Make Your Own Solar Panels And Go Green For Earth
April 26, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Where did solar go?
Solar power for the home was a big seller during the energy crisis of the 70’s. Many houses found tri-pods of solar panels on their roofs gathering what power they could. These units were found mostly in environmentally sensitive Arizona, but soon they were found across the World. Unfortunately, the solar power cell of the 70’s just wasn’t all that cost-effective and cost quite a bit to put in and maintain. As fossil fuel returned to the marketplace there was diminutive need for solar cells in a time of flagrant consumption. But the idea of solar energy was a good one and many trailblazers understood that it was a good idea that had yet to find its time. Solar panels never went away; they just slid back into the laboratory to await solar panel 2.0.
Solar is back and ready
Today’s solar panel is not your father’s solar panel. Depending upon which type of energy you care to generate, electricity or hot water, today’s solar panel has come a very long way in the form of photovoltaic’s and will go further still. These cells, when combined into panel form, turn the suns rays (so-to-speak) right into power ready for use. They have also become exceedingly efficient, more environmentally sound and less expensive. Today’s solar panel will sit almost anywhere and is quickly finding itself being turned into a panel the thickness of a nano particle. Solar power technology is running at extremely fast pace and driving costs down to an affordable level.
Who’s using the panels?
As mentioned, it takes a change in the purse strings to see a marked change in a consumer’s behavior. With a technology and paradigm shift on the order of solar panels it requires a solid leap forward in panel efficiency, costs of panels , associated elements and an increase in existing costs of fuel. When these factors reach critical mass solar panels start to show up, not at the consumer level, but at the corporate and industrial level. This is simply because business moves its money where the costs-over time-are less. This is just good business. Solar panels are now, as in this past two years, become more cost effective for industry to use then to not use them over time.
Why solar panels now?
Solar panels are now being used primarily because fuel costs are just too high to ignore in favor of a new technology that is worth checking out. Companies have available empty roof space and the choice of trying something on a larger scale to see if it works versus continuing to pay higher fuel bills and environmental costs. The whole concept is extremely self serving. There is no environmental consideration involved. If the company doesn’t use solar panels they have to pay fuel costs and air clean-up expenses along with variable fuel charges. They try out the solar panels and see if they work now. If they do, the company can; commit to a full solar panel program with even more efficient solar panels, significantly reduce fuel costs and almost eliminate air cleaning needs along the way. There is little environmental about it. It’s just good business. After industry gets rolling, solar panel costs will drop like a stone and the consumer will jump on board because…it’s just good business.
Today your can make solar panels yourself and save hundreds of dollars. By simple following directions and purchasing materials at your local hardware store you can be doing your part to go green and save our planet one person at a time
The Advantages Of Living Off The Grid
April 25, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
The shortage of power, the rapid consumption of non-renewable energy, the ever-increasing demand for power supply, the daily warnings about our environment are enough signs to tell us that it’s time to go green for earth. So, what can we do? For starters, how about living off the grid? If I have startled you with that proposition, let me tell you that living off the grid not only helps the environment and helps save power; it also cuts down our electricity bill substantially. Now, that’s a tangible benefit apart from all the good you will do to the world. Trust me, you will feel good doing this and you will be doing your part to help save the earth one person at a time.
Let us first study the advantages of living off the grid.
• Reduced dependability on exhausting resources: Who wants to depend on public utilities all the time? Living off the grid helps you rely only on your resources and not the ones supplied by governments or corporations. How often have you cursed when faced with a power outage in the midst of some important work or a party? Wouldn’t you like to take charge of such factors affecting you life? With alternate power solutions, you can.
• Freedom of usage of naturally available resources: How would you feel when you don’t have to pay for the power 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 available in the nature to light up your home and make your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to your power quest (well, literally!).
• Reduced power costs, helping save your money: How would you feel if the electricity bills stop coming in your letter box? The alternate power solutions give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the power supply to your home eventually free!
• Making way for a healthier environment: Don’t you bless the people who planted trees years ago not expecting them to miraculously grow? They planted those trees for the future generations. Make the future of your future generations secure by giving them a greener, healthier world. Cut down on the usage of non-renewable sources of energy. Try to use water minimally. There is not much drinking water left for the next generations.
If you are thinking it is not very feasible to live off the grid, look for alternate power solutions and you will be surprised to learn that they are not only cost-effective but also extremely feasible.
