Government, Oil Companies and in place energy providers have a different agenda. They like the status quo as it keeps them in business. This Earth is ours. This Country is ours.
Change is needed now.
Don't wait until it is much to late.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Green Energy Now
America Needs to Work on Green Energy Now. Save Money, Save Jobs, Create Jobs. Now is the time to change what we are doing. If we as individuals don't make an effort now it will never happen.
Government, Oil Companies and in place energy providers have a different agenda. They like the status quo as it keeps them in business. This Earth is ours. This Country is ours.
Change is needed now.
Don't wait until it is much to late.
Government, Oil Companies and in place energy providers have a different agenda. They like the status quo as it keeps them in business. This Earth is ours. This Country is ours.
Change is needed now.
Don't wait until it is much to late.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Americas Energy Choice Could Be Solar Power
Solar power is the power extracted from the sun's energy, which is the sunlight. As the sun provides us sunlight for free, solar power itself too is a renewable, clean and environment friendly source of energy. With rising concerns about depleting fossil fuels and rise in air pollution, the use of solar power as an alternative source of energy is fast gaining popularity. By harnessing and using solar power at home, it is possible to cut down the cost of power bills and extensive use can even make one totally independent in terms of power requirement. This is mainly because sunlight is available for free almost round the year and the best part is that solar panels and other such solar equipments require little maintenance.
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
Solar Generated Energy for Your Home: How Sunlight Hours and Sun Angle Effect Production (Part 6)
The angle at which the sun hits a solar cell effects the amount of solar energy produced. The following article explains these effects as well as some common residential solar systems characteristics such as tracking and mounting solutions. You may be surprised to find out that reflected light can actually produce solar energy even if you think it may not.
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buildings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buildings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
Cheap Home Solar Panels: Reuse & Recycle To Save Money
While it's not difficult to find information on how to put together a cheap home solar energy system, many experts forget to mention an easy way to save even more money when you do it yourself. Salvaging used solar panels is a great way to build an eco-friendly home while recycling perfectly good solar equipment in the process.
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Green Power Easy Review-The Easiest,Cheapest Way to Convert your Home to Solar or Wind Power
Many people these days are looking for alternative energy solutions to combat rising electricity prices and to reduce their impact on the environment.
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
Residential Solar Panels - Comparison Between Homemade Solar Panels And Commercial Ones
Residential solar panels is the perfect solution to reduce a family's dependence on fossil fuel. Many folks will call up a contractor to supply and install their solar energy panels. However, a group of DIYers claim that DIY panels are far better than commercial ones. Is there any truth to their statement? Let's investigate...
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
For more information click here
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
For more information click here
How to Build a Solar Heater - Make Homemade DIY Solar Heaters
Solar heating systems are quickly invading the market. People continuously appreciate the benefits of having solar powered heaters: from hot water heaters, pool heaters, and air heaters. Moreover, a lot of people have taken to explore the ways of learning how to build a solar heater. Their familiarity with how solar panels work have given them impetus to take a stab at crafting a solar powered heater that will serve their purposes.
For more information click here
For more information click here
For more information click here
For more information click here
Homemade Solar Power - How to Make Solar Panels cheap!
As the cost of living continues to rise there is a increasing demand for alternative energy resources that can provide cleaner and more cost efficient results to consumers. You just have to look at gas and oil prices to realise that there is indeed a crisis amongst us.
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
For more information click here
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
For more information click here
Americas Energy Choice Could Be Solar Power
Solar power is the power extracted from the sun's energy, which is the sunlight. As the sun provides us sunlight for free, solar power itself too is a renewable, clean and environment friendly source of energy. With rising concerns about depleting fossil fuels and rise in air pollution, the use of solar power as an alternative source of energy is fast gaining popularity. By harnessing and using solar power at home, it is possible to cut down the cost of power bills and extensive use can even make one totally independent in terms of power requirement. This is mainly because sunlight is available for free almost round the year and the best part is that solar panels and other such solar equipments require little maintenance.
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
For more information click here
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
For more information click here
Solar Generated Energy for Your Home: How Sunlight Hours and Sun Angle Effect Production (Part 6)
The angle at which the sun hits a solar cell effects the amount of solar energy produced. The following article explains these effects as well as some common residential solar systems characteristics such as tracking and mounting solutions. You may be surprised to find out that reflected light can actually produce solar energy even if you think it may not.
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buldings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
For more information click here
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buldings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
For more information click here
Solar Roof Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles And Solar Panels
If you are a big advocate for green life, you must have been excited about the innovation of the solar roof shingles. Compared to the conventional asphalt shingles, this new solar system can deliver obvious advantages and benefits to those green-oriented families.
Visual Appeal
This new type of shingles resemble the traditional asphalt shingles in size and finish, but are covered with thin film solar cells that are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Despite their thinness, these solar cells are able to produce the same amount of solar energy as that produced by the large array of solar panels. In fact, the solar shingle systems were exactly designed to substitute for the visually intrusive solar panel arrays.
Higher Acceptance
In some areas, the homeowner associations do not allow installation of solar panel arrays either on your roof or backyard. But, don"t you think that the solar shingles will be more acceptable to them, as your roof will not look much different from their own roofs?
More Flexibility
There are two types of solar shingle systems available. The off-grid system is a self-contained one, while the on-grid one is attached to the public utility. The working mechanism behind the shingle solar system is the same as the old (though still being widely used at the moment) solar panel arrays - it collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The only difference is that the shingle systems use materials that are much smaller in size, but, with the newest solar technology, they are able to produce just the same amount of solar energy.
