We are all looking for ways to cut cost as the price of living continues to rise. And, with the recent push to more green power sources, we look for ways to do our part in saving the environment. One of the best ways to accomplish both of these aspects is to switch to solar power. There are so many different ways to implement the renewable source in our daily lives, and with a few simple questions, you can find the right one for you. Maybe you're...more
So, you have made the decision to consider solar power. Maybe you are making the move to go green, or maybe you are simply tired of paying those high electric bills. Well, solar powered lighting can be a great option, and there are many great advantages to the system. There are some problems too. You may have a few questions before you make your final decision. How many wires and lines will need to be run for the new lights? Absolutely zero!...more
When thinking about making the switch to solar power, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the new technology involved in such a system. However, these new systems are really quite simply made. They consist of the housing for the light and then four other very easy to understand components. Here are all your questions answered about commercial solar lighting components. How does the system catch the sun light? Solar lights have a panel with small cells that are meant to trap the sun's rays. The panel is large and square and should be directed in a way to capture the most sunlight possible, especially when the sun is strongest in the middle of the day. The panels capture the light and then convert it to electricity. This process then runs an electrical current to the rechargeable battery. Is the power regulated? Photovoltaic (PV) lights have a few different switches to control the power. One switch is meant to stop the current to the battery once it is fully charged. An overcharged battery will wear out quickly or stop working altogether, so it is very important that a switch regulates the charge, making sure the battery is fully powered but not overpowered. The units also feature a...more
With global warming and skyrocketing energy costs on every-one's minds, homeowners are considering a solar power kit or solar panel system for their home. Energy efficiency and solar power go hand in hand. Like solar energy, there are now tax credits for improving the energy efficiency of your home (check out Dsireus.org for more on this). There...more
Solar power and solar panels are getting a lot of attention as part of the solution to our energy crisis. Solar energy, also called photovoltaic energy, is undergoing rapid changes thanks to massive investment in research and development. This article will discuss the basic makeup of photovoltaics in hopefully easy-to-understand terms. Solar Cells...more
Homeowners all over the world are considering a solar power kit or solar panel system for their home. This is a powerful way to save money, produce clean energy, and "go green". But before you do this you have to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. The less energy you use, the greater impact your solar power system will have on your wallet and the planet. There are several things you can do in conjunction with solar panels to create an extremely efficient, comfortable home. This article will teach you about energy efficient heating, air conditioning, and passive solar. Heating Using gas (e.g. propane or natural gas) to heat your home is very efficient compared to electric furnaces. And using hot water heat, such as floorboard and in-floor heating is much more efficient than forced-air. Whatever your heat system is, regular maintenance is key to efficient energy usage. Often components such filters, valves or burners must be replaced periodically. Cleaning ducts can also improve overall efficiency. For smaller spaces that are far away from the central heating unit (such as garages or basements) kerosene heaters can provide cheap, fast heat without the expense of...more
If you don’t have any money to invest in green, sustainable, eco-friendly products or strategies you are in luck! Here are 15 ways that you can start to trim your utility bills by using less energy and water. Unless you have been living under a...more
Natural gas and electricity are the two most common providers of heat and light in today’s homes. These two commodities have been around so long it is difficult to imagine a world where they are replaced with an alternative. So far as we can see,...more
To get the most out of your solar lights, there are a few things you need to take into consideration, such as where you place them, how much shade there is, how well their solar panels are positioned relative to the sun, the effects of the weather...more
Decide where to put your solar house numbers First, you will want to find a location for your solar address sign and decide if you want a model that stakes into the ground or solar house numbers that will be mounted on a wall, gate, or fence. Look...more
A Solar Powered Security Light - How To Install a Solar Motion LightA solar powered security light is a great way to light up a doorway, deck, driveway or parking lot ! Here are some tips to successfully install a solar motion light on a house or...more
by: Lisa Saffel A solar shed light is a great way to light up a shed or small building ! Here are some tips to successfully install solar shed lighting for your shed. First, find a good spot inside your shed to mount the solar shed light. This should...more