Solar Power Your Home For Dummies

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$8.47

by Evans D. Smith

If you have tried researching solar electrical systems and you have found that the physics behind the system is far too difficult for you, do not fret as you can still benefit from residential solar power without understanding the calculations and details of solar electricity physics.

Many folks are interested with investing on a residential solar power system as it allows you to produce electricity without air pollution and noise while using a renewable source of energy. Simply put, a solar electricity system never runs out of fuel, which assists in reducing gas emitted by coal or other harmful elements. For the advantages that you can receive, residential solar energy systems are becoming the greatest energy resource for the 21st century.

Why should I Buy a Solar Electricity System?

The technology behind solar energy works by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Meaning, solar energy will work each time the sun is shining, while intense daylight produces more electricity. Since a solar panel does not use heat in manufacturing electricity, the semi-conductor materials of a solar panel generate electricity from the electrons emitted by the sun.

Residential solar energy systems typically generate around 10 watts per square foot, depending on the dimensions of a solar cell mounted on a home’s rooftop. However, the number of southerly exposure available ( or the area that remains un-shaded during the day ) decides the maximum amount of electricity from solar cells. As a consequence, your home solar power system may produce roughly electricity compared to your neighbor’s system.

If you are planning to change to solar electricity, remember that this kind of electricity is dearer than utility-supplied power. However, financing a residential solar power system can provide you with incentives and rebates, while allowing you to spread the costs over several years. Though you are like paying for years of electricity when you invest in a solar electricity system, solar electricity becomes more affordable and practical in the long run.

Folks select to invest in solar electrical systems for several reasons. While some people wish to reduce air pollution by saving the natural fossil fuel from the earth, others find the energy-producing investment saves them money from paying monthly electrical utilities. Without regard for private reasons on selecting solar power over normal utility-purchased electricity, each consumer who purchases home solar electricity systems can avoid possible rate hikes in the cost of utility-purchased electricity.

Mr. Light Stained Glass Design Solar Projection Lantern with Bronze Plated Finish

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$23.74

by Michael Edwards

You would not believe what we at Green Products found (and no they are not UFOs). Can you imagine a field planted with silver balloons as far as the eye can see, or a hillside covered with silver balls? It’s not Christo’s latest pop-art install, but rather, a solar farm. This is what Cool Earth out of Livermore, California envisions in the very near future. The solar collection concept is not new, but the concentrator is different from anything seen before on any renewable energy product.

One of the areas of concern with the current flat-panel solar design is cost. Flat-panel designs require metal cases, rigid mounting hardware, heavy glass and large amounts of cell material. The cost per watt for solar panels is generally 5 to 7 times greater than conventional power plants. This is no longer true with the solar balloon system.

One side of the balloon is made from reflective silver Mylar plastic. The other half is transparent to allow in sunlight. The silver material is parabolic-shaped to concentrate the sunlight on to a single point to achieve maximum light concentration. This is why high performance solar cells are used.

This unique design can concentrate the sunlight so well, it produces 300 to 400 times more power per square inch of solar cells than traditional flat-panel solar systems. By regulating the air pressure inside the balloon, they can focus the concentrated sunlight directly on the photocell. The air regulating system is designed to maintain the proper balloon size as the outside air temperature increases or decreases.

The basic structure of each orb is simple. It has a lightweight circular metal frame with an arm that holds the solar cells near the top of the clear side of the orb. Even though the balloon is eight feet in diameter, the frame is the only rigid component of the basic design. It connects to a point where external hardware is attached for mounting.

Like all solar designs, the system will not be used as a base power plant because the energy collected during the day cannot be economically stored for nighttime operations. On the other hand, the system will be an ideal “peaker” power plant to be used during the hot summer months when energy demands are high.

Another of the aspects we find most interesting at Green Products is how the balloons are linked together with wire, wood and sheet metal. We are also impressed at the lack of limitations that are imposed when the systems are installed and how they eliminate the destructive heat that destroys most solar cells. Soon this system will be installed and go online. Check it out.

Michael

2008-2009 Essential Guide to Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, Solar Cells, Roof Panels, Heating, Lighting, Concentrating – Complete Guide with Practical … and Government Research (Two CD-ROM Set)

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$24.95

by Thomas Mack

The sources of energy that we have relied upon for so long, such as gas and coal, are in ever-decreasing supply and it’s becoming more and more important to find alternatives that are renewable. Of these, solar energy is more and more being hailed as an ideal energy solution.

And solar power is gaining popularity as a source of home energy. Thanks to all the research and development, it is now accessible to anyone. An average family can have their own home-made system, meeting their energy needs. It’s definitely not rocket science.

The materials required to construct these solar panels are available in most local hardware stores. The whole process of building these panels could be completed by someone with reasonably good DIY skills. And the final connection into the power supply can be done by a qualified electrician.

Some locations are better than others for solar power, because of the sunshine levels. But the level of sunshine required is a lot less than most people think. And you can store the energy produced in special batteries, so that you have a constant supply.