Easy Replacement
This new shingle system does not just look like the traditional asphalt shingles, it can also be replaced easily just as the asphalt shingles. Having said that, there is no need to worry about maintenance or replacement as yet. Almost all shingle systems in the market will last for at least 20 years, and they are able to sustain even the harsh weather like storm and high winds.
Right now, the solar roof shingles are still fair new in the market, and it is for your best interest that you purchase from reputable manufacturers that also provide professional installation. You can always do your research on the internet, find the best supplier, get the high-tech shingles properly installed, and start to experience the change to your life!
Click here for an excellent resource about using alternative energy for home power supply. Don"t worry if you are technically-challenged, all topics are explained in simple plain English.
Interested in solar panel kits? Check out what sort of planning you need to carry out before making your investment.
For more information click here
Visual Appeal
This new type of shingles resemble the traditional asphalt shingles in size and finish, but are covered with thin film solar cells that are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Despite their thinness, these solar cells are able to produce the same amount of solar energy as that produced by the large array of solar panels. In fact, the solar shingle systems were exactly designed to substitute for the visually intrusive solar panel arrays.
Higher Acceptance
In some areas, the homeowner associations do not allow installation of solar panel arrays either on your roof or backyard. But, don"t you think that the solar shingles will be more acceptable to them, as your roof will not look much different from their own roofs?
More Flexibility
There are two types of solar shingle systems available. The off-grid system is a self-contained one, while the on-grid one is attached to the public utility. The working mechanism behind the shingle solar system is the same as the old (though still being widely used at the moment) solar panel arrays - it collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The only difference is that the shingle systems use materials that are much smaller in size, but, with the newest solar technology, they are able to produce just the same amount of solar energy.
Easy Replacement
This new shingle system does not just look like the traditional asphalt shingles, it can also be replaced easily just as the asphalt shingles. Having said that, there is no need to worry about maintenance or replacement as yet. Almost all shingle systems in the market will last for at least 20 years, and they are able to sustain even the harsh weather like storm and high winds.
Right now, the solar roof shingles are still fair new in the market, and it is for your best interest that you purchase from reputable manufacturers that also provide professional installation. You can always do your research on the internet, find the best supplier, get the high-tech shingles properly installed, and start to experience the change to your life!
Click here for an excellent resource about using alternative energy for home power supply. Don"t worry if you are technically-challenged, all topics are explained in simple plain English.
Interested in solar panel kits? Check out what sort of planning you need to carry out before making your investment.
For more information click here
Green Power Easy Review-The Easiest,Cheapest Way to Convert your Home to Solar or Wind Power
Many people these days are looking for alternative energy solutions to combat rising electricity prices and to reduce their impact on the environment.
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
Solar Pathfinder -- Using It To Find The Best Position To Install Your Solar Panels
The Solar Pathfinder is a standard shade analysis tool. You can use it to find out exactly where the shadows will be at particular times of the day or year. The data is in graphical form, so you can make sense of it at one glance.
With a Solar Pathfinder, you can instantly locate the best position to install your solar panel. Experts recommend that solar panels should be exposed to unobstructed sunshine during the crucial period (from 9am to 3pm) so they can be fully utilized to generate electricity for the household. This can be done by placing your solar panels in a spot where there is little or no shading during this crucial period. The easiest way to do this is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
Another popular tool is the Solmetric Suneye. This instrument is rather user friendly, but is much more expensive than the Solar Pathfinder. This will set you back by at least $1,500...yet there is a cheaper option.
Why Do We Need To Use A Solar Pathfinder?
A proper instrument like a Solar Pathfinder can save you lots of time and guesswork. Moreover it is reasonably easy to use and is affordable.
If we do not use any instrument to determine shadow positions, we'll need to observe their movement from dawn to dusk -- this is certainly not an efficient use of time. This is a waste of time! Moreover, these positions shift (slightly) through different seasons because of how the earth rotates around the sun.
But why do we care so much about the extent of shading? You may not realize this, but the effect of shading is devastating to solar energy production. Even if your solar panel is slightly covered under a shadow, the power output can drop drastically.
Consider this...if you shade only one solar cell out of the entire solar panel, your energy production is likely to drop by a third. If you'll only cover a row of photovoltaic cells, your electricity output reduces by a huge 90%. This means your solar panels have virtually stopped working!
Therefore when installing your solar panels, shading is your first and most important concern.
But is it worthwhile to use a solar pathfinder? Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we could determine shadow positions without the use of a scientific instrument... In fact, the additional electricity you'll be able to generate quickly covers the cost of the Solar Pathfinder. This is especially true for large systems.
After all, you've invested money and effort on your solar cells, batteries and inverters... Are you going to sacrifice a potentially significant part of its energy output just to save a few bucks? I hope not!
In case you are thinking of installing solar panels without a Solar Pathfinder, drop the idea as soon as possible. Because guesswork will eventually cost you dearly! You may be concerned about the cost...or you may be worried about the complexity of the instrument. The fact is this instrument only costs $249 and you'll probably take only 15 minutes to learn how to use it.
Whatever it is, if you're without a Solar Pathfinder, I'm confident of this -- you cannot even begin your installation... Without this instrument, you'll be lost!
To use a Solar Pathfinder, you simply have to bring it to the spot you feel is most suitable for installation. Then you will have to level the instrument and point it in the right direction using an in-built compass. The plastic dome will show you a paranomic view of the entire area together with the regions affected by shading over different times of the day or year.
You can record your readings by using a wax pencil (or grease pen) to outline the shape formed by the shadow. You can also use your digital camera to take a snap shot. (I prefer the second approach - it's instantaneous!)
