Household Solar Energy Kit - Renewable Energy For The Home
Author: Natan
If you're looking for a way to drastically lower your monthly expenses, learning how to build your own solar panels will save you big in the long run.
I just couldn't afford it, even though I was being told I could save up to 70% on my energy bills.
After a little searching on the internet, I came across more than a few sites that were trying to sell me diy solar panels and wind turbines. I've read the reviews and I've tried the offers.
www.earth4energy.com was the only one I've really stuck with. Their solar energy kit allows you to put the whole thing together for under 0, everything included.
Michael Harvey has has helped many people save on their power bills and the testimonials speak for themselves.
Learning how to build home made solar panels and a wind generator system is easier than it's ever been, especially if you have a step-by-step guide to show you how to get started.
It only took me a day or two to find and assemble all the parts that I needed to build my own homemade solar power system from scratch.
So, why bother with household solar energy kits?
Well, the first payout is that it's easy to do and the return on investment can be huge. Some home-owners have completely done away with their electricity bills, providing enough power for their entire home using this same system!
My logic is, why pay someone an outrageous amount to do it for me.. when I can I do the whole thing on my own for a fraction of the cost?
The government is giving out tax credits and rebates, encouraging people to do seek alternatives to fossil fuels, usually paying for a good portion of the item's cost.
There's no reason for you to keep paying ridiculous rates on your utility bills; there just isn't. The alternatives are readily available and considerably cheaper.
www.earth4energy.com will have you up and running in days and when you start seeing how much you've saved on heating and electricity, you'll be happy you invested into your own household solar energy kit - I know I am.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/household-solar-energy-kit-renewable-energy-for-the-home-1279790.html
About the Author
Natan is a full-time business consultant with a background in marketing. Click Here to learn about how you can save money building your own solar power system.
Lets just say that humans do not contribute to Global Warming in any significant way at all.?
Would it still be such a terrible idea to agree with the Kyoto protocol and reduce pollution as much as possible? Or to convert to renewable energies as much as possible?
Lets just say that you are adamantly against the idea of Global Warming. If you could vote for this idea that follows would you?
Idea- In the U.S., we will place solar panels in our major deserts. We will place solar panels on the roofs of our houses. Every home will have its own windmill generator. A back up battery system will be installed that can run for hours if not days in the case of loss of sun and wind or bar some event. Only will electricity be shipped into your home if you cannot provide it from a renewable source. Electric companies will no longer be ran for a profit, they can only be Co-ops. Every car will be 100% electric and will plug directly into a wall socket into your 100% renewable energy home.
For or against? sorry so long
For Zen Jesus…This study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conclusively demonstrates that energy payback for photovoltaic (PV) power is, in the worst case, less than 4 years. Given that PV module lifetimes are generally in excess of 20 years, a PV system will produce far more energy than it consumes over its lifetime.
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy99osti/24619.pdf
Solar PV technologies have declined in price every year since they were introduced onto the market, driven by improved research and development, and most of all by steady increases in sales volume. (In 1954, approximately one watt of PV generating devices was manufactured. In 2004, approximately one billion watts will be manufactured worldwide.)
So just with solar panels they would pay for themselves. Add a windmill and rollback meters and in no time you would actually be making a profit off of having renewable technologies.
Monthly average residential consumption of electricity in the United States in 1999 was 866 kilowatt hours. (Source: US DOE) So let’s just say 10,392 p/y.
A 1 kilowatt peak Solar System will generate around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate per 100 sq feet. For a “standard” system of 216 SUNSLATES you will use about 300 square feet of space on your roof. So 4,800 p/y.
The annual average wind mph where I live is 12, with a skystream 3.7 that would generate an estimated 400 kWhs per month. So 4,800 p/y.
So 10,932 – 9,600 = 1332 average consumer payment of kilowatt hours with both systems.
A Solar Energy System can provide electricity 24 hours a day. The solar electric modules are combined with batteries in one integrated energy system.
http://www.windenergy.com/documents/spec_sheets/3-CMLT-1338-01_Skystream_spec.pdf
http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/ccd/wndspd98.html
A little history of renewable energy…
The first cars in America back in the 1880s 1890s
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Crete/6111/electcar.htm
Thomas Edison
The New York Times, September 15, 1912:…a combination of gasoline engine, generator, and storage batteries by which, for a modest expense, every man can make his own electricity in his own cellar…
In 1913, Edison had announced the result of some 50,000 experiments conducted during seven painstaking years–a radical new energy self-sufficient home. Every device and system, basement to roof, was powered by batteries replenished continuously by a small-scale on-site household electrical generator.
Edison and Ford began to mass produce electric cars in 1914, “We have an order from the Ford Auto Co for about 4 million dollars worth of battery per year. They build next year 150,000 autos.” Edison-powered electric vehicles would sell as cheaply as $500 to $700. the entire car will weigh but 1,100 pounds.
