Thursday, June 02, 2011

Solar Shades for Windows

The days are so hot that you can hardly breathe. The reason is because of the existing humidity, which seems to be too unbearable that everyone else is breaking into sweat. What makes it worse is that sun rays are able to go through your windows, making the heat inside the house a lot more unbearable. What should you do to lessen such inconvenience? Use solar shades for windows.



Indeed, such device is the only solution there is, as it is known to be an effective means of reducing heat from the sun that goes inside your home. They work by blocking the rays that peer through with the panes of your windows. Indeed, such type of window treatment is so effective that it greatly minimizes the total heat that accumulates in your home interior.

And because there is much reduced presence of the annoying heats, there is no need any more for home owners to use air conditioning for hours and hours, which means that electrical bill that you pay every month will go down much less.

How Do Solar Shades for Windows Work?


Actually, these devices, once installed in your home, will prevent the sunlight from going through the glasses of your home windows. Remember that as soon as the rays of the sun are able to penetrate the panes and into your homes, the heat that they bring will take a couple of hours before they subside. This is the reason why you can always depend on the effectiveness of these shades.

Their very first action is acting as efficient blocking agent against the summer heat. This prevents the build up of heat that will happen if the rays are able to penetrate.

Another important action of these devices is that they act as enhancers of the aesthetics of a residence’s interior areas. In fact, there are now shades that are available in the market which have elaborate designs that are meant to please the eyes.

Solar Window Shades Reduce Room Temperature Effectively


Indeed, with these sun devices, heat is reduced by about 90 percent, making the indoor environment for convenient especially for young children. Another important benefit is that they protect your home for any possible damage, particularly in the walls and furnishings. Specifically, they serve as protection to the luster and overall quality of paint coating. It is common knowledge that paints can easily fade and bubbles are even created when exposed to excessive sun rays and heat. And of course, we only wanted to preserve the excellent condition and perfect appearance of your home’s interior.

If you want to shop for these items, it is very easy to do – however, the most convenient means is via online. Of course, there are a number of excellent retail shops and hard ware and home centers which you can find just on the corner or even downtown that you can depend on for your purchases.

However if you are after convenience, it is advisable to go in front of your computer, log on to some online shops and check out some amazing solar shades for windows, particularly one that is best for your home interior. One of the most reliable sites to go to is the Amazon.com. Most are definitely available at a price that you can afford, from as minimum as 10 dollars to as high as more than a 100 dollars.
Photo credit: ariadna from morguefile.com

Saturday, May 07, 2011

How Many Solar Panels to Power a House Efficiently?


One question that puzzles a typical homeowner when it comes to sun’s energy is this; how many solar panels to power a house? Actually, the answer depends on a few factors; namely, the number of appliances that a home owner has in his home, the size of his house, as well as the abundance of sun rays.

If fact, there is also another vital factor, and this involves the available budget that he has. A home owner must ask himself; is he financially capable of buying only a single unit or several or larger units for his house?

Overall, in order to arrive at the right answer on the number of sun powered panels to power a house, a potential user must have an idea of the total energy that his household is able to consume approximately on a regular basis. Panels are actually rated in wattage, and it is a given that the bigger they are, the more watts that they produce.

Therefore, if you have found out that you need 2,000 watts an hours, you would be needed 4 500 watt panels, or perhaps 10 200 watt types or any other combination that would in the end produce 4k watts per hour. This shows you an idea on how to arrive at the right number of solar panels for house which is necessary to efficiently take the place of your traditional electric power source.

Suffice it to say that if your want to utilize sun powered gadgets as alternative sources of power for your home, you do need to have an approximate answer on how many solar panels to power a house.

Of course, for those of us who do want all our appliances and gadgets in our abode to operate or run via energy coming from the sue, we can only do this with the right number of panels.

And while you consider the purchase of such sun power equipment to be an expensive endeavor, their installation and use in one’s household can be a wise and positive investment. It is the type of investment that you are assured of enjoy rich financial returns in the long run.
Image credit: TaranRampersad

Thursday, May 05, 2011

How do Photovoltaic Solar Cells Work for You?


For those who are interested on gadgets that utilize alternative forms of energy that anyone can have for free, there are the solar panels for electricity that home owners can use in their homes. These are amazing gadgets that work by capturing the energy coming from the abundant rays of the sun.

These are known as PV panels for homes. Each one of these panels is actually composed of a number of photovoltaic solar cells, which in turn is made up silicon materials. Every and every one of these cells on the other hand is actually able to create a tiny amount of electric charge when they each of them is exposed fully to the sun rays.