The effects of shading are exceedingly damaging to solar energy production. Therefore you have to eliminate the guesswork -- which can be very costly -- and use a scientific approach to put up your solar panels. Among all known techniques, the easiest and cheapest way is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
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John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators over the years. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
With a Solar Pathfinder, you can instantly locate the best position to install your solar panel. Experts recommend that solar panels should be exposed to unobstructed sunshine during the crucial period (from 9am to 3pm) so they can be fully utilized to generate electricity for the household. This can be done by placing your solar panels in a spot where there is little or no shading during this crucial period. The easiest way to do this is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
Another popular tool is the Solmetric Suneye. This instrument is rather user friendly, but is much more expensive than the Solar Pathfinder. This will set you back by at least $1,500...yet there is a cheaper option.
Why Do We Need To Use A Solar Pathfinder?
A proper instrument like a Solar Pathfinder can save you lots of time and guesswork. Moreover it is reasonably easy to use and is affordable.
If we do not use any instrument to determine shadow positions, we'll need to observe their movement from dawn to dusk -- this is certainly not an efficient use of time. This is a waste of time! Moreover, these positions shift (slightly) through different seasons because of how the earth rotates around the sun.
But why do we care so much about the extent of shading? You may not realize this, but the effect of shading is devastating to solar energy production. Even if your solar panel is slightly covered under a shadow, the power output can drop drastically.
Consider this...if you shade only one solar cell out of the entire solar panel, your energy production is likely to drop by a third. If you'll only cover a row of photovoltaic cells, your electricity output reduces by a huge 90%. This means your solar panels have virtually stopped working!
Therefore when installing your solar panels, shading is your first and most important concern.
But is it worthwhile to use a solar pathfinder? Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we could determine shadow positions without the use of a scientific instrument... In fact, the additional electricity you'll be able to generate quickly covers the cost of the Solar Pathfinder. This is especially true for large systems.
After all, you've invested money and effort on your solar cells, batteries and inverters... Are you going to sacrifice a potentially significant part of its energy output just to save a few bucks? I hope not!
In case you are thinking of installing solar panels without a Solar Pathfinder, drop the idea as soon as possible. Because guesswork will eventually cost you dearly! You may be concerned about the cost...or you may be worried about the complexity of the instrument. The fact is this instrument only costs $249 and you'll probably take only 15 minutes to learn how to use it.
Whatever it is, if you're without a Solar Pathfinder, I'm confident of this -- you cannot even begin your installation... Without this instrument, you'll be lost!
To use a Solar Pathfinder, you simply have to bring it to the spot you feel is most suitable for installation. Then you will have to level the instrument and point it in the right direction using an in-built compass. The plastic dome will show you a paranomic view of the entire area together with the regions affected by shading over different times of the day or year.
You can record your readings by using a wax pencil (or grease pen) to outline the shape formed by the shadow. You can also use your digital camera to take a snap shot. (I prefer the second approach - it's instantaneous!)
The effects of shading are exceedingly damaging to solar energy production. Therefore you have to eliminate the guesswork -- which can be very costly -- and use a scientific approach to put up your solar panels. Among all known techniques, the easiest and cheapest way is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators over the years. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
How to Build a Solar Heater - Make Homemade DIY Solar Heaters
Solar heating systems are quickly invading the market. People continuously appreciate the benefits of having solar powered heaters: from hot water heaters, pool heaters, and air heaters. Moreover, a lot of people have taken to explore the ways of learning how to build a solar heater. Their familiarity with how solar panels work have given them impetus to take a stab at crafting a solar powered heater that will serve their purposes.
For more information click here
For more information click here
Homemade Solar Power - How to Make Solar Panels cheap!
As the cost of living continues to rise there is a increasing demand for alternative energy resources that can provide cleaner and more cost efficient results to consumers. You just have to look at gas and oil prices to realise that there is indeed a crisis amongst us.
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
Cheap Home Solar Panels: Reuse & Recycle To Save Money
While it's not difficult to find information on how to put together a cheap home solar energy system, many experts forget to mention an easy way to save even more money when you do it yourself. Salvaging used solar panels is a great way to build an eco-friendly home while recycling perfectly good solar equipment in the process.
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Green Power Easy Review-The Easiest,Cheapest Way to Convert your Home to Solar or Wind Power
Many people these days are looking for alternative energy solutions to combat rising electricity prices and to reduce their impact on the environment.
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
Residential Solar Panels - Comparison Between Homemade Solar Panels And Commercial Ones
Residential solar panels is the perfect solution to reduce a family's dependence on fossil fuel. Many folks will call up a contractor to supply and install their solar energy panels. However, a group of DIYers claim that DIY panels are far better than commercial ones. Is there any truth to their statement? Let's investigate...
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
How to Build a Solar Heater - Make Homemade DIY Solar Heaters
Solar heating systems are quickly invading the market. People continuously appreciate the benefits of having solar powered heaters: from hot water heaters, pool heaters, and air heaters. Moreover, a lot of people have taken to explore the ways of learning how to build a solar heater. Their familiarity with how solar panels work have given them impetus to take a stab at crafting a solar powered heater that will serve their purposes.
For more information click here
For more information click here
Homemade Solar Power - How to Make Solar Panels cheap!
As the cost of living continues to rise there is a increasing demand for alternative energy resources that can provide cleaner and more cost efficient results to consumers. You just have to look at gas and oil prices to realise that there is indeed a crisis amongst us.
