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Solar Energy Unleashed – How To Save Money by Utilizing Solar Power in Your Home

February 24, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment
Solar Energy Unleashed

Solar Energy Unleashed

Since the dawn of time, man has attempted to harness nature. It’s something of an obsession. We’ve cultivated crops, domesticated animals, built cities, dug up fossil fuels, and even landed on the moon. But, the most common and powerful source of energy at our fingertips has been ignored by many executives and innovators for far too long. Until very recently, solar power has been a passing “fad” that only the most die-hard of green energy converts and NASA would tout and yet the technology never died. It continued to develop, to innovate, and to become more efficient.

The first solar cell was created in 1941 by an enterprising American working with silicon named Russell Ohl. It’s been 70 years since that first breakthrough and solar technology has come a long way. Cars have been built with solar cells. Houses have been taken off the energy grid with solar and wind energy sources. You can go out right now and buy your very own solar energy kit and start tapping into that great big orb in the sky yourself.

Technology is a wonderful thing. It provides endless opportunities and with the world realizing with increasing urgency that our traditional energy sources just aren’t cutting it any longer, solar is finally coming into its own. This is a soon-to-be multi-billion dollar worldwide industry.

And, with the right tools and knowledge in your back pocket, you can be at the forefront, heating your water, powering your garden lights, or even bumping your entire home off the energy grid once and for all with green energy.

And it all starts with knowledge – the basic facts about how this innovative technology actually works and why you haven’t heard nearly enough about it in the last decade as our oil prices have skyrocketed.

It’s Not Just Solar Cells

If you’ve never heard anything else about solar energy, you’ve probably heard about or seen those foil lined, shiny surfaced solar cells that sit atop businesses and schools. They’re called photovoltaic cells and they are just one form of technology at our finger tips used to convert the sun’s rays into a viable, usable form of energy for our homes, electronics, and cars.

But, with the right technology, the sun can be used for all sorts of other energy transference. The dream of converting your entire home to solar dependency doesn’t have to be hard. You can ignore the critics that say it’s a passing fad or that the savings take too long to manifest.

Other technologies exist that provide opportunities to save money, and do your part to minimize your carbon footprint. We’re talking about:

  • Solar Hot Water
  • Solar Collectors
  • Active Solar Space Heating
  • Photovoltaics

And that’s just the solar side of things. You can also boost your natural energy sources by utilizing wind power and by cutting back on your current consumption rates. This guide will touch on all of these topics and more as you attempt to learn what it will take to stop using your share of the fossil fuels in the world and cut back to strictly natural, renewable energy.

Forms of Solar Powered Energy

As I mentioned already, solar power comes in many forms. To better illustrate what I mean, consider the world’s current energy sources – not just the oil and coal we use to run our computers and cars, but the food, water, and wind that’s around us every day.

It’s all because of the sun. Trace the food chain to its lowliest members and you’ll find plants and algae – both life forms that can transform the sun’s rays into energy sources through photosynthesis. That energy allows plants to reproduce and in turn transfers to the animals and people who eat them. All energy in our food comes from the sun, even if it goes through five or six steps of the food chain before it gets to your belly.

Even the current forms of energy we use are merely old, super high-density containers for solar energy. Coal is compacted plant matter. Oil is compacted algae matter. Natural gas is the by-product of both of them.

It’s all a cycle, so it’s no surprise that technology has developed in recent years to take advantage of the sun’s rays in as many ways as possible, not just through silicon based solar cells, but through solar collectors, insulated tubes, and more.

Solar Collectors

First thing’s first – how do we take all that energy being pumped out by the sun each day and convert it into viable power for your home? It’s done with solar collectors – special panels that you place in your roof, on your walls, or beside your pool to collect and trap the radiation given off by the sun and use it to produce heat. We’ll get into the systems used to convert that energy into a useful form in your home soon, but for now, let’s take a look at how the collectors actually work.

Sometimes called solar thermal collectors, collectors are used in many installations – most notably solar hot water and space heating setups. They may also be used for solar towers, solar power plants, and solar conversion for warehouses or commercial outlets.

Think of it this way. Roughly 52% of all electricity generated in the United States is done with the use of Coal. However, coal doesn’t generate electricity on its own. Usually, it is burned or broken down in a way that releases energy. That energy is then used to heat water which turns turbines. Those turbines then produce electricity which is stored and transferred to homes and businesses throughout the region.

A solar collector is taking on the same role as the coal – it’s trapping energy and preparing it for conversion to a form we can actually use. Where and how you use those collectors will depend largely on what kind of energy you need. Instead of the highly unstable and generally not very useful solar radiation that comes from the sky every day, a solar collector converts the sun’s energy into something that can be used to heat water or recharge a battery.

Heating Collectors

The first type of collector is used for heating. Solar heating collectors come in flat plate or evacuated tube collectors. Basically, a flat plate will heat a tank of water while evacuated tubes will transfer heat to various tubes of coolant which can be transferred to a tank for later use. The latter is more often used in commercial settings or for homes that experience freezing winters.

  • Flat Plate – A flat plate collector is an insulated box that contains a plate designed to absorb solar energy – usually protected beneath a set of glass or plastic layers when installed in your home. If you use the same collector plate for your pool, it may be uncovered.
  • Integral Collector Storage – The Integral collector storage (ICS) system is often known as a “batch system” and will usually have multiple tubes or tanks contained within a single insulated box. The system will pump cold water into the tubes or tanks to heat it. The water is then transferred to your standard hot water heater which is heated by gas or electricity.This ensures that, if your region freezes in the winter, you always have a source of hot water. The hot water heater can be set to only turn on when the water drops below a certain temperature coming from the collector. In most situations, this reduces your traditional energy use by up to 70%.
  • Evacuated Tube – The third type of solar collector is the evacuated tube, which encapsulates each pipe in the collector with numerous clear tubes made of glass. Each tube will have metal absorbers to trap the solar energy and heat the water.Due to the scalability of this option, it is used often for businesses and large buildings. Another benefit here is that the evacuated tubes are not affected by things like air temperature due to the insulation.

These collector types will vary greatly depending on whether you are installing a heating system, a hot water system, or a different thermal solar system.

Electricity Collectors

The collectors you’ve probably seen more often are the ones used for generating electricity –­ the panels, dishes, pyramids, and towers that dot the landscape in secluded areas or in industrial parks. Different types of collectors include:

  • Parabolic Trough and Dish – Troughs are used by solar power plants to concentrate the energy collected from the sun to heat a pipe filled with coolant, which is then used to power boilers in a station. Parabolic dishes look like giant foil wrapped satellite dishes. They focus all of the sunlight received onto a single point where it is converted into a more useful form of energy.
  • Power Tower – Like something out of a scene in a science fiction movie, the power tower is surrounded by small mirrors that focus on the central point of the tower. The tower then transfers heat gathered to the base of the tower where a power station is located.
  • Solar Pyramid – A pyramid uses air as the conductor to turn the turbines. They require a lot of space and are covered in solar collectors that transfer heat to the air that is pushed through them.

There are a number of reasons why these systems tend not to show up on your neighbour’s roof or at the local grocery store. They’re expensive to implement and require a complex system to ensure the mirrors and collectors remain concentrated in the right location throughout the day. The amount of heat generated and collected, however, is immense. This makes them perfect for power plants where cost can be outweighed by the long term benefits of a productive power plant.

The biggest issue that keeps concentrating and collecting systems from being used residentially is that they generally don’t work in sub-prime conditions. If the sun is invisible or simply diffused for any period of time, they don’t work well, whereas photovoltaic systems continue gathering power.