But because PV solar cells, by itself is about to produce only an insignificant amount of energy, they need to merge in order to produce substantial power that’s more useful for running all the appliances that are used in one’s home. However each one of them only produces a tiny amount of electricity; this is why they have to be used together.

So how do photovoltaic solar cells become effective and efficient producers of energy? In order for them to become viable source of power, manufacturers build them as a single bigger device, in effect, creating solar panels for electricity. Each of these panels, which are actually a bundle of cells, are now able to produce more amount of solar power. They are now able to create more necessary energy, and consequently power that is meant to run appliances in homes or even office. In the end, solar power becomes available and free for the taking.
Image credit: Rob_

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Solar Panels Electricity – Immense Benefits, Goodness and Advantages


Solar panels electricity offers a number of important benefits that has already been proven to be advantageous especially when it comes to lowering down the power bills of a home owner. However, there are other non-financial benefits as well.

First of all, the environment becomes less pollution from carbon dioxide as there is no more pollutant or other forms of gas combustion which actually is experienced because of the use of conventional sources of power, such as that from local grid. Suffice it to say that the power derived from solar home panels is known to be a clean, green and natural type.

With solar panels electricity, the consumer effectively is able to cut his bill on electrical power. Such source of electricity must be preferred as we all know that it is inexpensive and needs minimal maintenance as it only use the rays of the sun as the source of energy. You need only money to purchase the gadget; after that, there is absolutely no other expenses to worry about one you have it installed and run on a daily basis. As owner, you only have to keep the panels clean and safe from harsh elements. Likewise, you have to make sure that no leaves or any other obstruction fall on the panels.

Solar panel electricity is always available even during the rainy or cloudy days as power that was collected during sunny days are stored in the solar panel batteries can be used during such inclement weather. When properly installed, the gadget is known to last for many, many years; this is the reason when one can depend on it.

Solar panels electricity is perfect for use as it is derived from the energy of the sun not like other traditional source of power. Such energy source is very reliable as they can be depended upon even by those who live in far-flung areas. Just as long as the rays of the sun are aplenty, power is always available with solar electricity panel gadgets.
Image credit: onkel_wart

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Solar Panels Homes – Obtain their Immense Benefits


There are a number of great advantages and benefits when people use solar panels homes. A residence owner and consumer can reduce his power bills that come from his utility company, help in the reduction of emissions of pollutants and this in effect work in the protection of the environment. Best of all, operating them is free-all because of the free energy from the sun. Which is quite surprising as to why not many people are not using such power gadgets?

Actually, for those who want to start small, they can always use the basic gadgets which installing solar panels on roof. One does not have to shell out a big amount of money to buy his equipment. Another thing is that a consumer does not have to be a professional technician in order to install his panels. If you want a do-it-yourself solar panel, then all you need is a simple manual to put together and install the gadget on top of your roof.

One of the advantages of buying and installing such energy-creating devices for your home is that you can have one that’s tailored according to the power needs of your house. If there is limited space on the roof, then you have to use only the appropriate-sized type. You must remember there is no other better place to install the gadgets but on the top of the roof. This is because this location is where the rays of the sun fall directly to the panels at their maximum.

It must also be reiterated that the most effective way for any first timer to use such sun powered equipment is by building, buying and installing them minimally – one gadget at first. This way, you will be able to get some experience and will be familiar with the process. Consequently, you will start adding two or more panels for your home solar energy system as your need arise. Of course, if you do not have the time to do it yourself, you can always commission the services of professional installers to do the job for you.

For those who want to utilize such gadgets but are not able to as the process can be costly, home owners and consumers can try obtaining state and federal subsidies; these can help in the reduction of costs considerably. Once the devices are able to produce the much needed power, you will never have to worry about power or energy bills, power blackouts, brownouts and outages and even deadly carbon fuel emissions. Suffice it to say that apart from continuous supply of power from the sun; by owning solar panels homes, people are able to contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment.
Image credit: heidigoseek

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Solar Shingles – New Roofing Innovation that Delivers Efficient Alternative Energy


Many home owners wonder about the differences between the solar power shingles and the asphalt type. The latter is one that's commonly found in the market these days. Spotting the difference is a difficult task since there is a striking similarity between these two - particularly when it comes to appearance. Indeed, alternative sun-powered shingles and the conventional type are almost identical. Both even have the same type of color and finish. The only marked difference is that the sun-power type is covered with cell films, which mainly serve as collectors of the energy from the rays of the sun and convert them to power which we can use for your homes.

