Brennan Howe asked:


Many Americans have decided to become more energy independent, and want to play a part in avoiding a very foreseeable energy crisis. They’ve decided to go solar. Creating a solar powered home is an endeavor that requires an initial investment, but the costs are being lowered everyday. Solar power provides long term benefits. Not just for the home owner, but the environment too.

Now that solar power is more efficient, you can reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, increase your home’s value and contribute to a cleaner environment, all at the same time. It’s a great time to join the move to renewable energy resources, and the perfect time to take advantage of the generous government and local utility financial incentives that can cut thousands of dollars off the price. And now that solar power is becoming even more main stream, it is growing in accessibility. Manufacturers of solar powered products have realized the potential for a solar age, and are creating new options for those who are considering a solar powered lifestyle. If you are ready to step into the solar age, you are probably wondering how and where to begin. Below is a list of ways to make your home a solar one.

Solar Attic Fans- Solar attic fans are a great example of a simple way to make your home more energy efficient without spending a lot of money. The need for air conditioning is reduced by venting hot air out of your attic. Installing a solar attic fan may also increase the life of your roof materials by keeping them at a lower temperature which also reduces moisture buildup in your attic. This prevents mold and rot in your home, and can also reduce allergens and pollution.

Solar Heating- Solar heating systems are composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat to its point of usage, and a reservoir for heat storage. The systems may be used to heat domestic hot water, swimming pool water, or for space heating. If you live in the southern half of the United States or in an equally sunny area you could potentially save between 50% and 80% on your water heating by implementing a solar hot water heater. The initial cost is hefty, but depending on how you use it, the system may pay for itself in as little as five years. The return is greater when you factor in rebates and incentives offered by states and local governments.

Solar Pumps- Depending on where you live, especially in remote areas, the cost of traditional water piping may be exorbitant. Unless you install a solar water pump. A solar power panel collects solar energy and powers a battery which can keep a consistent and plentiful water supply.

Solar Paneling-The most obvious way to break in to the solar age is to install solar panel cells on your roof. Solar cells, also known as PV cells, or Photovoltaics, come in many sizes, colors, and performance characteristics, made to fit a variety of homes and lifestyles. Another important factor to consider is that when PV panels are used in conjunction with energy efficient appliances, not as many panels may be needed to power your home! Large scale home improvement stores, as well as smaller, independent energy groups, offer installation. But if you are a savvy do-it-yourselfer, you may decide to undertake the project on your own!

But don’t bust out the screwdriver just yet. Whether you do it yourself, or hire someone to do it for you, there are a couple of technicalities to be seen to before solarizing your home. Such as building permits. In order to legally install renewable energy sources in your home, you must contact your city or county building permit agency to obtain permission. You will be able to learn about requirements specific to your neighborhood. Don’t forget about property and sales taxes. Depending on what state you live in, you may or may not be exempt from these when it comes to the purchase of your renewable energy system.

Although it is not difficult to keep up your solar systems, frequency of replacement should be considered. Solar thermal systems need valves replaced every 3-5 years and storage tanks replaced every 10 years. Luckily, solar PV systems typically do not require maintenance, other than a yearly cleaning of the solar panels. PV panel life is typically 25 years.



Kim

J. Vadney asked:


In this day and age, the two most important things, which need proper attention are the environment and the economy. This is due to the fact that the environment seems to be powerless already because of the high-level of pollution nowadays and the economy is on its critical condition by now because of the increasing inflation rate every year. Thus, you have to act now and do your duty as a responsible human being. You have to do something which will benefit both the environment and the economy. As a matter of fact, one of the very best ways, which you can consider to help the two most important things here on earth is to try building your own solar and wind power systems.

It is quite undeniable that solar energy and wind energy are a renewable types of energy. When you say renewable energy, it simply refers to a type of energy which naturally comes from the environment. Such type of energy can be easily replaced as well as beneficial not only the human race but also to the environment. Hence, building your own solar and wind power systems is a very good thing for you to consider in these days. You just have to be aware on how to get started.

The following are the ways which you can consider in building your own solar and wind power systems:

1. Purchase a DIY solar and wind power system kit. There are so many DIY solar and wind power system kits available in the world market today. You simply have to carefully choose a kit which can be very helpful on your part. In addition, you also have to purchase a kit which is not too expensive but irrefutably effective. In doing so, you can surely save yourself from any regrets in the long run.

2. Carefully read all the instructions. All of the DIY kits on how to build a solar or wind power system include instructions on how you can do such task without the help of any experts. You just have to carefully read all those instructions in order to be truly successful in building your own solar and wind power systems.

3. Be patient and take your time in building your own power system. Patience is absolutely a virtue. Thus, you have to make sure to be very patient in constructing your homemade power system. You have to instill into your mind that you cannot construct your own power system in just a snap of your finger. This only means that you have to exert much of your effort so that you can come up with a very effective power system at the end of the day.

Indeed, building your own solar and wind power systems is not just a simple child’s play. Hence, you really have to bear in mind all the aforementioned ways in building or constructing your own homemade power systems. In this way, you can be sure that you can successfully construct your power system sooner or later, save the dying environment and somehow save a certain amount of money for your own sake.



Esther