Solar Panels: Go Off Grid Now?

If you install solar panels on your home, can you go “off grid” and never have to deal with the electric company again?  Being energy independent is a nice thought.  No more triple digit electric bills.  No more hassle with the utility companies for any reason.  Is this possible for you and your family?  It depends on where you live, and how much money you’re willing to commit to maintain your own energy system.

First, consider where you live.  Are you in a part of the world that gets lots of sunlight all year long, or do you have lots of gray and overcast days?  Even when you install solar panels on your home, they only create electricity while the sun is shining on them.  That means you have to use batteries to store electricity in order for it to be available at night and during overcast days.

Here’s where your system can start getting expensive.  You’ll need to buy and maintain enough large DC (direct current) batteries to store enough electricity to get you through one to three days of cloudy weather.  You’ll need plenty of storage space for all of those batteries, and you’ll have to plan for the expense of replacing them periodically.

It’s also a good idea to keep a backup generator just in case you have a long stretch of cloudy weather that lasts beyond your battery storage capacity.  Your generator will need fuel, so you’ll have to store that, too. Generators usually 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, yes it is possible to got “off grid”, but it’s not a simple or cheap project.

For most people, it makes more sense to look into “net metering”.  Find out  if it’s offered by your local electric utility company.  Net metering is a great way to cut down on your electricity bills, yet still have power available at night and during long spells of gray, cloudy days.  Net metering allows you to credits back from the electric company for excess electricity that your solar panels produce during the day.  Then you simply use the electricity from your local utility company at night and on days when there is not enough direct sunlight.  You won’t need to store banks of DC batteries in your basement or garage.  You won’t be completely “off grid”, but you can save significant amounts of money on your monthly electric bills.  Some months you may even have a zero balance.

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 a reality for you.  But if you live in a subdivision, have no basement, and you’re already parking your car on the street because the garage is too full, “net metering” will probably be your best bet.

Revealed Solar Energy: Active or Passive?

Solar energy is a hot topic in the news these days.  But if you’re not already familiar with the terms, it can be confusing.  What’s the difference between active and passive solar energy systems?  And which one is better?

Active solar technology uses electrical or fuel-driven mechanical equipment to perform some of its functions.  For example, some solar swimming pool heating systems use electric pumps to move the heated water from the coils in the solar panels into the pool.  Large off grid solar electrical systems that provide 100% of the electricity to buildings usually use diesel or gas-powered generators as part of their backup systems.

Some solar electric systems use motors to allow their photovoltaic arrays to track the sun’s movement throughout the day in order to maximize the amount of sunlight they capture.  Grid-tied solar electrical systems are also considered to be active systems because they rely on the electric company as a backup source.

Passive solar technology does not use additional mechanical or electrical devices to deliver heat or electrical energy. There are no additional fuel or utility costs, and no added environmental impacts.  For this reason, many people think that passive solar technology is superior to active solar technology.

The most common passive solar application is solar water heating.  A truly passive solar hot water system can provide enough hot water for washing and bathing. It usually consists of a collector tank located on a south or west-facing wall or on the roof, and a plumbing system that delivers the water using gravity.  These types of systems are most successful in moderate climates where temperatures don’t get cold enough to cool the water in the storage tank.

It’s also possible to combine passive and solar energy systems to get the benefits of both.  Any of the active systems that use electric motors can also use solar cells to create the electricity.  For example the motors that  move photovoltaic arrays can easily be powered by solar cells.  And solar cells can also power the electric pumps that move the water in solar swimming pool heaters, and in water heating systems used in buildings.

Some active solar electric systems, like off grid systems, need external generators.  They are part of the system to provide backup energy during long periods of cloudy days when there is no direct sun.  Solar cells won’t work under those conditions.  But it’s still possible to stay green by using bio-diesel fuel to power the generator.

