Mindzle

Archive for August, 2009

With a severe energy crisis imminent, it may be a sensible option to implement an alternative power source for your home. It not only assists the government fight the energy shortage in a better way, but also can save energy for the rest of the world. Using an alternative energy solution is a great way to support a greener and healthier environment.

Here is Your Solar Panel Project

Of the few alternative power systems, the the ones most commonly used on a personal basis are the solar panel system and the wind generator system. In spite of the fact that wind power is an effective system, many people can’t employ it because of its requirements. For implementing a wind generator system, you need a large area and the local wind speed in the area should be in the region of 11 mph. The solar energy method is comparatively easy to install. All that is required is a roof or other clear space and a reasonable amount of the sun’s rays.

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

Go The DIY Route To Solar Energy

Solar cooker: The solar cooker is one of the most popular components of a solar energy system. Let’s look at its advantages:

• Healthy cooking – Meals prepared with a solar cooker is considered very healthy. A small cooking box is all you need, even for a family of five.

• Variety cooking – You can boil, roast, and bake with the same system!

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

• No emissions – A solar cooker doesn’t emit gases or leave any residue. This makes it a very environmentally friendly cooking method.

Solar generator: The solar generator is a mechanism that runs all your electrical requirements using the the sun’s energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. The solar generator is also known as as the solar lighting system. The solar generator stores electrical energy in cells for later use. Installing a solar generator at home is an amazing power-saving and cost-efficient endeavor. Imagine running your electrical appliances without being concerned about paying any bills!

Solar thermal system: Choosing a solar thermal method or solar heating system for your house takes care of your home’s temperature requirements. You can maintain the temperature in your home as warm as you desire and not have to be concerned about the bill. Thanks to their increased usage, these solar heating systems have become easier to afford. And once regarded as an eyesore, they have now become more attractive to the eye.

The Top Three Solar Panel Projects

In 2008 the US book and magazine industry sector was responsible for the felling of 125 million trees. Many publishing firms are environmentally aware and use sustainably sources for their paper supply. In simple terms, they plant a new tree for every one they cut down. However, this is not yet universal and even those who do source responsibly generally fail to take account of the vast amounts of both water and thermal energy used in the process of paper manufacture.

The carbon footprint of the average book is 7.5 kg of CO2 during the course of its lifetime. However, if you jump in your car, drive down to the bookstore, purchase your book, and then drive home again, that book’s carbon footprint is immediately doubled. It’s surprising that such relatively small actions like this make such a large difference.

So it should be no surprise to learn that electronic book readers – such as the Amazon Kindle – are kinder to the environment. Even aside from the fact that no paper, ink or water are used in the production of electronic books, the method of delivery – download from the internet using either standard connection or 3G wireless technology – is considerably more environmentally friendly.

Of course, it would be wrong to suggest that e-book readers have no environmental impact. Clearly they consume both energy and materials in the course of the manufacturing process of the reader device. Additionally, they require electrical power when in use. However, even when these factors are taken into consideration, they are still significantly better for the environment than the continued use of conventional printed books, newspapers and magazines.

It is estimated that in 2009, e-book readers will be “carbon neutral” – the CO2 saved by the use of electronic media will almost exactly balance the CO2 used to manufacture and power the devices. Looking forward to the not so distant future, as usage increases, the manufacture and operating “cost” will be more than offset by the savings achieved by avoiding the manufacture and distribution of conventional paper based books and magazines.

The majority of people will purchase their Kindle reader based on the fact that it’s convenient, trendy and that it offers a way for them to save money on books. The fact that it’s more environmentally friendly will probably be a secondary consideration for many – even so, it will have a significant positive impact in the future.

Can oil produced by algae save the planet?

