may want to start by converting batter power to solar energy. As other appliances are added or switched over, more or larger solar panels can be added to accommodate the expansion.

* Cost savings. Total savings will depend upon the extent to which an RV is used. Frequent travelers stand to save the most money in the long run. Travelers who spend weeks or months traveling each year stand to save thousands of dollars. The savings realized are twofold. First, reliance upon outside energy sources is reduced. Plus, the need to pay extra for campsites with electrical outlets is eliminated.

Almost any and every make and model of RV can be converted to solar energy. The age of the RV doesn’t matter. However, newer vehicles may be more easily converted than older models. The type of conversion kit needed will depend upon the size of the RV. The number of appliances and the size of the battery will also play a critical role.

Solar how to kits for RV’s are available where RV’s are sold. Kits are also available online. It’s important to determine exactly what your particular needs are before you purchase a solar power kit. It’s important to have your solar kit installed by a professional unless you have experience in this area. Incorrect installation may reduce performance level or cause malfunction within your RV.

Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants

Solar Panels – Pvs At Work

What is PV solar power? You have heard the term, but you are unsure as to its meaning. You are vaguely aware that solar power has something to do with making energy from sunlight. But what is PV solar power? Is it different from other kinds of solar power?

PV solar power is different from other types. Of the two main categories of solar power, active and passive, PV solar power is active. Let’s look at it.

Solar Panel

Active solar power relies on solar panels. You may picture them as flat, rectangular boxes on rooftops.

There are two main types of solar panel. From a distance, both look like rectangular boxes. Both convert sunlight into energy, but in two different ways. The terms for the two solar panel types are solar thermal collector and photovoltaic module.

1. Solar thermal collector: This solar panel takes in solar energy from the sun and uses it to heat air or water.

2. Photovoltaic module: This second type of solar panel collects solar energy and converts it to usable electricity.

Meet the PV

To answer the question, what is PV solar power, we must know what the PV is. The short answer is that PV refers to a photovoltaic module. “P” is for photo and “V” for voltaic.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines “photovoltaic” this way.

“of, relating to, or utilizing the generation of a voltage when radiant energy falls on the boundary between dissimilar substances.”

In simpler terms, “photo” refers to sunlight and “voltaic” refers to electrical energy. PV panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. Sunlight flows into the solar panel. Electrical energy flows out of the solar panel.

A PV solar panel is made up of many photovoltaic (light to volts) cells. These cells are electrically connected, and then covered with glass. The glass provides electrical insulation. It is also good protection from weather and other damaging forces.

When minimal energy is needed, such as that necessary to power a small appliance, a single PV solar panel is sufficient. When more power is needed, an “array” of solar panels is created by connecting panels to one another. If the power will not be supplied to the power grid, the solar panel(s) is connected to a charge controller, and battery. If it is intended for on-grid use, the solar panel array will be connected to an electrical inverter.

What Is PV Solar Power?

PV solar power is solar energy in the form of sunlight, which has been collected by a photovoltaic module, and converted into usable electricity.

Conventional silicon solar panels convert about 14 to 17 percent of sunlight into usable electricity. That isn’t much. Late in 2006, however, a new solar cell
was introduced. Solar panels that utilize the new cell can convert into electricity 22 percent of the sunlight they collect. Theoretically, the maximum that the cells of a solar panel can convert is said to be around 26 to 27 percent of incoming sunlight.

How does it work? Let’s look at a very simple explanation.

Each photovoltaic cell in a PV solar panel is a semiconductor. When sunlight hits those cells, a certain part of the sunlight is absorbed by those silicon cells. The cells take in that part of the sunlight’s energy. The cells then transfer the absorbed sunlight’s energy to the electrons in the silicon. The electrons begin to flow, and this creates an electrical current. Metal contacts built into the top and bottom of the PV cells draw off that current and it is sent to the grid or battery. It is now usable electricity. The power grid sends it on its way, if you have used an on-grid connection. If you are using a battery, it is stored in the battery awaiting your need.

PV solar power is being used increasingly with great success, and while it is true that cloud cover can affect it, the cloudy country of Germany leads the world in successful use of solar panels.

Ideas For Outdoor Solar Lights

Solar Lights will give you What You Want

If you have a patio or deck then you need outdoor lighting to illuminate it and the area around it at night.

Even if you do not use your patio or deck at night you should have sensor lights close by for security and safety reasons. And now you can do all this cheaply with solar powered lights.

Firstly lights that come on when someone approaches are great for deterring the casual thief and secondly if you need to go on to your deck or patio at night a lamp will come on automatically to light your way and ensure you do not slip or bump into anything.

