Archive for the ‘Energy Saving’ Category

Renewable Energy Sources   no comments

Posted at 6:51 pm in Energy Saving

Hot climates and gardening pose some real challenges. You have to learn to garden in a different way than you are used to. You can be a successful gardener even in the most hot and humid climates; you just need a little help.


Here are some tips that will go a long way in helping you grow that dream garden, even in Florida. The fact is that some plants can take the heat and others can not. This is part of the story. You need to chose plants that God designed for that climate.


This means that you need to relearn the plants and learn what those new plants need to survive. This is just the case in less challenging climates, but it takes a little time.


If you are accustomed to a more mild climate the first thing you need to understand is that you will have to water twice as often as you think you do. This is so that your plants will not wither in the heat. You may also look around for creative solutions to water, like timbered hoses that automatically run at set times.


Another helpful planning tip finding is the place in your garden where it will get maximum water from any rain that comes your way. This will help your plants have better roots and thus be better plants. Healthy roods make healthy plants. This is why watering is the big key.


Another solution is to plant deep so that the roots can spread out and get all the water possible. Water is the main key, so do all that you can to make it available to plants.


Now you may want to grow your favorite plants, but everyone in town says it will not grow here. Try all these step and take the extra care and you may surprise them all. If plants are properly cared for, you can grow them.


One last tip. Weeds use water too, so if your plants are going to get the most water you need to take needed steps to get the weeds out.

Solar electric systems are perfect method of renewable energy sources.

Written by Philly Decorator on August 7th, 2010

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Energy Efficient House Design – Using Thermal Performance Assessment Techniques   no comments

Posted at 11:43 pm in Energy Saving

Energy efficient house designs can be generated using thermal performance assessment techniques. Building thermal performance is the assessment or rating of a building’s ability to create internal conditions that are comfortable for the occupants, with a minimum of mechanical input. Mechanical input refers to the consumption of energy by heating or cooling appliances. Energy efficiency refers to the effectiveness of a building’s ability to influence, control and facilitate user control over the movement of heat energy within a building and between the building and its surroundings.


The most important attribute of a building in relation to its energy efficiency is the building envelope, which refers to the exterior fabric of the building. The movement of heat energy within a building has a less important affect. Residential thermal performance refers to the energy efficiency of a residential building (generally single dwelling houses and multi-dwelling apartments).


A number of factors affect the energy efficiency of house designs, including:


* climate and wind
* location, landform, vegetation and environment
* building orientation, form and design
* materials used and how they are employed
* occupancy and occupant behaviour


An energy efficient house stays naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. The house will be even more comfortable if the occupants perform simple operations and management tasks. This allows the occupants to maintain comfortable conditions in their home, without the excessive use of heaters and air conditioners. Accordingly, this reduces the mechanical input required and reduces the energy consumption of the building. Reducing energy consumption means less burning of fossil fuels, less carbon emissions and less general pollution generated by the building. That is, high residential thermal performance gives the occupants the opportunity to have a healthier and more comfortable home that costs less to heat and cool and also reduces the impact of energy consumption on our environment.


The Star rating system in Australia rates the thermal performance of a building on a scale of 1 to 10. A 10 Star house would be one in which no energy is required to be consumed in order to maintain comfortable conditions for the occupants. Theoretically a 10 Star house is possible, however in practice a 9 Star house is typically the best rating that can be achieved.


Such a high thermal performance house is commonly referred to as an energy efficient house. If the owners or designers of the home also include other environmentally aware features such as waste water treatment, environmentally friendly and low life cycle cost building materials, rain water gathering and treatment, solar and/or wind generation devices, etc, one might refer to it as a sustainable house.

More information about energy efficient house design and residential thermal performance can be found at: http://www.energyefficientdesign.com.au

Written by Philly Decorator on July 27th, 2010

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Alternative Energy, Why Should We Consider It?   no comments

Posted at 12:03 am in Energy Saving

Everyone has been caught in the web called fossil fuels. Who might not have? The Earth has been using this type of energy to power and make living more comfortable. Although progress will be much limited without its help, it is difficult to ignore the fact that using fossil fuels have been literally very degrading for human life and other living organisms.


Now more than ever this world should start to consider an alternative source for energy. It has been there for centuries sitting and waiting to be harnessed as an energy source. Take for instance the energy from the sun. It has been utilized centuries before in drying processed products or food.


But why it has been very difficult to turn the process towards alternative energy sources? The truth is, the world does not want it. Several factors affect this phenomenon. The top most reason is the dependence of other businesses from the oil industry.


