The Benefits of Solar Energy for the home owner

Benefits of Solar Energy – Why Solar, why not other Clean Energies?

Let’s look at how energy is actually made. The basis to energy is the movement of electrons. There are two basic ways to get electrons to move, movement of magnets inside coiled copper and the excitement of electrons by photons from the Sun.

There are many ways that electricity is produced, some of them clean and others very polluting. A gas turbine energy plant will burn fuels (gas, coal, bio-fuels) and use the hot gases to route through a turbine creating electricity. Nuclear reactions are used in a Nuclear Power Plant to heat water and use the steam to turn turbines. Wind turbines use the force of the wind to power its turbines. Hydroelectricity uses the flow of water to turn its blades. Geothermal power plants use steam power created by water heated in hot spots in the earth, usually very deep in the earth.

So if we have so many different sources to make energy what is the most consistent and cleanest source of energy to use? The clean energies are geothermal, hydroelectric, wind and solar. Geothermal relies on hot pockets in the earth. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want someone drilling deep into the earth and upsetting something that is unbelievably hot. If there is a natural opening then take advantage of it otherwise use something else. Hydroelectric energy relies on the movement of water through pipes that turn blades. You could take advantage of natural water flows in Dams and rivers. The only inconsistency would be in drought years, but with advances in ocean current technology hydroelectric energy could outperform all other types. Wind energy is inconsistent in most areas to be a consistent energy solution. Solar energy though is there day after day and seems to be the most consistent energy source unless you live in a rare rainy overcast region.

Many people don’t see themselves using solar energy, thinking it’s too complicated. Yet, all of us have used solar energy without thinking about it. We all have used those calculators with solar cells, the ones without batteries. Solar energy for your home is not much different, but on a much bigger scale. So why haven’t we shifted our energy production efforts to solar energy? Europe is taking solar energy to the extreme with a project called Desertec that will provide Europe with a sixth of its energy needs from mass solar energy farms in the Sahara Desert. Twenty companies are banding together to raise 554 Billion dollars to make it a reality. Not only will the project provide electricity but it will power desalinization plants to produce clean water for the regions that they are in. All this is done without burning any fossil fuels or making radioactive waste.

For the regular person who has their own home there isn’t much of a choice in reducing the electricity you buy from the electric company in the way of renewable energies. With the use of wind energy you would need to go up high in the air with wind generators to reduce the turbulence you get from manmade and natural structures. This can be extremely productive in certain areas but most urban areas won’t let you put a 25 – 100 foot wind generator structure in your yard. Solar energy seems to be the winner for the home owner with no limits on the unused roof structure of our homes.

Solar energy for the consumer is now at a point where you can build solar energy systems yourself for a fraction of the commercial cost. There are many offers on the Internet that will show you step by step how to build a solar energy system for your home. These offers will show you how to get the materials, put it together and feed electricity to your house. One of the best ones I have found is GreenDIYenergy Home Solar Energy Systems. They have an outstanding system that includes videos with step-by-step directions to take you from start to finish. If you just want some more information and other links to keep you on your quest to save money off your electric bill then check out this site for home energy saving tips and steps to complete your own home energy audit.

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Using Geothermal Energy Is Environmentally Friendly

There is a constant pressure to come up with better sources of energy today. When we are facing the impact to our environment that our current methods of energy give, it is necessary that we find alternative sources to lessen the impact. The energy that is contained in the earth is one of the ways that we can minimize the impact of our ever increasing energy consumption on the earth. Geothermal energy is one of the methods that have been explored for helping the environment.


There is a high cost associated with installing a geothermal, but most people who are interested in lessening the impact on the earth are not deterred by this cost. The concerns of the earth take a greater precedence over the concerns of our wallets. There is also an energy savings associated with heating and cooling the home with geothermal energy.


These systems are increasing in popularity as more people learn the benefits that can be found in using a geothermal energy system. When there are more people using this type of heating and cooling systems in their homes there will be less need for the oil that we are currently using. The people who are interested in keeping the environment safe from harm will find this the biggest advantage to using this type of system.