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
Monday, September 5, 2011
Americas Energy Choice Could Be Solar Power
Solar power is the power extracted from the sun's energy, which is the sunlight. As the sun provides us sunlight for free, solar power itself too is a renewable, clean and environment friendly source of energy. With rising concerns about depleting fossil fuels and rise in air pollution, the use of solar power as an alternative source of energy is fast gaining popularity. By harnessing and using solar power at home, it is possible to cut down the cost of power bills and extensive use can even make one totally independent in terms of power requirement. This is mainly because sunlight is available for free almost round the year and the best part is that solar panels and other such solar equipments require little maintenance.
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
For more information click here
But now, one million dollar question arises- that is why, in spite of so many benefits, are people using solar power only sparingly? The answer to this question lies in the fact that the solar powers are largely inefficient. To counter this problem, bigger panels have to be installed and this makes using them cumbersome. Also, some people prefer not to mess with the aesthetic beauty of their houses. Also, the solar panels do not come very cheaply. Moreover, there is the inherent problem of unable to work at night and providing very little power during cloudy days.
With the depletion of fossil fuels, the scientific community has been urged to understand the urgent need to consider upgrading of existing solar panel technology. Now, with continued research and development in those areas, the solar power systems have undergone drastic changes. They have figured out how to make cheaper solar panels and also improve their efficiency.
One of the major milestones achieved in the solar power technology is the invention of photovoltaic cells. They have gone a long way to reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. In a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells are placed on a steel substrate. Each cell is capable of capturing various spectrums of sunlight. The solar photovoltaic panels have overlapped layering of the cells which makes them an efficient source of producing power. The new solar photovoltaic panels use amorphous silicon thin alloy technology.
This solar photovoltaic panel based on the new technology is not that bulky and can be easily placed on the roof of houses. It is many times more efficient than a regular solar panel. Moreover, they don't look that bad and can be easily implemented without affecting the overall looks of a building.
Another milestone in the road of solar technology is the invention of photovoltaic shingles. They are basically nothing but solar panels which are modified and made into shingles. Photovoltaic shingles can be used as a convenient and aesthetic substitute for large and bulky solar panels. They are implemented in the roofs of houses as normal shingles. They are usually black colored and have the appearance of normal shingles. And they serve the dual purposes of adoring your house as well as harnessing solar power and converting it into electricity for your use. Moreover, they save you the cost of buying extra shingles. In a nutshell, they are good looking solar panels.
Experts have said that the technology of using photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic shingles is a major breakthrough in the harnessing of solar power. Research is going on for further development in the solar power technology and you can expect even smaller and more efficient solar power systems made available in the near future.Author Mr. Pat Hall is one of the managers of the website that offers access to home wind turbines and accessories plus solar power panels and related tools that would enable anyone to create renewable green energy at home or at work easily. Visit windturbinegen.co.uk now for instant access.
For more information click here
Solar Generated Energy for Your Home: How Sunlight Hours and Sun Angle Effect Production (Part 6)
The angle at which the sun hits a solar cell effects the amount of solar energy produced. The following article explains these effects as well as some common residential solar systems characteristics such as tracking and mounting solutions. You may be surprised to find out that reflected light can actually produce solar energy even if you think it may not.
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buldings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
For more information click here
The Sun's Irradiance Throughout the Day
Many graphs and charts, found on the Internet via searching, show a solar cell module's output when it faces south throughout the 4 days following the fall equinox. These graphs most often show a bell curve of the power output, where peak production occurs around 12 to 1pm with a morning ramp-up and a decline as the sun goes down. This is due to intensity of light as well as deflection. As the days get shorter, the total irradiation falls as expected. The sun no longer is directly square with the panels, since it is lower in the sky.
Panel Tracking Devices for Home Solar Energy Systems
The best way to get around this decline in energy output is to place the solar array on a tracking device to keep it in direct sunlight for more time throughout the day. Looking at a sunflower can give you a good idea. The sunflower wakes up in the morning facing due East to catch the morning sun. As the day progresses, the sunflower turns its head to track as much sunlight as possible. It's perplexing why sunflowers grow so tall and sturdy? They soak up as much sun as possible.
There are two different types of tracking systems for residential solar energy units. Often there are alternate methods to mount a solar array. You could mount the solar panels on a fence, a flat wall, on a light pole, but the methods that follow are the most common.
1) Horizontal or flat mount array favors the summer months when the sun is highest.
2) Fixed angle at the optimum tilt angle yields the most kWh for a fixed array over the course of the entire year.
These two types of tracking systems create dramatically more exposure and higher sun hours all year long, but still more in the summer months. This relates to the overall need to calculate and take into account the total amount of energy required per month and per year then average out to the highest electric needs on a monthly basis. All of this data is included with the solar energy sizing estimates.
There are single axis tracking solar systems that track the sun from east to west. There are also dual axis tracking solar systems that track both from east to west and up and down, following the sun's altitude and azimuth to optimize production throughout the season. In the winter, the sun is much lower in the sky than in the summer therefore solar energy systems that can tilt up or down have a greater chance of catching all of the sun's energy.
Forms of Sun Irradiance
The sun reaches the solar panels in various paths, not just directly from a sun's beam being directly overhead. Because of this fact, there may be good generation of solar electricity on even overcast days or when you would not think the sunlight is of proper intensity.
There are three types of irradiance. 1. Diffuse Irradiation: Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffuse light from the sun does not exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.
2. Direct Irradiation: A beam of sun light goes straight from the sun to the solar module and directly interacts with the solar cells
3. Reflected Light (i.e. the Albedo effect): This is light that is reflected or scattered by the ground or nearby surfaces like trees or other buldings. Snow gives off a lot of this albedo light and grass or dirt gives off very little.
