- originally posted at Alternative Energy

To most people, the differences between “alternative energy,” “renewable energy,” and “clean energy,” might not be obvious. But each term is unique and has its own individual meaning.

Alternative Energy

When we speak of alternative energy, we refer to sources of usable energy that can replace conventional energy sources (usually, without undesirable side effects). The term “alternative energy” is typically used to refer to sources of energy other than nuclear energy or fossil fuels.

Throughout the course of history, “alternative energy” has referred to different things. There was a time when nuclear energy was considered an alternative to conventional energy, and was therefore called “alternative energy.” But times have changed.

These days, a form of “alternative energy” might also be renewable energy, or clean energy, or both. The terms are often interchangeable, but definitely not the same.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is any type of energy which comes from renewable natural resources, such as wind, rain, sunlight, geothermal heat, and tides. It is referred to as “renewable” because it doesn’t run out. You can always get more of it.

People have begun to turn to this type of energy due to the rising oil prices, and the prospect that we might one day deplete available sources of fossil fuels, as well as due to concerns about the adverse effects that our conventional energy sources have on the environment.

Of all the different types of renewable energy, wind power is one which is growing in its use. The number of users who have some form of wind power installed has increased, with the current worldwide capacity being about 100 GW.

Clean Energy

“Clean energy” is simply any form of energy which is created with clean, harmless, and non-polluting methods.

Most renewable energy sources are also clean energy sources. But not all.

One such example is geothermal power. It may be a renewable energy source, but some geothermal energy processes can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, this is not always a clean energy. However there are also other forms of geothermal energy which are harmless and clean.

Clean energy makes the less impact on the environment than our current conventional energy sources do. It creates an insignificant amount of carbon dioxide, and its use can reduce the speed of global warming – or global pollution.

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As you can see, these three terms: alternative energy, renewable energy, and clean energy, are very similar. But it’s important to know that there are differences.

There are many steps which can be taken to help reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Some of these steps can be taken in your own home. Many clean energy solutions can can be easily installed, and some kits or DIY systems are quite affordable.

It is important to start making changes now; if we want to save our planet for our children, for the flora and fauna of the Earth, and for the future of mankind.

Carbon emissions, and other forms of pollution are not only created by heavy industrial factories. They are created by the common household as well. Energy efficiency has become an important aspect of our lives. If we start to change our habits on an individual level, others will begin to follow our example, and a real change can occur world-wide.

Clean alternative energy systems for the home can also save one a lot of money on electricity in the long-run, but it can be expensive to have the systems installed by a commercial company. It’s quite possible to build your own wind or solar power system at home, however, for a fraction of the cost. And advanced technical knowledge or skills are not a requirement. There are several good, popular guides available which will teach you exactly how to do this, and give you step-by-step instructions.

For more information, on some of the most popular DIY Alternative Energy guides available, please visit Best-Selling DIY Solar & Wind Guides.

Winds have been used for many purposes for hundreds of years. From ancient sailing vessels to windmill power on farms. With the depletion of fossil fuels a clear and present truth, wind power has become news for the now. Wind power for home use is now more accessible than ever before. From using home wind generators for powering appliances to wind farms used to power entire cities, wind turbines are a renewable source of energy for the ages.

Building wind powered turbines can be a backup power source or it can be used to power appliances in one’s home. Wind power can take a home partially off the power grid or completely off the grid. The more wind the more power that can be made, as power is made from the blades turning.

This energy is then sent to a battery source for storage. Before being used in a residence or other electrical application, it must first be converted to an AC current using and inverter. The amount of power produced by the wind turbine is based on the wind turbine blade size, how tall the tower is and how much wind the area has.

Wind powered homes are typically powered both by the local power company and the wind power generator. If the wind speeds decline below the necessary speed and no electricity is created, the local power kicks in. On the other hand, if the wind powered generator produces too much power it is sold back to the local power company.

Being completely off the grid is another option for wind turbine powered homes. In this case, the home has no backup power system. Batteries are used to store any excess power collected; however, in long periods of no wind, the batteries would eventually run out of power leaving the house without a power source.

Inter-tied or off the grid powered homes are both examples of using wind power turbines for residential home power. For large scale power needs, it takes more than a single wind powered turbine.

