Green-Energy-Solar-Panels

Homemade Solar Panels - How Many Solar Panels are Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:31:00 +0000

If you plan on tying your solar panels into the grid, then one way going about it is just buying what you can afford. Then when you have enough money saved just add another one, and so on. That away whatever electricity you are producing your electricity company will just credit you. For example in my state, they just credit back what you produce on the next months bill. Doing it this way is fun and motivating to watch those bills start decreasing.

If you plan on going big, then there are a few steps that you will have to follow to find out about how many solar panels you will be needing to compensate for all the energy used in your home. Once you have this part down, it will all start to come together and become easier to understand how this all works.

1. Make a list of all the electrical appliances that you use, how many watts each one uses and estimate how many hours per day you use them. You can find the amount of watts it uses by looking at the label on the back or bottom of the electrical product. You'll be looking for omething that looks like (1450W) for example. Of course all the numbers will vary depending on how many watts that particular product uses. Some power adapters won't tell you how many watts it uses, instead is will tell you the amount of volts and amps. (for example +13v ... 1.3A) If this is the case, you will want to multiple the volts x amps to get your watts. Keep in mind all of these labels are slightly different, so if you are still having trouble on a particular appliance, check the manual or call the manufacture to get the amount of watts. The labels on the electrical items approximations, which is fine, but if you would like a more precise number, using a kill-a-watt electronic device works wonders! This device plugs into your electrical outlet, and then you plug the electrical item into the kill-a-watt meter and it gives you an exact reading of how many watts it uses. This meter is extremely handy and very inexpensive.

2. Multiply the total watts times the hours used for each particular electrical product. So for example if you use a radio for 2 hours a day while working out and it uses 14W, then you would multiply 14x2 to get a total of 28watts per day for the radio. Once you do this for each item, add them all up to get the total amount of watts that you use per day.

3. Look at the following table to determine the amount of average sunlight you get in your area.

4. Now divide the total amount of watts used per day as you figured out in step 2, by the average amount of sunlight. So if you use 1000 watts per day in your home and the average sunlight is 4.3, then you would do 3000/4.3=698. This means you will need atleast 698 Watts of solar panels to get enough solar energy to power your entire house.

Source (www.solarpaneltalk.com)

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Solar Panels Power Output - Wattage of a Solar Panel
Homemade Solar Panels Kit - Earth 4 Energy Review

Solar Power. Photovoltaics and Concentrating Solar Power

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:26:00 +0000

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Sunlight can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly with concentrating solar power (CSP), which normally focuses the sun's energy to boil water which is then used to provide power, and technologies such as the Stirling engine dishes which use a Stirling cycle engine to power a generator. Photovoltaics were initially used to power small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator powered by a single solar cell to off-grid homes powered by a photovoltaic array.

Concentrating solar power

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. The concentrated heat is then used as a heat source for a conventional power plant. A wide range of concentrating technologies exists; the most developed are the parabolic trough, the concentrating linear fresnel reflector, the Stirling dish and the solar power tower. Various techniques are used to track the Sun and focus light. In all of these systems a working fluid is heated by the concentrated sunlight, and is then used for power generation or energy storage.

Photovoltaics

Solar power has great potential, but in 2008 supplied less than 0.02% of the world's total energy supply. There are many competing technologies, including fourteen types of photovoltaic cells, such as thin film, monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous cells, as well as multiple types of concentrating solar power.

Concentrating photovoltaics are another new method of electricity generation from the sun. Concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) systems employ sunlight concentrated onto photovoltaic surfaces for the purpose of electrical power production. Solar concentrators of all varieties may be used, and these are often mounted on a solar tracker in order to keep the focal point upon the cell as the Sun moves across the sky. Tracking is not required for concentrations of less than 2 to 5, but does increase flat panel photovoltaic output by up to 20% in winter, and up to 50% in summer.

Source(WIKIPEDIA)

Related Articles:
Renewable Energy. Introduction to Green Energy
Solar Panels - Workings of the Photovoltaic Solar Cell

Renewable Energy. Introduction to Green Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat—which are renewable (naturally replenished). In 2006, about 18% of global final energy consumption came from renewables, with 13% coming from traditional biomass, such as wood-burning. Hydroelectricity was the next largest renewable source, providing 3% of global energy consumption and 15% of global electricity generation.