Solar Shingles - High Tech Innovation


Needless to say, thin-film innovative technology of these innovative roofing covers is amazing. Indeed, one reason is that it is much like any other ordinary shingles in features and appearance. Likewise, they are built like any other, which means they are lightweight and can be set up without being burden to the roof. And why not? The panels that cover them are made of lightweight thin films. They are sure to collect a good amount of sun power without becoing a nuisance to the roof, unlike if you are going to use the ordinary sun panel equipment.

Cost of Gadget and Installation


One factor which might prevent many home owners from buying and using these sun powered roof covers is its price, which admittedly is a bit higher than the ordinary type. As it is, when it comes to prices, they can be costly, but just like any other alternative gadgets that run with the energy from the sun, you are relieved from from the burden of high power bills every month because of such devices. All that you need to pay is the price of the device.

How do they work?


They basically function much like any other sun energy-creating devices – and this is collecting energy from the sun rays via the PV cells and then converting them to power. Such power can be utilized to run your TV, radio and any other small appliances. The difference is that the shingles do the same job but they are smaller and do not take too much space. At the same time, the advantage of using them is that they are meant to produce the same amount of power like the conventional panels. What's great about it is that you can install them yourself, using solar panel installation units, albeit you can employ a professional installer who will take care of installing these sun-powered shingle gadgets.
Solar power shingles also have a decided edge since they are effective in beautifying and enhancing the overall appearance of your home; and hence adding more to its value. Generally, these effective sun energy roofing materials are expected to last at least 20 years or even more; it depends on their manufacturers. And one does not have to worry when it comes to durability and strength as they are known to withstand even the most destructive of all weather conditions much like the conventional type.
Image credit: bikeracer

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Solar Hot Water Systems Prices – Good Alternative to Traditional Water Heating


In general, solar hot water systems prices are exorbitant, especially when it comes to the high equality and really effective heaters for waters; whether they are used for daily activities such as bathing, or any other residential or commercial purpose.

Time to give up the Traditional Way


Why such alternative method and forgo the traditional way of heating water? First of all, even if the the prices of this system is expensive, experts agree that it is economical in the long run as the energy that is utilized is free, since it comes from the abundant rays of the sun. However, conventional heating that is done using electricity or gas is expensive. The use of this power to heat water leads to significant addition to the monthly budget of the consumer.

Solar System Prices – Expensive yet worth it in the Long Run


Needless to say, solar power hot water heater, as a means of enjoying hot water, is one of the most cost-effective energy systems available. What’s great about the sun power heating systems is that there is not so much maintenance needed; usually general checking should be done once or twice a year. While expensive, it does prove to be a good choice as far as efficiency in energy as well as the protection and saving of the environment is concerned.

Have an Expert Check Your Place


The price of sun powered water system, which involve the cost of the gadget as well as that of installing solar hot water panels varies; it all depends on the panels, the type of your house, as well as its location. Overall, the amount to be met should run to as high as 10,000 dollars. Some smaller systems can be had in a few thousand dollars and will only take not too much space on your roof top. The best thing that you can do is for a professional solar installing company to check on your home and make the appropriate assessment on which type of system is best for your hot water needs.
Image Credit: International Rivers

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Solar Electricity Panel – Best for those who Love to Stay Outdoor

For those who do not know it yet, solar electricity panel is a device installed usually on the roof top and is powered by the rays of the sun. The energy that it gets from the sun is converted into electricity to be used as power for the appliances that you own. Imagine you don’t need to be dependent on your electric grid, or least lessen your use of traditional power. It’s such a great feeling knowing that you are able to save substantially on your power bill as you run a number of your appliances on alternative energy, right?



What’s best about these special devices is that you only have to shell out money only once for their purchase. After the one-time payment, you will not have to pay any more since it will harness free and abundant energy from the sun. It is a zero-cost source of power that everyone to take advantage of. One great thing about this type of flexible solar panel sheets is that they help in taking care of the environment all over the world, not only for our generation’s sake but for the coming ones as well.

How does it work? This gadget makes use of PV cells the function of which is to gather all the energy that it can from the rays of the sun. After collecting, it converts such energy into usable electricity for the home. It must be said, however, that the existing conversion technology is yet to be perfected. Nowadays, its efficiency is only rated less than 40% and much of energy is lost in the form of heat or light. However, all the converted energy is used as electrical power. This means that twenty percent of the available energy received is converted to electricity.

Flexible Portable Solar Panels on the Go


The manufacture of these alternative power devices is simple – they are built by mounting the cells in a plate and glass panel frame. The frame acts as a protector of the cells in case of extraordinary difficult element or weather. The glass acts as a conduit for this alternative energy to be able to successfully touch the PV cells. At the same time, it works as an efficient protector of the cells.

