Solar Lights Guide

We have all heard of solar energy used to power cars and appliances or heat up swimming pools and buildings. Why not use this powerful energy source for your home as well. Whether you’re lured by the potential savings on your electricity bill or convinced that we all need to do our part for Mother Earth, solar lights are a good inexpensive introduction to solar energy.

Solar lights work by harnessing renewable solar energy to illuminate a space. They are powered by photovoltaic cells that trap the sun’s rays at daytime and convert them to light at night. This is a simple solution to creating a beautiful lighted outdoor area without racking up a huge electricity bill.

And with the recent technological advancements coupled with high market demand, solar lights have gotten better than ever. Now equipped with LEDs (super bright lights that are five times as intense as regular solar lights) and longer-lasting NiMH power sources, the latest solar lights have become new and improved and are more efficient and better than ever.

From lampposts, columns, patios, decks and landscapes, your home’s outdoor area definitely needs lighting for aesthetic and security reasons. For this, solar lights are a good option. Doing away with the need for cables, wiring and voltage concerns, outdoor solar lights can be placed just about anywhere in your landscape and are perfect for those remote and difficult to reach places. And the best part is, they can be installed quickly and relocated just as easily. Thus, solar lights are indeed the best option for your outdoor lighting needs.

Now is the best time to beautify your house and garden with solar lights. It just might be the most brilliant thing you ever did for your home.

Heating Up with Solar Water Heaters

Heating up water takes a lot of energy. And with the amount of hot water we use on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that our electricity bills often soar higher than we would like. The good news is there’s another way of warming up water that is not only just as efficient, it is also more environmentally-friendly and could definitely shave quite a bit off that electricity bill.

The answer lies in the simple yet revolutionary technology of solar water heaters.

The one-million gallon pool for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics used it, as do virtually all homes in Israel. From the sunny countries of India and Greece to places where there is less sunshine such as Japan, solar heaters are used in most households and by many industries. In fact, following the oil crisis of the 1970s, Israeli law required solar water heaters be installed in new homes.

Solar water heaters come in many shapes and sizes to meet our different residential and commercial needs. However, all solar heating devices operate following the same principle – specially-manufactured absorbers are strategically placed to directly absorb the heat and light from the sun’s rays. This stored-up energy is then used to heat up water for your shower or swimming pool.

From sun-drenched California to windy Chicago, solar heaters can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere, regardless of the weather. The abundance or lack thereof - of solar radiation is not an issue. Of course, during the day (especially sunny ones), water can be heated up by the power of the sun alone. Otherwise, solar water heaters act as a back-up to your electric or mechanical heating systems. Either way, with solar energy augmenting a substantial part of your daily energy requirement, electricity costs will definitely be lowered.

Harnessing the sun’s energy through solar water heaters is not a fad that will fade away, but a technology that will surely continue to shine on.

Solar Energy is a Growth Industry

The industry behind solar energy is shining brighter than ever. Credit it to the global-wide environmental awareness, rising oil prices, dwindling supply of fossil fuels or threats of global warming. Scientists, economists and environmentalists predict that solar energy will only grow in popularity and demand in the coming years.

Here are some more encouraging facts, highlighting the growth of the solar energy industry in the past few years[1]:

• In 1985, demand for the installation of solar panels was only 21 megawatts. A mere two decades later, this figure has grown exponentially as the world is now asking for almost 3,000 megawatts of photovoltaic cells.
• The global demand for solar energy has grown at around 30% in the past 15 years. In the United States, this figure is much higher, as demand shows a 57% growth.
• Aside from the US, Japan and Germany are the biggest markets for solar energy. This is largely due to funding provided by the government and market incentives.
• Prices for photovoltaic cells and solar panel installations have consistently been declining in the past few years. This is due to the development of better technology and improved production methods in the manufacturing of these products.

We receive enough solar power in a day to meet human energy consumption for a year. If only a small amount of the suns output were harnessed, the world would not face such a massive energy crisis. The problem is that most of the solar energy remains unutilized. Unless more and more people invest in solar panels for their homes and solar power devices, the sun’s powerful energy will go to waste.

