Solar Energy: What Is Net Metering?
Posted by admin in environment on 04 17th, 2010If you were to install solar panels on your home, could you just go “off grid” and cut out the power company altogether? Being totally independent is an attractive thought. No more high power bills. No more frustration with the power companies for any reason. Is this a viable proposition for you and your family? It depends on where you live, and how much money you’re willing to spend on maintaining your own energy system.
The Net Metering Method of Going Off-Grid
First of all, consider the dominant weather in your region. Are you in a part of the world that is quite tropical with loads of sunshine, or do you have a lot of gray and dismal days? Solar panels can only generate electricity when sunlight is hitting them. As a result, you will require batteries for storing electricity for use at night and on cloudy days.
That’s where it starts to get costly. You’ll have to buy and maintain the amount of large DC (direct current) batteries necessary to store one to three days worth of power for overcast days. You’ll need ample storage space for all of those batteries, and you’ll have to plan for the cost of replacing them every so often.
Build Your Own Off-Grid Energy
It’s also wise to keep a backup generator in the event that you have a long stretch of cloudy weather that depletes your battery supply. A generator will need fuel and you’ll need to store that also. Generators usually use either gas or diesel fuel. But that seems inconsistent with the “green” purpose of solar panels, so you’ll probably want to use biodiesel. So, yes, it is possible to go “off grid”, but it’s not a simple or inexpensive undertaking.
For the majority, it makes more sense to look into “net metering”. Determine whether it’s provided by your local electric utility company. With net metering you can significantly reduce your electric bill, while having all the power you need at night and during extended sunless periods. Net metering allows you to get credits back from the electric company for excess electricity that your solar panels produce during the day. Then you just use the electricity from your local utility company at night and on days when there is not enough direct sunlight. You wouldn’t need to store stacks of DC batteries in your basement or garage. You won’t be totally “off grid”, but you can save a significant amount of money on your monthly electric bills. Some months you may even have a zero balance.
The Freedom of Going Off-Grid for Domestic Electricity
So if you live in a very sunny region, with lots of extra room to store batteries, living “off grid” might be feasible for you. But if you’re part of the world gets little sun and you have no large storage space, “net metering” would be more feasible.
read comments (0)Solar Power - Do The Energy Savings Outweigh The Costs?
Posted by admin in environment on 04 17th, 2010If you are considering installing a solar energy system to your home, you may be wondering if the savings will outweigh the costs. Of course, there is the initial outlay to buy the solar panels and get them installed. But there are also many ways that you will be saving money, not just with the immediate utility savings, but savings against increasing fuel prices as well as increasing the value of your home.
Here’s A Method To Save Much More On Energy Bills
As so many factors go into installing a solar electricity system, each house needs to be considered individually. The pitch of the roof and the direction it faces, and the location of shade trees or buildings that may block sunlight from reaching the panels must all be evaluated. And a accurate evaluation is key in making sure every system will work at peak efficiency. Qualified installers will be able to furnish accurate prices for the materials and installation for your particular site.
Whether or not you see immediate savings depends on your local power company’s use of net metering. Net metering refers to a program which some power utility companies have in which they buy back excess electricity that is produced by customers who use solar panels. If your local utility company participates in this program, you will see a significant decrease in your utility costs. Some customers actually pay nothing on their monthly bills because their solar energy system produces sufficient power for them plus extra that goes back into the grid. Even if your local power company doesn’t offer net metering, you will still reduce your electric bill. All day while the sunlight is shining on your solar panels, your appliances are being run with your own solar energy, not electricity from the utility company.
Here Is The Guide To DIY Off Grid Solar Power Energy
There is also the probability that solar electric systems will become valuable assets to houses in times ahead. As fuel costs continue to rise, realization of the value of alternative power systems is rising. If you have a record of cost reduction that you can show to a potential buyer, it can act as a strong inducement for them to select your home over one that has higher energy operating costs. And since energy prices are forecast to be higher in the future, a solar panel system represents a real hedge against inflation. Having solar power system also means you won’t have to tolerate the brownouts and power outages that can happen with bad weather or just due to electrical overload.
DIY Solar Power
Posted by admin in environment on 04 14th, 2010With energy sources exhausting at a rate quicker than they are being replenished, it is only wise that we use the sustainable energy easily harnessed cheaply – the heat energy. Apart from it’s unlimited supply of energy, the sun helps to limit pollution in the earth’s atmosphere. Solar energy has not yet gained popularity because of the high capital outlay and inconvenience.. However, due to innovative technology, it is now much easier and less expensive to take advantage of the low cost energy that the sun provides. Not only will you be drastically cutting your power bills, but helping to ensure energy resources for the future of the earth.
