Water Heaters - Electric Vs Gas

Gas vs. Electric Heating

My goal as a water heater advisor is to save you money. How does your water heater relate to your wallet? Most likely, one utility will be less expensive to operate than the other. My guess is most households do not have a preference. The area in which you live might dictate the type of water heater you will install. Certain areas of the country are predominately gas, while others are mainly electric. If you have a choice, hopefully this info will help you decide. You can save from the start by choosing the correct heater for your household.



Assuming you have a choice, how do you choose? Ask yourself if the present heater does a sufficient job. Does it supply enough hot water for your family? If you're replacing an existing water heater, check to see what type you have now. Is it gas, electric or even propane? If your heater has done a good job for your family, why not stay with the same type? Usually that will be an easier and less expensive installation.

How Micro Hydro Electric Power Works

True enough, each year expensive electricity bills bombard us. In order to save on electricity, most of us learned how to calculate the electric expenditure of each household appliance we use. Certainly, it is important that we know how to save on electricity. When we save household electric power and appliances, remember that we are not the only one who benefits, the environment as well. Did you know that every time we use our electric appliances and device, we create pollution? Yes, this is true. Even if pollution is not evident, it happens at several power plants across the world. As we use
electricity, coals and other fossil fuels are used up and burned.

Top 10 Green Trends

Green Trends

There is no doubt that 2010 was a difficult year for the economy, yet the hope for the coming year is high. And for good reason - Many leading U.S. economists predict that the economy will grow an astounding two to four percent in 2011. This is welcome news after two years of a painful recession.

What can businesses do to prepare?
What can executives, entrepreneurs and webmasters set in place so as to benefit from the projected economical growth of 2011? As economists begin to try and answer this question, we must first look at the possible trends and business motives that grasp the world economy. A common theme within the economy that has shown increased popularity is green technologies, products and services.

Renewable Energy in China - Serious Opportunities or Serious Risks?

China is now the world's largest investor in renewable energy having eclipsed both Germany's and the United States' spending in the last year. Renewable energy is at the heart of the latest (twelfth) five year plan for the development of China, and there's been an explosion in companies focusing in the sector. Solar, Wind, Hydro and even Geo Thermal have become big business for the Middle Kingdom, and foreign investors are rushing to get in on the act. However much of the money flowing into the sector may not be wisely spent, the question is how to identify opportunities from major risks?

Multijunction Solar Cells - Technology Imitates Nature

Remember your basic Biology 101 and photosynthesis?

In case you need a refresher on the topic, photosynthesis is how a plant converts light into energy, which it uses to run its metabolic processes. Multijunction solar represent the mechanical, artificial analogue to this biological process. But before we get into that, let's take a look at your basic solar cell.

 

It's Been Around Longer Than You Think

The idea of generating electricity using sunlight dates back almost to the time people started using electricity. In fact, a photovoltaic effect was first produced around 1840 - not long after Queen

The Nanotechnology Solar Cell Revolution

There is little debate that we need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels, but the costs of renewable energy platforms such as solar make it difficult. Nanotechnology definitely offers the answer.

Solar power is considered one of the better renewable energy platforms. Enough sunlight hits our planet each day to meet our world wide energy needs for an entire year. On top of this, solar energy is a free power source, since nobody can corner the market on the sun. Solar power is also good for the environment since it produces none of the emissions that are of such concern today, specifically carbon dioxide greenhouse gases.

If solar is so great, why don't we see more practical applications? The problem lies in the applications. Specifically, we have no way to harness the power. Commercial solar cells are very inefficient. Current models on the market only convert about 8 to 13 percent of the sunlight hitting them.

Solar Energy - Why All Eyes Are on Israel

In the UK, solar energy is still something of a confusing answer to the problems posed by our ever-dwindling fossil fuel resources. This confusion is unsurprising, our northern European climate is rarely associated with scorching heat - and a quick look at our landscape and coast shows ample area for wind and tidal power. Yet, in recent times the increasing affordability of solar hot water and proof of the benefits that come with it is causing more of us to consider installing solar collectors. But to really keep abreast of the developments in solar technology, we can learn the most from Israel.

