SEIA’s Statement: New Brattle Group Report Shows Solar Energy as a Solution in Texas to Help Address Summer Electricity Challenges
Aug0
SEIA’s Statement: New Brattle Group Report Shows Solar Energy as a Solution in Texas to Help Address Summer Electricity Challenges
Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2012
As Texas braces for predicted tighter electricity reserves and higher electricity rates in the state this summer, a new report shows that adding solar capacity to the Texas electricity grid would result in lower wholesale electricity prices for Texas customers.
Analysts at The Brattle Group energy consultancy reviewed data from the Texas electricity market from the summer of 2011 and analyzed how prices would have been impacted if solar photovoltaic (PV) systems had been added to the generation mix. Their report concludes that adding photovoltaic solar to the Texas electricity grid in the summer of 2011 could have saved customers an average of $ 155 to $ 281 per megawatt hour (MWh) and that avoiding fuel, operations and maintenance costs associated with fossil fuels plans could have saved customers an additional $ 52/MWh. Taken together, the total customer benefits of adding solar PV to the Texas grid was valued at more than $ 520 million.
Pat Wood, former chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said solar is a natural fit for Texas’ energy capacity problems because solar electricity production peaks during afternoon hours when summer electricity demand is highest.
“Texas needs more on-peak capacity,” Wood said. “Solar delivers on peak, it doesn’t use water and it doesn’t create any smog pollution. It is increasingly affordable, competing favorably with other peak-of-the-day resources.”
“Knowing the electricity grid in Texas is strained, I am relieved to see new data. This report provides a simple yet important first look at detailed examples of solar’s impacts. The forthcoming legislative hearings should take note,” said Kip Averitt, Chairman of the Texas Clean Energy Coalition, who formerly served in both the State Senate and House of Representatives.
During last year’s unseasonably hot summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the Texas electricity grid, was forced to issue six conservation alerts because of record electricity usage in the state, resulting in electricity shutoffs for customers who volunteered for cutbacks during emergency conditions.
Similar capacity issues could occur this summer. According to an analysis released May 30 by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Texas electricity reserves “will challenge operations this summer” because “resource adequacy levels have fallen below targets.” The analysis also stated that if Texas experiences extreme and prolonged high temperatures, rotating outages are possible this summer.
“The declining cost of solar increasingly makes it a more viable option in Texas, where there is plenty of sun, electricity demand and a looming water shortage,” said Ben Paulos, renewable power program director of the Energy Foundation. “However, to accelerate deployment, solar needs to be compensated for the value it delivers, through fair market rules.”
Carrie Cullen Hitt, Vice President of State Affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association, said the double benefit of lower electricity costs and increased reliability makes solar a clear choice for the state.
“This study shows that not only can solar energy help lower costs for Texas, but that adding solar capacity helps address the state’s more urgent crisis of potential rolling blackouts during the hot summer months,” Hitt said. “The state’s electricity grid was pushed to the brink of failure last summer. As Texas leaders address ways to mitigate this risk and the state’s energy future, solar should be an important part of their plans.”
Former PUC Chairman Wood also emphasized that solar can be brought online more quickly and efficiently to the Texas electricity grid than other electricity sources, which require permitting and building of additional power plants.
“Importantly for us, it is quick to market,” Wood said. “And in our open market, as this study shows, it drives down peak prices, saving money for all customers.”
“Solar energy is clean, produces more peak power when demand is highest and can ensure Texas has a balanced energy portfolio with the least cost,” said Hitt.
The report released today, “The Potential Impact of Solar PV on Electricity Markets in Texas,” was funded by the Energy Foundation and the Solar Energy Industries Association. The report findings are supported by the Texas Clean Energy Coalition.
About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,100 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. http://www.seia.org.
About The Energy Foundation:
The Energy Foundation is a partnership of major donors interested in solving the world’s energy problems. Our mission is to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy — new technologies that are essential components of a clean energy future.
About the Texas Clean Energy Coalition:
The Texas Clean Energy Coalition supports a clean energy economy in Texas based on affordable and reliable clean technologies including energy efficiency, renewable energy and the broader use of natural gas as a way to help Texas achieve its full economic potential in a manner that is available to all Texans. The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation has supported the creation of TCEC to bring new voices from leaders in the faith, business, African American, Latino and economic development communities into the state policy discussion of clean energy such as renewables and natural gas and energy efficiency.
