Archive

Posts Tagged ‘how to solar panel’

Building Solar Panels: Will They Work For My Pool?

November 23rd, 2009

Would you like to heat your pool with solar power? Well, there’s good news!  Solar panels that heat water are relatively inexpensive to buy. For around 0 and about a two days of your time, you could even create them yourself. The main benefit is that once you have paid for the cost of installation, you won’t have any ongoing fuel expense.

Take The Do It Yourself Route To Using Solar Panel Technology

However, before you make that decision, you’ll need to answer some questions. First, will your solar panel system be exposed to sufficient sunlight throughout the day? These types of solar panels are passive systems. They’re normally made of plastic coils filled with water and sandwiched between sheets of shatter-resistant glass. The sun heats the water that has collected in the coils. The water is then circulated into the pool.

If your property contains many shade trees, there may not be sufficient sunlight for a passive solar pool heater. But an elevated rooftop that looks to south or west is a perfect spot for solar panels to get full exposure to the sun throughout the day.

Building Solar Technology is So Much Easier

Next, how much difference would there be between the outside air and the temperature you want the pool to be? For example, if you’re trying to heat your outdoor pool in Michigan to 78 degrees in freezing weather, you’ll want to stick with a pool cover and a heavy-duty gas heater. But if you want to heat an outdoor pool in California to 80 degrees during 50-degree weather, a solar pool heating system is ideal.

Even though you have your new solar heater installed and working, you’ll want to use a solar cover or blanket whenever the outside air is colder than your pool’s water temperature. Whenever you see steam rising from the pool, it’s best to put on the pool cover to retain the heat. That way, the heat will stay in the water and not disperse into the air.

Watch This Short Video and Learn The Simplicity of Building Solar Panel Cells

If you’re new to solar heating systems, here’s some advice. Some people mistakenly think that they might save even more money if they used the pool’s solar heater to heat water for their home. But unfortunately, the two systems don’t mix well. The pool water is being conditioned with chlorine and muriatic acid. It won’t hurt you to swim in it or to swallow a couple of mouthfuls of it, but you really wouldn’t want to add it to your home’s drinking water system. Installing a solar water heating system for your home is an entirely separate project.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Looking For Solar Energy Panels?

November 13th, 2009

Buying Solar Panels: How to Pick the Best Company

Once you have made the decision to fit solar panels on your home, it’s time to locate a reliable company from which to purchase and have them installed.  But how do you decide who to choose?  Following are some suggestions for you to consider.

Why Don’t You Learn How To Do It Yourself?

Seek a company with experience. If you live in an area where power installation has been well established, you may be fortunate enough to locate a company that has been in business for many years. An experienced business will be able to provide ample references. It will also be easy to check their performance through the local Better Business Bureau.  

Inquire as to what systems they recommend and then guides on the internet|use the internet to locate some reviews of the manufacturers].   Ask them what kinds of warranties accompany the equipment.  Also, ask about what types of labor and workmanship warranties are offered by the contractor.  It is common to find 10-year warranties on the solar panels, and 3 to 10-year warranties on pumps, inverters and controls. Workmanship should carry at minimum a one year warranty.

You Will Actually Lessen Your Bills By Making Your Own

Some installers have experience only in off-grid systems, and you may be leery about them installing your system if it will be tied to the grid.  Yes, there are specific differences between installing the two systems.  But off-grid systems are much more complex than grid tied systems.  An off grid installer will almost certainly be quite qualified to connect your system to the local power company, especially as since the person will be monitored by the local building inspectors.~There is no need to worry if an installer has experience only in off-grid systems and yours will be on the grid. While there are certainly differences in how the two systems are installed, off-grid system installation is much more complex. So an off-grid installer will most likely be very capable of hooking up your system to the local electric company. And, in any case, he or she will be monitored by the local building inspectors.}    

Membership in a professional organization for alternative energy dealers might be another indicator of quality.  But first determine what the requirements are to join the organization before you take it into consideration.  Memberships are not compulsory, and some require only members to pay a fee.  Other organizations (such as the Solar Energies Industries Association) require field experience and continuing education in to be a member.

