Posts Tagged ‘science’

Tips For Using Solar Power

January 16th, 2010

With recent tax incentives for solar power a lot of people have been researching to find out if they qualify. The easy answer is yes you will qualify for the tax incentives if you have a system installed. It tends to be a bit more complex than that however. The systems may be more expensive than most can afford even with the tax incentives.

This is energy generated by the sun. To harness that energy you need a special system in place that will transfer sunlight into power that will run the electrical devices in your home. These systems usually consist of panels and converters. They must be installed by licensed professionals for safety reasons. You local electrical company may have personnel on hand as well.

There are many sites that say you can build your own solar power systems. As tempted as I am, I am also skeptical. I have a hard time believing I can build anything that is legal and will produce power for my home without starting a fire or an explosion. However I may let my son try these as a science project if nothing else.

In years to come we may see a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels. These are in limited supply and we have to start preparing for a time when they may no longer be available. Not only is solar power a great way to start saving these fuels but you can save money on your electrical bill as well.

You don’t even have to worry about cloudy days. Solar energy work with your regular power source to make sure you always have electricity. They combine to ensure you stay up and running weather it’s your home or business. If the solar energy is low it simply and automatically switches to your alternative energy source.

Do it yourself kits save a lot of money over professional installation but the entire process sounds fairly complicated. One site even mentioned the need for permits. You should check with your local power company and see what rules apply in your area.

They now have a wide selection of products that run on solar power without the need to install a special system. They have even made cars that will run on solar energy. One of the best products I have seen are outdoor lights. These take away the need for cords and are easy to install and move around.

Solar energy is wonderful to have. You should always keep in mind though the electricity of any kind can be dangerous. Check all local laws and never begin a project unless you are sure you know what you are doing.

Prices will probably come down in coming years. If you can’t afford this now then you may be able to before long. Solar power will most likely be around for a very long time to come and one day everything may be run at least in part by this energy source.

Solar power provides an efficient and environmentally friendly source for energy. In order to promote a greener society, wind power should also be considered as an alternative option.

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The Different Types Of Hot Water Heating Systems

January 5th, 2010

We have a tendency to all enjoy the idea of getting readily accessible hot water inside our home, and it is the role of hot water heating systems that makes this happen.

No matter your needs might be, the utilization of water heaters in residences is something that you may undoubtedly want to contemplate if you’re entering into a recently created house, or simply in need of a brand new heating system for water.

There are some totally different varieties that you may have to settle on, and I would like to expand further regarding 3 of the foremost widespread ones. Hopefully you’ll be able to determine which among of them is best suited for your house and wants, leading to a worthy buy.

If you’re similar to most people, you will just need to shop for a gas water heater. There are various reasons that individuals choose gas, and maybe the biggest one relates to the reality that gas water heating systems are the easiest to buy.

On the other hand, they are in all probability the toughest to take care of because they’ll require regular gas refills so as to keep them going.

If you’re one who values ease of use, then you might want to go with an electric hot water heating system. The rationale for this has to do with the reality that all you need to do is leave it switched on, in which case the unit powers itself, supplying you with conveniently readily accessible hot water any time you need it.

A final choice that tends to grow in presence each and every year happens to be a solar water heater. This is the most energy efficient way of handling your water heating, and you can sleep well knowing that you will not have to worry about costly energy expenses.

On the other hand, this hot water heating system can typically wind up costing lots more than the alternative 2 types mentioned earlier.

Learn more information about solar hot water heating at this writer’s web site.

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Hot Water Heaters and the Different Kinds

December 11th, 2009

There’s a wide range in initial costs associated with the purchase of any hot water heating systems, but the real cost may come during the years that follow. Your monthly energy bills may be profoundly impacted by the unit you choose, and this is one of the many factors you should consider when buying a hot water heater for your home.

If you’re currently looking into the different possibilities, you’ve probably seen that there are a few different types. I’d like to review them in further detail with you as it’s important to identify the best fit for your home.

Most people will generally use gas water heaters for their needs and the reason for this is that the up front cost associated with buying these is generally the cheapest.

What people forget about is the fact that gas costs can add up to a lot of money over time, as any water heaters will regularly consume their supply of gas before needing more.

If that doesn’t appeal to you, it may be in your interest to look into some of the many electric hot water heating systems offered up for sale. On the plus side, you won’t have to worry about refilling it with gas. Then again, you should expect a higher energy bill due to the electrical consumption involved here.