Some sun-powered gadgets are known to be very flexible and portable, which means that they fold and get set up easily in any type of location. These devices can be rolled up for easy handling. Usually, such flexible and portable types are ideal for mobile families and groups as well as the military. They are the best gadgets by people who are always on the go and need power to charge cell phones and computers while on the field.

Suffice it to say that solar power electricity panels are a perfect alternative to the conventional or traditional sources of power that one needs to run the appliances and electrical gadgets that you and many other home owners have in your residences.

While you need to shell out a great amount of money just to be able to purchase and own a gadget, it is surely a one-time expense that you need to have. After that, there is no more worry about other expenses as they are virtually non-existence. No more will you have to worry about depressing monthly power bills. You need not have to think about how to pay for maintenance or repair fees as well. Best of all, you have a chance to become a power vendor. In other words, you can sell back your surplus power that you produce with your PV gadget to the local utility.
Image credit: pixor

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Solar Panels on Sale – Making the Best buy

For a home owner who wishes to purchase his own sun powered panel devices, he must realize that solar panels on sale are quite expensive. This is why before one would even think about buying his own gadget, he must consider some thing.



One of the most significant questions that one can ask himself is: does he really need such a gadget for his abode? Will it be a more logical decision if one gets for himself to buy solar panel gadgets for electricity if he can already be contented with the services of the local utility?

First of all, there is a need for one to determine is total requirement for energy and power. For example if he decides to buy one, he must buy a good-sized one since a small system will not be enough to even power his small appliances. Likewise, he musn’t even think about being able to sell electric power to the local utility as the production of his small sun power gadget will be enough only for his own use.

How much are solar panels?


One must have enough financial resources to even buy a decent device. Does he have the money to purchase a good quality one that’s on sale? Remember that such a device can actually cost one some 8,000 dollars to 25,000 dollars. It is important, too, that a home owner determines his power requirements in order to ensure that he picks the most appropriate device for his home. Remember that prices of these gadgets change with the kind of season that prevails.

Hence it is a must that research is made to find out which of the month of the year is the best to buy the most affordable devices. More often than not one will encounter an online shop that will offer him a great sales deal.

One can also make a series of price comparison; which can be efficiently done by going to different websites that offer and sell sun-powered products. Of course, different online companies sell various models at different prices. However, it is not enough reason for one to buy the cheapest gadgets available. One should also consider the quality of the product. One should think of this as the most important factor to consider when you decide that you want to buy these devices.

Sometimes, there are companies that simply increase the prices of the products; such action can be glaring when a consumer make comparisons. Therefore it is just logical that the PV panel product with a reasonable price that boasts of quality specifications and functions is the perfect choice. Likewise, a potential buyer must remember that in everything that a consumer buys, he must make sure that he gets the right value for his money.

As in other purchase that one makes, is it not standard for anyone to get some form of warranty for all the purchase that he makes. This should also be true when it comes to purchase solar home panels on sale. Any consumer must make sure that the manufacturer is able provide guarantees for his purchase.

While most devices are sturdy and known to last for many years, one still cannot be sure if things will always turn out to be fine when it comes to the condition and quality of his equipment. Hence, one must not only be consider about the question – how much are solar panels? It is also important that he gets other vital features such as enough guarantee for the purchase that he makes. He must see to it that he requests for the best and most comprehensive one from the vendor.
Image credit: pixor

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Roof Solar Tiles for Alternative Power Production

Needless to say, when it comes to alternative forms of energy, roof solar tiles are one of the best and most innovative means that allows a homeowner to gather and harness the energy that come from the sun; especially, if his purpose is to generate electricity to run his small home appliances and devices.

These days, home owners have roofing tile materials to cover up the homes and protect them from natural elements, but it seems to be such a waste that it just sits there and do nothing when if fact, it can do more than just an effective home protection. It is time to put such tiling products to useful work by makng them a generator of power for household use.

Solar Roof Tiles Cost




A homeowner might not believe it, but if he engages in the use of such unique PV roofing, this can save him almost 60 percent of the cost of home power that he consumes every month. The best part of it is that they cost competitively, making them a better roofing option. For those who have small businesses such as a grocery, convenience store, or even a small office, the use of this innovative energy technology works to provide alternative energy. This happens in the form of solar power, which can be created as long as the owner has sun-energy great gadgets and a rooftop on which to install them on.

Surely, many consumers and home owners already know about the fact that energy from the sun is a form that is totally clean and does not cause any harmful pollution to our environment. Solar roof tiles for example, do not need any fuel for them to run; they only need the rays of the sun from which to collect energy. Most importantly, the process is done in a quiet way. Yes, all that a consumer needs when he decides to utilize these tiles are the abundant and free light rays from the sun. Great amount of energy will be gathered provided that the gadgets are located on a strategic area of the roof, where maximum amount of sun’s rays fall down. Indeed, as long as sunlight is available, these tiling component will keep on generating much- needed energy.