So, instead of focusing on what you can’t use, let’s take a look at how solar collectors can be integrated into your home for thermal collection.

 

Solar Hot Water

Yes, solar panels are cool. They take the sun’s rays and convert them into real life electricity that can run a toaster or an LCD TV. But, a lesser known use of solar power that is far more affordable and efficient for the average home owner is solar hot water.

So, what makes a solar hot water system so powerful, and yet three times more efficient than PV panels? It’s the combination of simplicity in design and long term use with minimal maintenance. Plus, because of the current tax climate, you can receive massive rebates from the state and federal governments for adopting a green energy source in your home. In short, it will actually pay for itself sometime soon, rather than in 20 years.

Savings and Production

Like any solar energy source, solar hot water will vary in how useful it is for your home, largely depending on how much sunlight you get throughout the year. A well-built system that is large enough for your daily hot water needs and that can store energy throughout the day should be able to provide hot water for your entire home for as many as 8-9 months out of the year.

However, if you’re region freezes often or if you have 200+ days a year of rain and clouds, the sunlight may not cut as deeply into your bill as you might like. You’ll want to measure the savings before investing money into a system like this, just to be sure it will benefit you in the long run.

System Options

Solar hot water has been on the market for about 25 years now and in that time, quite a few methods have been developed to convert energy from the sun into the hot water you use to take a shower or do your dishes. There are multiple systems to choose from when determining how to install your hot water. Which one you choose may depend on factors such as local rebates, space, and the daily hot water needs of your family.

  • Active – An active system uses various parts and mechanics to absorb heat and transfer it to your household water source.
  • Passive – A passive system does nothing beyond providing a funnel for solar energy to the water source.

For the most part, the passive systems are easier to install, less expensive and require far less maintenance. On the flip side, if you live in a high-maintenance climate where the sun takes long naps and it gets very cold in the winter, you may need the extra bells and whistles of an active system that can back up your hot water, separate the heating elements, and provide on-grid options when conditions get too harsh.

How a Solar Water System Works

Whether you have an active or passive system, you’ll need to have a collector and a storage tank for the water. The collector will take in the solar energy, amplifying the heat and transferring the radiation to the water in the tank which will then be distributed, either to a secondary storage tank or throughout the hot water pipes in your home.

Ultimately, you have two options for your storage tank – dual tanks or a single tank – and three options for your solar collectors. Here is a quick breakdown of the differences between active and passive systems.

Active Solar Hot Water Systems

In an active hot water system, there will be a number of moving parts that make sure it keeps running under all conditions. This is very important for a home that doesn’t get a lot of sun during some parts of the year or that suffers from deep freezes during the winter. Without an active system, you may lose hot water completely or suffer damage to your installation.

Active solar hot water systems come in two forms – either direct or indirect circulation systems. The direct circulation system will simply heat the water in the collector and move it through your home as it is heated, using a series of pumps. The indirect system will use a special coolant liquid that can be transferred between the solar collector and a heat exchanger which will transfer the heat to the water for later use.

If your home is in a climate where it freezes often, an indirect system is almost vital to avoid any pipes that might freeze in the collector. Imagine having water back up in the tank attached to your roof on a cloudy day and freeze. The damage would be incalculable.

Passive Solar Hot Water Systems

In general, these systems are much simpler. They use traditional plumbing and gravity to move water between the solar collectors and your hot water facets, but because they lack any pumps or backup systems to keep things running, you run the risk of a system that will bleed heat and become inefficient quickly.

The first type of passive system is the integral collector, which we already discussed and which is great for homes that are in nice warm climates. However, for those that might encounter freezing temperatures, the thermosyphon system may be a better option. This system works with the natural properties of water to syphon hot water out of the collection system. Cold water will rise into the batch tank and as it is heated, it will rise in the collector and run into a higher pipe that goes to the hot water heater or storage tank.

This second method is great if you’re interested in something reliable and passive, but keep in mind that they generally cost more because of the need for new plumbing and that they need to be very carefully installed – usually by a professional – because they are heavy and attached to your roof.

Is a Solar Hot Water System Right for You?

Hopefully everything above made good sense. Even if the technical details didn’t hit home, consider this – a solar hot water system is a great way to cut back on your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills instantly with a relatively basic installation. Especially if you’re using natural gas heat for your hot water tank, this can be a great way to cut your gas bill.

And the cost is very attractive. The parts and installation of the system may seem hefty up front, but you’ll almost never need to worry about maintenance and the sun’s rays are always free. The cost of parts and labour will vary, but on average, a new home buyer will spend as little as $10-15 a month over the course of 30 years to cover the cost of the system, which is generally far less than you’d be paying for hot water for a family of four.

In comparison, it will cost roughly 3-4 times that much to install a photovoltaic system that can produce electricity for your entire home. If your heating bill is significantly higher than your electric bill due to the use of natural gas or oil, you may want to consider starting your conversion to solar with a hot water or heating system, both of which are far easier to install and have a far lower upfront investment.

 

Active Solar Space Heating

If you’ve ever been in a greenhouse, you understand the basics of solar space heating. Instead of concentrating solar energy on a single point or converting it to electricity with expensive photovoltaic cells, you transfer solar energy into your home through a glazed surface – such as glass or plastic – and use the energy for heating.

Of course, it can be much more complicated than that depending on how much heat you want to generate, whether you want to store it or transfer it to other rooms and how you will use the energy when it is gathered. So, it’s a good idea to determine how each of these systems will work in your home before making any decisions.

Passive Heating

Passive solar heating is pretty simple and the least expensive way to introduce solar power to your home. It basically takes advantage of southern facing windows, insulation, and sunspaces to gather and hold heat throughout the day and maintain the temperature in your home.

A passive system most commonly uses what is called a direct gain setup to store sunlight throughout the day and then release it over time. This allows the home to stay warm even after the sun has set. The biggest issue here is overheating as there is no way to regulate the heat your building materials gather during the day.

Another common form of passive space heating is “indirect gain”. This is when you use special building materials or insulation that will hold heat during the day and then release it into the home. This creates a buffer to reduce the direct heat your living space absorbs, but still maintains the slow release method.

Active Heating

Active heating takes us back to the collectors we discussed earlier. You’ll need to gather solar energy in concentrated points and direct that energy through water and other fluids to the rest of the house – sort of like a solar boiler. Air can also be used as an option to transfer the heat throughout your home.

  • Liquid Systems – A liquid based system will use the same kind of water collector I mentioned when discussing your hot water system. Then, with the help of pumps or valves, you will transfer that water throughout the house to radiators, floorboards, or walls to redistribute heat to different rooms. It doesn’t need to be water – some liquid systems will use various non-toxic coolants as the transfer source.
  • Air Systems – In an air transfer system, an air collector is used to heat pressurized air that is then distributed throughout the house to keep you warm.

One of the more common additions to a system like this is a backup source that provides heat when you either use up the heat you’ve generated or the sun isn’t shining for a day or two. Backup systems usually require water based heating as water is easier and safer to store than heated air.

Things to Consider

If you’re seriously considering installing a solar space heating system, you’ll need to do more than just place larger windows on your house. First, you will need to calculate your current energy usage for heating. How much does it take to keep your family warm throughout the year?

Once you’ve done that, you need to determine whether or not your home is insulated enough to maintain the heat you generate. Without an outside heating source, you want to retain as much heat as possible. Without insulation and with gaps in windows or doors, a solar system will have a hard time keeping up with the energy demands of your home.

If you plan on using a collector, keep in mind that most homes use more energy in heating than for hot water. You won’t be able to use a single collector and storage tank for your heating needs. You may need multiple collectors, either on your roof or in your yard, to ensure you get enough heat during the colder months of the year.

