‘green’ Tagged Posts

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...

 

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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Want Wind Energy At Home?

 

Are you currently tired of receiving your monthly electrical bills from your power plants? Are you currently getting annoyed from serious hassles of black outs and electricity shortage? Are you attempting to discover ways to cut off your electrical energy costs through other alternative methods of getting electrical electrical power supply? Well worry no more. You can have free of charge electrical energy from a renewable source of electrical power like that of sunlight and wind. Wind electrical power is one of the most generally used in this matter.

Wind turbines are utilized for non commercial wind electrical power. Wind turbines enable extraction of energy from the wind that is then converted into usable electricity. In building a household wind electrical power however, you must ensure that your wind turbines should be positioned into locations exactly where there is positive constant higher wind speeds.

What is non commercial wind power? Non commercial wind power enables a home to have its own source of energy with out paying something to an electric business near their area. Residential wind power makes it possible for you to take pleasure in the comfort of your electrical appliances whilst saving money on the electrical bill every month. * How does it work?

Residential wind power works through the use of wind energy that will be converted to electrical energy. Your wind turbine ought to be placed in a non obstructed place where there is certainly huge quantity of wind power.

How will I get residential wind power? You could have a non commercial wind power installed inside your place by contacting manufacturers of wind turbines. This may be costly, nevertheless. You may also wish to take into account constructing a wind turbine your self – it is much easier than you believe. Wind turbines are actually very simple machines. An excellent manual to show you the best way to build one is the most important factor you’ll require.

How much will it cost me? Having residential wind power through wind turbines can cost some funds but this will simply outweigh your expenses as soon as you have noticed its good effect in your monthly and yearly budget. In case you develop it your self, you can conserve thousands about the cost.

What are the benefits? There are many rewards from having non commercial wind electrical power. In case you use batteries instead of feeding power back into the grid you might stay away from blackouts.

It will also conserve you money in your power bill each and every month and boost the value of your home substantially. Plus, everybody would look up to you as a model simply because you are updated into new technologies while being an advocate of a greener environment for the future generation.

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Solar Portable Chargers Overview

 

When it comes to working or enjoying the atmosphere, there is nothing like having a mobile solar charger with you. In today’s world of high tech electronic devices, one of the biggest issues is running out of juice when you need it the most, and letting your mobile phone, Ipod or laptop’s battery die constantly can often damage it permanently. Many people consider their cell phone or even a GPS navigator their connection to society, and there is nothing worse than having it fail because the battery died.

In order to prevent this, a solar battery charger is available. You will find many options available to you. There are small solar battery chargers that not only allow you to get power from the sun, but from the wind as well. There are bigger models that fold up into a compact size, but have the capability to power a laptop, even on a overcast day. There are solar chargers, with power packs that can deliver more than 120 watt hours of power, and can be piggy backed for even more power or storage capacity. Whether you are in the mountains or at your regular camp grounds, you will always have the power you need.

Here are 3 solar battery chargers we will discuss today. One of these is the K3 Wind and Solar Charger. This device has many functions which are useful. One of them is that this charging system is capable of charging in two ways. When it is nice and sunny outside, it’s compact solar panel is capable of keeping just about any electronic device under five watts charged up. However, during the times when it is overcast, but there is wind, it also has a built in wind turbine as well, so you can still keep charging no matter what. It also has an internal battery pack, which gives you added security and power when you need it. It includes a usb cable, an a/c adapter, A97 and A32 adapter, and a carrying case. It also has a storage compartment to hold all of your device adapters. The AC adapter is able to charge the internal battery, and a guide to help you get started right away. This complete unit sells for just under $100.