Tiled Solar Panel Roofs


Indeed, there is now a highly effective PV roofing technology that is easily available, wherein the cells are utilized as efficient components. These components do not only function as a vital rooftop element, but they also effectively produce alternative power for household use. Of course, the more conventional ones such as the residential home solar panels have been around for many years now. However, a good number of property owners are wary about using such devices because they are considered to be very bulky and heavy. In cases of storms or other natural calamities, there is a great possibility for the sun-powered panels to be damaged. In the other hand, when it comes to solar powered tiles for the roof, people will be able to avoid such problems but be able to maximize its benefits.

When it comes to advantages and benefits, people are assured that there are a lot of them when it comes to using such advanced form of energy roofing. One of the advantages is that they not only exist to collect and generate energy, but of course, just like any other type of rooftop tiling materials, solar roof tiles provide the same type of durability and protection that you want over your heads. Actually, whatever protection benefits that one can get from the standard type of tiles, he can also get this from the sun powered ones. Of course, this is also aside from the fact that they are appealing and certainly adds a great amount of aesthetics to one’s property

Sun Roof Tile Manufacturers


In the United States, there are two corporations that are in the forefront when it comes to the production and distribution of sun-powered tiles; these are the Dow Chemical Company and SRS Energy Co. Both are preferred vendors in the industry for their competitive lists of solar roofing shingles cost and prices. Dow Chemical, primarily a chemical company, utilizes copper indium gallium diselenide film in the harnessing of sun power. While the product of Dow is not as effective as the conventional type, they are very inexpensive and cheap to install. On the other hand, SRS Energy is the manufacturer of such effective tiling products that work solely on the principle of PV roofing. SRS’s products has an edge at it is quite pleasing in appearance, being made in ceramics.

Solar Roof Installation


If a home owner decides that he wants to replace his old roofing of his home with that of photovoltaic roofing, it is very possible. All that one has to do is install them on the best location atop the house roofing and certainly, they will begin the process of sun power generation for the advantage and use of the household. For those who have no time nor experience in doing the installation, a roofing professional can be hired to do the installation work. There is little to worry about as the expenses needed to install solar power tiles are quite low.

Another thing to remember is that the components of such sun powered devices are very light in weight, which means it will cause no damage to the rooftops of the property, but instead will protect and secure it all the more. This is aside from the fact that alternative energy derived from the rays of the sun is created for use of the household, which is its primary purpose and function in the first place.

Indeed, when it comes to getting alternative energy, particularly one coming from the sun, a home owner can take advantage of his rooftop by installing roof solar tiles all over it, instead of the conventional shingles. This can be easily realized because of affordable solar roof tiles cost and prices that’s within one’s reach. As it is, roof tiles are no longer just meant to provide security and protection on top of the head but they are also useful gadgets which efficiently work to create viable alternative energy that’s excellent for home use.
Image credit: colincookman

Sunday, March 06, 2011

Photovoltaic Solar Systems – Efficient Means of Obtaining Alternative Power Source

These days, you must have already known about the photovoltaic solar systems devices, which are composed of smaller PV cells, the vital elements that create electricity. The panels worked on the principle known as the photovoltaic effect wherein the rays of the sun are agitated by electrons. In such phenomenon, these special types of materials produce electric currents as they are exposed to sunlight. `



Utilization of Sun’s Energy


Indeed, sun power is strongly being considered as a viable alternative source of energy. What is photovoltaic solar energy, in the first place? Why should be take advantage of its benefits? The main benefit for its use is that it is a great source of free and renewable power. In fact there are two kinds of energy that the experts can obtain from the radiation rays that come from the sun, and these are the electrical and thermal types of energy Thermal energy is the kind which can be gathered via sun-powered thermal collectors. On the other hand, electric power is produced by PV, virtually making the houses of users so-called solar panel homes.

Definitely, when it comes to the growing power requirements of the work, PV systems is the answer. These photovoltaic panel devices may very well be the answer to the world’s growing energy requirements. These days, all gadgets and devices that we use are actually dependent on power; all things from the small electric fans to wash machine – they all require electrical power to be able to run. And because of the fast growth of the world population for power is going beyond what the current commercial utility sources can actually produce.