Everyone works for the improvement of technology and without having backed by a steady energy source, the advancement will definitely stop thus the world can’t stop using fossil fuels. It is a primary knowledge that alternative energy sources have very minimal uses nowadays because few people do support the change. If everyone will just be contented with the resources and try to consider an alternative source, the world can save on this valuable oil thus eliminating the need to further increase the production and searching for oil.


How one can stay out of the grasp of oil products? There is no way that everyone can completely do that just now. It is because from the world’s food consumption to basic need of transportation, each uses some amount of fossil fuel. One way that will help reduce and slow down negative effects of fossil fuels is to reduce our daily use of these products. Try to consider walking if short distances instead of taking a cab. Also consider organically grown products which have a minimal use for these fuels during their production. These are some of the simplest way to offset some negative effects.


Furthermore, it is good to keep in mind that the effects of years using oil based energy can never be eliminated in a single day. And it’s impossible to turn the tables instantly and that alternative energy for now can’t sustain the whole world. Gradual and balanced change is a positive alternative. Use the resources responsibly and wisely.

Give our planet a chance to heal by using renewable energy sources http://www.squidoo.com/earths-renewable-green-energy

Written by Philly Decorator on July 14th, 2010

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Heat Pumps   no comments

Posted at 8:55 pm in Energy Saving

Heat pumps today are widely used in the gardens, for getting heat from the ground. They are used for heating water for radiators and floors. Up the ground has a constant temperature and the heat of a Heat pump can be used during the whole year. Today the heat pumps are usually used in houses that have floors with heating.


Heat pumps is an excellent way of using energy and heat in your house. Nowadays it can become just a renewable thing in some places.Heat pumps use ground as a source of heat in winter and like radiator in summer. This help to support a constant temperature that allows to save payments for its usage. But they are also maybe united with solar energy for heating that allows to use system more effectively.


Heat pumps may be bravely called as saver of homeowners’ money. They can become the best way of saving money and the same time they will bring you much benefit. They are intended for cooling and heating space, their size may differ from the territory, either it is an office or a house.They are meant for usage in normal climate conditions and give 3 times more energy than they use. Heat pumps are divided into 3 kinds, among them air Heat pumps, water and ground.


So if you bought a new house or just want to bring changes in your place of living you can easily do it with the help of Heat pumps. They can solve all of your problems. It just depends on what do you want to do and how to use heat pumps for heating or cooling, the energy is used by them is taken in small quantity for giving the opposite. So in summer you can use them to cool the air in your space and in winter to heat the cold air for warmth.The biggest advantage of Heat pumps is that it works the whole year round in comparison to different air conditions that are suppose to work only for several months.


Heat pumps can be a great addition to your house. They are just universal in many conditions and they verify in their design, though it never influence their main work components.If you have money than it wont be a problem for you also to support a constant temperature in your living area. The best choice that you can do is really to buy a heat pump and provide your home with best conditions.

Reduce energy bills while adding value to your home. Our products are efficient and are designed to blend in with other domestic appliances.We also offers promotional offers. Leaders in Renewable Energy Solutions: Electric Innovation. For more information please visit us at: Electric-innovation

Written by Philly Decorator on June 29th, 2010

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Is it Worth Making Solar Panels Yourself?   no comments

Posted at 4:20 pm in Energy Saving

With the cost of fully assembled solar panels now so high, is it possible to make them yourself without too much hassle? Yes, definitely, without a doubt. There is a ton of information available online to show you how to make solar panels. Probably your main difficulty will be finding the good advice amongst all the other stuff.


We have searched through all this information using our own expertise in solar panel construction, to give you all the basic advice and guidance needed to make a safe and efficient alternative energy system for your house. You should find this helpful.


The first thing is that you will not need any particular skills or technical knowledge, which is reassuring. All materials are also easy to obtain. It is quite possible to make your own solar panel for under 200 dollars and in a weekend. That’s a whole lot better than the several thousand dollars you will be quoted for a fully assembled system – even a single small panel will cost nearly a thousand dollars these days.


As always, it pays to plan things properly before starting to build anything. These points need to be considered in any plans to make a solar panel:


Location: Solar cells need sunlight, so the panels should face the sun at noon. Resist any urges to fit costly mobile systems that keep the panels facing the sun – it is much cheaper to make several fixed panels in slightly different positions if necessary. Ensure that your solar panels will not be shaded by trees or tall buildings at any time of the day.


Installation: You can install your solar panels practically anywhere that is convenient and suitable, such as the roof of your house or a shed. Since they are a little delicate, it might be a good idea to keep any solar panel out of reach of children and animals!


Materials and Tools: There are no special tools needed, simply some hand tools like screwdrivers, a drill, a saw and a soldering iron. If you have access to a workbench, electric drill and saw, that would make things much easier and quicker. Materials are limited to plywood, plexiglass, solder and flux, caulking and copper wire. The solar cells themselves can be bought cheaply on the internet.