It will run for 100 miles [without recharge]
“I have produced an energy system that will power the whole world for mere cents.” Nikola Tesla. To which Westinghouse replied, “That’s fine but where do I put the meter?”
A huge state by state list of rebates for wind and solar http://www.dsireusa.org/
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009 into law. The bill improves upon the 2008 tax credit, by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to take a 30% tax credit off the installed cost of a wind turbine.
So the point I am trying to make is that these systems have been available for years and have been purposefully ignored. If they would have been continuously worked on they would be cheap and affordable by now. The step to mainstream these things needs to be done as soon as possible.
buy a book called the Solar Living Sourcebook…
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Goods-Solar-Living-Sourcebook-12th/dp/091657105X
that’s a description of it, it’s about $25 but it has everything you need to know from start to finish, plus other topics / methods in sustainability/renewable energy
it’s basically the hornbook for sustainable folks…if they don’t own it then they’ve at least heard of it, i promise you that
How to green power my home?
I am a father of 3 and tired of paying these outrageous energy bills monthly. We pay in the neighbourhood of 450 canadaian and its got to end! I have come to the conclusion I am going to invest in renewable energy solutions for my home. I want to FULLY remove my home from the energy grid.
I need to know exactly what I will need? I understand I need solar panels and batteries, or windgenerator and batteries but, what else? What past the batteries in the system will I need?
Renewable energy federal tax credit and home ownership?
This is a rather complex issue I’m trying to work out. My goal is to take advantage of both the federal and state renewable energy incentives by purchasing a PV system for my parents home ~ (my legal inheritance), who live in PA where there is currently a generous state grant which stacks (fairly certain) with the Fed. tax credit. I currently work in NC where I’m renting an apartment.
I have no intention of touching real estate right now so buying my own place is out of the question.
This is the complication. To get the state grant, you must own a home in PA, so my solution is to have my folks deal with the solar installer and claim the grant. However, they do not make enough taxable income to benefit from the rather large 30% federal credit, so I would have to somehow take this credit on my own taxes, which would put the money back in my pocket in 1, maybe 2 fiscal years.
Problem is, the Federal credit requires you to be a homeowner (anywhere) in the United States to claim the residential tax credit. Would it be possible for my father to somehow add me to the house deed as a joint/family owner and enable me to claim the federal credit on my taxes? IRS form # 5695. I am very unfamiliar with how joint home ownership works, so I’d appreciate a knowledgeable answer.
In case it matters, my parents are both alive and legally married.
And anyone tax-savy enough to tell me 100% if joint-ownership would qualify me or not?
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/in_the_news/10475/pa_sunshine_solar_program/553019
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re=1&ee=1
This question will be a mute point after July 2010.
There are many good reasons other than global warming to switch to alternative sources of energy so I agree with most of your proposition.
First: we are in a condition called peak oil and anything that can be done to reduce demand for oil and natural gas, has several benefits. It keeps the finite supply of that resource available at a reasonable cost. And improving efficiencies improves productivity and has an economic benefit.
Second: Electricity generated from coal has many problems other than just carbon emissions. From environmental damage done during mining, to fine particulates, to radon gas and mercury emissions, to the fly ash disposal problem. Coal is just something we would be better off not burning.
I am not so certain I like the idea of the back up battery systems. I prefer that electricity on the grid come from sources that do not pollute like nuclear, wind and solar. Batteries are expensive, bulky, and are have a finite life.
I think we should look for other ways to reduce pollution in other areas like transportation. Improving efficiency always has more economic benefit than it does harm. Using less to do more is called improving productivity and is an engine of economic growth.
I feel rampant consumerism does not improve our standard of living.The pursuit of more stuff means we have less time for family and community. Technology and automation are wonderful. But why is it we now have less free time in spite of it? We work longer hours and are more socially isolated. Why?
With improved efficiencies, and by doing more with less, we would have more time, and more money. Perhaps some of us would choose to spend that time and money in less selfish ways. That would have tremendous benefit to for all of us.
” means an expenditure for property which uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer.”
You don’t own the house. While you expect to inherit it someday, it’s NOT yours.
Even if your father adds you to the title, it’s still not your principal residence, it’s theirs.
The obvious complication is that you want a tax credit you are not entitled to. Your parents don’t need the tax credit (it only reduces taxes, it doesn’t create a refundable credit).
How energy efficient are you?
Please feel free to answer the following questions…
I am a student from the University of Ulster currently undergoing research on attitudes towards energy saving measures and climate change/ green consumerism in the current economic climate. The importance of behavioural change is needed and should be encouraged for individuals to ‘change their habits’ and be better ecological citizens to prevent the consequences of our consumer behaviour, damaging the environment.
The questions that are used in this questionnaire are solely for the use of my research for my dissertation. The questionnaire is to be completed anonymously and you will not be treated as an individual participant. Please answer as truthfully as possible.
