How To Bust Solar Power Myths
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
If you’ve always dreamed of being the masked crusader who creates tomorrow’s better world, the right role for you right now is that of the “Solar Power Myth Buster.”
Before you grab your cape and head out the door, though, let’s arm you with a few facts about solar power myths:
Myth #1: I can’t afford solar power. Rather than telling someone they’re either right or wrong, ask them if you can schedule an appointment for them with a solar power installation appraiser. Tell them that you don’t want them to change their mind, you would just ask that they allow an open discussion so their belief can either be reaffirmed or denied, before this belief gets spread to others, or prevents them from giving themselves access to a healthy, clean, and ultimately…free energy. Advise them the appraiser can help them answer these questions:
Compared to a conventional heating, air conditioning system and hot water heater, what would a solar installation cost today?
What is the current cost per watt for electricity in their area, or comparative cost per unit for other fossil fuel used?
Since 1970, coal, gas and oil utility costs have gone up, on average, 5.5 percent per year. At that rate, what will their per unit cost be in 5 years, 10 years, 15 and 20 years? On a solar off-the-grid system…it’s likely to be…free.
What’s their current home power equipment guarantee? Solar components are guaranteed to last between 25 to 30 years. Most of today’s standard furnace, air conditioning systems…and hot water heaters…are guaranteed to last for 10 years.
Can you get tax credits, incentives and rebates when you install a fossil-fuel conventional system? You can if you have a solar installation.
Myth #2: I’ll have to have two systems instead of one…a solar and a conventional…because there’s not enough direct sunshine here. While this actually is possible, it’s unlikely in most areas. Japan and Germany have a much larger reliance on solar energy than the United States, and yet receive less sunshine than most areas of the States. Along the northern tier of the United States, you may have to install additional solar panels to achieve the same end result that would be achieved with less in the Southwest, but it’s unlikely you would need two systems. A good back-up battery pack will provide several days of functionality even in cloudy weather.
You can also include in your solar design a passive-solar stone fireplace with a wood insert, or another option might be to add another renewable energy power source…the wind turbine.
Myth #3: I’ll have to reduce my energy consumption. Don’t totally dispel this myth, because it’s a good idea. We could all benefit from a little energy management, and learn to consume less. In fact, we could all start down that path by turning off lights and computers when they’re not in use, switching to CFL light bulbs, and other small energy reduction steps. But you don’t have to. The difference is how much money you want to spend up front. Yes, a bigger solar system will cost you more money. You’ll need more panels, more batteries, and more inverters. However, you know that big utility bill you have now because you’re a big electric consumer? You won’t have that, and it won’t go up 5.5% a year, year and year. Once you’re system’s paid for, your energy is free. And instead of getting bigger, your carbon footprint’s getting smaller. How good is that?
Myth #4: My home value will be reduced, and the aesthetics ruined with solar panels on my roof. Actually, the truth is just the opposite. Your home value will increase with a solar energy system…quite a lot in fact…and it will sell faster. Now if you have a solar hot water heater on your roof, it may be unappealing for some people, and for a few, even the solar panels may not be pleasing. They’re in the minority, though, and, with the latest technology, solar panels shaped like roof tiles ensure even the most discerning eye will find a pleasant, and valuable rooftop.
Myth #5: What’s keeping solar popular now is government incentives. It won’t be around once the incentives aren’t. Simply not true. Solar power is staying. Its time is right, and its time is now. Global warming is creating the impetus for a strong citizen movement that won’t relent, and won’t give up, until future generations have an opportunity to see a bright, clean world.
There you have it, Solar Myth Buster. Facts with which to disarm even the Goliaths of the energy world. So…what are you waiting for…go to it.
Looking to find out all you can on solar energy facts then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on home solar power for you.
A Comprehensive Guide To Water Solar Panels
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
There has been a growing movement to embrace solar energy using solar panel systems to provide electricity to our homes and office buildings. An additional option for utilizing the use of this abundant source of energy is by using water solar panels to heat water. There are many advantages for individuals and the world for choosing to use solar panels to heat water.