The problem of our dependency on oil has been brought to everyone’s attention. This is the reason that these systems have become more popular in recent years. The cost of oil and the impact on family budgets is another reason that alternatives are being sought at a rapid rate. The potential of these systems to help our environment and decrease the costs associated with the current energy methods make them a wonderful choice for many people.


Other countries have already discovered the power that the earth can deliver. In regions that contain volcanic springs, the inhabitants have already found a way to harness that power. Man’s nature is to constantly improve on the systems that we have in place.


If you are interested in finding a lower cost alternative to your current energy demands and to lessen your impact on the environment, you should research geothermal energy. There are a great many benefits, but there are also some high costs associated with having a system installed in the home. It might be a good idea to wait until the costs of this type of system come down in price a little bit. Figure out how much you can expect to save on your energy bill and determine if the initial cost of installation is worth the money.

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Renewable Energy Use: What the Average Individual Needs to Know

It has long been observed and proven that nature has already provided man with enough resources for energy—sunlight, geothermal heat, tides, and wind. Because these energy are abundant, in fact, so abundant that they could be replenished perpetually, they have come to be known as renewable energy.

Though extended discussions about renewable energy and its sources can become winded and more complex, every average person interested enough should at least know the basics in order to grasp the concept of how incredibly beneficial these energy sources are.

Man has long harnessed the power of wind and had applied it for practical purposes, albeit in smaller scale such as the power produced in windmills. Current technologies had long converted these simple renewable energy mechanisms to develop wind farms that generate energy supply without the associated risk of pollution. A lot of wind farms have been established in the United States and abroad to generate electricity. This provides proof on the increasing attraction of using wind power as source of renewable energy while decreasing environment risks and hazards. One critical consideration in establishing wind farms would the presence of constant strong winds, which is why many wind farms are located in elevated areas and even offshore locations are considered viable settings for this kind of renewable energy facility.

Renewable energy from water comes in many different forms. The most common would be the hydroelectric energy that is generated by waterfalls while some areas of the world also generate micro hydro systems that produce smaller amounts of electricity. Renewable energy is also tapped from currents deep under the ocean. This is termed as tidal stream power and several technologies have been developed to harness these viable source. Other sources of renewable energy generated from oceans would be tidal changes, temperature difference, tidal motions, and of course, waves.

Another viable renewable energy source is sunlight, which earth certainly has in abundance. There are numerous technologies developed to tap the solar energy and convert it into electricity, heating systems, and even cooling systems. Though most of these technologies are still in the initial stages, there is no denying the potential benefits promised by this renewable energy source. One of the leading concerns is cost of the materials used, though several affordable yet more efficient designs are still expected to be introduced into the market.

A lot of geothermal power plants had been built and have long been operational in several parts of the world. This is because this source of renewable source of energy generates power at low operating cost. Though some experts may contend that geothermal energy would not last as long as the others and is technically not renewable, it is still expected to provide large amount of power for a long time, even for a hundred years or so. However, it is still classified as a renewable energy source by the International Energy Agency and, like all other sources mentioned above, geothermal energy is reliable and environmentally friendly.

Though none of the renewable energy sources are considered to compete with fossil fuels just yet, it still provide some form of alternative for environmentally conscious individuals and communities in doing their share of lessening environmental degradation and destruction, something we can all ultimately derive benefits from.

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Reduce Your Energy Costs

A local energy company in Clearwater Florida is proposing to raise its energy costs…again. Over the last year this company has raised its rates by around thirty percent and residents are starting to worry that, with the economy tanking and layoffs happening everywhere, that they won’t be able to afford to keep their electricity on anymore. And while Florida is known for being warm all year round, who wants to go camping in the winter, especially when there is no end in site to the camping? It only takes a couple of days before the idea of a hot shower becomes so beautiful that you consider bribing your friends and family to let you live with them instead of trying to keep your own—just so that you can feel warm water on your skin again.

