Once the decision is made to install solar panels, one must determine how to mount them effectively. The mounting system should be simple, reliable, and provide for all your performance needs.

A popular method is to mount one’s solar panels on top of their roof. It is a simple and convenient solution, and so most folks attach their solar panels this way. Most often these mounting parts can be purchased right off the shelf.

The roof mount method is not perfect, however. For those of us who want the best performance from our solar panels, or who live in northern climates (as do the writers), there are some alternatives to think about.

The first thing to think about is snow. Every time snow gets on the solar panels, they have to be cleaned or they won’t put out much electricity. If your solar panels are mounted to your roof then you can imagine this difficulty.

In the mountains of Washington and Colorado, we have been working on a solution. We are designers and craftsman who desire convenience and performance with our own home based solar power systems. And like everyone else, we don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. We call this solution the Rotek system.

With the Rotek system your solar panels will be installed away from the roof, so the solar panels can be rotated easily and smoothly to any tracking angle. With this configuration we can make seasonal adjustments and more accurately track the Sun.

A second advantage comes in Winter when the solar panels can be rotated toward the ground, and operated at steeply sloped or negative tilt. This prevents the buildup of snow on the photovoltaic surface. It is also good for periodic glass cleaning, maintenance, or for dumping a load of snow if the panels were left up in a storm.

Whether for one snow storm or for a period of weeks, as long as there is snow on the ground you can leave your solar panels at negative tilt. As we have all witnessed, snow pack is highly reflective. Your system will continue to receive lots of beam radiation despite this abnormal tracking angle.

A second big issue with solar panels is their operating temperature. The cooler the panels, the more we maximize their discharge current. Roof mounted solar panels acquire much more heat, and the amount of energy lost at these higher temperatures can be as high as 20%.

Remotely installed solar panels will run cooler, and the electrical output will be better for this. There is fresh air to circulate on the back end (instead of a hot roof), and they can be located closer to the ground. The Rotek system, if used, would provide this additional advantage to your solar panel system.

Sooner or later the time will come to install your solar panels. The roof installed units will make a lot of sense, but those who want improved performance and adjustability should consider other options. The Rotek system is one such option, easy to install and simple to use without the extravagant cost.

Walter Hull is a mechanical engineer with expertise in solar power systems. For a limited time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own yard.

If I was a betting man, I’d say you are already using solar energy. It is in your fuel, your food, and in some form or another almost everything you do. In more practical terms, though, we are talking about heat and electricity. Why should we use solar energy systems to power our homes?

The answer is that solar energy is reliable and free. From the early morning dawn to the late evening set, the Sun will shine each and every day. Solar energy may be the single most consistent thing there is on our planet.

The other great benefit is that solar energy is cheap. The Sun does not send out monthly bills, and last we checked there are no taxes on solar energy. If there is a less expensive source of energy on this planet, then we would like to know.

Yes, it is true that solar energy systems are not the most efficient. But you will be using the lowest costing and most reliable fuel source on the planet. No monthly charges, and no swings in the markets. And most important for some us, we are covered when there are power outages, emergencies, and large storms.

The difficulties in using solar energy are with selecting the right application and the right equipment. How much does a solar energy system cost and how difficult is it to integrate? How simple or elaborate should it be? In my location, is solar energy right for me? Here we present a few straight forward answers to help your case.

If you have a sunny climate with lots of solar energy, then put it to use. You will save money in the long run, and living in an environmentally friendly way. We would estimate that at least 50% of the United States could be using solar energy in some way.

For our fair weather friends in the North and on the coast, the decision is more involved. Solar energy, truthfully, many not be right for you. There just simply isn’t enough solar radiation to put to good use. Do not give up hope, though, there is always hydro and always wood.

The most simple and cost effective solar energy systems are designed for acquiring heat. They can be used for making hot water, storing thermal energy, among many other things. If your have cool Winters and lots of sun then you are a particularly good candidate for using passive solar heat.

Another popular form of solar energy is Photovoltaic (PV) electricity. These semi-conductor panels will convert solar radiation into useful electricity. It is true that there is a significant manufacturing investment in making PV panels, and they can cost some money. So the decision to make PV electricity should be more carefully considered.

If your household or business consumes lots of electricity then solar power is hard to justify. This is where local Utilities are good, they can kick out the juice for all the high power users and the heavy duty industries. But if you are simple in life and efficient in how you use energy, then the up-front cost of solar power can pay off over time. It could be as little as 5 years depending on the electrical rate of your local utility (i.e. California)

They will also pay themselves off if developing a new property and avoiding the installation of electrical transmission cables routed to your home. Depending on the distance, these transmission cable costs can be significant.

Emergency reserve energy systems are another potential benefit with solar energy. A person could charge a large bank of batteries and keep them on standby. When it comes to emergency reserve energy, for some of us the cost is no element. We just want to be covered in times of natural disaster.