Instructions: To build your own solar panel, you will need good quality step-by-step directions. These should include advice on calculating size and numbers of panels needed, mounting them securely, and essential electrical information such as use of inverters and connecting to your residential electric circuits.


None of this is complicated, but investing in a good step-by-step assembly manual is, we believe, vital to ensure a safe and professional result.


Having researched the crowded market we have found a manual which we believe is the best available for showing how to make a solar panel, with clear assembly instructions, lots of diagrams and even a set of great videos.


It has full details about electrical wiring techniques and regulations, as well as how to feed any surplus electricity into your local utility company grid.


This is how to make solar panels the right way, right first time, the expert way.

Our aim is to provide in one place expert advice and guidance for making a number of solar and wind energy projects, such as solar panels, solar hot water heaters, solar swimming pool heaters, solar hot tubs, windmills, wind turbines and many other green energy devices, using easy step-by-step instruction manuals and good quality plans for the amateur and professional alike. From our experience we are able to investigate and select only those kits and systems that we know will work well and be simple to assemble. We only recommend products that, in our opinion, offer true value for money and are fully guaranteed.


Please go to our specialized website Practical-Solar.com to learn more. We hope you will find your visit interesting and stimulating.

Written by Philly Decorator on March 12th, 2010

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Photovoltaic Solar Panels   no comments

Posted at 4:46 pm in Energy Saving

Are you interested in saving on energy and money? Then I have the answer for you. Photovoltaic Solar Panels allow you to save on nonrenewable resources and cut back on your energy bill. Let me explain…


A photovoltaic substance means that it has the ability to turn light into radiant energy. Solar panels can capture rays from the sun and turn it into electricity.


The key part of a solar unit is the cell. The cell is what actually turns the sun into electricity. You can do just about anything with that energy. There are solar products anywhere from lights, to pool heaters, to ovens, and even fountains for your front lawn.


You can build your own panels at home. There are do it yourself kits available in wide varieties online. If you find yourself overwhelmed at the costs of installation, don’t worry. The panels actually end up paying for themselves within four years or so just because you save so much on bills.


When you use these panels you can get great perks back. Not only are you saving on your monthly energy bill, but you get federal tax incentives for using them. Even on top of that you are bringing the value of your home up. Just imagine the incentive people would have to buy your home when they hear they won’t have an electric bill AND they are going to get a tax break.


Photovoltaic solar panels are a smart choice for any home or business. Start saving our natural resources and build your solar panel today.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels


DIY Solar Power

Written by Philly Decorator on March 7th, 2010

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Different Ways to Save Electricity   no comments

Posted at 11:43 pm in Energy Saving

The idea of saving electricity is not new but there are many new and different ways to save electricity that go beyond simply purchasing energy efficient appliances; such as refrigerators, washer and dryers. Why is saving electricity important? It is not only a matter of money that you pay for your electricity bill; it is more related to the amount of resources that are used to create the electricity. The Department of energy has projected that in the next 20 years even with diligent conservation of energy America will made one third more electricity than it currently is using.

Although using energy efficient appliances is helpful the amount of electricity that most household appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers and computers use only represents 2% of the total electricity you are using. It is more important to focus on the larger items and look for alternatives for their function. For example instead of buying a washer and dryer for your lunch we if it’s possible to set up a clothesline air dry your clothes instead.

Another large idea that can help you save electricity is to look at the design of your home. Is the property where you live energy efficient? If you live in an older home that was built before 1970 it may be worth your while to consult with an electrical contractor to find out whether or not your electrical wiring is up to code and functioning at its optimum best. For homes that have electrical systems that are not energy efficient than the amount of energy you wasting can add up to hundreds of kilowatts a year as well as thousands of dollars in bills. In addition as winter rolls around energy consumption also rises and for a house that is not energy efficient this means even higher bills.

Many homes use a central heating system that runs on electricity. But instead of using this you can save almost $1000 per year by simply using space heaters in the specific room. Most of the modern space heaters today are designed to conserve electricity and be easy to use for safe handling.

Probably the most significant aspect of ways to save electricity is the necessity to change the attitude toward energy consumption. Many people take electricity service for granted; leaving the lights on in rooms that are not being used is a good example. However there are many people for whom electricity is an absolute luxury but unfortunately is not available to them on the level that most Americans enjoy.

But the best way to save electricity is to use solar energy instead. There are many devices that are solar powered that are available for use in your home. Renewable energy technology has advanced tremendously over the last 20 years now you can get solar powered water heaters, as well as lighting for the interior and exterior of your home. You can also many devices which are solar powered such as cell phone rechargers.