Sun Path Diagrams and Home Solar Energy Systems
A sun path diagram plots the position of the sun throughout the year. This is very useful when designing and installing solar arrays, to optimize the performance by determining the best angle and to avoid shadows from trees, vents, other buildings, etc. Understanding where the sun traces across the sky at your home, allows you to place your solar energy unit in the correct location. You can also determine if you may need to supplement your solar power system with a tracking device.
Expanding Options for Residential Solar Energy
New solar energy technology is continually coming to market that takes the idea of solar power to a new and simpler levels. Homeowners, while it is very useful to know the nuts and bolts of solar power systems, do not have to know the level of detail as presented in this article. New solar technology and home solar panel rental services provide energy efficiency and better control of power consumption. These solar power rental programs enable electric services that are more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable.
------
At Solargies (Solar Energies), our objective is to spread the adoption of renewable solar energy as rapidly as possible. Daniel Stouffer is writer and promoter of green energy. Learn about Renting your own Solar Energy system at: => http://www.solargies.com/Solar_Rentals.htm
For more information click here
Solar Roof Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles And Solar Panels
If you are a big advocate for green life, you must have been excited about the innovation of the solar roof shingles. Compared to the conventional asphalt shingles, this new solar system can deliver obvious advantages and benefits to those green-oriented families.
Visual Appeal
This new type of shingles resemble the traditional asphalt shingles in size and finish, but are covered with thin film solar cells that are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Despite their thinness, these solar cells are able to produce the same amount of solar energy as that produced by the large array of solar panels. In fact, the solar shingle systems were exactly designed to substitute for the visually intrusive solar panel arrays.
Higher Acceptance
In some areas, the homeowner associations do not allow installation of solar panel arrays either on your roof or backyard. But, don"t you think that the solar shingles will be more acceptable to them, as your roof will not look much different from their own roofs?
More Flexibility
There are two types of solar shingle systems available. The off-grid system is a self-contained one, while the on-grid one is attached to the public utility. The working mechanism behind the shingle solar system is the same as the old (though still being widely used at the moment) solar panel arrays - it collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The only difference is that the shingle systems use materials that are much smaller in size, but, with the newest solar technology, they are able to produce just the same amount of solar energy.
Easy Replacement
This new shingle system does not just look like the traditional asphalt shingles, it can also be replaced easily just as the asphalt shingles. Having said that, there is no need to worry about maintenance or replacement as yet. Almost all shingle systems in the market will last for at least 20 years, and they are able to sustain even the harsh weather like storm and high winds.
Right now, the solar roof shingles are still fair new in the market, and it is for your best interest that you purchase from reputable manufacturers that also provide professional installation. You can always do your research on the internet, find the best supplier, get the high-tech shingles properly installed, and start to experience the change to your life!
Click here for an excellent resource about using alternative energy for home power supply. Don"t worry if you are technically-challenged, all topics are explained in simple plain English.
Interested in solar panel kits? Check out what sort of planning you need to carry out before making your investment.
For more information click here
Visual Appeal
This new type of shingles resemble the traditional asphalt shingles in size and finish, but are covered with thin film solar cells that are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Despite their thinness, these solar cells are able to produce the same amount of solar energy as that produced by the large array of solar panels. In fact, the solar shingle systems were exactly designed to substitute for the visually intrusive solar panel arrays.
Higher Acceptance
In some areas, the homeowner associations do not allow installation of solar panel arrays either on your roof or backyard. But, don"t you think that the solar shingles will be more acceptable to them, as your roof will not look much different from their own roofs?
More Flexibility
There are two types of solar shingle systems available. The off-grid system is a self-contained one, while the on-grid one is attached to the public utility. The working mechanism behind the shingle solar system is the same as the old (though still being widely used at the moment) solar panel arrays - it collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The only difference is that the shingle systems use materials that are much smaller in size, but, with the newest solar technology, they are able to produce just the same amount of solar energy.
Easy Replacement
This new shingle system does not just look like the traditional asphalt shingles, it can also be replaced easily just as the asphalt shingles. Having said that, there is no need to worry about maintenance or replacement as yet. Almost all shingle systems in the market will last for at least 20 years, and they are able to sustain even the harsh weather like storm and high winds.
Right now, the solar roof shingles are still fair new in the market, and it is for your best interest that you purchase from reputable manufacturers that also provide professional installation. You can always do your research on the internet, find the best supplier, get the high-tech shingles properly installed, and start to experience the change to your life!
Click here for an excellent resource about using alternative energy for home power supply. Don"t worry if you are technically-challenged, all topics are explained in simple plain English.
Interested in solar panel kits? Check out what sort of planning you need to carry out before making your investment.
For more information click here
Solar Pathfinder -- Using It To Find The Best Position To Install Your Solar Panels
The Solar Pathfinder is a standard shade analysis tool. You can use it to find out exactly where the shadows will be at particular times of the day or year. The data is in graphical form, so you can make sense of it at one glance.
With a Solar Pathfinder, you can instantly locate the best position to install your solar panel. Experts recommend that solar panels should be exposed to unobstructed sunshine during the crucial period (from 9am to 3pm) so they can be fully utilized to generate electricity for the household. This can be done by placing your solar panels in a spot where there is little or no shading during this crucial period. The easiest way to do this is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
Another popular tool is the Solmetric Suneye. This instrument is rather user friendly, but is much more expensive than the Solar Pathfinder. This will set you back by at least $1,500...yet there is a cheaper option.
Why Do We Need To Use A Solar Pathfinder?
A proper instrument like a Solar Pathfinder can save you lots of time and guesswork. Moreover it is reasonably easy to use and is affordable.
If we do not use any instrument to determine shadow positions, we'll need to observe their movement from dawn to dusk -- this is certainly not an efficient use of time. This is a waste of time! Moreover, these positions shift (slightly) through different seasons because of how the earth rotates around the sun.
