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margarita — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:03:45 +0000

Pros and cons of Wind Energy

margarita — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:50:51 +0000

WIND ENERGY..AN ANCIENT SOLUTION TO A FREE SOURCE OF POWER.

This article will tell you about the pros and cons of wind energy. If you are trying to decide which form of energy to use, it is essential to have the right information. On the internet, there are innumerable facts about solar energy, but, strangely, facts about wind power is not so easy to find.
Why are people now turning to alternatives to cut their electricity bill? Here the pros and cons of wind power are set out so that you can decide for yourself. You must make sure that wind power is a viable option for your property and you have to have the minimum requirements.

Do you have enough wind?

Firstly, ask yourself is there enough wind? An obvious question perhaps, but important! If you do not have a good wind source, it will be difficult to power your wind energy system. Experts state that you must have an average wind speed on your property of from 8 to 14 miles per hour.
You may say, I don’t know how much wind power my site has. But it is essential to assess it and we would recommend that that you contact a wind site assessor who has the necessary equipment to measure your wind power and he will give you an estimate as to how much wind you have access to annually and an estimation of the pros and cons of wind energy for your particular site.

Pros and cons of Wind Energy.

Once you have ascertained whether you have enough wind, you then have to make sure that you have sufficient land available. Towers and wind power systems can take up a lot of space! You will need an acre of land to install a wind turbine system.
Another factor to assess if you are studying the pros and cons of wind energy is that you will find noise to be a determining factor. Consideration of your neighbors must be taken into account, especially is you have elderly people or children living close by where you put the turbine. However, technologies are advancing and not all wind turbines are noisy. You must research on different models to check on which has the lowest rotational speed. These systems will prove quieter.

Safety and legal requirements.

Taking into consideration the pros and cons of wind energy must surely include the safety element of the wind turbine. The fact that wind power systems are more dangerous than other types of renewable energy is a fact you that cannot be ignored.
There will also be legal requirements and these will include, zoning requirement, building permits and also electrical permits. But if you have studied all the pros and cons of wind energy and your property has the right requisites, you can be on your way.

Tax Incentives

The good news is that nowadays there tax credits and incentives if you choose to install renewable energy, including wind power systems. To find out the incentives that are available, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy and efficiency at www.dsireusa.org
We hope that our outlining the pros and cons of wind energy has been helpful. If your property passes the criteria it can be a wonderful renewable energy source.

Your own solar panels

margarita — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:04:43 +0000

What’s all this about building your own solar panels? Think about this.the sun is shining down, yet the only cloud in the sky is your electricity bill!
Have you ever really considered the idea of building your own solar panels? I suggest that you open your mind to it and this article contains a few tips that will be helpful.

YOUR NEXT DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECT. INSTALLING YOUR OWN SOLAR PANELS!

Firstly, check out the specials online for materials. This can greatly save on construction costs. Many suppliers will offer all that is needed to complete the task, including plans and advice on how to assemble them.

The Tools you Need.

The tools that you will need will most certainly be found in your workshop, and they include hammer, saw, ,soldering iron, screwdrivers and a knife.
For your own solar panels you will need a few more things, but most people have some extra timber to make the frame for mounting the panels to the roof and also screws and wood panels to make the housing for the cells.
You need to purchase the pre-tabbed photo voltaic cells and the tab wiring that you will need to connect them. Add extra glue, solder and flux as well as plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing to block diodes and stop the current reversal. Then, you are ready to go!

Where can I put them?

Next you will need to think carefully about where the panels are going to be sited. You will need a south-facing slope of 30° that has no shade. Make sure that it is not in the path of any four legged natural pests, and also make sure that the site allows wiring to be easily conducted into the area you choose to house the storage batteries.
When you finally decide on this easy DIY project, of building your own solar panels you should allow a weekend and also clear some space on your workshop floor so it is clean and dust free.
Once the cells are fixed to a backing board in rows,( usually 6 x 6) you will find that it is really just a simple assembly job.

Next, join the cell tabs with the wire, and then add the blocking diodes and the cable to connect up with the storage battery. Then, you can cover with a plastic lid. You then, seal up the unit using the silicone grouting.
You must mount the panels on the roof after some insulation has been put on the rear of the housing. Then to really make your own solar panels efficient paint all the housing, except the lid, black.

Can I do this on my own?

You may need a buddy to help you, because, not only is it heavy but the fact that you are working at heights is more awkward.
The whole project for making your own solar panels depends on your skill at DIY projects. Most handymen will be able to attempt it. However, if this seems a little too daunting, you can always buy a kit-set or even a complete unit. Before you buy, it is wise to check out someone who has done it or, try to see a solar powered unit in action.