In a time when energy costs are increasing (ironic considering the drop in fuel costs), it becomes even more important to cut down on power usage. The following list presents Clearwater residents with some tried and true ways to cut down on their energy bills and some more…creative ideas as well.

1. Put blankets over your windows and outside access doors. Sure it makes you look like a hillbilly, but when you cover your windows, you reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs. Windows and outside access doors are like sucking vortexes for heat. The thicker their coverings, the warmer your house will stay—and you won’t have to keep kicking the heater up a notch.

2. Unplug whatever you are not using. Sure it’s a pain in the butt to have to plug your television set back in, but it has been proven that unplugging appliances and machines when they are not in use can do a lot more to cut down on your electric bill than simply turning them off.

3. Learn to love hats and shoes. Most of your body heat is lost through your head and your feet. If you keep them covered, you won’t be as tempted to kick up the heat in your home!

4. Grill—even in winter! Using your grill or barbecue cuts down on the amount of power you need to make dinner and can lower your bill. No it won’t be fun to stand outside if it is cold, but grilling or barbecuing even just a few times a week can spell the difference between being able to afford your electric bill and….not.

5. Join some clubs or other social organizations that require you to leave the house. The less time you spend at home, the less energy you will use. Join a knitting group or a book club—something that doesn’t require money to join or a lot of driving around. Plus, you’ll make friends and have fun!

These are just five ways that you can cut down on your energy costs. You already know about energy saving light bulbs and the like. Now it is time to get creative and figure out what else you can do to reduce your energy consumption!

For more information on Clearwater Florida, visit http://www.clearwatermicroblog.com and http://www.flmicroblog.com.

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What is Alternative Energy

We need energy to do things in this world. In every aspect of our life, we find ways to harness it and use it in a constructive manner. But conventional sources are getting depleted fast, which leads to a need for renewable energy sources. There are quite a few promising sources that can be considered.

The term “alternative energy” can refer to any energy source that doesn’t burn any fuel or involve the splitting of atoms. Because of the pollution caused by our standard energy supplies, there’s a growing interest in finding good alternative energy sources. Hopefully, this doesn’t stop at wishful thinking.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, geothermal energy, wind power, tidal power, and hydroelectric power, are being seen as possible future replacements for conventional and less clean energy sources. Technology is still being researched and developed, to fully maximize their efficiency.

Solar Power

Among the alternative energy sources in use today, solar energy is possibly the most well known, especially in places where the sun is always shining. The Earth receives a considerably amount of solar energy on a daily basis, but only a small percentage of it is put to good use. It is used to power heating systems for homes and businesses, to run cars, and to operate space satellites. And as research advances, the future looks bright for solar energy.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy is produced by the internal heat of the Earth, which could be used to generate steam to run a steam turbine. The turbine would then generate electricity. It could provide supplementary power even if not functioning as the primary source.

Wind Power
Wind power is one of the cleanest forms of energy production, able to generate electricity without harmful byproducts. The disadvantage is that its use greatly depends on the weather conditions in a particular area.

Hydroelectric Energy

Tidal and hydroelectric power share the same basic principles in how they generate electricity. They utilize the force of the water’s movement, and convert it into electric power. In hydroelectric plants, water is usually stored behind dams. As soon as the water has been released at a high pressure, it is used to turn the turbine blades below, which are then used to generate electricity.

As technology advances, we become increasingly more capable of harnessing the full potential of our clean and renewable energy sources. It is vital that we continue this research and development, and eventually put an end to the use of fossil fuels or other polluting elements, with their harmful effects on the environment.

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Facts About Hydroelectric Energy

Ocean tides, streams, waterfalls and the hydraulic cycle itself are natural examples of the raw power of water. The most collectable and obtainable way to harness waterpower is to force the water to run down hill or find a natural occurrence of this and capture it and channel it. Hydroelectricity is by definition electricity generated by the production of hydropower through use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Since man learned to use water strategically this has been the number one source of renewable energy in the world.

