Archive for the ‘Energy’ Category
The earth encounters more than adequate power from the sun in 60 minutes to issue the world's power demand for the whole year.
Unfortunately, only a tiny portion of it is harnessed and the world still relies on power plants that burn fossil fuels. The good thing, though, is that there is a constant increase in demand for solar power; and over the years of continuous development, solar panels are much cheaper today.
During peak hours, the maximum power density that the sun can give is about 1kW per square meter. In other words, one square meter of solar panel can produce as much as 100 GWh (gigawatt hours) of electricity in one year. That is enough to power 50,000 houses.
If a solar power plant is build on 1% of the total land area of the Sahara desert, it will satisfy the world’s power requirement.
The efficiency and cost of solar panels depends on several factors such as pollution, clouds, temperature and atmospheric humidity.
Solar power plants are very alike to other formal power plants – with one important divergence: The majority of power plants draw their power from fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas.
When power plants burn fossil fuels, they produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Solar power plants or solar thermal power plants (or Concentrating Solar Power plants) utilize the power of the sun’s rays to generate electricity.
The process could not be any simpler. The solar panels receive heat from the sun, which will be reflected to the receiver. The receiver converts into steam the concentrated solar power. The steam is stored on tanks which will be used to turn the turbines and generate electricity.
The whole process does not involve any burning of any fossil fuels. Thus, solar power plants do not contribute to global warming.
The lower cost of solar power will bring down the demand for oil.
Today, there are more than 10,000 households with solar power systems and the number is constantly increasing. If the demand for solar power as well as other forms of alternative power, the demand for oil will drop and the cost fuel will likely to follow.
Residential solar power system can turn your electric meter backwards. Given that you are connected on a power-grid, the excess power that your solar power system produces will go to the electric lines to be used by other homes. As a result, any excess power you give will be reflected on your bills. Your electric supplier will even pay for the electricity you supplied.
Residential solar power system can save you money.
While the initial cash out for installing solar power system at home is big, the device will pay for itself in the long run. Not only you will save money on solar power system, you also help the environment by not contributing to carbon emissions.
Solar power systems are reliable and can last for a very long time.
PV cells are last from 25 to 40 years. Many manufacturers of solar panels give 25 years product warranty. This is the assurance that solar panels are very dependable.
In addition, solar panels require little or no maintenance and the can be installed on most places where there is sunlight throughout the year..
Residential solar power system can save you money.
While the initial cash out for installing solar power system at home is big, the device will pay for itself in the long run. Not only you will save money on solar power system, you also help the environment by not contributing to carbon emissions.
Solar power systems are reliable and can last for a very long time.
PV cells are last from 25 to 40 years. Many manufacturers of solar panels give 25 years product warranty. This is the assurance that solar panels are very dependable.
In addition, solar panels require little or no maintenance and the can be installed on most places where there is sunlight throughout the year.
Most people are now constantly searching for other sources of cheaper energy. Some of the ones that are now being opted for are wind and solar. In the article that follows the reasons they are gaining popularity are talked about in detail.
The discussion below will revolve around the following topics: Wood Boiler For Creating Electricity, Solar Wind Power and Efficiency and buld your own solar power system
DIY wind and power systems are taking the stress out of life. Gone are the days when you had to chase the kids around and make sure the lights are switched off. With solar and wind power after you put it in place then you won’t be paying any energy costs. The saving on the money for electricity bills will amaze you. The extra cash will allow you concentrateon other important things.
The electrical power generated using wind and solar will never run out. The extra energy that you produce can be kept in batteries and can be used at your convenience. You can maximise the amount of power that you generate by installing more panels. Is that not difficult you ask?
No; constructing your own DIY wind and solar power systems is quite easy. The Instructional and DIY manuals available allow you to be able to construct and fit your own system within at least two days. So over a period of a month its possible to have your house completely running on green electricity. The manuals will have step by step illustrations to simplify this task.
Most of the power sources that have been in use are very polluting to the environment. The wind and solar power systems are friendly to the environment and therefore considered green ways of producing electricity. The only thing that could be stopping you from taking up this is not knowing where to find the material.
This should not be a problem as any reliable DIY wind and solar power system will normally have information on where you can purchase the required components. There will also give you a quote on the amount you can expect to pay. But it should not be more than $250.
If you have ever dreamed of being completely energy independent, then your ultimate aim is to live “off grid”. Most of those who live off grid are in remote areas where electric utility service is either not available or very expensive to hook up. But a growing number of people are considering it as a personal lifestyle option.