The truth is, mankind is making good progress with solar energy technology. By engaging in independent and gridless energy systems, we can save a little money, help improve our environment, and set a good example for our kids. It is not such a bad idea to simplify our existence.

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar power power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own yard.

Wind energy has been used for many years as individuals have used wind power for sailing, wind mills for manufacturing and pumping water and more recently conversion into electricity using wind turbines. Wind power is a renewable energy that is considered a good option instead of burning fossil fuels. Of all the renewable energy sources it is the most efficient and you only need a light breeze to produce electricity.

The very first uses of wind for energy was in the form of wind mills and sailing as people have been using wind for more than thousands of years to propel ships. Windmills have also been used for many years for milling grain as well as pumping water for irrigation. These irrigation windmills was the main reason that farming and ranching could occur in the US, as there are vast stretches of land that do not have ready access to water.

The very first usage of wind to create electricity occurred in 1888. The first wind turbine was used to create hydrogen in the 1890s but it was soon converted to producing electricity. Small wind turbines are used to provide power to rural buildings and today there are larger wind farms that are being used to produce electricity for large networks. What is known as the modern wind industry really began in 1979 when wind turbines began to be regularly produced.

Wind occurs because the surface of the earth is not evenly heated, as the poles get less sunlight than the equator. This causes cooled and heated air to move which in turn produces wind. It is projected that the amount of power that could be harnessed form the wind is more than the human population currently uses. So just think about having almost cost free power.

The amount of power that is generated by the wind is dependent on the speed and as the wind speed doubles the amount of power produced increases eight fold. However there is a cap as wind turbines can only go so fast and generate so much energy. You do not need high winds at all time though as a lot of energy can still be produced with 15 mph breezes. As such, wind power is a valuable method for alternative energy.

The main issue with wind energy is storage as wind power cannot be dispatched at different times but needs to be used immediately. Many companies have looked into different types of batteries, storing it within the energy grid and even hydroelectricity. Many times surplus energy from domestic wind turbines are fed back into the electrical grid and the energy company will purchase this energy and you will receive electricity credits.

A wind turbine used to collect the power of wind will contain a rotor shaft, gearbox and brake assembly. Generally within a wind farm the different turbines are interconnecting for power collection and communication networking. Wind energy uses induction generators to collect the power and change it to electricity.

The best types of generators are doubly fed machines as they will function when errors occur within the grid. You need to be aware of the power factor, dynamic behavior and frequency constancy when a system fault should occur.

Wind power should be thoroughly considered in order to promote a greener society. Educate your children to become future scientists by purchasing them science lab equipment.

The Sun can be thought of as a giant nuclear furnace stationed in the sky. It is a tremendous source of solar energy, cranking out massive amounts of radiation each and every day.

Electromagnetic radiation is the technical term for solar energy. This radiation is emitted by the sun and is absorbed into Earths biosphere in many ways. Because of its widespread importance to the biosphere, solar energy plays a crucial role to our existence.

Electromagnetic radiation is composed of tiny invisible energy waves, all traveling at the speed of light (3×108 meters per second). Forms of electromagnetic radiation include X-rays, gamma waves, radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, ultra-violet waves, and the visible light spectrum. The only difference between the waves is their frequency of resonance, and they are characterized based on this.

Solar energy is the primary element for Photosynthesis, the method by which plants make energy for growth. Plants in term provide us with food, wood, medicines, and more.

The Earths natural landscapes, they absorb solar energy and produce heat. It is the heat absorbed by mountains and plains that create local wind patterns. It is the heat absorbed by the oceans that creates the famous currents. Solar energy is responsible for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It melts the mountain snows which form many of our rivers.

Solar energy is the catalyst for almost everything that occurs on Earth. It is as though the Earth has its own power plant, a giant Nuclear Fusion Reactor in outer space. It is a good thing too, because without it we would all be screwed.

Each and every day we should all be giving thanks to the Sun. It may be the most important element to our existence which we take for granted. Imagine if one day we woke up and there was no Sun? It would be like losing power at your home, but a million times worse. Probably most people would fall into an immediate panic.

If theres one thing that is decidedly for sure, then, is that humans need solar energy. When you think about it, really, our entire plant (including us) is solar energy, taking it in and transforming it into other forms.

With the recent advances in materials and industry, we now find ourselves with some new inventions for working with solar energy. It is now possible to make electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic device. We can harness solar energy in absorption and concentrating collectors and store the heat.

We are entering a new age of energy generation for fulfilling our daily needs. We believe modern civilization has only just begun with these new age energies. Reaping the benefits of solar power and solar heat is in its infancy.

