Solar energy remains one of the cleanest and reliable energy available to man. So the question is, why hasn’t it been adapted in large scale around the world? The answer to this question can be found in a report done in 2009. The report lists the barriers into four categories cost, complexity, reliability and inertia. In order to understand the challenges that face this industry it is important to look at the solar energy facts from this viewpoint. [click to continue…]
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The reason solar power is likely to drive the green revolution in the near future, is the fact that it can save energy costs and probably add value to the property. This is a great incentive to homeowners and energy conscious people who have been thinking of using green energy in their homes and businesses. Solar power is a significant investment, but according to solar power blog the cost of panels has reduced by 50% between 2009 and 2012 and is set to reduce by another 30% in the next 2 years.
It is not possible to give an exact figure of how much money solar power can help you save. The power generated will depend on a number of factors. Weather is one of the biggest factors. The state you live in, will consequently be a factor because of difference in weather. To get the maximum power out of your panel, you need to ensure you install correctly. The panel must be oriented to get the most of the sun. It is also hard to come up with an exact figure of how much you can save, because of the fluctuating energy costs in the market. The figures we could compare with now may change in a few months.
Having said that there are estimates you can make with reasonable amount of accuracy. You need to first identify what uses up a lot of power in your house. Solar water heating is one of the areas where you can save the highest amount of money. According to experts, you can save 60% or more of what you spend if you replace your current water heating system with a good solar system. You can also save a lot of money if you can use this form of energy for your home’s air conditioning.
One way to quickly calculate how much money you can save, is to use the data collected by experts in the last few years. This data has shown home owners can save between 60% and 90% of their energy costs. You can then look at your energy bill and make an estimate of the amount you are likely to save.
However, the installation you make may only replace a section of your power needs. For example, if you install solar for heating you will need to calculate your heating cost in order to make the right assessment of how much you will save.
Generally speaking, if your current bill is $500, you are likely to save between $250 and $350 depending on a number of factors like the weather and the prevailing energy costs in the market. You can reduce the cost of investment, if you capitalize on federal and tax credits given for energy efficient installations. The rebates you get can give you back a significant amount of your investment. You will need to research and find out more before you make an investment expecting these rebates. You can find out more details on this and more on this solar power blog.
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We have all heard of solar homes and solar cars, but very few have heard of solar boats. These crafts are electrical boats with independent clean engines and batteries that harness and store the sun’s energy. They are efficient and can run from pure solar energy. Along sea banks and inland waterways there are only a few connections to electricity mains. People who live on, or who spend lengthy amounts of time on boats, are dependent on batteries, but batteries will sometimes discharge and need to be replenished. A better solution would be solar electricity, as solar modules on a ship can charge the batteries in a clean and efficient way with free natural energy from the sun. But like its petrol-guzzling cousin, solar boats need to receive regular maintenance. TLL series Load Cell make it possible for maintaining and repairing solar boats. They accurately measure tension forces ranging from 500 to 50,000 pounds. These cells are manufactured from heat-treated 17-4ph stainless steel and are moisture protected for protection against most environments. These little devices pack a mighty force, and are used in shiplifts to facilitate repairs and weigh the boat.
How it Works
A shiplift is a modern evolvement of the slipway and floating or graving dry docks. It consists of a structural platform that is lifted and vertically lowered synchronously by multiple hoists. The platform is lowered underwater, and the ship floats overhead and is then raised up, lifting the ship where it can be weighed and serviced.
Good for the Planet
Solar boats, if embraced for commerce or pleasure, could help significantly in reducing our carbon footprint. In an article published by Clean Technica the author proposes that if electric whale watching tour boats can replace nonconventional gas and diesel vessels, marine life will be spared toxic exposures. The article continues to say that the tourist experience would likely improve because all the significant reduction of noise due to much quieter engines would make for a more pleasant time. Also, the lack of petroleum-based fuel exhaust that nauseates many people would be a thing of the past. The author reports further on marine air pollution as a significant environmental and public health problem. Particulate matter, smog and global warming emissions are all components of marine pollution. The article states that a research study from Canada found that orcas on the West Coast of North America could likely be more exposed to higher levels of carbon monoxide than that found near the freeways of Los Angeles. Exposure to such air pollution can harm their immune systems and cause other health problems.
The Solution
It is pretty clear that by instituting solar boats in the tourist industry, that environmental changes for the better good can take affect and make the world not only a better place for people, but for the earth and its many creatures. And with a solar boat comes the responsibility of giving it routine maintenance and repairs. If you are thinking about purchasing a boat in the new future, go online and do your research. You may be the first of your friends to get a solar boat and start a great new trend within your social circle.