Soon, it may not be an option but survival technology!

Let’s face it, times are tough now and this really is cutting-edge survival technology that will give the average homeowner, real independence when supply of power is unreliable. And, make your own solar panels project fun!

Energy from the Sun

margarita — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:49:04 +0000

Just imagine, Energy from the sun can be generated anywhere that the sun is shining, and the Sun is here forever!

Energy from the sun is also a free energy source and now, more advanced technology has made it easier to convert into the electricity needed for our homes. Improved photovoltaic cells are more efficient and also batteries are more effective for storage.

This means that more sophisticated systems can now be set up easily.

If you intend to install a solar thermal power system to harness energy from the sun, you must be sure to insulate halls and roofs. Also you must change lighting to energy efficient bulbs and remember to turn off all your applications at the wall. This helps the user of solar power to have a reduced demand to plan a system.

Advantages of using Energy from the Sun.
Tapping energy from the sun has the advantage of having less effect on the environment in comparison to other forms of alternative power, e.g. wind power or geo-thermal plants. You have no noisy blades or large piping crossing the ground.

The good news is that you really only need a few square feet of space and the solar panels can be very easily assembled by even the average DIY handyman with a workshop. Also conversion to this type of energy may fit in with retrofitting or roof replacement. However, you must have a flat area and a place to house the batteries.

It must be mentioned that with solar thermal power there can be a potential hazard with the disposal of the storage batteries. On the upside, the maintenance and servicing costs after the installation are really minimal compared with other power generation methods. This includes those using renewable energy.

Building a system that captures energy from the sun is however surprisingly economical and simple to construct. Your aim

here is to become independent from external energy and naturally, to reduce your heating bill. No more worries about black outs in summer as this is the best operating time for solar power.

Solar Energy is not New.

Tapping energy from the sun is certainly not new, and it works in an environment as harsh as space. For decades, small scale units have worked in the harshest and most isolated of communities on earth, providing power to communities that have no other access to energy.

Many people do not realize that you can generate enough thermal energy for your home even on days when it is semi-cloudy. Solar energy is also a clean energy source with no pollution or other negative effects on the environment during operation.

But lets get back to you. Nowadays solar panel design and installation has improved and often it has become a design feature of modern household architecture. Also with regards to your pocket, as more and more domestic users are choosing to use the energy from the sun , as a renewable energy option, the price of systems is falling. As well, these systems are becoming more efficient and simpler to install and maintain. Check it out. You should be able to find a supplier in your area, who has a demonstration model that will arouse your interest.

Cut down on Electricity and become Energy Self Reliant!

Tapping energy from the sun, is for Mr Average homeowner who wants to cut down on electricity bills. It will make you self reliant with regards to energy. These two factors alone are worth while you considering.

Build your own solar panels

margarita — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:31:16 +0000

You Can Do This Too!

It seems daunting doesn’t it? I mean if you want to build your own solar panels. Obviously, the technology is new but you don’t really need any intensive study of theory or design.

What do I need?

When you examine the materials required, (apart from pre-tabbed cells and diodes) the rest of the things that you need are what anyone might find in any handyman’s workshop now, e.g. silicone caulking, glue, solder, fibreboard, plastic panels, wiring and also some paint and screws. That’s about it!

The Equipment.

The equipment is not difficult to find at all, and it would include soldering irons, saws, wire cutters and strippers and screw drivers. If you are a DIY enthusiast, my bet is that you already have these in your workshop. That means you are ready to go if you want to build your own solar panels.
What you need also, are some solar cells and browsing the net will quickly give you suppliers of these. As yet, no local hardware store would have these as yet.

How to do it.

Once you find out where to get these solar cells for your project, learning how to build you own solar panels is easy. You have to make a box to contain these solar cells and then join them together in a series.,
Also, my advice when you build your own solar panels in that if you paint the box for your solar cells black, the box is protected from the weather, (this with silicone caulking) Then, you must seal the front sealed off from the elements with a plastic lid.
Fix the cells to a backing board, and you can do this by using a dot of caulking on the reverse side of the cell. Connect them together to ensure that the flow is only in one direction. You can add small diodes so that this happens. This also helps to avoid that the electrical energy ebbs out during the hours of darkness.
An even easier solution when you build your own solar panels, is to put a control device on the storage battery so that you are restricting the flow to one way.
The installation of every part is very important so that you avoid any damage from the rain. However, as with any electrical installation, it is not difficult to repair nut damage. You will find that the maintenance on these panels is very low and they will also have a visual appeal that can be an added feature of your home’s exterior.