The Latest Off-Grid Solar Power Report
There are a couple of main considerations involved in living off-grid. First, you’ll need to learn how to use your electricity judiciously. You won’t have to do without it, but you don’t want to waste it, either.
Second, you’ll want to become familiar with how the solar power system works, and the kind of upkeep it requires. It would be a good idea to become somewhat of an expert on your individual system so you could troubeshoot any any unexpected problem that may arise. Becoming an “pro” won’t be too hard considering all the readily available information on solar energy. But it does require time and commitment on your part.
An off-grid system typically consists of nine components.
First, the photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.
2. The array DC (direct current) disconnect. This is basically a breaker between the array and the rest of the system. It allows you to disconnect from the system in order to fix any problems with the array.
3. The charge controller. This device prevents the batteries from overcharging.
4. The battery bank. The battery bank stores excess electricity. Because there will be overcast periods when sunlight cannot reach your solar cells, you will need about 2 to 3 days worth of stored electricity
Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard. It shows what’s going on with the various components of the system.
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6. The main DC disconnect. This acts as a breaker and is found between the inverter and the batteries.
7. The inverter. This component converts the DC electricity that was generated by the solar cells into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can run your household appliances.
8. The breaker panel. This is the same kind of breaker panel that the utility company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.
9. The backup generator. This is in case you have a period of overcast days and use up the electricity stored in the batteries. You can use traditional fossil fuels, but you may want to use biodiesel to support your green lifestyle.
Now that we’ve examined the components of the solar power system, you can understand why it’s not too difficult to become your own expert. Each component is pretty simple in and of itself. The only moving parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won’t be using that very much.
After years of development we have solar systems capable of generating electrical power or heating our homes and hot water. Using solar panels to provide free solar energy still seems like a new idea to many of us but the reality is that they have been around for years.
The use of solar panels has moved on from the laboratory and the enthusiasts home to become a regular alternative to using energy from the utility supplier. We have some choices to make with two alternative types of solar panels for your home and you can generate electricity for free or get solar heat energy for free.
Solar collectors are the easiest way to collect the suns heat energy and you transfer it to heat your home or hot water system using a heat exchanger. To convert solar energy into electricity we need to use photovoltaic cell panels which are able to convert sunlight into electrical power
Most handy persons should find it straightforward to construct a solar heat collector which can heat your hot water supply. The most common type of solar collector has a reflector that reflects the heat of the sun onto a water pipe which transfers the heat through a heat exchanger into you home hot water system
You can use an old heating radiator as the main element of your solar collector and connect that to your heating system. Heating of your hot water is done through transferring the solar energy from the radiator to a heat exchanger. By pumping water through a pipe that has solar reflectors bathing it in sunshine you can collect significant quantities of heat from the sun
By fitting photovoltaic solar cell panels on your roof you can use this other type of solar panel to provide free electricity. The wiring for connecting solar panels to your home wiring is not something the amateur should do so you should get a qualified electrical engineer who understands how solar panels have to be connected to your home wiring.
Your system will continue to produce free energy with solar panels for your home needing little maintenance to keep working. You should get your solar system checked over every year or so to make sure everything is in order but most systems are reliable.
With the popoulation facing a real power crisis, it is wise to implement an alternate energy solution for the home. It will not only assist stave off the energy crisis, but can also help preserve energy for the earth as a whole. Using an alternative energy system is a remarkable method to support a greener and friendlier environment.
You Can Easily Create Wind Generator Energy-Find Out How!
Among the alternate energy solutions, the solar energy system and the wind generator system are the most popular. In spite of the fact that wind energy is an effective measure, many of us can’t employ it because of its requirements. Because a wind generator system, we need a large area and the average wind speed in the area should be in the region of eleven miles per hour. Be aware that, the solar energy kit is much simpler to implement. All that is needed is a flat fixing or other clear area and an abundant amount of the sun’s rays.
A solar energy systen has various components. Most people utilize a few of these components as per their needs. Let’s take a look at some solar power components.
Discover The Best Way To Build Wind Generator Energy
Solar cooker: The solar cooker is the most commonly used solar energy aspect used in homes. Let’s look at its advantages:
• Healthy cooking – Meals prepared with a solar cooker is believed to be very healthy. A small cooking box is all you need, even for a family of five.
• Variety cooking – Using a solar cooker, you can bake, roast, or boil – all using the same system.
• No fuel – The only fuel a solar cooker uses is sunlight, which helps save energy resources.
• No emissions – A solar cooker doesn’t emit gases or leave any residual substance. This makes it a very environmentally friendly cooking system.