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When writer and graphic designer Eric Pensola decided it was time for his family to get a used car, he did his research. The lease on his current family car was about to expire, and the time was right for a car he felt was safe for his family and the environment.
Pensola decided on an eco-friendly hybrid, a car that is both electrically charged and runs on fuel. He also wanted to buy American, but increasing his monthly expenses was not an option.
Like Pensola, there are many hardworking Americans who have to watch their wallets. If you are hoping to lease or buy a hybrid and you have bad credit, don’t let that deter you; you can still get bad credit car loans at DriveTime or a similar type of service. There are still dealerships who are willing to sell to a buyer who continues to work on improving his credit score.
Pensola compared used American hybrids, and decided on the four-cylinder Ford Escape. If you’re seeking a used hybrid vehicle but struggle with which make or model to go with, we’ve collected these tips from Lauren Fix of Road & Travel:
Fix recommends that all buyers run a report on the car of their choice with an online car guide such as Edmunds.com or Kelley Blue Book online. If you want to know about the user history of the car, you can run a separate report on the specific car’s history on a car guide like Carfax.
No surprises here: It’s better to go with a low-mileage car than one that has high miles on it. The less wear and tear that’s on your “new-to-you” vehicle, the better. Generally, a used hybrid car with less 100,000 miles on it is safe to drive. If you’re concerned with the vehicle’s high mileage, purchase a warranty to cover certain repairs. Warranties are often worth the initial added expense; you’ll end up saving money on costly repairs in the long run.
This brings us to the most important item on the list: the battery. Replacement batteries on a hybrid cost between $2,000-$3,000. Ouch.
Make sure you know how much use has come from your hybrid’s batteries, as certain models experience a drain in the batteries at around 80,000-100,000 miles. Sure you’re excited about helping the environment, but you’re also looking for your hybrid to help you save money, right?
Because of the increase in the popularity of hybrid cars, Fix believes that the price to replace a battery will go down – in fact, she thinks used hybrid cars will become more affordable across the board, and in the not-too-distant future, too.
Don’t stop here – do your own research. Then you can make an informed decision and get the used hybrid car you can feel good about driving.
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Solar energy pros and cons can give us a better understanding of this great energy source. We will be able to know what a home user can expect, and whether it is suitable for industrial applications.
Pros of Solar Energy
Generate Electricity Anywhere
The equipment needed for generating electricity through solar power is minimal, compared to tapping other energy sources. A solar panel and a battery is the minimum requirement, and this equipment can be set up anywhere, even in very remote locations.
Clean and Sustainable Energy Source
Conventional methods of generating electricity require burning of fossil fuels or using nuclear materials. Burning of fossil fuels pollutes the environment, and these fuels are being depleted at an alarming rate due to increasing power requirements. Nuclear materials can prove to be extremely dangerous, when some natural disaster occurs at the generating site. Solar energy therefore is comparatively extremely clean, even though conventional power is used for manufacturing solar cells and other solar equipment at present. Secondly, solar power is renewed every day with the rising of the sun, and hence it can never be over-consumed.
Reduce Power Bills
Installing solar panels can bring down power bills largely, especially in places where there is abundant sunlight throughout the day. Now, governments of different countries also have schemes where people can feed any excess power generated from their solar equipment, back into the grid and get credits. This can reduce power bills even further and in some cases fully eliminate power expenses.
Improving Technology and Low Maintenance
The technology used in solar cells is constantly being improved upon, and the electrical output keeps increasing, with every innovation. Solar panels require simple cleaning once or twice in a year, and most solar equipment comes with a warranty for 20 years.
Cons of Solar Energy
Intermittent Energy Source
Sunlight access is limited to certain hours of the day, and there are many days in a year, when the sky is overcast. Therefore, solar power is still not being used for the main energy demands and is best regarded as an additional source of electricity. However, compared to wind power, accessing solar energy is less intermittent.
Expensive Storage
Whatever electricity is produced with solar power, it has to be saved so that there is no disparity between power requirements and production. Such storage requires investment in batteries, which are quite expensive. Secondly, these batteries usually have a life of about five years, which means there are repeated expenses.
Space Requirements
The correct amount of solar cells has to be installed for a specific amount of power generation. The power density is calculated in terms of watts per square meter of the panel. This means there should be more space available to install panels for increased power demands. In an independent house, it is possible to install many panels, but it becomes increasingly difficult in apartments, and for generating power for industrial needs.