Converting sunlight to energy is a process that has been proven to be clean and safe because it causes no harmful effects to our natural environment. There is a focus on using solar panels systems to primarily heat your home or building but it is also possible to use this energy to heat water as well. The solar panels use solar collectors to aid in moving the changed energy to cylinders or a storage boiler. The water solar panel system is comprised of three necessary components.
If the system is properly installed, it can contribute up to 80% of the hot water needed in your home. It is estimated that roughly a third of your heating needs can be met by using solar power. For a cost conscious consumer, water solar panels systems are a great option for reducing these costs. Additionally, there are no emissions from solar energy, which protects our environment from further wear.
It is important to research the many options of retailers, both locally and online, when purchasing the parts and components for your water solar system panel. The costs vary as well as the style and features but all will work to reduce your costs and are eco-friendly. There are pre-assembled systems available with a higher cost. Consumers can all choose to purchase kits for home assembly or may even choose to buy the individual parts and create the panel from scratch.
If you choose to build a water solar panel yourself, you can create the same product with relatively low costs. In seeking directions for home assembly there are many options of tutorials, e-books, or instruction from solar product retailers. In general, building a panel is a project that is fairly easy and can even be enjoyable if shared with members of the family.
Many homes have outdoor swimming pools that could benefit from the heat provided by water solar panels. This could offer even more cost savings with the combined green living of standard solar panels systems that power your home.
In an effort to maintain safety, it is advisable to have a licensed electrician review the connections of your solar panel system as it is installed to the property. Most solar panels systems are mounted to the roof to have maximum exposure to the sun and to generate more solar energy. There are other location options for installation including other parts of the building, garden structures like a trellis or even ground level platforms.
In an effort to protect our environment while benefiting from costs reductions for our energy consumption, installing water solar panels can offer a brighter future for all.
Looking for great water solar panels ideas including about cheap solar panels? Check our comprehensive guide now!
How Many Ways Can You Take Advantage Of Solar Passive Energy?
August 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Passive solar energy simply takes advantage of the sun’s energy as the name implies…passively. There are no moving parts, no fans, no pumps…no mechanical or electrical elements in the design, although fans are sometimes used to help move and distribute heated or cooled air throughout the space. If a fan is necessary, it is, or certainly can be, solar-powered as well.
Passive solar energy doesn’t even require the help of photovoltaics (PV’s). With careful home design and planning, walls, windows, and floors can be used to collect solar energy in the winter and disperse it effectively. In a basic passive solar design, large south-facing windows are used to collect solar energy as the sun shines on the windows. Then, the heat, or energy, is distributed and stored in concrete, tile, stone, brick, or water, called thermal mass. When it is no longer sunny, the heat stored in the thermal mass is distributed throughout the building via the thermal mass. In the summer, passive solar energy systems are designed to utilize roof overhangs and awnings to reject heat in the summer.
The Greeks and Romans really brought us the elements of the first passive solar energy designs when they did the first calculations on how to take advantage of the sun’s energy.
Taking advantage of passive solar energy makes even more sense now than it did then. The Greeks and the Romans burned wood to heat their homes. Wood in many areas where they lived was often in short supply, so the passive solar design was a solution to supplement or bypass for the need for wood. Similarly, today, passive solar design can help us eliminate or supplement the need for any non-renewable energy source.
Passive solar heating doesn’t emit greenhouse gases. It’s completely renewable and extremely clean. Created to maintain an even temperature throughout the building, passive solar heating designs are perceived by homeowners as cleaner and more comfortable than other heating and cooling methods.
