Why You Should Consider A Solar Passive Home
Let’s start out with what a solar passive home is. A solar passive home is one that is designed to maintain heat, and light, at a comfortable temperature throughout the day (and night) and throughout the year using the building design in concert with the sun as the primary power source. It is estimated that a good passive home design can cut heating energy consumption by up to 90%.
Insulation and airtight construction are critical for a solar passive home. The design takes advantage of all natural resources to capture and use the sun’s energy in the most efficient manner. The design incorporates as few active systems, solar or otherwise, to generate power.
Did you know that according to the U. S. EIA (Energy Information Administration), 76% of all the electricity power generated is used to generate power for buildings? And those buildings are responsible for 48% of all the yearly greenhouse gas emissions.
Wow…what do you suppose it would be like if all new construction building…individual homes and commercial buildings…were planned to take maximum advantage of a solar passive energy design? Can you even begin to contemplate how much reduction that would mean in the amount of greenhouse gases emitted annually?
As it is, solar passive homes are not being built in massive numbers across the United States, although Ecohome magazine reports that “retrofits, solar power and water conservation [are] seen as some of the top issues this year.”
Fossil fuel energy costs in the United States have remained affordable. As a result, homeowners have continued to opt for “tried and true” conventional energy systems. What’s becoming more widely known, however, is that passive solar energy designs add only 5 to 10 percent to construction costs. With the cost of oil, gas and coal rising rapidly, homeowners will increasingly see how quickly a passive solar home is, overall, the lower priced option.
Perhaps another deterrent to moving with passive solar home construction in the United States is an old, carry-over belief system still lingering from the 1970′s. Then, in order to construct a passive solar home you had to have a special architect, and a solar engineer who would do a series of calculations, and provide them to the architect to incorporate before construction could begin. Now, however, enough is known about the basics of passive solar home construction for any knowledgeable person to find enough information to design a solar home. With plenty of tools to guide the homebuilder, you can find many available blueprints and prefabricated homes to construct a passive solar home on your site.
In recent years, Europe, experiencing significant price increases in non-renewable energy, has taken the lead in solar passive home construction. They are currently definitely in the lead in the global drive to reduce world fossil fuel dependence, and in reducing man’s devastating environmental footprint.
Although nowhere near Europe currently in terms of solar option popularity, the United States is, in fact, making strides. According to a recent Solar Energy Industries Association news release: “The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released the 2009 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review, finding 2009 to be another year of strong growth despite the economic recession. Overall U.S. solar electric capacity, including both photovoltaic and concentrating solar power installations, increased by 37 percent. This was driven primarily by strong demand in the residential and utility-scale markets, state and federal policy advances and declining technology prices. As a result, total solar industry revenue reached $4 billion, a 36 percent increase over 2008.”
What this means is there’s good news for anyone who wants to “go green.” It’s an affirmation that solar energy, including passive solar energy homes, is on the rise everywhere.
If you check the number of “green” builders in your yellow pages across cities and towns all over the United States, you’ll see how quickly the list is growing. The U. S. may not be at the same level as Europe yet, but there’s no doubt the sunshine is spreading its warmth, in a whole new way.
There are so many incentives now…a national commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions…rising energy costs…tax credits and rebates. With all of these solar passive homes are certain to increase in popularity. And why not…only a fool would ignore what’s good for both the goose and gander.
Looking to find out all you can about solar passive homes then visit www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com to find the best advice on home solar power for you.
The Top 3 Reasons To Seriously Consider Solar Energy
Did you ever consider that perhaps you should take solar energy seriously? That identical thought has occurred to lots of people. Lots of individuals have had the exact same idea a number of them actually acted on that thought. Most never see it through the daydream stage. Sometimes it is because they may have excessive inertia to get started. Sometimes it is because there are many unknowns. Still other times it is because they think they can’t do it.
Let’s just hold on here now. We poked around plenty of negatives at the beginning of this, all the why nots. Let’s consider three reasons why you should take solar energy seriously.
First and foremost, on the “Pro” side, I might explain that solar energy is essentially free energy, no matter what the climate there is some amount of solar energy which can be captured. Fine, I acknowledge your objection, on the “Con” side, and I agree that you have a valid point as you say it may appear that solar energy cannot meet all your heating and power needs, which in many cases is probably true. But I want to additionally point out that we currently waste a great amount of energy, so solar can go a long way to meeting out heat and power needs.