The next solar battery charger that you may like is the 62 Watt foldable solar panel. This unit, when open, measures 52.5″X30″ and is .1″ thick. When folded, it is just 14.5″X8.5″X1.4″ thick, and this helps when you are traveling. It utilizes state of the art super thing PowerFLEX solar cells, and is available in both 12 and 24 Volt models. It has a rip-stop nylon backing, is UV resistant, and weather proof. It also has an anti glint surface, that cuts reflection down to nothing. There is a pouch to keep all the cables as well as the controllers in one convenient location, and even has a reverse current protector that is built in. In addition to these features, you will find a SAE approved water resistant prong plug to connect to your trailer or motor home. These solar systems are field tested and will work up to 176 degrees and also in very cold temperatures. When you want silent, reliable power whenever and wherever you need it, then this is the kind of product you might be interested. This unit is priced at just under $1,000.

Perhaps one of the most powerful and complete solar battery charger systems available is the Sherpa 120 Kit Kit. This is one high power unit, and it comes with great features and more all in one package. The Nomad 27M Solar Panel Array comes with this package. The M in 27M means mono-crystalline and the watts is 27. The small LED light to help you know about the power level. This unit is compact and light and even includes a compact side pocket for the extra long cord, and it also has it’s own small case to carry it in. It includes three aluminum rods, for added rigidity, as well as grommets in order to hang it up. It has been certified by the CE. Depending on your devices, you can charge, cell phones, e book readers, ipods, sat phones, and more.

That isn’t all when it comes to this package. In addition to this portable solar charger package, you also get the Sherpa 120 power pack. You can use this power battery pack for up to 120 watt hours of continuous use, and can be chain linked to two other batteries for additional hours of run time. It will power a variety of different DC, AC, and USB devices, and is charged by long lasting GOAL0 LiFe batteries, rated for up to 3,000 cycles. To compare this is the same as 70,000 AA batteries. It has a built in status monitor, which keeps track of your charge capacity in 20% increments. It has an internal charge controller, which not only protects the pack itself, but also anything you have connected to it, and includes replaceable fuses for added protection. This system is ready for any condition from all the testing is has gone through. The total contents is the battery pack, solar panel, 12 volt adapter, ac wall unit all for $739.99.

Have you been looking for quality solar panel battery chargers? Jordan Eske is an expect author and business owner who loves helping consumers and interested folks who want to buy portable solar chargers. You can check out livecofriendly or click on the links to learn more about solar power.

What Is A Wind Turbine?

 

If you are not familiar with a windmill, it is a mechanism that takes wind energy and converts it into useable energy. Windmills take wind power and produces it into electrical energy to be used for our electronic devices. Windmills have been discussed as a great way to produce power instead of traditional ways due to clean method and unlimited resource. Windmill and wind energy are not new concepts. They have been producing energy since back in the day and were used for pumping water and towing boats. People have used their knowledge of how to make a windmill to create wind energy for decades.

In the current situation of extreme energy crisis across the globe, it only makes sense that we look for alternate power solutions. As a financial move, a windmill is a great investment. Especially in the farm areas and countrysides across the world. A windmill may not be the optimum solution in a highly-populated area.

There are two important pre-requisites for a windmill.

The first thing is that if you wish to install a windmill, you should have at least an area of an acre.

This is so because you want to allow the windmill blades to capture enough wind power for it to function properly.

Another thing to keep in mind when installing your windmill is to be sure your area has the average wind speed of 11 miles per hour blowing through your neighborhood. If you live in areas where there are skyscrapers or high-rise buildings that may interfere with wind, you may want to be sure you have an area where it wont be blocked by such. You can easily find research on the wind speed in your area to find out if you meet these pre-requisites.

You will need the following components to make a windmill.

Blades: These blades are responsible for making use of the wind energy. Blades are typically made of wood or plastic.

Tower: The tower is what holds the system high enough to be able to use the wind to convert it into wind power. Typically it is made out of poly-vinyl cholride.

Shaft: The shaft is used to join the blades to the tower, at the same time allowing them to rotate smoothly.

Base: It is the base that is found at the bottom of the system and which that is the foundation that keeps the tower upright and the blades secure.

