Renewable energy projects in California go unused – Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times Renewable energy projects in California go unused Los Angeles Times Woody Smeck, superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, stands next to solar panels installed on top of a carport at the King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Because of a squabble between federal agencies and Southern ..
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Renewable energy projects in California go unused – Los Angeles Times
Huntington Woods rec center to get solar panels – Royal Oak Daily Tribune
Huntington Woods rec center to get solar panels Royal Oak Daily Tribune HUNTINGTON WOODS — Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the recreation center with a $50000 donation from the Huntington … and more
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.
How To Utilize Cheap Power – Solar Energy For Your Home
As time goes on, more people are realizing the benefits of solar energy as the impact of global warming is becoming more apparent. Everyone wants to reduce their carbon footprint these days, and for good reason, and companies are capitalizing on it. One particular branch of the alternative energy field that is doing quite well is that of solar energy. We will discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of solar power in the following article.
Lets first start with the disadvantages of solar energy. First of all solar panels need a pretty big initial investment as they can be quite expensive. Also they are less cost effective than fossil fuels right now. But the technology is always improving and the cost ever decreasing. Now for the benefits: solar panels are easy to install, produce zero emissions, and are great for the environment. Not only that but the cost to produce them is going down from over $4 a few years ago to under $1 just recently.
There is no doubt that solar energy is good for the environment – it gives off absolutely no emissions and harnesses the power of the sun which is an endless supply of energy. People are finally realizing how important it is to reduce their impact on the environment. You can even install them on your own homes rooftop. Even big name companies have got into the solar power game. Google and Walmart are two such examples.
One of the big complaints above solar power is that when it subject to sub optimal conditions like a rainy day, that it doesn’t produce enough energy. Well new technology has been developed that allows the panels to store up extra energy during bright and sunny days for those times.
There is another type of solar panel setup know as a PV system. The system is connected directly to the power grid and the extra power produced by any panels on the grid is utilized by other homes.
So for those that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, hopefully you have absorbed the information here and understand the importance of solar power. Even though it can be an expensive investment, it is usually worth it. And it is a great way to enjoy years of renewable clean energy.
How To Make A Solar Powered Pump Birdbath
If you have ever wanted to make your garden more environmentally friendly, have you ever thought of buying a solar powered pump fountain? Going one step further, have you ever considered making your own?
So how will a solar powered pump birdbath benefit you?
The benefits are:
a: The water will not go stagnant since the pump is keeping it flowing
b: The pump does not have to plugged into your power supply
c: The pump runs on DC power, so no inverter is needed.
d: The pump uses minute power (only 6volts) so very few solar panels are needed
e: No batteries are required, since the pump only really needs to operate during the day when the sun is out and the birds are in the garden.
f: You can save more money by making the entire birdbath and fountain yourself, even the solar panels.
g: It is very portable since it has no wires.
So, what do you need to make your own solar powered pump fountain?
The simplest option would be for you to add solar panels to an already working birdbath and fountain.
The cheaper, more labor intensive approach would be to get a birdbath with the right holes drilled for the fountain to be installed. And then add on the pump, fountain attachment, irrigation and power supply.
If you decide to make your own fountain, you will need:
The Birdbath:
Here you have a choice of cascading fountains, copper fountains, terracotta birdbaths, resin fountains, or the conventional ceramic birdbath. Just make sure a pump system can be installed on the birdbath.
The Fountain Spout:
Depending on whether you want the water to trickle or spout out the top, you can get the right attachment from most hardware stores or garden centers.
Small Fountain Pump:
Depending your birdbath size, the volume of water to be pumped and how high you want to pump it, will help you decide on the voltage and size pump needed. For your average, medium-sized birdbath, a small 6 volt DC pump will suffice.
Tubing for irrigation:
When buying the irrigation for the fountain, it is best not to get piping that is too wide, otherwise the right water pressure will not be maintained and the pump will not work properly. So before you buy the wrong tubing, get advice from your local garden center and see what they use in similarly sized birdbaths
Silicon Sealant:
Silicon sealant helps fill any cracks where water could escape, such as where the tubing enters the top of the birdbath. It can also be used to insulate any bare wires.
The Solar Panels:
This is what makes this birdbath unique to your average water fountain. Depending on what size pump you buy, will need to get enough solar panels for the fountain to work properly. A a typical 6 volt pump, you will require solar panels with a capacity of at least 6 volts. But is better to be on the safe side and get a 12 volt solar panel instead, for times when it is cloudy and for late afternoons.
NB: You have 2 alternatives for the solar panels:
1 : Buy a small commercially available solar panel from any outlet, such as Wallmart.
2: Make your own solar panel. This is actually much easier than people make it out to be. With the right instructions you could build your own panel in an afternoon. If you want to go the diy way, then keep reading…
For the solar panel to operate effectively it needs to be fitted in a frame and angled in the direction of the sun. Placing it under a tree will not help.
Can anyone build this birdbath?
If you have all the tools and materials and any diy experience, you could have a working solar powered pump birdbath within in a matter of hours – that’s if all goes to plan…
A good idea would to add some batteries to the birdbath, so that the excess solar power can be stored and to power the pump at night. For a 24 hour fountain, you will need:
1) The right battery:
Since the system is small, a 12 volt battery should be enough. This will be wired up between the charge controller and the pump.
Solar charge controller:
It is not vital , but if you want the battery to last longer, a charge controller will protect the battery from over-charging. It is wired from the solar panels and then to the battery.
The nice thing about about building a solar powered pump birdbath yourself is that it is not only cheaper, but once you know how, you can make as many as you want. It could also make a great gift for an energy conscious friend or family member.
