InsiderGreen» Green Homes

Solar Electricity for Homes and Other Applications

Alistair Banerjee — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:57:27 +0000

One of the major subjects that several people are bringing up is the fact that more alternative energy sources are required to reduce the impact on the earth, especially in homes and other applications such as RVs which can function as homes. The big thing is simple, solar electricity has been available for many years for homes and can be installed in various different ways for homes as well as other applications. These options are usually battery charge based and will make use of several different batteries that can be switched when one has had its charge depleted. These systems are usually available in different configurations and can be installed by professionals.

The systems can be designed to work in several different ways but solar electricity for homes is most often done in ways that can help reduce the energy consumption of any home. There are many different configurations that can be made but the main configuration will need to be designed to catch the most amount of sunlight during a day. These configurations take into account trees and many other obstacles which may reduce the amount of solar power that is collected during the light hours. This is what makes the addition of solar electricity options to RVs questionable because several RV owners will want to park their vehicles in shaded areas to reduce the amount of heat that enters the vehicle.

Solar electricity is a great concept for anyone that will want to travel a lot as solar energy can be used to power a large amount of portable electronics very easily. In the summer, solar electric air conditioning is possible as well as in the winter where space heating is possible through solar powered applications as well. It is important to look into several different options for solar electricity applications especially when traveling with a recreational vehicle. The types of solar electricity for homes make excellent options for large recreational vehicles which need a little more than the standard electricity sources that come standard.

Often times an external source such as a generator will be too loud as it consumes gasoline or kerosene and will provide electricity for a short period of time while the long lasting battery options that can be used with solar electricity to store a charge indefinitely until needed. Special technologies present in these systems allow them to be charged without causing damage to the batteries by cutting off the supply of electricity from a solar source to ensure that the batteries are in the top condition whenever possible. The electrical charge made by the sunlight may take several hours to complete and each battery may last a different length of time depending on what is being used with it and for how long.

Finding a solar electricity option for homes to be converted into useable options for your RV is simple and can be done online. The internet can provide you with several different retailers that offer different kits for home as well as possible options for an RV or other vehicle to take advantage of. Not only can you find the actual kits from trusted manufactures for affordable pricing options but you could find professional installers as well. Using professional installers will make it possible to get the home or vehicle fitted to use the solar electricity with ease and will allow for several different applications to be used when the vehicle is at full charge with solar electricity and working correctly.

A Mini Guide to Green Hot Tubs

Alistair Banerjee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:18:43 +0000

Indoor and outdoor hot tubs are becoming more and more popular, not only hot tubs are good for blood circulation but it can be enjoyed with friend and family.

On thing that most eco-friendly houses have in common is the hot tubs or spas they have are not eco-friendly at all. To make sure that your house is 100% eco-friendly, you need to use natural purge; this is a natural way to get ride of toxic stuff contained in the pipes and pumps is the majority of hot tubs.

Understanding the need to effectively bio clean your hot tubs and spas is primordial in order to be claim a eco-friendly house.

Solar energy for your home

Alistair Banerjee — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:00:42 +0000

What could be better than an opportunity to not only help the environment, but to save money in the process? That is what using solar for home energy use can do. Although you hear about it on the news, most people don’t really consider making the move themselves. They picture unsightly solar panels attached to the roof of their houses, and think that it is not something they would be willing to try.

You may want to reconsider your stance on this. Today’s solar energy panels are smaller and more efficient. Rather than being an eyesore, they are actually very appealing and can be made to blend in with the rest of the houses appearance. Using solar for home does not have to call attention to your house.

Another thing to consider is the vlue that it adds to your house. Besides the increase in resale value for potential buyers that want to be more green with their lifestyle, using solar for home energy can increase your houses value because it is set up to have a, much lower electric bill. Every bit of electricity you can generate with a solar electric system is money that you will not be paying to the utility companies. That is money back into your pocket, which helps to increase the resale value of your house.
Of course, by reducing your electric bills, you may never want to sell your home. That is completely understandable. Unless you find another house that is set up with solar for home energy production, you would be walking away from a lot of money every month.

Depending on the quantity of direct sunlight your house gets, you may be able to drive your electric bill down to almost nothing. That doesn’t mean you need to get off the energy grid completely, because it does serve a purpose as a back-up energy source, but you will definitely be able to reduce your dependence on it.
Even houses without abundance of direct sunlight can see some savings in their utility bills. If you combine solar energy with wind energy, you will be able to see the same or better savings than those that rely on solar alone.
Using solar for home energy needs is a great way to save money, and to help the environment. Getting a system set up can be quick and easy, and you can do most of the work yourself for a very small investment. You really should consider making the change today.

