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Archive for February, 2010

Saving Money is Easy with Homemade Solar Panels

February 28th, 2010

Solar power systems offer many homeowners a great alternative to buying their power from their local power company. In addition to building these systems with commercially available solar panels, many homeowners are deciding to use homemade solar panels to help them drastically cut back the cost of their system.

These homemade panels are simple to make and can cost 100′s less than their commercial counterparts. When deciding on which type of solar panels are best for you, it is best to think about both your budget and your homes power requirements.

If your are looking to make your own homemade solar panels and want to know your solar panel plan choices then you need to read this: Plans for Solar Panels

Solar Panel Kits are Good but Still Costly

There are solar panel kits available that are designed to make the building of your homemade solar panels easier by providing you everything required for the assembly. These solar panel kits do tend to be more expensive making them subpar to the other better options. These solar panels are simple and easy to build which is nice because you do not have to have any special tools or skills for the job.

You Can Save 100’s More with Solar Panel Guides

Everyone is looking to save the most money they can when making their homemade solar panels. Oftentimes I highly recommend that people start with a good do it yourself solar panel manual and video instructions to help them save the most money with just a little more work.

You can actually order the same exact pieces as the kit makers which these guides will teach you how to do which will get you wholesale prices instead of retail. You may even find some of the resources that you require in your very own home.

But the guides go even a step further by providing you resources for specialized suppliers who can ship you the parts at a significant discount. So, as you can see, you are able to save even more money because you only need to purchase the components that you don’t already possess.

The last big cost savings is from putting together your very own enclosure for the solar panel. Even if you are only slightly handy with tools you can do this with ease. This is very simple to do and doesn’t require any special skills. You will be good to go if you can operate a saw and measuring tape. The whole thing is fool proofed by copying the video instructions that step you through it all step-by-step.

After the panel is assembled you will be left with finding it a good area where it will have access to a lot of consistent and intense sunlight.

If you need some of the best instructions for installing your own solar panels then you need to read this: How to Install Solar Panels

You really can save yourself a lot of money, not only on your power bill, but also on your solar panels by building your own solar panels instead of getting the commercial panels. When completed these homemade solar panels will work exactly the same as the commercial versions and save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the process.

If you need help choosing which guide is best for you, I have already done the difficult part for you. You should read my best of the best guide reviews and comparisons right here: Best DIY Energy Guide Comparison

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Solar Energy; The Real Facts

February 28th, 2010

Most power plants in the United States and all over world are using fossil fuels to operate and generate electricity. Fossil fuel has been used as an energy source as long as man has learned to generate power. Fossil fuel has been around for ages and when man started using this energy sources no one though about the consequences. Fossil fuels will run out and there will be a shortage of it in near future. This shortage in fossil fuel will have its affect on our daily live and various industries. Today we see some of these affects already, fossil fuel prizes are raising and electricity is becoming more expensive. Although fossil fuels are more scares, to need for fossil fuels will still be here and will not decrease in near future. To solve this shortage of fossil fuels we will need to look for other possibilities for our energy demand.

Fortunately, alternative sources of energy are growing in fees. For example, locations with high water falls are experimenting on building a hydro-electric power plant, which turns out to be successful. Other locations with high wind speed employ a power wind mills that will convert wind energy into electricity. Also thermal and tidal powers are good choices.

Solar energy is also one of the energy sources that is gaining in interest. Solar energy has steadily been growing. Today solar energy is widely used in the US and the advantages are numerous. Our solar energy source, the sun, its life span is estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. It is fair to say that this energy source is almost endless.

Rate of power from the Sun

The sun’s radiation reaches a certain unit of area in space in the region of the Earth’s orbit and is estimated to be at 1,400 watts per square meter. Out of this, photovoltaic cells (also known as solar cells) can capture 19 to 56 watts per square meter (for 15% efficiency) or an equivalent of 0.45 to 1.35 kilowatt per hour (kWh) in an annual day and night average.