Light Your Home With Passive Solar System

When you think of solar lighting, do you automatically think of using solar panels to power your light bulbs?  Most people do.  But that’s not the only way to use the sun’s power to help light your home.  Here are four more ways you can use solar lighting around the house.

Skylights are the most common passive lighting sources found in homes.  They  are a great source of natural light, especially for rooms that have small or no windows.  Skylights can sometimes deliver more natural light to a room than windows, because their rooftop location exposes them to the sun throughout the day.

Solar light tubes are a really effective way to light dark hallways, closets, interior bathrooms and garages that have no windows of their own.  Although this technology seems modern, it was actually used by the ancient Egyptians, so it has a long and proven history.  Solar light tubes are usually smaller than skylights, sometimes only 9 to 12 inches in diameter.  They are installed in the roof, and use reflective material in the tube to enhance the amount of light they deliver.  The reflective material allows them to be effective even on cloudy days, since they don’t require direct or bright sunlight to be useful.  It is easiest to plan for them and build them into new construction.  But they can be added to most existing roofs without too much difficulty.

Solar exterior lighting is extremely practical.  It is powered by small solar cells that collect sunlight during the day, then store it for use at night.  The solar cell can be mounted in a sunny place and wired to the lighting fixture it its location doesn’t receive enough direct sunlight during the day to power it.

Almost any type of exterior lighting is available in a solar-powered version.  Porch lights, patio lights, spot lights and security lights that include motion detectors can all be powered by solar cells.  This is an especially good feature for security lighting because it will work even during electrical blackouts or system-wide power outages.

Solar landscaping lights are both practical and attractive.  They come is a variety of styles, sizes and uses.  Spotlights can be used to light trees, garden sculpture or fountains.  Low level lighting can be used to outline driveways and garden borders.  Taller lighting fixtures will illuminate outdoor living areas like patios or gazebos.  Mid-level lighting with non-glare screens are a good choice for lighting sidewalks or footpaths.  Party lights can be used for special occasions or to create an atmosphere for outdoor living areas.

Passive solar lighting is one of the easiest ways to use solar energy.  You can start with some inexpensive garden lights.  When you buy your next house, or your next new roof, you can plan for the bigger-budget skylights.

Living Off-Grid With Solar Electric System

If you have ever dreamed of being completely energy independent, then your ultimate goal is to live “off grid”. Most people who live off grid are located in remote areas where electric utility service is not even available. But more and more people are considering it as a personal lifestyle choice.

There are two main factors involved in living off-grid. First, you’ll need to become very aware of when and how you use electricity. You won’t have to live without it, but you won’t want to waste it, either.

Second, you’ll want to become familiar with how your solar power system works, and what kind of maintenance is required. It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that arises. Becoming an expert is not that hard to do since there is so much information on solar energy available now. But it will require time and commitment on your part.

A basic off-grid system is made up of 9 components.

First, the photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.

Second, the array DC disconnect. This is basically a breaker between the array and the rest of the system. It allows you to disconnect from the system in order to troubleshoot problems with the array.

Third, the charge controller keeps the batteries from overcharging.

Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity. You will usually need enough batteries for 2-3 days worth of stored electricity in case of a cloudy period.

Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard. It reports how the various components in your system are doing,

Sixth, is the main DC disconnect. This is a breaker between the storage batteries and the inverter.

Seventh, is the inverter. This is the component that transforms the DC (direct current) electricity, which is generated by the array and stored in the batteries, into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used by your household appliances.

Eighth, the AC breaker panel. This is the same kind of breaker panel that the electric company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.

Ninth, your backup generator. This is in case you have a stretch of cloudy days that outlast the electricity stored in the batteries. You can use traditional fossil fuels, but you’ll probably want to use biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle.

Now that you’ve seen the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it’s not that complicated to become your own expert. Each component is relatively simple.

The only moving parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won’t be using that very much.

Building Your Own Solar Panels : Not A Rocket Science

Your utility bills are getting higher every month, so you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels on your home.  You know how to use a screwdriver and drill, and you’re wondering…how hard could it be to build your own solar panels?  This article will give you an overview of the process so you can make a good decision.

