Solar Power Secrets

Is Solar Energy Reliable?

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:11 +0000

Solar power is becoming a way of life for many people across the globe. From isolated communities to inner city suburbs, solar energy is becoming a very popular choice to better the environment.

Solar energy has been in existence ever since life on our planet began. We have been using the strength of the sun in many different ways, past and present. The more modern technique of using solar energy has been through the use of solar panels.

Solar energy is 100% reliable, if our planet did not receive this energy, or if the energy increased or dropped significantly, then the earth would more than likely struggle to support mankind. However, some methods regarding how we use solar energy are by no means 100% reliable.

The more modern method of harnessing solar energy has been through the use of solar panels. The technology used to turn sunlight into electricity is still in its infancy. Newer and better technologies are emerging every year, and one day we can be hopeful that solar panels could easily support a large household in a reliable way.

Many people have had great success using solar panels to power their home, and this can be down to a range of factors. The main problem associated with the reliability of solar panels is the cost. Due to the more expensive panels been out of the price range of your average consumer, more and more people are opting for budget solar cells, which provide a much lower output, resulting in the disappointment of the consumer.

The people who achieve a reliable and efficient power output from solar cells either integrate these solar panels with a small home wind turbine or ground source heat pump.

The “green dream” is by no means a dream. We do have the technology available to provide 100% of a households power supply, yet cost is the bridge that places the green dream a long way away.

http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com

James owns and runs the website listed above. He is concerned about the future of our environment, and plans to educate more and more people to become increasingly environmentally friendly.

Is Solar Energy Reliable?

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:15:04 +0000

Solar power is becoming a way of life for many people across the globe. From isolated communities to inner city suburbs, solar energy is becoming a very popular choice to better the environment.

The people who achieve a reliable and efficient power output from solar cells either integrate these solar panels with a small home wind turbine or ground source heat pump.

The “green dream” is by no means a dream. We do have the technology available to provide 100% of a households power supply, yet cost is the bridge that places the green dream a long way away.

http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com

James owns and runs the website listed above. He is concerned about the future of our environment, and plans to educate more and more people to become increasingly environmentally friendly.

Installing Amorphous Solar Panels

Admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:07 +0000

Installing amorphous solar panels can be a tricky business. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to tell where to hook up the electrical wires and just as often, the amorphous solar cells do not come with clear instructions. This guide will show the budding solar energy enthusiast how to hook up your solar electrical system.
What you will need:
(1) roll of electrical tape
OR
(1) conductive epoxy system
Although sodering may look like the best option at first, the only real way to tackle the installation of an amorphous solar panel is to connnect your wires using either conductive tape or conductive epoxy.
Our friends at a Solar Panels information site have set up a helpful solar diagram showcasing how to connect your wires to your solar panel unit.
After you’ve attached the wires to the substrate, you are good to go. Make sure to use an ohmometer to check the voltage at the points of contact.

Dr. Soti is a solar energy enthusiast.

How To Make Solar Panel – Some Basic Tips

Admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:45:05 +0000

First, you should be aware that it is really easy to learn how to make solar panels in your own home and you don’t have to be technical expert to make good, quality panels that will give you free electricity.

Second, find yourself some good, easy to follow, step-by-step guides on how to build your own home made panels. You can find some good guides online in the form of e-books. One that can be found at MyHomeMadeEnergy.info comes highly recommended.

Among basic parts of solar panel like solar cells, plywood, glass, copper wire, silicone, solder, UV protector, solar photovoltaic cells are actually the main parts of solar panel. Photovoltaic cell is the part of your homemade solar panel and your entire solar power system that performs actual transformation of solar energy into electricity. And that’s why you should pay some additional attention when you are deciding on what and where to buy them. You can find them cheap, especially on some online places, but be careful that the cells you are buying will not decrease an overall efficiency of your solar power.

Once you learn how to make solar panels for your homemade solar power system you will be able to build your own photovoltaic panels that will last many years. You will still need to maintain them but they are not difficult to maintain. It is certainly worth the time spent on building your homemade panels because you will be able to make them for just a fraction of their retail prices, you will have fun building them and you will be able to save lots of money by producing your own electricity. How cool is that?

For easy to follow, step-by-step guide on how to make solar panel visit MyHomeMadeEnergy.info.