Is Solar Space Heating Worth It?

If you live in an area where heating is necessary for more than 2-3 months of the year and you get sufficient sunlight to generate that energy, you will definitely benefit from solar space heating. Passive systems are less expensive and require less moving parts, but can be far less accurate when it comes to providing enough heat for your home, so they are generally recommended only for temperate and moderate climates.

If you live in a colder area where it freezes often, you will want to consider an active system that can continuously generate heat and store it for later use. You may also need to remain tapped into an external heat source to ensure you don’t run out of viable energy in the dead of winter.

 

Photovoltaics

I’ve saved this solar method for last for good reason. While photovoltaics (or solar cells) may be the most commonly cited and recognizable of solar technologies, they are also the most expensive and at times hardest to utilize for a residential home. And while I’ve reiterated that a few times in the guide so far, this is still a technology that I am positive will revolutionize how we use energy in the decades to come.

How Photovoltaics Work

So far, we’ve discussed other solar systems that basically concentrate solar energy and transfer it to another medium – either water or air. With a photovoltaic cell, things are done electronically. In short, the cell is converting the energy from the sun into electricity using a silicon semiconductor.

It’s the same technology we’ve using for years to power computers, transistors and other electronics, but instead of a man-made power source, we using the sun directly. When the sun’s light hits the PV cell, some of that light is absorbed by a semiconductor made of silicon (or a similar material). The energy in the semiconductor then breaks loose electrons that can travel as they please inside the device.

These electrons are then pushed in a particular direction creating a current. Once the current has been generated, you can use contacts located on the PV cell to draw electricity off of it to power your devices.

I’ve just boiled down a very complex subject to about 150 words, so you’ll have to bear with me when I say that “it just works”. Entire books, classes, and college degrees are based on this subject so if you’re interested in how electricity, silicon, or semiconductors work, there are plenty of resources to draw from.

However, the basic idea is that those PV cells can take the sun’s rays and convert them in real time to electricity which we can use to power various devices – from the solar powered calculator we all thought was amazing in second grade to the space station orbiting the earth with solar panel wings catching as much radiation as possible with each circuit.

Issues with PV Cells

Since the 1950s, photovoltaic cells have been used by various military, government and commercial outfits and scientists have tried to determine when this technology would become feasible for residential use. When would we be able to unplug from the grid and start using solar power only?

The problem, unfortunately, isn’t the sun. The sun’s rays produce 1,000 watts of electricity a day for every square meter of the earth they hit. That’s a lot of juice. The problem is the efficiency of the solar cells, which lose quite a bit of power in the transfer, rendering them fairly weak in terms of electricity generation.

Silicon and other conductive materials are also pretty shiny, which means they shoot all sorts of radiation back out, wasting possible energy sources. Up to 2006, the average solar panel only absorbed 15% of the solar radiation that hit it. The goal is 40%. And if scientists try to cut back how much energy is lost, they give up valuable voltage needed to generate electricity.

Of course, there are new technologies constantly being developed and some solar panels have been created that can get efficiencies of 41% or higher. But, the cost is high, which makes it tough for a regular guy or gal like you to take full advantage of the technology.

Tapping into the Sun for Your House

With all that in mind, application of solar panels for your home’s electricity use isn’t necessarily that hard. Once you factor out the cost, you simply need to make sure you have the right angle and direction in which to face your panels. Ideally, solar panels should be angled upwards and should face south in the Northern Hemisphere or north in the Southern Hemisphere, where the sun will spend its time throughout the year. If your home’s roof faces slightly east or west, you can still use the panels, but expect some efficiency loss.

Next, you need to determine how much electricity you use and how much electricity your system can produce. Since it’s impossible to know when the sun will shine, you’ll need to use averages provided by the National Weather Service (in the US) or related agency in your country. These numbers vary of course, but will give you a baseline from which to work.

You will also need to get your average electrical use from your current power provider. It costs roughly $9 per watt of electricity usage to install a solar system. The more watts you use each day, the more solar cells you’ll need to power your home. The average home runs on between 100 and 300 watts, but beware – 100 watts of electricity is not very much. If you plan on cutting your electricity use to afford a solar cell system, you’ll want to be realistic about how much you can cut.

Another factor many people don’t realize is that most states have systems in place that will allow you to remain attached to the power grid. In particularly drab months with no sunlight, you can draw as much power as you need and in bright and sunny months or when you’re on vacation, you can sell power back to the power company, essentially banking it for later use. You’ll need to check with your local government and power provider to find out if it this is an option for your home.

Putting Your Knowledge to Use

So far, we’ve discussed the details involved in solar systems of various types. But, once you’ve decided if these systems are right for your home, you’ll want to take the leap and install them. In the next section, I’ll go a bit more in-depth about what each solar system requires, what it will cost, and the long term energy savings you can expect.

Installing Solar Power in Your Home

For the purposes of this report, I’m going to hit on two options you have for installing solar power in your home – collectors and panels. Keep in mind, however, that you can also take advantage of passive heating systems to draw power into your house through special insulation or simple glass windows – both details we’ll cover in the final section.

 

Heating Installations

For a solar heating installation, you’ll need a variety of parts, depending on what your heating system will be used for.

Solar Collectors

The solar collector will either be a flat panel attached to your main tank or a network of tubes that will run water through to be heated. The actual size of most solar collectors is around 4-8 feet, though some can be as large as 12 feet if you have a particularly large tank.

If you have a lot of cold or rainy weather, you may want to consider evacuated tubes for your collector as they cut down on outside temperature influences – a major factor in the winter. Only the sun’s energy will impact the temperature of the water or coolant in your collector this way.

Storage Tanks

A solar storage tank acts as the transitional device between the collectors and your water heater. If you use a closed loop system, the water will be heated in the storage tank by a series of coiled pipes that come from your collector. If you use an open loop system, the water will be pumped directly to the solar collectors for heating and then returned to the hot water tank to be used.

Water Heater

This isn’t necessary in an open loop system that is completely disconnected from the grid, but it is highly recommended because you never know when you’ll lose the sun or need some extra hot water. A backup hot water heater will remain in service, only producing hot water when your solar tank runs empty or the thermostat drops too low on the current supply. You can link them up so that hot water from you solar collector goes directly to the hot water heater and then back to your household supply.

Water Pumps

You’ll only need a water pump if you opt for an active system that requires the transfer of coolant or water from your solar collector to a separate tank and then to the hot water heater. You’ll likely only worry about your pump once as they last for 10-20 years and can be powered by any power source in your home – solar or grid-based.

Heat Exchanger

If you have a closed loop system, you’ll need a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the solar collector to your cold water supply. This is usually done by running coolant through a series of pipes and back to a solar tank or the hot water heater. Another alternative is to have a pipe wrapped around another pipe, transferring heat to your fresh water as it is transferred to the facet or bathroom.

Controls and Valves

A number of controls and valves are needed for different types of installations. The “controls” will help to determine where the water is pumped and when the hot water is collected using a thermostat in your hot water tank.

The isolation valve is used to cut off and isolate your solar tank if there is ever problem, such as a leak, contamination, or improper heating. This way, you can cut off the solar heated water while maintaining a direct line to your hot water tank if needed.

Another valve you may want to use if you have an open loop system that doesn’t use pumps or controls is a tempering valve. This will allow you to directly impact how hot the water coming out of your facet is. If your water gets too hot, adjust the tempering valve to add more cold water to the mix and get it right.