To clarify, we’re talking here about building solar panels that will deliver electricity to your home.  (These are not the same as “solar energy” devices that will heat water, but won’t deliver electricity).  The most widely used solar panel designs for generating electricity are photovoltaic arrays.  They convert sunlight directly into electricity.

There are at least two popular ways to build do-it-yourself solar panels.  First, there are solar panel kits.  These are straightforward designs and can be built by anyone who has moderate handy-man skills.  Second, there are built-from scratch-solar panels.  These are a bit more complex, and are better projects for more adventurous people who don’t mind experimenting.

Solar Panel Kits:
You can buy these from various local or online suppliers. Use the search engines to look for “solar cell kits”.  You’ll find hundreds of websites that offer books, online videos or DVDs of plans and instructions, along with the materials you’ll need.

The kits basically supply you with the photovoltaic cells, the wiring, the assembly hardware and the mounting devices.  They’re somewhat like putting together a computer desk kit from the hardware store.  But you’ll need to check your local building codes to determine whether or not you need permits and a licensed installer.

Build Your Cells From Scratch:
This is an inexpensive, but labor-intensive  way to build your solar cells from scratch.  It uses raw copper sheeting, like the copper flashing available at hardware stores, and a heat source.  You need to heat the copper for about a half hour, or long to cause the chemical reaction that produces copper oxide on the surface of the copper sheet.

After the copper panel is cooled properly,  combine it with other similar-sized non-oxidized copper panel, add salt water solution and encase all of the components in a shatterproof glass panel.  Add wiring and mounting components  after the panel is assembled.  This produces a low-voltage panel.  You’ll need to make a lot of them in  order to have an array that produces enough electricity to power household devices.

Building your solar panels from scratch is relatively cheap, but takes a lot of time and space. Solar kits are a good solution if you like to work on projects around the house, but don’t have the time for building solar panels from scratch.  Either way, be sure to check your local building codes for installation requirements.  And be sure you really have enough time to complete the project.  You don’t want to leave it half finished and leave yourself with no electricity during a hot summer or a cold winter.

10 Essential Ways To Go Green At Home And Save Money

Everybody want to go green and save money at the same time.
Living green and save money in the process is not impossible if you know how.

Below are 10 essential steps you can start apply in your daily life to go green and save money.

1. Always turn down the heater and thermostats by one or two degrees in winter, and turn it up by one or two degrees in summer. Doing this looks simple and seems like giving no effects to the electricity we consume.
   You’ll find the truth at the end of the month on your elecrticity bill. This is a great start if you want to go green.
2. The other appliance that could have some of your attention is your washing machine. Stop washing with hot water, and use cold water instead. Modern cleaning powders don’t need hot water, and heating the water is what consumes most of the energy that the washing machine uses.
   By doing this most of the energy that used to go into a hot water-clothes wash can be saved.At the end you will save on electricity, go green and save money too.
3. After washing a clothes, don’t throw them into the dryer. That’s not how to go green. Unless it’s pouring rain, hang them out to air dry. It’s what your grandmother did, and she managed just fine.
   She may have liked having a dryer, but they weren’t around back then, so she just had to go green and save money. Anyway the air is great at drying clothes
4. Do you know that Compact fluorescent light bulbs burn just 15%-25% of the electricity that a standard light bulb? No to say that standard bulb usage times are 10 times then the bulb.
5. So why keep those standard light bulb burns? Change your old bulbs today and save money! And if you want to know how to go green in a bigger way with lights, check out the new LED bulbs. They can be twice as efficient as the CFL bulbs.
6. Be a considerate person. Try to consume a little less of everything, from food, electricity, gasoline and everything you have. We does not always NEED everything we WANTED.
7. Use less water. Check all faucets for leaks and fix any you find. Take shorter showers, don’t bath, and consider getting a new toilet cistern that will use less than two gallons of water per flush. Standard cistern use some three and a half gallons. Using less water uses less energy and saves you money!
8. When shopping, take time to write out a shopping list, and stick to it. If you have the habit of impulse buying, train yourself to hang on and not to buy everything, instead wait for 24 hours and then review it. The chances are you either won’t want it any more, or you will have forgotten about it.
9. Walk rather than drive for very short trips. Use a bicycle for moderate trips, and only use the car if you really have to. Gasoline is expensive and it pollutes the atmosphere. Save on burning it and you will save on your money too, as well as help the environment.
10. When you have to drive, keep your speed down to around 55 miles per hour if possible. Your car’s engine will be running at its most efficient at that speed burning the minimum amount of gas. Practice driving smoothly as well. Don’t accelerate fast from a standing start, and don’t brake hard. This is how to go green with your car, though using public transport, walking and cycling is even better.