Written by Ed Reich

How to Make a Solar Panel for Use In RV or Home

Admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:15:03 +0000

How to Make a Solar Panel for Use In RV or Home
Article By Michelle O’Connor, Solar Battery Chargers
Solar panels produce electricity by using selective wavelengths of light. All they need is direct sunlight and low temperature to work optimally. There are kits and methods available for you to build your own solar panels. A homemade solar panel is an effective way to produce your own power and save on future power bills – for RV or home!
Build Your Own Solar Panel
You may use a solar panel kit to build your own solar panel. All the components required for setting up your solar panel are made available in most kits. These components are: solar cells, soldering iron, solder, flux, and tabbing. Kits include detailed instructions on how to make a solar panel. Constructing a solar panel at home does not require expertise. You may simply follow the step-by-step instructions available with the kit. A homemade solar panel is a big money saver.
The main advantage of building and installing a solar panel is that it is eco-friendly. Other forms of electricity emit certain harmful elements that contribute to smog, and other pollution, while solar power is free from such hazardous emissions.
You save money when you use solar power, especially when you build your own solar panel from a solar kit. There are no more electricity bills to pay! The initial installation cost is quickly recovered. If required, you may add more solar panels to generate more electricity. Most systems come with back-up batteries to provide electricity at night, or when it is cloudy.
The energy law passed by the US government in August 2005 allows a tax credit of 30 percent of the solar panel system’s cost with a maximum of $2,000.
Types of Solar Energy Panels
There are two basic types of solar panels. Normal panels use solar energy to heat water for basic needs at home, or even for pools. The absorber converts the radiation from the sun into heat. The second type of solar panel, known as photovoltaic panels, converts light into electricity. These panels are normally installed on the roof. The electricity produced by these panels is directed to a battery, which serves as the electricity storage device. The battery can then supply all the electricity that your household needs.
Your homemade solar panel is made from a collection of solar cells. Each solar cell produces a small amount of electricity, but collectively they produce enough electricity to fulfill your household power needs. It is important for the panels to keep facing the sun to receive direct sunrays.
You can choose from a number of tracking solar mounts available. The single-axis tracker is fixed at a vertical angle. The angle is manually maneuvered to follow the path of the sun, which is based on seasonal changes. For summer, the rule of thumb is to set the panels at your latitude minus 15, and for winter, you may set the panels at your latitude plus 15. The dual-axis tracker adjusts the vertical angle automatically.
Your unique needs and requirements will dictate what type of solar panel is right for you. If making your own panel is not for you, keep your eye out for solar panel sales, you can often find great deals on these energy saving items if you time it right.

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How to Make a Small Solar Panel – How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:45:06 +0000

If you are planning to set up solar power for your home, you might want to know how to make a small solar panel. Yes, many people build their own solar panels instead of buying one from the store directly, as it can cost you a fortune. But how much do solar panels cost? Let us look at the best options available.

How To Make A Small Solar Panel

Building a solar panel at home can be quite an easy task. But before you start with anything, try and study as much as you can about solar energy and solar panels. Use the internet to your advantage. There are two options that will be available for you to choose from.

When you are wondering how to make a solar panel, start with collecting the basic things you need – copper sheets, sand paper, a large jar or a large clear plastic bottle, an electric stove, tap water, etc. Check the internet for a step-by-step information guide to know what else you would need. Look for the steps of setting this unit up with the parts you have procured. Get hold of a good manual, and setting up this unit will be a piece of cake for you.

However if you are not sure about how to make a small solar panel all by yourself, you can purchase a solar panel kit and follow the simple step-by-step instructions provided to build your small solar panel kit. These kits don’t need any technician to be setup, and the job takes less than a day. These are cheaper than the readymade solar panels available in the market.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost

If you are planning to build the solar panel all by yourself, starting from the scratch, it will probably cost you less than a mere $200. A solar panel do it yourself kit can cost you anything between $150 to $300 or more, depending upon the size of the unit. However, a readymade solar power unit cost you a fortune of anything above $3000. The average cost of a readymade solar panel is around $20000.

However, the size of the unit is very crucial when answering the question “How much do solar panels cost?” The costs given above are just to provide a fair idea and can change depending on various factors. Solar power is a great resource for you to use, and if you are aware of how much do solar panels cost and how to make a small solar panel for your home, you can enjoy almost free and unlimited power. Go to http://www.squidoo.com/renewableenergyforhome to see my reviews of solar power and wind power products and see which ones are the best value.

Justin operates a blog that specializes in renewable power and energy efficiency.

How to Do it Yourself Solar Power – A look into Homemade Solar Panels

Admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:30:04 +0000

Homemade Solar panels are becoming an extremely popular pass time in the backyards of many suburban households. The popularity in homemade solar panels is due largely in part to the desire to reduce the financial burden associated with normal “on grid”power sources, save some money and reduce the strain the environment is under.

“How to do it yourself solar power” guides are springing up all over the place, in particular on the internet, with many companies offering direct digital downloads of the guides which contain schematics and instructions on everything you need to know to get your own homemade solar panels assembled and installed.

These “How to do it yourself solar power” guides retail from around $40 – $90 USD and provide a wealth of easy to read step by step information that will have your homemade solar panels assembled and installed in no time.

To build your own panel you will need to invest around $200 USD to purchase all the materials (available at your local hardware store) you will need as part of your How to do it yourself solar power project.

Once you have your new system up and running you will quickly make back the initial cost and after your second power bill you will start to make some big savings. I estimate we have replaced around 60% of our power with solar, this translates to savings of hundreds of dollars per electricity bill.

The beauty of using solar is that it us a free, renewable, clean energy source that will not only equate to good financial savings, but is also environmentally friendly.

For a side by side comparison of “how to do it yourself solar power” guides by clicking on the following link – DIY Solar Power.