I told you that learning to build your own solar panels is not nearly as difficult as people imagine. The fact is, once you get in there and start doing it, you will find it can be up and going in a few hours. As well, if you are going to build your own solar panels and, as with any online purchases, remember that there are scammers out there, who will offer you B grade cells that are not worth buying! Some sellers will also sell you the solder and extra tab to convince you to buy a shabby product. However, references can be easily checked.
The panels in fact are designed to convert heat energy into electrical energy. These are a step ahead from any simple heat absorption panels which only warm the water as it passes through the system.

Change of Mindset.

My last piece of advice when you build your own solar panels is that you have to change your mindset from thinking it is difficult to realizing that it is simple, and really, requires very little outlay. Remember, many people thought that horses would always be used for transport. Look around you now. Who would have believed that when the first “wheeled chariot” was invented? Green energy is the thing of the future and those who come to terms with that fact, will be way ahead.

Building a Home Wind Generator. Green Energy for free!

margarita — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:24:58 +0000

Welcome to my Green Energy site , Feel free to check out the great content and resources I have put up just for you!

Doesn’t it excite you to think that you can harness the wind for energy? And what is more, the wind is free! So this article is going to show you that building a home wind generator doesn’t need rocket science.

Dutch Windmills? …Not any More.

Ever seen a Dutch postcard with windmills dotting the landscape? That is what most people think of when they think of wind energy But let me tell you, that nowadays, the home-made wind turbine is vastly different.

Now, those bulky windmills are no longer necessary. They are replaced by modern technology and this explanation of building a home wind generator is not too difficult for the average home owner believe it or not!

Is it difficult and expensive?

You may be thinking It will be difficult to operate and for sure it must be expensive. No and no again! You only need your usual workshop tools and a few hundred dollars for the complete unit. (This can be even less if you get your materials from a recycling center.)

In fact, there are few moving parts in modern turbines and the lighter construction cuts out the need for a high tower.( as in your Dutch windmills) to support the generator and blades. In fact, you can build a solid frame on the roof and your first step is done in building a home wind generator.

Now, what you do is, you mount the blade and gearing on your frame. Don’t panic! You can get these online. My advice on building a home wind generator would include that you do a little bit of research to check that the product is well referenced, and if possible, try to see one actually in operation before you start your project. However, you would probably do this if you were going to buy a digital camera wouldn’t you!

The reason I say try to see a unit operating first, is that this will bring up questions that you wouldn’t even think to ask. If a neighbour has one, check it out, nowadays there are many trade fairs where manufacturers are vying for the opportunity to explain their product.

What are your specific needs?

DIY turbines come in various sizes, so you must get one for your specific site and! energy needs.
Also you must check on local regulations, e.g. noise limitations, height and, most important, where the prevailing wind comes from in your area before building a home wind generator.

The installation should take only a few days unless you are thinking of building everything from scratch yourself. The blades are most important and if you get blades from wood or fibre composite they are cheaper (yippee!) and will not vibrate so much or make as much noise as metal ones. You can also,make a tail assembly so that the unit is facing the breeze. Your average common sense woodworking or engineering skills are sufficient to make the turbine efficient.
Your local electrician.

The gearing, and the DC motors can easily be bought online. They must be bolted together. The wiring plan can seem complicated but my advice in building a home wind generator would include getting your local electrician to check out your home handyman efforts.

The whole procedure, when you break it down is really simple. However, your home wind turbine is not a toy, and access to the blades should be restricted. The blades can be dangerous for both adults and children, but then again, common sense precautions in building your home wind generator are necessary. It’s the same as letting your little kids loose with the hairdryer full blast…You wouldn’t do it would you! And as any home handyman knows, any electrical installation should be well insulated.

Points to remember.

If you decide to mount the home wind generator on a tower this should not be climbed by any adventure seeking individual. Just use fencing to stop anyone from climbing the tower and maybe, put up some security lighting to caution would be adventurers. But once again, as with using anything technical…just a drop of common sense is necessary.
Remember building your home wind generator is really not such a daunting task. And think of the benefits harnessing free energy! Make building your home wind generator your next do-it yourself project.

Benefits of Solar Energy.

margarita — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:24:58 +0000

THIS IS YOUR SOLUTION. FREE ENERGY FROM THE SUN!