Now, it’s not that hard to go green isn’t it? Go green and save money is not hard as you might have imagine. I believe, any of us can do it. You just have to give it some thought.

Get into a habit and before you know it, you will find yourself in the situation where you go green and save money every day.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

There are two basic types of solar panels.  One kind makes electricity, the other kind generates heat.  It’s important to know which kind you need for the job you have in mind, because they are not interchangeable.  But both kinds can save you money and help you live a greener lifestyle.

Solar thermal collectors use the sun’s energy to heat water and other fluids, like oil. They typically use plastic tubing, hoses or coils in the panel.  The liquid runs through the coils and is heated by the sun.   These types of panels are ideal for heating swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and hot water for homes and businesses.  They can also heat building interiors by using baseboard heating units and hot water flooring systems.  Once they are installed, there is usually no need for additional heating fuels.  But the systems usually require some kind of motorized pump to circulate the fluids.

Solar photovoltaic cells create DC (direct current) electricity.  Most typically, they use semi-conductor material (silicon) in the panel, which interacts with sunlight to create electricity.  The electricity then can be used to power computers and appliances, or the entire house, if you build the system big enough.  The electricity is only generated from the panels during the day when they are interacting with direct sunlight.

In order to use a photovoltaic system at night or during cloudy days, the electricity must be stored in a battery storage system.  You can use inexpensive lead-acid batteries (like you car uses), but you will need to make sure they are filled with distilled water in order to maintain their charge.  You can also use more expensive batteries.  Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries don’t require maintenance to retain their charge.  Gel batteries are good choices for cold climates because of their freeze-resistance.

Both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems typically use glass panels to encase their collection systems, and both require access to direct sunlight.  The panels are ideally situated in a location that faces south and allows maximum exposure to sunlight during the entire day.   They can be used anywhere to harness the sun’s energy, but they are less effective in regions that typically have a lot of cloudy days throughout the year.

Even in mostly sunny regions, it’s always a good idea to add a backup generator to both kinds of solar panel system.  Backup generators can be fueled  with biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle.  And the generators can be used if your battery storage fails, or whenever there is an unexpected stretch of cloudy days.

Go Green On Shopping

Shopping doesn’t have to be an entirely selfish pursuit, contrary to the rather clichéd belief widely expressed in the media. Of course it’s nice to spoil yourself every once in a while (but not every day, or it stops being a treat and becomes an addiction), but in this day and age shopping also offers many opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment. This begins with the obvious – purchasing environmentally-friendly products which have been produced ethically, organic food or energy-saving items, but includes other aspects in terms of packaging, transport and lifestyle.

If you have shopped in a supermarket recently, then it is likely that you have encountered the concept of a “bagless checkout” – where once you have put your items through the checkout you do not put them into readily supplied plastic bags, but into a “Bag For Life” (something which has been around for some time now) or into a bag that you yourself have brought. It is now fashionable to take with you a fabric bag, lessening the need for a handful of plastic bags which don’t biodegrade when disposed of, causing a real problem in the environment. For the shopper a bag like this has the added convenience of being easier to carry – it can be slung over your shoulder, ending the problem of heavily-filled, thin-strapped plastic bags which cut into your hands.