A further cost savings in most passive solar energy homes is found in the water heater, which also decreases reliance on conventional energy sources. There are three primary varieties of passive solar hot water heaters: batch heaters, evacuated tube heaters, and flat plate heaters. Of the three, batch heaters are the most popular, perhaps because they are the least difficult to construct, adding to their popularity with do-it-yourselfers. If you want to make your own, you can use a salvaged electric water heater. Make sure it’s cleaned out well, sealed and painted black. Then, build a plywood box for it, insulate the box, cover the inside with foil for a reflectant, run pipes (you’ll probably want to buy new fittings and pipe) out of the box, glaze it…cover it with fiberglass or similar material, seal it and connect the pipes. Depending on the amount of sunlight you have and the placement of the heater, you’ll either get warm, preheated water that will need to go into an auxiliary tank for complete heating, or fully heated water. Placing your tank upright at an angle appears to produce the best heating operation. This is an extremely effective, simple, inexpensive way to take advantage of passive energy.
Batch heaters, sometimes called breadbox heaters because of their design, can be used in stages as well. Utilizing more than one tank, and then taking advantage of the sun’s angle at various times of the day, the home owner can take advantage of the hottest water created by the sun’s rays. Flat plate and evacuated tube are also often found in solar passive homes, but their designs normally call for professional installation, and they can be less effective.
You probably already got it by now…there are lots of pros to going solar. And here are a few more to add to it. Solar energy isn’t going to cause headlines when it spills out into the ocean and creates miles and miles of oil slick, and changes the whole balance of nature for years. It isn’t going to create headlines when it collapses and buries dozens of miners far below the ground. Using sunshine for energy isn’t going to destroy businesses, or damage our fragile environmental ecosystem. Nor does solar energy create smog, or acid rain.
When you really stop and think about it, there are so many “pros” to solar energy, it’s hard to accept the fact that it’s taken us this long to discover…or rediscover…how to receive and use the sun’s energy without resistance.
Want to find out more about solar passive homes, then visit Timothy Peters’s site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com
Solar Power Homes In The Third World
August 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Creating an intense demand for energy, the third world is waiting to be filled with the light of solar energy resources.
Many third world homes are without power. Living in areas where solar energy abounds, rural residents often live in small, one-room homes. To fulfill their minimal energy needs, those that go beyond the basics of living with kerosene lamps for heat and light use batteries, generally car batteries, that they take to the nearest villages to have recharged as often as possible. Not only is this inconvenient, it’s expensive. Since it’s an expense that is not an absolute necessity, a resident may well go without this additional resource as well. For children attempting to study at night, without light, it’s harmful to the eyes, as well as scholastic endeavors. Many energy-impoverishments occur in areas where there is no power generation.
Construction of a conventional energy grid, with a coal, gas or oil power plant, is something that isn’t affordable…either for the government…or local enterprises in third world countries, particularly in rural areas. Solar energy, however, is a viable option and something that really makes sense in several different scenarios. Solar energy, with larger solar power arrays can be built on site and used for villages in “on-the-grid” fashion, while individual panels can be placed on or near the individual homes of even the most rural of residents.
Many United States charities are currently contributing to efforts to help third world residents get clean, renewable energy, particularly solar energy to use for heat, light, and access to water. The Oprah Winfrey Foundation is one of these charities.
SELF (Solar Energy Light Fund) is a very involved partner in this Endeavour. It’s a daunting mission…stated as their intent to “provide solar power and wireless communications to a quarter of the world’s population living in energy poverty.” They have, however, been incredibly successful to this point, bringing solar power in western China to 1,000 households in fourteen different villages. They’ve worked extensively with local governments and agencies to build a self-funded program for the construction and distribution of small-scale photovoltaic systems. Scattered Masai herder tribes have benefited from the acquisition of solar-powered telephones in Tanzania. SELF has worked with local residents to install photovoltaic systems in schools and clinics in many third world countries. Currently, they are making a major contribution to a project in Haiti to get solar-powered medical clinics up and running across the country.
Many third world residents strip trees for fuel and shelter. They burn animal dung for fuel. In doing so, they are using up most of their minimal foliage, resulting in loss of shade and shelter for themselves and other animals. They are creating toxic fumes with burning dung, and losing the potential of its use for natural fertilizer. One or two PV panels, installed to maximize capture of the sun’s energy, connected to a battery pack, can provide year around heat and light in many locations, as well as power radios or small televisions.