To Discover Ways You Can Minimise or even Rid Your Energy Costs Altogether Go To: Solar Power Projects
Here are some options for you to discover how you should use solar power.
If you like cooking then you can definitely make good use of the no cost energy of a solar cooker. The compact box-like energy-saver allows you to serve up a good size meal for a dinner party of around 5 people. Don’t worry about your reputation as a host. You are not just limited to boiling food but you can also roast or bake a reasonable sized joint. Don’t forget that you have to begin your cooking a little sooner as it does take a little longer to cook. However, this pales in comparison to paying the ever-increasing power costs. This is a free source of power.
It is also possible to install in your home a home solar lighting system. The system can easily be powered by using solar converted to domestic energy. Another great feature is that the energy is stored in the cells allowing you to remain with a functioning lighting system at night also. The great thing is that with this system in place you will never have to pay a company for your lighting again.
You might like to take a look at a DIY project to implement you solar lighting: DIY Solar Power Projects
A solar heating system will also save you a small fortune on bills, especially so if you live in the cooler climates. Thereby helping to preserve the world’s disappearing energy resources.Your probablyconcerned by now how your house will appear once it’s done..Most solar systems are quite aesthetically in tone with the environment and even the inexpensive diy kits are not intrusive. Which system you choose will determine the timespan of your ROI. A highly recommended diy home energy savingproject will return a very high ROI.
You Can See The Most Popular Home Solar Reviews Here: The Best Guide To DIY Home
Solar Energy
How Can I Reduce My Electric Bill?
Posted by admin in environment on 04 14th, 2010Are your power bills too high? Maybe it’s time to take some action. There are steps you can take to lower your power costs.
This article lists some simple, easy-to-do actions to lower your power bill.
Use Less Electricity: Turn off lights and electrical appliances when leaving a room. Unplug chargers and appliances that aren’t used very often. Anything that shows a glowing light is consuming electricity.
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Energy saving investments: Try compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs instead of the regular incandescent ones. These bulbs are great energy-saving items, and can save you about $60 a year. There are energy-saving tools out there that you can try like The Power-Save. For your showerheads, get the low-flow kind. Get a water heater insulating blanket/jacket, especially if the water heater is in an unheated part of the house. Replace air/heat filters as recommended and keep A/C coils clean. Make sure your house is properly insulated. Modernize your windows, or at least check them for air leaks.
Household Appliances:
• Wait for a full load before running the clothes washer.
• You’ve heard it before: Use less water!
• Raise the thermostat temperature in summer and lower it in winter. Even a degree or two can make a difference.
• Turn off your computer monitor even when you take a short break. It takes just a second to turn on the monitor again.
Avoid preheating the oven more than necessary and opening the door while cooking.
Wait until you have a full load before using the dishwasher and choose no heat drying. Using the no heat option saves 20% of the dishwasher’s total power consumption.
Use cold water as much as possible when you wash your clothes.
Make sure your appliances are the energy-efficient type.
Twenty percent of your household electricity is consumed by your refridgerator. Set the temperature as close to 37 degrees as feasible and make sure it has tight seals.
Turn down the temperature on the water heater to about 120 degrees F.
Take advantage of a home energy audit often offered by your local power company. This can help you see where and how your home is not being energy efficient.
Remember, lowering your utility bill is equivalent to saving energy, thus helping the world conserve power for the future.
Produce electricity at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate or lower your power bill. Get our comprehensive guide at:
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Solar Panels - How Much Energy Will My House Need?
Posted by admin in environment on 04 14th, 2010If you plan to install a solar power system in your home, you will need to know how much energy your home is currently using. This information can most likely be obtained from the local electric company. Using this as a basis, you will be able to design your solar energy system to match the requirements of your home. Your region’s climate will have an effect on energy use, as well as the direction your windows face, the number and placement of your trees, and the kinds of appliances used.
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Your types of light bulbs can even affect energy use. The annual temperature extremes in your geographical area will be a large factor. If you live in an area with temperature extremes in winter or in summer, you will use more energy to cool or heat your home than if you were in a moderate climate. South facing windows in a cold climate can help reduce your heating costs. North facing windows in a hot climate can reduce cooling bills.
Fully-grown trees can shade your house during summer months, recucing cooling bills, while the bareness of the limbs in the winter will allow sunlight in. All of these things affect your overall energy consumption. Also, installing energy efficient insulation in walls, roofs and floors help lower utility costs in all climates. If you are able, change all of your appliances to energy efficient models. Newer appliance models can consume as much as 50% less energy than older models, particularly if they need repairs and are not working at maximum efficiency. An additional way to signifantly reduce electricity consumption is to switch to compact flourescent light bulbs.