Background Material:
“The Potential Impact of Solar PV on Electricity Markets in Texas,” The Brattle Group
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Resident Power Doubles Electricity Savings Guarantee
Jun0
Resident Power Doubles Electricity Savings Guarantee
Manchester, NH (PRWEB) May 14, 2012
PSNH customers tired of constantly-changing charges on their electricity bills can now see relief. Manchester-based Resident Power has announced it is doubling its guaranteed savings to new customers.
“At a time when PSNH customers are seeing fluctuating electricity charges, Resident Power offers a 12-month, stable supply charge. We guarantee it will be at least 10% less than what PSNH charges them at the time of enrollment,” says Bart Fromuth, Managing Director of Resident Power (RP).
In fall 2011, when RP entered the NH market, it guaranteed new accounts at least 5% savings. In reality the average savings have been about 8-12%.
Fromuth explains, “When we opened the doors for electricity competition to residents and small businesses, we didn’t want to overpromise. We knew we could deliver on 5%, however we wanted to leave the door open to provide added savings when possible. As a result, many customers have signed up with the expectation of 5% savings and been overjoyed to discover that we delivered 10 or 12% savings.”
The rapid growth of the RP customer base has led to the new 10% guarantee. “Thanks to first adopters who had confidence in RP from the start, our pool of customers has grown more rapidly than even we predicted. Suppliers are cutting us significant breaks. They want our business and are showing it through the lower rates they’re offering. We simply pass savings on to RP customers.
“Customers not currently enjoying the 10% minimum savings guarantee will see the benefits on their next contract renewal.”
Resident Power (residentpower.com) is a member of the Manchester, NH-based Freedom Energy Logistics (felpower.com), family of companies. The company’s management team has nearly 100 years of energy market experience and is widely recognized for its market intelligence and informational transparency. Resident Power is a member of the Better Business Bureau.
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
200,000 Students at 100 Colleges and Universities Save 1.74 Gigawatt-Hours of Electricity During Campus Conservation Nationals 2012
Jun0
200,000 Students at 100 Colleges and Universities Save 1.74 Gigawatt-Hours of Electricity During Campus Conservation Nationals 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. and OAKLAND, CA (PRWEB) May 01, 2012
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), through its USGBC Students program and in partnership with Lucid, Alliance to Save Energy and the National Wildlife Federation, is pleased to announce the results of the 2012 Campus Conservation Nationals (CCN) competition.
This year, nearly a quarter-million students at 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. collectively saved 1,739,046 kilowatt-hours of energy, equivalent to 2.6 million pounds of CO2, and $ 157,925 in savings — effectively removing 151 U.S. homes off the grid for a year. This year’s result surpassed the original competition savings goal of one gigawatt hour of electricity. Students also saved 1,554,814 gallons of water, equivalent to 10,300 shower hours.
How the Campus Conservation Nationals competition works
From February 6 through April 23, students competed to achieve the greatest reductions in their residence halls over a three-week period, with the savings from each campus contributing to a collective national challenge goal. Students organized peers through direct action in their residence halls, and utilized social media extensively to motivate and encourage sustainable behaviors, proving that occupants play a critical role in greening their buildings. By making commitments to turn off unused electronics, take shorter showers, use the stairs instead of the elevator, and other simple tactics, students across the country demonstrated how individual actions make a difference in the way our buildings consume electricity and water.
“When you see a mobilization of students this large to actively reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability versus simply advocating for it, it is clear our generation is tired of waiting around for decision makers to address the issues at hand,” said Pat Lane, USGBC Students program lead at the Center for Green Schools. “The students we work with through USGBC Students are eager to put in the hard work it takes to see real change set in. The 1.74 gigawatts saved is just the beginning, as our students work to leave lasting sustainable legacies on their campuses and take those experiences into the job market.”
Participating schools used Lucid’s Building Dashboard® to compare performance, share winning strategies and track standings among the leading schools and buildings. With generous support from United Technologies Corp, founding sponsor of the Center for Green Schools at USGBC, and Sloan, CCN gave students and staff an opportunity to organize and make immediate and lasting impacts on a school’s carbon emissions and campus culture. Additionally, CCN awarded 2,000 renewable energy credits from Sterling Planet, a VirtuWatt energy platform from Constellation Energy, a certificate from Carbonfund.org recognizing their campus’ contribution to offsetting 2.6 million pounds of CO2, and a free Building Dashboard from Lucid.
“During Campus Conservation Nationals 2012, hundreds of thousands of students took action to reduce electricity and water consumption in their buildings,” said Andrew deCoriolis, director of engagement at Lucid. “The success of CCN demonstrates the tremendous collective impact that individual actions can have for reducing resource consumption and fostering a broader culture of conservation on campuses.”