Where water had not previously been available, residents would walk for many miles daily to have enough water for drinking and cooking. Solar energy has created a much more sustainable lifestyle for them by providing power for pumps to bring piped water directly into their homes or central locations in small villages. Irrigation water now also allows them to grow more crops to enhance their food supply.
Solar energy in third world countries is for many the difference between living in abundance and living in poverty. Many residents now have solar stoves, solar power heaters, and solar panels that produce electricity for radio and television, for lights and even computers, as well as power for drinking water and irrigation.
Helping individuals and communities in third world countries build an infrastructure to support solar energy use is good…it’s good for them…and as it creates a better world…it’s good for us.
The less all of us rely on fossil fuels to supply our basic needs, and the more we rely on renewable energy, including solar energy, the more freedom we have. We create freedom from poverty, from deterioration of non-renewable resources, and most importantly from our own self-destruction through global warming and pollution.
Looking to find out all you can about solar power information then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on home solar power for you.
Important Facts About Solar Powered Hybrid Cars
August 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Described by former CIA Director James Woolsey: “A plug-in hybrid is an electric car with an insurance policy - a gas engine.” No better description can I find than that. A solar powered hybrid is a vehicle that relies primarily on solar powered electricity. However, to supplement and ensure operation, most also have a gas engine that kicks in under certain pre-specified conditions, or when the battery is depleted.
You’ll find two basic types of hybrids on the market today, the PHEV or plug-in hybrid, and the basic hybrid. Both have gas engine back-ups. So their primary distinction comes from the two different types of batteries used. The PHEV has a solar rechargeable battery with about 10 times the capacity of the standard hybrid. The standard hybrid has a smaller battery, and it recharges in conjunction with an electric motor and the gas engine when the vehicle is in operation. The battery for the PHEV can be plugged into any electrical outlet…regardless of whether the power is solar, or conventional.
There are an increasing number of advances in batteries that are making full solar powered cars with zero emissions, more and more viable for individual, family and commercial endeavors. People with solar vehicles are increasingly seeing the value of adding solar panels to their roofs to provide the power to charge their cars…and then adding more panels to power their homes. Hybrids, however, with a combination electric and gas engine, are currently the best answer for vehicles that will need to go for long distances without recharging.
When we think about how much it actually costs us to drive our vehicles every day, what we don’t take into account, or add to the tally, is the cost of the environmental damage done by fossil fuels. If we had a component that we had to add into our calculation that factored in that expense, the only thing you’d see any of us driving would be solar powered vehicles or solar powered hybrids.
Absent entrenched economic interests and politics, solar power would be in a far different place today than it is.
The electric hybrid, or a solar powered hybrid car is, for the moment, the best option available for driving longer distances — an electric car that runs clean and efficiently with less pollution, with a back-up system to ensure operation at all times.
The Kelly Book is widely used for vehicle reference, both in what’s available and what the value of a vehicle is. For 2010 and 2011, here’s what they show as available hybrid models in the United States:
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Insight
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Highlander
- Ford Escape
- Lexus, various hybrid models: RX & GS 450h, HS 250h, LS 600h
- Nissan Altima
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class & ML-Class
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Mercury Mariner & Milan
- BMW X6
- Chevrolet Malibu
- GMC Yukon
- Saturn VUE and Aura
- Chevrolet Silverado (pick-up) 1500
- GMC Sierra (pick-up) 1500 Crew Cab
Their “top green cars for 2010″ list sites the following hybrids (in reverse order):
* 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
* 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
* 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
* 2010 Honda Insight (hybrid)
* 2010 Toyota Prius (hybrid)
It’s hard to change…for nearly all of us. If we want to truly embrace solar energy, particularly for our vehicles however, we need to stop the political pressure industry lobbyists are placing on our congressional representatives. So…how do we do that? We apply more pressure by directly contacting our representatives and insisting they support the right kinds of incentives to bring solar energy to parity…the kinds of incentives that will eclipse and collapse our dependence on fossil fuels.