Bridging the Gap Between Going Off The Grid and Surviving

Going off grid with solar--and batteries

Living Off the Grid in Style: An Interview with Super-Homesteader Jane Dawson

I am not really sure what is happening in this country. Five years ago the economy was incredibly strong, the housing marketing was doing very well and most people had equity in their homes.

 Like a great many people you probably bought your house while the market was on that upswing anticipating that it would continue to increase in value. And it did for a while but the economy tanked. I don't know about you, blaming the politicians is fun and it makes us feel better, but there comes a point when we have to take matters into our own hands. I needed to start saving money, like now! I can't wait for things to turn around. That's why I made the decision to learn how to build solar panels.

I looked into the cost of buying panels for my home and I just couldn't afford them. I work hard. I don't spend more than I earn. I am not different than most people. I have accepted that the economy might not change or bounce back. But quite honestly, I don't want to take the plunge to go off grid entirely. I like my life. I don't like paying through the nose for my electricity. Once I learned how to make solar panels and install them myself, my bill went down. Most months I don't even owe a dime on the bill and some months I get money back from the power company. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't learned how to build solar panels and learned how to save energy. I was like you, living paycheck to paycheck.

The Current Situation of Solar Energy in USA and Japan

  

Solar is a sustainable use of clean energy. In the search for sustainable development of human society, energy-saving building on the increasing use of solar energy is getting worldwide attention.

The status of solar energy use in United States is getting better!

In United States, total energy consumption in building comes up to 30% -90%. It is becoming a certain form of economic development constraints role. Therefore, American development of solar energy is growing very rapidly.

Super Solar Power Project

Giant solar power project.

Many people have heard of the solar tower project being constructed in Australia. It is over 1000 meters tall and will produce 200 mega watts of electricity by heating air at ground level which then causes the air to rise in the tower. It also serves as a green house. It is slated to go into operation to power about two hundred thousand homes in 2012. Spain has a prototype that is functional and has already been tested near Madrid.

There are as well various photovoltaic solar fields with arrays of solar panels that generate electricity directly from sunlight. The most popular large scale solar power projects are by way of the solar trough or parabolic trough system which concentrates solar heat to a focal point which in most cases is an oil filled pipe. The oil is heated to around 700ºF where it is pumped back to a heat exchanger which creates steam power.

A New Solution to Building Solar Panels Around Anything

Recently conducted research in a lab has found a new way that we can incorporate solar cells. Basically the technology put in simple terms is "stretchable solar cells". Unbelievable? Yes it is, but it's possible. The creator likes to call it the "super skin". Besides being stretchable they are flexible too. They can be stretched up to 30% beyond their normal length.

Uses for the flexible solar cells
"One of the applications where stretchable solar cells would be useful is in fabrics for uniforms and other clothes," says one of the students. And quite a lot of other uses too. If you think about it, some vehicles would be able to adapt this flexible, stretchable material around the body. Or homes could use them around different locations of their homes not just the roofs.

We've already seen car companies use similar technology on the roofs of vehicles to power air-conditioning and other uses. The question is really what else can we use this technology for.
The greatest benefit with this new tech is that more people can get creative about how to make solar panels from their homes. No longer do they just have to make roof solar panels, but they can incorporate it around their entire homes and all sorts of portable devices to do the fact that this could also mean lighter solar cells.