Therefore, if there would be more area that’ll be covered by many solar panels, these panels can produce a little more energy in the shape of electricity than what’s now available from oil, gas, and other energy sources mixed ( presuming 8% solar cell potency ).

Conversion of Solar Energy

There are 2 ways of conversion of solar power. First is the direct solar power which involves only 1 conversion into a serviceable form. As an example :

Sunlight hits the solar cell, changing it into electricity.
Sunlight hits the absorber surface of a solar thermal collector, changing into thermal energy which can be employed to heat houses during cold season.

The second is the indirect solar energy which involves more than one conversion to reach a usable form. For instance:

Plants use photosynthesis to transform solar energy to chemical energy, which can be burned later as fuel to generate electricity (also known as bio-fuel technology).
Hydroelectric dams and wind turbines are indirectly supplied by solar energy through its interaction with the Earth’s atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of solar power

Just like every other sorts of energy resources, solar power has its bits and bobs.

Pros :

Pollution-free.
Solar facilities can be run with tiny additional input or upkeep.
It is abounding. As discussed earlier, almost all of the inhabited areas here on Earth can be reached by daylight.

Cons:

Although it is abounding, non-tropical locations can receive small daylight. Therefore , power that’ll be produced in these locations is a minimum.
Only during daytime therefore unavailable during night time.
Photovoltaic cell technologies generate direct current ( DC ) power which should be converted to AC ( AC ) power employed in distribution grids.

Once large development of the utilization of solar electricity is materialized, expect that each household or industry in the world will now be powered by solar electricity. It’s not merely a dream, it’s going to be a fantasy.

What you just learned about Solar Heaters For Pool is just the beginning. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at Solar Power House.

Evans D. Smith

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Comparing Solar Power Verses Generator Reveals Savings

February 28th, 2010

For persons living outside the typical electrical grid, using a generator for electrical power means listening to the engine run 24-hours a day and seeing a lot of wasted energy when power usage is low. When they look at solar power verses generator power they begin to see the benefits of the high initial investment in terms of savings on fuel and reduced pollutants.

When employing a generator for power, the device will run without regard for the quantity of power being used. Generally in the evening a residence will use less power but the generator will continue to run and the owner will continue to watch the fuel level to make certain it doesn’t run out. Taking a look at solar energy verses generator power, there are some distinct advantages as well as the saving on the cost of fuel to operate the generator.

Comparing pollution control, there is no comparing solar power verses generator power and for many requiring an alternative power source, this is a major point. Additionally, a generator, regardless of how well the engine is muffled, will be a constant source of noise pollution. When it comes to noise, solar power verses generator noise offers to comparison since solar power only produces the same amount of noise as the sun.

Initial Cost Worth The Investment

Many may have initially went with a generator due to the cost of installation of a solar power system. Yet when looking at the amount spent on fuel, gasoline or diesel, comparing solar power verses generator costs, the investment will pay itself back in short order, considering the ever-increasing price of fuel. Add to that the amount of time each day or week spent making sure the generator does not run out of fuel, and additional savings can be realized.

One of the disadvantages that might be seen when comparing solar energy verses generator power is the necessity for sunlight on a constant basis. While the system will operate thru charged batteries, if the sun isn’t present for many straight days, the batteries may go dead. This is when a hybrid system may turn out to be useful, in which the generator instantly comes on if solar electricity isn’t available.

The amount of sunshine your area receives, the cost of fuel and the availability of equipment large enough to operate your household are all things to consider when comparing solar power verses generator usage.

What you just learned about How To Build Solar Panel is just the beginning. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at Solar Power House.

Evans D. Smith

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Solar And Other Renewable Energy: Learn The Details

February 26th, 2010

There are some very important details that you are going to want to learn more about when it comes to the subject of solar and other renewable energy. When you are aware of solar panel renewable energy and all that it has to offer, you are quickly going to see just why there are so many people out there today who are eager to make this change, and going to get the equipment that they need, such as solar panels, in order to take advantage of this solar panel and other renewable energy.