Many thanks
PART 1
Personal Details
1) Male/ Female
2) Age- under 18
18-35
36-59
60+
PART 2
Q3) Please state how you feel to the following statements
Climate change is a major issue that needs to be addressed now
There needs to be greater public awareness and understanding of energy generation and consumption
Responsibility for combating climate change starts in the HOME
Q4) Please state if you do any of the following in your household.
(a) Do you use energy saving light bulbs
Yes No Sometimes
b) Do you re-use plastic bags/use environmentally friendly bags
Yes No Sometimes
c) Do you turn off appliances/lights when not in use
Yes No Sometimes
d) Do you recycle
Yes No Sometimes
If yes what do you recycle and how often?
e) Leave appliances on standby
Yes No Sometimes
f) Leave the water running while washing/brushing teeth
Yes No Sometimes
g) Wash clothes at 40 rather than 30 degrees
Yes No Sometimes
h) Use public transport more than driving a car
Yes No Sometimes
Q5) Do you feel that it is due to Habits which makes you reluctant to change your routine to be more environmentally friendly?
Agree Disagree Not sure (please explain briefly your answer)
Q6) a) Do you feel you could do more to reduce you carbon footprint? (
Yes No Not sure
b) If YES will you do anything in the near future to reduce your energy consumption?
Q7) Have you adopted or would consider Energy saving measures in your home?
Power from Renewable energy resources
Yes No Would consider it
Home improvements E.g. (Double glazing, loft insulation
Yes No Would consider it
Energy efficient appliances
Yes No Would consider it
Q8) Which of the following options matches reasons for not implementing more measures for being more environmentally friendly. (May stste more than one option)
Lack of awareness
Too expensive
Too much effort
No interest in the environment
Difficult to change routine
Other (please state)
Q9) Which of the following would be the main incentives for you to manage your consumption patterns
(May tick more than one option)
Financial
Eco- Friendly home
Feel good factor
Positive influence on others
Better for the environment
Other (please state)
Part 3
The questions below are related to changing attitudes and consumption patterns. Please state whether you agree/ disagree or are not sure to the statements.
Please circle appropriate answer and you may give a brief explanation
Q10) A) Individual action alone will not make any difference so why bother being an ‘ecological citizen’
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
B) I encourage penalties/ fines and enforcement actions upon large companies that are substantial carbon emitters
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
C) Breaking habits is difficult for an individual, being part of a group and encouraging community citizenship would encourage me to change consumption patterns
Agree/Disagree/Not sure
D) Green consumerism and Green products is just a money making scheme for large companies as opposed to being ‘environmentally friendly’
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
E) The Government should support local community action by funding programmes for behavioural change
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
F) Value for money/the quality of the product/the function of the product is more important than energy saving
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
G) Telling people how to behave is not always practical; people buy what is within their budget limitations regardless of the consequences on the environment
Agree/ Disagree/ Not
H) The products that I buy are what as an individual I Prefer regardless of the consequences on the environment
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
I) The current economic recession is more of a worry for me than preventing climate change
Agree/ Disagree/ Not sure
PART 4
Q11) Overall do you believe that ‘Going Green’ could be advertised and encouraged more in the UK? If so how?
Q12) Do you believe that sustainable consumption/better consumer behaviour is achievable even during the current economic recession? Have you found yourself buying more ‘green products’?
Q13) Do you have any intentions to change your behaviour and have a ‘greener attitude’ towards your consumption and daily patterns in the foreseeable future? What measures are you willing to take/not willing to take?
Have you got any further views on issues raised in this questionnaire?
Thankyou very much for your cooperation. Much appreciated.
Haven’t checked this site out but you might try here
1-f 2-18-35 3-100% agree with each one 4-ab yes c yes d yes paper, glass plastic tins weekly/ monthly efg no h sometimes 5-disagree as I have been doing this for years now 6- yes b get a new car that is better energy consumption 7-yes, already have double glazing, insulation etc 8- I don’t know what others think maybe too expensive 9-better for the environment and financial 10-a disagree b agree c agree d not sure e agree f not sure g agree h disagree i disagree 11- yes it could be done by getting more schools and councils on board, getting children involved for the pester power of parents is a good way and councils actually recycling instead of going abroad with it would encourage people 12- people have less money so are currently using less of everything, and being more aware, not so much buying green products. 13-I already take a lot of measures, I will be getting a newer car as soon as I can afford it to more be more energy efficient for the car.
Good luck with the paper
How do I start a career in renewable energy?
I’m interested in making homes more energy efficient through PV and wind systems but I don’t know where to start. I graduated early and I am searching for a program or apprenticeship where I can learn and get certified to install these type of systems.
I live in NV on the border of California.
I graduated early from high school. I want some hands on training I just don’t know where to find it.