How can you setup a windmill? You can find do it yourself windmill kits on the market now with easy to understand instructions to install yourself.

Find a review of great guides such as Green DIY Energy review to see if it fits your needs in helping you build your own wind energy system today.

Want your energy saving guide? Check out our Earth4Energy guide at Go-SolarEnergy.com. You’ll learn ways on how to make your own solar energy system.

Appreciating Government Incentive Benefits Of Utilizing Solar Power From Sunfusion Solar

 

The government incentive benefits of utilizing solar power are only part of the exciting news about the growth of this industry around the world.This technology, which started in outer space, has come into its own by way of Japan, Germany, and the United States. These countries have sponsored incentive programs, developed markets, and supported the use of solar energy for public projects, commercial enterprises, and private homes.

In the United States, those who install solar converters in their homes and places of business are rewarded by tax credits, exemption from some taxes and property assessments, and sometimes have their costs covered by government grants. The incentives start at the national level, but are usually administered by state or even county agencies. All tax payers can deduct some of their system installation costs from the tax they would otherwise pay. Large projects like powering a school or a hospital with energy from the sun can qualify for grants, and there are programs for low income families and small business as well.

Federal Tax credits offset the cost of purchasing and installing a solar system, with ever changing ‘caps’ or limits to the amount of income tax that can be waived. These tax credits can amount to 30% of the total cost, so they are significant. There may be a similar program in your state for credits on state income taxes.

Tax exemptions are when the tax is waived completely; for example, some localities allow components to be sold with no sales tax, or solar installations to be exempt from property taxes assessments. The specifics of tax credits and exemptions vary from state to state, and sometimes county to county, so in the last analysis, you will want to consult government officials and tax experts.

Grant money comes directly from the government to the recipient, not in the form of paying less tax. The government subsidizes all or part of your cost of converting to solar power. Sometimes help is in the form of low interest loans, paid back as monthly additions to utility bills. Grants and loans are offered to private businesses and sometimes to citizens who qualify under the social service guidelines. There may also be rebates from utility companies, for the purchase and installation of solar appliances or arrays.

As the world’s governments get behind the solar industry, and more people use the technology, the market grows, production increases, and the price goes down. This process was rudely interrupted by the recent recession, but the industry is showing signs of recovery. The emphasis on greenhouse gas emission reduction by many nations means that solar power, totally emission free, will come more and more into its own.

As the market grows, and the technology advances to new heights of efficiency, investment opportunities grow as well. In addition, the alternative use of energy from the sun, together with occasional contributions from individual power plants to the community power supply, lowers the cost of electricity for all of us. These are little understood but important additional incentives that affect all of us, as we all share in the economy and in the quality of the environment. So whether you install solar power and have a lower tax bill (as well as an increase in the value of your house), or simply see a small reduction in your electric bill, remember to thank the powers that be in your government for proactive thinking.

Government incentive benefits of utilizing solar power are having a significant effect on the implementation of this space age technology a whole lot closer to home.

For additional info and questions in regards to SunFusion Solar and Government Solar Incentives please visit the SunFusion Solar team at www.sunfusionsolar.com

Check Out The Alternative Energy Solutions For Your Home.

 

Energy bills are becoming a problem for many people. As the recession bites and energy costs fluctuate the search for alternative energy solutions has become even more urgent for many. There are now many ways to transform your home and save money on utility bills.

The momentum for changes in energy is also coming from the environmental movement. Climate change and environmental degradation is a concern for many people so organizations, governments and individuals are all trying to bring about change. Individuals are contributing to the fight against global warming by changing their energy use and using sustainable green energy, wind power, and clean supplies.

Before you invest in sustainable energy you will probably want to understand the potential savings. There are no accurate average figures for this as really there are no average households. Many factors change energy consumption and the gains from each technology. Therefore it is a good idea to use an online energy calculator. It will use your information to work out how much you can save by using different types of sustainable energy.