Large scale power production from wind turbines required large scale wind turbines set up in clusters. These clusters are known as wind farms. Wind farms are typically set up on large areas of flat land where the wind is on average 14 mph. These wind farms, once developed, are free from inflation and offer a free source of renewable energy.

These utility sized wind turbines send their energy to nearby generator stations where it will be distributed throughout the area. This power created by these wind farms is a constantly renewable source of energy, particularly in windy areas.

From wind farms for powering cities or wind turbine generators for powering homes, the use of wind driven turbines is on the increase. Our supply of fossil fuels mandates that we find and use an alternate energy source. Wind, a practically endless supply of energy, is at our disposal for power use. Homeowners can build and use their own wind turbines for supplementing their power.

If you are thinking about installing renewable power in your home then it is well worth taking into consideration a Homemade Power option, as these are easy to build and install. They also cost a fraction of off-the shelf systems.

There are some great Renewable Energy Resources available on the Internet these days, so check them out before committing yourself.

http://www.SolarIsForAll.com San Diego Solar Systems Panels Expert Explains federal tax credits for solar, SDG&E Bill Savings. Call 888-865-9007 for a Solar Electric Companies Consultation.

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Solar panels are significant in gaining advantages of the solar power. In actual fact, solar panels are important to change the sun’s rays into electricity. With the development of technology, flexible solar panels are available these days. Nevertheless, the price to have solar panels still a little bit costly as the efficiency rating has not been improved extensively enough.

Generally, solar panels active at about 12 percent efficiency. It occurs even though some of the more recently developed panels can work at 20-percent and a panel measuring about eight square feet can generate 150-watts of electric power. This decodes into the need for a large selection of solar panels to give enough power to operate and average home.

It’s entailed to add all of the wattage requirements of all of the appliances in the home to conclude the energy need. It’s quite important to determine the size of the array that is needed to operate a home.

In most installations, the solar panels do notdon’t activate the appliances directly. The electricity produced is sent to a large array of batteries that stores the electricity for later use. The power from the batteries is sent through a converter to change it from the 12-volt direct current into 120-volt alternating current for household use. When they power is siphoned off the batteries, a regular sends the solar power to them to maintain their charge.

Panels with Tracking Capabilities Work Best

In most installations, the solar panels are in a fixed position as installers attempt to continue the number of working parts to a minimum. Nevertheless, the amount of direct sunlight hitting the panels is negatively influenced as the sun moves across the sky. Some installations fix them to a tracking mechanism to keep them aimed at the sun for the entire day in order to keep the solar panels aimed at the sun.

Lots of municipalities and states have been installed solar panels to produce power on many roadside devices. They shift to the solar power to have the minimum expenses to run the states. There are even solar powered parking meters lining the streets in several cities, but occasionally the shade trees planted to enhance the spot hinder with their operation.

Solar panels need direct exposure to produce enough power. For that reason, shade and night time are the enemies of solar panels. To have a good result in using the solar panels, it will better to place it in the exposure places.

Want to know further about solar panels? Let’s explore more on the links here and you will get much more about solar panels as well as any thing related.

Cleaner Electric Energy?

When I drive up to see my mother in law, there is a new sight on the horizon. There are huge wind turbines going up in an area that those of us in the area know is a very windy space.

This is probably the reason why that site was chosen for this type of
endeavor. I remarked to my husband that it was almost as if we are
going back in time when it comes to electric energy.

It is finally clear that we need cleaner ways to produce at least some of the
electric that we use each day in this country. You can make a difference in your choices as well.

I got a mailer from the supplier of my electric energy asking me where
I would like to get my power from. I thought this was very interesting.
I could choose what source (as in power plant, wind turbine, or even
hydroelectric power) for at least half of my electrical use. I could go
with green sources, or I could go by price. The neat thing was that the
choices for electric energy that were environmentally friendly were
also the ones that were cheaper, or were at the very least, on par in
price with the traditional options. This may be an option for your
electric energy where you live, even if you don’t know it. If you have
seen turbines going up in your area, this may be indeed an option that
you have in the future if you don’t have it already. There may also be
a renewed interest in finding sources of hydroelectric power in some
areas where turbines are not practical.

Some areas are working on solar power, and this is something you can use in your own home for your electrical power if you so choose.