But why do we care so much about the extent of shading? You may not realize this, but the effect of shading is devastating to solar energy production. Even if your solar panel is slightly covered under a shadow, the power output can drop drastically.
Consider this...if you shade only one solar cell out of the entire solar panel, your energy production is likely to drop by a third. If you'll only cover a row of photovoltaic cells, your electricity output reduces by a huge 90%. This means your solar panels have virtually stopped working!
Therefore when installing your solar panels, shading is your first and most important concern.
But is it worthwhile to use a solar pathfinder? Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we could determine shadow positions without the use of a scientific instrument... In fact, the additional electricity you'll be able to generate quickly covers the cost of the Solar Pathfinder. This is especially true for large systems.
After all, you've invested money and effort on your solar cells, batteries and inverters... Are you going to sacrifice a potentially significant part of its energy output just to save a few bucks? I hope not!
In case you are thinking of installing solar panels without a Solar Pathfinder, drop the idea as soon as possible. Because guesswork will eventually cost you dearly! You may be concerned about the cost...or you may be worried about the complexity of the instrument. The fact is this instrument only costs $249 and you'll probably take only 15 minutes to learn how to use it.
Whatever it is, if you're without a Solar Pathfinder, I'm confident of this -- you cannot even begin your installation... Without this instrument, you'll be lost!
To use a Solar Pathfinder, you simply have to bring it to the spot you feel is most suitable for installation. Then you will have to level the instrument and point it in the right direction using an in-built compass. The plastic dome will show you a paranomic view of the entire area together with the regions affected by shading over different times of the day or year.
You can record your readings by using a wax pencil (or grease pen) to outline the shape formed by the shadow. You can also use your digital camera to take a snap shot. (I prefer the second approach - it's instantaneous!)
The effects of shading are exceedingly damaging to solar energy production. Therefore you have to eliminate the guesswork -- which can be very costly -- and use a scientific approach to put up your solar panels. Among all known techniques, the easiest and cheapest way is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators over the years. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
With a Solar Pathfinder, you can instantly locate the best position to install your solar panel. Experts recommend that solar panels should be exposed to unobstructed sunshine during the crucial period (from 9am to 3pm) so they can be fully utilized to generate electricity for the household. This can be done by placing your solar panels in a spot where there is little or no shading during this crucial period. The easiest way to do this is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
Another popular tool is the Solmetric Suneye. This instrument is rather user friendly, but is much more expensive than the Solar Pathfinder. This will set you back by at least $1,500...yet there is a cheaper option.
Why Do We Need To Use A Solar Pathfinder?
A proper instrument like a Solar Pathfinder can save you lots of time and guesswork. Moreover it is reasonably easy to use and is affordable.
If we do not use any instrument to determine shadow positions, we'll need to observe their movement from dawn to dusk -- this is certainly not an efficient use of time. This is a waste of time! Moreover, these positions shift (slightly) through different seasons because of how the earth rotates around the sun.
But why do we care so much about the extent of shading? You may not realize this, but the effect of shading is devastating to solar energy production. Even if your solar panel is slightly covered under a shadow, the power output can drop drastically.
Consider this...if you shade only one solar cell out of the entire solar panel, your energy production is likely to drop by a third. If you'll only cover a row of photovoltaic cells, your electricity output reduces by a huge 90%. This means your solar panels have virtually stopped working!
Therefore when installing your solar panels, shading is your first and most important concern.
But is it worthwhile to use a solar pathfinder? Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we could determine shadow positions without the use of a scientific instrument... In fact, the additional electricity you'll be able to generate quickly covers the cost of the Solar Pathfinder. This is especially true for large systems.
After all, you've invested money and effort on your solar cells, batteries and inverters... Are you going to sacrifice a potentially significant part of its energy output just to save a few bucks? I hope not!
In case you are thinking of installing solar panels without a Solar Pathfinder, drop the idea as soon as possible. Because guesswork will eventually cost you dearly! You may be concerned about the cost...or you may be worried about the complexity of the instrument. The fact is this instrument only costs $249 and you'll probably take only 15 minutes to learn how to use it.
Whatever it is, if you're without a Solar Pathfinder, I'm confident of this -- you cannot even begin your installation... Without this instrument, you'll be lost!
To use a Solar Pathfinder, you simply have to bring it to the spot you feel is most suitable for installation. Then you will have to level the instrument and point it in the right direction using an in-built compass. The plastic dome will show you a paranomic view of the entire area together with the regions affected by shading over different times of the day or year.
You can record your readings by using a wax pencil (or grease pen) to outline the shape formed by the shadow. You can also use your digital camera to take a snap shot. (I prefer the second approach - it's instantaneous!)
The effects of shading are exceedingly damaging to solar energy production. Therefore you have to eliminate the guesswork -- which can be very costly -- and use a scientific approach to put up your solar panels. Among all known techniques, the easiest and cheapest way is to use a Solar Pathfinder.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators over the years. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
Homemade Solar Power - How to Make Solar Panels cheap!
As the cost of living continues to rise there is a increasing demand for alternative energy resources that can provide cleaner and more cost efficient results to consumers. You just have to look at gas and oil prices to realise that there is indeed a crisis amongst us.
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
Cheap Home Solar Panels: Reuse & Recycle To Save Money
While it's not difficult to find information on how to put together a cheap home solar energy system, many experts forget to mention an easy way to save even more money when you do it yourself. Salvaging used solar panels is a great way to build an eco-friendly home while recycling perfectly good solar equipment in the process.