The majority of renewable energy technologies are powered by the sun. The Earth-Atmosphere system is in equilibrium such that heat radiation into space is equal to incoming solar radiation, the resulting level of energy within the Earth-Atmosphere system can roughly be described as the Earth's "climate." The hydrosphere (water) absorbs a major fraction of the incoming radiation. Most radiation is absorbed at low latitudes around the equator, but this energy is dissipated around the globe in the form of winds and ocean currents. Wave motion may play a role in the process of transferring mechanical energy between the atmosphere and the ocean through wind stress. Solar energy is also responsible for the distribution of precipitation which is tapped by hydroelectric projects, and for the growth of plants used to create biofuels.

Wind power

Airflows can be used to run wind turbines. Modern wind turbines range from around 600 kW to 5 MW of rated power, although turbines with rated output of 1.5–3 MW have become the most common for commercial use; the power output of a turbine is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically. Areas where winds are stronger and more constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites, are preferred locations for wind farms.

Since wind speed is not constant, a wind farm's annual energy production is never as much as the sum of the generator nameplate ratings multiplied by the total hours in a year. The ratio of actual productivity in a year to this theoretical maximum is called the capacity factor. Typical capacity factors are 20-40%, with values at the upper end of the range in particularly favourable sites. For example, a 1 MW turbine with a capacity factor of 35% will only produce an average of 0.35 MW. Over a year, output would be .35x24x365 = 3,066 MWh instead of 24x365 = 8,760 MWh. Online data is available for some locations and the capacity factor can be calculated from the yearly output.

Water power

Energy in water (in the form of kinetic energy, temperature differences or salinity gradients) can be harnessed and used. Since water is about 800 times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts of energy.

There are many forms of water energy:

Hydroelectric energy is a term usually reserved for large-scale hydroelectric dams. Examples are the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State and the Akosombo Dam in Ghana.
Micro hydro systems are hydroelectric power installations that typically produce up to 100 kW of power. They are often used in water rich areas as a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS). There are many of these installations around the world, including several delivering around 50 kW in the Solomon Islands.
Damless hydro systems derive kinetic energy from rivers and oceans without using a dam.
Ocean energy describes all the technologies to harness energy from the ocean and the sea:
Osmotic power or salinity gradient power, is the energy retrieved from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and river water. Reverse electrodialysis (PRO) is in the research and testing phase.
Vortex power is generated by placing obstacles in rivers in order to cause the formation of vortices which can then be tapped for energy.
Deep lake water cooling, although not technically an energy generation method, can save a lot of energy in summer. It uses submerged pipes as a heat sink for climate control systems. Lake-bottom water is a year-round local constant of about 4 °C.

Solar energy

In this context, "solar energy" refers to energy that is collected from sunlight. Solar energy can be applied in many ways, including to:

Generate electricity using photovoltaic solar cells.
Generate electricity using concentrated solar power.
Generate electricity by heating trapped air which rotates turbines in a Solar updraft tower.
Generate hydrogen using photoelectrochemical cells.
Heat and cool air through use of solar chimneys.
Heat buildings, directly, through passive solar building design.
Heat foodstuffs, through solar ovens.
Heat water or air for domestic hot water and space heating needs using solar-thermal panels.
Solar air conditioning

Biofuel

Plants use photosynthesis to grow and produce biomass. Also known as biomatter, biomass can be used directly as fuel or to produce biofuels. Agriculturally produced biomass fuels, such as biodiesel, ethanol and bagasse (often a by-product of sugar cane cultivation) can be burned in internal combustion engines or boilers. Typically biofuel is burned to release its stored chemical energy. Research into more efficient methods of converting biofuels and other fuels into electricity utilizing fuel cells is an area of very active work.

Solid biomass

Solid biomass is most commonly used directly as a combustible fuel, producing 10-20 MJ/kg of heat. Biomass can also be used to feed bacteria, which can transform it in another form of energy such as hydrogen, using a process called Fermentative hydrogen production.

Biogas

Biogas can easily be produced from current waste streams, such as paper production, sugar production, sewage, animal waste and so forth. These various waste streams have to be slurried together and allowed to naturally ferment, producing methane gas. This can be done by converting current sewage plants into biogas plants. When a biogas plant has extracted all the methane it can, the remains are sometimes more suitable as fertilizer than the original biomass.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is energy obtained by tapping the heat of the earth itself, both from kilometers deep into the Earth's crust in some places of the globe or from some meters in geothermal heat pump in all the places of the planet . It is expensive to build a power station but operating costs are low resulting in low energy costs for suitable sites. Ultimately, this energy derives from heat in the Earth's core.

Source (WIKIPEDIA)

Earth4Energy Review - Earth 4 Energy Honest Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Earth 4 Energy Review - Scam or Not ?