If you aren’t sure what is going on with your local electric energy
supplier, call them up and ask. You may have gotten the information in
the mail, but then threw it away thinking it was an advertisement or
something else you didn’t care to open. If you call them, they can tell
you if you have choices, and when you can sign up for them. If they
don’t yet have any alternative means for producing electric energy, you
can then tell them that you hope they will be doing something like this
in the future.

Solar Panel Store, solar energy, solar company

As the world advances, new technologies arise – or, in some cases, older technologies are exhumed and improved upon.

Although most people are under the impression that the field of photovoltaics is a new subject, based on recent invention, this is not actually the case. But first of all lets take a look at what “photovoltaic” means.

The word “photovoltaics” can be split up in to two parts: “photo” and “voltaic”. The term “photo” is derived from the Greek word “phos” which means “light.” A “volt” is a measurement unit for electrical force. So, literally, “photovoltaic” means “electricity through light.” And that is exactly what the word means: “capturing solar energy in the form of light and converting it into electricity.”

So how do we convert sunlight into solar energy and electricity?

In order to convert sunlight into electricity you need to use a material called a “semiconductor”.

In simple terms, a semiconductor is a material that acts as an insulator, but is also able to conduct electricity under certain conditions. We employ the characteristics of semiconductors when we convert solar energy (in the form of sunlight) into electricity. It is done as follows:

When a semiconductor (such as silicon) is exposed to light, it releases small amounts of electrical energy. This is due to the process of electrons (bits of electricity) leaving the surface of the semiconductor, in response to being hit by light. We call this the “photoelectric effect.”

Sunlight is made up of “photons”, which are particles of solar energy. Not all photons are the same and not all carry the same amount of energy. A simple explanation for this is that light comes in many colors. Some forms of light are visible to the eye, while some forms are invisible (such as ultraviolet or infrared light). But, regardless of color or visibility, the fact remains that light is still light and the basic particle of light is still a photon.

When a photon hits a photovoltaic cell (also called a “PV cell” for short) one of three things occurs:

1. The photon can be reflected by the photovoltaic cell

2. The photon can be absorbed by the photovoltaic cell

3. Or (believe it or not) the photon can even pass right the photovoltaic cell. Only the photons which are absorbed by the photovoltaic cell are converted into solar energy (in the form of electricity).

When a photon is absorbed by the semiconductor (the material in the photovoltaic cell which produces electricity) the solar energy of the photon is passed to an electron in one of the atoms of the semiconductor. With this additional energy the electron is able to break away from its atom. Thus an electrical current is generated.

This is the simplicity of what occurs in a photoelectric cell, when sunlight is converted into electricity. The electricity so produced can now be power an electrical device.

As you can see, the field of photovoltaics consists of the technology and the principles we use to convert solar energy into a usable form.

- Photovoltaic Systems

Now that we know what a photovoltaic cell is and how it works, lets take this a step further and take a look at what a photovoltaic system is.

A photovoltaic system has consists of the following components:

- A “photovoltaic module”, or “pv module”. This is a group of photovoltaic cells connected together, commonly referred to as a solar panel, though the terms “PV module” and “solar charger” are used to describe it as well.

- One or more batteries to collect and store the solar energy, which was converted into electricity by the PV modules (or solar panels, solar chargers, or whatever you choose to call them).

- A “charge controller”. This an electrical device which prevents the batteries from being ruined through overcharging, and which also prevents electrical current from flowing back out of the battery into the PV module or solar panel.

- “An inverter.” An inverter an electrical device which changes the electricity produced by the PV modules into alternating current. Alternating current is the type of electricity you get from your wall sockets at home. An inverter is only used with PV systems when you want to produce alternating current as your end result. If you run your house on solar energy, the inverter is installed between the batteries and the fuse panel.

A good quality PV system will operate for more than twenty years. The PV module, having no moving parts, has an expected lifetime exceeding thirty years. Most system problems occur due to poor or sloppy installation.

So how much electricity is generated by a photovoltaic system?

The average PV system will generate about 180 kilowatt-hours per square meter, in most areas of the United States.

A PV system rated at 1 kilowatt will produce 1800 kilowatt hours per year.

In case you are not clear on what a “kilowatt-hour” is, this is a way of measuring the amount of electricity produced or consumed.

Let me put it in monetary terms, which might be easier to understand. Many PV panels are guaranteed to last twenty years or more – most even claim to last thirty years. Even if we factor in the natural loss of efficiency in the PV modules over a period of twenty to thirty years, a PV system will generate close to 36,000 Kilowatt-hours in twenty years and 54,000 kilowatt hours over thirty years.