Wind and solar power are the most used forms of renewable energy in homes. The weather is usually the deciding factor when deciding between the two. It is a rare place that has as much sun as wind and so you need to choose the one which will generate the most power.

The photovoltaic cells in solar panels need a lot of sunlight to generate significant amounts of electricity. Therefore they have to be placed in a location where they can take in as much of the light throughout the day as possible. For many years solar power did not represent good value for money to many people as the installation costs were very high. However in recent years the cost has come down a lot and so now the investment may be worth it for you.

When investigating wind power there are a couple of things to check out. Firstly you need to assess whether there is sufficient wind where you live to power a turbine. Also you need to work out how much power you will get from the size of turbine which you can afford and have space for. Just like solar power the up-front costs of wind power have come down a lot over the last few decades. The turbines are also more efficient and will make more electricity from the same wind.

One way households can reduce the costs of installation and start saving money quicker is to build and install the new energy technology themselves. Building solar panels from scratch is possible from items available online or in hardware stores. There are also kits which have all the parts and instructions but they are a little more expensive. It is also possible to build wind turbines but if you intend to install a large one it is better to get professional help. However micro turbines can be built and installed even by people who do not have building experience. If you wish to investigate the self build route then there is lots of advice on the internet.

The internet has many websites with advice on choosing a technology. Investigating alternative energy solutions has never been easier.

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Wind Power Is Free! Make Your Own Energy!

 

Wind energy is an untapped energy source. Wind power systems are not popping up everywhere in neighborhoods across the country. However, people are now starting to take notice of the benefits of wind power.

Why should we care so much about wind power? Wind power is a great solution to our energys problems of supply and pollution. The convention ways of producing electricity make use of the non-renewable fuels, not only making such resources scarce but also affecting the environment negatively. The power generated by wind proves beneficial in the following ways:

Free source of energy – All of the power is generate from wind energy which as we all know comes from wind, something that we can collect for free and generate usable energy from it. No environmental hazards – The generation of wind power is extremely environment-friendly. There are no harmful gasses that may pollute the earth.

Cost-effective ” Using a free energy makes wind turbines extremely cost-effective. In the long run you are going to be saving money from your electricity bills.

Self-dependent source ” You are able to be your own energy producer not having to rely on other utility companies to supply you with power.

So how do we make power from wind?

Wind turbines are what makes it possible to create power from wind. Wind turbines takes wind energy and converts it into mechanical energy which can then be converted into electrical energy. A wind generator is then used to convert the energy into electrical useable energy.

What can we use wind power for?

The uses of wind power can power pretty much anything any other power source is used to power. Lets look at some of the popular ones: Running all possible electrical and electronic appliances.

By employing a wind turbine at your home or farm, you definitely make the world a better place. Wind power eliminates or at least reduces the need and dependence of fuel which is one step closer to fixing our energy problems. The now solution is wind and solar energy.

Want to learn more about solar power information? Learn more about how to build a solar panel at Go-SolarEnergy.com!

Bring The 27 Solar Panel When You Camp

 

Using mono-crystalline solar technology, the Nomad 27M solar panel is by all accounts an outstanding source of free electricity. Not only can the unit be charged during all types of weather, but it also pumps out a generous 27 watts. As far as charging the batteries are concerned, on can expect a full charge within as little as 4 to 5 hours, providing you have sunny conditions. Even when it’s only partly sunny, a full charge will usually take no longer than 7 hours, and if it’s completely overcast, 15 hours is usually adequate. With that said, the actual time it takes for the batteries to recharge fully does also depend on the type of batteries being used. Even though some batteries can take 30 or 40 hours to recharge during adverse weather, it’s not really much of an issue, considering you’re getting electricity with having to worry about bills.

