The Facts About Solar Power Myths

If you want to don a cape and become a masked crusader to create a better world for tomorrow, no better role could you pick than "Solar Power Myth B...

 

If you want to don a cape and become a masked crusader to create a better world for tomorrow, no better role could you pick than “Solar Power Myth Buster.”

Hang on, though. Before you grab that cape and head out, here are a few solar power facts to arm yourself with:

Myth #1: Solar power is too expensive. Before you allow anyone to cling tenaciously to that belief, ask them if you can schedule an appointment for a solar power installation appraisal for them. Tell them you would never try to dissuade them from believing what they choose, but if they’re willing to allow an open discussion, you’d like them to be assured that their belief is right before they share it with others…or worse yet…possibly keep them from having clean, free power because they attached too strongly to an old, rigid belief system. Tell them the appraiser will help them assess:

Compared to a conventional heating, air conditioning system and hot water heater, what would a solar installation cost today?

What does a unit of natural gas, oil, coal, or other fossil fuel cost, and what is the per-watt price for electricity in their area today?

Since 1970, coal, gas and oil utility costs have gone up, on average, 5.5 percent per year. At that rate, what will their per unit cost be in 5 years, 10 years, 15 and 20 years? On a solar off-the-grid system…it’s likely to be…free.

What is the guarantee on your conventional home power system equipment? Most of today’s standard furnace, air conditioning systems, and hot water heaters are guaranteed to last for 10 years. Solar components are guaranteed to last between 25 and 30 years.

When your conventional system is installed, what kind of tax credits, incentives and rebates are available? There are a number of them for solar installations.

Myth #2: I’ll have to have a conventional system in addition to a solar system because we don’t always have sunshine. Yes, this is a possibility. You may require a small back-up system. But…it’s not an absolute. Both Germany and Japan have very days of sunshine than most areas in the United States. And, they have a larger reliance on solar energy. It is possible, if you live along the northern tier of the United States that you might require more solar panels to produce the same amount of energy that would take fewer panels in the Southwest, but you could still get the same result. Plus, with a back-up battery system, you should be able to generate enough electricity to function for several days even when it’s very cloudy.

You can also include in your solar design a passive-solar stone fireplace with a wood insert, or another option might be to add another renewable energy power source…the wind turbine.

Myth #3: I’ll have to reduce my energy consumption. Don’t totally dispel this myth, because it’s a good idea. We could all benefit from a little energy management, and learn to consume less. In fact, we could all start down that path by turning off lights and computers when they’re not in use, switching to CFL light bulbs, and other small energy reduction steps. But you don’t have to. The difference is how much money you want to spend up front. Yes, a bigger solar system will cost you more money. You’ll need more panels, more batteries, and more inverters. However, you know that big utility bill you have now because you’re a big electric consumer? You won’t have that, and it won’t go up 5.5% a year, year and year. Once you’re system’s paid for, your energy is free. And instead of getting bigger, your carbon footprint’s getting smaller. How good is that?

Myth #4: Ugly solar panels on my roof are going to reduce my home value and destroy the aesthetics. On the contrary, having solar electricity actually raises the value of your home…quite a bit. You can sell for more money…and faster…with solar. That’s not to say that a solar hot water tank on the top of your roof might not be unappealing for some people. And, with the new technology that’s available, you can have solar panels that are shaped like roof tiles making them very unnoticeable, while adding plenty of value.

Myth #5: What’s keeping solar popular now is government incentives. It won’t be around once the incentives aren’t. Simply not true. Solar power is staying. Its time is right, and its time is now. Global warming is creating the impetus for a strong citizen movement that won’t relent, and won’t give up, until future generations have an opportunity to see a bright, clean world.

All right, Solar Myth Buster. Go forth, and create a better world for the future, armed with facts that can bust apart even the strongest relics of the fossil fuel age.

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

Solar Energy Facts – Can Help You Save Money!

 

Solar power is free for the taking then there is no shortage of it. This is the solar energy fact that is assumed and largely overlooked until the last decade roughly. Lately, there appears to have been a continuous acceleration in the requirement of alternative and replenishing energy such as solar power.

