The 3rd Planet

so you want to instal a solar panel?

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:14:00 +0000

Whether you are considering installing solar panels purely for ecological reasons, or as a means to reduce your energy costs you have questions that need answers. You may in fact be contemplating of using solar power in order to be kinder to the planet and your purse. Whatever your motivation, you still want the facts. So whata does setting up a solar-powered powered electricity system involve?
Many people usually ask yourself how long it will need to transform their home from one that is conventionally powered to one that utilises solar energy. In this instance itâ€™s very hard to steer clear of the â€˜How long is a piece of string adage.â€™ The length of time required to install solar screens to a property will vary. It depends on the size of the property and the amount of panels needed to effectively supply enough useable energy to it. In addition, fitting times will change based on the type of roof or other surfaces the panels are being affixed to. In most cases, installation is fairly straightforward and the ways in which the panels can be connected to the surfaces are varied. Some panels come with screw fixings but others involve the use of bonding agents. Several types of solar panel use mountings and some can even be held in place by Velcro fixings. As a guideline it is worth allowing at least an hourâ€™s fitting time per panel. The smaller panels may take less time to install, and of course the location will have a bearing on the amount of time needed. When ladders and roof work are involved itâ€™s not worth rushing the job.
Another query you may have when considering solar power as an energy option for your home is whether it is necessary to consult an electrician. The answer is a resounding yes. Even if you are fitting the panels yourself it is of paramount importance to at least have the equipment safety checked by a qualified operative or green electrician before it is put into use. Solar panels connect directly to your propertyâ€™s existing wiring, thatâ€™s why this part of the job needs to be overseen by a qualified or registered electrician.
If you have decided to fit your own panels youâ€™ll be pleased to know that very few tools are needed to carry out the job. As previously described, solar panels can be mounted in a number of ways, none of which demand any specialist equipment. A power drill will be required for some types of fixings though. More importantly, ladders or even a scaffold set-up will be necessary in cases where the panels are to be fitted on a ceiling, or situated high up on a building. Therefore safety helmets are a must.
In most cases the fitting of solar panels is a work that requires a minimum of two people. The larger panels can be very heavy and cumbersome to handle and again, because they are most likely to be fitted on roofs or high surfaces, safety is a major concern. Many hands, in such cases, really do make light work. If needs be you can hire labour to assist you, or if you have able and practical friends or family members, enlist their help rather than attempt the job single-handed.
In theory solar panels can be fitted anytime but they make best use of the sunlight when positioned on roofs or other areas where no obstructions will prevent them being fully exposed to the light.
In order to work out how many solar sections you would require for your home, you need to consider the following:
1. How much electricity you need or wish to generate.
2. The amount of sun you get at the area.
3. The electrical power or size of the solar cells you will be employing.
Adding solar panels will definitely help reduce your existing energy bills but in most cases solar energy does not entirely replace the need to be place on the power system so to speak. And bear in mind too that poor weather conditions, or a lack of enough sunny days, can significantly affect the efficiency of your solar energy system.
And recall, regulations regarding the installation of solar panels may vary depending on your locality, so be safe rather than sorry and consult your local council or municipality office for advice about the laws in your location

Home build Solar System for your own

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Are you interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce your bill then this is the perfect resource for you! With the ever increasing costs of living, there is no better time than right now to stop throwing money out the window and start generating our own electricity.

Over the last few years I have figured out how to significantly reduce the cost of solar panels making it more affordable for the average home owner just like you.

Now you can build a single panel or a complete array of panels to power your home for a fraction of retail cost.

Fore more Information Visit Earth4Energy

Solar Energy In Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:47:00 +0000

Bring an interesting design where solar power generation is integrated with community life. Even this is a project, but for its simplicity, versatility and design it will be call “Urban Crash” and what it offers, it’s a solar device, for places like parks or malls,

Thanks to solar panels in turn are converted into a seating area, ideal to provide a cool shade on the playground or park benches. At night, the Urban Crash is perfect as the center for an evening stroll or even a small event or a party (with lights, music and all). The glass roof structure comprising photovoltaic cells have inserted, producing solar energy during the day and stored in batteries. Thanks to this energy, you get power to run LED lights and sound system.