There are lots of different clever and innovative ways to illuminate different aspects of your patio or deck. Lights can be installed in almost any location on, in and around your patio or deck to give you the desired lighting effect.

When you install patio solar lights you are able to create just the right atmosphere to get the sort of style and ambience that you prefer. And of course by mixing different lighting effects you can use different combinations for different occasions making the use of solar patio lights and solar deck lights extremely versatile.

The main thing that helps you with obtaining this versatility is the fact that there are just so many types of solar lighting for patios and decks all with a different and unique applications. And best of all they are all really easy to install so that you can do it yourself cheaply and in your own time.

Lanterns

The tradition lantern is a standard for most patio deck areas and now you can get all the same traditional and more recent designs powered by solar energy. If the location for the lantern is not in sunlight all day then don’t worry but just get a solar outdoor light which has a separate mini solar panel for charging the battery and locate the panel in a sun lit area.

Motion Sensor Lights

These are essential for home safety and security and once again these are all available in the traditional and modern designs you would associate with sensor lights. Only now you can get them as a solar powered option and of course these require no outlet or other electric wiring and so are easy to install and can be located wherever you like. Also Solar lights will still funtion if connected to a battery when there is a power outage.

Step Lights

These are extremely useful for lighting your way in tricky areas to or from your patio. They actually illuminate the steps so you see exactly where you are going. This makes it easier for you and your family to get around at night and lessens the chance of that occasional slip which can sometimes be so painful.

Post Lights and Lamps

The traditional post lamp which sits on top of a post on your patio or deck is now available as a solar light and there are new close fitting solar powered post lights which also fit on top of the post which create an upward light without you even knowing that they are there. These are very effective in giving a special and unusual lighting effect.

Torches

Specially shaped solar powered lights that look like the normal flame torches (without the flame of course) are also now available in almost any style you can think of and these are great for producing a striking ambient lighting effect.

Use Your Imagination

There are still more solar lights which have been designed specifically for use on decks and patios. Just about any type of outdoor solar lighting can be use to give a different effect. Try using rope lights along or under railings or around pickets or posts.

You can also get solar lights for hanging under large sun umbrellas or for centre of table lighting. And do not forget Christmas and other festive occasions or parties when you can use special solar lights designed just for those occasions.

Only your imagination will limit what you can do for your deck or patio with outdoor solar lights. The good news is that whatever you do with solar lights it is going to be cheap and you will have lots of fun

Solar Power for Camping

Earth Care Products endorses the writers statements below. In fact, we encourage each of the following quotes. Earth Care’s Peel and Stick Solar Charging Panels is becoming a campers delight.

Solar power systems for camping are increasing in availability, but what about practicality? Can solar power systems for camping be put to use readily? Are they portable enough? Are they durable enough?

Solar power practicality for camping must address those questions and more. Are solar power systems for camping cost effective? Do they produce enough energy for normal needs?

RV Camping

Solar power systems for camping can readily be used in RV camping.

Many people spend most of their RV camping time in RV camping spaces with full hook-ups. They plan trips according to where the next RV camp is, and reserve a full hook-up space for the end of each day. For them, solar power
practicality is questionable. It makes a great back-up system, if there is a power outage
at a campground,generator failure or the Camp Ground is full and you can’t get in.

Others enjoy the freedom of being able to camp without hook-ups. They want to get off the beaten track – be pioneers. They want the opportunity to be in a remote, quiet place for a few days. They may want to go off road, or stop beside a quiet stream, even though it is in the middle of nowhere. They don’t want to rush to make it to the next full hook-up campground. Also with Solar Systems you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of that remote location without the constant hum of your generator. Some will say that my generator is “Super Quiet” but try moving to a location where the nearest human is 100 miles away and you will realise that the Super Quiet generator you were sold may be actually quite noisy!

Solar power practicality for camping is real for the second group of campers. Solar power serves a practical use for them. It breaks the leash of energy needs and lets them wander as they please.

Operating an RV’s electrical system with a solar power system is simple. Charging its batteries with solar power is also simple. You need to plan your system, of course. You need to know how much energy you want. Then you need to purchase and install solar panels, batteries, and inverters that will produce that amount of energy for you.

Many Internet websites will guide you through the necessary steps of determining how much solar power you need. They will explain which components will provide that amount of energy. Solar power systems for camping in recreational vehicles are increasingly available in a range of sizes, and you are sure to find one to fit your needs. Most are easy to use.

Solar power systems for camping may make you think twice about appliances you take for granted in RV camping. For example, suppose you have a coffee maker that requires 15 minutes to brew coffee, and then keeps the coffee warm on a warming plate. This will consume a lot of your solar power. You may want to replace that coffee maker with one that will brew in 10 minutes and shut itself off. Pour your coffee into a thermos and it will remain hot without using more energy.