Author : Michael Harvey
Contact : Only a website contact form, no phone number, no address
Website : Earth 4 Energy
Price : 49,97 $
Guarantee : 8 weeks money back
Logo and Website Screens

What's Included In The Earth4Energy pack :

1. Introduction To Solar Energy

2. Building Your Solar Panel
• Detailed plans complete with color diagrams and pictures.
• Easy to follow instructions that will answer all your questions.
• Build a solar panel for as little as $98. We will even explain how you can build it for less!

3. Solar Help Package
This package consists of 5 extra resources that will help you along the way.
Solar Panel installation And Mounting
This guide will show you how to fix the solar panels to your roof just like the professionals do. This fully illustrated guide is a must have for a complete and secure install.
Electrical Wiring Plans
To safely wiring up your solar panels you are going to need to know a few things first, that's why this guide is so important.
The Solar Calculator
We have even developed a solar calculator for you to use. This will show you how many panels you will need to power your home and what size battery bank you will need if you want to go completely off-grid.
Just key in some details and press calculate!
Energy Consumer Guide
This guide is going to help you calculate just how much money solar energy can save your household.
Solar Tax Credits And Rebates
Don't spend hours searching government web sites, we have all the forms ready for you to fill out!

Free Bonus 1
Earth4Energy Video Series
Free Bonus 2
Make A Wind Turbine!

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

Visit the webite for a complete description

I've seen dozens of websites, reviews and videos about this earth4energy product. All of them ar only advertise and fake reviews or reviews without real comments from people who bought the package.

Have you actually made the solar panels or wind generators described in this eart4energy package?

Please feel free to comment and add links to images and videos with your homemade solar panels or wind turbine.

Let the People Talk !!

Solar Panels Installation - How to Instal Solar Panels

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:55:00 +0000

There are a few different options when it comes to installation and you can choose to do it yourself if you feel comfortable or pay someone to do it for you which costs usually $1000+ depending on the size of the job. You can have the solar panels installed:

-With a ground mounted system if the area gets enough sunlight and clear from obstructions.
-Mounted on the roof, which requires holes through the roof and mounted into the rafters
-With thin film solar panels that are literally glued to the top of your roof Ground Mounted System

With ground mounted solar panels, they are affixed on poles that are cemented into the ground. There are a couple different options you can choose from if you decide to go with a ground mounted solar panel system.

Static Mounted System

The most cost efficient is just using a static setup that point the solar panels in the most efficient area for sunlight exposure. There are a few different variations of this type of system, for example your solar panels could sit on top of a single pole, on the side of a single pole, or panels on multiple adjustable, supporting legs. You would just choose whatever works best for your situation.

Active Solar Tracker

For a few thousand dollars you can purchase Active Solar Trackers which are ground mounted,however, they have a special optical sensor that follows the sun throughout the day and maximizes the energy absorbed. Keep in mind the more mechanically complicated the system is, the more that could go wrong with it. This type of ground mounted system is best for individuals who are handy or know of someone that could maintenance it.

Passive Solar Tracker

Another more costly option, but not as much as the Active Solar Trackers are Passive Solar Trackers. This type of system uses the sun's heat to move liquid from side to side inside the tracker, allowing gravity to turn it and follow the sun, using no motors, no gears and no controls to fail. By using either type of solar tracker you'll help your solar panel get the most sun possible throughout the day as it automatically points your solar array to a perpendicular line with the sun.

Mounted on Roof

Solar panels can be mounted on many different types of roofs. Shingle roofs are the easiest to work with and tile roofs can be a bit more challenging. Ideally it would be best to have the solar panels installed while your in the process of having your roof built, but the majority of us aren't sitting at our computer desk looking up at the stars, so let's move on.

The mounts will go through the roof with stainless steel bolts that are secured into the rafters. It can be a tricky process locating the rafters on your roof so if your not experienced or know a little about carpentry, you could Google different ways to find the rafters and do whatever you feel the most comfortable with or try to find a friend or relative to give you a hand. Another option is finding the closest solar panel installation company and pay them to do it.

Thin Film Panels Glued on Roof

Although thin film solar panels don't absorb the sunlight with as much efficiency as others, there are a lot of benefits to installing these types of solar panels. Unlike monocrystalline panels, you don't have to mount the thin film solar panels on your roof. The thin film panels are literally glued onto the roof which means no holes. Putting holes in your roof can void your warranty and even damage it if it’s not done correctly. Also, thin film solar panels don't weigh as much as other
panels that contain large amounts of silicon with structural support. Thin-film panels work better than conventional panels in very hot climates, such as Southern Nevada and Arizona. Thin film solar panels also do a better job of producing energy at the beginning and end of the day during times of non-direct sunlight.