If you would like to find out how to go solar visit: The Build Off Grid Solar Power Report
After assessing your home using the above factors, you can plan for building a solar photovoltaic system by multiplying your average daily kilowatt hour use by about .25. This will help you estimate the daily kilowatts the solar panels have to generate to support your current energy needs.
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Wind Turbine Energy
Posted by admin in environment on 04 13th, 2010What defines a wind turbine? You may hear a wind turbine referred to as a windmill or wind generator. The names are at times used interchangeably, but differeces exist. A wind turbine utilizes wind energy to produce mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used as is or converted into electrical energy. The windmill can use the energy “as is” for work such as crushing stones or pumping water; whereas a wind generator uses the mechanical energy to produce electricity. What are the different kinds of wind turbines? There are two types of wind turbines, classified by their orientation:
See How Easy Build Generators are Made
- Horizontal Axis Turbines – The turbine blades rotate along a horizontal axis.
- Vertical Axis Turbines – These turbine blades turn along a vertical axis.
The horizontal axis wind turbines are more commonly used. They are more functional than vertical axis turbines. What are some of the benefits of installing a wind turbine to generate electricity? The main ones are listed below:
- They Save Power: Wind turbines utilize a free source of power - the wind. Thus they are a cost-effective method of producing electricity. And since they don’t use non-renewable resources, they are also good for the earth as a whole.
- Cost-Effective: After the initial installation cost, all you’ll ever be paying for is their upkeep. The “fuel” is free!
- Environment-Friendly: The wind turbines are environment friendly in the way that they do not give off detrimental gases or impact the environment in a negative way.
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: A wind generator helps you become independent of the any utility company. Moreover, you avoid the inconvenience of power outages.
What are the conditions you should consider prior to installing a wind turbine? While having your own wind generator can be very beneficial for you and others, particular conditions must first be met. Here are some things to consider in deciding whether to install a wind turbine. Be sure the following two pre-requisites are met:
- A minimum of one acre
- The average wind speed is around 11 miles per hour.
- The tower has agood strong base to support it
- Ensure the correct height between the tower, the generator and the cells are achieved
A Guide To Self-Build Wind Power
Solar Panels - Can They Survive Bad Weather?
Posted by admin in environment on 04 13th, 2010You may wonder if solar panels are feasible for areas that experience extreme weather Every year many roofs are damaged by the weather extremes. Is it really wise to install solar panels on a roof that has to withstand those kinds of weather extremes? Here are some facts to help you decide.
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It’s easy to see how one might be worried about potential damage to the glass coverings as this is how the sunlight is captured. But the the answer is to ensure that the solar panels you use are made with high impact tempered glass. Your specification must include glass covering that is able to stand up to 60 mph storms and up to 3/4 ” hail drop. So they will typically withstand conditions that are comparable to what your roofing material can handle.
Before your solar panels are installed, the contractor has to make sure that your roof is able to support the weight of the solar panel arrays. After that is verified and the solar panels are attached to the roof, there’s no reason they shouldn’t stay firmly in place. In the case of a tornado or hurricane, your solar panels will normally stay attached to your roof. The only way you would lose them is if the roof itself comes off.
Here is A Visual Concept of How To Build A Solar Panel
In areas where there is heavy snowfall, snow may coat the solar panels, obscuring the sunlight. If this occurs, the solar panels will not be able to generate electricity and the snow will have to be removed. However, the panels themselves will not experience damage from a heavy snowfall.
The bigger concern might be that the roof itself may not be able to withstand a wet weighty snowfall. In that case, it would be wise to shovel the roof in addition to removing the snow from the solar panels. In the event of a light snowfall, the heat retained in the solar panels will most likely be sufficient to melt the snow and keep the panels clear.
A final word of advice: Look at your home owner’s insurance policy to determine whether solar panels are included. If not, consider getting a policy that provides this type of coverage.
Once you have studied the requirements cafefully the risk of damage to your solar panels will be minimal Treat this type of project as you would any other by making sure that all the health and safety standards are applied in the same way that you would if you were to embark on new windows or a new roof for example. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you have completed the installation you will then begin to realise how much you have actually saved yourself from installing solar panels.
The Best How To Build A Solar Panel Energy Report
Getting Through The Winter With Solar Power
Posted by admin in environment on 04 13th, 2010If you live in an area that has severe winters you may wonder if your house is a good candidate for solar panels. After all, solar panels do rely on the sun in order to work efficiently.
However, the last 10 years have brought a lot of innovation and progress to solar panel technology. Now this technology has progressed to the point that solar panels can easily produce electricity even during inclement weather conditions.
What Can I Come Up Against With Solar Panels Over the Winter? Find Out Here!