Hydroelectricity as a viable option for powering your home has been brought to people?s attention in news and popular culture and appears a wise option giving the climate of our current energy crisis and the need for new green jobs in our economy.

Sundance channel’s ‘The Green’ featured an episode where the family built a downhill water canal. Users of hydroelectricity produce no waste once the hydroelectric complex is constructed. However man made dams are constructed which does alter the environmental factors for humans, animals and plant life. To make things worse for fragile fish species, hydroelectric dams are equipped with rapidly moving turbines that can be deadly to entire species. This affects not just the fish but their place in the food chain for us humans as well.

Lake Mead is a one hundred and ten mile long reservoir and a popular water sports spot where water can be release and spilled from Hoover Dam to produce more or less hydroelectricity as needed. Inventions are being made to help encourage unity between natures and man made dams such as the use of ?fish ladders? around dams built in the Columbia River which allow Salmon to ?step up? the dam to their natural spawning ground.

The majority of dams still are design and used for their original purpose of providing irrigation for farming and flood control.

Some of our most powerful natural waterways include the Columbia River on the Washington, Oregon border or Niagara Falls in New York. When the water flow or fall is harnessed whether it is naturally occurring or created from a plant such as the Hoover Dam, the water flows thru a pipe or penstock, then pushes against and turns blades in a turbine to spin a generator to produce electricity. In the United States over half of hydroelectric power is generated in Washington, Oregon and California. The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington is the nation?s largest hydroelectric facility responsible for producing 27% of hydroelectric generation. Oversees, the Rogun Dam across the Vakhsh River in southern Tajikistan is the highest dam in the world at 335 meters, although this could have been altered slightly by a flood at the dam in the mid 1990s.

There are not a ton of large sources of hydropower than this yet because to build a plant we still need the natural occurrence of a large plot of slopping land and a waterway. All the elements must be just right and it is a plus if the Dam provides flood control as well as power to the people who live around it.

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Shedding Some Light on the Myths of Solar Energy

As new concepts and theories for residential energy production emerge, many sceptics voice their opinions claiming these new ideas simply don’t life up to the hype. Solar power is one such idea which has generated a considerable amount of cynicism.

With this article I aim to shed some light on some of the common misconceptions regarding the use of solar roof panels as a viable means of residential energy production.

“Solar panels will take too long to pay for themselves”

Year after year we are seeing our energy bills going up by ever increasing percentages. The promise of cheaper fuel bills from nuclear power never came to fruition so the need to consider renewable energy sources such as solar power is now a viable alternative. In the current economic climate, investment in cheaper bills for the future is a sound financial idea as remaining reliant on non-renewable energy sources such as coal, gas and oil can only become more expensive as they become scarcer and therefore more expensive.

On average UK homes consume around 3000 units of electricity each year and typical solar energy panels will produce around 1500 units each year (estimated average under UK conditions) which is half of the average yearly consumption. It’s difficult to state exactly how long it would take for residential solar panels to pay for themselves as many variables are involved. These variables include the initial cost of each solar panel, the type of installation plus the cost of installing the system, the price your electricity supplier charges and whether or not your energy supplier will pay you for any extra units which are fed back in to the grid. It is also worth checking with your local council as many grants are available which could cover up to 50% of the cost of installing home solar panels. What we do know is that non-renewable energy prices will continue to rise. It is no longer a question of ‘can I afford solar panels?’ It’s more a question of ‘can I afford to not have solar panels?’

“Britain is not sunny enough”

This is a common false statement regarding the use of solar panels in the UK. Most people assume solar energy panels need direct sunlight in order to function. In actual fact they only require light from any source rather than direct sunlight as they absorb the electromagnetic radiation found in photons. This means that a solar roof panel will even work at night by absorbing photons from star light and street lighting; however, this happens on such a minimal scale you’d never notice. The output of each solar panel is considerably higher on sunnier days as strength of light (or the shear amount of photons) is a major factor, as is the angle the solar panel to the sun.