In our green real estate section we usually try to focus on environmentally friendly advice for our homes. However, this time it will be about some interesting research, which can help us to get rid of the feelings of guilt connected with driving our gas guzzling cars. Our daily routine has many important parts and oil is usually one of them. Almost everyone in the developed world has a car, which is a necessary part of everyday life, and so do I, as most of the realtors who have to drive around their neighbourhoods on a daily basis. Life would just be difficult without our beloved car. Unfortunately, we all know the two basic problems related to driving: unsound oil supplies driving prices up and down and the environmental harm caused by fuel burning and the related carbon dioxide emissions.

The Institute for Genomic Research was started off by Craig Venter, an American biologist and a successful enterpreneur. He predominantly deals with genetic engineering and his newest project has aroused a great deal of heated debate.

Some experiments have already been working with biofuels, some of them also with natural oil produced by algae. But Craig Venter is ready to explore more than that. He is trying to explore if it’s possible to modify the genomic make-up of algae in order to make them produce oil of almost the same composition as the traditional crude oil. This option is so much better, as you can use current oil industry infrastructure like refineries, and even produce plastics in the same way as from crude oil refining employing the same production plants that are presently being used. It doesn’t shock us that one of the companies producing the most oil on the planet, Exxon Mobile, donated $600 million for Ventor to go on with his research.

Now your question might be, where is the environmental benefit? Well, right here. The oil produced by algae could well contribute to coping with one of the most serious problems of our world. Plants use the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, use it in a photosynthesis process to create the oil and then the oil is burned and turned into oxalates. Of Course, we can’t suppose this miracle solution to be available this year or next, but science indicates us there is always some way we can try, and Craig Venter and his team have a very good chance of succeeding where others have tried and failed. There are many people in Canada and elsewhere that want to protect the environment, but due to their occupation, it is very difficult for them to stop using cars, just like so many of my fellow Toronto real estate agents can’t.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has forecast that global demand for energy will grow by a massive 54% over the next 20 years.The long-term energy forecast from the EIA predicts that by 2025, world electricity demand will be almost double what it is now. 
The bulk of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas.  Their energy is released when they are burnt, with carbon dioxide released into the air at the same time.These traditional energy resources won’t last forever and are not renewable and burning them leads to emissions which harm the environment, therefore there is a growing need to develop renewable energy sources such as wind, water, solar and geothermal.   
The amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is six thousand times the amount of energy that we use on Earth.Since ancient times, solar energy has been used to meet some of the world’s energy needs, but with increasing awareness of environmental issues, solar power has come to the fore.
Energy from the sun is a workable alternative to the traditional energy sources of fossil fuels, and is mainly used for generating electricity and heating water.  
From enormous sports stadiums and towering skyscrapers to isolated farmhouses and ordinary suburban households, solar power is increasingly becoming the cost-effective energy solution of choice.The giant new 55 000 seater stadium in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung is the first stadium in the world to use solar energy technology to generate power.The 19-hectare stadium was built for the World Games in 2009 and will generate enough energy for its 3 300 lights and two gigantic TV screens through the 8 844 solar panels on its roof.  
That is solar power on a massive level.  For ordinary households however, solar power is a real alternative to conventional sources and can meet domestic energy needs cost-effectively and with very little maintenance.
Installing solar panels on a domestic property, homeowners will ultimately reduce their power costs, add value to their property and reduce their carbon footprint, say solar power specialists, Solar My World in Perth.   There are two options for solar power for Perth property owners, namely grid connect and off-grid solar power systems.
A grid connect system is usually installed in areas that are more built-up and will supply solar power to a household through an inverter.When the solar system generates power that is surplus to needs, that surplus may be ‘on-sold’ to the electricity grid where appropriate.The other system uses a battery bank for energy storage and is a standalone system.This is usually installed in more far-flung areas where conventional power sources aren’t available or are not very reliable.  
A benefit of a solar power system is its versatility as it can be expanded to meet changing needs and can be designed for both AC or DC applications.
There is increasing concern over the impact that energy generation has on greenhouse gas emissions as it is the largest single contributor to emissions, and there is increasing urgency for people to investigate ways of reducing their own CO2 emissions.As discussed earlier in this article, Taiwan’s new stadium is anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions by 660 tons a year by producing power from its solar panels.  By making a simple decision to install solar power in our domestic locations, we could all have the energy to save the world.

