Following some basic energy saving tips is not just about saving money on your utilities bills every month – it’s about saving the environment, too. News about global warming, high oil prices, and other catastrophes dominate the headlines every day, so homeowners should do their part to lighten their financial and carbon footprints. Here are 20 top tips to help you conserve energy:...
Category Archives: Solar Energy Articles
20 Energy Saving Tips
Thursday, November 18th, 2010The Advantages of Choosing Solar Shingles
Thursday, November 18th, 2010Solar shingles or photovoltaic shingles, which are a fairly new advancement in the growing realm of solar energy, combine the many benefits of traditional roofing shingles with that of solar energy. These shingles allow the roof to become, not only a protection for the home from weather and the elements, but a source of clean, renewable energy which benefits both the user as well as the environment....
Top 5 Qualities of Energy Efficient Homes
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010Energy efficient homes save money for the homeowner while they conserve the planet’s limited energy resources. Simple things like replacing worn insulation and using energy saving appliances can increase the efficiency of a home and reduce the home’s reliance on non-renewable fuels....
Why Convert to Renewable Energy?
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010As the economies of the world continue to be adversely effected by the ongoing shortages of the current fuels like oil, gas and coal, more and more of us will have to ask ” Why Convert to Renewable Energy?” Governments of the world will be forced to consider more use of renewable energy sources as the oil, gas and coal reserves are depleted. Our homes will become more expensive to heat and cool, and cars will become more expensive to drive. Our quality of life will go down as our fuel costs go up in relation to other expenses. What would you give up if your home started costing 400% more to heat and cool?...
Choosing Solar Panels for Your Home
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010Many consumers are considering the move to solar power, but are unaware of the best method for choosing solar panels for your home. There are hundreds of vendors out there, and not all solar panels are the same. Like any technology, there are various generations available for sale. As a consumer, it is important to have some basic knowledge of how solar power works, and to have an understanding of the process....
Why Consider Using Solar Power?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010Why Consider Using Solar Power? Solar power is a very practical alternative energy solution. As energy prices continue to rise, more individuals and businesses are considering it as an alternative method of energy production. There are many significant benefits to doing so, including and especially cost savings and environmental factors. This energy source utilizes the advantages of the natural sunlight, turning it into power that runs your lights, appliances, heating and cooling structures and more....
What is a Solar Cell?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010A solar cell is a device that is used to convert sunlight into electricity. Such cells take advantage of a physical phenomenon called the ‘photovoltaic effect’ which basically postulates that certain materials produce small amounts of electricity when exposed to sunlight. The amount of electricity produced by a single solar cell is usually too minute to be useful. So typically, multiple photovoltaic cells are connected together into a single larger ‘solar panel’ or ‘solar module’ in order to generate usable energy. Most commercially available solar panels are capable of generating about 12 volts of electric current on a full charge. Solar-powered devices often use multiple solar panels in order to generate the electricity they need for their specific purpose. The number of solar panels needed for an application can vary depending on the number of individual solar cells in a solar panel, or by the sort of application that it is needed for. For example, a solar-powered water-heating system will use far more solar panels than a solar-powered lighting system....
Comparing Solar Panels
Monday, November 15th, 2010Comparing solar panels is the best way to make an informed decision before you make an investment. It can be cumbersome, but it is well worth the extra time and effort. Choosing panels with the highest efficiency while staying within a reasonable budget is likely your goal. Comparing products and quotes will help guide you in making a decision. The cost of solar panels has decreased over time, and this form of energy significantly improves efficiency and saves you money....
How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Sunday, November 14th, 2010If you’ve considered updating your home with energy conserving solar panels, may have come across the words “photovoltaic cell” in your research into the options available. Photovoltaics, also known as solar cells, are battery cells which are comprised of a semiconductor metal capable of absorbing light in the form of photons and converting the energy absorbed into electricity in the form of electrons....
Why DIY Solar Panels Aren’t the Best Alternative
Sunday, November 14th, 2010DIY solar panels have become more popular among home owners looking for creative and earth friendly ways to reduce their heating bills while positively impacting the environment. On the surface, installing your own solar panels might seem like a good idea; after all, in theory, you get to save money on the installation process on top of saving money from the solar panels instead of relying completely on your local electric company. However, there are a number of potential disadvantages to trying to install solar panels on your home yourself that you should consider before you try this out and spend a lot of money....