SOURCE : (www.solarpaneltalk.com)

Solar Panels - Types Of Solar Panels

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Types of Solar Panels

Monocrystalline Solar Panels are made from a large crystal of silicon. These type of solar panels are the most efficient as in absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity, however they are the most expensive. They do somewhat better in lower light conditions then the other types of solar panels.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels are the most common type of solar panels on the market today. They look a lot like shattered glass. They are slightly less efficient then the monocrystalline solar panels and less expensive to produce. Instead of one large crystal, this type of solar panel consists of multiple amounts of smaller silicon crystals.

Amorphous Solar Panels consist of a thin-like film made from molten silicon that is spread directly across large plates of stainless steel or similar material. These types of solar panels have lower efficiency then the other two types of solar panels, and the cheapest to produce. One advantage of amorphous solar panels over the other two is that they are shadow protected. That means that the solar panel continues to charge while part of the solar panel cells are in a shadow.
These work great on boats and other types of transportation.

Efficiency of Solar Panels Types

Solar Panel efficiency is the percentage of solar energy that is captured and converted into electricity. It's difficult to give an exact number, so the numbers below are an average percentage of efficiency that the different types of solar panels output. Thin film solar panels will generally degrade approximately 1% each year, where as crystalline panels degrade at approximately .5% . Below are the approximate percentages for each type of solar panel:

Monocrystalline Solar Panel- 18%
Polycrystalline Solar Panel- 15%
Amorphous (thin-film) Solar Panel - 10%

Solar Panels Installation - What You Need To Know If You’re Thinking Of Installing RV Solar Panel

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:21:00 +0000

By: Mike Cubert

You’ve probably seen more than a few of them on the roads now, and in increasing numbers: RVs with an RV solar panel attached to their roofs. And if you have an RV of your own, you’re doubtlessly wondering how you can get one of those panel RV solar setups yourself. Well you can. And here’s what you need to know so you can do it.

The first thing to realize is that you are probably not going to be able to generate enough power to fill all your electricity needs for a whole day with your new RV solar panel. A single 50 watt RV solar panel will generate approximately 200 watts of power per day (given sunny circumstances, that is), especially when you consider that it is only during the heat of the day, when the sun is highest in the sky, that the RV solar panel will get the bulk of its charge.

Now, 200 watts is certainly nothing to shake a stick at. Far from trying to discourage you from undertaking this admirable task, we just want to advise you go into it with realistic expectations. The purpose of an RV solar panel should be to supplement your available power, not provide all of it.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to first sit down and figure out how much supplemental power you’d (realistically) like your RV solar panel system to generate for you. How much power are you planning to run? What is the wattage on your TV, fan, blender, etc. and how long do you intend to run each of them in one day. If you think you’ll be using 800 watts, for example, then you’ll need to install 4 panels. If you live in less sunnier climes, you may need more.

The best and most resourceful idea is to get yourself a deep cycle battery (or two or three) so that you can charge up when the sun’s out and an inverter so that you can plug right in and utilize the solar power you’ve collected whenever you need it, even if it’s dark or raining out.

Be sure, however, that either your batteries or your RV solar panel have a charging controller that will meter the charging process and shut it down before you overcharge your batteries. Barring that, an additional battery charge meter is invaluable. Without one, you risk prematurely reducing the lifespan of your RV solar panel batteries.

When you install the panel RV solar, tilt it upwards so that you can catch the most sun during its peak hours (11am-3pm) when it’s highest in the sky. Do also take care to keep in mind the new height of your RV now that it’s got an RV solar panel on top of it. The last thing you want to do is smack that into a low underpass, right?

Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com

Solar Panels - What Does It Cost To Put Up Solar Panels ?

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:28:00 +0000

By: Richard Chapo

If you are going to take advantage of solar energy, you need to know the full cost. Next to the purchase price, putting them up is the second biggest expense.

"But how much does it cost?" is a common question relating to solar energy. This is a difficult question to answer because the amount is dependent on several factors: where you are in the world, how much sun you get, and how much energy do you use.

Where you live in the world determines how much sun you get each day. Since solar power is dependent on sunlight, you must have a certain amount in order to generate enough power. How much sun you get is also related to where the panels are hung on a structure. Angle, direction and shade are the factors to consider. To work best, solar arrays should face south, at angles ranging from 15 to 40 degrees. How much energy you use can be determined using the following process, which was developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Consumers will need their electric bill to figure out the cost of going 100% solar. The first step is to divide the total number of Kilowatt Hours (KW) by 30 in order to get your daily average use (many bills will already have this number broken out, so in that case you can skip the first step). Once you determine your average KWH usage per day, that number is then divided by the average number of full sun hours per day. That quotient should then be multiplied by 1.15 in order to give you a comfortable margin. An example of this formula looks like this: 500 KWH / 30 = 16.67 KWH per day. 16.67 KWH / 7 = 2.38. 2.38 X 1.15 = 2.74 KW or 2,740 watts needed from solar panels.