If you have been feeling weighed down by the large power bills you have been receiving, it is time to take some concrete action. You can reduce your energy costs by following some very easy actions.

This article lists some simple, easy-to-do actions to lower your electricity bill.

Limit Electricity Use:: Turn off lights and electrical appliances before leaving a room. Even if something is not on but is plugged in, it is using electricity. Unplug all chargers and seldom-used appliances.

How Can You Save Money on Energy Bills: Find The Solution Here

Smart investments: Try compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in place of the regular incandescent ones. You can save about $60 a year by using these energy-saving bulbs. Buy an energy-saving tool like The Power-Save. For your showerheads, use the low-flow kind. Get a water heater insulating blanket/jacket, especially if the water heater is in an unheated part of the house. Replace air/heat filters as recommended and keep A/C coils clean. See that your home has adequate insulation. Get newer type windows, or at least check them for proper seal.

Home Appliances:

• Wait for a full load before running the clothes washer.
• Keep the water on for the minimal amount of time.
• Raise the thermostat temperature in summer and lower it in winter. Even a couple of degrees can make a difference.
• Turn off the computer monitor even when you take a one-minute break. It only takes a second to switch it back on.
Avoid preheating the oven more than necessary and peeking inside while cooking.
Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load and utilize the air-dry option. Not using the heat option for drying can save 20% of the total power used.
Use cold water as much as possible when you wash your clothes.
Swap out your appliances to energy-efficient models.
The refridgerator is responsible for 20% of the total electricity consumed in your home. Check to see if the fridge and freezer are sealed tightly when closed. Set the fridge temperature to 37 degrees or as close to that as feasible.
Try lowering the thermostat on your water heater. One hundred twenty degress (120) F is usually sufficient.

An Inexpensive Project to Cutting Your Energy Costs: And Save Even More Money!

Take advantage of the home energy audits often offered by the local power company. An audit can tell you how and where your home is wasting electricity.

Remember, lowering your electricity bill is equivalent to saving power, thus helping the world conserve power for its future generations.

Lower or even eliminate your utility bill by utilizing solar and wind power to generate your own electricity. Obtain our comprehensive guide at:

Is There An Answer To Rising Energy Bills? Find Out Here

There’s not much people enjoy more than a bit of plant genocide, particularly in their backyard pond, or even the fishpond where it would make major problems for the fish as well as you. Fish do not relish navigating through a huge underwater forest any more than the rest of us, so it’s a good idea to keep a handle on the plants on the bottom of the pond, before some of them turn into the carnivorous plant from Jumanji.

An excess of watery plant life can create issues all the way from watercraft motors getting clogged, to undesirable results when fishing, to kids experiencing a terrible time attempting to swim through the pond. None of these are things you desire, therefore it’s best to destroy the root of the problem before it starts.

You have a couple options available to you, choices that range from biological control, meaning the introduction of fish which naturally govern the aquatic life populous, to covering your whole pond with plastic…that seems a rather drastic measure, but you know, whatever floats your boat.

So let’s go over a couple of the options, and then you can decide which one is best for you, just remember that these are only a very few choices, and you must consult with other pond owners, or professionals to discover every single option available to you.

Harvesting – Ridding yourself of the plants manually, is definitely a great option. Of course, if this plant isn’t situated on the shore, or {isn’t}~is not sitting on the top of the pond, you may find yourself investing in some scuba equipment to swim down there without suffocating. If you do not know the ins and outs of scuba diving, or cannot stop breathing for a long time, it is advisable for you to get a hold of the experts. As a matter of fact, there’s businesses that specialize in cleaning the bottom of bodies of water, so you will be in pretty good hands in that regard.