Moreover, unimaginable as it may seem, over a billion people in the world do not have access to electricity. Solar energy would be the cheapest and most efficient energy source available to them. As the price of photovoltaic cells and solar panels get lower, far-flung places in many countries can finally enjoy the benefits of electricity through solar power.

Solar energy is definitely a promising industry. Its growth also heralds in cheaper electricity bills, a cleaner environment – and an overall positive change for humanity.

Biofuels: Are they really a serious substitute to oil?

Americans have become increasingly dependent on oil to fuel their homes, their cars and their lives. Our increased reliance on gasoline has reached a dangerous tipping point and could lead to economic and environmental peril. Unless we decide to seriously cut our heavy usage of oil, we could be looking at a world of environmental damage and immensely high prices at the fuel tanks.

In recent years, scientists, researchers and environmentalists have been coming up with ways to solve the energy and environmental crisis. So far, we have been successful in harnessing energy from natural resources such as the sun, wind, tides and water.

However, with America’s increased use and demand in the transport sector, an alternative to oil is needed to cut our reliance on imports. The answer lies in biofuels.

Biofuels are simply fuel that is made from plants and their materials. Currently, ethanol, which is the product of corn kernels, is the world’s major biofuel. And in just a few years time, cellulosic biofuels made from plants’ leaves and stalks could effectively fill our fuel needs while not simultaneously contributing to pollution. Who knew that the answer to our energy needs and environmental concerns is in our backyards.

With recent developments and technological advancements, biofuels could soon be ready to compete with gas at the fuel pumps. And here are some of the reasons why, in the next few years, biofuels can effectively substitute oil to fill up your gas tank:

• Biofuels are cost-effective and can even be priced lower than gas and diesel
• Biofuels can reduce pollution. With more cars making the switch to biofuels, vehicle emissions will be reduced as biofuel is a clean and zero-emission way to power your car
• Biofuels will benefit the farmers by providing a new source of revenue. The recent advancements and demand in the renewable energy sector has generated more jobs for people in the agricultural sector. This obviously has a disadvantage of raising commodity prices, but this trend isn’t going anywhere soon.

Future Cars: Running on Solar Power

The sun. The Solar system’s greatest source of energy provides the earth with more heat and light for a day than the human population can consume in a year. Harnessing the sun as an alternative source of energy has become an exciting and promising venture.

So far, solar energy has been used to run appliances, heat water, cool buildings, generate electricity and yes – power solar cars.

Solar powered cars are obviously fueled by the sun – but how does this technology work? The car is built carrying hundreds of photovoltaic cells that absorb and convert sunlight into energy. Instead of using a petrol tank like a normal car does, solar vehicles carry a solar-powered battery system. To optimize speed and minimize energy expenditure, solar cars are often ingeniously designed according to the laws of physics and aerodynamics. With a zany appearance and operating at zero emissions and no need for fossil fuel, solar-powered cars are just the thing that the environment and our wallets need.

Both the government and automobile manufacturers have recognized the need to develop the technology of solar cars. Thus, government agencies usually sponsor solar car races to promote the development of energy alternatives to fossil fuel. These races are usually joined in by university students, who show off their technological and engineering skills by building their very own solar cars.

But making a car with the race in mind is a whole different story. Here, application of the good old laws of science and a hefty dose of common sense is essential. Solar car racing teams have to design their cars for maximum performance on the day of the race for whatever weather conditions.

Solar race cars take on a battery, which the car can rely on in the absence of a hot sunny day. Batteries are necessary as they store the sun’s energy, thus making it possible to run the car when the sun is hidden. Without batteries, solar cars would be rendered useless as they will completely stop at night or cloudy days. However, the builders have to be careful (and this is where science and expertise come in), as redirecting too much of solar energy to the battery will mean the engine doesn’t run fast enough to propel the car.