Alternative energy is vital and the benefits of Solar Energy are becoming clearly apparent to everybody.

I think we all know by now, that fossil fuel energy is on its way out and you don’t have to be a visionary to understand that!. Carbon emissions, nuclear waste and other pollutants are not only damaging but they are also disappearing. Just imagine if petrol were no longer available. We wouldn’t be able to go to the supermarkets to do the grocery shopping and probably when we got there, we would find only empty shelves. Why? Of course, trucks are used to haul the food from farmer to supermarket. And, sadly, often the farmers are not even in this country! This seems like a doomsday scenario but just a little browsing of the net will convince you that many informed economists are already prophesying this.

Let’s focus on solutions to the energy problem..A Gift from Nature!

However, let’s not dwell on the disappearance of our current energy. Rather,. lets look at what can be done. Solar Energy, and the benefits of solar energy are something that we can point to for solutions. Just imagine, the sun is One source which is always available in large quantities. And every morning the sun faithfully tips over the horizon line giving us a promise of constancy and replenishment. One of the benefits of Solar Energy is in the fact that solar energy is produced and consumed where it is used. Result? More jobs in this country!

Among other benefits of solar energy is the fact that after using it for some time, you will notice a marked saving on your electricity bill and, its even possible, you will reach a point where you don’t need to depend on an outside company at all. This makes your home a more valuable asset.

Solar energy is not only for heating and generating electricity but the other benefits of solar energy

include cooking, passive solar design, pump water, and the heating of your pool and landscape lighting.

Photovoltaic solar generators.

You have a few different options to solar energy. You can install small solar projects such as solar lights, use a solar cooker, or, if you want to really think of the future, you could install larger solar projects such as full scale photovoltaic solar generators.

Do you realize that one of the benefits of Solar Energy is that, if you are building a new home, and design your home and garden well, you can actually reduce your heating and cooling bills up to ten times. By initially taking advantage of solar energy, you will save on not having to maintain and purchase new equipment and install it. Obviously, utilizing passive design is a more efficient way of utilizing solar power than adding onto an established home.

The technology used is called photovoltaic cells and these cells or PVs as they are called, are semi-conductors which have two layers of silicon. However, lets be honest, you don’t really know how your toaster works but it works. and it is the same with PV cells. You personally don’t have to know how your PV cells work, as long as the contractor you hire, does!

Why not a do-it yourself project?

However, if you, or your husband, likes to have a do-it yourself project to nut out, then the benefits of solar energy could be yours on the completion of your project. Surprisingly, there are many do-it-yourself project kits online which take hardly any time to do. It could be a fun project with your spouse or a buddy.

State Incentives and Subsidies for Renewable Energy.

Installing ready-made solar energy equipment can be costly, but if you sit down and do the maths, you will save on the long term.

Remember, nearly every State has substantial tax credits and subsidies

There is an immense amount of specific information of The State Incentives for Renewable Energy, e.g www.dsireusa.org so that you can find out exactly what subsidies are available in your area. As you can see, the benefits Solar Energy this a constant replenishing, reliable clean, free source of energy. Open your mindset to this New Way of Living.

Types of renewable energy resources.

margarita — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:24:58 +0000

Do you know that the sun shines every day and provides enough energy for 27 years? So, if you know how to capture that energy, think of what it could do to your electricity bill! You may ask, What other types of renewable energy resources have we other than solar energy? Obviously Mother Nature gave us Wind energy and Geothermal energy.

Energy Crisis

Without scaring you, but by observing the economic situation, it is obvious that we will soon need other forms of energy. Fossil fuels are slowly diminishing. This article is to give you an over view of your options. This information, by the way, is no more just for “alternatives or greenies.” No eventually there will be a serious depletion of the ‘normal’ energy resources that we have for so long relied on and the people who first come to terms with this dramatic new reality will be way ahead. Looking to other types of renewable energy resources will be vital for our future.

You can be scared or excited by this new reality. I choose to be excited!

Solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy and sunshine can be used to create power energy such as heat and electricity. With solar power, we use the direct conversion of radiation through a solar PV system. We can also have systems that harness solar power for hot water and the purifying of water.

Wind Energy

Incredibly, even now, approximately 200,000 homes are using solar power,one of the types of renewable energy resources to generate electricity, and now that this technology is becoming more affordable, it is being seriously considered by your average homeowner who wants to save money, and at the same time .help reduce carbon emissions and help the planet stay ’livable’ for their children and grandchildren.