Chemicals – There are chemicals at your disposal to get rid of the pesky plant life. A few chemicals are Fluridone,2,4-D, Glyphosate, Diquat, Endothall. Of course, it is not encouraged that you utilize any sort of herbicide or chemical to eradicate plant life, which isn’t dissimilar to the reason it’s never recommended for you to throw an electrical current into the lake to catch your prize fish. Using herbicides may prove detrimental for fish, as well as any other life which you might have residing within the pond. Use such things carefully, or better yet, don’t use them at all unless you absolutely have to.

Dye – You can purchase a huge selection of chemicals which will color the water, and thereby reduce the amount of sun for any aquatic plants. It’s best to do such at the beginning of spring for a better turnout.

Lining – Covering the bottom of your body of water with a type of plastic is additionally a viable choice, as that will halt the development of any sort of aquatic plant life. Remember that this can get costly, so consider the size of your pond, as well as the amount of plastic you will require. Of course that is a viable option for compact fish ponds, but perhaps not so much for an entire lake in the backyard.

Don’t forget that there are tons of methods to stop aquatic life from invading the pond, and to discover the technique that is right for you, consult an expert or talk to other pond keepers.

If you are deciding whether to install a solar energy system to your home, you may be wondering if the savings will be worth the costs. Of course, there is the initial cost to buy the solar panels and get them installed. But there are also many ways that you will be saving money, not only with the immediate utility savings, but savings against increasing fuel costs as well as increasing the value of your home.

Get This Money Saving Handyman’s DIY Guide

As so many factors go into installing a solar electricity system, each home has to be considered individually. The pitch of the roof and the direction it faces, and the location of shade trees or structures that might block sunlight from reaching the panels all must be taken into consideration. And a thorough assessment is extremely important for each system to work at maximum efficiency. You can obtain accurate pricing for your particular site from professional installers for your materials and installation.

Whether or not you experience an immediate cost reduction depends on your local electric company’s use of net metering. Net metering is a program for solar panel owners in which certain utility companies will buy back the customers’ surplus electricity. If your local electric company offers this, you will have a substantial decrease in your electric bills. Some customers actually pay nothing each month because their solar panel system produces sufficient electricity for their own use as well as excess to send back into the grid. Even if your local power company doesn’t allow for net metering, you will still save on your electric bill. All day while the sunlight is hitting your solar panels, your appliances are powered with your own solar energy, not electricity from the power company.

Read This Economical Method of Installing Solar Panels

It’s probable that, in the near future, houses with solar electric systems will be considered to have added value. As the cost of fuel continues to increase, so does the awareness of the value of alternative energy. If you can show a potential buyer a history of energy cost reduction, that may be just the added value they need to select your home over another. And since energy prices are predicted to rise in the future, your solar panel system can serve as a real hedge against inflation. Installing a solar power system also means you won’t have to put up with the brownouts and power outages that can occur with bad weather or just due to electrical overload.

Discover Ways To Reduce Costs and Build Your Solar Panels Here

Do you know what I realized today? The summer holiday months are nearly over and Autumn is almost here. I was looking through a mag when I noticed the face of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh. Yes thats correct it was because the 2009 version of the X Factor was starting soon. I mean the year has literally flew by so quick, it seems as though the X Factor has just finished. And we all acknowledge that the X Factor signals the commencement of the winter time of year. So what has happened to the summertime. I mean I did not experience any of it.

Let us briefly cast our minds back, I believe it was in June when we had about a weeks worth of sunshine, but I unfortunatley was not around to experience it on that occasion. We then had lots of rain and then suddenly another huge heat wave hit which lasted for around five days and which I did experience. Since then it has been a ceaseless course of rain and drizzle.

Well it seems to be all over now as we head into the Autumn, so instead we have to think about switching on and checking the Central Heating. There are a few things that you should be looking at doing to keep your costs lower this wintertime.

First and foremost you should look at ordering the heating oil that you need right now, if you do you may still be able to get some discount prices, the second thing is to plan for the winter. I acknowledge that a lot of people merely switch the heaters on when they feel it getting a bit chilly, but this is altogether the incorrect thing to do. I mean its not cold every day of the winter, so why run up your bills?

