Solar powered electricity generation is certainly good for the environment, as this alternative form of producing energy gives off absolutely zero emissions into the atmosphere and is merely utilizing one of the most naturally occurring of all things as its driver. Solar collection cells are becoming slowly but surely ever more practical for placing upon the rooftops of people’s homes, and they are not a difficult system to use for heating one’s home, creating hot water, or producing electricity. In the case of using the photovoltaic cells for hot water generation, the system works by having the water encased in the cells, where it is heated and then sent through your pipes.

Solar cells are becoming increasingly better at collecting sufficient radiation from the sun even on overcast or stormy days and solar lights are very cost efficient now, have a buit in solar cell and rechargable battery to store sunlight energy and use it at night.

One company in particular, Uni-Solar, has developed solar collection arrays for the home that work well on inclement days, by way of a technologically more advanced system that stores more energy at one time during sunlit days than previous or other arrays.

There is actually another solar power system available for use called the PV System. The PV System is connected to the nearest electrical grid; whenever there is an excess of solar energy being collected at a particular home, it is transferred to the grid for shared use and as a means of lowering the grid’s dependence on the hydroelectrically-driven electricity production. Being connected to the PV System can keep your costs down as compared to full-fledged solar energy, while at once reducing pollution and taking pressure off the grid system. Some areas are designing centralized solar collection arrays for
small towns or suburban communities.

Some big-name corporations have made it clear that they are also getting into the act of using solar power (a further indication that solar generated energy is becoming an economically viable alternative energy source). Google is putting in a  1.6 megawatt solar power generation plant on the roof of its corporate headquarters, while Wal Mart wants to put in an enormous 100 megawatt system of its own.

Nations such as Japan, Germany, the United States, and Switzerland have been furthering the cause of solar energy production by providing government subsidies or by giving tax breaks to companies and individuals who agree to utilize solar power for generating their heat or electrical power. As technology advances and a greater storage of solar collection materials is made available, more and more private investors will see the value of investing in this “green” technology and further its implementation much more.

A solar water heater is a cost effective solution for reducing your homes energy bill.  Solar water heater systems can be designed for any climate and use the most inexpensive heating source available – sunlight!

The first consideration a “do-it-yourselfer” must make is what type of system they wish to install.  Active solar water heater systems use pumps and controls to keep water circulating and maintain efficiency.  Active solar water heaters are usually more expensive; however, the cost savings in added efficiency makes them more cost effective.

When considering active solar water heater systems there are two basic types available.  Direct circulation systems pump regular water through the collector system and through the home.  These systems are best suited for locations that very rarely experience a freeze.

The second type of active system is an indirect circulation system.  In this type of solar water heater an anti-freeze fluid is circulated through the solar water heater system and then transfers heat through a heat exchanger.  This system is best used in regions with freezing temperatures.

Passive solar water heaters do not use pumps or controls for circulation.  They simply rely on normal flow through the system.  Passive systems are usually cheaper, and require less maintenance making them last much longer, however, they lack the efficiency of active systems and can have a lower cost effectiveness.

There are three basic components for both solar water heater systems: 1) collector plate, 2) storage tank, 3) interconnecting piping.   In active solar water heater systems a fourth component, the circulating pump, will be added.  Indirect circulation systems will also require a heat exchanger.

The collector plate is the heart of the solar water heater system and should be carefully considered.  When considering collectors efficiency is important.  Any collector considered should be adequately engineered and professionally constructed. There are three basic styles of collector plates:

•    Flat-Plate – These are flat insulated boxes that have a dark absorber plate under a glass or plastic cover.

•    Integral collector-storage system – ICS, or batch systems, use tanks or tubes contained inside a collector box to preheat water before supplying it to the conventional backup system.  These collectors are used primarily in mid-freeze climates where outside pipes could be subject to freezing.

•    Evacuated-tube – Contains parallel rows of transparent glass tubes and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. This fin is coated to allow for the absorption of energy while inhibiting heat loss.  These are the most commonly used in residential applications

The other parts of a solar water heater system can be readily found at most local hardware stores.  Interconnecting thermal piping and fittings can be purchased based upon the design of the application.
The storage tank required for a solar water heater is a little different than a tank used for a conventional system.  For solar water heater applications the tank requires additional inputs for water coming from the collector.  Additionally, for better efficiency the tanks are designed with extra insulation to reduce heat loss.
When building a solar water heater it is also important to understand that a secondary system will be required on non-sunny days.  Any system design should be incorporated into a conventional system that provides enough supply when extra demand is required.

Complete “do-it-yourself” designs can be easily located and with most of the materials readily available a solar water heater system is easy, and cost effective to build.

Over the next several years liquid fuel will continue to outpace alternative energy as the largest fuel for electrical production.  Alternative Energy, Coal, and Natural Gas, are all expected to become more widely used as an important part of electrical production.
Coal and Natural Gas usage is expected to be the largest growing and second most widely used fuel source by 2030.    Alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power are also expected to make significant gains in usage and see a substantial annual growth of 2.1 percent until 2030.

All of this substantial growth in alternative energy and fuel consumption is due to the substantial growth in the world’s electrical demands.  It is expected that electrical demand will rise from a 2005 total of 17.3 trillion kilo-watt-hours to an estimated 33.3 trillion kilo-watt-hours in 2030.
According to projections contained in the International Energy Outlook 2008 report, published by the Energy Information Administration, the total world consumption of energy is expected to grow 50 percent by 2030.  Developed nations are expected to experience less that 1 percent annual growth.  The expectation for developing nations is an average annual growth of 2.5 percent.