For more information, check out the following link – how to do it yourself solar power

How Many People Are Using Solar Panels?

Admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:03 +0000

With the renewed interest in alternative power sources, solar power is becoming more popular. So, what are the figures on its use?

How Many People Are Using Solar Panels?

Solar energy is one of the fastest growing forms of eco-friendly energy in the world today. Along with wind power and hydropower, solar power is a “green” form of renewable energy that is helping to make the Earth less dependent on fossil fuels and other forms of polluting energy. Solar energy is cheaper than many other types of energy, as well as being better for the environment, but sadly, only a small numbers of people using solar panels are in the United States at this time.

Solar power is the process of using the sun’s rays to produce energy. This energy (electricity) is created by solar panels, which are a collection of solar cells that are formed into a sheet. The solar cells absorb the sunlight, and through this process, the electromagnetic radiation from the sun is converted into energy that is usable by homes and other buildings. Solar power can be used as a means of electric power, or it can be used to heat a home. The amount of power coming off of the sun each day is intense – there is enough electromagnetic energy produced every 24 hours to power the entire world for 27 years.

Solar power is also the ultimate in renewable resources, because as long as the sun exists, there will be solar energy to harness and use. No resources on Earth are consumed to create solar power, so there is nothing that can be used up. Today, more and more countries are looking to solar power to fill their energy and electricity needs – with some countries like Japan having had a growth rate of 63 percent for solar energy usage in the past five years.

The use of solar panels to obtain electricity and heat is growing, but it is still extremely small when compared to other types of energy. It is estimated that only .1 percent of the United States’ electricity and power come from solar panels and solar energy, which is hardly enough to make a difference in the amount of fossil fuels used. In fact, the most destructive form of energy production, the burning of coal, actually accounts for the largest percentage of energy in the US: 52percent. Not only is coal a major pollutant, it is non-renewable and destructive to the land it must be mined from.

Whether you choose to be among the people using solar panels to obtain their energy, or the many others who are seeking wind and other alternative means for their energy, you will be helping the environment. Your contribution to a cleaner world will be felt now as well as far into the future.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com – a directory of solar companies.

Homemade Solar Power Equipment

Admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:45:03 +0000

In today’s world of expensive energy, dwindling resources, adverse environmental impact and rising electricity costs, many people have started to consider the use of solar energy and the installation of homemade solar power equipment as a viable and cost effective alternative to traditional energy solutions. Unfortunately, for most people, the cost of professional solar panel installation is far too expensive and is a luxury they just cannot afford. However, thanks to the internet and solar panel construction entrepreneurs, there is an easier, more cost efficient way to harness power from the sun. With the proper instructions, available from solar energy websites, homemade solar power equipment can become a reality and can be accomplished by the average homeowner. It is possible to learn how to make and install solar panels yourself.

Once you have decided to install your own homemade solar power equipment for your home or business, you must then determine the best way to proceed. If you are a handyman or skilled in basic construction does the idea of building your own solar panels sound intriguing? It is not that difficult an undertaking and can be far more cost effective than you might imagine. Even if you know nothing about how solar panels work, you can obtain a great deal of information and ultimately the expertise to install your own solar panels and create your own homemade solar power equipment.

Using solar energy to heat your home, power your electrical appliances, and heat water, can save the average homeowner a good deal of money and may in some instances qualify for federal energy tax credits. At the same time you will be helping to save the planet by reducing pollution. Installing homemade solar power equipment in your home can be an ideal solution to lower the electric bill and get the safe and clean energy we all need and want.

With step by step instructions and guides available from the internet, installation of your own homemade solar power equipment is easy to accomplish at a reasonable cost. For more information about building and installing your own solar panels and equipment, visit Homemade Solar Energy today.

Home Solar Panels – Match the Type You Need

Admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:30:03 +0000

Before you go off and purchase a bunch of solar panels for your home, there are many things you must consider. Things like how much energy you use in your home and what appliances or areas you want to power with your home solar panels. You also want to consider where you are going to put your home solar panels. The roof is the most likely spot but if you are using it more for winter appliances than summer, which side of the roof will be important. Putting the solar cells where they can get the maximum amount of sunlight would be most optimal.

When shopping for home solar panels it is important to purchase reliable and durable solar panel kit. If you buy a kit where all the panels are intact, it will really help with the installation stress. Without a good kit you may need to hire outside help and dig into your pocketbooks further which will defeat the whole purpose of saving money using the home solar panels.

The home solar panels work by gathering energy from the sun and converting that energy into usable energy for your house. Once the panels convert the solar energy into usable energy, the energy is stored until you use it up. The stored energy can be used instead of or in place of power provided by your local community. If more people used home solar panels it would help the environment by cutting down on fossil fuels which get released in the air from coal and oil. Solar panel kits give off no harmful discharge to the environment.

If you decide to make the environmental move to home solar panels, make a wise decision and purchase a kit that will come with everything you need including all of the parts. Once your solar panels are put together, in place, and are soaking up the sun rays, you can sit back and relax knowing you are helping the environment and saving yourself loads of money.