Order Heating oil

The range of solar lights has grown to the stage when you can create your touch of style. When designing the landscape for your garden and home, it is important to choose the right style for yourself. Below are the different types of styles:

Style 1: Fun and Creative

Fun and Creative Style is usually created by brilliant striking colours such as orange and easily to carry around without plugging into soil or tied to another object. One great item that fits this style is Solar Pot of various patterns on them such as bubbles and flowers. Simply place them on a table or any other flat platform like a normal flower pots and let sunlight shines on them. You can add few stalk of floral item in the centre of the pot to further beautify. At night, it glows in the dark, perfect for a candlelight dinner, without polluting the air and table with wax like real candles.

Style 2: Nature Blending

If you are a nature-lover, you will love nature blending style. The main body of the solar lights are made of stone or synthetic plastic flowers/insects (like butterflies). No matter for outdoor or indoor, image of the stone plays an important role in bringing our mind back to the nature and fills the surrounding with a sense of tranquility. Solar Flower/Insect LED String Light also have the same effect as stone. Best place for them is on the patio, wall or fence. Add a small water fountain using Solar water pump to bring the natural water flowing sound to your garden and home. I love to have all these to complete my “Nature Blending” home.

Style 3: Poised and Shiny

Poised and shiny style really raises the level of your market value and projects an impression of a high profile apartment. With the perfectly polished stainless steel body and sometimes curvy body, it is no wonder it made people view your landscape with envy. If you want your office or home looked poised, plant them along the walkway that has bright sunlight to impress your visitor.

Style 4: Enchanting

Bring back the memory of an enchanted gardens or labyrinth from fantasy stories and movie into your own gardens with enchanting style. Place some enchanted creatures like dwarf using Solar Garden Gnomes and angels using Fairy Solar Lights around your gardens to instill a sense of mystic. Other wonders that you can use to enchant is Lighthouse Solar Lights and Rome Solar Lights, both stands tall between 1 – 2 metres. These creates a sense of “off the beaten track” type of feeling.

Decide on your style for different corner of your house and garden. Each of the design can give a unique impression. Do your own review by looking for designs on the web or newspaper. You may also like to write in to me for more advice some finding the right style to suit your landscape and personality.

Paul Low is the founder for BrilliantSolarLights.com, an Online Solar Lighting Store specialized in wide range of solar lights with design from contemporary to exotic style. He is also a partner for Earth Day Network, actively support the global green movement. You are welcome to visit his blog to view interesting writeup on latest trend in solar lights or send your query on Solar Lights to his email at paul.low1@gmail.com.

You may be wondering how solar panels can function in an area that experiences severe winters. After all, this is a technology that relies on sunlight in order to deliver power.

However, the last 10 years have brought much innovation and progress to solar panel technology. Now, even when it’s snowy, cloudy or rainy, solar panels can easily create electricity.

Solar Panels – Do They Work In Winter? Get This Report!

If yours is an off grid system that works separately of a power utility company, your solar energy system will have a set of storage batteries. These batteries are similar to the kind used in cars. They are made to store any excess power that your solar panels generate during the day. Your battery storage system should include enough of these batteries to store energy in correspondence to the amount of overcast days typical for your geographical region.  

If your system is tied to the grid (connected to the local electric company) it won’t require storage batteries. When the sun disappears at night, or there’s a interval of inclement weather obscuring the sun for days, your power system will automatically obtain electricity from your local energy company. Of course, during sunny days, your solar panels will be providing your electric power, so you will still be benefitting from lower power costs.

The Energy2Green Solar Panel Method Review

In some areas, you may even be able to sell electricity back to your local electric company.   This is yet another way solar panels can prove cost effective. How this operates is that any surplus power that your solar panels generate flows back into the grid system and you receive a credit for it on your energy bill.  So even when you need to use power from the grid at night or on overcast days, the excess that was generated by your solar panels will still be used to reduce your overall utility bill.

Have You Considered a Solar Panel Project?