Secondly, you truly should consider that our current sources of energy will not last forever, so what example are we leaving future generations. And, also, due to limited resources, the price of fossil fuel energy will only increase in the long run. Plus, better yet, by using solar energy and other forms of renewable energy, we can become energy independent.
Third and lastly, you’ll get a feel good factor knowing you helped the environment and lowered your energy bills. And that’s going to imply that you have more money to spend on other more important things. In addition, on top of that, additionally, you will avoid the green taxes, which governments are considering
Once you consider the reasons and evaluate them, I expect that you will have to admit that a compelling case can be made for thinking about how you can take solar energy seriously.
So now look at that for a few minutes. An excellent case has been made in favour of doing it. Perhaps you really should take solar energy seriously.
Looking to find the best deal on Used Solar Panels, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice on Solar Water Heater Plans for you.
Are Solar Powered Cars Really Effective?
First, of course is, “What is a solar powered car?” In the simplest of terms, it’s an electrical car, but instead of plugging in, the electricity is derived for solar energy panels that are attached directly to the top of the car.
The photovoltaic (PV) solar energy panels capture the energy and convert it into electricity.
Right now, solar powered cars aren’t created for long distances, and they do require a lot of direct sunlight to operate correctly. The solar energy panels that capture the sun’s rays transfer any additional energy not needed for immediate operation into batteries in the vehicle. There, the electrical power is stored for later use. With our current technology, the batteries can only store a small amount of additional electricity, and simply aren’t powerful enough to run a vehicle for anything other than a short distance.
So…the short answer to “How effective are solar powered cars?”… right now is “Not effective enough.”
However, solar powered cars may well be one of the best solutions to reduction of our environmental footprint…and our dependence on fossil fuel.
While coal-burning plants step up to the number one spot for the creation of greenhouse gases, vehicles fall into the second spot. Falling into first place for both sources of greenhouse gas emissions is the United States, contributing 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide through coal-burning power plants, and 1.5 billion tons through automobile engines.
With only 4% of the world’s population, the United States is still clearly the biggest offender. The indicators of forward progress as a strong environmental defender have been hard to see, despite having both the technology and the desire to make a real contribution.
Take a quick look and you can’t miss the automobile and energy industries lobbying efforts. The number of SUV’s and other gas-guzzling large vehicles you see on the streets today are a clear indication of the strong hold fossil-fuel industries hold on the American market, along with their ability to thwart legislation and incentives that might actually produce tangible results.
Solar powered cars in the United States are currently developed nearly exclusively for race cars. The cockpits are deliberately kept small, and the vehicles light. The solar energy panels that are used on these cars costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their technology, however, clearly shows their capability…they can run fast and produce absolutely no pollution. This includes no noise pollution as the panels work silently in collecting and storing energy.
Globally, in the last few years, there have been a few solar powered cars (although not totally vehicle-generated electricity) built that are for use by the general public. These cars are generally what’s called a SPEV, or solar powered electrical vehicle. Most are small, one person vehicles suitable for short commutes – back and forth to work or to the grocery store. One notable advance, however, is in the solar powered five-door Blue Car hatchback, which is a fully electric vehicle with solar panels being produced in Europe. The ad in inhabitat.com states: “The solar panels on the vehicle’s roof provides some power to the vehicle’s systems. It comes with regenerative brakes and a Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles per charge. According to the manufacturer, all the materials in the construction have been sourced to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”
Similarly, the Toyota Prius, an electric hybrid car, has added an optional solar roof that can add power for a vehicle for approximately 20 miles. While this may seem a very small contribution, every additional solar “mile” operated makes a larger contribution to our carbon footprint.
With solar powered cars, we have a real, viable solution to global warming. They also reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute positively to reducing the energy crisis. And if you want to know what immediate, personal benefit they’ll have for you…besides no more trips to the gas station…just think; no oil changes, no tune-ups…and no emissions check. Hey, on the practical side, what else could you ask for?
We can each make a contribution to diminish our carbon footprint. We can contribute to this country and the world…when we invest through our purchases and our voice…when we insist that our representatives in the House and Senate invest with us…in solar power.
Solar powered cars can…and will become…more effective and more economical as we support the technology, and insist on research and development to further their manufacture and distribution.
Want to find out more about solar power cars, then visit Timothy Peters’s site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com
Socially Responsible Investing In The Environment
For a very long time, money used for good will was called charity, while money used to earn more money was called investing. That’s not the case anymore.