Solar electrical energy is Eco-friendly and renewable, instead of gas, coal and oil that most power corporations utilize to produce electrical energy. It doesn’t discharge unsafe by-products of any sort, so no dirty the environment. Given that it won’t lead to greenhouse gases, it won’t bring about global warming.

An increasing number of energy minded individuals are shifting to home solar panel products, and away from traditional electric grids. Numerous individuals are paying to have solar systems mounted by building contractors. Many individuals are finding used solar panels whenever companies or individuals upgrade their solar power electricity systems. Some people are setting up their own solar electric panels using do-it-yourself (DIY) methods.

Approximately the advantages of renewable electricity sources will multiply by fifty percent during in the future. This makes perfect sense, with people growing becoming a lot more perceptive of the harm we are doing to our earth by using up fossil fuels.

Utilizing solar technology to produce electricity is also economical. Photovoltaic systems will last for quite some time, and following the initial expense is paid for, you start to create a gain on the investment by lessening your power company bill.

Solar electrical power is driven by photovoltaic cells, which are steadily becoming more easily affordable and far more progressive. The increase in demand results in the enhancement of solar energy systems overall.

Solar panels will be used for producing electrical energy, home heating, and making hot water, using direct natural light. Solar energy creates no air pollution, as its input comes entirely from the sun.

Home residential solar panels may also be fitted on top of roofs, erasing the headache of establishing the whereabouts of a suitable place for installment. Solar systems will need little or zero servicing, one of the many big solar energy advantages.

Satellites revolving about our world in space, which aren’t even looked after, use the original PV cells know-how. Several solar electric panel manufacturers give twenty five years warranty on their particular products.

Simply because most areas of the nation get plenty of sun light for the duration of the year, Photovoltaic systems may be installed anyplace. Numerous state governments in America provide tax credits and discounts to homeowners who wish to utilize a home solar panel systems. Check with your own individual individual state regarding the rate associated with these credits.

There’s yet another beneficial, and frequently overlooked solar energy advantages, coming from creating electrical power from photovoltaic panels. For electrical power companies to distribute electricity to all homes, they require products needed in building these kind of factories, and also power lines made from electric cable and steel.

These require energy to produce, and bring about greenhouse gas air pollution levels. Where we can cut the requirement of electrical power plants and switch to renewable energy, we will in addition decrease the requirement for several of these segments and help environmental surroundings.

The rewards of using environmentally friendly energy sources, including solar and wind energy, is that it’s clean and won’t have a damaging effect on the ecosystem. It’s also renewable, which means we will never uses up it. Should the oil fields be used up, the possibility, individuals and nations that have not turned to a environmentally friendly alternative power source, will discover themselves in a troublesome way.

We must all look at these solar energy facts, and consider investing in purchasing or producing our very own photovoltaic panels as an electric power source.

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How Energy Efficient Is Your Office?

 

The office might be one of the major users of energy in the home. Here are a few simple tips to help you be energy efficient in the office.

#1 Plug everything in the office into a power strip.

Computers, printers, recharging stations, radios or televisions and even your light fixtures can be plugged into power strips. At the conclusion of every day or each working period, turn off your different electronics but also turn off your power strip.

This can conserve a significant amount of energy since many electronics continue using power even when they’ve been powered down. Turning off the power strip eliminates energy consumption when the electronics are not in use. And only turning on the item when you have to use it saves power too.

Additionally, many power strips are surge protectors, that provides the electronics protection from powerful electrical surges which is often caused by lightening and other factors.

#2 Passive Solar & Wind Energy

Passive solar is the technique of using the sun’s energy passively For example, you can utilize the sun’s energy to warm the office in the winter time by opening the curtains and letting the sun’s rays heat your office. In the summertime you’d want to close the drapes to help your office remain cool.

The wind’s power can also be used to cool the office in the summertime by producing cross breezes. Open windows on opposing sides of the office to produce a path for the air current to flow. As the air passes through your office it can help it stay cool.