One of the other types of renewable energy resources is wind energy, which is also being used to cut down on energy costs. Wind is an ancient form of energy and wind energy first generated electricity in 1890. Just recently, on a trip I made, I was astounded at how many people had already begun to erect home made wind energy turbines.

Your own backyard!

Of all the types of renewable energy resources perhaps wind energy has the greatest scope to grow. Believe it or not, to power your house with wind energy you don’t have to have wind that blows strongly and constantly to power homes. That was something, that I myself, did not realize until I researched it. In short, wind power is great, because it is clean, green and for goodness sake, you can produce it in your own backyard! Can it get any better than that!

Often in isolated areas, grid power is not available, and people who have a decent amount of land can find that windpower is a viable option. Wind power, is both reliable and consistent and the cost of the equipment is relatively low as well.

So, you are telling me that you don’t live in a remote area. No problem, you can still take advantage of wind power on a small scale.

Hydro-electricity

Frankly,the other types of renewable energy resources , seem to be less successful due to the fact that they are only suitable for certain locations.e.g. hydroelectricity which uses dams with high pressure water flow to produce energy. At the moment, less than 10 percent of energy produced is in this form. These are not solutions of course for the average homeowner, but as in the olden days, people who are interested in using water power to power electricity can place hydropower generators in small backyard rivers and streams if they live in the country.

What is needed is a break away from the old paradigm of fossil fuel energy and to Go Green!

Solar panels installation guide

margarita — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:24:58 +0000

Imagine Your House with Free Energy from the Sun!

With regards to installing solar panels, I know that you are going to ask immediately. Do solar panels have to go on the roof? The simple answer is no, but the benefits of building your own solar panels using this structure are innumerable. This solar panel installation guide will help you.

What you must do.

If you want maximum benefits, you must choose a south-facing slope at an angle of 30° and of course, there should not be any shade there. Also, the height above the ground is not vital but it helps, so that you can use the force of gravity to feed the water, (which is already warmed,) back to what we call a holding tank inside the cavity of the roof.
Another thing to remember, in their installation ,(and as most water tanks are usually situated near the top of the house,) is that this installation will allow a shorter distance for the heated water to travel and also, less insulation will be needed on the return piping!
Another step to follow in this solar panel installation guide is that when solar panels are installed on the roof your doggie or other four footed friends will not be able to venture on them and ruin the surface of the panels. Also be careful of overhanging tree branches as bird droppings can damage the collection plates severely.
Now make sure that you choose a part of the roof that has easy access from the ground. This of course, is for easy maintenance and cleaning. However, I must add that the best part of any solar panels installation is that there are very parts that can go wrong (which is great news!)

Two Types of Solar Panel installation.

Don’t be confused by the two main types of solar power installation. Any reputable solar panels installation guide will explain that the flat plate collection systems or the straight panels, will need much less space than the PV. or photovoltaic cells. The straight panels will give you heated water only, which anyway, is a huge contribution to your electricity bill. (especially if you have adolescents!)

Will these panels spoil my neighbor’s view?

On the other hand, photovoltaic cells will require larger space, but most homes have sufficient roof space to meet the requirements for generating power for your home.
I must add in the solar panels installation guide that the installation of your solar panels will not spoil your neighbor’s view, any more than any other roofing material. You do not need to add, by the way, any structural load bearing additions either.
Of course, the maximum is, to include this installation if you are designing a new home for, as in as little as over a year , you will have made up for the cost of your eco-friendly power source!

But I have a flat roof?

Don’t let a flat roof worry you because you simply need to put up a frame that supports the panels at the necessary angle. In this case, the installer will need to make sure that there is insulation at the rear of the panels so that the warmth is kept in and the cold is kept out.
In this solar panels installation guide, I would also recommend that you consult with a professional installer when you decide on using some sort of solar power. Check to make sure that the performance claims of your installer are reliable. (But that is just common sense isn’t it, as you would do that with any investment.)
A check with a professional installer is wise even for those who are skilled enough to do the project themselves. The great thing is that Solar Panels installation will only take a few hours after the assembly of all the parts.

Next step? Just do it!

In this solar panels installation guide, my earnest desire is that you, average homeowner, Mr Smith or Jones are motivated to use this basic advice here, to uncloud a lot of the mystery about solar panels and to turn this theory into reality so that you can start saving on your electricity bills. Imagine when you get your new electricity bill and it is ten times less! All your neighbours will be envious or if not, just downright curious. I know that what you are really interested in, is saving on your own bill But, dont be mean, share the information that you found in this solar panels installation guide. A “Go Green Energy” town is better for everyone.