Installing the Heating System

For the simplest heating systems – the ones where you add a few pipes and install a solar collector and tank on your roof, you can likely do it on your own without any help. However, the more advanced closed loop systems require a great deal of alternation to your plumbing and may even require special permits, so it is a good idea to discuss your solar heating plans with a contractor before starting any new project.

 

Photovoltaic Cell Installation

Once you’ve determined how much sunlight you receive each year by analysing meteorological data and your current electricity usage, you can start creating a list of necessary parts, building materials and permits to get your solar project underway.

What You’ll Need

Adding solar power to your home with PV cells starts with the big question of whether you want to remain hooked up to the grid or not. Each option has its share of drawbacks so be sure to review them carefully.

  • Off Grid – If you go off grid, you’ll almost certainly need to have a generator or battery to supply power when solar energy isn’t available. Even if you plan for the worst case scenario, you never know when you’ll get 30 days of consecutive cloud cover and rain blocking out your power source. Batteries can be quite expensive, however and they require a lot of maintenance. Solar panels last 30 years or longer, but batteries may only last 2-5 years depending on usage, and they are very toxic so they need to be stored and disposed of properly.
  • On Grid – If you choose to remain on the grid, you will need to do a lot of research to determine what your local laws are and how to follow the power company’s regulations. You will likely need special equipment to ensure the power remains compatible and that, if there is a power outage, you don’t continue pumping out electricity to dead power lines (this is a huge safety issue).

Batteries

If you opt to go off grid and install batteries, make sure you choose a deep cycle battery made with either lead-acid or nickel-cadmium. These batteries will last longer and match the energy storage and release requirements for a solar power system.

Charge Controller

Additionally, you’ll need to purchase a Charge Controller. A charge controller is important in making sure your battery doesn’t get drained too fast or overcharged. When the battery is full, it will stop the charging cycle and when it is drained too low, the controller will stop drawing off the battery to extend battery life. A charge controller will keep your batteries in service by as much as 150% longer than without one.

Inverter

All electricity is not created equally. For this reason, you’ll need an inverter to change your Direct Current (DC) power (created by the solar panels) into Alternating Current (AC) power (used by your outlets and provided by your electric company). If you remain on the grid, your inverter should also stop the flow of electricity from your home to the power company when the power is out. This will protect any electrical workers from working on live lines. Inverters are sometimes included in PV cell kits or with basic installation packages, so check with your contractor before buying a separate inverter.

Generators

For those that want to go completely off-grid, a generator is necessary, even if you have a battery backup. If the power is low and your batteries are starting to lose their charge, you’ll need a generator to recharge the batteries or provide emergency power. If your power output suddenly overwhelms the inverters, you will also need a generator to supply backup power.

A good generator should be directly connected to the inverter, so that when you turn on the generator, the inverter will immediately recognize the new power source and switch the entire load to it. Generators come in many options including gasoline, diesel, and gas. Gasoline powered generators are the most common because they are the least expensive and the easiest to get fuel for.

Assorted Other Parts

While the core parts listed above are very important, there are quite a few other small parts you’ll need to complete your installation, including:

  • Wiring – Wiring needs will vary depending on the size of your system and the number of panels.
  • Grounding Equipment – Grounding is a vital safety consideration and is required for all electrical work.
  • Overcurrent Protection – Regulates and protects the power supply from excess current and shortages.
  • Junction Boxes – Junction boxes will protect and preserve your conduits and cables from the elements and other outside factors like bugs or rodents.
  • Disconnects – The DC disconnect shuts down the Direct Current from the Solar Cells – usually mounted outside the house for quick access in the event of an emergency, while the AC Disconnect shuts down the Alternating Current from the inverter, generator, or power grid.

And of course, there will be the solar panels themselves. With recent advances in technology, there are more options for solar panels than ever before, but it is still important to choose panels that fit your budget and the sizing options for your home. It’s best to talk with a salesman or contractor who is well versed in solar panels specifics and which will most directly benefit your home.

Permits

Before you start hammering away at your new solar energy system, contact your local municipality and learn if there are any permits required. The odds are that you will need to acquire at least a building permit, and possibly additional permits for the installation of a solar system. Heating systems are usually more straightforward, while PV cell systems might require a lot of paperwork, especially if you plan to say connected to the grid.

Also consider what is legal for you to do on your own. Only certain operations may be completed by an unlicensed contractor. If you’re planning on running wires and changing how your house connects to the power grid, you’re almost certainly going to need an electrician, and an inspector will be required to look at the finished product and sign off on all safety regulations.

The building department is usually your go to source for permits, but your municipality can vary from the norm, so check first. In the US, however, almost all cities and towns follow the same National Electric Code. Exceptions include New York City and Chicago, which both have their own building codes.

Don’t forget, though, that the government wants people using renewable energy and will reward you for your efforts. So if you follow the rules, use the right materials and file all your permits, they’ll help you along in the process every step of the way.

Other Forms of Natural Energy

Most of this guide has been dedicated to helping you understand what it will take to grab the sun by the horns and corral it for your personal use. I mean, why not? That thing is huge. It feeds the plants, powers our rivers, and dictates our seasons, so why not power our laptops and TVs while it’s at it.

But, for those of you still not sure if you can reasonably expect to make it off the power grid with solar panels alone, there are other alternative energy sources you can tap into that are growing in popularity as technology continues to advance.

 

Wind Power

Remember how our power plants currently work? We burn coal, it boils water, which creates steam, which turns turbines. Well, wind power cuts out all the middle men and turns the turbines directly. When those giant blades turn, they cause a generator to produce electrical current which is then stored and sent to homes on its gridlines.

Wind power is fantastic in that it doesn’t have any pollution, requires no outside resources and utilizes minimal land, allowing for multiple turbines to be placed together. For your home, it will depend on how much wind billows through your region on a regular basis. Without a wind source, you won’t be able to tap into nature’s gusts nearly as well as you would like. For a home that uses about 780 kWh per month of electricity, you would need a wind turbine that can produce between 5-15 killowatts to reach the 50-90% efficiency.

Another consideration in regards to wind turbines is space. If you live on a small lot or in an urban setting, they’re not going to be feasible. Even before considering the building codes which will likely limit or disallow a noisy turbine, you’ll need to find room for it. However, turbines are fantastically effective if you have a great deal of property.

 

Thermal

Thermal energy is drawn from the heat produced by the earth’s core. The heated rocks and water that comes up from between those rocks can be tapped into to generate electricity if you live in an area with significant geothermal output.

To effectively tap into geothermal energy residentially, you would need to have a home located near geothermal vents or you’d need to drill into the earth to access those vents. Luckily, this is becoming easier than it once was as drilling operators are cropping up in the Midwest and far west to provide such a service on large properties where permits can be granted.

Quite a bit of care needs to be put into accessing geothermal energy. Because of pollution risks and the sheer number of materials needed to create an electrical source, you would need to hire a contractor and have the property space on which to build.

 

Hydroelectric

Very rarely is a residential space able to tap into hydroelectric power, but it is possible. Hydroelectric power basically harnesses the energy produced by the water as it flows downstream or in tides on the ocean. Most commercial hydro power is produced by dams such as the Grand Coulee in Washington State or the Hoover in Nevada. These dams tap the natural inertia of water traveling down river and use it to turn turbines that produce large quantities of electricity.

To use hydroelectric power at home you would need a water source and generator that the water could access. This requires access to a river or stream or waterfront property where you can build a device to harness tidal strength. Most residential generators are upwards of 30 feet high, so again, you’ll need the property and space on which to build it.

The turbine of a hydro system is fantastically efficient at converting energy in water to electricity, so if you’re in a rural area or have the space, definitely consider what this type of electricity can offer you.