Fans are also a great help and even though they usually run on electricity, they are more affordable cooling methods than air conditioning which could cost more than $500 a summer.

#3 Active Solar

There are numerous office products on the market today that use solar cells to maximize the sun’s energy. You can purchase laptop bags with solar cells to provide power to your laptop. You can buy solar recharging stations and recharge all your electronics. You can even purchase solar powered electronics.

Lastly, organizing your office for maximum ventilation will help it stay cool in the summertime. For those who have boxes piled and furnishings sitting over vents there won’t be any way for the cool air to flow into in your office. Clean house and reduce clutter for optimum energy savings.

There are numerous ways to become more power effective in your office. Utilize the power of the sun and the wind for cooling and heating and become wise about switching off and on the electronics when you will need them. Utilize just as much as you need.

Want to find out more facts about solar energy, then visit Ben Jerry’s site on solar energy information.

Here Is How To Reduce The Environmental Impact Of Your Business

 

Having a business takes a great deal of energy. Both your own electricity plus fuel based electricity. Consider all of the energy it requires to run your office equipment. All of the energy this took to get that case of paper to your office and all of the power it requires to keep your business working efficiently day after day. The good news is that it’s an easy task to minimize the impact your small business has on the environment. Plus using these simple steps will even help you save money.

Here’s Tips On How To Minimize Your Small Business Environmental Effect:

1. Put all electronics on a power strip. Keep your electronics, like your printer and recharging stations, switched off when not in use and at the conclusion of your work day, switch off the power strip they are connected to. It’s a simple step that will save a lot of energy over the course of a year.

2. Recycle. If you are similar to many business owners, even though you do the majority of your work electronically, you’re going through a lot of paper. Recycle that paper. Recycle the magazines you get. Recycle the ink cartridges used in your printer. Plus recycle your electronic devices when you are finished with them. Computers, cell phones and even your office furniture can be recycled. It’s a better idea than just throwing them away.

3. Reduce. Take a look all around your office and at your procedures. Where can you reduce your consumption? Such as, when you normally get up in the morning and switch on your computer but never truly get to work for an hour, then you can certainly decrease your consumption simply by waiting to turn your computer on. In addition, if you print copies of receipts for products bought on the internet, keep these using a back up hard drive instead and conserve paper. Make use of the back side of paper that has already been printed on as scrap paper or utilize it in your printer.

4. Obtain repurposed products. You can buy restored electronics. You will save cash and you will help prevent functional equipment from ending up in the landfill. You can buy refurbished furniture too. And you’ll create a great home office from pieces bought at a flea market.

5. Buy Energy Star. Computers, printers, and even lighting for your office at home can be cost effective from the start. CFL light bulbs, compact fluorescent, help save tons of money for you personally and are really an environmentally good practice. According to Energy Star, if every American home replaced just one light with an Energy Star light, we’d save enough electricity to light more than 3 million homes for a year, about $700 million in yearly energy expenses, and stop 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year, comparable to the emissions of about 800,000 cars.

That’s some pretty considerable savings for one little light bulb. How many do you have in your office? Exchange each incandescent with a CFL and you’re making a huge impact. Choose energy star labeled goods and give yourself and the environment a head start.

Reducing your small business impact on the environment doesn’t require a big effort or even a huge based plan. It takes a few basic steps. Seize one item from this checklist now, implement this and make a difference.

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A Bright Future For Solar Energy: An Alternative Energy Source

 

I was first introduced to solar energy in the movie, Race the Sun with James Belushi and Halley Berry in the lead. It was a story about low- income and under achieving Hawaiian students encouraged by their teacher to join the Solar Car race. In the movie, a car shaped like a cockroach and covered with solar panels used the sun’s rays as an alternative energy source to run the car.

Solar energy is the light and the heat from the sun. Solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited. There are n air and water pollution caused about by using solar energy. But there is still some impacts on the environment although indirect.

Photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity uses silicon and also produce some waste materials. There are also large solar thermal farms and these farms can also be harmful to the environment and desert ecosystems if not properly managed.