Word of mouth is most often the best recommendation. Do you know (or know of) someone who recently had solar panels installed? Ask them how it went with the company they used. You can also check the local real estate office as the agents usually know which contractors in town are the most reliable.

The Best 3 Home Solar Power Review

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

How Do Solar Panels Work?

October 26th, 2009

It’s imperitive that you realise that solar panels have two distinct funtions: generating heat and producing electricity. It’s important to know which kind you need for the job you have in mind, because they are not interchangeable. That aside, both will be of benefit to you if you are contemplating saving on energy bills.

Solar Panels: Two Distinct Functions

A solar thermal collector uses the sun’s energy to heat water and even other fluids, like oil. They normally use plastic tubing, hoses or coils in the panel. The liquid goes through the coils and is heated by the sun. You would use this sytem for heating pools, hot tubs etc. The system can also be used with under-floor heating and indeed, other heating systems. You will find that once this type of system is in place it is sufficient for all heating requirements

Solar photovoltaic cells help produce DC (direct current) electricity. The panels normally contain a semi-conductor material (silicon) which interacts with sunlight to create electricity. This electricity then can be used to power computers and appliances, or the entire house, if the system is sufficiently large. The electricity is only created by the panels during the day when they are interacting with direct sunlight.

Use Solar Panels To Make Heat

To ensure that you have continuous energy twenty four hours and through all weathers you can include a back-up battery unit with your system. You can use inexpensive lead-acid batteries (like you car uses), but you will need to make sure they are filled with distilled water in order to maintain their charge. You can also get more expensive batteries. Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries will retain their charge without any maintenence. Freeze-resistant gel batteries are ideal for colder climates.

For both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems, glass panels are used to encase their collection systems, and both require direct sunlight to function. Ideally, the panels should be situated in a south-facing location that supplies maximum access to sunlight during the day. Solar panels can be used in almost any geographical location, but they will not be as effective in regions that have a high number of overcast days during the year.

Even in the sunniest regions, it’s a good idea to include a backup generator for either system. You can even go that extra mile and make your own biodiesel if you decide to include a generator with your system And you’ll be glad you have one if your battery storage becomes depleted or there is an extended period of overcast weather.

Make Your Own Energy Panels: Find Out Here

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Solar Energy Ideas

October 23rd, 2009

With the civilised world facing a real energy shortage, it is a good idea to invest in an alternative power solution at home. It will not only help stave off the energy shortage, but can also help preserve energy for the planet as a whole. Installing an alternative energy solution at home is no less than a great humanitarian effort.

You Can Easily Build Solar Energy-Find Out How!

Among the alternate energy solutions, the solar energy system and the wind power system are the most popular. Although wind power is an effective solution, many people can’t employ it because of its requirements. For implementing a wind energy system, you need a large acreage and the local wind speed in the area should be around eleven miles per hour. A solar panel system is relatively easy to implement. You only need abundant sunlight.

A solar energy systen has various components. Most people utilize a few of these components as per their needs. Let’s take a look at some solar power components.

Find The DIY Way To Solar Energy

Solar cooker: The solar cooker is the most commonly used solar energy component used in homes. Let’s look at some of the benefits of a solar cooker.

• Healthy cooking – Solar cooking has been found to be a very healthful way to prepare food. You can cook for a family of five in a small cooking box.

• Variety cooking – Using a solar cooker, you can bake, roast, or boil – all using the same system.

• No fuel – The solar cooker does not need any other fuel than the sun’s light, thus helping you save resources.

• No emissions – The solar cooker neither emits any gases nor does it leave any residue. This makes it a very environmentally friendly cooking method.

Solar generator: A solar generator uses energy provided by the sun to run your electrical needs. This method uses photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The term “solar lighting system” is also used for “solar generator.” The generator is able to store electrical energy in the photovoltaic cells to be used later. Installing a solar energy system for your home will save you power and money. Imagine being able to use all the electricity you want without worrying about the bill!