To learn more about the results of the competition, visit CompeteToReduce.org/results. Read more about Lucid’s involvement in organizing Campus Conservation Nationals on blog.luciddg.com.
About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is how USGBC is making sure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. From the kindergartner entering the classroom, to the Ph.D. student performing research in a lab, the Center provides the resources and support to elevate dialogue, accelerate policy and institute innovation toward green schools and campuses. High-performing schools result in high-performing students, and the Center works directly with staff, teachers, faculty, students, administrators, elected officials and communities to drive the transformation of all schools into sustainable places to live and learn, work and play. http://www.centerforgreenschools.org
About Alliance to Save Energy
Alliance to Save Energy is a non-profit coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who support energy efficiency as a cost-effective energy resource and advocate energy efficiency policies that minimize costs and lessen emissions. To carry out its mission, ASE undertakes research, educational programs, and policy advocacy; designs and implements energy-efficiency projects; promotes technology development and deployment; builds public-private partnerships; and initiates collaborative efforts and strategic alliances.
About National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization. NWF works across the U.S. to protect and restore wildlife habitat, confront global warming and connect people with nature. NWF has a 20-year history of working with colleges and universities through its Campus Ecology program to improve their overall green educational programming and on-site sustainability. Its student outreach programs, campus consulting, technology competitions and educational events reach about 1,000 colleges each year.
About Lucid
Lucid is a privately held cleantech software company and a pioneer in providing real-time feedback to teach, inspire behavior change, and save energy and water resources in buildings. Lucid’s team endeavors to make resource use visible, accessible and engaging so that building occupants have the data visualization and communication tools to manage and reduce their consumption. Lucid’s Building Dashboard® technology drives CCN and enables competitions within and among campuses. Visit http://www.luciddesigngroup.com, or follow Lucid on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Adelphi University Supports Renewable Energy and Again Commits to Offset 100 Percent of its Electricity with Wind Power
Aug0
Adelphi University Supports Renewable Energy and Again Commits to Offset 100 Percent of its Electricity with Wind Power
Garden City, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2011
Adelphi University, a leader in the area of energy conservation and a green environment, is continuing its commitment to renewable energy by offsetting 100 percent of the electricity consumed at its Garden City campus with the purchase of 20,206,800 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by wind farms across America through Boulder, Colorado-based provider Renewable Choice Energy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this purchase helps avoid a similar amount of CO2 emissions as that produced by nearly 2,775 passenger vehicles annually or the electricity use of 1,761 average American homes.
“Adelphi University is proud of its efforts to green the campus and continue to set the standard for others to follow,” said Adelphi University President Robert A. Scott. “The investment in clean renewable energy to minimize the impact on the environment underscores the University’s commitment to conservation and sustainability practices. There is excitement among administrators, faculty, students, and staff to create a campus culture that values environmental responsibility.”
Renewable energy facilities generate renewable energy credits (RECs) when they produce electricity. Purchasing these credits is one of the widely accepted ways to address the environmental footprint of electricity consumption. Purchasing RECs at the same quantity as your electricity consumption guarantees that the energy you use is added to the power grid from a renewable energy facility and supports the further development of these facilities. Renewable Choice RECs are third-party certified by Green-e Energy.
“We are proud to be working with a university that is demonstrating its environmental leadership through conservation efforts, energy efficiency projects, and a significant renewable energy commitment,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “Renewable energy credits play an important role in helping build our country’s clean energy infrastructure and provide developers with more opportunities to develop wind and other renewable energy projects. We are delighted that Adelphi’s commitment to offsetting 100 percent of its electricity continues to be a valuable component of its sustainability strategy.”
Adelphi University’s lush, 75-acre Garden City campus has been recognized with a myriad of honors: Member of EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, Cool Schools List by the Sierra Club, Excellence in Green Information Technology by Computerworld, winner of the 2008 Regional Commuter Choice Outstanding Achievement Award by The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council and Long Island, and 2009 Clean Air NY Champion, among others.