This increase in electrical demand, and the fuel required to sustain it, has resulted in serious impacts upon people’s health and the environment.  Increased carbon emissions from fossil fuel usage are believed to have resulted in higher atmospheric carbon levels, health and respiratory illnesses, and a variety of other environmental conditions resulting in a public demand for an alternative.
Pressure to reduce carbon emissions and to find an alternative to fossil fuels has resulted in a variety of alternative energy sources being developed.  In the United States an additional 0.3 trillion kilo-watt-hours will be added to the nation’s electrical grid from alternative energy sources.

Alternative energy sources in the United States include primarily hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power.  Other, less significant sources include biomass fuels and the use of hydrogen and other chemicals.
Another growing source of alternative energy that is not usually tracked by governments is the use of off-grid power sources.  Companies and multitudes of people are starting to move off-grid using solar and wind generated alternative energy sources.  These sources have become reliable, convenient, and easy to install.  Cost savings can be immediately realized through eliminating or lowering utility bills, the mobility of power sources, and their scalability.
In the 21st century, governments, power companies, and private individuals are all becoming aware of the importance to have renewable, clean sources of energy.  More and more people are turning to alternative energy.

Home Solar Panel Installation

Solar power has been used since the ancient days as a cost effective heating source. Building a house facing the sun meant it was easy to warm the stone walls with radiated energy. This eliminated the need for fires, or excessive clothing throughout the daylight hours. Through the evenings the radiated heat that was trapped inside the walls of the house continued to provide moderate warmth.

During the late 20th century during major fuel shortages residential solar power once again began to take on a significant role. In the 1970’s governments began to provide incentive programs for adding alternative energies to homes and businesses as a way to reducing fossil fuel demands.

Prior to the 21st century, solar electric generation was not always efficient. Of the systems that a typical homeowner could afford, many were at the most 60% effective at the peak of the day. The most cost effective systems remained those that were primarily used as a source of heating water rather than electrical production.

It was not until the 21st century in which Residential solar power became cost effective as an energy replacement tool. There are three considerations to be made when examining the cost effectiveness.

First, new designs in solar panels for heating water have greatly improved. With moveable radiation reflectors, space age materials, and better designs, there is no more cost effective source to provide hot water. 50-70% of the energy demand in a household is for hot water consumption. Installing a modern and efficient solar heating system reduces this demand to zero.

Second, new technological designs in photovoltaic’s, or PV, has created solar power sources that allow the average homeowner the ability to generate cost effective alternatives. Photovoltaic Residential solar power is very efficient and low cost when considering the idea there is very little maintenance. Additionally, the systems average lifetime cost can be significantly lower than the cost of purchasing electrical power during the same period.

Photovoltaic panels can be designed in a variety of sizes and shapes that are both efficient and pleasant to the eye. Photovoltaic residential solar power sources can also be scaled in construction to allow for simple single application uses, or to provide complete grid replacement alternatives.

Lastly, many incentives are in place to help reduce the cost of installing a solar power system for home owners. Governments have been under pressure to reduce fossil fuel demands. They have responded at state and national levels with tax breaks and other financial incentives.

Many power companies have also responded to demands for cleaner energy and cost cutting measures. In some cases utility companies are offering buyback incentive programs for the extra electricity a homeowner produces.

It is important for homeowners to understand the Residential solar power of today is much more cost effective and efficient than in years past. A very quick way to reduce personal energy cost is an investment in Residential solar power.

Residential Wind Power

Residential wind power is the second most abundant sources of alternative energy on the face of the planet. On most days one can simply walk outside and feel the breeze. On a nice summer day one can feel the refreshing breeze. During storms one can witness its destructive force.

Residential wind power is believed to have been used for around 3000 years. Initially it was used as a method in Persia to pump water. Even in modern times, windmill systems can be seen at many remote locations pumping water.

It was not until the late 19th century that wind was first used to generate electricity. In order to overcome the large force required for generating electricity, these structures were required to be very large and were not efficient.

Up until the late 20th century, residential wind power for electricity was not considered practical. Motor sizes were significant and required moderate speed to turn the rotor. These systems required large blade designs that were not practical to install in urban or sub-urban areas.

During the early 20th century residential wind power was primarily driven by increases in agriculture. Inefficiencies in designs eliminated successful creation of energy on any large scale. However, small scale residential wind power generators were increasing in popularity in remote locations that were cost prohibitive for utility companies.

During the late 20th century during major fuel shortages residential wind power once again began to take on a significant role. In the 1970’s governments began to provide incentive programs for adding alternative energies to homes and businesses as a way to reducing fossil fuel demands. With a looming oil crisis many incentive programs were created to help encourage residential wind power systems.

Even today wind continues to be a major source of electrical generation in many parts of the country. It is not only a source of electricity for utility companies and electric grids; residential wind power continues to grow at a significant rate as a primary source of alternative energy for homeowners.

In recent years many significant changes have been made that enabled residential wind power to become cost effective. Changes to equipment, blade designs, and construction material have all increased residential wind power efficiency.

One of the first significant visual changes to residential wind power systems is the blade structures. Residential wind power blades now come in a variety of designs. The typical blades are either designed in vertical or horizontal directions, and are most likely built from lightweight composite materials making them durable and flexible for a variety of speeds.

Other significant changes are the low-torque rotors used in the generators. By increasing generator efficiency, less force is required to turn the rotor. This results in greater output efficiency in lower speeds.

With improved blade designs and more efficient operation at lower speeds residential wind power is increasingly available in more areas.

It is also important to consider the many incentives that may be in place to help reduce the cost of installing a residential wind power system. Governments have responded at state and national levels with tax breaks and other financial incentives. Utility companies have also responded to demands for cleaner energy and cost cutting measures. In some cases utility companies are offering buyback incentive programs for the extra electricity generated by a homeowner.

It is important for homeowners to understand residential wind power today is much more cost effective than in years past. A quick way to reduce personal energy cost is an investment in residential wind power.