A solar collector is a device which is essential to any solar heating system. It gathers the sun’s energy, converts it into heat, and then transfers the heat into water, air, or solar fluid. This device is mainly used in water heating systems, pool heaters, and space heating systems.

The amount of solar energy which strikes the earth’s surface in any given area depends on the location and weather conditions. But it averages out to around 1,000 watts per square meter, under good weather conditions, when the surface of the earth is perpendicular to the sun?s rays. To fully harness this energy, the solar collectors need to be positioned properly.

Types of Solar Collectors

There are three basic types of solar collectors.

The first type is the flat-plate collector. This is the most common type, and is used in homes for water and space heating systems. It usually consists of an insulated metal box, with a plastic or glass cover, and a dark absorber plate. It can be used to heat air or to heat liquid, at temperatures lower than 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then there?s the liquid flat-plate collector. It works by heating liquid as it flows through tubes that are adjacent to the absorber plate. The simplest liquid systems would use potable water which is heated as it passes through the collector and then flows back into the building. Some solar pool heaters use this type as well.

Finally, there is the air flat-plate collector, which is commonly used to heat air. In this case, the absorber plates can be made from either metal sheets, or from layers of screen. The air would be passed through the absorber by the use of a fan, or by natural convection. It should be noted that less heat is conducted by air than by water. This method is thus probably the least is least effective, amongst the different types of solar collectors.

Positioning

Solar collectors can be placed on the roof, but they must face the sun. If you?re in the southern hemisphere, it should be placed on a north-facing roof, while the opposite is true for those living in the northern hemisphere.

In a very sunny location, sunny, a 2 to 10 square-meter array might suffice to provide hot water for a standard-sized family home.

Due to the fact that space and water heating eats up most of the energy consumption of the household, utilizing a system such as this is an important factor in maintaining sustainable housing. Financially, if you are looking to invest in solar power for your home, the installation of a solar water heating system is usually the best way to start, as the investment-to-savings ratio is usually best with solar water heaters. This would of course have to be researched independently, for your living circumstances and location.

Anna
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-a-solar-collector-helps-save-energy-in-your-home-741987.html

Uses of self made power
Wind Power Generators and solar technology offers a way to produce an endless fountain of electricity for the home or for any other uses around the house like to power a work shop area or perhaps to run pool equipment, or saunas, whirlpools, central heat and air, washers and dryers, hot water heaters. Athough units can be built to supply entire homes with electricity the home owner can be very versatile with design in size, capacities, and whether they would like the electricity to just operate certain pieces of home equipment and appliances or if they would prefer to have enough of a supply to run the entire home.

Use conventional electricity to run smaller appliances:
You may just want to build a system that would supply electricity to all of the units in your home that run on 220 and stay hooked up to the grid and use smaller amounts of electrical power from the electric company to run things like televisions, toasters, refridgerators, lights etc. Just this would still probably easily cut a power bill in half.  Lots of people are hopping aboard as they find out how wind power generators and  solar kits can be very valuable home improvement additions. Many come to realize that not only could it save them large amounts  of money in one respect  but also that the added benefits of increased property value made it a worth while improvement as well as being eco-logically beneficial too!

Clean energy resource
Not only is wind power generators up and coming for their versatility, cost effectiveness, and ease of installation but they address the present global warming issues (environmental) in a very big way, that being that the technology uses the wind and the sun which are both excellent renewable energy resources that dosen’t harm the environment in any way. The mining of Fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas, are all non-renewable sources of energy and are not only being drastically depleted but are heavily dependent upon in our society to produce electricity by being burnt which harms our atmosphere with the by product that is let over.

For those who don’t understand how the wind power generator and solar system works, a wind turbine or windmill is constructed which harnesses the wind and turns a generator, mounted in the prop area of the windmill, a car generator, which produces electricity that travels through a stator that in turn runs down through wires that take it to various other pieces of equipment that is incorporated in the system to register and transform the energy both coming in and going out to be stored and or be used in desired increments of various watts or volts. The solar part of the system comes into play moreso when the wind dies down and their isn’t sufficient wind to turn the propeller. The solar panels, which are strategically placed, catch the sunlight through special cells and store energy (electricity) that way.