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Used solar panels can be found on auction sites like eBay and classified ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji - be warned, you should most definitely ask the seller questions about the condition and location of materials to avoid scammers. Also, don't forget to factor shipping into the cost of recycling solar panel parts!
Refitting used solar equipment to build low cost panels doesn't require as much skill as one might think. With basic do-it-yourself skills and common tools, most people will easily be able to repair and reuse components from pre-owned and even broken solar generators.
As always, do first things first. After you've purchased your used solar panels you will need to free the photovoltaic cells from the base which they are mounted to. Next you can inspect the solar cells for any loose connectors, cracked panels and moisture damage. These issues are quite common and usually the reasons why most homeowners deem their solar panels to be defective. This equipment can usually be repaired quite easily with a little re-soldering of the joints to strengthen the connections.
Replacing broken PV cells require a little more effort as you will need to replace them with similar or exact components as the original. It is important to note that if a solar cell is broken, and this is the only problem, most will still work though the overall power output will be reduced.
If cheap home solar panels are what you desire, then harvesting used parts is a great way to save money on your DIY solar panel project. Used panels can often be picked up for next to nothing, and if you're lucky you might find a local contractor who is willing to unload a lot of used parts and panels for free!
Whether you're paying for used panels or they were given to you, identifying the problems is where most of your time will be spent. As long as you know this going into it, cheap home solar panels are often right around the corner! If you run into problems finding good used parts, consider contacting contractors who specialize in solar panel installation. Most will be willing to cheaply sell or even give you used panels just to get rid of unneeded inventory.
------
Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some substantial savings on your power bills then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel => http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/
For more information click here
Green Power Easy Review-The Easiest,Cheapest Way to Convert your Home to Solar or Wind Power
Many people these days are looking for alternative energy solutions to combat rising electricity prices and to reduce their impact on the environment.
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
To buy a complete alternative energy system and have it installed could cost you $15,000 to $20,000. The great news is that there are now excellent do-it-yourself guides like Green Power Easy, that make it simple to convert your home to solar or wind power for as little as $200 to $300.
Being passionate about sustainable living practices, I have been looking for alternative energy guides for some time . I have purchased two guides in the past, but as a female do-it-yourselfer, I found them to be a little too technical at times and found it difficult to understand some of the instructions. I didn't feel confident enough to get started on the solar conversion I had planned.
Having recently purchased the Green Power Easy series of guides, I must say they are the most comprehensive and easy to understand guides I have ever come across. Most importantly it's the first time I've seen a guide that teaches you how to convert your whole home, easily, to solar or wind power.
The authors Peter and Jen Lowe, provide well written step-by-step instructions on how to build solar panels and wind turbines, and how to connect them to other components to complete your home conversion. Professionally designed illustrations also help to show you how to complete each step. There is nothing too challenging here for the average DIYer, but if you are not that confident about doing things like soldering, sawing, drilling and wiring, you may have to enlist the help of a handyman friend.
Green Power Easy comes as a series of ebooks and videos comprising of:
1 The EASY DIY Guide to Solar and Wind Power
This is the main ebook of 140 pages that teaches you:
What alternative energy is all about.
How to choose which alternative energy solution is best for your home.
How to design and build your own solar panels.
How to design and build your own wind turbine.
5 ways to wire your energy system into your home.
2 The EASY IMPLEMENTATION Guide
This is your guide to designing an alternative energy system that will reduce or eliminate your power bills.
You will learn:
How to calculate your current energy needs.
How to use those calculations to design your alternative energy system.
6 steps to take to ensure your system works for your needs.
How to calculate your energy storage needs.
How to design an energy storage system.
3 The EASY REBATES Guide
This shows you how to take advantage of green rebates of up to 75 %, available from federal, state, and local governments.
It includes information on:
US federal, state and local rebates.
Canadian federal and provincial rebates.
Information for UK and Australian members, and information for other countries.
4 The EASY PARTS ORDERING Guide
Learn where to source parts that you can afford.
You will learn:
How to find solar cells to build a panel for less than $25.
How to get a turbine generator for less than $40.
Where to get batteries for $5 and much more.
5 Supplementary VIDEOS
Easy to follow videos that build upon what the ebooks cover.
6 Optional Green Power EASY TV SERIES
A monthly video series that includes further instruction, new DIY ideas, and ideas on how to start your own alternative energy business.
You can purchase all of this for under $50 ( look for the special offer), which in my opinion is unbeatable value for money.
I believe this is the top product in this market at present, and would recommend it to everyone who wants to build their own solar or wind power system.
The authors offer a 60 day money back guarantee to give you ample time to look through all the material.
If you are still undecided, take a look at their Free Alternative Energy Report, which tells you more about the product and shows real case studies of systems that have been built. They also offer 2 free samples from the Green Power Easy TV series.
For a second opinion, take a look at alternative energy engineer, Miller Britzke's, reviews of the top five guides for DIY Alternative Energy
Residential Solar Panels - Comparison Between Homemade Solar Panels And Commercial Ones
Residential solar panels is the perfect solution to reduce a family's dependence on fossil fuel. Many folks will call up a contractor to supply and install their solar energy panels. However, a group of DIYers claim that DIY panels are far better than commercial ones. Is there any truth to their statement? Let's investigate...
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
If you want convenience, ready-made commercial panels are undoubtedly the best. Within a day, your contractor can mount all the photovoltaic panels on your roof, run the cabling and install all the other parts of the solar power generator. After they're done, you'll only have to pay them and you are ready to use renewable energy from that point. Pretty straightforward. However, the cost of hiring these professional could have burnt a hole in your pocket if they are not deep enough. What do I mean?