Today, the two ideas are coming together in a financial avenue called socially responsible investing. And both investors and mutual fund operators are learning that this new idea can be profitable, and do some good for the environment and society at the same time.
“Socially responsible investing means you don’t have to compromise your own personal beliefs to make money on Wall Street — whatever those beliefs are,” said Bob Guthrie, an investment broker with A.G. Edwards in Burlington, Vt.
The idea of selectively choosing stocks for social reasons dates back to the early 1900s, Guthrie said, when church members banded together and refused to invest in tobacco or alcohol companies. The trend continued with investors dodging corporations involved in the Vietnam War, he added, and most recently revolved around companies investing in South Africa.
So, yes, growth in this type of investing has ballooned during the past few years as more and more investors have moved social consciousness into the main street of investing. And the impact of this trend is being felt.
Rob Kruger, vice president of portfolio management at Progressive Asset Management says that with help from stockholders, business practices concerning the environment are starting to change. He said while the issues may vary, companies are realizing they will suffer if they aren’t viewed as being socially and environmentally responsible.
“As this investing community continues to grow, a lot of proposals are being put forth by investors at annual shareholder meetings,” Kruger said. “A whole range of issues and activities is now being addressed.”
As part of its operation, Progressive Asset Management conducts research for socially responsible and eco-friendly mutual funds. The firm screens companies for environmental problems or nuclear involvement… whatever social issues their clients want investigated.
“As time flies, companies are becoming more and more cooperative with us,” Kruger said. “Many of them are now very eager to talk about these social and environmental issues.”
Guthrie agrees that American corporations and business practices are aware of stockholders who are very concerned with social and environmental responsibility.
“Make sure your hard-earned capital is not invested in companies with little concern for the environment,” he advises. “Be sure to keep these things in mind when you invest and companies will too.
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Solar Camping With The Nomad 27M Solar Panel
The Nomad 27M solar panel which utilizes mono-crystalline solar technology has already proven itself to be an extremely convenient and cost effective source of energy. In fact, the Nomad 27M puts out 27 watts and one of the great things about it is that it can be charged during all weather conditions. During clear, sunny spells, a full charge takes approximately four and a half hours. The amount of time required for a full charge does of course depend on the weather, so when it’s partly cloudy, charging takes more or less seven hours, and if the sky is completely over overcast, it may take up to 15 hours. It should also be noted that charging times also vary depending on the type of batteries being used. All in all, when one considers the fact that you’re getting free electricity, waiting for the batteries to charge poses no real problem at all.
When it comes to charging electronic equipment such as mobile phones, flashlights and MP3 players for example, nothing beats the Nomad 27M solar panel. When in use, the unit measures 22.5″ x 44.5″ x 0.03″, and when folded away for storage, it measures just 10.5″ x 7″ x2″. This makes it an ideal traveling companion, given that it can easily be store away inside your backpack, and because it only weighs 3.4 lbs, you’ll hardly even know you’re carrying it. Need to charge your phone while you’re hiking in the hills? Simply open up your Nomad 27M, attach it to the outside of your backpack, and then connect up your phone, flashlight, or any other appliance which needs charging. By the time you stop walking to take a break, your phone battery will be charged – it’s that easy.
Of course the biggest advantage of the Nomad 27M solar panel over the 13.5M panel is that the 27M produces a higher output, thereby making is more efficient. With that said, the 27M is also capable of storing energy for a greater length of time than the 13.5M version. Both models do however use the same 12V voltage for charging purposes, although the 27M utilizes an 18V open voltage circuit.
Included with the Nomad 27M solar panel are 3 Aluminum support rods which can be used to improve stability during outdoor charging. Additional, the kit also includes 4 robust grommets which allow you to position the panel at practically any angles, and if you’re concerned about having wires running everywhere, there’s no need to be because the connector cord is housed in a built-in pocket of its own. This of course helps to minimize the chances of someone tripping over the wire.
Unlike many similar products, the Nomad 27M solar panel has been manufactured with durability in mind, and considering it’s also water resistant, it should last you for many years. Even if you leave it standing outside in the rain, the unit will continue working, although of course, if you’re not using it, then it should ideally be folded up and stowed away in the case which comes with the unit when you purchase it.
Jordan Eske believes all people can live eco friendly. And the power of solar helps you get there. The Nomad 27M Solar Panel is a good idea for campers.