Solar energy can be used on different aspects. Solar energy can be used in agriculture. Greenhouses (which is entirely different from greenhouse gas) convert solar light to heat to be maximized in enhancing the growth of plants and crops. Greenhouses has been around since the Roman times and modern greenhouses were built in Europe in 16th century. Greenhouses are still an important part of horticulture nowadays,

Daylight systems are also being used to maximize the energy released by the sun. It is used to provide interior illumination replacing the artificial lighting. Daylight systems include sawtooth roofs, light shelf, skylights, and light tube. Daylight systems when they are properly implemented can reduce lighting-related energy consumption by 25 percent.

Solar energy can also be developed into solar thermal technologies which can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation. Solar energy can also be used to distil water and make saline or brackish water potable or drinkable.

The solar water disinfection or SODIS involves exposing water-filled plastic polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles. This process takes a long time, since the exposure time varies on the weather conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours to two days during days with overcast conditions. Currently, there are two million people in developing centuries use SODIS for their daily drinking water needs.

Also sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics or PV. PV has been mainly used to power small and medium-sized things like a calculator powered by a single solar cell. There are homes powered by photovoltaics. Using solar energy for water and space heating is the most widely use application of solar energy. While ventilation and solar air heating is also growing in popularity.

There are three main ways in using solar energy. The main way of using and converting solar energy is by using the solar cells. Solar cells convert light directly into electricity. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic or photoelectric cells.

Meanwhile, solar furnaces use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate on the Sun’s energy into a small space and produced very high temperatures. Solar furnaces are also called “solar cookers”. A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.

With all the benefits if using solar energy, there is still a downside for this alternative energy source. It does not work during night time. The cost of setting up solar stations is expensive, but the benefit of using solar energy when accumulated is so much more.

You can find more Alternative Articles at Find Articles

Searching For Information On Alternative Energy Sources

 

Electricity is consumed in large amounts in today’s world. One of the main reasons for this is the rapid change of technology. When a high number of hi tech equipment, vehicles, etc enters the market, the people are inclined to purchase it. In the past although governments did not stress about it, a shortage of natural resources in the long term was a visible fact by most people. This is why finding alternative energy sources are a necessary and important factor.

A hundred long years ago, oil was an inexpensive resource that many people used without any hassle. Today this is a natural resource that is highly depleting. Countries that supply the resource charge high prices making it difficult for most governments to cope up with the hikes.

The first time the need for alternative energy sources came up in the United States in the 1970’s. An oil shortage in those years resulted in individuals staying at long queues in gas filling stations. It is not only vehicles that had this problem. Households suffered with a shortage of gas and other energy resources that were used in their day-to-day lives. This became a critical issue and experts started to find alternative energy sources to solve this issue.

Many have come forward in their search for alternative energy sources and have provided information that there are alternative energy sources that can be used at a lower cost. Nevertheless, each and every human being knows that the resources we use today come with heavy price tags.

The usage of wind, water and sun are the main components in the number of alternative energy sources found in the present day. It has been experimented and proved that geothermal power; hydropower or even solar power can be utilized in the production of electricity.

Although there are several alternative energy sources that can be put into use, one must know that not everyone can use the sources the way they want. For example, a person who lives in a geographic area that has less wind cannot use wind as a means to turn their turbines to generate electricity.

People living in areas with little exposure to the sun may find it hard to use solar power to generate electricity. Therefore depending on the geographic location, the usage of alternative energy sources may differ.

Are you searching for even more advice regarding home solar energy? You can find even more great information on solar powered home here: http://www.makewindmill.com

Solar Powered Hybrid Cars

 

Described by former CIA Director James Woolsey: “A plug-in hybrid is an electric car with an insurance policy – a gas engine.” No better description can I find than that. A solar powered hybrid is a vehicle that relies primarily on solar powered electricity. However, to supplement and ensure operation, most also have a gas engine that kicks in under certain pre-specified conditions, or when the battery is depleted.