Considering solar energy pros and cons, it is quite evident that even though it is ideal for homeowners in reducing power costs, it is still not a base power source. At best, it can be a additional source of generating power for industrial needs.
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Floodlights consume a lot of energy compared to regular lights around the home. An average incandescent bulb used in the house is rated at between 60 and 100 watts, a flood light of the same type will consume between 150 and 500 watts. This means that each floodlight consumes between 3 to 5 times the power of a regular bulb. For this reason solar flood lights are good alternatives to the common flood lights that rely on the mains electrical supply.
Solar is also more convenient because it is easy to install. Installation of floodlights would normally require a qualified technician to come and install it. This adds to the cost of the buying the floodlight. You may want to install it somewhere around your house, probably a stairway or a dark spot near your house. If there are no power points around that spot, it may pose a problem when it comes to installation. Solar lights are much easier to install because they are much easier to move around in case you decide to change your mind. The installation is normally very easy and you will save money because you will do it all by yourself.
Before you decide on the type of solar flood lights you want to buy, you need to plan. The first thing you need to do is to determine what you need it for. You may either use it for security or for lighting. Floodlights used for lighting tend to consume a lot of power and some solar lights available in the market may not have the best quality of illumination for this purpose. LED lights are the best type of bulbs used for lighting because they are bright and conserve energy at the same time. Floodlights may also be used for security. These lights have a motion sensor that turns on the light when movement is detected. For this reason, this type of light does not consume a lot of power.
There are a number of things you need to watch out for when buying a solar light. You will need to check the type of battery used to charge the light. Ni-cad batteries are considered to be the best. You also need to ensure that the solar panel can charge even in cloudy conditions. The current technology of solar panel can charge when there is no direct sunlight. For best results, it is best to ensure that you ensure the panel is not under the shade of tree branches. Here are a few floodlights you should consider if you need one for your home.
Sunforce LED Solar Motion Light: Since floodlights are usually placed outdoors, it is important to consider the issue of durability. This light is made of ABS plastic and aluminum which can withstand severe weather conditions. The light output is 850 Lumens which is enough to light up a 200m squared area. It is easy to install and comes with a motion sensor.
Mr Beams Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor: This light has a sensitive motion sensor and an auto shut off when motion is not detected. It is very bright at 140 Lumens and conserves power efficiently. You do not have to worry about installation because it is very easy to install.
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Solar path lights have a number of advantages over other types of path lights. One advantage noted by many, is the fact that they are much easier to install. There are times when installing path lights can be complicated because of the landscape of your garden. Some pathways may end up being curved, therefore making the process of laying down wires complicated. Ease of installation makes solar lights more versatile. Designs are varied and a gardener can place the lights in whatever pattern he wants without feeling limited by cabling requirements.
Another thing that makes solar great is power saving, you can save a significant amount of power especially if you have a number of lights and intend to keep them on for the whole night. You will not only save on your power bill but also on the installation costs. Solar installation is safe and easy that you can do it all by yourself, without the need to call a qualified electrician to help you. Electrical pathway lights may also require you to prepare the garden so that you can lay down the wires. All these things may end up costing more than you had estimated.
There are several types of solar lights that you should know about so that you make the best choice. One type is the post light. Post lights help to illuminate the pathway from above. This has several advantages; one, the light is scattered further, secondly, the lights may be placed higher than the low branches that may cast shadows on the light’s panel. There are lights which are installed on the pathway itself. They help to illuminate dark spots that may be hidden under low branches. Such lights may be installed on stairways to make it easy to see the steps and reduce accidents.
When shopping for solar path lights, there are a few things that you need to look out for. The type of bulbs will affect the quality of the light. Solar lights usually use LED light. However, there are different types of LED that can provide varying light intensity. Another thing to look out for is the type of battery used. Ni-cad batteries are considered the best for this kind of lights. The panel on the light is also important because it will determine how efficiently it generates power. The current technology of solar panels can generate power even under a shade or on days when there is no sunlight. Here are a few examples of good solar lights.
Britta Products Ray-1W Solar Ray Garden Path Lighting: This path light has a sleek and elegant design that is not too conspicuous. It comes with 2 rechargeable batteries and has a powerful LED that directs the soft white light towards the center of the pathway. The panels can charge the batteries even on days when there is little sunshine.
