Save Thousands By Teaching Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Industry Expert Guides You Through The Process. Includes All Resources Necessary - Spreadsheets, Insolation Charts, Worked Examples.
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011
How To Make A Solar Power Generator For Less Than $300
Complete Illustrated Instructions On How To Make The Smallest Most Practical Solar Power Generator For Daily Use.
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Solar Power: Save Your Money With Alternative Energy
Solar Energy Is The Most Commercialized Type Of Renewable Energy And As A Residential User, You Will Find It Useful Knowing Just How Solar Power Can Benefit You. Why Feel A Need To Rack Up Your Electricity Bills When There Is Free Energy All Around You?
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Solar Power versus Generator - the Choice
As I write this in early 2007, the controversy over global warming has heated up (pun intended), and people are taking another look at solar power versus generator. For those living outside the power grid, the second look may save not only the green in the rain forest, but also the green in the bank.
Many who live "off the grid" in isolated locations have traditionally relied on generators for electrical power. Others have installed generators for back-up, emergency electrical power. Neither thought there was a choice, but now there is a choice: solar power versus generator.
In this article, we look at the choice. Which is more economical; more convenient; more environmentally friendly? Should you make the change?
Solar Power versus Generator - Cost
The cost of solar power versus generator is much less over the long term.
The initial cost of a solar power system will be greater than that of a generator system. This is often the reason people install a generator rather than choose solar power. One must look beyond the initial cost, however, to get the full comparison of solar power versus generator.
* Solar power, once installed, has little maintenance or further expense. There is no fuel to purchase, since the sun's energy fuels the system.
* Generators are not so. After installation, a generator will require regular servicing by a professional every 6 months. Generators require fuel - a cost that is constantly increasing. Moving generator parts must be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear.
Solar Power versus Generator - Convenience
Convenience is another factor to consider when looking at solar power versus generator power. Solar power is much more convenient than generator power.
* Solar power may be less convenient to purchase and install, since it is not as widely available as generators. This is due to the currently small market for solar power. As the market increases, however, this will be less of a problem. Solar power systems have no moving parts to wear out or need lubrication. Once installed, solar power requires little attention. The user can almost forget it.
* Generators are widely available, so convenient to purchase and install. Convenience decreases after installation, though. A generator must be monitored frequently to be sure sufficient fuel is available. It must be refilled often when used as a regular source of power. Fuel must be ordered and delivery taken - or fuel must be hauled by the owner. The system must be serviced twice a year. This servicing will include filter changes, an oil change, a tune up, and complete inspection of the entire unit. Worn parts must be replaced.
Solar Power versus Generator - Efficiency
The solar power versus generator battle includes the matter of efficiency, too. Which is more cost-effective? The facts seem to point to solar power.
* Solar power is received in through the panels, free of cost, and stored in batteries. It is ready for use when needed, but in times of reduced usage, the power remains in storage.
* Generators run constantly, regardless of the amount of power being used at a given time. As they run, they consume costly fuel. When power usage is reduced in bright daylight, generators must continue to run.
Solar Power versus Generator - Dependability
Some argue that, in comparing solar power versus generator, we must compare the dependability factor. In this area, they claim, generators win.
* Solar power is very dependable in locations that have bright sunlight 300+ days of the year. In areas with less sunlight, or during periods of cloudiness and storm, solar power is less dependable. The system will continue to provide power from charged batteries, but will eventually go dead. Having said that, it must be noted that Germany, which has far fewer sunny days than most of North America, is said to have much higher usage of solar power. The problem of dependability seems not that big.
* Generator systems do not depend on sunlight. They do, however, depend on fuel. If storms or some other disaster hinders one from replenishing the fuel supply, generators also become useless.
Solar Power versus Generator - Eco-friendliness
Finally, eco-friendliness must be considered in any discussion of solar power versus generator. That is, which is kinder to the environment: solar power or generator? The obvious answer again is solar power.
* Solar power has no emissions when working. There is no pollution involved in fuel production - no greenhouse gases. It is totally clean. Solar power uses a renewable energy source.
* A big drawback to generator use is still the matter of emissions and the environment. Generators are usually run on diesel fuel, and diesel fuel is produced from a fossil fuel. There are emissions in the production of the fuel, and also in its use. Diesel generators are a major source of air pollution and high sulfur levels in North America. Exposure to diesel generator exhaust can lead to health hazards.
Solar Power versus Generator - the Solution
For most people, the resolution of the solar power versus generator debate is to install a hybrid system. Using solar power as the main energy source will save money. The fuel is free. Solar power is convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly. What it lacks in dependability can be made up by having a small back-up generator for prolonged cloudy periods.
My Choice
When I compare solar power versus generator, I definitely have to choose solar power. It is clean, free, quiet, and peaceful.
©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about solar power at http://www.solar-energy-connection.com. Anna has also posted articles on that site about solar power for homes. If you want basic information about solar power for the home, you won?t want to miss her article on the subject.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Solar Homes - The Benefits of Solar Power at Home
Solar lights and other solar home products are, indeed, environmentally friendly. But you do not need to consider yourself an environmentalist to realize the benefits of using solar powered products.
What are some other benefits of solar powered home products? Well, when you use solar home items, your electricity bills will go down. Why pay outrageous prices for electricity when you can create your own electricity at home?