Solar Power Motor Vehicles For The Future

  

You can now get a considerable variety of machines, appliances, gizmos and gadgets operated by solar energy. There's also numerous residences, houses, industrial facilities and businesses powered by alternative energy sources. Solar powered cars have also risen in popularity as men and women became more aware of the numerous positive aspects of the renewable energy resource. It is possible to save thousands of dollars in petrol costs every month by selecting a solar powered vehicle. You have to understand the different available benefits and alternatives first. Here are several more details about how you can get the very best type.
The Solar Method

For some regions of the world, the totally solar powered car might not be possible, because of the lack of sunlight. For other regions of the world it may possibly be the only choice available.
A solar vehicle is identified as an electric vehicle that's powered only by solar energy. The power is gained through solar panels on the outside or the top of the vehicle. PV or photovoltaic cells change the energy of the sun directly into electrical power. Solar vehicles are not utilized as everyday transportation devices presently. These are generally still utilised in engineering tests and exhibition practices, usually backed by private or government agencies.

Home Panel Solar Politics

After recently reading a New York Times article, we started thinking about home panel solar politics. You see, although solar power is gaining popularity as a renewable energy solution for home, it will never become mainstream without the backing from the federal government.
A poll by the Nuclear Power Industry revealed that the number one choice for generating power was not from nuclear, coal or natural gas, but from solar energy. However, at the time the poll was taken solar only provided for about 0.01 percent of America's power supply. Solar power is popular, but there's not enough investment!

In Washington, where the energy policies are signed, solar power lobbyists generally work with small budgets in the tens of thousands of dollars. Now when you compare it to the tens of millions of dollars that nuclear, coal, gas and oil lobbyists have available, you can only guess which energy policies gain approval by our beloved politicians.

Solar Energy Costs and Economic Impact

According to a global price survey, solar energy prices have declined an average of 4% per year for the past 10 to 15 years. There is a progressive increase in conversion efficiencies of cells, and manufacturing economies of scale are the underlying drivers of this price decrease. The Solarbuzz Global Price survey clearly indicates that prices have consistently declined for over the last two years.

A detailed analysis of the worldwide photovoltaic market is present in on the the leading industry reports, the Market Buzz 2009. A residential solar energy system typically costs about $8-10 per Watt in 2009. When government incentive programs exist, and coupled with with lower prices secured through volume purchases, installed costs for solar panels can become as low as $3-4 watt - or some 10-12 cents per kilowatt hour can be achieved. Without incentive programs, solar energy costs range between 22-40 cents/kWh for very large PV systems.

Why the World Still Uses Coal, Oil and Natural Gas

Coal, oil, and natural gas are still dominant sources of energy despite the fact that renewable energy is getting more and more supporters. Wind power and solar power are becoming increasingly popular but coal, oil and natural gas have founded our economies and industries meaning they still have very strong political support.

Fossil fuels have more than just history on their side, what they also have is advantage in costs. Renewable energy is sadly still significantly expensive option compared to fossil fuels, and lower costs are really the key component that gives fossil fuels an edge.

Renewable energy technologies are constantly developing, and their development is dropping prices so they are getting near the prices of fossil fuels (especially wind power that is currently the cheapest renewable energy option). However getting near doesn't seem to be enough, and coal is thus still the most dominant energy source in the world, and world's greatest source of electricity.
In about 150 years time fossil fuels would likely be depleted, and world will have to have a decent replacement ready. From the current point of view using renewables looks like the only option capable to replace coal, oil, and natural gas but this is far future from where we are looking today.

Solar Panels by Night

How to bank on solar panels at night
Making the most of the solar radiation that reaches our atmosphere is the need of the hour. Sadly, the rate at which we are using this non-exhaustible source of energy in the form of solar panels is very slow and without regard for the huge savings that can be invited upon our homes, offices and lifestyles.

Sourcing energy by day and night
Our fossil fuels are bound to get exhausted sooner or later. The consequence is that the depleting quantities have raised prices and made the availability of fuel a luxury! Not only is the energy from the sun trapped by the solar panels cost efficient but also green, safe and completely dependable. Solar energy is without a doubt the best replacement we have for fuel on our planet. In the near future harnessing and reusing solar power by night is going to be the clarion call of governments and environmentalists.