An important step can be made with the purchase of a hybrid or solar powered vehicle. Particularly with the dual option of plugging into the grid…that utility company electrical outlet…or plugging in off the grid…the electricity generated by your own solar panels, you’re making a highly responsible, cost effective way of reducing our carbon footprint.
Want to find out more about solar power cars, then visit Timothy Peters’s site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com
Use Solar Energy For Lighting Your Business
August 20, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It was actually the use of a conventional approach or the use of batteries that electricity can be generated. With the advent of modern technology, solar energy can now be harnessed and channeled into useful purposes by mankind.
This form of energy is so important that it affects everything here on earth. Our plants for instance use this form of energy to create their own food through a process called photosynthesis. They have the ability to trap the chemical or radiant energy of the sun to produce water and carbon (iv) oxide which is the end product of the reaction undergone by the plants and which is also what we call, again, photosynthesis.
This form of power has been used since ancient time by human with a wide range of ever evolving technologies. The heat emanated or generated by solar power and with some secondary power resources such as wind and wave power, electricity made with water called hydroelectricity and biomass really account for most of the available renewable energy here on earth. It is only a small fraction of this source of power that is being utilized.
Some of the applications to which this form of energy can be used for include: space heating and cooling through the use of solar architecture, suitable or portable water via the process of distillation and disinfection, day lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking and also a high temperature process of heat for industrial use. To actually utilize this form of energy effectively, solar panel are built to bring this process into action.
Solar power is on the rise of becoming more and more popular than it has ever been in the past years.
Yes we can actually generate some forms of energy and harness them into useful purposes. So, the energy generated from the sun has some of advantages and disadvantages which are as follows:
The advantages of this form of energy are that it is free to produce and that it does not require fuel and does not produce waste in the form of pollution. Also, where the sun can be collected continuously, it can be used to generate electricity from the heat that is produced from the sun. It also finds its use in solar power garden light and battery chargers or for helping in paying home energy bills.
One of the disadvantages of this form of energy is that it does not work at night. It is very expensive to actually built solar panels or stations but it is coming down due to improvement on solar technology. Also, it can be unreliable unless you are located in a sunny climate. But notwithstanding, solar energy has gone so far to actually bring an end to light failure that most countries normally invest in this form of energy.
Find what you need to know about solar energy by searching online. There you will discover several articles that will give you tips to using this type of energy to save money. Head online now and learn more.
Solar Electric Panels For Ones House
August 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
You may be aware of the fact there exists a high demand with regard to power these days. Every person on this planet must understand the necessity to preserve the non renewable sources of power.
If perhaps these types of sources are utilized without being conscious of the danger that lies in the future then we all have to experience some day. This is the reason precisely why it is very important choose the replenishable sources of energy to provide power for your home or perhaps other commercial buildings.
The us government is also attempting it’s best to increase the awareness amongst people. One of the better ways to save power these days is by making use of the solar electrical panels. Formerly individuals used to stay away from the solar panels because they were very costly.
However these days you can aquire one of these systems below $1000. But first of all you will need to learn about the device. These devices helps you to transform solar energy into electrical energy which can be used for your house.
The solar panels that are offered these days are usually made of silicon and are split into three components. If you are interested in installing a solar panel within your house you can either contact a professional or try it for yourself. Besides helping the environment you may also help yourself by getting a solar panel for yourself.
In case you are worried about the large electricity bills that you receive each month then you can easily switch over to these solar panels. The solar panels can help you save a lot of money. You just need to invest the money once whilst buying the device.
It is a onetime investment that will assist you for a lifetime. Saving the cost is actually the main advantage of the solar electric panels. Aside from this the simpleness of the system used in the system is also another benefit.
In the event you really want to save some money then you can make use of the homemade systems. They’re usually cheap compared to the other commercial products. You might want to understand how to get these types of products. One of the best places to look for them is the internet.
You will find various businesses that produce the panels. It is crucial to find out the most effective company in business. You can go through the reviews of the products manufactured by these companies. One of the popular companies currently is sharp electronics. You might have heard about this company.