This is the equivalent of $10,000 worth of electricity at current energy prices.

Therefore, though initial installation of a PV system might seem a little costly, in the long run it is far cheaper to run on solar energy.

There are different types and sizes of solar panels (photovoltaic cells) which produce varying amounts of solar power.

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For more information on solar cells and solar power, please visit Anna’s website, at Photovoltaic Cells, DIY Solar, or Solar Energy News.

Window Insulation
Let’s briefly discuss the factors that are important in making your selections for new windows, then we’ll jump right into installing. Windows are one of the most important selections you can enjoy about your house. They offer light and ventilation, and also affect the look of your house. There are several different sorts of windows, including double-hung, bow, and hopper.

No matter how thick your wall, how thick your insulation, if you don’t have good windows, you will lose money in heating and cooling every year. The higher the insulating value of your windows, the longer the room stays comfortable after the furnace kicks off. Your house will be less comfortable because of the quickly change from warm to cold in the winter, and from cool to hot in the summer.

If you’ve read already on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. U-Value is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. If you live in a colder area, I would recommend a value of 0.35 or less.

There are many, many other sorts of windows, for special applications. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward. Fixed windows do not open, so they don’t offer any ventilation. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house.

Double-Pane
When looking for a window, enjoy sure they are double pane. These sorts of windows have two panes of glass separated by an inert gas. This separation and gas offer much better insulation than just one or two panes of glass alone. If, however, you live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you %might have% the best windows you can afford.

Different Window Styles
Another option to think about is how your windows open and close. The most famous sort of window today is the Double-Hung window. These windows are generally much easier to clean because you can remove each sash, or just tip it down to clean both sides of the window. Each sash is in it’s own track and moves up and down independently of one another.

Frank Sarntarpia
window contractor
Find also info on remodeling estimate and solar panels for homes.

Remodeling Your Basement

Make your basement a living space
Often, a basement can be viewed as “found” living space in your house. If an unfinished basement or cellar can be finished to become usable space, you have for all intents and purposes increased the square footage of your house without moving. A remodeled basement provides you with added comfort and convenience and will enhance the re-sale value of your house.

Remodeling a basement makes always sense
Even if your basement is already finished, remodeling again may still be in order. A previously underutilized basement spare bedroom may turn into that home gym you need, or a infrequently used home entertainment may turn into the recreation room for the kids room you’ve always wanted. Chances are that if your basement has already been remodeled either by the previous owner, or by you a long time ago, a good portion of the work and expense can be eliminated from the new project.

Is your basement dry?
It pays to be sure your basement will remain dry before you commence your basement upgrade. Begin your project by thoroughly reviewing the foundation walls, paying close attention to the corners and the area where the walls meet the floor. Engage a specialist to fill any cracks in the basement walls you happen to observe, and it would be an excellent investment to have the walls waterproofed prior to starting your project.

Cover the walls
It is not important what type of area you are remodeling, you must cover the foundation walls. To cover the basement walls, it is best to employ a dry wall contractor who will stud out the walls and install the drywall. Finished and painted dry wall will quickly provide your raw basement space a warmer and more lived in look.

Build a handsome floor for your basement
You can mull over having your contractor put in an insulated floor covering the concrete slab; assuring that you can keep the remodeling basement cozier and dryer. The cement basement slab can be covered with linoleum or ceramic tiles, or it may be carpeted. A well-installed and attractive floor gives a finished basement the look of being an integral part of the home, not only an add-on.

Using the correct lighting
Using the correct lighting is very important to a successful basement remodeling project. Basements are by their very nature dim, because they have little or no natural lighting. The end result of good basement lighting is to allow the homeowner to forget that he is in a room lacking windows, or at best, equipped with small windows.
If the basement is partially below ground, try to install as many windows as practical to maximize natural light. If the basement is completely below ground level, the homeowner should use as much lighting as possible to circumvent having the typically low-ceilinged basement look like a cave. Indirect lighting is the most natural way to light a basement, since it gives the room a more spacious feel, and provides the impression of higher ceilings.

Let your imagination roam free.
Since your basement is in effect a gift of, let your imagination roam free. If your bank account can stand it, you can switch some chilly, damp storage area into a wine cellar, a home entertainment room, a cozy den, a home office – and increase the value of your home by doing it.

