The Solar Blog is my mini-journal about solar energy and solar powered products.
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Did we really need the Fukushima catastrophe to prove that it is time to start using renewable energy?
I have read Beppe Grillo’s Blog about Fukushima. It is now officially recognised that this catastrophe has produced the same radiation level as the one that Chernobyl did. What does this mean?
The radiations will spread whatever way, no matter what direction the wind will take. Thus, all of us will be some way affected. It’s going to affect our food chain, our health, our natural resources, our ground, our lives and lifestyles.
The first consequence of Fukushima’s disaster has been the speed with which the war in Libya has started. It is a war for winning the control over the energetic resources still available, the left over oil, gas and petrol.
The nuclear failure has brought many countries, especially France (heavily dependent on nuclear power), to revise its future nuclear plans and find quickly alternative sources of power to keep surviving. Even if few countries will gain further control over a source of traditional power (oil/gas/petrol), this will only be a temporary solution, a way to put off the real decisions on alternative sources. The limiting factor is the quantity of petrol/gas still available worldwide, probably 30-40 years more.
A second reason for keeping on using traditional sources like coal and the others mentioned above whilst the solar energy technologies are already in place and very effective is the world map of the lobbies that own traditional sources or businesses directly linked to these. Therefore, their idea is to go on until they can make money out of it.
Unfortunately, this process (keeping on consuming gas/oil sources) destroys the environment we live in and it massively contributes to the increase of CO2 and other polluting substances.
On the opposite side, solar energy is continuing its course of rapid innovation. The process of reducing production costs and increasing efficiency has stepped up. Solar installations have become less expensive and more efficient. This means they get available to larger sections of the population. The main benefits are that solar energy is cheap to install and produce, allowing for the elimination of the electricity bill. Solar energy in the form of electricity can substitute the use of gas, eliminating the further gas bill from our houses. Solar power is clean, it does not pollute. In many countries, the government gives incentives and often traditional power companies are ready to buy back the surplus of the solar energy produced by our panels, turning our solar energy into a cash generating resource, a new revenue stream.
Are you not fed up of being a Muppet of those rulers? Lets fight for our children’s future! Let’s turn into renewable energy & no to nuclear. If you are interested in further facts about Fukushima or any other world news what leaders don’t want us to know, I suggest you to read Beppe Grillo’s Blog.
Help to save our planet, before it’s too late!
How to Save Energy
People, no matter what their age or make, are realizing how important it is to do their part in helping the earth. Figuring out a method for doing this, however, can be confusing, especially for those with no prior experience. If you want to lend a hand, you can start with conserving energy.
1. It is important for any and all air vents in the home to be free of covering. Many homeowners make the mistake of placing furniture or blankets in front of these vents. As a result, the air cannot get through, and the air conditioner or heater may be turned up to compensate. This can be a great waste of energy, not forgetting the fact that it can also lead to more expensive bills coming in the mail. Ask every member of your family to help make sure that all vents are clear of debris; even if the debris is a small toy or a candy wrapper, it should still be disposed of.
2. If you want to know how to save energy, be aware that keeping a light on when nobody is using it is not recommended. This is not stated to imply that you should turn lights on and off as you go back and forth from room to room; on the other hand, if you know that you will be outside of the room for more than a few minutes, it should be turned off. Homeowners that take up this habit are more likely to feel that they are doing their part to save energy.
3. The next time you go to brush your teeth, wash your hands or take a shower, remember how much water you are using. Many people do not consider running water a waste of energy, and thus they can be rather careless with it. Turn off the faucet between rinses for your toothbrush, and take showers instead of baths, to name a few examples. Although small acts, in the end they take on a bigger meaning. Whether you are at home or visiting somebody, make sure you take on these habits.
The want to conserve energy is becoming popular in today's modern society; people are realizing how precious the planet is, and they want to do their part. They may not always know exactly how to go about this, however, and will simply give up soon after. By following the above tips for energy savers, anybody can take it on and do so successfully. Remember that it may not seem like much, but with more and more people taking part, it can add up; that is an idea to never forget.
If you live in USA and looking for a help in choosing your solar energy system or you want up to date info about your area rebate & other incentives, then visit Solar Pros website for further information.
Are solar panels worth the cost in UK?
Hm, I’d rather use them in sunny Italy however there are people who are using it successfully also in England. A spokesman for British Gas says: 'Buying solar panels is one of the best investments around - the feed-in tariff is tax-free, index-linked and guaranteed by the Government.'
Only thing is, do you trust the Government? Didn’t people lose their pension funds not long ago???