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Please check my website Greenoholic.com | The Green Living Blog for Great articles and resources on Green Living, Biodiesel Conversion, Eco-friendly Products, Solar Energy, Solar Electricity, Tips to Save Gas, Petrol Saving Devices and More!
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Written by Philly Decorator on December 23rd, 2009

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Residential Solar Power Systems   no comments

Posted at 11:36 pm in Energy Saving

There are several different kinds of residential solar power systems that are now available. It has really gotten a lot easier to right size a system to fit your needs and your bank account. The three main different systems are the grid-tie, the utility-interactive, and stand alone systems.

The most affordable option is the grid-tie system. Solar panels generate electricity in DC current so the first thing you need is an inverter to change your DC to AC so that it can be used for your appliances. Basically with this system you have your solar panels connected to an inverter which in turn connects to your existing utility service, there are a couple of safety devices that will also need to be in the circuit though.

With this setup you don’t have any batteries so you are still relying on the power company for a portion of your electricity needs, especially at night. During the peak sunlight hours you can actually generate enough electricity to spin your meter backwards. When you manage to spin your meter backwards then the power company is now buying electricity from you. The fall back is that you don’t have any batteries to enable you to store electricity so even though you are saving money from your electricity bills you are still very reliant on the power company.
The next kind of system will cost you a little more but it provides some extra functionality at the same time. This system is the utility-interactive system and it still connects to the grid in much the same way as the grid-tie system does. Staying connected to the grid means that you will not experience any power problems during peak power demands.

This system uses batteries so that you can actually store power from your system when the system is generating more power than you are using. This means that during a blackout or at night time you can still use the power that is stored in your batteries to continue to supply power to your home. While this system is more expensive than the grid-tie system it does have some definite advantages.

The third kind of system is the stand alone system. It is basically the same as the utility-interactive but does not connect to the power grid at all. This system is primarily used in areas where there is not any utility service available in the first place.

While this system removes you completely from the power grid you will need to make sure that you have enough power generating and storage capability that you will not exceed the abilities of your system. The biggest draw backs of this system are a very high initial cost to ensure that you can produce your power needs and the fact that you won’t have the utility company to fall back on if you need it.

With the variety of residential solar power systems that are available today it is making it easier for us to do our part in reducing fossil fuel consumption. Most people can’t afford to just completely remove themselves from the grid because of the high start up cost but we can start using the grid-tie systems to ease the strain that the high fuel costs are causing.

If you need some help finding affordable solar panels and equipment then here is a site that you should take a look at: http://solarpanelscheap.com/

Written by Philly Decorator on December 22nd, 2009

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How to Build Solar Panels   no comments

Posted at 11:34 pm in Energy Saving

Building solar panels is a relatively simple matter because solar cells are modular. They are also quite small. Solar cells that are used in residential solar panels is about twice the size of a bar coaster or about four times the size of a playing card. You can fit your hands around one quite easily.

You begin building solar panels by connecting these cells in series and then connecting panels to one another. Then all that is left is to connect the solar panel array to batteries and an inverter to power your house.

Solar cells or photovoltaic cells, as we’ll call them here, convert solar energy into electric energy. Now, you knew that but in order to understand the way building solar panels works, you need to know how the electricity is made.

Photons of light strike the semiconductor material on the cell’s surface, usually silicon, and in so doing knock an electron loose. There are two types of silicon used to make a cell. They are both mixed with other elements which change their polarity. One type is negatively charged because it is mixed with phosphorous and the other is positively charged because it is mixed with boron. By putting together layers of silicon with different electrical charges, the incoming photons have an easier time of loosening up an electron and sending it looking for place to go.

The cells are engineered so that the electrons can only go in one direction and that direction is ‘out.’ So, each cell is designed to add their exiting electrons to the flow of electrons and with enough cells and enough solar energy, you have an electrical current you can work with.

See, building solar panels is not difficult but it is precise. The channels that absorb the electrons in each cell are lined up with every other channel in their particular group by means of a connecting tab, solder and flux. Once the cells are connected, a surface layer of glass, plastic or laminate (or a some combination) is layed over the top to protect them, all the moisture is removed (to avoid condensation which would interfere with the panel’s efficiency) and the panels are placed into position and connected.

From there, it is a simple matter of hooking up the solar array to your house’s electrical condition. In my mind, it goes without saying that you should hire a professional to do this. If you insist on doing it yourself, I believe you still need a certified electrician to examine it to insure your work is up to code. In the event of an adverse electrical event (fire), you would want your house to be up to code and in keeping with the provisions of your home owner’s insurance policy. will answer an questions you might have on how to put together your own solar panels for home use.

Do Solar right. Get the information you need first before you make a costly mistake. Visit SolarPanelsForHomeUse.com to get the information you need.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 21st, 2009

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