Paradise GL23158SS4 Stainless Steel Solar Bollard Light with White LED: This Bollard pathway light is only fitted with one LED. The Light is soft but enough to light the pathway. The panel can charge the batteries even on cloudy days. You may however need a number of these lights if you want to light up a large area.
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You can find many places online and offline offering solar cells for sale and these deals work out much cheaper than purchasing a solar panel. Tapping solar energy for residential and commercial power needs is the best way to save on utility bills. Even though there is an initial investment, the system will keep generating power for many years, and after you have recovered your investment costs, you will be enjoying free power.
It is better to look for good deals on solar cells for sale, as ready made panels can cost up to $6 per watt plus installation charges, whereas, if you assemble a panel on your own with solar cells, it will work out to only $1 per watt. This is a huge difference, and hence it makes more sense building your own panel. This DIY project will require basic knowledge of fitting electronic components, and careful handling of the solar cells, as they are quite delicate.
Since this is going to be a DIY project, there are a few things to consider before you make your purchase. You need to know the power output of each cell, as that will affect the size of your panel. If you buy cells of very low voltage then the size of your panel will be correspondingly larger. This will make building the panel much more difficult and costlier. To know the power output of a cell multiply the voltage with amps given in the product specification. For instance, if the cell has an average voltage of 0.5, and average amps of 3.5, you can expect a power output of about 1.75 watts.
Solar cells are available in untabbed and tabbed formats. If you are building panels for the first time, it is better to go for tabbed cells, as they are easier to work with, and you can finish your project in a shorter time. However, untabbed cells are much cheaper, and can save you a lot of money, if you know how to handle them.
Secondly, purchase solar cells from known and reputed outlets, as there are very old cells in circulation, which have outdated technology and will not be as effective as the new ones. Here are some of the best solar cells for sale deals available in the market today.
This kit consists of 120 multi crystal tabbed solar cells, wire for interconnecting, three diodes, 10-inch bus, and a flux pen. Each cell has a power output of 1.8 watts at 3.6 amps, and measures 3 x 6 inches. This is an excellent kit for building panels with a total capacity of around 216 watts. It is presently available at a reduced rate of $139.99.
36 Monocrystalline Solar Cells
These are Class A quality, Monocrystalline solar cells available for $275.95 for a set of 36 cells. Each cell measures 5 x 5 inches and generates 2 watts of power. This set is ideally suited for building a panel or panels for generating 72 watts.
Costing $331.90 this set of untabbed cells is break resistant and can generate 1.8 watts per cell. The dimension of each cell is 3.25 x 6 inches.
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During tough economic times, folks are always looking for ways to save money. Electricity is one area where the dollars can add up fast, especially if your property requires lighting. One great way to cut down on electricity costs is to install solar lighting. Instead of paying your local electricity provider for the energy to make light, the sun gives you all the energy you need for these devices — for free. Another benefit to this lighting choice is what it does for the environment. Instead of expending all that electrical energy, these lights use natural solar energy, instead. Lastly, if you don’t already have lighting on your property, adding these devices makes your property that much safer by preventing injuries – especially at night. Another added safety feature is that these lights prevent criminals from sneaking onto your property to either rob you or cause you harm. Clearly purchasing solar spot lights is a sound idea.
The Malibu 8501-0604-01 Solar Spotlight comes in black, and is made of hard plastic, which makes it perfectly suitable for outdoor placement. The lenses are also clear glass, which means they provide unobstructed lighting. Additionally, you can adjust this lamp in order to pinpoint where you most need illumination. It’s a product that should last a good long time because it is manufactured with corrosion resistant properties and is waterproof. The package includes your additional energy source, which is a 400 mAh Life P04 battery. http://www.amazon.com/Malibu-8501-0604-01-Solar-Spotlight-Black/dp/B005NMCJHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352423876&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+spot+lights
The Paradise GL23836Bk2 Plastic Solar-Powered LED Spot Light comes in a two –pack, and is colored black. This light is specifically designed for garden landscape lighting. http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-GL23836BK2-Plastic-Solar-Powered-Light/dp/B00378K6NI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352423876&sr=8-2&keywords=solar+spot+lights
If pricing is an issue, the LED Outdoor Wide Head Solar Spot Light is about half the cost of the prior two entries, at $8.00. It comes with 3 white LEDs. This adjustable light is suited for illuminating a favorite garden spot, or to shed some light on pathways and/or steps. http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Wide-Solar-Light-White/dp/B008KRPJVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1352423876&sr=8-3&keywords=solar+spot+lights.