Adelphi University has a long-standing commitment to green building and implementing sustainability initiatives. In addition to its continued investment in renewable energy, Adelphi made the commitment to “go green” with extensive use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling its new facilities. More than 300,000 square feet of new buildings, including a residence hall completed in 2003, new Centers for Sports and Performing Arts completed in 2008, a renovated Woodruff Hall completed in 2009, and a new residence hall, currently under construction, are all heated and cooled by geothermal systems, making geothermal an integral component of this school’s long term commitment to reduce energy use. Combined, these systems are one of the largest of its kind in the northeast. This system allowed Adelphi University to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified status for the Centers for Sports and Performing Arts, by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new facilities are not only energy efficient but are also constructed with environmentally friendly materials, refuse from construction is recycled, solar gain on roofs and parking areas are reduced, and storm water is returned to aquifers naturally. The University’s housekeeping staff has taken a “green” approach to cleaning throughout the campus by replacing cleaning products containing toxic ingredients with Green Seal certified cleaning products, adopting new cleaning methods that will significantly reduce or eliminate the need for and exposure to strong chemicals, and using products that have a low environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
The University continues to search for and implement new ways to improve energy efficiency and to use products that are beneficial to the school and to the environment. In November 2006, Adelphi began relying 100 percent on natural, organic techniques to maintain the flora around campus. All commercial pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and petroleum-based fertilizers have been eliminated from Adelphi’s grounds maintenance plan. Adelphi also has an extensive recycling program, where paper, plastic, metal, and cardboard are separated from the normal waste stream for recycling. A separate program for fluorescent lamps, ballasts, batteries, and electronic scrap, guaranties that the mercury and other heavy metals in these items do not wind up in landfills. Lackmann Culinary Services, which oversees the cafeterias on campus and food service for events, transitioned from plastic to paper food containers, and orders from local producers.
To learn more about Adelphi University’s other green initiatives, visit http://www.adelphi.edu/greenau/
About Adelphi University: Adelphi is a world class, modern university with excellent and highly relevant programs where students prepare for lives of active citizenship and professional careers. Through its schools and programs—The College of Arts and Sciences, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Honors College, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work—the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,000 students from 41 states and 60 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University chartered in 1896, maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.
About Renewable Choice Energy: Renewable Choice Energy is a leading national provider of renewable energy credits (RECs) and verified emission reductions (VERs) (carbon offsets) to hundreds of Fortune 500 Companies and small businesses, thousands of residential customers, and over 1000 LEED green building projects in the U.S. Founded in 2001, Boulder, Colo.-based Renewable Choice and its clients have received prestigious awards from the EPA and DOE for supporting and expanding the renewable energy market and have been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, USA TODAY, and more.
# # #
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
100% of New US Electricity in 2012 Will Be Renewable With Passage of 401(K) Tax Credit
May0
100% of New US Electricity in 2012 Will Be Renewable With Passage of 401(K) Tax Credit
Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 4, 2009
An unusual alliance of business, trade association and environmental groups are calling on President Barack Obama, Congress and the Senate to implement a tax credit incentive for companies that add a renewable energy fund to employee 401(k) plans. The new legislation could be added to the near completed economic stimulus bill or follow quickly after.
According to the Renewable Energy Task Force of the South Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will be a high yield federal investment.
government cost of $ 7 to $ 8 billion dollars will generate $ 60 – $ 100 billion investment in renewable energy
allow 50 million Americans to invest a projected 5% of their 401(k) plans in clean energy production
create 500,000 or more clean energy jobs over three years
create an annual increase of 20,000 MW of new wind, solar and geothermal electrical generation by 2012
help renewable energy meet 100% of new national electricity demand in three years
“Last year almost half of all new US electricity was generated from renewable energy,” says Jim Welch, CEO of Bella Energy, a Colorado based solar energy firm, “The Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will rapidly allow all new US electricity to be generated from renewable sources.”
American Wind Association data released last week indicates that more than 8,000 MW of new wind production was built in 2008 with investment in the wind energy sector passing the $ 17 billion mark. Totaling 42% of all new US generation capacity added in 2008, the newly added wind farms produce enough electricity for 2 million homes. These numbers are up from wind providing 30% of all new US electrical generation in 2007.
The additional annual $ 20 to $ 30 billion of new investment generated by the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit will help to more than double the number of new clean energy megawatts installed each year. With swift passage of the proposed tax credit bill, by 2012 one hundred percent of new US electrical demand can be provided by renewable energy. This is consistent with President Obama’s target to double renewable energy production over the next three years.
“In 2007, investment in the American renewable energy sector, including both wind and solar, was $ 19 billion dollars with employment of 116,000 people. More than 50,000 new renewable jobs were created in 2008 – that’s an impressive annual growth rate of 45%,” continues Jim Welch, “Congress and the Senate need to support the Renewable Energy 401(k) Tax Credit which will create $ 100 billion in clean energy investment and 500,000 new green jobs over the next three years.”