Actually, the PV concept and process were discovered and then developed by Edmund Becquerel in 1839. The PV panel actually is a series of semi-conductor junctions which are actually two parts, one is electron-deficient while on the other hand , the other part is electron rich. There are special cells found in all solar home panels. These are actually designed to create the important electrical field which is across the junction. The electrons which are present in the cells create movement from the part that is rich in electron to the part that is lacking in them. The two crystal sides are called the n type and the p time. A barrier separates them in order to prevent more electrons from transferring from one side to the other and vice versa.

Actually, the barrier continues working until such time that the sun finally has an effect on the solar cells, thereby producing more electrons. Such electrons are filled with sufficient energy and will work up to the point when they will be able to break the barrier. Eventually, the barrier does break and allows the electrons to go through the junctions. This is the whole process by which this special alternative systems work.

Where Energy from Photovoltaic Solar Systems Comes from


The commercial power that we use for our everyday requirements usually comes from sources such as electricity and fossil carbon fuels. The worldwide demand and need for such sources had grown through the decades and is still growing – in an exponential manner. Nowadays, many complain about the high cost of energy; however this is only true because the supply of such energy is not that high anymore as how it was decades ago.

The trend now is for the experts in power and energy to look for alternatives to the common or commercial electrical power. And as it is, PV gadgets are just some of the viable alternative sources of power available in the marketing nowadays.

Currently, a great amount of sun power cells is necessary for people to produce sufficient energy for their electric day to day requirements. For those who have technical knowledge, they can even build their own gadget with the use of photovoltaic cells for sale.

Most of these devices nowadays are more being utilized as back up energy systems or in times of emergency. However, with the fast-paced movement of technology these days, there will come the day when sun power will be considered as one of the main sources of power. When by the time this is finally realized, the people all around the world will then be able to save on substantial amount of money in their electric bills.

With solar power systems, household are about to save eighty percent at the most with the use of energy coming from such devices. Indeed, they are efficient tools when it comes to producing alternative power. Generally, what is more important in these gadgets, since they are using the clean energy that is coming from the sun, is that they help greatly in the protection of the environment. This is the reason why solar panels are known as the green type of power gadget.

How do sun-powered panels really work?


These equipment are mounted on the roof of the house or even on stand-alone metal frames. In order to enjoy maximum performance and optimum energy production, PV cells must gain full exposure to the rays of the sun. One technique is to make sure that the surfaces of the cells are facing the direction on which the rays of the sun fall the whole day. The more intense that they are exposed to the sun, the more will be the amount of energy that the panels will be able to produce.

Nowadays, many modern models are available for home owners to purchase and take advantage for their energy use. There are a lot of companies and manufacturers that sell products to consumers and build their own solar home panels. Indeed, building one can be quite easy for even the non-techie home owner to assemble and build up.

In the end, such gadget saves the average individual substantial cash on energy bills and likewise it helps in the caring and preserving of the whole environment as well. Needless to say, for those who want to take advantage of the wealth of energy benefits that the sun offers, they can very well join the bandwagon and use photovoltaic solar systems for the home.
Image Credit: pixor

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Solar Power Rebates for the Sun Energy User


Huge expenses come to mind when a home owner contemplates on installing solar panel devices. How much are solar panels, really? Whatever might be the cost of this device, it is definitely one that interests more and more consumers and homeonwers if only because of the wealth of benefits that it delivers. It is certainly a device of choice by those who have great concern for the welfare of the environment.

For those who are serious in lessening any power bills in the long term, the federal government offers solar power rebates. For example, a home owner who might be residing in the sun-power friendly US states such as New Jersey or even California, more often than not, they offer federal programs that automatically offer substantial rebate for those who are interested in using such devices for the home and engage in the production of this renewable energy. Such incentives that one can enjoy are significantly high that such installments of solar gadgets will help in the owner being able to pay for its power is as fast as 3 years or even less.

Via the California’s Renewable Energy Rebate scheme, many of its citizens will have to pay for just half of the home solar panels price of the sun and wind power systems. Such effective program permits those who are qualified.

The utility agencies on which the sites must be grid-tied or connected are the following:

1. So California Edison
2. San Diego Gas and Electric
3. Pacific Gas and Electric

When connected to these companies, users and consumers will experience dramatic reduction in electric costs. The power bills of the California residents will reduce to practically nil when they go for a combination of time-of-use meters, effective conservation of energy and government tax break.

On the other hand, the New Jersey solar power rebates range from as low as hundreds to as high as thousands of dollars per approved rebate application, all of such coming from the Office of Clean Energy in New Jersey. The office offers generous cash rebates per watt of installed sun power to applicants but only on a limited basis. However, it must be stressed that the application is intimidating somewhat, as the applicant needs a company with ample knowledge to file them for him. There exist rebate programs and schemes that effectively reduce installation costs.