Decorative Solar Garden Lights - 3 Tips For Selecting the Right Light

Considering decorative solar garden lights to illuminate your landscape? There are many things to decide before purchasing your new lights. These few tips can help.
Placement - More than Just Decoration
You probably already have a place in mind if you are considering getting solar garden lights. Take another look at your location. Is there enough sunlight during the day to charge your solar lights? Is there sufficient drainage to prevent water condensation and damage? How much light do you want to add to the location at night?
Most decorative solar garden lights only add accent lighting to the landscape. They are not intended to provide safety lighting. If the reason you want to add lighting is to be able to see different features in the landscape at night, decorative solar garden lights might not be your best option. These lights also require plenty of sunlight during the day to recharge the batteries for night. If the location is shady, the lights won't illuminate as long and the lifespan of the batteries are reduced. Also, if the area gets too much moisture, water can condensate in the light and reduce the quality.

The Nanotechnology Solar Cell Revolution

     There is little debate that we need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels, but the costs of renewable energy platforms such as solar make it difficult. Nanotechnology definitely offers the answer.
Solar power is considered one of the better renewable energy platforms. Enough sunlight hits our planet each day to meet our world wide energy needs for an entire year. On top of this, solar energy is a free power source, since nobody can corner the market on the sun. Solar power is also good for the environment since it produces none of the emissions that are of such concern today, specifically carbon dioxide greenhouse gases.
If solar is so great, why don't we see more practical applications? The problem lies in the applications. Specifically, we have no way to harness the power. Commercial solar cells are very inefficient. Current models on the market only convert about 8 to 13 percent of the sunlight hitting them. This inefficiency makes the cost of producing energy via solar platforms too costly. So, what can we do?

Solar Energy Trends

According to a recent study, 80% of over a thousand American respondents think all new home construction from now on should include some sort of solar energy systems. Once informed of the higher resale value that homes with solar systems can have, 2/3 of those surveyed said they'd expect to pay more money for such a home, a would do so willingly; what's more, 1/2 of those surveyed said they'd even be willing to pay a 10% premium on for homes with solar energy systems built-in.

Solar Water Heaters: People living in warm climates and freezing climates alike can now enjoy the benefits of solar water heating. Though the technologies are slightly different depending on whether there's ever a freeze lasting longer than a night or two, solar hot water is a viable option wherever a person may reside.
Solar Shingles: By all appearances, these look like ordinary shingles, but look closer and you'll see that they're actually thin-film solar cells. The amorphous silicon material used in these shingles is reported to be even more effective at collecting sunlight than regular solar panels while still being strong enough to be used as a roofing material. They're installed in an overlapping pattern, just like regular shingles, thus providing the same level of weather protection. The wires run underneath a plywood roof deck that protects the house from the intense heat these solar shingles absorb, and the shingles are held in place by a glue-like EVA compound that is activated by heat.

Companies That Manufacture Solar Panels: List Of Best 30

  
                

With the increase in the alertness and responsiveness towards the problem of global warming, more and more property owners are trying to do their best for the environment. One of the steps they are taking to help protect the environment is to employ solar-powered technology to fulfill their energy requirements. With the increase in the demand of these panels, the industry of photovoltaic cells has increased as well.

Germany had one of the major 15 companies providing solar-powered panels out of the total of 20 companies at one point of time. However in the race of solar-powered panel manufacturing, the USA as well as Europe have also come in, in an attempt to take a piece of the market. China, whose labor is cheaper than most of these countries, is now head to head with USA and Europe in manufacturing cheap and affordable solar panels for global purchasers.

For people running on a low budget, they can easily go for those companies who offer a do-it-yourself solar panel kit. But for people with cash to spend, they can do their homework, and buy the best deal as suited to their requirements. These manufacturers guarantee more than 25 years of life of the solar panels they produce.

Some of the solar panel producers are listed below:
*Advent
*Amonix