Cutting Out the Waste with Less Energy Usage

The whole point of renewable energy is to save money and have as small an impact on the earth as possible. And one of the most effective ways to do that won’t cost you a dime – in fact, it will save you money. By cutting waste and using less electricity in the first place, you can reduce your electric bill immediately. This can ease the pressure on your budget, and also make it far more realistic to install a solar system in your home that could replace your grid-based power.

To help you cut down your waste, here are some tips to help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your bill:

1.    Insulation and Windows – By properly insulating your walls and ceilings you can reduce your heating costs by 25% or more. This immediately cuts how much oil or electricity you run through and allows a solar heating system to run far more efficiently. Windows can be equally as wasteful. Consider upgrading to double-glazed windows to minimize heat loss.

2.    Weatherizing – You can also seal up any cracks or holes on the outside of your home to reduce the heat loss you experience in the winter. Simple caulking and stripping can go a long way, and in some regions, cities and local governments are subsidizing the cost of doing so, even offering huge tax credits to encourage action.

3.    Thermostats and Refrigerators – Anything that has a thermostat can be adjusted to use less energy. Your refrigerator is a good start as they use a tremendous amount of power. You can buy a smaller one to start with, storing less food over shorter periods of time. You can also turn up the temperature to as high as 37 degrees and your freezer to 3 degrees – the most efficient temperatures to maintain food safety.

You water heater thermostat can be turned down as low as 120 degrees F, plenty hot for showers or washing. Additionally, you can turn your thermostat down in the winter to 68 degrees – plenty warm enough to feel comfortable. The four degree difference has a massive impact on energy consumption.

4.    Wash with Cold Water – Most clothing doesn’t need hot water to get clean when detergent is used. Another tip regarding your water use is to avoid using the dishwasher when it’s not full. Additionally, turn off the drying cycle. Instead, you can open the dishwasher and let it air dry.

5.    Light Bulbs – If you’re still using old style incandescent light bulbs, they waste a LOT of energy. Upgrade to the far more efficient compact fluorescent models to cut down on your energy use by 75% and get as many as 5 years out of them. The cost of these bulbs has dropped quite a bit recently as well to make it far more affordable when replacing the entire home’s lighting.

6.    Shower Heads – Get a low flow shower head installed to cut down on how much hot water you pump through it each day. It costs only $25 for the head, but the drop off in energy use is tremendous.

7.    Air Conditioning – Avoid turning on air conditioners unless the temperature gets above 85 degrees F. When you turn on an air conditioner, turn the thermostat up to 76 degrees and if it has an energy saver mode turn it on as well. If you plan on using solar energy, air conditioning can be a huge drain on your batteries.

This list should hopefully just get you started. There are dozens of other things you can do to cut down on your energy use as well. Turn off lights when you leave the room, unplug electronics that use power even when not in use. Do things by hand that you don’t need electricity for. Spend more time outside and less time in front of the TV. Buy smaller electronics that use less power. Buy appliances with the Energy Star label.

The more money you can save on your electric bill and the further down you can cut your usage, the more affordable and viable a solar power system will be and the closer you’ll be to cutting ties with the power grid once and for all.

Conclusion

Solar power is fantastic. It’s free once you’ve installed everything, it’s renewable and it’s out there almost every day of the year. If you live somewhere with plenty of sunshine and hefty electric bills there is no good reason not to tap into the massive volume of potential energy that comes pouring from the sky every day.

Just imagine the feeling when you first kick that PV cell frame into gear and start running your refrigerator, TV, coffee maker and everything else in your home off of clean, renewable energy. No more electric bills. No more power outages. No more concerns about the impact you’re having on the earth from burning coal.

You might even see your meter running backwards as you send a bit of power back to the electric company. It’s all possible and the technology is ready right now. How you use it is entirely up to you.

Recommended Reading

 

DIY Solar Water Heater Guide – By Tom Hayden

http://thegreenfuel.com/admin/recommends/solarwaterheater

This guide was created by Tom Hayden, a Solar Energy enthusiast who has been studying, building, and using solar energy for over 30 years now – he really knows his stuff.

Over time, Tom has seen the energy needed to build a solar power water heater become easy and affordable, and has led him to create a guide so others can easily replicate the process he has refined for building a solar water heater.

The DIY Solar Water Heater Guide is easy to follow and extremely affordable, and once you are finished you will end up with a solar water heater that works in both warm and cold climates, and lowers your power bill.

It will greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency, and when used in addition to your existing water heater, it saves you money by meaning your existing water heater doesn’t have to work as hard to heat the water – as the water will enter the system already heated by the solar water heater.

The guide is currently on sale, and you can purchase it by itself (comes with a number of great bonuses), or as a bundle of 12 guide in the Green Living Kit, if you would like to also learn other ways of saving money and the environment around your home.

The DIY Solar Water Heater Guide comes highly recommended, so do go and check it out while it is being offered at this great price:

http://thegreenfuel.com/admin/recommends/solarwaterheater

Filed Under: Solar Energy Tagged With: energy, home, money, power, save, solar, unleashed, utilizing

Renewable Energy: How to Harness the Power and Help the Future

February 24, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment
Renewable Energy: How to Harness the Power and Help the Future

Chapter 1

Introduction

 

We have come along way in developing societies that have electricity and the power necessary to fuel vehicles and for industry to be successful. All of these efforts though rely upon the use of energy source that comes from fossil fuels.

 

They are found in the ground and have to be processed in order for us to have that fuel and that electricity. They are known as coal, natural gas, and fuel. We rely on them way too much for our own good and that is why change is so important.

 

The problem though is that our dependence on it continues to grow. As more people are upon the Earth than ever before we are using more every single day. People are living longer too due to advances in health care. We are certainly a society dependent upon our electronic gadgets as well.

 

While those are all good things for us to be happy about, the fact that we are depleting the fossil fuel available isn’t. This type of energy source isn’t one that we will be able to replace. When it is gone it is gone and that is the reality of the situation.

 

It won’t all disappear during our lifetimes, but it is going to pose a problem for future generations. While efforts can be made to converse fossil fuels, eliminating enough of the use in order to really make a difference isn’t going to occur unless we take a close look at some alternative methods.

 

Society isn’t going to go back to using horses and carriages for transportation. They also aren’t going to go back to lighting their homes with candles at night. With the computer use around us in homes and for business it isn’t even practical to suggest we stop using the electricity that is necessary to allow them to operate.

 

We can often take for granted just turning the key and our car starts, turning on the thermostat to have heating or cooling in our home, and flipping a switch to give us the lighting we need in any room. Some people are also selfish as they don’t care what is going to happen for future generations as long as they have what they need right now.

 

Luckily, the majority of the population doesn’t think that way. They aren’t out to use everything they can without looking back. The problem though is that they often don’t realize what they are using could be a problem down the road. Even if they do, they may not realize that they have some other options they can try to implement.

 

Learning about the various types of renewable energy is a great way to get a person thinking about changes they can implement. There have been some significant efforts made in this area but there is still much more than needs to be taking place. Instead of being afraid of what is unknown to you, do your best to learn the basics of all the renewable energy sources possible.

 

The government of the United States has gotten involved in promoting renewable energy sources as well. They offer some great financial incentives for homes and businesses to you them. Even so, there is sometimes a high overhead to get everything in place. This can prevent many people from being a part of saving our natural resources even when they really would like to.

 

It is estimated that about 13% of our current energy is the result of renewable energy. With the money to cover the expenses, advanced technology, and a desire by society to continue using them we can see that percentage significantly increase. There are plenty of benefits to renewable energy too such as not harming the environment with pollutants.