You can even find out details about this company from their website. Sharp solar panels have created a reputation for themselves. But you need to make sure that you choose the company very carefully. A good research will help you find the best product in the market.
While selecting the solar electric panels you also need to decide about the amount of energy that you will require for your home. You can install the system either on the roof or even in your backyard. Make sure it receives enough sunlight.
Learn more about Solar Pannels. Stop by Travis Ludlow’s site where you can find out all about Best Solar Pannel and what it can do for you.
Solar Power Adoption History
August 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The adoption of solar power in the United States has been excruciatingly slow. The primary reason cited is the high price of solar energy components. A valid argument…until you look at the cost of not adopting solar energy, rising fossil fuel costs, and economies of scale to bring down price.
The average American, according to Nature Conservancy statistics, actually uses enough energy to emit about 54,000 pounds of greenhouse gases per year. This compares to an average of 5.5 tons or 11,000 pounds per person worldwide. So…let’s see, I think that equates to about 5 times more greenhouse gas contribution per year than any other person in the world. If you’re from the United States, does that make you feel a little “icky?” Are you thinking a little more strongly about the cost of not adopting solar energy? Just for a little more consideration…would you rather be at the top or the bottom…when it comes to emission contribution?
Next, let’s take a look at costs. One of the reasons solar power adoption in developing countries has been exploding is that there are so many places that would never be able to afford traditional systems…or would have been on a waiting list forever…if they were waiting for their utility company to install the power lines or pipes for an on-the-grid traditional fossil fuel energy system. Contrast that with a $200 solar collector placed on their roof that allowed someone the opportunity to take their first hot shower…and once the $200 was paid off, every shower thereafter was free. No Harvard-trained economist needed here.
Hard hit by rapidly escalating fuel costs and an unstable supply source, Europe and surrounding countries have moved much more rapidly to adopt solar power. With the rise of fossil fuel costs, the number of rooftop solar systems for hot water heaters has risen exponentially.
China has around 4,000 companies manufacturing solar water heaters, with about 27 million installed, according to a March 2010 article in www.grist.org.
Although it has set standards, and certain initiatives to give renewable energy sources a boost, the United States has barely plodded along behind. It is, however, the major consumer of fossil fuel energy, and has, therefore, maintained enough economic leverage to keep relatively affordable prices even for imported energy. This may, however, change rapidly with increasing world economic instability and rapidly depleting fossil fuel availability.
It’s not all bad news, however. If, in fact, with all of the world initiatives on stabilizing global warming by using renewable energies, we were to achieve the stated goals by 2020, we could have an equivalent reduction of 690 coal-fired power plants. That is to say, by using renewable energies instead of fossil fuels, we could slash our net carbon emissions by 80%.
Do you agree… a pretty impressive objective? Definitely worthwhile? And that’s not the whole story. Moving forward rapidly to adopt solar power means we can also affect significant savings as mass production and distribution make solar energy a very affordable option.
Given the relative affordability of fossil fuel energy, only the most environmentally-conscious, and/or affluent families and individuals in the United States have seriously considered solar energy for a complete power system for their homes. Few, in fact, have considered it even for solar water heaters, although in the United States, as in Europe, more and more rooftop solar panels have begun to appear. The primary focus for solar water heating in the United States has been focused around solar heaters for swimming pools. While this is, indeed, a step in the right direction, only more and more conscious choice by the American public to “go solar” in every way possible will result in the economies of scale that are necessary to take subsidies out of the equation and put it at parity…or below…with all other power options.
State and federal subsidies, along with tax incentives, rebates and net metering are currently pushing the United States, albeit slowly, toward a more wholehearted and robust adoption of solar energy. Giving a nudge to this initiative, several states, including Florida, California and Hawaii, have added their own incentives to further the effort.
Adoption of solar power has been slow. Cost, immediate availability, usability, and reliability of solar power equipment, coupled with adverse industrial and political pressure, have all impacted our acceptance of solar energy as a viable competitor to what we know works…fossil fuel energy.