Frank Sarntarpia
Find info on remodeling a kitchen and all about solar energy for homes.

Window Insulation
Windows are basically holes in the wall. Windows are one of the most important selections you can make about your home. They provide light and ventilation, and also affect the look of your home. There are several different types of windows, including double-hung, bow, and hopper. Let’s briefly discuss the factors that are important in making your selection for new windows, then we’ll jump right into installing.

If you’ve read already on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. U-Value is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. If you live in a colder climate, I would recommend a value of 0.35 or less. So remember, the most efficient windows have a high R-Value and a low U-Value.

No matter how thick your wall, how thick your insulation, if you don’t have good windows, you will lose money in heating and cooling every year. The higher the insulating value of your windows, the longer the room stays comfortable after the furnace kicks off. Your home will be less comfortable because of the quick change from warm to cold in the winter, and from cool to hot in the summer.

Different Window Styles
The most popular type of window today is the Double-Hung window. These windows are generally much easier to clean because you can remove each sash, or just tip it down to clean both sides of the window.

Double-Pane
Today, there is absolutely no reason to buy windows that are not double-pane, except maybe if you live in a climate that is 75 degrees year round. When looking for a window, make sure they are double pane. These types of windows have two panes of glass separated by an inert gas. This separation and gas provide much better insulation than just one or two panes of glass alone. If, however, you live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you’ll want to have the best windows you can afford.

There are many, many other types of windows, for special applications. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house. Fixed windows do not open, so they don’t provide any ventilation. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top.

Frank Sarntarpia
windows replacing
Find also info on home remodeling cost and solar panels for homes.

Finishing Your Basement

Make your basement a living space
If you go through the effort of finishing, a basement can be viewed as “found” living space in your house. If an unfinished basement or cellar can be renovated to become living space, you have in essence increased the square footage of your house without moving. A renovated basement will supply you with extra comfort and convenience and will increase the market value of your house.

Finishing a foundation makes always sense
Even if your basement is already finished, finishing again may still make sense. A previously ignored basement home entertainment may be transformed into that wine cellar you need, or a rarely used recreation room for the kids may turn into the spare bedroom room you’ve always wanted. In the lucky event that your basement has already been finished either by the previous owner, or by you many years ago, much of the work and expense can be removed from the new project.

Is your foundation dry?
It is vital to be confident that your basement will always be dry before you begin your basement renovation. Start your project by inspecting the foundation walls, with close attention to the corners and the area where the walls meet the floor. Engage a specialist to fill any cracks in the foundation walls you may see, and it is an excellent investment to have the walls waterproofed before you begin your project.

Cover the walls
No matter what manner of area you are remodeling, you must cover the cement or block walls. To cover the foundation walls, it is probably a good idea to hire a dry wall contractor who will stud out the walls and install the drywall. Spackled, sanded and painted sheetrock will immediately instill in your unfinished basement space a warmer and more inviting look.

Build an attractive floor for your foundation
You can think about having your contractor build an insulated floor covering the cement slab; assuring that you can keep the finishing basement cozier and dryer. The cement basement slab can be overlaid with linoleum or ceramic tiles, or it may be carpeted. A well-constructed and beautiful floor gives a remodeled basement the appearance of being an integral part of the home, not only a postscript.

Using the correct lighting
Basements are by their very nature dingy, because they usually provide little or no natural lighting. Using the correct lighting is critical to a successful basement renovation. What we want to accomplish with basement lighting is to cause the user to remain unaware that he is in a space without windows, or at best, equipped with insufficiently sized windows.
If the basement is partially below grade, try to install as large a quantity of windows as practical to maximize natural light. Indirect lighting is the most effective way to light a basement, since it gives the space a more spacious feel, and gives the impression of higher ceilings. If the basement is completely below grade, the homeowner should use as much lighting as possible to avoid having the normally low-ceilinged basement feel like a cave.

Let your imagination roam free.
Since your basement is essentially a gift of, let your imagination roam free. If your budget can stand it, you can switch some cool, damp storage room into a wine cellar, a home entertainment room, a cozy den, a home office – and enhance the value of your home in doing so.

Frank Sarntarpia
Find info on kitchen remodeling ideas and all about solar energy for homes.