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All Rights Reserved (c) Copyright 2008

Donald Whitehead
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/how-can-wind-power-generators-and-solar-help-you-701513.html

Solar power is one of the cleanest sources of power that is virtually free. No wonder the demand for solar power has gone through the roof in recent years. The energy crisis along with a desire to reduce the carbon footprint has made solar power the number one alternative source of energy amidst homeowners.

The cost associated with a professionally installed solar system can be very high, extending from 10000$ to 50000$. Because of this, many homeowners have turned to DIY solar energy. A DIY, or Do-It-Yourself solar system can be fun to construct and thousands of dollars cheaper than a professionally installed solar system. If you want to proceed the DIY route , the first thing you will need is a high quality guidebook to walk you through the process of equipping your home with solar power.

The Earth4Energy eBook is one of the most popular guidebooks about making your own solar power. Not only does it embrace a hefty, information filled eBook, it furthermore has many video walk throughs that detail every step involved in making your home energy efficient and environment friendly. The reduced upfront cost of $49.97 makes it a very cost effective solution to solving your clean energy needs.

The Earth4Energy eBook consists of several parts that deal with clean energy in general, and solar power in particular. If you have ever been enquiring about how solar energy works, or its advantages, you will find the Earth4Energy eBook to be rather handy. After that, you can dive into the meat of the book - a step-by-step guide to making your own solar panels to use solar energy. While it may sound complicated, homemade solar panels are quite easy to construct , especially with the kind of easy-to-follow steps that Earth4Energy outlines.

Of course, some people may find the written instructions a bit difficult to follow. Hence, Earth4Energy furthermore includes a comprehensive video course that details every step involved in building a solar power system.

As a bonus, the Earth4Energy manual furthermore has several parts devoted to wind power and how you can harvest it for electricity. This bonus, along with the detailed focus on solar power make the Earth4Energy eBook one of the best guides to harvesting the power of the sun in your very backyard.

To read opinion of consumers and review visit Earth4Energy review page.

Vitaly V

Earth 4 Energy has brought forth utilizing solar energy as an inexpensive and environmentally safe way to using electricity. To help you better understand what solar energy can do to help save the environment as well as help save you money on your electric bill you must first understand the basics of solar energy and solar power.

The electrical energy obtained by converting sun light is called solar energy. This conversion is done by using collectors that are placed on the tops of homes or buildings. The collecting of solar energy is done by using solar panels made up of semi-conductive materials, all of which are furthered explained through Earth 4 Energy. Solar panels are capable of producing enough electricity to power the lights and electrical appliances in the average home after about 6 and 7 hours of collecting sunlight. If the sunlight is direct it may take less time to store the needed energy.

The amount of solar panels needed will depend on the intensity of the sunlight received as does the efficiency. Solar energy is said to be a lot cleaner than energy collected from coal, oil or nuclear energy sources, because there are no pollutants released into the air. Through technological advances which are displayed in Earth 4 Energy’s instructions and information guide, these solar power systems have become attainable to the common man since the price has decreased steadily. It also has become a possibility for us to produce enough solar energy to actually sell the extra amounts back to the power companies, to make a substantial profit.

When you convert your home over to solar power or even partially depend on solar power, which is explained more in depth through Earth 4 Energy; you will notice an immediate difference between the cost of your old power company and the very small cost of the solar energy. The difference in your power bill and the effects on environment will speak for itself. Solar energy being a vast free source of energy which is emission free so there are no hazards towards the environment, is surely to become a very popular alternative to paying the power company every month.

The solar energy that is collected may be used for longer hours than most other energy sources. Once the installation is made you would not have any expenses to pay as the system requires very little maintenance. As long as you get enough sun light they seem to work forever. You can alternate this with wind power if your place does receive enough sunlight.

Solar energy in the home is a win win situation and so is turning to Earth 4 Eergy in guidance on how to make solar energy work for you. You are not only being environmentally friendly but you will also influence others to begin using solar energy to power their homes. In this day of energy conservation and concern for the effect that human activity is having on our planet you will want to install a home- made energy system to give the environment and your wallet a break.

Using home-made solar energy is a great way to save money and the environment at the same time. If more people took the initiative to convert their homes to use solar and wind energy this world would become a cleaner and healthier place to live. Earth 4 Energy can help us get there!