Can Anyone Live Off The Grid?

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:29:00 +0000

When you talk about alternative energy and living off the grid, many people feel instantly that they will have to give up most of their modern amenities to live in such a fashion. Many more think this is an endeavor solely for granola loving hippies, whose modest ways coincide with fewer technologies, TVs, ACs, etc. The truth is, living off the grid is a possibility open to anyone. Granted, you may have a larger investment if you are powering three chest freezers and all high-energy appliances, but this would simply mean you need a larger system.

The increased demand for renewable energy technology has led to the development of more efficient and easy to use components to make living off the grid a reasonable option for anyone willing to be mindful of their energy consumption.

Using renewable energy sources to create electricity is a fairly simple process. You require a power source-sun, wind or water-from which you will harness a low voltage direct current that is then converted, using an inverter, into usable house current (AC). Excess current generated by your system is stored in battery banks where it can be retrieved during more high demand times or times when the direct energy source is unavailable.

Living off the grid with renewable power resources is almost completely automated as well. Except for the repairs of your batteries, there is almost no special attention needed, other than monitoring your energy use to make sure you do not exceed your supply with your demand. The key to success in living off the grid is making sure you size your system to meet the demand of your energy needs.

Living off the grid can be an exhilarating experience. The sensation of energy freedom is like no other and you can be proud of your efforts to combat global warming and best of all, you may never have to worry about a power outage again. It is vital to conduct your research and determine which alternative energy sources will work best for you in your geographical area, but it is definitely worthwhile to learn how to live off the grid and feel the rush of freedom being off the grid can give.

New Homes in California will be Energy independent by 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:19:00 +0000

Had you ever ask yourself why new homes couldn’t be built earlier with solar systems on the roofs, and why couldn't they come already installed with energy efficient appliances? Well California is winning a giant leap ahead and truly is taking a leadership role in the efficient energy market.

Read full story http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2007/10/new-homes-in-california-will-be-energy-self-reliant-by-2020/

It’s Easy to Learn How to Make Solar Panels

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:37:00 +0000

Many people have been looking into installing solar panels in an effort to combat growing energy costs. When most people see the prices of the professionally installed panels they realize it may not be a extravagance they can afford. There is an easier, more cost efficient way to produce power from the sun and that is to learn how to make solar panels for your own.

Any motivated do-it-yourselfer can become skilled at how to make solar panels for their own home, workshop or business. When compared to the cost of purchasing and installing a pre-made solar energy system, learning how to make solar panels for your energy requirements and the materials you need to execute the project are far less. By learning how to make solar panels for your own, you have greater control over the size and design of your system as well.

Once you have a good manual and you have learned how to make solar panels, the materials are fairly simple to find. Most can be found at your local hardware store like, plywood, sheets of glass, and a roll of copper wire. It is also easy to locate inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use in your project. Many are accessible on-line or you may have a retailer available nearby. One you’ve learned how to make solar panels and you have your supplies, it usually takes about a day to assemble a 100-watt panel. This is the perfect amount of electricity to operate small appliances or a small workshop.

The most significant step is finding a quality manual with full instructions for learning how to make solar panels. In many cases you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on a well-reviewed instruction manual. Overall, the cost of the making your own panels is so low, the price of the how to guide is minimal-you will still be paying way less learning how to make solar panels on your own than purchasing a professionally installed system.

With a little bit effort, you can be on your way to learning how to make solar panels to meet your energy needs. Then sit back and bask in the pride the next time the power goes out on your block. Your lights will still be on because you learned how to make solar panels and your energy supply is still in your battery bank.

Brief Guide to Plant Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:13:00 +0000

Joaquin Araujo (Spanish journalist of nature) in his fantastic book “Logical ecos, to understand ecology” (Ecos logicos para endener la ecologia). Teaches that "The most appreciated aspect of the many attempts to repair the environmental degradation is reforestation". Anyone can plant trees, in places once enjoyed the life of trees. I don’t pretend teaching a course on reforestation, but rather encourage people to plant trees and shrubs where needed and just give some basic advice. It’s normal that our trees dray or don’t grow, that should not be discouraged, so let’s get to work

· Choose different species to promote biodiversity.