Many people now are doing their shopping on the Internet. This is helpful to the environment in a number of ways, from something as simple as grocery shopping – multiple deliveries in a single van is much better than several individual cars sitting in traffic jams en route for the supermarket – to one-click shopping at online stores which saves the customer a potential wild goose chase to find a single item and may well necessitate them starting and stopping their car several times in a few hours. This also allows the customer time to consider their purchase, being a much less rushed process. While many people complain about the expense of green products, being able to shop around on the Internet allows them to find a better deal – better for them and better for the world.

Green Gadgets

“Green” and “gadgets” are not two words that you would immediately place together. It’s fair to say that the impression that people get when they hear the word “gadget” is somehow more to do with shiny little boxes that make life easier for the owner, helping them to switch on their stereo or TV (or both at once). Convenience is a fashionable thing, and given that the latest mobile phones allow the owner to not only make calls, send texts and take photos, but now allow you to download music and get directions to a postcode in another part of the country, it’s safe to say that many people either don’t view Green issues as a major influence on their gadget purchasing, or if they do put it quite low down on their list of priorities.

There is, however, a completely natural synergy between convenience and ecology, perhaps most succinctly summed up in the phrase “saving energy”. The benefit for the user is that they can perform a task with a minimum of fuss, while the environment benefits due to the decreased demand on resources. One gadget doing an excellent job for the consumer and the planet is known as the Bye Bye Standby, a motherboard into which all household electrical equipment can be plugged and, at the touch of a remote allows you to power these items down in one go.

There is also a new generation of solar rechargers which allow you to top up the energy required to use a number of gadgets. Very often you’ll encounter someone who has their mobile phone constantly plugged into a charger running from the wall socket. Some people don’t realise just how much energy is being used by such a small piece of equipment, but given that an hour a day of charge will be more than sufficient to keep the average mobile phone running, a solar-powered recharger will cut down on senseless waste. Along with a reappraisal of the use of wind-up technology – chargers, media players, torches and digital radios among other items are all available in wind-up form – these innovations in renewable energy makes waste more avoidable every day.

Living With Green Food

Eating Green isn’t all about organics and vegetarianism, although these do, of course, play a part for many people. There is more to it than that, and you can make a big difference to how Green you are by making certain simple changes in your eating and shopping habits. Many of these changes are hardly noticeable, and some will surprise you with how much you prefer them. If you shop around, you will also find that eating and drinking green can be easier on the pocket than the alternative.

The first thing to do if you are concerned about helping the environment is think about where your food comes from – and I mean that in more than one sense. If you shop in supermarkets, for example, you should take a close look at the packaging on what you’re buying. Firstly, how much packaging is there? Often supermarkets will package goods in lots of plastic wrapping – how often, for example, do you see a packet of tomatoes on a plastic tray, wrapped around with a few feet of cling film? This is wholly unnecessary, takes up space, uses energy and has very little practical benefit.

Another consideration ought to be where in the world your food was grown. Some fruit and veg are not grown nearby and if you need to buy – for example – a pineapple then it is hard to find locally-sourced tropical fruit if you live closer to the North Pole than the Equator. If possible, however, it is extremely beneficial to buy locally-grown fruit and veg. The reasons for this are simple. Firstly, if potatoes have just travelled two-and-a-half miles in a van, their impact on the environment is much less than if they’ve travelled from overseas by air or ship. Chances are you won’t have to pay as much for them, as well.

Buying food grown locally needn’t be any hassle. If you have a farm shop near you then why not check out their deals – the relatively low overheads these shops have enable them to keep prices low. If you don’t have a farm shop, then your local greengrocer will have a wide selection of locally-sourced fruit and veg. Next time you’re in, ask them – it’s better for you, better for your wallet and better for the planet.

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