Tips To Go Green For Earth And Save Money
April 25, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
We all learned about the renewable and non-renewable sources of energy in school. However, we never paid much attention to the rapid consumption of the non-renewable sources of energy until recently. The world is faced with severe energy crisis now and none of us remain unaffected anymore. Should we leave everything to the governments, or can we do something to save power? The answer is simple: we can save the earth one person at a time.
Let us look at how you can save power at home.
Computer: More often than not, we do not switch off our monitors even after we have shut down our computers. Keep the monitor and the computer switched off when you are not using them. Start practicing this even when at work. You will help save some more power for the world.
Light bulbs: You must have seen compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs being advertised all the time. You must have even used them at times. As a power-saving measure, start using the CFL light bulbs as much as you can. If you are thinking they are more expensive than the regular bulbs, the benefits of the CFL bulbs will prove much more cost-effective in the long turn by the amount of power they will save.
Air Conditioner: Set the temperature at the minimum or maximum best you are comfortable with, depending on the season. Try not to set it at too high or too low temperatures. Setting the air conditioner at reasonable temperatures helps save a lot of energy.
Washing Machines: Do you use your washing machine as often as you want? Do you use your washing machine even when there are not enough clothes to wash? Minimize the number of washes by washing full load of clothes every time.
Television: Take off the power plug of your television set when not using it. This may not sound a big deal but this tiny step will help save power.
Refrigerator: Bring hot food to room temperatures before putting it into the refrigerator. You can also save power by taking cold or frozen food out of the refrigerator much before the mealtime, thereby saving power in heating it.
Car: For an air-conditioner equipped car, pull up the windows of your car before switching on the air-conditioner.
Solar-Wind: Today it is possiable to build your own solar panels and wind power generator to create your own energy, saving hundreds of dollars every month while reducing your carbon footprint.
These are just a few things we can do to Go Green.
How Solar Thermal Works In Your Home
April 24, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Given energy concerns these days, most homes are now designed to take advantage of passive solar heating concepts. Solar thermal is a big part of this process.
How Thermal Mass Works In Your Home
Getting a little free heating can go a long way on your utility bill, particularly over the life of a structure. Passive solar heating is the methodology used to achieve this goal. It is a process wherein a home is built or upgraded in such a way as to catch and contain as much of the sunlight in the form of heat as possible. To effectively use solar for heating, thermal mass is a subject you need to understand.
Thermal mass simply refers to any material that absorbs and stores heat. In this case, we are obviously talking about material that stores the heat inherent in sunlight and disperses it at a later time once the sunlight is no longer hitting it. You may not realize it, but your home already has thermal mass producing heat. Any material exposed to the sun, furniture, floors and such, acts as thermal mass. Unfortunately, it is usually on a pretty small scale.
Often called intentional thermal mass, a passive solar home will have strategically placed materials that are very efficient at absorbing and radiating heat. While this may sound complex, it really is not. The materials include items such as bricks, tile and masonry. Adobe and clay materials also function well in certain situations.
In a passive solar home, you need the thermal mass in the interior of the home. Strategically placing tile and brick in areas below windows that receive significant sun during the day will often do the trick. Depending on your heating needs, the amount of thermal mass you use will vary. In colder climates, it should be used in bulk while homes in Arizona need only nominal amounts.
One common misunderstanding regarding thermal materials refers to their color. Logically, it would seem to make sense that the materials need to be dark since dark colors absorb more heat. This is not particularly true in passive solar. It is the material, not the color, that makes the difference. Bricks can be just about any light color, but not white. This may sound insignificant, but it can be a major benefit if you want to avoid a dark, gloomy interior in your home.
If you are trying to harness the power of the sun for heating purposes, you need to get a good grasp of the thermal products you will use. This should give you a head start.
Simple Solutions You Can Do To Stop Global Warming
April 22, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Global warming, experts contend, is an urgent problem-but there are concrete steps every American can take to be part of the solution. There are so many things we do every day that use energy-therefore we have so many opportunities every day to make a difference.
The Problem
When cars, factories and power plants burn fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, they release global-warming pollution. These pollutants accumulate in the atmosphere for many decades, acting like a huge blanket that traps heat. That, in turn, warms our planet. The global-warming pollution, primarily carbon dioxide, emitted from the first model T’s is still in the atmosphere, acting as a thickening layer of insulation. With our increased reliance on fossil fuels, the concentration of these pollutants continues to accumulate, threatening the stability of our climate.
Distinguished scientists across the nation have been surprised by the speed and severity of the issue and its effects on people’s lives: the elderly suffering from heat waves, families whose homes are threatened by floods and eroding coastlines, hunters and anglers watching wildlife disappear and homeowners who are at risk of mudslides.