3 tips for using solar energy to power your house

Alistair Banerjee — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:36:37 +0000

An increasing number of people these days are turning to alternative sources of energy. It does not come as a surprise, what with fossil fuel prices going up by the day and the rising levels of environmental pollution. Renewable solar power has emerged as the frontrunner among all alternative sources of energy. The power of the sun can be harnessed to generate cheap, clean and renewable energy.

If you are a homeowner looking to reduce energy bills, then renewable solar power could be the right option for you. Making a solar power system for your home too is not that difficult a proposition. These days there are many useful guides available, which come with detailed step by step instructions, using which you, can the system yourself. In fact, the entire process could be weekend fun for the entire family. Let us take a look at some proven tips that can help you produce renewable solar power in your backyard.

Tip #1: You will first need to have a detailed plan about how you are going to set up the system that is going to produce renewable solar power for your home. Once you have got the plan, then you must get ready all the materials to make up for the various components that will go into making one. Plexiglass sheet, wires, solar cells, plywood and silicon sealant are some of the things that you will need.

Tip #2: You should choose the right location for placing the solar panels in your home. The place should be such which receives plenty of sunlight throughout the year. Ideally a terrace, balcony or a sprawling lawn are good places to place solar panels.

Tip #3: Make sure that using renewable solar power is allowed in your area. The rules generally differ between cities and it is always better that you check with the local authorities.

Real lawn grass or synthetic

Alistair Banerjee — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:37:22 +0000

Real versus synthetic grass
Increasingly, eco-conscious Australians are laying down synthetic turf instead of the real stuff in the hopes of reducing water use and mower impacts, but Helen Tuton of Sustainable Gardening Australia argues that, while fake turf requires little maintenance, water or fertiliser, it can also reduce the duality of underlying soil, is energy and resource intense to produce, and is not yet recyclable.
She also notes that real lawns act as ‘carbon sinks’, absorbing carbon dioxide, as well as producing oxygen and reducing the average temperature A the nearby urban environment. Indeed, a US study once found that while built-up urban areas typically experience higher temperatures due to a high concentration of heat-retaining materials like concrete and brick, a neighbourhood with just eight average-sized lawns experienced a significant cooling effect, with summer temperatures reduced by up to 10 degrees Celsius.)
So what are you to do? Rather than ditching the benefits of a living lawn for a plastic one, you can reduce your yard’s impact by opting for native ground cover instead. Native species typically require less water, fertiliser and other chemicals than other grasses, as they are better suited to local conditions.

Making your home water efficient

Alistair Banerjee — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:49:36 +0000

By now, most of us know that the most precious resource we possess is water. Nowadays, there is a myriad of water saving options available for the home and garden, including the use of greywater and rainwater. To help reduce your water consumption in and around the home, the following options are available:

Toilets

low flush toilets
dual flush toilets (3 / 6 litres)
vacuum or compressed air toilets
cistern displacement devices
waterless toilets
composting toilets (heated or unheated)
incinerating toilets
hand basins
push taps
flow control, self closing taps
tap flow regulators

Showers

shower mixes
water saving showerheads
self-closing shower systems
water-saving washers
correct wash cycles

Water Supply

auto shut off and pressure regulators
rainwater tanks or water bladders
greywater recycling or diverter systems
tap timers
rain sensor on automatic irrigation systems
energy-efficient appliances

By choosing the most energy efficient appliances, we can reduce our energy bills and reduce greenhouse emmissions. To help us make the correct choice, it’s currently mandatory for the following electrical products to carry an aproved energy label: aiconditioners, clothes dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers.

Carbon Neutral Zira Island

Alistair Banerjee — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:47:30 +0000

Zira Island is a 1,000,000 sq meter island In the Caspian Sea that will soon be developed into an incredible eco-community and sustainably built resort. Master-planned by Denmark-based BIG Architects, the carbon-neutral eco-island is based on the seven peaks of Azerbaijan and its mountainous ecosystems. Located in the bay of the capital city Baku, Zira Island is a ferry ride away from a growing metropolis and will stand as an example to a region so dependent on oil, that it is possible to live off the wind and sun.