· The species should be indigenous to the area to be planted to ensure that they will resist the weather and to avoid endangering the ecosystem.

· The ideal time depends on the species but in general it is best between March and May, being less desirable between September and November.

· Dig a hole about 7.9 in and fill it with removed soil

· Two ways to plant trees:

With seeds

1. Place the seeds in the hole down a layer of soil, 2 to 4 times the size of the seed

2. Place 3 or 4 seeds to multiply the possibilities of birth of the tree

3. Above, you can make a quilt with straw and dry leaves to prevent seeds from icing in winter.

4. Humidity accelerates the germination

By peg

1. from a plant with many branches, chose a young branch (flexible and slightly different color) and cut without producing tears between 5.9 - 7.9in if it’s a bush and between 9.8 - 11.8in if it’s a tree

2. Peal the inferior point from the peg, remove the leaves, bottom half, and cut the rest of the leaves in half, to prevent from losing water.

3. Insert the peg Into the Ground

4. This system requires abundant irrigation making it ideal for species close to the river.

· It is possible to chose both systems, in pots and transplant them into position where our plant is consistent and has its roots well-formed (about a year to germinate)

* Remember Recycling paper saves trees, water and energy.

translated by Rafael Hernandez Garza from http://www.lcc.uma.es/~ppgg/libros/ecoarticulos.html#plantarboles

Useful tips to save water at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:30:00 +0000

We all now how water is the most important liquid on the planet, it is consider it will be more valuable than gold in near future. So it is important to start making changes on the use of water, so we can save some and why not save on water bill, hear is some of the things you can do to start saving water.

1. When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

2. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings

3. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

4. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

5. Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

6. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

7. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

8. Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

Wind Energy / How electricity is produced

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 21:18:00 +0000

Electrical energy was one of man’s supreme discoveries. It has helped build new civilizations. The large amount of power produced has its source in fossil fuels, nuclear fission, water, and wind. This article will explore the different methods of electricity production.

Electricity is churned out by huge turbines. These turbines need a support to be moved. There are various ways of moving these turbines:

Burning fossil fuels: Electricity is created when the blades of a turbine are moved by enormous amounts of vapour. This vapour is generated by heating a lot of water in huge furnaces. The water is heated by burning fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. This method releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide in the air, thus severely polluting our atmosphere. It is significant to turn to alternate methods of electricity production for long-term benefits.

Water: You must have heard how dams are constructed to produce electricity. A popular method to produce electricity, a water dams serves two purposes: restricting water bodies and producing electricity. Water dams use the river water to stir turbines, helping them produce electricity. Electricity generated this way helps control air pollution; however, this process of electricity production adversely affects the environment in the water bodies.

Water accounts for 90 percent of the world’s electricity generated through renewable resources.

Wind: Electricity is produced when wind energy is transformed to electrical energy. Wind mills or wind turbines are used to churn up enormous amounts of wind energy which is then converted into electrical energy.

The latest in wind energy progression tells us that wind energy is helping create portable cell phone chargers.

Nuclear fission: Yes, nuclear fission does not only make atom bombs, but also helps produce electricity. Nuclear fission causes a series of reactions where the element Uranium is bombarded by neutrons causing it to split. Every time a Uranium nucleus is split, more neutrons are released, causing more splits in the already split Uranium nuclei. The resultant chain reaction generates a lot of heat which is used to heat water the vapour of which eventually moves turbines to create electricity.

By bio-waste: With technological advancements, electricity is also being produced by bio-waste. Bio-gas is a typical way of generating electricity in rural areas in countries like India. In fact, a new technology evolved in the state of Bihar in India that uses human waste to generate electricity.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at www.earth4energy.com

Want Free Power? Build A Wind Generator

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:54:00 +0000

It’s possible. You may have heard it on the news and not believed it, but it is possible to make a wind generator by your own. The best part is the large amounts of money you will save when you build a wind generator instead of buying one from a merchant or vendor. It is very easy to build a wind producer with the plans and directions available. By utilizing used auto parts, odds and ends and general supplies from your local hardware store, you can build a wind generator in few hours.