Solar generator: The solar generator is a device that powers all your electrical requirements using the solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy through the use of photovoltaic cells. The solar generator is also known as as a solar lighting system. The solar generator is able to store electrical energy in cells for later use. Making a solar generator at home is a great energy-saving and cost-saving idea. Just think about using your household appliances without being concerned about paying any bills!
Solar thermal system: Installing a solar thermal system or solar heating system at home takes care of your home’s heating needs. You can keep your heating requirements in your home as warm as you need to and not have to be concerned about the cost. Thanks to their technology, these heating kits will not only suit your pocket but also be pleasing on the eye, as these methods are no longer unsightly.
Imagine having a roof mounted 36″ turbine on your home that would be able to supply enough power to provide lighting for a home that is up to 3,600 square feet. Well, it is true and the product is just about to hit the market. The Jellyfish Wind Appliance by Clarian Technologies, which is located in Seattle, WA, is a 36″ turbine that can generate this amount of power using a simple “Plug and Play” operation.
The new technology used in the wind turbine has all the features a home owner would desire. It is safe, very affordable, quiet and in can be installed by just about anyone. Until now, utilizing the power of the wind to help provide electricity for you home meant that you had to have a huge windmill installed that may not even meet to the zoning codes where you live and cost thousands of dollars.
The Jellyfish Wind Appliance sets a new standard in that it makes it easy for anyone to afford, and again, it makes it easy for just about anyone to install. Think of it as another household appliances that in the future could become as common as the microwave or computer. Watch the following video to see how it works.
From a technical standpoint, the Jellyfish is only 36″ tall and incorporates a solid-state controller with a variable-speed induction generator that plugs directly into one of your existing wall outlets. Then, when the wind blows, power is automatically generated into your home.
By mounting it to your roof or to a wind tower or pole etc., it can generate up to 40 kWh per month and that is in moderate winds. This can power the lighting of an average size home using energy efficient bulbs, like CFL’s, for the entire month. Just think of how much you would save over a years time.
Best of all, this product has a target price of under $400.00. That is quite a deal. The company projects that as demand for these units goes us, the price will come down even more.
The Jellyfish is virtually maintenance free since it uses the same proven design found in other household appliances that use industrial type motors. It also uses no brushes or moving parts that can wear out. From a safety standpoint, if your electricity were to go out due to a temporary outage, the Jellyfish will immediately stop generating power. So, the Jellyfish is not intended to be used as a back-up type generator.
To find out more about this great product and get an a email list so that you can be notified when they are available click on the following link.
The world is gradually moving closer to a serious energy crisis, due to an ever-increasing demand of energy overstepping its resources. We have always known that the energy we use every day is limited, yet we continue to take it for granted. Oil, gas, power, even water has a limited supply. However, we are not taking enough precautions to help head off an impending energy crisis. When I say ‘we’, I am not only referring to the governments but to all of us, the common people.
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Gas and oil have become costly, and every day they move closer to depletion. Some ignorant individuals believe that energy crisis is made up. It seems they are not looking at the big picture. So far we’ve experienced three serious energy crises: the 1973 oil crisis, the 1979 energy crisis, and the 1990 oil price hike, not to mention several regional crises.
Over the last several years, prices have continued to rise, due to the ever-increasing demand for and depletion of our energy sources.
How soon will it all be gone? Are the cynics correct in saying that we are making a mountain of a molehill, or is the energy crisis a valid concern? Well, think about this: Fifty percent of the world’s oil has been depleted. If the present rate of consumption continues, our oil will be used up in 32 years. What if it didn’t just continue at the same rate, but actually increased? And it’s bound to do so. So it’s possible that even the present generation could face a serious energy crisis.
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What can be done?
Are we prepared for this impending energy crisis? What can be done to help prevent it, or at least slow it down? Well, to begin with, we need to recognize and appreciate the importance of our energy resources and not take them for granted. We have to decrease the use of our gas, oil and other fuel. We cannot afford to waste our precious resources. We need to broaden awareness concerning our limited energy resources. Simple actions like joining (or starting!) a carpool, turning off your car at stop lights, and generally reducing the use of gas and oil in everyday activities can all help with the energy crisis.
What are the alternate energy options?
As a responsible world citizen, start looking for alternate energy solutions like solar energy and wind energy. It is both practical and cost-effective to use these alternative energy solutions. You will not only reduce your utility costs but also contribute to a better future for the earth.
Generate power at home using solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. For more information:
Build Your Own Solar Panels: The “How To Solar Panel” Guide.