You’ll find two basic types of hybrids on the market today, the PHEV or plug-in hybrid, and the basic hybrid. Both have gas engine back-ups. So their primary distinction comes from the two different types of batteries used. The PHEV has a solar rechargeable battery with about 10 times the capacity of the standard hybrid. The standard hybrid has a smaller battery, and it recharges in conjunction with an electric motor and the gas engine when the vehicle is in operation. The battery for the PHEV can be plugged into any electrical outlet…regardless of whether the power is solar, or conventional.

There are an increasing number of advances in batteries that are making full solar powered cars with zero emissions, more and more viable for individual, family and commercial endeavors. People with solar vehicles are increasingly seeing the value of adding solar panels to their roofs to provide the power to charge their cars…and then adding more panels to power their homes. Hybrids, however, with a combination electric and gas engine, are currently the best answer for vehicles that will need to go for long distances without recharging.

If each of us were to closely examine the environmental damage done by fossil fuel usage, and add it to how much it costs us to drive our vehicles every day, we would all have either solar powered, or solar powered hybrids parked in our garages and driveways when we arrived home every day.

Absent entrenched economic interests and politics, solar power would be in a far different place today than it is.

The best option at the moment for longer distance driving is either the PHEV or hybrid vehicle. Like having two vehicles in one, you have the electric car that runs clean and efficiently, without pollution, and the gas engine, which while it does produce greenhouse gases when operating, also provides a back-up and additional power to make sure you get where you’re going.

If you want to know what’s currently available, here’s what the Kelley Book (a widely used reference for establishing vehicle values) lists as hybrid models available in the United States for 2010 and 2011:

- Toyota Prius
- Honda Insight
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Highlander
- Ford Escape
- Lexus, various hybrid models: RX & GS 450h, HS 250h, LS 600h
- Nissan Altima
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class & ML-Class
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Mercury Mariner & Milan
- BMW X6
- Chevrolet Malibu
- GMC Yukon
- Saturn VUE and Aura
- Chevrolet Silverado (pick-up) 1500
- GMC Sierra (pick-up) 1500 Crew Cab

The Kelley Book lists, in reverse order, the following “top green cars for 2010:”

* 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
* 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
* 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
* 2010 Honda Insight (hybrid)
* 2010 Toyota Prius (hybrid)

Change comes slowly for all of us. With political pressure by industry lobbyists slowing progress in this arena, it’s going to be up to us to not only embrace the move to solar energy, particularly for our vehicles, but to pressure our political representatives to provide the right kinds of incentives that will quickly bring solar energy to parity… and then allow it to quickly eclipse and collapse our dependence…on fossil fuels.

Having the dual option of plugging into the grid (utility company electrical outlet in your garage) and the off-the-grid option (creating electricity generated by your own solar panels) makes both solar powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles a highly responsible, cost-effective way for each of us to make a difference in how large a carbon footprint we choose to make.

Looking to find out all you can about solar power cars then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on home solar power for you.

What Is Solar Energy And Where Does It Come From?

 

Solar power is all around us, and is energy that comes directly from the sun. It is everything and everywhere. Humans have always depended on the sun for many things – warmth, light and more. The best type of energy out there is solar energy! It’s far safer and better for the environment than the traditional forms of energy that we use.

Today in society, we use this form of energy for many things. We use it to heat water, dry clothes and produce electricity to power everything from computers to lights. That’s still not all of the uses for this specific type of energy. Solar powered calculators have been popular for years. Fans can run on solar power, and pools are heated with simple covers that collect the sun’s heat. Did you know that you can also cook with it! As electricity costs rise and the focus on protecting the environment increases, more and more people are taking notice of solar energy. They’re seeing how it can be put to use to save electricity. Prices of technology used to harness the sun’s power have decreased, making solar energy more affordable and popular than ever.

This form of energy is really interesting and has many interesting facts. It is measured in kilowatts. Did you know that we use about thirty percent to heat our water? The solar energy system that is used is also interesting. Did you know that Da Vinci predicted most of this solar stuff that we have going on today? He predicted most of this way back in 1447!

Some people are “going green” and eliminating a lot of things from their home. Electricity is one of them. They do have electricity, but they will not have a bill to pay because they made their home into a solar home system. Saving money and helping the environment are convincing people to make the switch. To build a solar home, you will need solar panels, wiring, battery, inverter, and structure support.