BIG Architects‘ Zira Island will feature seven major structures modeled after the peaks of Azerbaijan that are connected by trails, greenbelts and the coastline. The Seven Peaks will each house a residential development and public space, and there will also be 300 private villas near a golf course in the central valley. Zira’s new skyline of organic buildings will resemble a mountain range that merges with the natural topography of the island.

Many carbon neutral communities are currently being developed around the world, like Masdar, Rioja, and Dongtan. All promise a new way of life completely independent of carbon-based fuels. Zira Island is less of a city and more or a resort, but it still holds the same promises of sustainability and will use the sun, wind and water to heat and power the island.

Heat pumps, which plunge into the surrounding Caspian Sea, will heat and cool the buildings on the island, and Solar Hot Water Collectors are integrated into the architecture to provide hot water. Photovoltaics on strategically angled facades and roof tops will generate electricity, and an off-shore wind farm will be constructed in the Caspian Sea, utilizing the existing oil platforms and foundations for the new and more sustainable power supply.

Potable water will be provided via a desalination plant, while waste and stormwater will be collected in a wastewater treatment plant and recycled for irrigation. The solid waste will be composted and reused as fertilizer for the island. Many trees and lots of lush vegetation will be planted to create a tropical environment, although no information is provided forfor how the island will deal with their trash or whether or not they will grow any of their own food.

Green Homes for Sale

Alistair Banerjee — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:20:01 +0000

If you are looking to buy a new or existing green home rather than rebuilding or remodeling your current home into to green home you should know that the process is very frustrating. There is not a lot of information out there about where to buy green homes because not many people are promoting green homes. Do not worry if you find the right help you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Tours are starting to pop up all over the country which is making it an easy and fun way to find a green home. Some states still are doing green home shows or tours but they will be soon. This will happen quickly if the popularity keeps growing with owning a green home. You have chance at green home shows to meet builders and merchants and also be able to see some of the things they use in a green home. Not only at the green home tour will you see the products you will also be able to see some of the beautiful homes that are green homes. If you are interested in seeing a green home contact your local chamber to get the details and what is available in your area.

If you are looking for a collection of wonderful green homes go to green homes for sale. You are able to search by all states in the United States, Canada, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico, ID number, and watch fun slide shows at the same time. The site offers pictures and attributes about each home and most of them are beautiful. You can also look for green communities in the state you live in. The bad side of green communities is that most are all right there together and hardly any room to add on or build anything.

Carbon neutral city breaks ground in Abu Dhabi

Alistair Banerjee — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:43:23 +0000

EnerTech Environmental, Inc. announced today that it has signed an Expression of Interest to build a SlurryCarb demonstration facility at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Masdar City will be the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, completely powered by renewable energy.

EnerTech’s SlurryCarb demonstration facility will process biosolids (sewage sludge) produced from the permanent buildings erected during Masdar City’s first phase as well as from the accommodation for the several thousand workers building Masdar City between 2008 and 2016. Biosolids from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the workers’ accommodation, and the headquarters of Masdar will be converted into renewable E-fuel, a fossil fuel replacement. The demonstration facility is the first step towards installing a permanent SlurryCarb facility in the city.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the SlurryCarb process to the Middle East and work with the international community to build a city that truly embodies sustainable living and working,” said Kevin Bolin, EnerTech CEO. “It showcases the SlurryCarb process as the best available biosolids technology when it comes to sustainability, renewable energy, and the reduction of greenhouse gases.”

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in the development and commercialization of advanced and innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as green design. By applying scale and leveraging Abu Dhabi’s low-cost, tax-free manufacturing base, businesses will enjoy significant competitive advantages, allowing them to compete internationally and provide significant diversification to the Abu Dhabi economy. On February 9, 2008, Masdar broke ground for Masdar City.

Saving Energy in Your Home Office

Alistair Banerjee — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:08:48 +0000

Did you know that 40% of energy used in your home/office is consumed by consumer electronics when they are powered-down or turned off?

The New York Times article “Putting Energy Hogs in the Home on a Strict Low-Power Diet” outlines just how this happens.

Indeed, the Department of Energy estimates that in the average home, 40 percent of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.

Then, the writer works through some alternatives to reduce power consumption.

Mostly consumption can be reduced by making sure your electronic items power down when not in use to use little to no electricity while not in use. Tweaking power consumption of computer and computer related electricity guzzlers can pay off.

Tweaking can pay off. Annually, my desktop PC is now using 73 percent less energy – saving me $119 a year and depriving the earth of 1,405 more pounds of CO2.

What about working through your home office? You could be able to make similar savings!