Photovoltaic cells—those black squares an array of which comprises a solar panel—are getting more efficient, and gradually less expensive, all the time, thanks to ever-better designs which all them to focus the gathered sunlight on a more and more concentrated point. The size of the cells is decreasing as their efficiency rises, meaning that each cell becomes cheaper to produce and at once more productive. As far as the aforementioned cost, the price of producing solar-generated energy per watt hour has come down to $4.00 at the time of this writing. Just 17 years ago, it was nearly double that cost. Read the rest of this entry »

Solar Water Heater: Recommendations for Doing It Yourself

A solar water heater is a cost effective solution for reducing your homes energy bill.  Solar water heater systems can be designed for any climate and use the most inexpensive heating source available – sunlight!

The first consideration a “do-it-yourselfer” must make is what type of system they wish to install.  Active solar water heater systems use pumps and controls to keep water circulating and maintain efficiency.  Active solar water heaters are usually more expensive; however, the cost savings in added efficiency makes them more cost effective. Read the rest of this entry »

Alternative Energy will continue to be an important source of power for the world’s electrical demand in the foreseeable future.  Alternative energy sources may not overtake other major fuel sources used for electrical production, but they will play a vital role in creating a sustainable and renewable source.

Over the next several years liquid fuel will continue to outpace alternative energy as the largest fuel for electrical production.  Alternative Energy, Coal, and Natural Gas, are all expected to become more widely used as an important part of electrical production. Read the rest of this entry »

Residential Solar power is one of the most abundant sources of energy on the face of the planet. On a cool day simply walk from the shadows into the sunshine and feel the radiant energy. This radiant energy is the heart of all Residential solar power. Collecting this radiance effectively is the challenge.

Home Solar Panel Installation

Solar power has been used since the ancient days as a cost effective heating source. Building a house facing the sun meant it was easy to warm the stone walls with radiated energy. This eliminated the need for fires, or excessive clothing throughout the daylight hours. Through the evenings the radiated heat that was trapped inside the walls of the house continued to provide moderate warmth.

During the late 20th century during major fuel shortages residential solar power once again began to take on a significant role. In the 1970’s governments began to provide incentive programs for adding alternative energies to homes and businesses as a way to reducing fossil fuel demands. Read the rest of this entry »

Residential wind power is the second most abundant sources of alternative energy on the face of the planet. Residential wind power continues to grow at a significant rate as a primary source of alternative energy for homeowners. A quick way to reduce personal energy cost is an investment in residential wind power.

Residential Wind Power

Residential wind power is the second most abundant sources of alternative energy on the face of the planet. On most days one can simply walk outside and feel the breeze. On a nice summer day one can feel the refreshing breeze. During storms one can witness its destructive force.

Residential wind power is believed to have been used for around 3000 years. Initially it was used as a method in Persia to pump water. Even in modern times, windmill systems can be seen at many remote locations pumping water.

It was not until the late 19th century that wind was first used to generate electricity. In order to overcome the large force required for generating electricity, these structures were required to be very large and were not efficient.

Up until the late 20th century, residential wind power for electricity was not considered practical. Motor sizes were significant and required moderate speed to turn the rotor. These systems required large blade Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to Alternative-Energy-Nation’s-Solar Power Living.