“Solar panels are useless during the short winter days”

Although there is some truth to this statement, residential solar panels are far from useless during the winter months. The daylight hours are significantly shorter meaning each solar panel will generate less power over the course of a full day. The truth of the matter is that hour for hour; each solar energy panel is on average equally as efficient as it would be throughout the summer. Prior to the installation of solar panels one should consider how much sun light will be hitting their solar panels during the winter months. Your roof may be in the shadow of nearby trees or a chimney stack may reduce the efficiency of the solar panels by leaving all or part of the solar panel in permanent shade whilst the sun is lower in the sky.

“If I don’t generate enough solar power, I’ll have no electricity”

This simply is not the case. Your home will still be connected to the national grid, so anytime you need more electricity than the solar panels are providing, you’ll get it as normal from the mains. It is unlikely that a household will be able to produce 100% of it’s electricity as a result of installing solar roof panels as we have become far to reliant on electrical appliances. Saying that, it has been proven in the past that once a household begins generating its own electricity using solar panels, its occupants become far more conscious of the way in which they use it and day by day will use far less electricity.

“It takes more energy to manufacture a solar panel than it will ever put out”

The energy payback of solar panels varies depending on which type of solar panel is fitted. Currently, the microcrystalline-silicon solar panels have an estimated energy payback of less than 4 years where as the ‘thin-film’ solar panels have an energy payback of around 3 years. Future developments in renewable solar energy coupled with increased production are expected to halve the energy payback time of both microcrystalline-silicon PV solar panels and thin-film solar panels.

“Modern solar panels are still not efficient”

Solar energy has come along leaps and bounds since the development in the production of the first practical solar cells in the 1950’s. These had a sunlight energy conversion efficiency of around 6%. By the late 1980’s scientists had developed solar cells with an efficiency of 17%. By 2000 solar cells had an efficiency of 24%, rising to 26% in 2002, 28% in 2005 and 30% by 2007. Increased efficiency coupled with lower production costs means residential solar energy systems are cheaper and more efficient than ever before.

You may ask yourself one question regarding the above figures, “If solar panels are getting more efficient and cheaper year after year, maybe I should wait a few more years?” Although there is some logic to this idea, the truth of the matter is waiting a few extra years could well prove to be a false economy. At the moment the British government are offering a variety of grants to financially assist those seeking to run a greener home, including the installation of domestic solar panels which could save you up to 50% of the installation costs. Government grants like this may not be available a few years down the line.

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Solar Power Kits – 5 Tips for Decreasing Your Home Energy Costs

Paying huge electric bills every month is a problem for many homeowners. That’s why a large number of people are looking into home solar power to reduce their energy costs. And why solar power kits are becoming so popular.

Here are five ways harnessing solar power can help you to save money and also do your part to save the planet.

Save Thousands of Dollars – When considering the cost of buying or building solar panels, it is a good idea to remember that within a few months they may well have paid for themselves.

If your home is partly, or solely, powered by your own energy system, you could be saving hundreds of dollars every month and thousands over the course of a year.

Obviously, if you want to receive all of your power needs from your solar panels, you will have to spend a substantial amount of money to buy, build and install enough panels. However, within a year or two, you may have regained your initial investment.

Earn Money on Your Excess Power - Not only can you save money on your utility bills, but you can also earn money. Some home solar systems will produce more energy than the household requires, especially in the summer months.

You may choose to store this excess power, or you can sell it to the grid and earn yourself a substantial amount of money. Again, this is another reason that solar systems should be thought of as a long-term investment.

You Will Not be Dependant – on the Grid Having your own source of power can be very comforting. If all of your power is being provided by utility companies, you are completely at their mercy should something go wrong.