Scientists are convinced that we now have a small window of time to avoid the most dangerous consequences. If we join together now to solve this problem, they say, our children may be spared even more dramatic effects within their lifetimes.
Some Solutions
An energy-conscious family can reduce its global-warming pollution contribution by over 35,000 pounds per year by taking such simple steps as selecting Energy Star appliances and insulating their house.
You can save money on electricity by installing a programmable thermostat, which reduces global-warming pollution.
If you plan your trips to combine errands, this will reduce emissions, saving gas, wear and tear on your car, and your valuable time.
Whatever kind of vehicle you drive, choosing the most fuel-efficient model in its class is the single most important way to cut global-warming pollution.
“Global warming is the most serious environmental challenge of our time. It is more urgent and its dangers are more fundamental than most Americans realize,” explained Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense. “Millions of individual Americans acting together add up to a powerful part of the solution. Many of the transformative solutions will emerge from America, the country with the deepest reservoir of scientists, engineers and bold investors.”
Environmental Defense is a centrist organization dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including the right to clean air, clean water, healthy food and flourishing ecosystems. Guided by science, Environmental Defense works to create practical solutions that win lasting economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-effective and fair.
Use Natural Cleaning Products To Help Save The Environment
April 20, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
The Natural Laundry Detergent
_The most common ingredients in laundry detergents are phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate along with numerous other chemicals.
The problem with detergents ingredients and these kinds of petrochemicals is – they can cause rashes, itches, allergies, sinus problems and other health problems. These petroleum-based chemicals really do penetrate the skin and enter the body!
Many contain phosphates .Phosphates can cause excessive algae growth (algal blooms) in water systems, which can reduce oxygen levels, killing aquatic life.
More and more consumers are finding the benefits of The Natural cleaning products. Doing so helps reduce one’s exposure to the harsh chemicals as well as being much more environmentally friendly.
The Natural Laundry Detergent / Softener
BENEFITS/DESCRIPTION
This environmentally safe laundry detergent with built-in fabric softener leaves clothes and linens smelling fresh, looking clean and feeling soft.
Specially formulated to be non-irritating to sensitive skin. Cleans, softens, brightens, destains, whitens, and deodorizes. Super concentrated for cleaning 32-64 loads per gallon container.
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
Non-toxic.
All ingredients are biodegradable or break down into harmless natural elements.
Biodegrades without forming micro toxins. Contains no hazardous ingredients as per OSHA regulations.
Free of petroleum distillates, butyl ether, ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, benzene, pine oil, or strong acids.
Free of all known or suspected carcinogens.
Gray water and septic tank safe.
Biodegradable without effluent treatment process.
ANIMAL RIGHTS
Cruelty free.
Contains no animal ingredients.
Has not been tested on animals.
Choose The Natural Laundry Detergent and help the environment. Click Here For Order Information
Want To Go Green To Save The Environment But Not Sure How To Start?
April 19, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Do you feel like you are being constantly bombarded with negative information about the environment? Does it seem everywhere you turn you are expected to go green to save the planet? Many people feel the same way and have know idea where to begin or think that to save the environment they need to buy a new hybrid car or spend thousands of dollars on solar panels for their house.
The good news is that you don’t need to thousands of dollars to help save the environment. With just a few minor changes in your life you can be on your way to going green and helping reduce global warming.
Here are a few ideas to get started,
Mirrors, placed strategically in a room can be used to make use of natural lighting more efficiently, and reduce energy use as well. When placed near indoor plants, mirrors act like a second window creating better growing conditions while giving the illusion of increased space and greenery to the ambiance of a room.
When loading the clothes dryer, fluff the wet and tangled laundry before tossing into the machine. This allows for immediate and more efficient use of dryer energy. Very hot settings (which can actually shrink clothing) can thus be avoided.
Typically, the heated air from a clothes dryer is pumped outside and wasted. Consider purchasing a dryer vent converter – available at most hardware stores. These are little boxes that divert the heated air from the dryer into the house during the cold and dry winter months – making better use of your energy dollar while saving a little on heating costs. Be warned that this air is moist, and this may not be appropriate in all situations. Homes with dry static air or wood heat would benefit from the moisture, but buildings that already have a moisture problem (evident by mould and mildew or sweating and frosted windows) will only have their issues compounded by doing this.
These are just a few ideas to demonstrate how easy it is to go green while saving some money. Imagine how many other small things you can do around the home or office. Once the ideas have begun to flow, they will cause a ripple effect cascading into other aspects of your life. Then, hopefully, we can begin to save our planet one person at a time.