What is Solar Energy?

Of course step one is going to be to discover what solar and other clean energy even is to start with. To put it as simply as practical, solar and other green energy is power from the sun that’s converted into thermal or electric energy. This energy may be employed for all the same things, so for example rather than heating your pool with consistent electricity and having to splutter up masses of bucks at the end of the month for your electricity bill, you can make the switch to solar power and besides purchasing the gear to start you won’t have to pay a penny.

Most people are just unsure about solar and other replenish-able energy because they’re not sure what it’s all about they do not quite understand, and do not see how you might have the electricity you need but without paying a bill at the end of the month. Well this is certainly not something that anybody is going to whinge about, and so it is truly just a matter of taking that next step and putting in the effort to get your solar power system running.

Get Your System Going

So to get your system going you are going to want to talk to someone who knows their way around solar energy so that they can let you know what you are going to need, or at least take the time to do some more research so that you actually know what different pieces of equipment you are going to need and how to set it all up.

There are solar power kits that you can get which make it as simple and all you have got to do just about is buy the kit and follow directions and you’ll be fine.

Lowest prices ever on Home Made Energy Review, grab yours now while they last at Solar Power House. Better hurry because supplies are limited.

Evans D. Smith

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Use The Solar Renewable Energy Source: Get Your System Going

February 26th, 2010

There is no better time than now for you to get the solar and other renewable energy equipment that you need and get your solar energy system up and started. The solar renewable energy source is the sun and so it is always going to be there and you are never going to have to worry about using up the solar renewable energy source because after all, it is renewable.

This solar green energy source has such a lot to offer, and the worst part of all is that there are such a lot of people who simply don’t don’t realize it. There are a large amount of people out there today who are still unsure what solar power is and how simple it is to make the switch over, and so they’re still depending on their dear, wasteful, dangerous electricity.

How to Get Going

So if you are smart and you know about the solar renewable energy source and you want to get your own solar renewable energy source system going, there are a few steps that you are going to have to take. For one, you will need to get all the different pieces or components that are going to work to make up your system.

The solar panels are going to be the key part, as it is these panels which are going to lie underneath the sun and harness its energy, so it can then be transferred thru other items of kit and turned into thermal or electric energy. Solar cells differ size-wise, and it actually all relies on what you’re going to be using them for.

So if you were using a solar powered watch for instance, of course it is going to be much smaller the solar panel there then say, one that was on top of your roof that you were using for lighting in your home.

There are really people out there who have recently made the huge alteration and who now use solar replenish-able energy source for everything in their home from lighting and appliances to the pool and jacuzzi. It is actually fantastic and it is people like this that we deserve to be learning from and deciding just when we’re going to progress, get the kit, and get this thing going. More today than ever solar electricity is going to be influencing and ensure that we keep the world around us healthy.

Everything they never told you about Review OF Power4Home revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure and check out Solar Power Homes.

Evans D. Smith

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Solar Power Renewable Energy: Take Advantage

February 23rd, 2010

There’s not a lot wrong with exploiting solar electricity green energy as the solar green energy source is the sun, and it is going to always be there to get so we will always continue to harness the energy and make it into thermal or electrical energy that we need. Solar energy replenish-able energy has a large amount of advantages to offer, and you are truly missing out if you’re not mindful of what they are.

When you see the advantages of solar electricity green energy, you are potentially going to question why you did not get started with this before and make the switch to solar power.

Cost-Savings

One of the main reasons that there are so many people switching to solar power energy is because it is so cost-effective. While you are going to have to put out some money initially in order to get the system up and running, as you are going to need to buy the different pieces of equipment to put together in order to harness the energy of the sun and turn it into energy that you can use, this is going to more than pay off within as little as the first few months.

After that you are going to be saving hugely, and you will no longer have an electricity bill, or at least not one that made you faint.

Efficiency

The potency factor is another large advantage of solar electricity clean energy. Solar energy is so effective, and you may use it for everything, from lighting the track to your spa in the yard, to heating the pool. There are such a lot of different uses for solar electricity, that you can just about switch from regular electricity for virtually everything in your house and move to solar power.