According to NREL, the average cost of installing a solar system is around $7.00 per watt or $9.00 if you have it installed by a licensed professional. Since some of the rebates require a licensed contractor, the latter is recommended. This average includes the cost of the solar panels, inverters, mounts, wires, and hardware, but it does not include the price of inspection or costs related to getting on the grid with your local electric company. Using the example above, that system would then cost about $24,660 to install, plus another couple of thousand dollars for inspections and fees.

While this may seem like a huge investment, there are federal, state, and local incentives to go solar. There is a yearly federal tax break of about $2000 for solar users. Most states will rebate part of your installation and purchasing costs. Local energy companies will buy your excess energy, which reduces your overall bill for when you need to be "on the grid." And consumers can still reap some of these incentives, even if they only go partially solar to start.

Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com - learn more about solar panels.

Learn How You Can Build Solar Panels Under 100 $

Solar Panels - Workings of the Photovoltaic Solar Cell

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:15:00 +0000

Breaking down the word photovoltaic, “photo” means light and “voltaic” means electricity. This is essentially what photovoltaic (PV) cells do – convert sunlight into electricity. These little energy building cells are built into solar devices such as modules, or series of solar cells configured in panels and attached to residential roofs. For peak voltage and current, modules can be interconnected in higher numbers, with more solar cells absorbing and converting solar energy.

A PV cell consists of a diode, made from a semiconductor. Silicon is still the most widely used for its high efficiency levels in comparison with other material, such as thin film. The semiconductor can transfer heat or electricity from its own material to the metal plates that border the solar cell.

To begin the process, the semiconductor must absorb photons in sunlight. This absorption in turn releases atoms, which begin to flow through the semiconductor to create an electrical charge. The metal plates collect the current and transfer it to an inverter. Useable electricity is generated once the inverter changes the solar cell’s direct current into AC current for the home’s utility panel.

Silicon wafers, the most frequently used semiconductor in solar cells, has a pure crystalline structure. Silicon atoms are layered and electrons increase in number within their centers. Electrons in the interior are always moving outward to take the place of those in the outer layers. Doping silicon with N- and P-type cells results in a process where more electrons can escape so that electrical currents will be generated.

Research in alternatives to the silicon wafer has produced foil-based solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystal solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells.

Solar modules typically have protective glass covering to help absorb heat while keeping it from escaping. The glass also protects the semiconductor material of the solar cells. Solar cell output is measured in watts or kilowatts.

Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com

Solar Panels - Pool Solar Panels

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:11:00 +0000

Pool Solar Panel

Introduction

Pool solar panels are the most economical way to heat your swimming pool, whether it’s in-the-ground or above ground. The use of pool solar panels first became popular in 1972, and the United States Department of Energy reports that in 1997, approximately 93% of all solar panels sold in this country were used to heat swimming pool water.

It is a misnomer to think that pool solar panels are effective only in warm, sunny climates. In fact, they are commonly used in all of the continental United States, as well as in Hawaii. Even on cloudy, hazy days, pool solar panels have proven to do their job.

Pool Solar Panels Virtually Sell Themselves

There are several major reasons that pool owners choose to heat using solar panels. These include:

* Low cost and easy installation -- can be installed in less than one day for costs ranging from $300.00 (do-it-yourself) to over $3,000.00 (plus professional installation).

* Avoid high gas or electricity cost(s) -- panels can increase pool temperature from six to twenty degrees each day, depending on the pool to surface ratio. Obviously, the greater the solar panel surface the warmer the pool water. Note: most panels are installed either on the roof on along a wall adjacent to the pool.

* Extend swimming season -- even in northern climates, a pool heated by a solar panel can be comfortable and used as early as April and into October

* Easy to use – pool owners can basically set the pool solar control panel to whatever temperature they choose and the system does the rest.

* No regular maintenance necessary -- once installed, pool solar panels need virtually no attention. Even if the pool is shut down, the panels will automatically drain themselves, if properly installed.

Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com

Solar Panels - Why Solar Power and Solar Panels Important

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:50:00 +0000

We have ways to heat our water, our homes and provide us with electricity. We probably take all of this for granted and if we lost them we would probably panic. We take for granted that these conveniences will be there for us from now on. We expect glitches to happen but we want them to be fixable without going long without all of these. We appreciate the heat in the winter when it snows outside and when the temperatures drop. We need water to live and although it is usually running under the ground we want the convenience of it running through our pipes and into our homes.

Some people use some of the heat generated from the sun in order to heat homes, power electricity and provide water to their families and businesses. When you think about all that you have that runs through a machine it may be possible to reroute that in order to run it all by sunlight. Scientists have only started to make this possible but it is far from being completed. When you consider all the solar energy that reaches the earth's surface and then radiated back into the atmosphere, you could power electricity, heat and water from now on. This solar energy can be redirected and concentrated using special boxes that attract the light during the day to heat water and homes throughout the night.

Solar energy would not be affected by the supply and demand of fuel for it is free and it doesn't pollute the atmosphere. It is natural and pure. It would provide us with better health.

In the beginning you may pay a minimal amount to be solar power efficient by purchasing a solar source. You can buy indoor and outdoor lighting, solar power windows and insulated doors in order to make your home more solar efficient. After that initial expense you don't have the expense of paying a monthly bill to keep your service on. This also promotes others to use solar power to be more efficient.

Solar panels importance

Solar panels can be different shapes and sizes but their main purpose is to convert the light in order to make electricity. Photovoltaic, or PV, is the process of converting the light into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are self generating and consist of a very thing film made of silver. This film is placed on a semiconductor layer that can be found on an iron substrate. The photovoltaic cells are very important in producing enough sunlight and heat in order to successfully produce the energy that is needed in order to heat up water, heat homes and power electricity.

Solar panels can be found in all different shapes and sizes including round, square, and rectangle. You can see them on top of buildings and houses or standing alone in fields. Solar panels are in hand held devices and they are in energy efficient appliances. The sun is a wonderful natural resource and can greatly cater to our way of life. The study of natural resources like the sun is ongoing and the improvement that can be made in the future is anyone's guess but you can't go wrong when you use natural resources.

Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com

Want to Use Solar Tiles, Shingles, and Panels For Your Roofing? Solar Power For Your Roof

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Want to change the style of your roofing? Are you still undecided on what type of roofing will you use? If you want something that will be beneficial for you and the environment, why not try solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing?

In order to meet your home's energy requirements, choosing solar tiles, shingles, and panels can definitely prove to be at best value for your money and investment. How bout its benefits? The usage of solar power can help you reduce your electric bill at the same time contribute to saving the environment. Likewise, as an investment solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing can also increase the value of your property.

"Generally, the cost of [solar]... energy is higher than energy bought from your local utility." This is according to the US Government.

So, how does solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing works? There are solar panel modules that can be installed or integrated on to your roof or on the ground. Here's the process, it is actually when the sunlight comes in contact with the solar tiles, shingles, and panels it is converted into power. It is in here where the power goes through a solar inverter, which works as a converter, and changes it into alternating current and passes it on to your home through a service panel. Did you know that if you produce more energy than you need, the excess can actually run back through your meter into your electric company's grid?

We go on now with the basic information before making any major investment. This basic research will be helpful in your decision making. Kindly take time to find the answers in these questions.

1.In a daily basis, how much electricity do you use? Please do include your powered cooler, TV, lights, and other appliances.

2.In each day, how many hours of direct sunlight do you get?

The contractor that you hire to design and install your system will help you with these calculations. On the other hand, there is another issue that you must consider. The issue deals with the risk of hail damage in your area. Basically, observe if hail is common where you live. But don't worry, there are some basic tips you can apply to minimize the risk.

This is also an important and interesting part: the payback period of using solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing. Simply defined, payback period is the amount of time it will take for you're the solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing system to pay for itself in energy cost savings. Basically, payback is calculated based on the current energy bill and the cost of your system. This will vary among systems. In small systems the payback period of 15 years may vary while larger systems may have a 12-year payback period. But there are also homemade solar power systems today that will help you cut your electricity bill by a big margin, with little cash out, so that your payback period will be much lesser. It is in here where the life of your solar panels typically ranges from 20 - 40 years. It is really good to use solar tiles, shingles, and panels for your roofing, if you have the right resources and knowledge.