Although slow to reach the front door of the orphanage for adoption, solar power seems to have all factors currently coalescing to say to the world, “Pick me. I’m the perfect choice for your adoption now. I will be the sunshine of your life.”
There is every indication that history will show…now is the time for solar power adoption.
Learn more about solar energy history. Stop by Timothy Peters’s site where you can find out all about home solar power and what it can do for you.
Build Your Own Affordable, Cheap Solar Panels
August 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Solar energy is without a doubt today’s number one alternative energy choice. It is no wonder then that one of the most searched for terms on the internet is cheap solar panels.
With the environmental disaster we are seeing unfold off the gulf of Mexico (The BP oil spill) more and more as a society we are finding our consciousness pricked into looking for cleaner and greener ways to help the environment.
For most people the idea of having their own solar system is indeed desirable, but there has always been the major stumbling block of the enormous cost of the solar panels.
Having a solar system installed can cost many thousands of dollars, money that many households simply do not have to spare, no matter how much they stand to save in the long run or how much they want to help the reduce their carbon footprints.
This alternative comes in the form of a DIY (do it yourself) kit. Now I’m sure some of you just tuned out at the thought of building your own solar panels, sounds complicated doesn’t it? Well surprisingly it isn’t, in fact it’s all most child play.
The kits come in the form of an easy to follow video series and instruction manual which you can downloaded in a matter of seconds online
All the materials you need to build your own panels are available from most hardware stores (tip: save even more money by sourcing the parts from your local salvage or junkyard). Armed with the most basic handyman skills, you can assemble your panels in just a couple of days (I recommend freeing up a weekend to give yourself ample time).
It’s a great project to get your children in on, provides them with an alternative to playing computer games all day, gives them a lesson in environmental issues and energy conservation. You won’t believe the buzz they will get when they realize the solar panel they built is powering a laptop etc.
Not only will you stand to save a lot of cash by building your own cheap solar panels as opposed to purchasing them pre built, you will also cut (depending on the number of panels you build and your homes energy needs) anywhere up to 80% (in some cases above this) off your traditional power usage, this can translate to hundreds of dollars saved on every power bill.
So whether you are looking to help reduce your carbon footprint or simply want to save a few dollars, take a look at the following link for side by side reviews of the leading Solar Power Kits and build your own solar panels today.
Workable Electrical Options From Residential Solar Power Systems
August 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Many people hit hard by the economy downfall have found ways to reduce their home expenses while creating cleaner air for the environment. The carbon released from a home is similar to that of a vehicle while the cost of electric continues to rise. Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a solution to this problem. The benefits outweigh other residential systems and increase the value of your home.
The price tag of a solar power system may seem costly, but the savings in electricity helps pay for itself. A homeowner can look forward to to spending $20,000 to $40,000 dependent on the dimensions of the residence. Within 5 years, large homes with high-output electric usage will break even. Solar power systems feed your home with clean, fixed-price electricity. On cloudy days, your home will convert to traditional electricity. These systems require very little maintenance and will power your home for up to 30 years.
The system will power your home for up to 30 years with very little maintenance. While some people choose to completely power their homes with these panels, others choose to supplement their electricity with the guarantee of no interruptions. Homeowners can choose systems ranging from 1000 to 10,000 watts of output depending on your needs. Many feel the installation of solar panels on a roof is unsightly. Rectangular and triangular models are available, blending beautifully even into multi-faceted roofs. The design fits flush without jutting outwards like previous made panels.
The US House of Representatives passed legislation that gives homeowners an extension on this credit until 2016. Now large home systems can pay you back several thousands of dollars. There is no longer a $2000 cap on the 30% deduction, so large home systems will reimburse you several thousands of dollars. There are also property relief and production incentives.
In the near future, 80 % of homes will utilize the residential solar systems as their primary electricity source. The cost of a residential system is an affordable investment bringing great value to any home. Not only will you reap the benefits of saving money, but the many other variables will make you just as proud to own a solar home. The impact on earth will demonstrate great improvements towards cleaner air and natural energy.
I invite you to visit this website for more information: Home solar energy systems Home solar system cost