Environmental Benefits

One of the most important benefits of the solar power renewable energy that you should be aware of is the environmental benefits that are offered. The electricity that we rely on now is polluting the air and causing the world to suffer from problems such as global warming. With solar energy being completely natural and environmentally friendly, you no longer have to worry about this and know that you are not doing any more damage to the environment.

There are lots of other great reasons as well in regards to why we should all be using solar energy, and the more you know the more you are going to want to make the switch yourself.

What you just learned about Earth 4 Energy Review is just the beginning. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at DIY Solar Powered Homes.

Evans D. Smith

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Solar Renewable Energy

February 23rd, 2010

There are a lot of different types of energy but the one that is most talked about today is the solar renewable energy. If you have not heard of solar renewable energy before, then you must have been living underneath a rock for the past five years. You need to learn about solar power renewable energy so that you can see what it has to offer and why it is so important to get the details on.

What it is

Solar renewable energy is energy that is taken from the sun and then converted into thermal or electrical energy. Basically then, you can take solar energy and you can use it towards pretty much anything that you would use regular electricity for. This can offer multiple benefits, namely that people are able to save money by using the solar energy instead of regular electricity and other forms of energy.

Also solar replenish-able energy is a great thing as the sun is a replaceable resource, implying that we are able to take as much solar energy as we need from the sun without being worried about using it up, because we aren’t actually taking it from the sun itself, and we’re not doing anything to hurt the sun or change it in any way in the midst, and so we’d be able to be using solar electricity for years and years and still have just the maximum amount of it available, an unlimited supply.

If you have an interest in getting more concerned with solar green energy and using it to your benefit, then you’re going to need to spend a little bit of money at first to get the different pieces of kit that you’re going to require. Specifically you’re going to get solar cells which are the bits of kit that are going to harness the energy of the sun so you can use it.

There are other pieces that you’re going to need to use as well to make your solar energy system here and you may also get a solar electricity kit that’s going to come with all of the different pieces that you’re going to want included, so you can make it that much more easy on yourself and get it going faster.

You are going to shortly see the advantages of solar power and all that it’s got to offer and ask why you didn’t do this earlier.

If you’ve enjoyed all the exciting information you read here about Solar Power House, you’ll love everything else you find at DIY Solar Powered Homes.

Evans D. Smith

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Residential Solar Energy Explained

February 23rd, 2010

Solar Power for Your Home

Making a solar panel for residential solar energy is one of the most fun DIY projects you can ever take on. It beats working on a broken down car I’ll tell you that. One of the reasons making a solar panel is so rewarding is that the end product saves you money. They’re also not that hard to build. There’s really not much to it, using the tools in your garage right now some additional components it can be accomplished.

Now, you can literally make a residential solar energy panel from raw materials. But that’s not we’ll talk about here. The approach we’re going to take is to find used solar components to create your masterpiece.

The process involves soldering the solar cells together, and placing them in a wooden box that you create. Then you want to attach Plexiglas to the top and seal it.

Of course, there’s more to making a solar panel than just these steps. My goal is that you have basic understanding of all the elements of this project. You can get your hands on a how-to guide and follow all the instructions easily.

Once you’re done creating your solar panel, you can test how much electricity it generates. Then, you’ll want to scout around for a great place to put the panel. Rooftops are best, so observe which part of the roof gets the most sunlight throughout the day.

You’ll also want to check with local regulations to make sure you’re not violating any laws. In fact, if you can get good at this and make quite a few of them, you get a position to receive money from the utility company. Could you imagine that, your utility company paying you.

I hope this overview of making a solar panel has given you some ideas. Believe me when I say that you will have so much fun with this project. For those of you with kids you find this is a perfect opportunity to teach them a thing or two. You’d be teaching the little ones about a variety of things that are useful to know. It’s a win-win all around.

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The Earth4Energy Review: How does it stack up?