Yet another alternative is the solar powered hot water heating system. To anyone concerned about the environment, these will be the best heating devices for the purpose. On the other hand, they can cost two or three times the amount of other units.

For those looking to save on energy bills but without the budget to pay for a solar model, the on demand hot water heater might be a nice compromise. These only operate upon your request, though the water can take a bit longer to heat up. Large families with a constant need for hot water may struggle to do well with these, since a larger water tank will generally take even longer before it heats up.

As it stands, these are the best possibilities in the world of hot water heating systems. Figure out your objectives, and begin looking into the process of finding the right fit from there.

While we’ve gone over the basics of the subject here, a lot more reading about solar hot water heating systems can be accessed by those looking for more information.

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What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?

November 1st, 2009

Solar energy is a clean form of energy production, which does not pollute the environment. The promise of cleaner energy and advancements in green technology has allowed solar energy research and production to take a front seat in modern energy production.

Thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion are the two methods of solar energy used today. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Specialized material that can directly turn sunlight into electricity is involved in photovoltaic conversion.

As the name implies, solar thermal conversion takes sunlight Sunlight Powered This also uses reflectors and mirrors to create large amounts of heat from exposure to the sun. (thermal). The method used to start fires with a magnifying glass is called solar thermal conversion. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. It is the resultant product, namely the steam that sets the turbine in motion to generate electricity

Photovoltaic Conversion essentially means light that is converted to electricity. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When you expose the two layers inside a solar panel to direct sunlight, electricity is created.

The efficiency of a single solar cell is determined by its exposure to direct sunlight. Both time and intensity of sunlight will play a factor.

Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.

As written earlier, if you have ever used a hand held or lighted magnifying glass to light a fire|to spark a flame, you have used solar energy.

The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future.

Learn more about creating energy with solar power and a magnifying glass. Stop by Julie Manther’s site where you can find out all about intensifying light with a lighted magnifying glass and what it can do for you.

categories: solar power,science,green,energy,technology,home

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Is Homemade Energy A Scam?

October 28th, 2009

Homemade Energy is guide that supposedly teaches you how to make your own solar and wind power. Written by Bill Ford – a scientist, researcher, inventor and energy consultant – the guide claims that even someone with limited technical know-how can build the systems. But does it really work? And how does it compare to Earth4Energy?

The Advantages of the guide:

1 – It was an enjoyable experience:

We found the instructions for the wind turbine very well laid out and explained. They were easy to follow, and we really had fun putting the wind generator together. Also, when it was finished, it actually worked, and our neighbors did not believe us when we told them we had built it ourselves.

2 – Cheapest option

Homemade Energy is the cheapest guide out there. Okay, it is only $2 cheaper than say, Earth4Energy, but every dollar helps when you are trying to save on costs.

3 – Easy for anyone to follow:

It was very apparent to us that Bill Ford wanted to produce a guide that anyone could follow, since it was so easy to understand. Thought we did have a small problem with the diagrams, we still ended up with a working wind turbine.

The Problems With the guide:

1 – Not as complete as the other guides

At only 43 pages long, we found the guide a little short. Yes, it may have been to the point, without being filled with random information, but we would rather have spent the extra $2 on one of the other guides, and received more facts and advice.

2 – Needs to be revised:

We are not sure about other customers of the guide, but we sometimes found the solar plans a little confusing. The diagrams did not tie in well with the the advice, and we had to email Bill for support numerous times while building our solar panels. He may have been helpful in his response, but we think it would make more sense if he updated the guide with the right solar power advice for everyone to use. If he wants to offer free lifetime updates, then he should actually update the guide every now and then.

Overall rating:

Home Made Energy is a guide for beginners that are willing to learn as they go along. The instructions and advice are sound, which is crucial any diy guide. However, Bill needs to keep up with his rival, Earth4Energy, and add more value to the guide, such as providing videos and maintenance instructions, which we – as customers – so desperately need.

Tim McDonald has been making his own home wind turbine and solar power since June 2008. If you are serious about making your own power, reducing your electricity bill and becoming more energy conscious, then he recommends you get the Earth4Energy Sneak Peek – before buying any energy guide.

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Efficient Planet – An Honest Review

October 22nd, 2009

Summary

Efficient Planet is not just one energy guide, it’s three! With 51 pages on how to make your wind power, 71 pages on building a solar panel system, and another 50 pages on saving power at home, this guide is a complete set of instructions and advice. But, where it falls short of its rival, Earth4Energy is that it has no video tutorials.