Using mono-crystalline solar technology, the Nomad 27M solar panel is by all accounts an outstanding source of free electricity. Not only can the unit be charged during all types of weather, but it also pumps out a generous 27 watts. As far as charging the batteries are concerned, on can expect a full charge within as little as 4 to 5 hours, providing you have sunny conditions. Even when it’s only partly sunny, a full charge will usually take no longer than 7 hours, and if it’s completely overcast, 15 hours is usually adequate. With that said, the actual time it takes for the batteries to recharge fully does also depend on the type of batteries being used. Even though some batteries can take 30 or 40 hours to recharge during adverse weather, it’s not really much of an issue, considering you’re getting electricity with having to worry about bills.

There are two main differences between the 27M and the 13.5M models. First and foremost, the 27M produces a higher wattage, and secondly, it can also store energy for a greater length of time than the 13.5M. The two key differences make the 27M noticeably more efficient than the 13.5M. On a slightly different note, both models use a charging voltage of 12V, although the 27M does have an open 18V circuit.

Nomad 27M solar panel comes with three support rods made of aluminum, which provide stability when charging. You can use them to hold the panel in place when charging outdoors. It also comes with four sturdy grommets, which enable you to hang the panel at different angles. If you are worried about the clutter connecting electronics often brings, then you don’t have to anymore. It has a built in pocket that holds the connector cord in place when charging your items. This prevents the danger of someone tripping over the cord and being injured. You can place it at a far corner or if there are children in the house, you can easily put it under a chair or under the bed.

Unlike many similar products, the Nomad 27M solar panel has been manufactured with durability in mind, and considering it’s also water resistant, it should last you for many years. Even if you leave it standing outside in the rain, the unit will continue working, although of course, if you’re not using it, then it should ideally be folded up and stowed away in the case which comes with the unit when you purchase it.

Jordan Eske believes all people can live eco friendly. And the power of solar helps you get there. The Nomad 27M Solar Panel is a good idea for campers.

Will Making Your Own Home More Eco-friendly Be Worth It?

 

Using The President’s Making Home Affordable Programs green tax breaks is a great way to conserve cash this year and it helps the environment.

Nowadays the normal property owner seeks out methods to make his or her house more energy efficient hoping to save money in the end. Putting in solar-powered panels is one method to lower utility bills and add towards the resale value of your home. Nevertheless with every upside there is at times a drawback and one question you have to ask yourself is: Will placing solar-powered products be worth it since installation can prove expensive? In other words, once installed you may realize a cost-savings, will the initial cost justify the savings down the road? The subsequent article will help to answer the preceding question.

You might not be aware but historically photo voltaic power technology isn’t new. It became a real possibility in the fifties. Even so it has not been economically viable until the 21st century. Also pv power could be affordable for 1 household and not really for another. The big difference is due to the normal usage needs with regard to utilities in one household to the next as it pertains to each house’s power expenditure.

It might be stated that the major expenditure of a solar-powered system comes into play whenever the necessary products are purchased. To be able to determine the expenses in greater detail the following items are necessary to make your homestead photo voltaic effective:

1. The main component will be the (solar) module. 2. The inverter is going to be important so that you can change primary current into alternating current. (The direct current is manufactured by the solar panel.) The alternating current runs the devices within your home. 3. You will probably have to put in meters if you wish to establish the amount of electricity that you use for possible resale to the power company. 4. Wiring, cables and possibly a location to store batteries (if included) will probably be required. 5. In addition you’ll must add the labor cost in order to put in your own home pv system. A solar set up will also need costs associated with its upkeep. The following expenses signify the associated costs of trying to keep a system operational.

A photovoltaic set up will also need expenses related with its maintenance. The following charges signify the related expenses of maintaining a system functional.

1. The solar panels will need to be washed on a daily basis; and, 2. The inverter and batteries-if used will certainly need to be changed after a certain number of decades.

Remember to look for those tax credits through the Making Home Affordable Program. When Obama put together the Making Homes Affordable Program and its amazing tax credits for being environmentally consciousness he really hit a home run.