With all the choices on the market its hard to know exactly where to start. What kind of benefits can be obtained by harnessing solar energy? How practical is it, and how much money can be saved in the long run? The truth is, in utilizing solar energy everybody will have a different idea and different purpose. Its best to begin with a discussion of the various technologies and their rewards, and allow the reader to form his own concepts for moving forward.

To find out how to use solar energy as a budget source of power for your home get Walter Hull’s checklist on easy solar power from your yard.

The major past energy sources have included petroleum and coal. With the sharp increase in energy prices, depleting non-renewable sources of energy, the increase of green house gases impacting global warming, the future of using alternative ‘green’ sources of energy looks bright. Governments around the world are feeling the pressure of consumer demands for alternative renewable energy sources that will not harm the environment.

Wind Power is one method of producing ‘green energy’ that is becoming popular all over the world. Wind turbines are used to create power. Wind turbines can be placed wherever there is sufficient amount of wind. The higher the number of installed wind turbines, the more electricity will be produced.

Solar energy is one alternative energy source that is expected to see an increase in use in the future. This form of energy makes use of the sun for power and heat. Solar panels harness the power of the sun without polluting the planet and atmosphere. The solar panels power generators provide the electricity. The solar panels are installed on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. In the future, larger solar panels will be built that can power hundreds of thousands of homes Solar energy requires does not require any other energy source to operate and it is free of pollution. Sunlight can be harnessed as usable heat or converted into electricity using photoelectric cells, solar panels, or using synchronized mirrors called heliostats that follow the sun as it moves. Methods for using solar power to replace a gas-powered engine by heating hydrogen gas in a tank have also been developed. There have been positive results with powering a generator.

Hydro Power is another alternative energy source with proven results. The flowing water drives the turbines which produces the energy. The energy created is dependent on the strength and force of the water flow because rapid flowing water drives the mechanisms that help with producing electricity. The current is then sent through a transformer where the electricity is transmitted over power lines. This is an eco-friendly form of energy and in the future, it is expected that more hydro power stations will be erected where there is a suitable water supply.

Current technologies for new renewable green energy sources, particularly solar power and wind power, are proving to be quite promising for the future. As well, Geothermal Energy which is heat energy extracted from the earth to create steam to power the generators that produces the electricity, is another potential future large energy source. There is also much research and development going into Nuclear Fission. Salinization of water at river estuaries as an energy supply is another possible source of alternative energy because many experts suggest that it will be millions of years before there is any impact. Nuclear fusion and artificial photosynthesis are two other energy technologies currently being researched as possible future energy sources.

Much of the traditional sources of energy are becoming unsustainable making new greener sources of energy the wave of the future. Many corporations, ‘green’ entrepreneurs, and governments are investing in the future of the planet and its inhabitants by investing in alternative renewable energy sources. An investment in ‘green’ energy means a future of low energy costs and a greener sustainable environment.

Alternative energy sources don’t have to be hard to come by. If you want to experiment with green energy, look up for more resources online. There is a huge repository of information waiting for you there.

The United States is currently offering tax incentives for those wanting to switch to solar power. A lot of people are wondering if they will qualify for these incentives. If you have a system installed and live in the U. S. Then you should qualify. These don’t cover the entire price of the system though and you could still be looking at quite a bit of out of pocket expense.

A special system can be installed that will convert sunlight to solar power and run the electrical devices in your home or business. You will need a special box that will hook up to your current system as well as solar panels. These items may need to be installed by professionals for safety reasons. You local power company will need to approve and help with this as well.

Some companies sell do it yourself kits and videos. To me these seem more suited to science projects. As much as I would like to try these I am also very skeptical. Anytime electricity is involved there is a certain amount of risk. I have a hard time believing I could set up a system like this without starting a fire or getting electrocuted.

Most people have come to understand that fossil fuels simply can’t last forever. In the next few years we may see a great reduction in the amount of fossil fuel used in all countries. Solar power is only one of the alternatives being considered. Starting now can help you prepare for the future and save a lot of money on electricity at the same time.

Solar energy can be used with other energy sources to make sure you always have enough energy to run your home or business. Your regular power supply is still hooked up even with the solar power supply. This means that even if there is no sun for weeks at a time you can still have power you need.

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

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

If you are thinking about going with solar energy then check all local laws regarding this and at least get professional advice before you begin. Keep in mind that any time you work with any type of electricity proper precautions must be taken and safety should always be your first priority.

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

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

We tend to all relish the idea of getting easily available hot water in our homes, and it’s the presence of hot water heating systems that creates this all feasible.

Whatever your wants may be, the employment of water heaters in residences is one thing that you may definitely need to contemplate if you’re moving into a recently constructed house, or merely in need of a brand new heating system for water.