This technology is starting to show great promise and I’m quite confident to say, solar-powered cars will definitely drive our future. So fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

Solar Power for Homes

Instead of getting the latest plasma TV or SubZero refrigerator, why not do something good for your family, your electricity bill and the environment by making your home solar powered?

A solar-powered house is one where a photovoltaic solar power system is constructed to provide for the household’s electricity needs. Most of the time, equipping a house for solar power is done through the placement of solar panels on the roof in a direction where exposure to the sun’s rays will be maximized.

Solar panels capture the sun’s heat and light, and convert it into electricity to power appliances, heat swimming pools and run cooling systems.

In some cases, the entire electricity needs of a home can be met by solar energy. Of course, aside from the power needs, factors such as the location of the home, weather and seasons have to be considered. In most cases though, homeowners opt for a hybrid system wherein solar energy acts as a supplement to traditional energy.

Quite a few people are concerned that solar panels would make their home unsightly. Well don’t fret, the days of bulky and cumbersome solar panels are over. Today’s latest crop of solar panels are sleek and streamlined. Newer models are made with aesthetics in mind and are meant to fit and blend in with even multi-faceted roofs.

So why go solar? The energy that the sun provides our planet in a day is enough to support human consumption for a year. However, much of this remains untapped and unutilized as many are still reluctant to make the switch to solar power. But for those who are, solar panels do more than just save our environment. They lessen our country’s reliance on foreign oil imports and more importantly, reduce your home’s electricity bill.

Despite a substantial initial investment, powering your home with solar energy will definitely be cost-effective in the long run. Those expensive Italian mosaic tiles or luxurious leather sofas will not give you this kind of return on investment. In terms of home improvements, going solar indeed gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

A Guide to Solar Power Kits

You have decided to do your share for the environment and shave some dollars of your electricity bill by using solar power. Now that you have made the switch, do you know where to start? Many invest in solar panels and hire a professional to install it for them. But if you want to save even more dollars and are a competent handyman, you can always go for the road less traveled and buy a solar panel kit and install it yourself.

A solar kit should include everything you need to get started in solar-powering your house. Make sure that it includes these four essential components: solar panels, pre-wired modules, a battery pack and of course, instructions. Pay special attention to the instructions and choose one that is easy to understand and provides excellent detail. Assembling a solar power system can be quite complicated so you need all the help that you can get.

To ensure success in your endeavor, here are a few things to consider in purchasing and installing your very own solar panel kit:

• In choosing a solar power kit, figure in the needs of your household and your average energy consumption. Do you intend to use solar power as a main energy source or just a supplement to electricity? Knowing this will help you decide the most suitable solar power kit for you.
• The key to maximizing the effectiveness of your solar panels is placement. Common sense tells you that solar panels would not work if placed in a shaded area. It is important to choose a location with greatest access to direct sunlight. Remember that the more sunlight the panels absorb, the more electricity it can generate.
• Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly. Keep in mind that you are working with dangerous electricity and this could still pose some risk. If the installation proves too much for you, it is wise to hire a professional electrician to take over.

Solar Battery Chargers: Useful Little Gadgets

Name the gadgets you use on a daily basis. Chances are, they run on batteries. Mobile phones, laptop computers, MP3 players and remote controls have become indispensable parts of our lives. And yes, all of them are battery powered.

If you think about it, we rely far more on batteries than we originally thought we did. However, all batteries suffer one major flaw: they don’t last forever. Whether it is one day or a couple of weeks, a battery’s life eventually runs out. And that is when you have to recharge.

Battery chargers come in all shapes and forms, and are available for charging all kinds of batteries. Rechargeable batteries (and their chargers as well) have become our answer to the problem of disposal brought about by disposable batteries. Throwing away batteries can create environmental issues, as their toxic chemical components can contaminate groundwater. To meet this concern, rechargeable batteries are now making more of a dent in the battery market. But why not go the extra mile and do something for our planet by getting your very own solar charger?

