There are many ways to power your home solar panels and solar power kits. These systems can fit nearly any size home, demand, and space requirement. In this article we will discuss three different kinds of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Off-Grid Solar Dependent Systems These systems are usually found in extremely remote locations where electricity and fuel sources are hard to come by. These systems consist...more
With a move toward green energy and other reliable energy sources, solar powered systems are becoming more and more popular. Solar powered lighting is dependable and bright and useful in many situations. Here are seven perfect ways to make use of this ever renewable energy source. Sign Lights There is nothing more frustrating than installing the perfect business sign, especially those all important real estate markers and knowing that, as soon as...more
So you've been looking at your rising electric bills, eying all the government incentives for going green, and now you've decided that you want to install a solar energy system in your home. Great! You could hire contractors for the whole process, but if you like to do things yourself, one of the simplest options is to shop around for an affordable grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) power kit. The benefit of using such a kit is that you don't need to set up a battery bank; instead, your sun-powered system is connected right to your home's circuit box, and the energy generated by your solar modules is used to offset your electric bills. Working on the Roof If you want to install your home solar system on the roof, you'll need to get your hands on the proper building permits and roofing materials. Since the solar modules will be installed on special rails or mounts, part of the roof will have to be removed to make some extra room. You'll probably want to have extra shingles, nails, and roofing caulk to make sure your roof is just as rain-proof after the process as it was before. Always Call the Electrician! If you are going to do the wiring yourself, it is essential to have a master...more
Grid-Tie System Costs It's difficult to estimate exactly what you are going to pay for a system. Prices and installation costs vary widely based on local competition, hardware availability, and the difficulty of installation. OK? Next subject. But wait!!! That doesn't help at all does it? There are some basic rules of thumb we can use to estimate...more
Uncle Sam is continuing to make it easier for homeowners to include solar energy as a viable, and affordable, means of powering their homes. Not to be outdone, the majority of states are also devising ways to encourage their residents to "switch on" to renewable energy, many times through electric companies. Renewable energy includes leveraging the...more
Solar energy and 'going green' are getting a lot of attention these days. Many people are talking about thin film solar cells, also called solar film. This article will give you a rundown on the various technologies out there, without getting too deep into the chemistry and physics of how they work. Solar film cells are getting a lot of attention because they address the biggest issue with solar energy: cost. The development of this technology has take great strides in recent years because they are cheaper to manufacture than traditional solar panels. Thin film solar panels are what you would find in a solar calculator, and this technology is being expanded into panels for large residential and commercial use. Global Solar Energy, for example, recently installed a 750 kilowatt array that provides 25% of factory's power needs. There several technologies that exist that fall under the solar film heading: 1. Amorphous or Thin Film Silicon. This technology uses the same science that is found in the rectangular solar panels we are seeing more and more of in the world. Instead of using hard crystalline silicon that must be encased in tempered glass and aluminum frames like normal solar...more
There has been a lot of buzz lately about solar film, also called flexible or foldable, solar panels. This is an emerging technology and could completely revolutionize renewable energy. Thin film solar most often uses CIGS (copper indium gallium...more
With a new U.S. president and a new outlook on renewable energy, many people are looking at solar energy as an option for powering their home. Many people are attracted to the energy savings and good feelings of solar, also called photovoltaic or PV...more
Solar garden lights are both a fun and practical way to go green. They can be attractive accents to your yard or garden; indeed, they can beautify any place you could choose to put them, on your lawn, deck, patio, or in a garden path. These lights,...more
Is there a more cool and fun must-have pool accessory than a solar swimming pool cover?! There are so many practical reasons to have one, but beyond that, they are also fascinating pieces of environmental technology. It is cool to think of having a...more
There are many practical reasons to use solar outdoor lighting, whether in your gardens, your lawn or walkway, your deck or patio. A few top reasons include the economical and environmental impacts. The fact that solar lights use sunlight for energy,...more
Its time to start thinking about barbecues, baseball, and spring time! And with that comes the desire to fire up the swimming pool. These days you can help warm your pool and help your wallet with solar pool covers. Lets talk about five cool things...more