There are a few unique sorts that you’ll want to settle on, and I plan to expand further regarding three of the foremost commonly used styles. Hopefully you’ll decide which one of these is most appropriately suited for your house and needs, leading to a successful addition to your home.

If you’re like most homeowners, you may just need to shop for a gas water heater. There are various reasons that people opt for gas, and maybe the biggest one revolves around the fact that gas water heating systems are the cheapest to buy.

On another hand, they’re generally the toughest to keep going because they will require constant gas refills in order to keep them running.

If you’re one who has a preference for convenience, then you might wish to go with an electrical hot water heating system. The explanation for this relates to the very fact that all you’ll have to do is leave it plugged in, and the unit runs itself, supplying you with very readily obtainable hot water any time you need it.

One last choice that seems to grow in use year after year is the solar water heater. This device is the most energy efficient approach of doing things, and you’ll be able to sleep well knowing that you won’t need to stress about costly electrical expenses.

Despite this, this hot water heating system will sometimes wind up costing hundreds more money than the other two styles mentioned earlier.

Learn more information about on demand hot water heaters at this author’s web site.

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

Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of options available on the market. Hopefully one of these will appeal to you more than others, leading to a successful purchase that satisfies your needs.

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

The advantage is the relatively small outlay as compared to other means, though there are a few disadvantages involved with these units too. Not only is it somewhat dangerous to have a device in your house that depends on gas, but the cost of replacing gas can add up over time.

Many people like the convenience offered by an electrical model. These are pretty easy to install, and owners don’t need to worry about buying gas refills to keep them going. On the other hand, one’s electric bill can be pretty high after leaving these running all the time.

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

If this is out of your price range, the on demand hot water heater might be the perfect solution for you. Your energy costs will be reasonable since the unit only runs when you want it to, though without advance planning, you may end up having to wait for your water to heat.

The choice is yours when all is said and done. Consider your needs, and weigh out the importance of up front expenses, monthly energy costs, and ease of use.

While we’ve touched up on the different types here, further details on solar hot water heaters can be obtained by those looking for more information.

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

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Layers of a unique material contained the Photovoltaic conversion absorb sun’s rays directly to product electricity.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. Solar energy is a type of energy This method utilizes reflecting surfaces and mirrors to amplify the amount of heat that can be generated. (thermal). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Light converted to electricity is the definition of Photovoltaic Conversion. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. This is accomplished when sunlight comes into contact with the two surfaces, causing each to attain an opposite charge. A regular battery has a positive end and a negative end and when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When the two layers inside a solar panel are exposed to sunlight it creates electricity.

A solar power cell’s speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The best result require longer exposure to direct sunlight.

These days you can find many different products that are solar powered. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.

As mentioned earlier, anybody whom has used a hand-held or lighted magnifying glass to get a fire going, has experienced the benefits of solar power.

The tools currently on the market save more power and produce better results than previous models. The use of solar power now and in the future is extremely bright and promising.

To harness energy from the sun and find the best deal on magnifying glasses, then visit www.bigmagnify.com to find great advice on a variety of reading magnifiers for you.

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

Intro

The Efficient Planet guide is not just one book, it’s 3! With 71 pages on how to build a home solar power system, 51 pages on how to build a home wind turbine, and another 50 pages on how to enjoy efficient living at home, this is one comprehensive set of instructions! It almost hit our #1 spot, over-taking Earth4Energy, but its lack of video instruction put it at #2.

Why you should buy it:

1 – Full of great advice and instruction:

Because Efficient Planet is packed with so much information (over 175 pages), it is great value for money at only $49.97. Not to mention how easy the step-by-step plans are to follow.

2 – Loads of great bonuses

When you buy the Efficient Planet guide, not only do you get the plans on how to make your own home solar and wind power system, but also a number of free extras. This is includes a 50 page manual on how to easily save energy at home; and video and audio interviews with other diy fanatics that make their own power at home too.

All customers also get a free copy of “Project Wealthy” – a 12-part home-study course on running your own home business efficiently; and some “undisclosed gifts”

3 – Instructions That Actually Work:

What we liked was the way the they broke the guide up into 3 volumes:

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

The second part provides step-by-step instructions, with diagrams on how to make your own home wind generator. It also goes to talk about the 10 false rumors about wind power, and how to use it effectively at home.

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

Problem With The Guide

1: No video instruction

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

2: The same old rehashed information

The Efficient Planet instructions seem very similar to what you get in other diy energy guides. But since the plans actually work, I guess it does not make any them any worse than the other guides. Furthermore, this guide is great value for money with all the complementary gifts you get with it. And that is why I preferred it to Homemade Energy or Homemade Power Plant.

Conclusion:

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

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

categories: efficient planet,diy energy guides,make solar power,make wind power,solar energy,wind power,wind turbine,off the grid,energy conservation,global warming,hobbies,environment,modern living,science