A complete solar power installation can easily set you back by at least $30,000 to $40,000. Considering the benefits above, some household may be able to part with this kind of money. But this is not true for everyone. In fact, most homeowners will have to take a loan against the photovoltaic equipment. Thus they will have to pay more due to the interest accrued.
As cost is a major concern for most people, many are turning to making their own photovoltaic generators. By combining several solar cells mounted on a frame, they are able to make a decent power-generating panel that can produce electricity for their home. After constructing a number of these panels, these DIYers are able to be independent from their local power station.
If you happen to wonder how difficult it is to build your own solar power generator, go to the Internet to do a little research. You'll find it's as easy as following simple, step-by-step instructions from DIY solar guides that you can buy for less than $50.
Making your own photovoltaic panels is definitely the most affordable option. With less than $200, you are able to build a piece of photovoltaic panel that works for you as long as it is day. The materials needed are commonly found from your local hardware retailer or from Internet sites such as eBay. They are also relatively cheap.
The downside about building a DIY solar power system is the time and effort involved. After all, if you had no experience building photovoltaic panels before, you need to start learning - and this involves a little time. But if you are able to roll up your sleeves and apply a little elbow grease, you'll acquire an asset that costs far lesser than commercial panels. The payback period will also be dramatically shorter.
------
John Greenspan is an expert in do-it-yourself solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at => http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com
For more information click here
How to Build a Solar Heater - Make Homemade DIY Solar Heaters
Solar heating systems are quickly invading the market. People continuously appreciate the benefits of having solar powered heaters: from hot water heaters, pool heaters, and air heaters. Moreover, a lot of people have taken to explore the ways of learning how to build a solar heater. Their familiarity with how solar panels work have given them impetus to take a stab at crafting a solar powered heater that will serve their purposes.
For more information click here
For more information click here
Homemade Solar Power - How to Make Solar Panels cheap!
As the cost of living continues to rise there is a increasing demand for alternative energy resources that can provide cleaner and more cost efficient results to consumers. You just have to look at gas and oil prices to realise that there is indeed a crisis amongst us.
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
But the problem doesn't not stop there!
Even the price of electricity is becoming unaffordable and thousands have resorted to turning off their power at certain times - but there is hope! Thanks to recent developments to solar energy research we now have a viable alternative to hydro electricity and provides savings of up to 80% on your Power Bill and contains no carbon emissions making it environmentally friendly.
Buying a Solar Power generator system can be very expensive depending on the size of your home and if you are seriously considering purchasing one expect to pay around $3000 upwards for a unit OR you can learn how to make solar panels and build one from scratch using materials that will cost you no more than $200.
The latter option is much cheaper and not really that hard to do if you have a good guide that can show you step by step how to construct a DIY Solar Panel.
The materials you need can be found in your home and at the local hardware store:
Solar cells that can be bought cheap
Plywood
Copper wire
Sheets of glass
All the materials displayed above can be used to build a DIY solar panel that can output as much as a commercial system on the market. As mentioned before as long as you have a detailed easy to follow guide you'll have one made in no time.
For more information please visit my website - How to make Solar Panels
For more information click here
Sunday, September 4, 2011
How to Build Wind Generator at Home
Wind power can be an excellent alternative to a solar power system. In many places, when the sun is not shining, the wind is usually blowing. Wind power is very helpful in the winter to capture both the gentle and ferocious mountain winds when there is less sunlight but in need of high power. Wind power is not suitable as the only source of power in many locations. It is just used to fill in the gaps when sunlight is not enough to produce electricity.
It is not that difficult to make a wind generator by yourself. You will need some basic hand tools and power tools, with some degree of dedication. We define wind generators of 2000watts as large generator and 700-100 as small generators. Large generators requires very strong construction and small generators can be built easily. We highly recommend that you try to build a small wind turbine before even thinking about building a large one. You will need to cut and weld steel, and a metal lathe should be needed.(however you can hire a machine shop to do some steps for you)
In most locations, strong winds very rare while GENTLE winds (5-15 mph) are the most common. It is best to make large, sturdy wind turbines that produce good power even in low wind speeds, and are able to survive high wind events while still producing maximum power. The power available in the wind goes up by a factor of 8 when the speed of the wind doubles.
Other important factors are rotor size and tower height. The power a wind turbine can produce goes up by at least a factor of 4 as you double the rotor size. And making a tower higher gets you above turbulence for better performance and substantially increased the power output. Putting a wind turbine on a short tower is just like putting solar panels in the shade!
If you want to learn more about how to make a wind generator yourself, you can visit the following website.
Click here to learn how to make a wind generator at home
For more information click here
It is not that difficult to make a wind generator by yourself. You will need some basic hand tools and power tools, with some degree of dedication. We define wind generators of 2000watts as large generator and 700-100 as small generators. Large generators requires very strong construction and small generators can be built easily. We highly recommend that you try to build a small wind turbine before even thinking about building a large one. You will need to cut and weld steel, and a metal lathe should be needed.(however you can hire a machine shop to do some steps for you)
In most locations, strong winds very rare while GENTLE winds (5-15 mph) are the most common. It is best to make large, sturdy wind turbines that produce good power even in low wind speeds, and are able to survive high wind events while still producing maximum power. The power available in the wind goes up by a factor of 8 when the speed of the wind doubles.
Other important factors are rotor size and tower height. The power a wind turbine can produce goes up by at least a factor of 4 as you double the rotor size. And making a tower higher gets you above turbulence for better performance and substantially increased the power output. Putting a wind turbine on a short tower is just like putting solar panels in the shade!
If you want to learn more about how to make a wind generator yourself, you can visit the following website.
Click here to learn how to make a wind generator at home
For more information click here
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