However, with your own solar power kit, in the event of industrial disputes, weather damage or faults, you will still have a reliable and constant source of power.

Help Save the Planet – Although many have tried to bury their heads in the sand, we cannot ignore the fact that our climate is altering dramatically.

The industrialized world is producing more pollution than the atmosphere can handle and it is gradually causing catastrophic damage. However, it is small changes by the ordinary man and woman on the street that can really make a difference.

If each and every one of us used solar power, the drop in CO2 emissions would be profound. However, even if you are the only one on your street to use solar power, you will be making a difference. You will be helping to preserve the planet for your children and grandchildren.

Embark on a Fun Family Project – In many cases, people choose to construct and install their own solar panels, as it is a cost-efficient alternative to buying. Fortunately, with the right instructions, building a solar panel is surprisingly easy. It can also turn into a fun project that the entire family can be involved in.

Of course, there are many other advantages to solar power kits and some will vary depending on your circumstances. However, if you are currently sitting on the proverbial fence, the above may help you reach a decision.

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Why does my low energy light bulb flash even when switched off?

I have a pendant light on the landing. When fitted with a low energy light bulb it flashes once every 10 seconds when the lightswitch is off and therefore should have no current passing through it. If I change it for a standard filament bulb this does not happen. I have not encountered this problem in any other light fitting in the house. Any ideas?

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Pros & Cons Of Solar Energy

Every day, households around the world are using up the planet’s resources for energy. If this continues, these energy sources will be depleted quickly -unless alternative renewable energy sources are utilized.

One of the energy sources that modern technology has recently put to good use is solar energy. Solar energy isn’t anything new, but new technology advancements have placed solar power more into the mainstream, and it may one day be one of our primary sources of power. -

Advantages of Solar Energy

Since solar energy comes directly from the sun, it is not only renewable, but also accessible in any part of the world. As long as the proper equipment is utilized, unlimited amounts of solar power can be collected and put to good use.

Solar power is also one of the cleanest forms of energy, since it creates no pollution, and produces no greenhouse gases or waste products. For residential uses, the use of solar power minimizes negative impacts on the surrounding environment, making it a safer alternative to wind or hydro power.

Not only is solar energy non-pollutant, in terms of gases, but it also causes zero noise pollution – since there are no moving parts in any of the devices which are used to capture the sunlight. Due to the fact that no moving parts are used, maintenance costs are low as well – only occasional cleaning and periodic battery replacements are needed. Most manufacturers of solar panels provide twenty-year warranties for their equipment, guaranteeing long-life operation.

Solar panels placed on rooftops also double as a heat absorbers, slightly cooling the top area of the house which is directly below the roof.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The most obvious drawback of solar energy is its sole dependence on the sun. Once the weather becomes cloudy, or night strikes, energy collection comes to a halt. However, recent advancements of technology now allow the generated power to be stored in special batteries which provide roughly enough electricity to last a night.

This is why solar-powered devices, including flashlights, are gaining in popularity and are proving to be efficient energy savers. Solar panels can also be expensive, because of the materials that are used to create them. And even when these materials are taken out of the equation, the entire process, considering the other devices involved, can be a bit costly. This includes portable devices that utilize solar energy. But most of the cost involved is in the initial purchase and installation of a solar power system – not running costs.

Fortunately, there are some people who sell damaged solar cells, which are much cheaper. These damaged solar cells can be used to build fully functional solar panels, using the application of simple do-it-yourself techniques. Although in every part of the world, there is at least some point in time when the sun shines, it is also true that direct sunlight is needed in order to make the most of the sun’s energy – and to generate the highest amounts of power. This significantly restricts the placement of solar panels. And some areas in the world may receive little benefit, due to lesser sunlight.

What’s the Bottom Line?

More research and development continues to be invested into this growing technology, and that’s a good sign for the future of our households – as solar power may one day be used more frequently than other energy sources. Of course, solar energy isn’t perfect, but it makes a great complimentary addition to other energy forms.

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