It would be possible to build an energy-producing home solar system for $200 or less. That is a pleasant surprise to the many who have gone down this road. So you can absolutely rule out cost as a prohibitive factor.

The take-up of solar power by families is increasing all the time, as it becomes de-mystified, and because the entry costs are now within reach. You may have thought that it was necessary to introduce solar home power while designing, or constructing a house, but that’s not the case.

How would you like to see your electricity meter count down instead of up? Well you could have this situation if you produce more solar energy than you need. You would have the option of either storing it for later use, or of selling it to the electricity company (who will gratefully accept it).

There are many positive points that could be cited about solar energy, including the “clean, green” aspects of it. But the kicker has got to be the cost – both from the point of view of the low entry cost, and also for the ongoing savings that will be achieved. You could see a reduction of 80% (even 100%) in your energy bill.

if you are producing your own home solar power, you are helping in the great fight against global warming (and of course you are reducing carbon emissions). And once the system is up and running, the maintenance it requires is minimal.

The use of solar energy to generate electricity is a long-established reality. The uptake of home solar power systems is on the increase, and I believe that this trend is only going to continue.

You may be wondering how solar-powered lights work.  Solar lights are used when the sun goes down.  So how is this possible?

First of all, understand that lighting devices which relies on solar power generally use a backup battery to operate.  Solar cells are used to charge the battery during the day, and the battery powers the light during the night.  The solar cells might be attached to the device itself, or might be located nearby.

This type of lighting is often used in remote locations, where conventional power sources are unavailable, and lights can not be connected to the power grid.  They are also used for outdoor lighting, or as landscape lights around the home or garden.

Components of Solar Powered Lights

There are four basic components of a solar powered light.  Many solar lighting systems are sold with these components already integrated, but it is good to know what the components are:

- The solar cells
- The lamp
- A charge controller
- The batteries

When purchasing solar lights, the majority of the cost involved will be for the solar cells.  These are the most expensive parts of the device or system.  Be sure your system is installed within some type of weatherproof housing, so that the solar cells and electrical connections will withstand the elements.  Ensure that the electrical parts are protected from moisture at all times.

The charge controller is like the “brain” of a solar-powered light.  It protects the batteries from overcharging, and maximizes the electrical output of your solar cell array.  It also controls the duration  that the light can operate.  Without a charge controller, your setup will not function properly.

Uses of Solar Lights

Most solar powered lights are used to illuminate outdoor gardens and walkways.  The lights are generally cordless, and you can move them around easily without the need to dig ditches and run the wires underground.

One disadvantage solar lighting has, in comparison to conventional lighting, is that its stored solar power diminishes over time.  That means that while the light may be strong during the first few hours of operation, it will then gradually grow dimmer as the night goes on.  This might not be seen as a disadvantage by some, because most outdoor activities occur during the early evening hours.  Different solar lighting systems also have different capacities, and some last longer than others.

Keep in mind that solar-powered lights depend on the sun to operate, and their performance can be influenced by weather conditions.  If the weather is cloudy or rainy, then there will be less battery power than there would be on a sunny day.  There are also different levels of quality, where solar lights are concerned – the cheaper ones tend to be less efficient and do not last as long.

Hopefully in the near future, improvements in solar technology can make solar lighting less expensive, and more efficient, even during bad weather.

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Anna promotes and educates on the uses of clean energy and solar power.  Visit her website to learn more about home solar power, at http://findportablesolarpower.com/homesolarpower/

More and more people are realizing that you can still enjoy modern amenities while enjoying the independence of off grid living.

Off the grid means being exactly that no power lines, no electric bills, no power company period. Imagine how much you can save with no power bill for the rest of your life!

Green energy living is environmentally friendly and cost effective and it is an option available to almost any one owning a home. A green energy home can be established almost anywhere in the world, even those currently tied to the power grid.

From solar panels, hydropower and residential wind generators, there is growing curiosity in off grid living and breaking free from environmental unfriendly power plants.

Technology has now advanced to a point where even do-it-yourselfers can take leaps into off grid living with many inexpensive kits, resources and manuals available for instruction. As energy demands increase globally, those living off grid can rest easy knowing their own energy costs are diminishing.

The concept of making your own electricity is a little unsettling to many people because of all the questions that surround such a concept – will the electricity supply be reliable? can I watch my TV without it shutting down? will my lights in the house flicker and dim etc etc. These kinds of questions can all be answered.

Off grid living does force you to learn about moderating your use of electricity. This can be as simple as turning off lights that are not really in use. Purchasing appliances that are more energy efficient of switch themselves off when not in use. Wanting to become part of the green home living adventure, doesn’t mean giving up everything, it just means getting smarter about the things you have.

Many new re-locatable high efficiency type homes are now being produced to accommodate those features that allow you to create a green, power free home. This type of home uses solar power, passive solar design, complemented by residential wind generators and a small amount of natural gas to provide off grid living that you can take with you when you move.

If you are interested in off grid living, start your research on the Internet. There are tons of great resources available and individuals who took the plunge into off grid living with great success telling their stories. Off grid living is obtainable for anyone and you too can enjoy the life of off grid living no matter where you make your home.