Do you know that lots of people at home are now building their own solar power system at home? A lot of people are also building wind power generators to use wind power to generate electricity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bea_Alonzo

Choosing the Correct Solar Powered Garden Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:01:00 +0000

If you've had your fair share of messy digging and complicated wiring just to set up those lights that will enhance your garden's look, then take a look into today's alternative garden lighting devices. Choosing and using solar garden lights just may be the best option for you if you no longer want to do electric cables and wiring that not only destroy the clean natural look of your garden but also pose a threat of electrocution to your kids whenever they play around. Solar garden lights make use energy coming from the sun in brightening up your garden. These lights, which adorn your garden like ordinary decoration, are exposed to direct sun all morning saving up the energy needed to light up your garden at night.

Choosing and using solar garden lights should be fairly easy. The choice begins with awareness: what are the kinds of solar garden lights. Being aware of the various types of solar garden lights gives you the information you need in making that choice: what style or design do you want to have for your garden and what sort of lighting capacity are you interested in. There are three main types of solar garden lights, and to choose which type is best suited for your garden, you should know these.

Path lights are solar-powered garden lights that are usually mounted on poles like your classic lamp post. Sometimes, they are partly buried on pathways or placed underground to light up dark walkways and bricked paths. Like all other solar garden lights, path lights require no wiring or electrical installation. Accent lights, on the other hand, are more for embellishment purposes. They are known for their stylish look and varied designs. With special materials that create themes for your garden, accent lights can sit around your garden looking like the average decor while their batteries are recharged. And at night, you will have stylish lights that emit that soft, diffused glow which gives your garden an over-all dreamlike theme.

Choosing and using solar garden lights is a task that will undoubtedly ensure this particular setting in your garden. Meanwhile, spotlights are solar garden lights that are known more for their use in focused lighting rather than in general lighting or decorative purposes. It works like your regular electricity-powered spotlight. Aim it at something, and let there be light! The only difference is, this brand of spotlight gets its power directly from the sun.

Once you have chosen the kind of solar garden lights you want, you must now be familiar with the proper ways of using solar garden lights. Because solar garden lights depend entirely on the sun for their performance, you must always make sure that your garden lights are located in places which receive the most amount of direct sunlight. These lights are portable and you may relocate them anywhere you want in your garden, provided that they receive the sunlight they need to recharge their batteries. Choosing and using solar garden lights is ideal, especially if you want your garden to be as close to natural as possible. After all, nothing comes close to nature than the use of good, old solar energy.

Do you know that lots of people at home are now building their own solar power system at home? A lot of people are also building wind power generators to use wind power to generate electricity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bea_Alonzo

Best Way on How to Build a Solar Water Heater - DIY Solar Hot Water Heater

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:55:00 +0000

One of the biggest uses of gas, oil and electricity is the heating of water in our home, swimming pools, schools, offices, hospitals, and many others. Using a solar powered hot water heater system is a very efficient and simple way to grab energy from the sun and use it.

Knowing on how to build a solar water heater and making your own can be a great and inexpensive alternative to those commercial solar water heaters which costs upwards of $2,000. You can find all the equipments and materials you need for a lot less than what those commercial ones cost. Then having to DIY(do it yourself), you're well on your way to the first of many free environmental friendly hot showers.

The instructions below were based on a must have guide for everyone planning to have their home environment friendly by using solar and wind power. For the supplies, you will need:

1. lumber
2. pegboard masonite
3. plastic foam insulation
4. sampling of copper items
5. Used aluminum storm windows can be used in place of expensive glass panels
6. old water heater will work for your storage tank
7. nails, relief valve, black plastic pipe, and fittings for connecting units

The Start of Construction

The first step is to build your hot box. This is a wood box covered with glass or in our case, a segment of the storm windows to catch the heat from the sun. Then use the copper collector sheet and water pipes to build a manifold inside the finished box. In here, the collected solar heat will warm the water.

Now connect the storage tank which is positioned above the collector box and manifold outlets. This will transfer the warm water up into the storage tank and sends the cooler water down to be warmed in the collector. Also check for leaks before you begin regular use. In case you find water escaping from any area, empty the hot water system completely before resolding that leaking point.

Finally, you can then apply black paint to the collector sheet and manifold and protect any visible wood with oil-based coating. Put the homemade solar powered water heater at a 45 degree angle and connect the water tank, and you are now ready to go.

Now you know on how to build a solar water heater system, and this will lead to savings of about of about two-thirds on previous hot water heating bills and is environmentally friendly.

Do you know that lots of people at home are now building their own solar powered hot water heater? They are now using solar power at home, and a lot of people are also building wind power generators to generate electricity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bea_Alonzo

How to Make Solar Panels - Making Your Own Solar Panel at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Solar panels are available in the market today, which are made of high quality and processed silicon. However, plenty of people are now looking on how to make solar panels for their own projects, residential or home use, and is ideally suited to a small household.