If you are worried that installing solar panels on your home will result in too much time spent on expensive and complex maintenance, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Residential solar panels are manufactured using thick glass encapsulate the solar cells and then are mounted onto a metal framework. Since they contain no moving parts, once they are in place they require very little maintenance.
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However, this may depend on your locality, the weather typical for your area, and and the number of trees in your yard. For example, if your locale experiences a lot of snow, you may need to take some time to clean off the solar panels following a heavy snowstorm. Or if you reside in an area that experiences frequent dust storms, or in a city where there is a lot of dirt in the air, you may need to clean off the glass panels from time to time to ensure their effectiveness. But if it rains often enough, that should all that’s needed to keep your solar panels clean enough to function properly.
If there are many deciduous trees on your property that shed their leaves each fall, it may be necessary to make sure that the leaves don’t cover up your solar panels. Even some evergreens shed their needles and may require a periodic removal. But a quick swipe with a broom should do the trick.
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As we know, the solar panels are not the only components in the system. An off-grid system will include storage batteries and perhaps a back-up generator. As these parts require more monitoring and ongoing care than the actual solar panels, it’s wise to plan periodic inspections so you can maintain your solar energy system at full efficiency.
If your solar panels are tied to the local power company, you will still need an inverter for your system. An inverter takes the electricity produced by your solar panels and converts it to alternating current for your appliances. The inverter has no mechanical parts but is an important component of the system and should be monitored.
If you are questioning whether your house is a good candidate for solar panels, here are some factors to consider. Factors such as the direction that your roof faces and the placement of trees in your yard can affect solar panel performance. In addition, you will have to decide if your electric system will be tied to the local utility grid. Following is a short list of some of the things you will need to keep in mind.
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The most important factor is whether your system will be grid tied or off grid. “Grid tied” means that the solar power system is hooked up to the local utility company. The solar panels will produce electricity that can run your appliances as long as sunlight is shining on your solar panels. During times when your solar panels aren’t receiving sunlight (nighttime, cloudy days), your appliances would get power from the local utility company.
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A system that is “off grid” is one that is not connected (tied) to a utility company. They are more found more in rural areas where utility poles are distant and hookups are extremely expensive. Off grid systems use batteries (similar to car batteries) to hold excess electricity, and usually have back up generators for emergency situations. Appliances run off the solar panels during the day, and the batteries or generator at night or during bad weather.
For both grid tied and off grid systems, the roof pitch, direction it faces, and nearby objects that cast shade are all factors when determining placement of your solar panels. They need access to direct sunlight for as much of the day as possible to function at maximum efficiency. Large trees that cast shadows on the roof as well as taller structures that could block the sun need to be considered. As each house has a different combination of these factors, each house must be individually assessed. Accurate measurements and surveys, as well as a site inspection by a qualified installer will provide the necessary information to choose the best solar panel configuration for your home.
You Can Live Off-Grid
The deficit of energy resources, the rapid consumption of non-renewable energy, the ever-rising demand for power supply, the recurring warnings concerning the environment are enough indications to let us know that it’s time to do something. So, what can be done? To begin with, how about living off the grid? If I have startled you with this notion, let me tell you that living off-grid not only benefits the environment and helps conserve power; it also reduces your electricity bill considerably. Now, that’s a real-life benefit in addition to how you will greatly benefit the world. Trust me, you will feel good about doing this.
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First, let’s talk about the advantages of living off-grid.
• less reliance on frustrating resources: Who wants to depend upon public utilities all the time? Living off the grid helps you rely only on yourown resources and not those provided by the government or big companies. How many times have you gotten angry when a power outage occurs in the middle of an important project or a party? Wouldn’t it be great to take charge of such factors affecting your life? With alternate energy solutions, you can. Check this out and discover how you can save your money: Domestic Off Grid Solar Power Solutions
• The free use of naturally available resources: How would you feel when you didn’t have to pay for the electricity you use? Wouldn’t it be delightful to use as much power as you want without worrying about the electricity meter? You can make use of the abundant power in nature to light up your home and prepare your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to your power quest (well, literally!).
• Save money by lowering your bill: How would you like to go to your mailbox and never again find an electic bill? Using alternative power solutions gives you a rapid return on your investment, as power to your home will eventually be free!
• Preparing the way for a healthier world: Don’t you bless the people who planted trees along time ago not expecting them to miraculously grow? They planted the trees for the future generations. Make the path of your future generations secure by providing them a greener, healthier world. Cut down on the use of consumable energy sources..
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If your are questioning whether living off the grid is doable, look into alternative power solutions. You may be surprised to find out that they are not only economically beneficial but extremely doable as well.