Likes

1 – Comprehensive Instructions

Efficient planet just became the most comprehensive DIY energy guide on the market. With over 175 pages of fantastic step-by-step instructions and advice that are easy to follow, it is well worth the small price tag of $49.97.

2 – Loads of great bonuses

The Efficient Planet e-book comes with a number of useful free bonuses. This includes a 50 page guide on easy ways to reduce your power bill (valued at $49.97); and multimedia interviews with successful homeowners that have made their own home solar and wind power systems.

It also comes with some useful, but irrelevant extras, such as a 12 part study kit on efficiently running your own home business; and some other “undisclosed bonuses”.

3 – Instructions That Actually Work:

A nice feature of the guide, is that it is broken up into 3 parts:

The First volume talks all about solar power, and how to make your solar panels at home. But it went further and talks about other solar power options, such as solar thermal heating and solar roofing.

The second guide talks about wind power and how to make your own home wind turbine. It discusses the 10 common misconceptions about wind power, by giving solid facts and evidence.

The final part is devoted to showing you how to easily save power at home and thus reduce your power bill. Although we knew most of what it tells you to do, it really complemented the rest of the Efficient Planet series, with the goal of becoming more energy efficient.

Dislikes

1: Lack of video instructions

Just when we thought Efficient Planet was the best energy guide on the market, we realized it has absolutely no video instruction. Many people that are technology inclined will struggle to just follow the written plans and diagram to build their first solar or wind power system. It would have been so much easier if we could watch it being built step-by-step.

2: Nothing really unique about it

Efficient Planet is just another diy energy guide. There seems to be a new one cropping almost weekly. And at the end of the day, it gives you the same info as other energy guides, but said in a different way. We like the fact that the Efficient Planet authors realized this and gave a number of great bonuses to complement the product, which made better value for money.

Verdict:

Efficient Planet provides some of the most complete, and useful step-by-step instructions on making your own renewable energy and saving power at home. Yes, you will eventually build a working solar and wind power system with the plans, but it will take you a little longer than if you used the Earth4Energy guide (which has free video instruction). The free extras make it well worth the $49.97 price, so it comes in 2nd place.

Tim McDonald is an enthusiastic DIYer that has been living off the grid since June 2008. He recommends you Try Earth4Energy for FREE if you are serious about making your own solar and home wind turbine, saving bucket loads of cash on your electricity bill, and living a greener life.

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Roof Wind Turbine Industry is Booming

October 10th, 2009
by Luke Webber

Has the time really come where the world could be potentially self sustainable in terms of its energy supply and demand? Well sadly the answer to that is, not yet. However one step closer to achieving this is roof wind turbine power. Roof wind turbine models have been on the market for a number of years now but they are really coming into age as they are becoming more efficient, cheaper and easier to install.

Older models of roof wind turbines were actually awkward looking , inefficient and expensive. One thing to consider when buying one of these is the period required to pay back in terms of the money you save. The older models had a very long payback period compared to roof wind turbines on the market today. The maintenance and installation costs have also come down dramatically, which is helping to push these products into the mainstream market.

The roof wind turbine industry is growing very quickly. The small wind turbine industry as a whole grew by nearly 70 percent last year. There is almost instant independence from the grid with a good device installed. With this benefit alone it is easy to see this industry and the sustainable energy industry is only going to keep expanding.

Older model turbine products had a payback period of about 20 years, due to their high cost to buy, install and maintain. With the developments in technology costs and payback period have been cut in quarters.

Until the 31st of December 2016 the government has an incentive program running for small scale wind power systems. Roof wind turbines with a capacity under 100 kilowatts are granted a 30 percent rebate.

The latest models of wind turbines have eliminated the need for a tower to be erected to hold the devices as they now attached directly to your rooftop. This has gotten rid of two main problems. One being the need to get approval to erect a tower and the other reducing the costs dramatically as an expensive tower is not required.

Traditional wind turbines relied on gears and a gearbox to create the electricity. For a traditional wind turbine it takes a wind of 7-8mph just to overcome the resistance of gears. This resulted in a loss of up to 25% in efficiency. Modern designs have replaced gears with hubs and bearings. Instead of a gear box magnets are now used to generate electricity. This has also added to the efficiency of modern roof wind turbine devices. Other advances in efficiency include larger wind acceptance areas and replaceable blades as damaged blades will reduce their effectiveness.

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If you are thinking about purchasing a roof wind turbine, solar panels or any other sustainable power type product be sure to understand what you are purchasing first by going to roof wind turbine and wind power electricity

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