February 23rd, 2010

Earth4Energy Review

Hello, and thanks for checking out my Earth4Energy review. Lots of folks have been getting this how-to guide, so does it live up to all the hype? Let us a have a look.

First off, I’m a hard working guy that doesn’t like to throw his money down the drain, my wife even accuses me of being a miser at times… but it’s for the good of the family, right?

When I first came across Earth4Energy last year, I was definitely curious. And a bit skeptical. I have a background in Engineering, so the motion of saving money by using the sun and wind was very appealing to me.

At the time, I’d never worked on building any kind wind generator or home solar system, even though I’d been curious. We use fluorescent bulbs at our house, and we recycle and try to do what we can for the planet, so this seemed like another good step we could take. (I have to admit that the saving money part is what really got me excited, but if I can do good AND save money, then we’re on to something here!)

An old college friend of mine (Mike) got this package last year, and one weekend I was over at his house for a BBQ and saw that he had solar panels on his roof and a small wind turbine quietly humming away in his back yard. I didn’t tell him, but I was highly impressed with the work, and just a tad bit jealous. I assumed that he had shelled out big bucks to have a solar energy specialist come out to his house and install everything, but to my surprise he said he’d done it all himself with stuff he got at the local hardware store. I thought that was a little far fetched, but he took me inside and showed me the package he bought that taught him how to put it all together.

Then it started making sense… the layout was very concise, and every step was shown in very clear detail. Then, in a relaxed tone, Mike said “Yep, we’ve all but stopped paying out electric bill with this system.”  He showed me his electric bill for the last month, and I was surprised to see it was a single digit, quite unlike my 3 digit bill.

While Mike is a good friend, he was never the brains of the group back in school. I knew right then and there that if he could do it, I most certainly could too. I picked up my own Earth4Energy package that night and began to check it out. Once I successfully completed my own solar panels and wind turbine, I wrote my own Earth4Energy review based on my project.

Here is a breakdown of what’s in the package:

I. The eBook – This is the main part of the guide, and the sections I found most helpful were:

  1. A complete explanation of how solar systems work, and how to get the electricity from your panels to the outlets in your home.  This portion also goes over the basic components of the system so you can familiarize yourself with everything.  Some of these systems and their descriptions include:
    The Kilowatt-hour meter.While I thought it was unimportant, this is really a crucial piece of the puzzle, and Earth4Energy dives deep and teaches you everything you need to know about it.
    Inverters – What they are, how they work, and how you can find one for ten bucks.
  2. An EXTREMELY valuable tip to get FREE SOLAR PANELS.  This tip actually saved me more money than anything.
    How you can save a bunch of money on pre-fabricated components by wiring your own solar panels.
  3. How to create your own solar energy panels from very low cost materials.
  4. How you can create your own wind turbine. This portion covers some excellent tips, they include:
  5. 5 things all wind turbines have in common, and why you need to make sure you don’t get oversold by a manufacturer calling it some fancy name and charging more than they should.
  6. A section on how to cut the blades to create maximum efficency.
  7. A sizing requirement guide, so you know exactly how big to build the system to generate just the right amount of electricity for you

The best wiring combinations, so you can wire your system optimally and prevent overlaods.
II.The Video Collection – these are really great. Nothing beats actually watching someone go through the steps right in front of you.  These are being updated constantly, and you can find a really good tutorial about building solar cells.It walks you through how to do it yourself so you can save a bunch of money by avoiding pre-fabricated parts.

III.  The CD – You can get the complete package in an instant download, or in CD form. The download is obviously faster, but the CD option is available.

IV. The Bonuses – Michael Harvey has put together a really compelling guide here, but on top of everything he includes some really great bonuses. I’ve noticed over time that he’s always adding to these, so I won’t mention them here because everything is updated so often. Some folks have mentioned that the bonuses alone were worth more than the cost of the Earth4Energy Guide.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Earth4Energy review, and can soon start making your own electricity while doing your part for the planet at the same time!

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