Solar thermal system: The building of a solar thermal method (or solar heating system) in your home addresses indoor temperature. You can maintain your heating requirements in your home as warm as you desire without having to worry about the bill. Thanks to their innovation, these heating kits will not only fit your pocket but also be pleasing on the eye, as these methods are no longer an eye sore.

Just Create Your Own Solar Panels

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Solar Panels – Why Should I Install Them On My Home?

October 18th, 2009

The subject of solar energy is often in the daily news. But have you been wondering if installing solar panels on your home would be a good decision for your family? Following are some great reasons to consider it.

You Will See From This Video The Concept of How To Build A Solar Panel

The state of ecomonic affairs is finally favorable again for those who want to use solar energy at home. There are now federal tax credits established (or soon to be) that can lower the cost of installing a residential solar energy system by as much as 30%. And don’t forget about incentives that may be offered by your city or state to help people convert to solar energy. The list of government entities that offer these kinds of incentives is growing.

In addition, you will see immediate savings in the form of lower monthly electricity bills, since it will be your solar panels that will be running your appliances during the day. And if your power company uses net metering, it’s possible that you could pay zero for your electricity.  While your solar panels are functioning, they may generate more electricity than you actually use. Net metering allows you to sell back that excess electricity to your utility company for a credit to your account.  So when your solar panels produce a surplus during the day, the electricity that comes from the grid at night could end up costing nothing.

Using The Step-By-Step Approach

Solar energy is also beneficial for the environment. Solar energy is produced and then used on the same site. That means no fuel transportation costs, no emissions, and no plant maintenance costs. Using solar energy can help prevent global warming. There is no pollution from burning oil or coal, and it does not produce nuclear waste that will contaminate the earth for years and years. And finally, using solar energy is a great way to avoid the energy price increases that experts predict for the future.

The future of this planet is of the utmost concern to many environmentalists. In order to resolve the adverse impact of fossil fuels to the environment, solar energy is now taking prominance. It’s not necessary to wait for either the government or the energy companies to advise on this type of measures. Get the facts! It behoves us all to seek out the most economical route to installing solar power. You can not afford to omit the research before anything, as this can end up costing you a small fortune later on if you skip it.

Study These Latest Informative Reports

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Solar Panels: Can They Add Value To A Home?

October 18th, 2009

If you are considering having a solar electric system installed to your home, you know can be a important decision and investment, and you may be wondering if it will make your home more valuable. The answer depends on a lot of factors. Below are some things to think about.

Counting The True Cost of Solar Power

First, how is the awareness level in your area when it comes to the benefits and merits of using solar energy? If you reside in an area where most of people are concerned about and involved in the green living movement, potential buyers might be willing to pay a highter price for a house that already has a solar electric system installed. However, if you live in a community where there is very little eco-friendly activity, where people aren’t too concerned about recycling or the environment, buyers may not care about the work and money you have invested into installing solar panels.

But even in a community completed unconcerned about green living, most people can appreciate the benefit of saving money.  If you can produce a paper trail of your energy savings over several years, the potential buyer will have proof that the solar power system will be an asset.  With heating and cooling bills of hundreds of dollars a month for some families, saving on utilities can be an important consideration.

Going From The Energy Grid To Solar Panels: Investment or Liability!

But what if you’ve only had your solar panel system for a short time? How can you prove energy savings? You can call the local electric utility company and ask them for their statistical projection showing your rate of savings over time. You could also obtain information from the company that installed your solar panels. The bigger companies often have marketing departments which gather this type of data to demonstrate  how installing solar panels can help reduce energy costs.

You may also consider the following: How common are solar energy systems in your housing market?   If solar panels are common, your real estate agent will be able to give you actual statistical data that shows the difference in selling price between houses with solar power systems and those that have only public utility electric service. If you can obtain this kind of data, you will have some great proof to show a potential buyer.

It’s Fast Become A Trend That Making and Fitting Solar Panels Can Be Carried Out as A DIY Project

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!