Is it difficult to make solar panels?

Solar panels can be easily made at home by making use of diy (do it yourself) homemade solar panel guides, which are available on the internet today, or making use of kits which are easily available at electrical stores nowadays. Those who have prior experience in fixing up electrical equipments at home will find this task of making their own solar power panel at home extremely easy, although if you have a good guide, then there should be no problem.

Solar Panel DIY Make Your Own Solar Panel Build Solar

If you already have solar cells :

The first and foremost requirement is to make use of photovoltaic cells. These cells are extremely light in weight, and are easy to transport from one place to the other.

You then need to choose on where you plan to make the solar panels and install it. Ideally, the backyard, garden of the house, or a flat rooftop are the correct places to install the solar panels, because they are the places that can receive the largest amount of sunlight available.

When you have chosen the right location, you can then start with the process to make solar panels. First, place the photovoltaic cells on the floor of the roof, garden, or the backyard, or whichever place you have chosen in making your own solar panel. These cells needs to be stacked one after the other in a horizontal arrangement, and should be installed at such an angle from the sun that it will be able to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and store it inside.

How do I get started in making a solar cell?

A solar cell makes up a solar power panel, so you need to know on how to make a solar cell. The required components in making your own solar panel are :

- sheet of copper
- two alligator clip leads
- a micro-meter that is sensitive enough to read currents between 10-15 micro-amperes
- an electric stove
- table salt, tap water, sand paper, and sheet metal shears

Now you need to cut a piece of the copper sheet with the exact size that of your electric stove. Thoroughly clean the copper sheet for any possible traces of sulphide or other corrosion.

Heat it on the burner and when it gets red-hot, the copper sheet will undergo color changes from pinking red to brown, and finally becoming a thick layer of black coat over it.

Then the stove and the copper sheet should be cooled off gradually. A layer of soft red cuprous oxide will be left over the copper sheet. Resist the temptation of removing all the black spots since this may damage the red cuprous oxide which is needed to make the solar cell work.

Then this sheet of copper should then be joined together with another sheet of copper of the same size. Use the alligator clips to join the two sheets together, and place it into a wide-mouthed jar or bottle. Ensure that the two sheets to not get in touch with each other. The copper sheet with red cuprous oxide should be connected to the negative terminal, and the clean copper sheet can be joined to the positive terminal. Saltwater should cover the bottom of the plates, but the clips of the two sheets at the top should be left dry.

The above procedures addresses the question on how to make solar panels at home. This can be used to generate electricity from the heat of the sun.

Now how does it do that?

The red cuprous oxide is a material type called a semiconductor. A semiconductor is an insulator, where electrons are bound tightly to their atoms and do not flow freely, and a conductor, where electricity can flow freely.

There is a gap in a semiconductor called a bandgap between the electrons that are bound tightly to the atom and the electrons that are farther from the atom which can conduct electricity and move freely. An electron must gain enough energy to move farther away from the nucleus outside of the this gap, since they can not stay inside the bandgap. And an electron outside that gap cannot lose a bit of energy and fall closer to the nucleus, and must lose enough energy to fall past the gap into the area where electrons are allowed.

When sunlight hits the cuprous oxide, it also hits the electrons. Some of these electrons gain enough energy to jump past the bandgap and become free to conduct electricity. These electrons then move into the saltwater, then into the clean copper sheet, into the wire, then through the meter, and then goes back to the red cuprous oxide sheet, and electricity is now generated. Now that you know on how to make solar panels, you can then make your home solar friendly, and cut your monthly electricity bills.

Do you know that plenty of people are now making their own solar panel for their home?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bea_Alonzo

How Do Solar Panels Work? Components of Solar Panels For Residential Or Home Use

noreply@blogger.com (Anton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Is it difficult to make solar panels?

If you already have solar cells :

The first and foremost requirement is to make use of photovoltaic cells. These cells are extremely light in weight, and are easy to transport from one place to the other.

How do I get started in making a solar cell?

A solar cell makes up a solar power panel, so you need to know on how to make a solar cell. The required components in making your own solar panel are :

Now you need to cut a piece of the copper sheet with the exact size that of your electric stove. Thoroughly clean the copper sheet for any possible traces of sulphide or other corrosion.

Heat it on the burner and when it gets red-hot, the copper sheet will undergo color changes from pinking red to brown, and finally becoming a thick layer of black coat over it.

The above procedures addresses the question on how to make solar panels at home. This can be used to generate electricity from the heat of the sun.

Now how does it do that?

Do you know that plenty of people are now making their own solar panel for their home?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bea_Alonzo