You may be thinking why should I construct a wind generator when I can just afford one? That’s a good question, the thing is commercial wind generators cost in the thousands to get. The materials required to build a wind generator, the DC motor, batteries, towers and hub, are fairly inexpensive. It is possible to build a wind generator for less than $567 and that means realizing the return on your investment years before you would have buying a professionally installed commercial model. Even if you invest in better quality materials when you build a wind generator, you will still find your total cost way below that of the professional system.

Electric power generated by breeze is one of the most efficient renewable power resources right now. Many cities around the world have started to convert to wind power to supplement their energy supply. It is possible to have a green energy supply by taking the time to build a wind generator. Not only are you helping the Mother Nature, but also you are saving money at the same time.

It is very easy to build a wind generator. The average do-it-yourselfer can complete this project with simple tools. There are detailed instructions and plans available to build a wind generator in your workshop or home. So > build your wind generator today and put it on your roof or support pole and start generating your free power, thanks to a little wind.

Hydrogen energy source

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Hydrogen, it’s been shown like a good energy source replacing fossil fuels, specially, in the auto-motion sector. DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, BMW, Ford and Fiat, are already immersed on the fuel of the future. Most of these companies build cars, move with electric motors, and feed with hydrogen battery, like alternating oil. The automobile sector, is the principal cause of atmosphere pollution, because, of the fossil fuel use. Finally the big companies automakers, had began, the most important trace in the last 50 years, which will have more glory the first arriving. How will apply the best solution to get rid of oil?

The necessity on searching a alternative way on fossil fuels from waste, like gasoline, moves in speed, and it will be insurmountable within 20 or 30 years, when the black gold began to finish, company of oil Shell suggest will occur within year 2040.

Now is time to develop, a energy based on new technology that requires, a big investment, diversified into different fields, with the idea on stopping the bloody consumption of fossil fuel, reduce the pollution, and that the wealth generated can be distributed easily.

A serious commitment and with an air of being the winner is the hydrogen

Hydrogen is the chemical analogue of electricity and the only real clean fuel. Like electricity, the hydrogen doesn’t occur naturally, to be use on its own, it has to be generated, or produce, within the consumption of other fuels. Like electricity also has a wide range of applications, and its bad to the environment, the negative side, is the fact that to generate hydrogen, it required double of energy, than carbon, nuclear, or solar panel, its storage is complicated and for transportation must liquefy, thus consumes 12% of the energy it can provide.

7 useful tips to save power at home

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:48:00 +0000

We all know about the renewable and non-renewable sources of energy in school. but, we never paid much attention to the rapid consumption of the non-renewable sources of energy until now. The earth is faced with severe energy crisis now and none of us remain unaffected any longer. Should we leave everything to the governments, or can we do a bit to save energy? The answer is simple: Yes we can.

Let come across at how we can save power at home.

Light bulbs: You must have seen condensed fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs being advertised all the time. You must have even used them at times. As a power-saving measure, begin using the CFL light bulbs as much as you can. If you are thinking they are more expensive than the regular bulbs, the benefits of the CFL bulbs will confirm much more cost-effective in the long run by the amount of power they will save.

Computer: More often than not, we do not switch off our monitors even after we have shut down our pc. Keep the monitor and the computer switched off when you are not using them. Start practicing this even when at work. You will help save some more power for the world.

Air Conditioner: Set the temperature at the minimum or maximum best you are comfortable with, depending on the season. Attempt not to set it at too high or too low temperatures. Setting the air conditioner at reasonable temperatures helps save a lot of power.

Washing Machines: Do you apply your washing machine as frequently as you want? Do you use your washing machine even when there are not sufficient clothes to wash? Minimize the number of washes by washing full load of clothes every occasion.

TV: Take off the power plug of your television set when not using it. This may not sound a big deal but this tiny step will help save power.

Refrigerator: take hot food to room temperatures before putting it into the refrigerator. You can also save power by taking cold or frozen food out of the refrigerator much before the mealtime, thereby saving power in heating it.

Car: For an air-conditioner equipped car, pull up the windows of your car before switching on the air-conditioner.