Another, less-thought-of benefit is the lack of wiring. If you buy solar lights to light up a garden path or if you have solar powered water features, you do not have to worry about installing any wiring. Also, solar garden lights usually have darkness sensors, so you never even have to worry about turning them on or off. Pretty much, you can pull your solar lights out of the box, place them where you want them, and then never worry about them again.
Let us again go over the benefits of solar energy:
· It is environmentally friendly. Solar energy is clean and renewable. It does not pollute (traditional forms of electrical generation do).
· Solar energy systems require very little maintenance. You do not have to worry about recurring costs or adding extra fuel, etc.
· When you use solar energy in your home, you will save money in the long run. After all, energy from the sun is free once you have purchased your solar panels or solar lights, etc. There are even some financial incentives from the government that can reduce your cost. And if you do not use as much energy as your solar system uses, you can sell that extra energy to your utility company. When you use solar energy, you are no longer affected by the supply and demand of regular fuel.
· Power outages will not affect you if you have a full solar system in your home. When you use solar energy, you lessen your dependence on both centralized and foreign sources of energy.
· Many solar systems (especially outdoor solar lights and outdoor solar water features, etc.) are very easy to install and require no wiring.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to having a solar home. Namely, a solar energy system can be expensive (but remember, after even a relatively short time of use, it can pay for itself). Also, depending on where your home is located in relation to the sun and how large of an area you have to install solar panels, solar power pay not work as well for you and your home.
There are many different solar home devices that you can buy. You may want to consider buying a solar powered car ventilator, solar flashlights, solar video cameras, solar pool purifiers, solar heaters, solar mosquito inhibitors, solar radios, solar powered fountain pumps, solar lighting, etc.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on solar power, please visit Solar Home.
Solar Home Heat
Solar heat for homes is not a daydream. As energy prices rise and the global community talks of energy sources drying up, solar homes are becoming increasingly appealing to consumers. So is the idea of heating the home with solar energy. As a result, ways to heat a home with solar energy are becoming more affordable.
Solar heat for homes can be achieved in several ways. It is not simply a matter of placing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof and generating electricity for a furnace. That can be done, but other things can also be done to get solar heat for homes.
Passive solar is one of the simplest methods of acquiring solar heat for homes. Passive solar heating collects and distributes heat from the sun without external, mechanical pumping systems.
Passive solar heat for homes begins by positioning the solar home in such a way that it takes full advantage of winter sunlight to warm interior rooms and walls. In the northern hemisphere, a solar home will be positioned to give its main area southern exposure. In the southern hemisphere, a solar home will be positioned to give its main area northern exposure.
Passive solar heat for homes is also available through building materials and architectural design. A solar home should have many vertical windows on its winter sun exposure side to collect solar warmth. These windows should be glazed, and uncovered during the day to allow warmth to enter. As the sun goes down, shades and curtains should be drawn to retain the heat. The side of the solar home that gets summer sunlight should have fewer, and smaller, windows.
A passive solar home should feature masses of brick, concrete, stone, or adobe (mud bricks) that absorb and hold heat during the day, releasing it gradually as the air cools. These building materials should be used for walls and floors where the sunlight will hit them.
Passive solar heat for homes also requires thick insulation. Once heat has entered the solar home through large, glazed windows, insulation will help hold it there as the air cools. Placing the garage on the non-solar side and main living quarters on the "exposure" side also helps heat a solar home.
Active solar systems for heating a solar home consist of "collectors" that collect solar energy, and electric fans or pumps to distribute collected heat. Heat is transferred by liquid or air, and can be stored to provide heat when the sun is not shining.
Solar air "collectors" will collect solar energy in air passing through the system. The air absorbs the sun's heat, and transfers it into the solar home. This works best for heating individual rooms, although some systems can heat larger areas with the use of pumps and fans. Solar air collectors for individual rooms can be mounted in an existing window.
Solar liquid "collectors" are more appropriate for central heating. These are the same type of collector as those used in solar water heating systems. Flat plate collectors are mounted, usually on a roof. Each collector contains water, antifreeze, or another liquid that will collect the solar energy. At a predetermined time, regulated by a controller, a circulating pump sends the fluid through the roof-top collector. The liquid is directed to a heat exchanger for immediate use, or sent to a storage tank for later use.
Active liquid solar heat for homes can be sent through pipes under the floor to maintain an even radiant heat at floor level. Radiant floor heating is ideal for liquid solar systems. It performs well, even at relatively low temperatures.
Combination Solar Heat for Homes
The best solar home will combine passive and active solar energy collection. Passive solar heating can reduce heating bills by nearly 50 percent. Active solar heating can supply 40 to 80 percent of your heat, depending on your local climate and the system's size. Put the two together, and you have a solar home that is comfortable and efficient.
If concrete floors topped with tile are already warmed by passive solar heating, an active system that send hot water through pipes in those floors will keep the solar home cozy and warm.
Free Heating
Aside from any initial costs for active solar energy systems, solar heat for homes can be free. It is clean and environmentally friendly. It leaves a smaller carbon footprint, too. Is it for you? That is worth serious consideration.
© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about solar homes at http://www.solar-energy-connection.com. Anna has posted articles on that site about various applications of solar technology. If you want information on a do-it-yourself solar home, you won?t want to miss her article on the subject.
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