However, since a number of US states such as California and New Jersey are generous enough to offer sun power users rebate incentives, more and more American consumers from the other US States are thinking about transferring to use of sun power energy and reduce or give up altogether the use of traditional electricity, which is made available through its production from oil or coal manufacturing plants.

Is solar power worth it? Many long time and new users think so. They are now enjoy its many benefits and advantages – and these are the following; aside of course from the possible solar rebates, depending on the area or state where one lives:

Users are allowed to enjoy doing investment as well as additional source of income in the long term once they are regularly enjoying surplus in the sun power production.

Switching to solar energy use helps many home owners in saving substantial hard-earned cash

With the regular use of alternative energy source coming for the sun, the user in effect becomes instrument in the contribution to the cleanliness and saving of the surroundings and environment in general.

Just a few years ago, many pioneers in this alternative energy use were innovative enough to deviate from the usual electricity use and go for the alternative sources of energy, solar type included. They beam in pride as they are able to achieve almost nil electrical bill each month. And because of new and more improved technology in alternative energy, the solar panels for the home are becoming more and more effective in the production of power for the ordinary home owners. Some are evidently made portable and less heavy than the older models.

Definitely solar panel rebate incentives are very important in effecting the leveling of the field. In other words, such rebates can ensure that clean and renewable kind of energy is made to match up the traditional power source by making it likewise as attractive in terms of cost.

Some of these rebate benefits – particularly concerning the huge, major projects – are able to pay more than 50 percent of the incurred expenses and costs. Fortunately, such expenses by the user can be recovered in only a few numbers of years. And if the opt to do so, users will be able to earn once they are able to sell their surplus energy to the state government.

Definitely, the correct information is important to understand; consumers will all the more be enticed into transferring to utilization of PV solar system once they realize that the cost of the use of electrical power in the long run will be much more expensive compared to the zero expense incurred when solar energy is utilized.

Sun power will be paying for itself practically and not the user – maybe in the future even the purchase and installation of solar house panels. And so, going back to the question - is solar power worth it? Apparently, it is so. It is clear that more and more consumers and home owners are joining the band wagon. They want to take full advantage of free and clean energy, while enjoy the chance to generate extra cash as they surplus power from the sun.
Image credit: Sint Smeding

Monday, February 21, 2011

Solar Home Panels - Environment-friendly Power Gadget


We all want to save a significant part of our budget, what with the many expenses that we have to meet in our household month after month. Fortunately when it comes to power, we can try going for the free and renewable solar energy and use solar home panels instead of forever depending of the common electricity that we get every day from the local grid.

Indeed, with the kind of economy that we have today, it is economical if we are able to cut down on our daily budget with the use of these devices. What’s great about them is that you can choose the appropriate model and size to match your residential power needs. And if there is the surplus of energy created by these gadgets, we can have them stored in battery for future use. You have the option to sell them to the local grid as surplus energy. Likewise, there is also opportunities to earn solar power rebates in places such as in New Jersey and California.

Where can we buy home solar panels?



These gadgets, which are actually made of semi-conductors that work with photovoltaic cells, are easily available in the market.

If you want to purchase your unit in the comfort of your own home, then you can try logging online and buy the gadget of your choice from a website shop. Of course, you will have to choose the shop that has a complete variety of solar panel products in order for you to have a wide inventory from which to choose from.

The economical do-it-yourself solar kit as well as the portable solar panels can be very economical for use especially if you maintain just a small household. If you want to own DIY kits, these are easy to buy even in your local hardware and home stores.

These devices are the ideal choose of consumers with limited budget such they are priced lower than the large and heavy duty type. These DIY gadgets are easy to use as they come with ready and easy-to-understand manuals containing simple steps on how to operate the kit.

Benefits of solar home panels


They can actually cut down on the electric expenses by as much as 80 to 90 percent.
If you decide on totally using power from the sun and cutting of your connection with the local grid, then you might need to use more panel devices.

Portable types, which can be used for home needs, can also be used anywhere. For example, you and your family go out-of-town or on a camping trip using the recreational vehicle. These means that you will need power to run your RV’s small appliances such as stove and radio.

Also, many might be having second thoughts about using sun-powered panels because of existing solar power pros and cons. But it is obvious that the advantages are much more than the disadvantages. One of the most important benefits of solar panels is that the power that we derive from them is clean for the environment. It is so unlike the traditional sources of power such as the electricity which only produces and contributes pollutants to the environment. We all know that the common power that is used worldwide comes from carbon fossil and coal, all of which are major contributors to the detriment of our environment.