Make power at home through solar and wind energy to get rid of your power bill. Find our complete guide at www.earth4energy.com

Doit Yourself Build Solar Panels / how to build solar panel

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:17:00 +0000

Are you frustrated because of the high electric bills? Way pay for electricity when you can make your own with renewable energy. Solar energy is the best renewable source of energy available right now. But the problem is that must novice enthusiastic green warriors, find that professional installation, cost is way too much and it could take more than 10 years to see the cost benefit. Don’t panic, there are other alternative ways to make your dream come true and that is to build solar panels on your own.

Is that too much? If you are worried it would be difficult, let me tell you something, it’s very easy to build solar panels with the proper instructions. So easy children’s and teens can build their own solar panel system, and most of the supplies are all available at your local hardware store. Solar power kits include all the parts you need to be generating your own power from the sun. You could start with small solar panels to power small appliances or small tools in your garage workshop, and when you get more confident you could build solar panels to service a much larger electric load, even power most of you home.

There are very cheap guides that can show you how to build your own solar panels with detailed instructions. The most important part is to look for very good quality detailed instructions. Then all you have to do Is go to the local hardware store or go online to order your supplies. The next time you have some free spare time, you will be able to put together and install the system for your own. Just follow the easy steps in your manual. Look out the neighbors may be asking you to build solar panels for them too.

It will not just save your budget for building solar panels on your own, you can also be proud of been part of the people to do something for the planet. Declare independence to fossil fuels and start making a better impact in the world starting by your own home.

Professional Installation systems may cost thousands of dollars to be installed and in our economy most of us don’t have the money to spare, but there is a solution and that is to learn how to build solar panels by your own, because it will be saving you money in electricity bill and helping the planet as well.

Save energy usage

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:42:00 +0000

The mainly difficult day of every month is when the time comes to pay bills and mostly the huge electricity bills that we get. It’s high time and we need to take grave actions to reduce the power bill. Do not concern. I will share with key information and will make you reach your objective.

Be sure to discuss with family member about the significance of reduction electricity. You can reward them a treat if their involvement has led to savings. Advise them some guidelines like switching of the lights when they are not present there and attending a call in another area or having lunch at the dining table. Make sure to switch off all the appliances even if you are sure to be back in seven minutes. Yes, that will make a difference every drop of water makes an ocean.

You may prefer to switch off the television set or turn off the fan, but not the tube light. We need light at the time of night but see that the usage is required in all the rooms or not. Taking care of such these small precautions will surely leads us to savings in the long run by reducing the bills of the power demon.

One must plan to invest tidily on energy. Change all the incandescent bulbs present in the house with compact fluorescent light or those CFL bulbs. These bulbs put away less electricity as they consume less power.

Buy the power saver gadgets that are available in the marketplace. Such gadgets will monitor the intake of the entire power supply in your house and makes you take decision on how to control the usage.

Most of us assume on the fact that the rise in electricity bill is due to the vast number of electrical items present at home. But the truth is that the electricity bill is not directly connected or affected due to the number of gadgets, but by the way one uses them.

Take a step forward to avoid using those typical items regularly that consumes lot of power -
• the washing machine should be used just when there is a bucket full of clothes.
• The geyser should not be kept on for maximum amount of time.
• The air-conditioner should be kept at minimum high or low temperature.
• Take note to switch off the computer monitor when not in use. It consumes maximum power and it just takes a second to switch it again.

Lastly I recommend that for reducing the electricity bill by taking benefit of reading the energy saving guide like Earth4Energy that has some of the best solutions to generate energy at home and providing free electricity to some of your home appliances. In this way we can save energy that is facing a huge shortage because of the large demand in the global countries. Try to reduce the requirement of those electrical wires and sockets for home and use the renewable energy extracted from natural resources like wind, sun, tides at a lesser price but having a long term returns.

How to Build Your Own Solar Panel

noreply@blogger.com (Rafael) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:25:00 +0000

Through energy resources falling fast and global warming changing climates across the earth, more people look towards green energies for reducing their carbon footprint. But, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot follow such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is 100% possible to build your own solar system, however for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple night light and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Amazingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With big companies similar to

General Electric producing these kits, the make your own solar panel sets are very inexpensive and offer quicker return on your savings than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the step by step are simple to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power panel.

If you are looking to build your own solar system there are a many ways and guides available to help you in the process. By involving the kids in the building process, every member of the family will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the gears are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to enlarge your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Begin making your own power at home now and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today and start living all natural.