If yours is an off grid system which works independently from a public utility system, your solar power system will include a set of back-up batteries. These batteries are like the ones used in autos. They are designed to hold any excess power that your solar panels produce during the day. The battery storage system should have enough of these batteries to store energy in correspondence to the number of cloudy days normal for your geographical region.
If you have a system that is tied into the grid of your local power company, then you won’t have storage batteries. Once the sun goes down or if there is a prolonged period of inclement weather obscuring the sun, your system will automatically use electricity from your local power company. Of course, on sunny days, your solar panels will be generating your electricity, so you will still be reaping the benefits of lower power costs.
The Energy2Green Solar Panel System ArticleReport
Some utility companies may even allow you to sell electricity back to them. This is yet another way solar panels can prove cost effective. The way this is set up is that excess power produces by your solar panels goes back into the grid and you received credit for it on your account. That way, even if you have to use electricity from the grid during the night or on overcast days, any excess energy that your solar panels were able to produce will still be reducing your overall energy bills.
The Recommended Guide To Solar Panel Projects
Should We Risk Using Solar Panels in Winter?
Posted by admin in environment on 11 13th, 2009You may be wondering how solar panels can function in an area that has long, harsh winters. After all, solar panels do rely on the sun in order to function.
However, there has been much innovation and progress in solar panel technology in the last ten years. Now, even if it’s snowy, cloudy or rainy, solar panels can easily create electricity.
Surviving The Winter With Solar Power See This Article!
Off grid systems should include a set of storage batteries (similar to a car battery) that are to hold extra energy that your solar panels produce during the daytime. If your battery storage system is properly designed for your region, it will include enough of these batteries to store power for the number of cloudy days that are normal for where you live.
If your system is tied to the grid (connected to the local electric company) it won’t require storage batteries. After the sun goes down or if there is a prolonged period of bad weather obscuring the sun, your system will automatically use electricity from your local power company. You’ll still be enjoying the benefit of lower electric bills because on sunny days your electricity will be generated by your own solar panels.
Maintaining Solar Panel Performance Through the Winter
In some places, you may even be able to sell electricity back to your local power company. This arrangement makes solar energy even more cost effective. The way this operates is that any excess electricity that your solar panels produce goes back into the energy company and you get a credit for it on your power bill. That way, even if you have to use electricity from the grid at night or during overcast days, any unused electricity that your solar panels were able to produce will still be lowering your overall power bills.
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Solar Power: Can You Go Off the Grid Now?
Posted by admin in environment on 09 5th, 2009If you were to fit solar panels on your home, could you just go “off grid” and cut out the electric company forever? Not having to depend on the energy company for your power is an attractive notion. No more high electric bills. No further headaches with the utility company for any reason. Can you embrace this notion for your family? Should you? It depends on where you live, and the costs that you’re willing to spend on maintaining your own power system.
You’ll Wish You Had Looked at Going Off-Grid Earlier
First First of all|Firstly], consider where you live. Is the dominant weather in your area sunny or rainy and overcast? Even [when you fix solar panels on your home, they only create electricity when the sun is hitting them. As a result, you will need batteries for storing electricity for use at night and on overcast days.
That’s where it starts to get costly. You’ll have to purchase and maintain the number of large DC (direct current) batteries necessary to store one to three days worth of power for overcast days. You’ll need ample storage space for all of those batteries, and you’ll have to plan for the cost of getting new ones every so often.
The Off Grid Solution for the Homeowner
In addition, having a backup generator is a good idea in case of extended periods of overcast weather that deplete the electricity stored in your batteries. The generator requires fuel and you’ll need to store that also. Generators normally use either gas or diesel fuel. But that seems to defeat the purpose of a solar panel system, so you’ll probably want to use biodiesel. So while it is certainly possible to go “off grid,” the project is not simple or cheap.
For most people, it’s more practical to consider “net metering”. You can check to determine if your local utility company provides this program. Net metering is a practical way to cut down on your electricity costs, and still have power available at night and during extended periods of overcast conditions. With net metering, the utility company credits your bill for any excess electricity produced during the day by your solar panels. Then, at night or on days when there is not sufficient sunlight, you simply use electricity supplied by your local utility company. And you wouldn’t have to find somewhere to store stacks of batteries. You won’t be completely “off grid”, but you can save a significant amount of money on your monthly electric bills. Some months you may even have a zero balance.
The Off-Grid Solution To The Energy Shortages
So if you live on a large parcel of land and have an extra barn or outbuilding to store your DC batteries in, going “off grid” could be feasible for you. But if you live in a small place, have no large storage space, and you’re already parking your car on the street because the garage is too full, “net metering” will probably be your best bet.