Lina Smith

Getting home solar electricity is more affordable today than it was 10 years ago.  In fact, the federal government and many state governments are currently offering tax rebates to persons that choose to convert to home solar electricity.  If installing a photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities, there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an accredited green energy supplier.  Green energy suppliers offer only utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar electricity, hydroelectricity and wind generated electricity.  However, if you made the decision to switch to solar electricity for your home it is important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

 

The first thing you have to determine is how much power you will need from your home solar electricity system.  Different arrays and solar panel set-ups offer different wattage outputs.  Take the time to determine your average daily electricity usage.  You want to achieve a number that includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air conditioners).

 

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product.  A product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year warranty.  Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using home solar electricity, to learn more about the differences in systems.  Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers and researching manufacturers as well.

 

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity.  There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity.  The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter.  You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company.  The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup.  With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter.  The final system is a stand-alone system.  Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.

 

Once you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are probably ready to start shopping.  Remember that converting to home solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the rewards over time.  And don’t forget the pride you will have with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home solar electricity.

Jon
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/what-to-know-before-purchasing-home-solar-electricity-705601.html

Are you planning to ‘Go Green’ and add a solar power to your home? You have made a wise decision but first, you need to know that there are benefits and drawbacks to adding a solar power system to your home. I will cover them both in this article.

First a few of the benefits. Solar power will help to;

• reduce or even eliminate your electric bills
• increase the value of your home
• decrease dependency on foreign energy
• help the earth by creating completely ‘renewable’ energy
• reduce pollution and leave a better planet for our children and grandchildren

As for the drawbacks for solar power which can be very expensive, many commercially made systems are incredibly high price. You could be forced to take out a second mortgage on your home. Commercially made solar system has to be installed and the install fee is high. Hire your own contractor to do the work is not only expensive, but time consuming and could disrupt your home for months.

So why invest for a commercially made solar power generator while you can ‘Do-It-Yourself’ in just one week time for less than $200. If you are as ‘DIY’ challenged as I am you can build one for yourself. With these simple instructions (written in plain English but not constructionist directions) anyone can learn to do this and it is a fun weekend project and you can get the kids involved. You have probably seen or heard about solar energy system on television or internet, why? Because it works!

Let me show you how to successfully create a solar system for less than $200

Jonathan Valentine
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/earth-4-energy-build-your-own-solar-power-system-695597.html

With the economic crisis the world is facing right now, more and more people are turning to solar power for electricity. The reason for this is that you can save tons of money on your energy costs. Some people are even able to disconnect from their power companies and be completely energy independent.

http://www.my-linker.com/hop/energy4earth

This is done by installing solar power energy panels on to your home. You do not have to pay a professional thousands of dollars to come out and install solar panels for you. You can do it yourself. Find a book that has detailed instructions on how to install your own solar panels. I prefer one with diagram illustrations so that it is easier to comprehend. All of the supplies you need can be found at your local home improvement store for just a couple hundred bucks. Your solar panels will quickly pay for themselves with the amount you save on electricity.

Once you have everything you need, putting it together and installing it is a simple process that can be done in just one weekend. Your home will be more energy efficient and you will be amazed at the tiny utility bills that you will start getting each month. Or, if you prefer, you can install enough solar power in your home that you no longer have to pay for electricity at all!

Not only will you be saving money, but because solar power is made from renewable energy sources (the sun), you will also be helping to save the environment. The energy that your utility company is currently using to power your home is quickly depleting our non-renewable resources. Using solar energy will help to conserve these.

Think about it. If half the people on earth that depend on the power company were to switch to their own home solar powerred system what a better situation we would all be in right now. With the recent financial crisis in America we all need to think about the coming years and how to become more self-sustainable than ever before. We need to stop polluting around the world. I strongly believe solar is weighing heavy in the start of a free energy and almost non-toxic way of living. There are of course many more ways we need to improve as humans here on earth. Our energy demands are definetly on the Top 10 list of ways to improve on.