Reflecting the national trend, Colorado’s renewable energy sector has been experiencing rapid-fire employment growth. In 2008, AVA Solar added 165 new manufacturing and engineering jobs in Ft. Collins and Longmont. The new AVA manufacturing plant produces thin film solar panels at 30% of the cost of existing solar technology. Vestas built a new wind turbine manufacturing facility near Denver that employs 1,350 Coloradoans and uses 200,000 tons of steel annually to produce enough wind turbines to power more than half a million homes per year. Nationally, wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded 55 new facilities in 2008.
As renewable energy production rises faster than demand for electricity, surplus clean generation capacity will be used to retire aging conventional power plants over a 10 to 30 year period leading to significant reductions in climate change causing emissions.
Press Contact: Ken J. Beitel
Renewable Energy Task Force
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
m: 720 436-2465
Email: Ken.Beitel @ TheRenewableEnergyInitiative.org
Web: http://www.RETaskForce.biz
Disclosure: In order to reduce CO2 emissions and create jobs, Ken Beitel owns an IRA account with an investment amount of approximately $ 46,000 in the Calvert Alternative Global Energy fund held at JP Morgan Chase and Citi Smith Barney brokerages. Other individuals listed in this release may also own renewable shares or funds; full disclosure details available on request.
###
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
The Future of Electricity Made With Renewable Energy Sources
Mar0
Will electricity disappear with the extinction of our non-renewable energy sources? No, not very likely considering the renewable energy sources that we have available to us. When we think about the future of electricity, a few things come to mind.
The first thing that comes to mind is that eventually all things will be electric due to the fact that our non-renewable energy sources are nearing depletion rapidly. Without gasoline we won’t be able to drive our cars, cut our grass or use any of the things that run on gasoline unless they are electric. Today most of our electric power is produced by using our non-renewable energy sources so by making ever thing electric it will help to prolong the life of fossil fuels but sooner or later we will have to start using renewable sources of energy to produce our electricity.
Then what comes to mind knowing that eventually ever thing will be electric will be perceived as clean power because it is going to be produced with strictly renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Will electricity ever be wireless? Yes, Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have already conducted successful wireless electricity experiments. This brings even more things to mind when thinking about the future of electricity. Think about this, if electricity is wireless you won’t have to worry about power outages, no wires or poles for storms to topple. Consumers will have more control on how and when they want their power delivered and for those who take advantage of renewable energy sources like solar power will be totally independent of the power companies.
How long will it be before we see these advancements with electricity? Nobody can be sure when, but what is sure is that when they do start to happen consumers will gain more and more control over their power needs. The people who begin now, to use the renewable energy sources that are available will find themselves independent of the power companies much sooner than those of us that don’t act and continue to rely on the electric companies for our power needs.
Original article posted at Go Articles
Every thing we do to conserve energy will help make what non-renewable energy sources are left. Learning how to save power at home and the use of renewable energy sources can prolong the non-renewable sources. More info on how to save power at home.
Article from articlesbase.com
Solar Power for the Home – Can You Really Do it Yourself and Make Your Own Electricity?
Mar0
Environmental concerns and the rising cost of electricity are making many people wonder how they can save money using solar power for the home. Solar energy has long been touted as being a sound choice for the environment, but until recently most of us balked at the high price tag attached to solar energy systems. Thanks to the kits and instructions now available, solar power for the home no longer requires a large up front investment.
The cost of building your own system in order to create solar power for the home takes a little bit of pre-planning in order to save both time and money as well as avoid some common headaches. Before beginning your project, you will need to perform a home energy audit. If you have never done this before, you may be surprised by the results. A home energy audit will assess how much energy your home consumes. This will help you decide the proper size system you will need to generate solar power for the home.
To perform an energy audit you can call a professional auditor or do it yourself. You will need to locate any air leaks around the home, analyze which appliances you use most often and how much energy they use, and understand how much lighting you use in your home. It is vital to understand your energy use if you are planning to solely use solar power for the home in order to have the proper size system in place.
Once you have decided on the size of your system, you can build your own panels to turn solar power for the home into a reality. It only takes a few skills that most of us already possess or can quickly and easily learn to build a solar panel yourself. Other than the solar cell which will convert the sun’s light into energy, everything else used in their construction can be found at any hardware or home improvement store.