Whether use are using the home or the portable panels, you are 100% assured that the energy that they produce is free from pollution. This makes you proud as you know that are contributing to the protection and preservation of the environment. Of course, this is aside from the fact that you are able to save because of the cut down on power bills.
Image credit: mikecogh

Sunday, February 20, 2011

How Does Solar Panel Work?


Have you ever wondered and simply ask the question how does solar panel work? Indeed, it can really be amazing just to think how a gadget that you installed on top of your roof can work to produce electrical power in order to run the home appliances and equipment that you have in your home or office. While you might not give any serious thought about the mechanics that goes with the operation of solar powered home panels, it is certainly worth knowing it especially if you realize that its use can be very helpful in the preservation of the cleanliness of our environment.

How does a solar panel work, really?


For those who want to know the effectiveness of these alternative power gadgets, they simply collect energy, or PV, from the sun and convert it to electric power. Basically, PV cells are the main components of these device, and are made simply out of special silicon materials. Such materials in turn are made of sand that is manufactured into big computer chips. These chips are made to work as semiconductors.

The rays of the sun are absorbed by the photovoltaic panels, and into a PN junction wherein which the sun energy is transformed into electric power. This PN junction is actually where negative and positive forces work to create the electric field.

Once the much needed power is created by the solar electric panels, the power is transported into electrical wiring around the house. Actually, the electricity is originally a DC type, but since normally homes in the United States run on AC, all of the DC power will be transported to an inverter in order for it to be converted into AC. Thus such converted power can now provide energy to all the homes, offices and other establishments that use the PV systems.

The surplus power that the panels capture is stored in big battery systems meant to collect such power. They are usually found in protected exterior areas of the homes. Also these batteries can be found in basements or any other hidden storage in the house. For those residential and business owners who have great need for electricity, there are batteries that are capable of storing power that can be used continuously for one long week, even longer.

So for those who might ask “how does a solar panel work” It can be quite tricky to know how it really works, especially for the technologically challenged individual. But as long as one is able to purchase his sun power kits, it can be quite easy to install them on the roof, what with the instruction that accompanies the unit. But if you decide that you simply want to have an easy time, it is advisable to simply let a professional do the installing of your unit.
Image credit: Michael Deegan

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Solar Panels for Home - Saving Our Environment


If you find that you develop great interest in building or installing any form of alternative energy source on your abode, you should realize that sun powered panels are some of the best and most effective source of power for the homes, this apart from the numerous benefits that they offer. Still, you might ask the question of how many solar panels to power a house? But before we ask such query, we might want to know how much does this device generally costs? And what are the benefits that it delivers? Despite the initially high costs; in the long run, you will benefit from potential savings on the budget. But most important of all, we have to realize the importance that these gadgets provide to our environment. Indeed, it is the environment aspect of its usage that encourages a great number of home owners to try this solar gadgets.

Today unfortunately, much of the electrical power the businesses, companies and residences is still derived from fossil and carbon fuel sources from power stations. The fact is that gas, Oil and coal are considered the mainstay in the generation of power - for more than 50 years. This constant combustion of such fossil fuels leads to a seriously dramatic impact everywhere, on our environment. And the effect of these fuels means serious damage, to the detriment of worldwide ecosystems and natural habitats. Some of the visible bad effects include acid rain and atmospheric pollution, two of which contribute to worldwide climate change.

Nuclear or atomic power stations are now being built by many countries around the world. Such energy sources definitely cannot be considered as green, in fact they are considered by many critics as downright dangerous. Actually, the waste coming from nuclear stations, will remain with us for a long time and continue to haunt and harm us and many generations to come.

Solar panels for home are the best means for conscientious citizens of the world to reduce carbon footprint. This alternative source of power will surely lead to a much greener and cleaner environment. If home owners would simply switch power usage from electricity to solar power, then much of the environmental and ecological problems of our world will surely be eliminated.

There is actually indirect negative effect to the ecosystems caused by gas, oil and coal. We need not go any farther - there is the oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico The damage caused by this unfortunate incident is still innumerable. And unfortunately, years and even decades will be needed before we can see and experience the same level or standard of biodiversity of the gulf as before.

When home owners are to consider the options when they decide that they want to install such sun powered devices, they likewise start to comprehend understand the wastefulness and frivolity that the society has become. We realize that we cannot be less economizing by leaving on light bulbs during the evening, keeping appliances turned on when if unnecessary and selecting to use cooling and heating gadgets without even caring if they are energy efficient or not. If you install a reliable set of solar panel kits for home use, definitely you will also be able to develop economizing habits that will result in the reduction of electrical usage consumed.

And with its price reducing annually, while at the same time, overall quality improving more constantly - one should realize that the best time on which to change source of power is now.
Image Credit: ArtsieAspie