Warning: curl_setopt() [function.curl-setopt]: CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION cannot be activated when in safe_mode or an open_basedir is set in /home/buzzworm/public_html/wp-content/plugins/affiliate-mage/classes/amazon.class.php on line 1
More and more home owners are choosing to install solar panels on their roofs. According to the Energy Information Administration, the official provider of energy statistics to the US government, the number of installed units was over 280,000 in 2007 (the latest year that data is available). Why are so many people installing them?
The first reason is that solar, or pv, panels can save money. In many cases homes become “net providers” of energy. That means the solar panels create more electricity than the homeowners’ need, turning these homes into mini-power stations, where the electricity the homeowner does not need is sold back to the power company. They not only reduce their electricity bill to zero, but get credits applied to their electric company’s bill. That comes in handy on those months that there may not be enough sun to cover all of your electricity use, like during a month with a lot of rain or snow – or during winter.
The second reason is that there are tax credits that try to make the installation of the panels more affordable. Recent stimulus legislation includes these incentives.
A third reason is that more and more Americans are concerned about where their fuel comes from, and they want to do their part to help keep the environment clean for the children and grandchildren.
However, even with the tax credits, the costs for putting solar panels on homes can still reach into the thousands of dollars. That is beyond the reach of many people. But there are other options.
Believe it or not, you can build your own. With as little as $200 in materials and a little elbow grease, it is possible to start putting these savings into your pocket. And there are very easy step by step guides to help. The internet offers many products that walk you through the process.
How many months does it take you to spend $200 on your electricity bill? Three months? Two? One? In that amount of time, these panels would have paid for themselves. This is a great investment.
My experience installing solar panels is always the same: homeowners love saving money, using less foreign oil and helping the environment. See if this product is right for you. http://makeyourownenergy.wordpress.com
Robert Fryer is an architecture professor in energy efficiency, and has 15 years experience in designing homes and systems.
Warning: curl_setopt() [function.curl-setopt]: CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION cannot be activated when in safe_mode or an open_basedir is set in /home/buzzworm/public_html/wp-content/plugins/affiliate-mage/classes/amazon.class.php on line 1
What education would i need to get a job in solar energy or wind energy after graduating high school?
Im fresh out of high school and am not sure what education i should be seeking next. I have heard that renewable energy is a fast growing field and would like to know what education a good job in that field would require. By a good job i mean anything from installing solar panels or repairing wind turbines. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Look into electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering. I would say the best thing that anyone could tell you is to stay versatile. Things are changing so fast in the green industry that by the time you learn one thing very well, it has become obsolete, or close to it.
If you are a self help type of person and are really interested in installing or consulting, check out a program ‘RETScreen’. This is a program that the Canadian government has put out to help consultants and estimaters plan for renewable energy conversions
King Cyrus Reza Pahlavi Solar Energy Free Education
Warning: curl_setopt() [function.curl-setopt]: CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION cannot be activated when in safe_mode or an open_basedir is set in /home/buzzworm/public_html/wp-content/plugins/affiliate-mage/classes/amazon.class.php on line 1
Solar panels future, energy generation and global warming
Warning: curl_setopt() [function.curl-setopt]: CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION cannot be activated when in safe_mode or an open_basedir is set in /home/buzzworm/public_html/wp-content/plugins/affiliate-mage/classes/amazon.class.php on line 1
One of the best roles you can assume today in creating a better world for tomorrow is that of a “Solar Power Myth Buster.” I can see it now, you masked crusader you. Before you grab your cape and head out the door, though, let’s arm you with a few facts about solar power myths:
· Solar power is too expensive. Before you allow anyone to cling tenaciously to that belief, ask them if you can schedule an appointment for a solar power installation appraisal for them. Tell them you would never try to dissuade them from believing what they choose, but if they’re willing to allow an open discussion, you’d like them to be assured that their belief is right before they share it with others…or worse yet…possibly keep them from having clean, free power because they attached too strongly to an old, rigid belief system. Tell them the appraiser will help them assess:
o What is the cost of a traditional heating, air conditioning system and hot water heater -today compared to a solar installation?
o What is the current cost per watt for electricity in their area, or comparative cost per unit for other fossil fuel used?
o Since 1970, coal, gas and oil utility costs have gone up, on average, 5.5 percent per year. At that rate, what will their per unit cost be in 5 years, 10 years, 15 and 20 years? On a solar off-the-grid system…it will be…free.
o What’s their current home power equipment guarantee? Solar components are guaranteed to last between 25 to 30 years. Most of today’s standard furnace, air conditioning systems…and hot water heaters…are guaranteed to last for 10 years.
o What tax credits, incentives and rebates are available for standard installation of fossil-fuel burning systems versus the tax credits, incentives and rebates for solar installation?
· I’ll still have to have a traditional system, anyway, because solar systems only work where there’s a lot of sunshine. OK, there’s a possibility you’ll need a back-up system. But…it’s not a big possibility. Japan and Germany have less sunlight than a majority of the United States but have a much larger reliance of solar energy. If you live along the northern tier of the United States you may need more panels to produce the same amount of electricity as your Southwest counterparts, but you can still power your home or business with solar energy.
With the advances in solar technology that have been made, nearly all systems can function with back-up battery power that’s been created by your solar energy system. In some areas, or if you’re just not certain you’re comfortable with no back-up, there are options that can be a part of your solar system design that provide you with back-up…like a wood insert in a passive-solar stone fireplace design…or better yet…a wind turbine, also a renewable energy.
· I’ll have to reduce my energy consumption. Let’s admit it…this is not a bad idea. We all could manage just as well with a little less…energy consumption that is. There are a few things you could do right now that could start you on the right path…turn off lights that aren’t being used, turn off your computer when it’s not being used, and switch to CFL light bulbs…to name a few. However, if you really want to keep on…keepin’ on…using the same amount of electricity you already are…you can.
It will, however, cost you more up front. Let’s face it…it takes a bigger system to produce more watts of power…more batteries…more inverters. So your initial costs if you install today will be a little more. But once the system’s paid for…whether you’ve got a large system, or a small one…as long as that sun keeps on shining, your utility bill is…have I said this before?…still zero. As it your carbon footprint. Amazing, isn’t it?
· The solar panels on my roof will destroy the aesthetics and reduce my home value. First, let’s talk for a minute about the different systems. Yes, solar hot water systems that sit on a roof can be unappealing for a certain percentage of the population. However, solar electric panels typically use much less space and are much more attractive…in fact there are now solar panels shaped like roof tiles making them nearly unnoticeable. And…forget about reducing your home value. Solar electricity raises the value of your home. You can sell your home faster…and for more money.
· Solar power is popular now…only because of the government incentives, and will die out with those incentives. Au contraire. Solar power is here to stay. While it has, indeed, had a long, laborious battle to come into the limelight…or should I say sunlight…there is no question it’s time is right. With global warming as an energy-change warning, world citizens are taking up their swords to fight for what’s right…bright…and clean. So now that you have the facts, my Solar Myth Buster, go forth and do great things!
Timothy Peters is a renewable energy enthusiast and author. He lives in Spokane, WA and enjoys teaching others how to save money on their utility bill and help the planet through home solar power. You can learn more solar energy facts and other solar energy topics at his website. You can also check out his new ebook Home Solar Power Explained, where he confronts common miss-perceptions about home solar power and shows how anyone can easily benefit from solar energy.