Non-RV Camping

Solar power systems for camping are also practical for non-RV camping. The same two groups of people are to be found. One group likes to make camp in a KOA campground, with electrical power close at hand. The other group likes to hike into the back country with lightweight backpacks, and camp wherever darkness overtakes them.

Solar power practicality can easily be seen in the array of lightweight, portable units hitting the market. Solar power can be generated by the backpack in which gear is carried. Flexible solar panels can be rolled up and carried to the campsite, where they can be stretched on the ground to generate additional energy.

Solar power systems for camping are small and portable, but can generate enough energy to run a small heater or light bulb. Solar collected by a backpack while hiking can recharge a cell phone, camera, or iPod. Small solar power units will run appliances made for use in a vehicle. The coffee maker that will plug into your cigarette lighter can be run by a flexible solar power panel.

Solar power practicality for camping is sure to increase, and products for this use will multiply. Those who appreciate the environment enough to want to be far out into it will demand clean energy
, i.e. solar power.

Earth Care Products, Inc.
www.peelandsticksolarenergy.com
www.resourceteamusa.com/grants

How do Solar Panels Work?

In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.

Solar panels harvest the sun’s energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.

Solar photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the solar panel. These solar voltaic cells collect sunlight during the day and convert it into energy. Energy is created when sunlight strikes the solar panels crystals and causes some electrons to break loose.

The amount of power produced depends largely on the quality of the solar panels and the technology in making it. Panels of special semiconductors like silicon convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity.

Of the three main types of solar panels available, monocrystalline panels have the highest output per cell area and are the most expensive. Polycrystalline cells are slightly less expensive. Thin film type, though considered unbreakable, are only half as efficient per cell area.

We are now moving closer to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, but much has still to be done in terms of research to make it cost-efficient before it can be used on a widespread basis. The advantages of using solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun for general household use will dramatically cut electric bills and reduce pollution.

Solar modules are used to harness solar energy. These modules can be customized to cater for different power generation needs. On a commercial basis, the modules of crystalline silicon is the most efficient available. These modules are designed in complete packages for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

Solar panels in the past have been of silicon but as silicon is becoming more expensive, research have turned to other materials. Lately, a whole new type of solar panel is produced. They are made of plastic and the price is comparatively cheap. These plastic panels work just as well to power just about any appliance that is used in a home out in a remote location.

Solar panels are mostly placed on the roof. The power generated is transmitted to a battery for storage and household power needs are drawn from this storage.

Solar energy is also most suitable for heating water for household use, swimming pools and hot tubs. The best thing about solar power is that it does not release harmful emissions or effluents leading to global warming, acid rains and smog .

Research and competition is slowly bringing down the price of solar panels. Solar panels used to be popular in rural areas but now the scenario is changing and solar power is fast entering the urban areas. When , one day , the use of solar energy for household use becomes a common practice , power companies will have to decrease rates to the benefit of everybody irrespective of whether the household uses solar panels or not .

If you are thinking of installing solar panels for your home use , ensure that your property have good access to sunlight . Be prepared also to spend in the region of more than $ 20,000. This may look expensive but it will save you a lot in the long run .

The utility of solar panels is great. Having solar panels installed to your home, you can live anywhere even in rural areas without foregoing the conveniences of the city and without having to install expensive electrical line extensions from noisy generators.

With electricity immediately available, you can enjoy all the facilities you would have enjoyed in your urban home, with an added bonus of being free from noise and pollution through the use of solar panels.

Factors Affecting Your Solar Energy Output

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Many factors affect the energy output by your solar energy system. Some vary and some are fixed, but knowing what these factors are can help you combat them. There are also things you can do both before and after your system is installed to increase the efficiency of your solar energy system.

Maximal Output

The electrical output of solar panels is measured in watts. The amount of wattage produced by solar panels is what differentiates them from each other. There are several scenarios during which solar panels reach their maximum output. High noon is one of the main ones since it is during the hottest part of the day. When it is not raining or snowing and the skies are clear, solar panels are able to produce at maximum efficiency. Other conditions include the sun being perpendicular to Earth, solar panels being optimally tilted and the panels facing southward.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can majorly impact the energy output by your solar energy system. Clouds, rain, snow, fog, haze and smog can all reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches your solar panels. As a result, the power your solar energy system generates is greatly reduced. To combat this, make sure that your system includes a battery bank.

A battery bank can save excess energy produced on clear and sunny days. You will be thankful for this on days when your system is not producing much.