 

If you are asking yourself why we don’t just turn to them now the answer isn’t that simple. In a nutshell there is still a great deal of research that needs to be completed. There is also the high cost to contend with as well as various disadvantages with each of the types of renewable energy.

 

If you keep on reading though you will get to this information as well. Then it will make sense as far and the big picture of what we currently get from renewable energy, what the limitations are, and what we can expect into the future. This will help you to understand the benefits as well as the drawbacks of the situation more clearly.

Chapter 2

What is Renewable Energy?

Fossil fuels are used to make energy we use, but once they are gone we will never get more of them. Coal, oil, and natural gas all fall into this category. They are used all over the place in high amounts so you may not realize that they are in limited supply.

 

These forms of energy have been used mainly because they are affordable and they don’t take up very much room to incorporate. They can be transported anywhere they are needed as well. With natural resources there have to be certain elements in place in order to take advantage of them.

 

The concept of renewable energy embraces the ability to use the resources we naturally have, but that we will never run out of. This way we can continue to have all the benefits we want without destroying the Earth.

 

We also won’t be preventing future generations from having the chance to future grow and evolve beyond what we were able to see take place in our own lifetime. This process involves taking these types of natural resources and turning them into a product we can use for power.

 

That means a great deal of information and technology has to be collected and evaluated. Many of these methods though continue to see advances in the designs and processing which will result in them being even more valuable in the future than they are right now.

 

Most will agree that renewable energy sources are better for the environment. The burning of fossil fuels including gasoline and coal isn’t good for the environment. These natural resources will allow us to save resources and at the same time to live in a cleaner environment than we have now.

 

Many believe it isn’t practical or safe to depend only upon these types of resources though. That is because the sun doesn’t always shine so the energy can’t be collected. There are many places where the sun is blocked for days due to the changes in the seasons.

 

You can’t predict how much wind will be produced or how much power can be taken from the water. It will vary significantly but there is no reason why we can’t rely upon these renewable energy sources as the primary providers. We can then depend on fossil fuels as back up so we never have to go without the energy we want to use.

 

Chances are you have heard about the various forms of renewable energy but not in detail. Keep on reading and you will get all the information you need including the pros and cons of each type. You will find each of them does offer some hope for the future though as far as reducing our dependency on those resources which we can’t replenish.

Chapter 3

Types of Renewable Energy

When you think about the natural things around us a couple of things come to mind. First, you have the sun that continues to shine brightly in the sky day after day. It gives off a great deal of heat which can be converted into energy. The sun shines brightly some days and then is covered with clouds other days. So the amount of energy you can collect each day is going to vary.

 

Next, you have water which covers the majority of the surface of the Earth. There is also the additional moisture and rainfall that can be collected as time goes by. There is energy found in the water as it moves along and this can be converted into energy at hydropower plants.

 

Even if it is just barely there on certain days, you also have the wind. In some areas it is extremely windy all the time. In order for the equipment used to create wind power to be worth the cost it must be blowing most days at a speed of at least 15 miles per hour.

 

Most people view that as a nuisance but they don’t realize the full potential of it. They aren’t really aware that the wind that is all around you can be used to create renewable energy. It is also very clean for the environment so you don’t have to worry about negative effects from it.

 

Biofuel is also a source of renewable energy and the one most people know the least about. This concept involves using types of materials that you can burn to create energy. This can be left over paper and wood, trash, and even manure from animals.

 

It is quite an interesting concept and one you will want to be sure you read about. You can be sure this is one area of renewable energy that will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in the next decade. Don’t underestimate how valuable it can be as it also removes waste from our environment. This type of renewable energy is scientific in nature and one that has been around the least amount of time.

Chapter 4

Solar Power

 

Solar power is likely to be the most valuable of the renewable energy sources available. That is because it is plentiful and it is the least expensive to implement. New buildings can be built that incorporate the concepts as can homes. There are also solar panels that can be added to what is already in place.

 

That way you can take any home or business and modify it to use solar power with.  They can be expensive but you will find that they can be a very good investment. If you own an apartment building with the electricity included in the rent this can help to reduce your overhead expenses. In a couple of years the process will pay for itself.

 

This process involves placing collectors and panels that will be in places where the sun will reach such as the roof. The process of converting what is collected into energy is known as photovoltaics. In order to make this happen, silicon is used to transform it.

 

The concept of solar power has also found its way to vehicles. They have cells that capture energy from the sun to provide movement for the vehicle. The advanced design allows that energy to be continually conserved too such as when you come to a stoplight.

 

If you drive your vehicle for longer than you have enough solar power for you aren’t going to be stranded in the middle of the interstate. You also won’t find your vehicle shutting off the moment the sun goes down. This is because it also operates on regular gasoline.

 

The solar energy is always consumed first though before any of the gas is used. You will continue to use the gas for movement until you have replenished the solar energy. Even when you are using the gas though this type of vehicle is going to burn cleaner and thus not place all of the pollutants into the atmosphere that other vehicles do.

 

Hybrid vehicles are available in quite a few models and more of them seem to be introduced all the time. However, it can be very expensive to be able to purchase one. They cost quite a bit more than other types of vehicles on the market. Yet if you are looking for a great way to rely upon renewable energy sources this is one way to do it.

 

If you are paying a fortune right now for fuel to keep your current vehicle going it may be most cost effective for you. Even with a higher monthly payment until you pay off the hybrid vehicle you can take the money you save on gas and allocate it towards that payment.

 

Solar power plants have started to crop up in locations where people never expected them. Both California and Florida have plans to create at least eight new locations each in the next five years in order to generate more of their power from the sunlight.

 

In fact, California is a leader in promoting the use of solar power. There is a plan in the works to create 3,000 megawatts of it by 2017. The goal of this is to create a way for California to get all the energy they need without using up their natural resources.

 

Many of the citizens of California aren’t happy with the initiative though due to the cost of it. This is a project that will cost almost $3 million before it is completed. Yet the leaders of California are confident it is a step in the right direction. They are confident it will help all of their residents now as well as future generations.

 

Many people in California though are taking the initiative and running with it. They are being offered very high rates of money back for installing solar panels on their homes and businesses. Construction companies are offered incentives to build new structures with them already in place.

 

California isn’t the only state that is moving forward with incentives for residents though. Check to see if your state is willing to reimburse you for a portion of the cost of having the solar panels installed. This can be a great way for you to save money on the project. At the same time you will be doing your part to cut back on the amount of non-renewable energy your household consumes.

 

It is vital that we learn do to all we can with collecting solar power. Experts believe that there is more energy from the sun every single day that we can use than what we burn up in fossil fuels annually. That is an amazing evaluation and one that does mean a great deal for the future of all of us.

 

Just imagine if we were collecting and using a fraction of that amount what we would be able to preserve in regards to our non-renewable resources. You may be asking just what is holding everyone back and the answer is simply the cost that is involved.

 

Yet as you will notice more and more of it will be taking place and every little bit will be one step closer to really getting the results we are striving for as a society. It is going to take decades for us to get there but that is still better than the alternative. There is no reason to continue depending only on non-renewable energy when we don’t’ have to.

 

It is estimated that 20,000 homeowner’s in the United States currently get at least 80% of their electricity from solar energy. This saves approximately 50,000 tons of coal each year in order to produce that same amount of power. That is quite a bit of our natural resources being saved from such a small number of people being involved.

Chapter 5

Wind Power

Across the plains where there is open land, the wind is able to move at high speeds. This is due to there not being any buildings or homes in the area to break it up. This is the perfect location for wind power to be generated and collected.