The LED Solar Spot Light, also with 3 White LEDs, is even less, at $7.00. It’s made by Ambient, and with its natural charging from the sun, makes light for up to 6 hours. This modal’s color panel is adjustable, which means you can place it at the very best angle to receive sun light. http://www.amazon.com/LED-Solar-Spot-Light-Landscape/dp/B008USWMR8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352423876&sr=8-4&keywords=solar+spot+lights
From the Moonrays manufacturer, there is available the 93380 Premium Output Solar-Powered LED Spotlight model. This light uses a .35-watt warm-white LED that delivers a full 10 lumens, and can provide illumination for 7 hours when fully charged. It also illuminates a large, 10-foot wide radius from 6 feet away. You can install it simply, just by putting a stake in the ground. http://www.amazon.com/Moonrays-93380-Premium-Solar-Powered-Spotlight/dp/B004IEBBLG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1352423876&sr=8-5&keywords=solar+spot+lights
All of the above products offer slight variations on relatively similar products. What you choose depends upon your budget, as well as whichever added features you’re looking for in a solar light. If adding lighting is something that’s on your home improvement agenda, why don’t you consider the solar route? Letting the sun be your energy source makes such great sense on so many different levels. The sun already works for you all day, so purchase a few solar spot lights so that old orange ball can also work the nightshift.
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When choosing a solar yard light, you need to take décor into consideration as well as practicality. This is because you want your light to look decorative in the daytime, just as it sheds enough light at night. In other words, choosing this yard lighting is akin to selecting lamps for your living room. After all, you don’t want to have a big, obnoxious blub on a lamp stand stuck on your end table in your house. Instead, you want something that looks nice and goes with the rest of the furniture. The same goes for yard lighting. You want it to look nice while it serves a useful purpose.
It’s for decorative reasons the Yards & Beyond – Solar accent lighting is such an appropriate choice. This L3C-N2-BK-2 Dual Use is coach style, and includes a 2 pack of solar lights. This light is energized by ultra high efficiency sun powered solar panel. This unit also has photocell control, which means it turns on and off automatically. Since it is solar powered, there aren’t any wires at all to install. This unit is distributed by Ace Trading. http://www.amazon.com/Yards-Beyond-accent-lighting-L3C-N2-BK-2/dp/B0025TMRYQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352514258&sr=8-4&keywords=solar+yard+lights
Now, if you want to go decorative to the extreme, consider purchasing the 3 Piece Decorative Solar Light Set that includes figurines of a hummingbird, a butterfly and a dragonfly. Yes, these aren’t just predictable lamp sets, but are instead lovely creatures that light up the property and glow so brightly in the dark. If they only emitted white light, that would be one thing. However, these solar lights do more than just that. They also rotate colors. They go in a cycle, beginning with red, then going to green and then to blue as soon as it gets dark. You might say these solar lights give your property a miniature light show. http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Decorative-Hummingbird-Butterfly-Dragonfly/dp/B0040VP5TG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1352514258&sr=8-5&keywords=solar+yard+lights
Of course, maybe you really don’t want a ‘creatures of the night light show’ going on at your house every night of the week. Instead, you’d like go with something a little bit more traditional. For you, perhaps, the Moonrays 91380 Payton-Style Solar-Powered Black Plastic LED Path Light, 10-Pack may be just the thing. This unit sells for almost $40 dollars, so it is by no means a budget model. However, for you money you get a 120-degree-angle beam, which provides a 12-inch area of lighting and 2.5 lumens per fixture. It’s constructed with weatherproof black plastic, with a lens that looks realistically like hammered glass. It also comes with round stakes for simple installation. You know you have a quality product here because the parent company of Moonrays is Coleman Cable and Woods industries, which made its name creating superior wiring and cable products. http://www.amazon.com/Moonrays-91380-Payton-Style-Solar-Powered-Plastic/dp/B004IEBBF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352514258&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+yard+lights
Maybe you’re not ready for glowing creatures, yet you still want to add a little colored light. Perhaps the Solar Crackle Glass Ball Lights, which is a pack that includes 3 pieces in a set, is right for you. These lights are just what they say they are — balls of light that change from red to blue to green. They’re colorful, but traditional at the same time. http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Crackle-Glass-Ball-Lights/dp/B002IR4GJO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1352514258&sr=8-8&keywords=solar+yard+lights
Clearly there are many styles to choose from. It’s good to have a choice, though, so find the one that suits your fancy best and light up your yard the solar way.
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