Time of Day

Solar energy is at its peak at high noon. Although your solar energy system will produce power in the morning and late afternoon, the majority of your system’s output will be produced around noontime. Your system will be more efficient during the summer than it will be during the winter when the days are shorter. Once again, however, having a battery bank included in your solar energy system can help to combat this problem.

Proximity to the Equator

Your proximity to the equator affects the power generated by your system. Your solar panels will generate more electricity the closer you are to the equator.

Shading

Your solar energy system needs to be installed in an open area unaffected by shade. If even a small section of the solar panels are shaded, the energy output will be reduced. This issue is why it is so popular to place solar panels on roofs. This method works only if you do not have any large trees or other structures that shade your roof.

Dirty Panels

Even when installed on your roof, solar panels can become dirty. Pollution, traffic dust and even bird droppings contribute to soiling the solar panels. When the panels are dirty, their efficiency is reduced. To combat this, be sure to have the panels cleaned regularly, whether you do it yourself or pay somebody else to do it.

You can help your solar energy system be more efficient by making sure it includes a control flow system. The control flow system reduces the volume of water that needs to be heated, thereby increasing the solar energy system efficiency.

Another way to increase the efficiency of your solar energy system is to install solar roof shingles instead of traditional solar panels. Since solar shingles cover the entire surface of your roof, problems such as the tilt angle can be done away with. You can also save money, as you will not need to install additional components like control flow systems to combat efficiency problems.

Is Renewable Energy Technology Really Available To Homeowners

     With the rising energy costs and effects of global warming so prevalent today, many people are wondering if there is truth to the concept of renewable energy technology. There also appears to be confusion between alternative energy technology and renewable energy technology. Alternative energy encompasses all renewable energy sources, but includes things like nuclear power and energy from municipal waste. These are carbonaceous examples. Renewable energy technology focuses on energy that is replaced as it is being used, such as solar energy and wind energy.

     With that clear, are there truly benefits on a home or small business level to renewable solar technology? Absolutely. Truthfully, by utilizing renewable energy technology on a home level you can save yourself thousands of dollars each year. Renewable energy technology has gained popularity in recent years and it has become increasingly easy to meet your home’s energy needs with just a little research on your part. With the information available about renewable energy technology, it is possible to install renewable energy products, such as a windmill or solar panel, with the help of trained professionials. Picking the right installer can be overwhelming but we are here to serve your needs. If you have the money to invest in a commercial professionally installed system, in general these are more efficient, however, savings can still be realized, and at a much faster rate, by researching and designing your own renewable energy systems ( we design as well so aske us for a quote today).

Renewable energy technology is advancing with each day. Solar electrical systems have advanced from giant roof panels to thin layers of film that are twice as conductive and work with less sunlight ( even on cloudy days). There are now solar powered charges for cell phones, batteries and other small household items. Windmills have been made more aerodynamic for greater action and electricity generation. Renewable energy technology can even be seen along today’s highways as small solar/wind operation stations powering signs and lights.

     The truth is renewable energy technology is working and you can put it to work for you in your home or business. With growing popularity and more consumer use, renewable energy technology could minimize our effects of global warming, help alleviate financial stress and create a world less depend on fossil fuels.

Visit our Products section today “Spin Your Meter Backwards”

Solar Overview

Solar History

President Carter was the First President to Introduce solar Power to the world and sad but true the world wasn’t ready for it and the next president removed the systems. The Bush Administration included many incentives that went unused because people just didn’t understand how to access them. Today the currennt O’bama Administration has brought alternative technologies for power into our minds- it’s in everyday conversations.

The history of solar has 2 main types of solar;

1. Photovoltaic Systems 

• Solar Electricity

1. Solar Thermal

• Solar Water Heating

Here are some solar thermal applications traditionally used in heating water

Solar Thermal

• Very Simple and effective way to heat water
• Has Been used for thousands of years
  • Ancient Greeks- 400 B.C.
  • Romans
  • Native Americians

Domestic hot Water

• Open Loop vs. Closed loop
  • Open loop = direct
    • Directly heating water from tank
  • Closed Loop = indirect
    • Uses heat exchanger and transfer fluid
• Active vs. Passive
  • Active- uses pump to circulate water
  • Passive- uses natural convection of hot water

Photovoltaic Applications

Photovoltaic Systems

(PV)

• Photo=Light   
• Voltaic= Electricity

Photovoltaic (PV) Systems turn light into energy through the capture of light into a pv system that consists of an inverter/breaker panel/meter and is tied into utility service this is what’s know as a grid connected pv system and the production of energy is measured in kWh

In our next article we will start by discussing the types of PV systems