Save the earth and your pocketbook with just a couple hundred dollars and one little trip to the home improvement store! You will be glad once you are finished and bragging to your friends and family about actually doing something to help, being part of the solution. It won’t take you long either with this guide that I used to make my own solar power sysytem. All the information is included so I didn’t have to further research any of the process from buying to building to self powerring my entire house. Good luck buiding your own home solar power system.

http://www.my-linker.com/hop/energy4earth

Shaun Bradley
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/solar-power-746287.html

With the economic crisis the world is facing right now, more and more people are turning to solar power for electricity. The reason for this is that you can save tons of money on your energy costs. Some people are even able to disconnect from their power companies and be completely energy independent.

http://www.my-linker.com/hop/energy4earth

This is done by installing solar power energy panels on to your home. You do not have to pay a professional thousands of dollars to come out and install solar panels for you. You can do it yourself. Find a book that has detailed instructions on how to install your own solar panels. I prefer one with diagram illustrations so that it is easier to comprehend. All of the supplies you need can be found at your local home improvement store for just a couple hundred bucks. Your solar panels will quickly pay for themselves with the amount you save on electricity.

Once you have everything you need, putting it together and installing it is a simple process that can be done in just one weekend. Your home will be more energy efficient and you will be amazed at the tiny utility bills that you will start getting each month. Or, if you prefer, you can install enough solar power in your home that you no longer have to pay for electricity at all!

Not only will you be saving money, but because solar power is made from renewable energy sources (the sun), you will also be helping to save the environment. The energy that your utility company is currently using to power your home is quickly depleting our non-renewable resources. Using solar energy will help to conserve these.

Think about it. If half the people on earth that depend on the power company were to switch to their own home solar powerred system what a better situation we would all be in right now. With the recent financial crisis in America we all need to think about the coming years and how to become more self-sustainable than ever before. We need to stop polluting around the world. I strongly believe solar is weighing heavy in the start of a free energy and almost non-toxic way of living. There are of course many more ways we need to improve as humans here on earth. Our energy demands are definetly on the Top 10 list of ways to improve on.

Save the earth and your pocketbook with just a couple hundred dollars and one little trip to the home improvement store! You will be glad once you are finished and bragging to your friends and family about actually doing something to help, being part of the solution. It won’t take you long either with this guide that I used to make my own solar power sysytem. All the information is included so I didn’t have to further research any of the process from buying to building to self powerring my entire house. Good luck buiding your own home solar power system.

http://www.my-linker.com/hop/energy4earth

Shaun Bradley
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/solar-power-746287.html

You might belong to those home owners who are having second thoughts on purchasing his own solar garden lights (or any other type of solar lighting or gadgets for that matter) if only because you have doubts about the efficiency of these gadgets. People somehow doubt whether or not these sun-powered gadget would really deliver what the manufacturers advertise they can do.

 

If many of the home owners who have already bought and installed their solar garden lights on their yards are really happy about the quality of the product that they get. Most outdoor lights nowadays are really efficient and reliable regardless of the kind of brand – this is because manufacturers are in fierce competition with one another and so they want to capture a good share of the market by selling excellent quality solar products.

 

What makes this type of outdoor solar lighting click? Here are some of the reasons why garden solar lights are better than the conventional outdoor lights.

 

Solar lights are made up of solar cells, without which the lights will not be able to work as no solar energy is harnessed. And so PV or photovoltaic cells are the special components not found in ordinary lights; they make the collection of energy from the sun and its conversion to solar power possible.

 

Solar garden lights are built with light emitting diode lights or LED lights. They are made of advanced materials making them several levels higher than the ordinary lights in terms of quality in providing illumination to your garden and home exteriors.

 

What makes garden solar lights a hit among home owners is that they are known to run efficiently for many hours in a day without any need for any battery changes. Of course being sun power-run, you never need electricity for these sun-powered gadgets. Normally, these lights that are fully exposed to the rays of the sun will be able to gather energy and transform it to power, enough for the lights to illuminate for 8 to a maximum of 10 hours non-stop.

 

Overall, the benefits that we can take advantage of solar garden lights are significant, although there is one drawback. In terms of illumination, these lights are not as bright as the usual lighting. Hence, many home owners really buy solar lighting as mainly accents to beautify their homes.

 

If you are greatly interested in other solar lights, solar panels and sun-powered gadget topics and discussions, do visit our http://solarlightsandgizmos.com/ blog.

Ernesto Maitim
http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/efficient-solar-garden-lights-for-homeowners-514038.html

http://www.EnergyBrainiac.com To build Solar Panel and Wind Mill.
Video, comparing Home Made WindMill and Home Made Solar Panels. Very Cheap Home Made WindMill vs. Home Made Solar Panels !

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