Solar power is awesome. Did you know that more sunlight reaches the earth in one hour than the whole population of the world is capable of using in an entire year! This kind of energy is pretty powerful. It’s strong enough to impact weather patterns and ocean currents.

Sunlight can only reach the earth to be used if its path is clear. Wind and clouds can also stop and block the sun’s rays. Pollution also has the same effect. If we can reach this unlimited source of energy, we could do so much with it. We could greatly reduce our use of coal powered electricity, natural gas and gasoline, using solar energy instead.

Americans account for only five percent of the world’s population, but we use about twenty six percent of its energy. Taking care of the environment is not hard to do at all. This energy is one way to help save resources. Use what you have instead of creating something new.

Energy from the sun is all natural and is used to power so many things that we operate in our society today. Our environment has supported humans for a long time, and with a little conservation, it will continue to do so for a long time to come. By using the energy that is there, abundant and free, instead of destroying trees and reducing oxygen levels for ourselves and animals, each of us can have a positive impact on the environment.

If you are interested in doing your part, check out solar panels for sale and solar panels online. You’ll find that this technology of the future is attainable today.

Download Earth4Energy For DIY Renewable Energy

 

If you want to do your part to save the planet while simultaneously saving yourself a lot of money then you need to do the earth and yourself a huge favor and order Earth4Energy. Why? Because it will provide you with all of the information you need to build windmills or solar panels for yourself.

Earth4Energy provides detailed step by step instructions on constructing solar panels and windmills. Whether you choose to build windmills or solar panels is up to you, but depending on where you call home one or the other of these choices may make more logical sense.

Of course if you live in a really bright place such as Tucson, Arizona then you will probably need to go the solar route. On the other hand if you live in a city where there is not much sunlight then you will most likely need to go with windmills.

No matter which method you make use of, you will be able to build your green power generator for less than $200 which is an incredible deal when you think about how much money you will be saving on your electricity bill on a monthly basis. In fact, if you are able to make excess power you can sell the extra stuff back to the power company and make a profit!

It’s understandable if this all sounds “too good to be true” but the reassuring thing is that this guide is totally satisfaction guaranteed with a two month full money back refund period which means if you try it out and you are not completely happy with it, you can very easily get your cash back.

This basically means that you have nothing to lose by trying it out. On the other hand, you have a whole lot to gain. You will be doing your part to reverse global warming (you’ll be “greener” than Al Gore!) and you’ll also be saving a ton of cash.

After you Buy Earth4Energy you may also want to check out this EcoVillage with Organic Farming.

Minimize Your Electricity Costs With Roof Insulation

 

You are able to reduce your electricity fees with roof insulation, regardless in the climate in which you live, as are going to be explained herewith. In addition to saving income, you will also be saving your planet on the same time.

Many individuals have a hard time understanding that insulation plays a huge role regardless in the climate. In truth, in the summer months, it helps to hold your property cooler. In performing so, you will decrease the amount of air conditioning you are using. So, not just are you saving income in this way, you’re also minimizing the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions.

Roof insulation in cold climates is absolutely necessary to hold your property at ease. Otherwise, the heat would just seep out from every single angle, making your property cold and extremely expensive to heat, not to mention extremely uncomfortable.

Some insulation is much better than others however. It is essential to understand the differences previous to committing to one particular style. Prior to taking anyone’s advice, do some exploration on your personal to see what is suggested by specialists. You possibly can use the Internet as it really is an outstanding resource. You will find numerous sites dedicated to helping the environment, and at the same time they assist you to.

Additionally, you’ll be able to also get the guidance of specialists who work in retail stores and do-it-yourself centers. They also know what they’re talking about and can lead you inside right direction. Each and every property is various in each and every scenario is various.

You need to also know that some kinds will need professional installation, while others may be a do-it-yourself project. Needless to say, if you are at all handy, installing it yourself will lessen your costs. Obviously, a specialized installation will boost the price by really a bit.

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