I’ll attach a link to an article & remember to read the comments. Before splashing out your hard earned money, try to get as much information from someone who already has installed solar panels in your area than only relaying on a distributor fairytales.
If the idea of going solar has always appealed to you but the look of solar panels makes you cringe, you’ll be glad to know that there is a solution: solar shingles. A more attractive solar option, solar shingles integrate seamlessly with your existing roof and come in a variety of roofing colors. In some cases, solar shingles can be a more efficient solution than traditional solar panels.
Solar shingles provide the same protection and durability as asphalt shingles. Designed specifically to function on rooftops, a great deal of research has gone into their manufacturing. Referred to as "building-integrated photovoltaics" or BIPVs, these shingles obtain a higher output than equivalent solar panel models. While susceptible to the same problems as traditional roofing materials, they are less likely to be damaged than mounted solar panels. Due to their streamlined integration with other roofing shingles there is less possibility of debris buildup and the long term damage debris can cause.
One of the biggest benefits of choosing solar shingles over traditional solar panels is that shingles do not need mounting panels. Not only will you save on the mounting framework, you won’t have to pay for the roofing materials that go underneath the panels. In addition, solar shingles are cheaper to install and because they’re lightweight you do not need to add additional supports to your roofing framework. When installed, an electrician or a specialist roofer will wire the shingles together and connect them to your system. If it’s time to replace your entire roof anyway, include these costs into your roofing estimate and you will see even more cost savings.
Solar shingles also take up less roof space than traditional solar panels. For an average house of 1200 square feet, a 10x12 area of solar shingles is usually enough to meet demands. Be sure to contact a local solar retailer to make sure the space you have available is enough to meet your needs. Keep in mind that solar shingles have an average lifespan of 20 years, a little bit longer than the average roofing material. If you end up selling your house, the solar panels will be an added incentive and can potentially offset the initial costs.
Solar shingles may not be the best solution for you if you have heavy tree cover or your roof is at a less than optimal angle for sunlight collection. While stand alone solar arrays can be tilted to achieve optimal sunlight, you will be stuck with whatever your roof angle is if you go with solar shingles. If however, you do have an optimal site and have concerns about the aesthetic appeal, solar shingles can be the perfect solution for your energy needs.
Written by Emma Santa
Solar Water Heaters: How do They Compare
When I first started looking into ways to incorporate solar energy into my life I stumbled across the idea of using a solar water heater. It was smaller than a grid-tied system, which I wasn't ready for, but larger than the small gadgets I had been using. However, when I looked into purchasing a solar water heater I was confused by the myriad of choices out there. Not only did I need to know storage capacity, estimated usage, how much space was available for insulated pipes and duct work and where I could put the collection units - I needed to calculate variations for several types of systems! It was daunting.
I did finally sit down and go through the calculations on which system to install and in the end the benefits outweighed the cost. Did you know studies have shown that 20 percent of the energy used in homes heats water? In a well insulated home that percentage could climb to 30 or 40 percent. A good collection system will last 20 years if properly installed and by doing laundry, dishes and taking showers while the sun is shining effectiveness of the unit is increased further. If you're on the road to energy conservation and solar power usage here are some pointers on the main types of systems you should consider. Knowing about the options before you call a solar contractor will help you make the best choice for your home.
Batch Heaters
A batch heater is a water tank painted black, mounted in a well insulated box and covered by a sheet of glazing. It works as a pre-heater to a conventional system and can reach temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It's main drawback is the limited size and the ability of the unit to freeze. During cold months liquid must be drained from the system in order to prevent damage. If you live in an area with warm year round temperatures (such as Florida) and have limited water usage, utilizing a batch heater would be an excellent cost saving and energy saving investment. If you're a Handyman or Handywoman, you may be able to make one of these systems yourself.
Drain-back Systems
A drain-back system incorporates two solar collectors, a storage tank and pumps. A pump constantly circulates water through the collection plates and into a heat exchanger. When you turn on the tap, cold water travels through the storage tank to an exchanger and picks up heat from the water that has been continuously pumped through the collectors. Because of simple freeze protection this system never needs to be drained. While initial costs may be higher than a batch heater, the capacity level and year round use make it a viable option for people with greater hot water needs.
Pumped Systems
This system is similar to drain-back system except that a non-freezing liquid is pumped through the collectors. The liquid will circulate through the collectors even when they are cold thus allowing you to place the storage tank anywhere in the house. You can increase the output of this system by using it in tandem with a conventional heater. If used in this manner, the solar system works as a pre-heater and the conventional system will turn on only as needed. If you have a large family this may be the best option as it will reduce wait time between showers.