The Facts About Windmills-One Solution To Global Warming
April 17, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Wind is one of the cleanest, if not cleanest, renewable energy sources available to us. What most people don’t know is it is also the fastest growing energy sector.
Wind is an indirect version of solar power. Different surfaces on the Earth react differently to being hit by sunlight, particular in regards to heat. As sunlight heats up surfaces, they warm up at different rates. The surround air also warms up at different rates, fertilizing the wind process. Temperatures over a body of water like a lake will always be cooler than temperatures over rocky ground. Hot air rises and cool air rushes into fill such voids. As this process occurs, the rushing air manifests as wind and an incredibly cheap and clean energy source.
The fact that wind is a naturally occurring event makes it a great energy source. Consider the following:
1. Wind is a renewable energy source because it will exist as long as sunlight beats down on us.
2. Wind has been used by man as an energy source ever since we’ve sailed boats.
3. The first windmills were used to turn wheels to grind grain in Iran.
4. American colonist used windmills to move water, grind grain and cut wood.
5. Wind energy harnessed by windmills was a dominant source of energy in rural America in the 1920s.
6. In modern times, California is the biggest user of wind power and produces twice as much electricity as any other state.
7. Modern windmills actually come in two forms, vertical and horizontal models.
8. Horizontal windmills are the stereotypical version that comes to your mind when the word is mentioned.
9. Vertical mills look like upside down egg beaters, but are hypnotic when they spin.
10. Unlike traditional utilities, most energy produced by wind is done by private businesses and sold to utilities through an electric grid hookup.
11. Wind power in the U.S. generates a whopping 17 billion kilowatts per year, more than enough to provide all electrical needs for the city of Chicago.
12. More than 30 states have wind farms generating and supplying electricity to utility companies.
13. California, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming are the dominant forces in producing energy from wind.
14. The biggest energy producer from wind is Germany, which is also dominant in solar power production.
For many, these wind findings will be a surprise. The sole fact that there is enough power produced by wind energy to handle a city the size of Chicago is pretty impressive. As we look to solutions to global warming wind power is becoming a viable option.
You Can Affect Global Climate Change
April 15, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Reducing the amount of energy we use in our home can have a significant affect on global climate change. Not only that, it can save you money too. If everyone makes an effort in their lives, it can make a huge difference on a global scale. With just a few changes in our live we can save the planet one person at a time.
Here are some ideas you can do to help save the planet around the home
* Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. They cost slightly more, but save up to ten times their price over their lifetime.
* When you are boiling water, or heating anything, only boil the amount you need. You do not need a kettle full of boiling water for one cup of tea.
* Switch off appliances when you are not using them to save money and energy. TVs, videos, stereos and computers left on standby can use a lot of energy.
* Recycle everything that you can. We throw away our own weight in rubbish every month bottles, cans, paper, card, plastic and aluminum can all be reused or recycled which saves energy. For example, it takes the same amount of energy to make 20 cans from recycled material as it takes to make one can from scratch. Recycling will also save you money on refuse charges.
* If you live in a sunny area you could potentially meet all your energy means using solar panels.
* Turning down your thermostat by just three degrees will save you 10 per cent in energy costs. Also, make sure that your home is well insulated so that it keeps the heat in.
* When washing clothes and dishes make sure the appliances are full. Also, try using lukewarm water.
* Keep the lid on pots and pans when you are cooking.
Just a few minor changes in our lives can affect global climate change and we can save our planet one person at a time.
Use The Natural Cleaning Products
What Is Global Warming?
April 5, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
What is global warming? In a nutshell it is climate change that is causing the temperature of our planet to rise. Breaking down what is happening to the environment is a complex thing and a broad overview can help many understand better.
When gasses get trapped in the environment and cannot escape this can cause a temperature increase eventually. Climate change is a natural occurrence and would occur without human activity; however, humans are emitting high levels of carbon dioxide into the environment from man made sources such as cars, homes, appliances, and many other contributing sources.
Although climate change is still considered a controversial subject, many people are starting to realize there is an imminent threat. Popular celebrities are bringing temperature change into the limelight and giving it attention.
Most people know about recycling and car emission reduction, but you need to know who you are doing business with. Make sure that the products you buy are used with recyclable materials and do business with the companies that are supporting the environment. Wind and solar power are getting more attention everyday and more research is being done.
The one thing that is still unknown about climate change is when it will happen. Many experts claim that we are already seeing the affects of temperature change and it is a slow process, however if we keep consuming the way we do we will make global warming become a dangerous situation sooner. It is up to us to do our part to help make future generations safe.