 

The use of windmills to create energy has been around for a very long time. Of course these windmills were quite small compared to what is out there just to create the energy. Not all spaces are right for large windmills so they look for those where the wind constantly blows at a rate of at least 15 miles per hour.

 

There are large windmills hundreds of feet high strategically gathered in these open areas. Each of the blades on the windmills requires a semi truck to haul it. They are then put into place with various pieces of construction equipment. They operate on their own but are closely monitored to ensure everything is working like it should on them.

 

Even though it is a great deal of cost and work to get them installed, each one can last about 20-25 years. That means they are well worth the investment because they don’t constantly have to be replaced. That really has been an encouragement for more of them to be put into use.

 

The collection of wind power has proven to be so profitable in many small towns that some farmers and ranchers have given up those operations. Instead they are allowing various companies to place these windmills on their land and getting paid to do so. They don’t have to do any of the work to maintain them and they are guaranteed to make money.

 

With the high risk involved in the line of farming and ranching, it is understandable why so many of them do it. For those close to retirement age as well it just makes sense to be able to rely on a given income source. This is less stressful than hoping for a good crop in the field or that the price of meat doesn’t decline on the market.

 

Installing these types of windmills to generate the power though is extremely expensive. It is also a time consuming process due to the sheer size of them. When you see them from an airplane or driving down a main highway you won’t realize just how enormous they are.  On average they are approximately 200 to 250 feet from the ground.

 

The largest wind turbine in the world is located in Hawaii. It is more than 20 stories high. Each of the blades on the windmills are the size of a full football field. Each of the turbines located here is able to produce enough energy to offer electricity for 300 homes in the area.

 

If you get a chance though go drive into an area that features them so you can see with your own eyes how they really appear. In Iowa there are approximately 800 of them on what is know as wind farms. More than 200,000 homes are supplied with power from them. You will also find them in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, and Colorado.

 

When you watch the turbines spinning you will notice the turn counterclockwise. As the wind blows the shaft is engaged which is connected to a generator. As the blades turn this generator will move the power created along to the locations on the grid. They are monitored and there is an emergency shut off for them as well.

 

In the event of pending natural disasters such as a tornado, these turbines can give them more power to move on and to destroy everything in its path. By shutting them off that isn’t going to be the case.

 

It can also prevent the blades from being damaged during such an event. With the cost of the windmills being so high, keeping them in good working condition is very important. In some areas tornadoes are a common problem so the windmills are constantly watched.

 

Not everyone is a fan of these windmills though because they think they are an eyesore. They want to be able to gaze out their window and see the open land. Instead they are seeing tons of windmills. They also feel it takes away the romantic and tranquil feeling of the area.

 

Yet when you have small towns that are struggling for their residents to make a living, the prospect of getting paid to let a company come in and place windmills in place to collect the energy is an answer to a pray. They would rather have money for food on the table than to have the wide open spaces.

 

The amount of energy that can be produced this way will never be the same. It can be severely windy one day and only a gentle breeze the next. Even so, there is enough of it to make it worth the cost of getting all the equipment in place. It is worth it to be sharing the natural beauty of an area as well.

 

Some of these turbines are also located in various bodies of water. It is believed that wind power could one day be responsible for about 50% of the energy we consume. There is still a great deal of research and development that must take place for it to happen.

 

Yet it is very exciting to know such a renewable energy resource can be there for us. It can make us breath easier when we continue how much of our natural resources that we can’t replace continue to be consumed each and every day.

 

The fact that it doesn’t release anything negative into the environment is very important as well. The fact that here isn’t carbon dioxide and other gases going into the air as wind power is produced should mean a great deal to each of us. It means the air we breathe is healthier for us than it was before.

 

The American Wind Energy Association has continued to work to get this type of renewable energy in place around the country. Many find it strange that other countries including Spain and Germany rely on it more than the United States does. However, with the positive aspects of it you can expect the volume of it used here to continue increasing annually.

 

According to their estimates, we can create 1 ½ times the amount of electricity used annually in the United States based on the amount of wind that is out there daily on average. That is very exciting news and something that could really help us to preserve our natural resources to the best of our ability.

 

There have been some animal rights groups pointing out that the spinning turbines on these windmills is seriously injuring and even killing various types of birds. To evaluate these claims there have been some studies in place.

 

Efforts are being made to prevent this without reducing the effectiveness of the wind energy that is being produced. It is believed that these incidents are very limited though and that birds aren’t in any real danger due to the turbines out there creating energy.

Chapter 6

Hydropower

There is also power found in water and that process is referred to as hydropower. It can create much more energy at one time than either solar power or wind power. This is due to the fact that water is so dense.

 

Therefore it only takes a little bit of water to create some power. It takes much more sunlight or wind to create that same amount. Hydropower is used to offer electricity to more than 28 million people around the world. It accounts for approximately 10% of all the electricity produced in the United States.

 

The process involves plenty of safety precautions as the water can never come into contact with the electrical part of the process. We all know that can spell disaster. The process occurs as the water flows and it spins turbines that are found in a generator.

 

While this process isn’t new, it has been upgraded since it was first used thousands of years ago. The Egyptians were a very smart society and they were able to use it to grind down their grains. It was also used as a way to saw wood as it kept the blades cool enough.

 

The first hydro power plant in the United States was introduced in 1882. It was placed in Wisconsin. Most people don’t realize that a great deal of the early electricity and power in the United States once came from such hydropower plants. In 1940 approximately half of the electricity used came from this source. Later it was replaced by the use of coal.

 

Of course that was before we knew that coal was something that we will one day run out of. We didn’t realize at that time just how much of it we were going to be using. We also didn’t realize how much it was going to pollute our environment. It seems ironic that to move forward we have to go back but that is how it plays out in this particular case.

 

There are several dams in the United States where elaborate designs are in place. Here huge volumes of power are generated each day using these methods. It is a very time consuming and complex process though to turn water into energy. Since hydropower is so expensive it isn’t as widely used as it could be.

 

The largest hydropower plant in the world is located in Washington along the Grand Coulee Dam. It took 11 years to build it from 1933 to 1942. Since that time it has undergone numerous facelifts and changes. It is amazing at a size of over 5,000 feet long and 550 feet high.

 

In all there are four distinct power plants found here. Each one is controlled separately for easier control of the process to make energy. There are 33 generators and more that 2 million homes in that area get their energy from this particular location. It is an amazing accomplishment and one that really shows the power that can be created with such a renewable energy source.

 

Some of the newer approaches for hydropower include generating that power from the waves in the ocean. Even the waves that occur all day long in the waters there can be used to create energy. It is believed that the use of hydropower will one day be much more significant than it is right now.

 

Of course it doesn’t make sense for hydropower to be used everywhere. There are many places where there just isn’t enough water flowing in the area for them to work well. Not every place as an abundance of rivers, streams, and oceans to produce hydropower. Most of them are found along the West of the United States. They are in Oregon, Washington, and California.

 

If a way to convert that energy from the water can be found that is less expensive than what we know right now it surely will. It only makes sense due to the volumes of energy that can be created from this particular natural resource. It also doesn’t reduce the amount of water out there or place any type of harmful contaminants into it.

 

There is research though that indicates the aquatic live forms in the waters may be affected by the process. It can upset the natural balance of what ordinarily goes on in that water. There is also the risk of terrorism in an event to destroy what we have built.

 

Since the events of 09/11 tighter security efforts have been implemented in order to prevent that from happening. There are random checkpoints and stops along the way where vehicles are inspected. There are also restrictions at places including Hoover Dam that prevent large trucks and buses from going across them as an additional safety precaution.