Yet, is it really possible to use the sun and solar power for the home to replace high cost electricity from the power company? The answer is yes. A stand alone solar system will replace all electricity costs that you would otherwise pay to the utility company. A solar system provides both AC and DC electricity which can be stored in special batteries that will be used when the sun is not shining. In areas that would otherwise be off the grid or where the cost of installing electric lines is prohibitive, the cost of a solar system for the home will realize instant savings. You can also supplement existing on grid electricity with solar power for the home. By supplying up to 50% or more of your homes electricity through solar power dramatic savings can be realized.
Solar cells, or photovoltaic tiles, convert light from the sun into solar power for the home. The solar cells work because they consist of both a positive and negative sheet of silicon that is under a thin sheet of glass. When the sun shines on the solar panel, the protons push the neutrons off the silicon sheet. This causes the negatively charged neutrons that are drawn to the silicon to get trapped within the magnetic field that is formed by the opposing charges in the silicon sheet. This causes an electric current to form, thus creating solar power for the home. It will need to pass through an inverter in order to be transformed into an alternating current which is what is used within most homes.
Solar power for the home is capable of being a primary energy source in most cases and a supplemental energy source for everyone. Making your own electricity using solar power is very cost effective if you make the system yourself and understand the basics of what your home requires from the outset.
Pete Phelps is a keen environmentalist and on his website he has reviewed many Solar Power for the home guides. Click to discover his findings on the Top 3 Solar Power for the Home Guides OR Visit http://www.homesolarpowerinspector.com
Article from articlesbase.com
Renewable Energy Sources For Electricity Production – Solar Panel And Windmill Electric Generators
Feb0
Instead of purchasing electricity from power supply plants, use natural renewable energy sources for electricity production for you and your family. Indeed, it is possible to do so without spending too much money.
Considering the world economic crisis and current situation of the environmental pollution of the planet Earth, using renewable energy sources for electricity production is a wise way of spending less money and helping to reduce environmental pollution. Power supply plants usually generate electricity using petrol. The process involves emission of some toxic gases and chemicals to the surroundings, which are harmful to the environment.
Using natural renewable energy sources like the Sun and wind does not affect the environment in a bad way since there is no emission of by-products. If you are worried about the possible cost involved to install the renewable energy equipment, well, you have a few choices. The easiest way would be to hire a renewable energy contractor to do so.
But, it might be more expensive compared to installing them on your own. Nowadays, you can simply purchase do-it-yourself solar energy panels to generate electricity using the energy from the Sun, solar power. For using wind energy, you can buy do-it-yourself wind energy turbine systems.
Just follow the instructions on the DVD that comes together with the equipment. You do not have to prior scientific knowledge to do so. If you are still lost, just surf the worldwide web. There are many forums that talk on generating your own renewable energy sources.
Ask for help or guidance from those who have experience installing them on your own. Although you do spend some amount of money for purchase and set up of the equipment but you do not have to worry about maintenance costs. Unlike electricity wiring, you spend very little for maintenance over the years.
Want to learn more about using Renewable Energy Sources at home? Do not do it because the author has found many useless guides online. Download the Best Step-By-Step Home Energy Guides at http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com/download.htm!
Article from articlesbase.com
Electricity Saving Tips With Renewable Energy
Feb0
If you are looking for ways to help save the environment and the resources that we have, look into renewable energy sources. Many people are catching onto this new way to live and use energy. Use this excellent electricity saving tips using renewable energy now!
You should make sure that you are using the right source of this energy. Renewable electricity power can be created through the use of the sun and solar panels or with the help of the wind. Wind turbines can be found across the world to create energy for workplaces and homes.
You should use this energy mainly to light your home. Use the right type of light bulbs to save more energy and try to keep the lights off in your home. Use the same ways of saving energy as you would if you were not using renewable energy. This will help you conserve the most.
Try to do what you can in order to help conserve even your renewable wind or solar energy. Just because you are saving some money does not mean that you can use all that you want. Be conscious about the way you are using as well as conserving your energy. This is what many people fail to remember on a daily basis.
You will surely save an increased about of money when you use these electricity saving tips. With more money in your pocket you should surely be able to create more ways to use renewable electricity throughout the house. This is one of the biggest benefits you can receive!
Renewable energy is becoming very popular and many people are catching on. Once you have your sources installed, use these electricity saving tips with renewable energy to your advantage. The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin helping to conserve our natural resources!
Want to learn more about Renewable Energy Systems to save electricity? Do not do it because the author has found many useless guides online. Download the Best Step-By-Step Home Energy Guides at http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com/download.htm!
Article from articlesbase.com