Just like other solar-powered devices, a solar battery charger does its job through built-in solar panels. Photovoltaic cells capture the sun’s heat and light and convert it into energy to feed your rechargeable batteries.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, a solar battery charger has some practical advantages over the electricity-powered one. It does not need an electrical outlet, which makes it perfect to bring along on camping trips and outdoor activities. It is simple to operate, as all you have to do is put in your battery, place the charger in a sunny spot and that’s it. So you don’t need to worry about your appliances running out of juice.

Solar battery chargers are indeed useful gadgets for the camper, the gizmo lover and the all-around battery user. All you need to do is add sunlight.

How Solar Electricity Works

The price of petrol and electricity continues to surge just as our supply of coal, wood, oil and fossil fuels rapidly dwindle. We have to explore other sources of energy and search for more economical and environmentally-friendly alternatives. Our best bet is to turn towards the renewable power sources such as wind, water, geothermal, biogas and of course, the sun.

The sun provides us with two sources of energy – heat, or solar thermal energy, and electricity, or photovoltaics. By harnessing the sun’s rays, our reliance on fossil fuels could be virtually eliminated. As energy prices hike and the threat of global warming looms over our heads, it is high time that we turn our attention to the sun. Contrary to traditional notions, new advancements in technology have made solar energy powerful and more reliable. In fact, many homes, industries and businesses across America are completely or partially powered with solar energy.

But just how do you convert the sun’s rays into solar electricity? The technology is actually quite simple. Thin sheets of silicone crystals are encased in a durable yet lightweight contraption known as a solar panel. Photons from sunlight then cause the electrons in the panel to stir and move, thus creating a higher state of energy which is then converted into electric power. This electricity is then carried through a circuit to make your house’s lights light up and appliances function. Since these panels are made of tempered glass that have the strength of auto glass and skylights, they have a very long lifespan. Since solar panels do not have any moving parts, they are very durable and last a very long time. Even though they entail quite a substantial initial cash outlay, solar panels can definitely shave dollars off your electricity bill in the long run.

Solar Cookers: Are they any good?

Through modern technology and the science of photovoltaics, we have used the energy from the sun in many useful ways. Solar panels augment the electricity consumption of households, highways utilize solar-powered road signs and simple calculators and wristwatches function with just a single solar cell. But using the sun to cook your food? Yes, this is possible with a solar cooker.

A solar cooker is a device that cooks food using the heat of the sun as an energy source. Because it’s easy to assemble, utilizes no fossil fuel and operates at virtually zero cost, solar cookers are widely used by humanitarian organizations in war-torn and depressed areas and by environmentalists to lessen the use of wood as fuel. You can build and use your very own solar cooker at home too. Give your stove or oven a break and cook things up with a solar cooker in the great outdoors.

Despite differences in size, shape and complexity, solar cookers operate based on the simple principle of using the sun’s heat to cook food. Deriving the maximum energy from the sun is the main challenge of solar cooking. The simpler solar cookers use a mirror, or any type of reflective material to concentrate heat and light onto a single area.

The pots and pans which are used must also be coated with black on the inside, as this non-color absorbs sunlight and turns it to heat allowing the food to cook faster. Lastly, some cookers employ the greenhouse effect principle, whereby in using a clear solid such as glass or plastic, the sunlight absorbed is converted into trapped heat. Most cookers employ a combination of these strategies to get enough heat to start off the cooking process.

Though not exactly made for gourmet cooking, solar cookers can prepare practically anything that a conventional oven or stove can. Whether it is baked bread or roasted meat, solar cookers can get the job done.

The best thing about solar cookers is that they have made the lives of people all over the world better in many ways. In Africa, where sunshine is plentiful and money is scarce, solar cookers have allowed families to spend their money on food without having to buy cooking fuel. Women in war-torn Darfur do not have to leave the safety of their refugee camps to look for firewood.

Who would have thought that a simple contraption of cardboard, aluminum foil and plastic could have such a profound impact on the lives of people. But believe it or not, solar cookers do.