 

It can take years to build the dams for a hydroelectric plant to start operating though. Many people who live in the vicinity of a proposed hydroelectric plant aren’t happy about it either. They worry about flooding and they often find their homeowner’s insurance goes up due to that possibility.

Chapter 7

Biofuel

Biofuel isn’t one of the well known types of renewable energy but an important one to understand. The process begins when plants to through photosynthesis. There is chemical energy stored inside of it that can be released. What they create is a type of biomass and that can be turned into fuel.

 

It can then be burned in combustible engines. There is still plenty of research that needs to be done in the area of biofuel. The process right now of converting it isn’t as effective as it should be. It is also extremely time consuming and expensive to do so.

 

Biofuel can be in the form of a liquid or a solid. Vegetable oil that is used as an alternative fuel source for some vehicles out there is a type of liquid biofuel. It can be natural or it can be reprocessed after it has been used. Some restaurants give their used vegetable oil to those that burn Biodiesel in their vehicles. Once it has been cleaned they are able to use it without harming their vehicle.

 

Some types of food items are grown in higher supply than the demand just so that ethanol can be produced. It is usually mixed with about 15% regular gasoline in order to make the mix work. It seems that many in the business of growing such food items though don’t always agree with this use of it. They feel the foods should be used to feed those in need.

 

Biofuel is most commonly found in the form of a solid though. For example burning wood falls into this category. You can use it to cook with and to heat your home instead of relying upon natural gas. The downside though is that this can emit dangerous elements into the environment.

 

There is ongoing testing where the variables are being controlled right now in the area of biofuel. It is believed this type of renewable energy could one day be a breakthrough in the area of supplying fuel for our vehicles. Look for great things to be coming up in this area in the future.

 

If we can figure out an affordable process for using biofuel we can create more than half of what is depleted annually from our natural resources. This is what facts continue to motivate researchers to move forward and funders to continue with grant money to allow it to happen.

 

The one issue that seems to be a concern is that in order to generate more biofuel to use, there is a great deal of land that has to be accessed. That could mean land normally used for growing food and other resources is no longer available. A close eye will need to be kept in that particular area.

 

As some of this concern has come to light, other forms of biofuel to be able to use are being introduced. Since these natural products are able to give off heat that can be transferred to fuel. Even trash can be used to create biofuel. This means less of it will be around to remain in landfills.

 

One of the most successful biofuel companies out there is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is known as BFC Gas & Electric. They are able to recycle approximately 150 tons of materials each day at their facility. They process wood remains from projects and from sawmills in the area.

 

There is also paper that is used instead of being wasted when it was used for projects and scraps remain. Sometimes there are types of paper and cardboard that can’t be successfully recycled so it is processed here.

 

Crops that have been ruined, diseased plants and trees, and the corn stalks that remain after harvest all work as well. More than 40,000 homes in the Cedar Rapids area are provided with electricity from this particular company. They are really working hard to put the use of biofuel to work for the benefit for their community.

 

In some other areas the use of changing cow manure into biofuel is being done. This is something that not everyone finds appealing but it can be a viable way to get more benefits out of such waste. There are still many details of this type of biofuel to be worked out though.

Chapter 8

The Future of Renewable Energy

As you can see there will be plenty of benefits from all of these types of renewable energy. While they are all implemented right now on some level, there is still more that needs to be done. We need to learn how to get the maximum benefits from them.

 

At the same time we need to learn how to reduce the costs involved with getting that energy out of them. That seems to be the biggest hold up with getting them really rolling. The fact that they work and they reduce pollution is very positive aspects that encourage us to move forward with them.

 

As we come more aware of the fact that we are depleting our energy sources we need to take action now. The more we can learn not to depend on those resources the better off our entire world will be. Take your time to learn all you can about renewable energy too so you can be aware of what is going on around you.

 

Keep up on the developments that are taking place in these areas. It is actually quite fascinating and certainly something you will want to continue exploring. At the same time it is wise to take a close look at how you are using natural sources of energy.

 

Make cut backs where you can to continue conserving what we do have available right now to create the energy we often take for granted in our society. It doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy your lifestyle, but rather try to view it from an environmentally friendly perspective.

 

There is some negativity out there though in regards to producing renewable energy. There is a concern about the amount of space it is going to take to get all of these methods into place. There is also the concern that some businesses will lose money as they won’t be needed in full demand to harvest the fossil fuels. Yet the overall design of the turbines for windmills and for solar panels is an area where improvements can continue to be made.

 

If they don’t have to take up as much room or be so noticeable more people will be willing to install them. Getting creative in this area is something we should encourage and that should be possible due to the technology we have readily available to us.

 

Some of the experts also worry that there will be some problems that arise but we aren’t aware of them yet. However, that shouldn’t prevent us from moving forward and getting all we can from these renewable energy sources. Crossing those bridges as they arise is the best course of action to take.

 

They are looking though along the lines of pollution and destruction due to the use of the types of construction equipment used to complete such projects. There is also a concern about the risk of the work too. Even with proper training people can get hurt or killed in the process of erecting them.

 

Some people aren’t up for change and that includes how they get their energy. They are used to relying upon coal and natural gas. They are used to what they pay for these items and they are afraid to embrace something new. Continuing to provide them with accurate information though can really help them to understand the big picture that is here.

 

The possibilities that are open to us along the lines of renewable energy are huge. There is no limit to how far we can take them as long as they are going to benefit society as a whole. It will be very interesting to look back ten or twenty years from now and see how far the concepts of renewable energy have come.

Chapter 9

Conclusion

There seems to be more of an interest in the forms of renewable energy these days than ever before. People from all walks of life are seeing the many benefits it can offer. What should be an indicator that we need to continue moving forward is that many of the underdeveloped countries out there use more renewable energy than the rest of us.

 

While it is great that we have technology on our side, we need to always keep in mind what these products are doing to our environment. Global warming has always been a huge concern. The problem seems to continue to get worse though with the various types of pollution that are placed into the air.

 

This is believed to be a key factor in the strange things that go on around us with the weather. Desert areas have seen rain and snow in recent years. Areas that get substantial rainfall are now in a drought. Several natural disasters including hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes continue to destroy everything in their path.

 

As the governments out there as well as members of society continue to embrace what renewable energy has to offer it is likely that will start to come back into balance. There are plenty of major corporations out there leading the way as well. They want to set a very good example for others in the hopes that they will walk along the same path.

 

As the cost of fuel for our vehicles continues to increase everyone is worried about it. As a result it makes searching for an alternative form of renewable energy that can be used in place of it. Some of the vehicles out there known as hybrids do all this to help. They use solar power the majority of the time and only switch to gasoline as a backup until more solar energy can be collected.

By diversifying the various methods we use for renewable energy, we can balance out our desire to move forward as a society with the best of everything with our responsibility to protect the environment. There are many pros and cons to each of the renewable energy sources, but the benefits certainly outweigh the negativity.

 

There is no way around the fact that we can’t replace the fossil fuel we consume. The more we do so the less that will be available for future generations. We can act on what we known and go with renewable energy or we can act selfish and continue to deplete what we have and leave the future generations to figure it out on their own.


Helpful Links

1) Convert Your Car To Burn Water + Gasoline = Triple Your Mileage!

2) Renewable Energy Solutions : 1. Build A Wind Generator 2. Biodiesel 3. Install Solar Panels 4. Build Your Own Home 5. Renewable Energy Solutions For Home, Car And Business

3) Alternative Energy Resources. Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System. Includes Worksheets,& Resources.

4) Keeping My Earth Green. You Can Learn How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Help Reverse The Effects Of Global Warming.

5) Solar Power Design Manual. Teach Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Genuine Expert. Spreadsheet Included.

 

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