Curing Dust-Bowl Blues With Solar

In Los Angeles, California, the city’s Department of Water and Power (DWP) is eyeing flat, dusty, arid Owens Lake as the potential site for a future mega-solar farm, but the initiative is focused less on clean, renewable solar energy than on preventing the interminable dust storms generated by the dry lake bed.

Owens Lake started to run dry when, in 1913, the city began diverting water from the Owens River. By 1926, the former lake was a shallow hardpan. Today, it ranks as the largest single source of PM10 dust (windborn dust particles smaller than 10 microns) in the United States. In fact, one estimate suggests the lake produces up to 8 million metric tons per year.

The DWP thinks that covering 616 acres of the lake bed with solar panels could cut down on dust storms, which threaten the health of nearby Keeler and Ridgecrest residents by delivering up to 23 times the amount of airborne particulate matter federal levels suggest as safe.

The plan may be a good one, since attempts to achieve dust control by flooding the lake bed have met with limited success, and flooding – at least this year – may be further hampered by a cutback to California’s 2010 water delivery, limiting the state to 5 percent of the water it has normally been allotted over the past 40-some years.

The solar project is backed by $500 million in funding, which buys a lot of solar panels, but the proposal still has to win the approval of the California State Lands Commission, largely because the DWP wants the commission to waive an environmental impact review.

Another project deterrent may be the designation, by Audubon California this year, of Owens Lake as one of the 17 most important avian sanctuaries in the state, and an emerging “wetland in the making” as bird watchers record the return of record numbers of migrating waterfowl to the partially flooded lake basin.

The DWP has promised to continue flooding at least a portion of Owens Lake to appease these environmentalists, and is in meetings with Inyo County officials, ranchers and residents to win regional support for their proposal.

The response of the former is likely to be guarded; the response of the latter looks largely promising as the state eyes renewable energy resources like solar not only as power sources but badly needed boosts to a failing economy. California is in such dire financial straits that Los Angeles recently raided its recycling initiative fund to balance the budget.

Another plus on the project side is that flooding Owens Lake sufficiently to reduce dust uses enough water to supply 60,000 households. If the DWP plan, which proposes to flood a smaller area than normal for dust control, can salvage even a third of that water, it looks like an environmental win-win.

The DWP proposes starting the solar array with a small test plot, to see if solar panels and migratory waterfowl can coexist, and if a field of solar panels can actually help prevent dust storms.

This pilot project would generate about 50 megawatts by 2012, and save 2,460 acre feet of water per year, or enough to provide for about 4,000 households practicing water conservation measures.

Generate Your Own Power – Build DIY Solar Power

Many people want to generate their own energy, but they do not really know where to start. Of course you can spend the rent and thousands of contractors ($ 10,000 or more) on commercial solar power systems. Several years ago, nobody knew how to build solar power systems for their homes, thinking that this kind of project would be too difficult for ordinary people. But today there are a number of easy DIY alternative energy that you generate electricity at home at an affordable price. Get Best Make Solar Panel and Make Wind Turbine Guide

The Guide: Top Rated DIY Solar Power Instruction Manual “Earth4Energy” – $ 49.97

The highest-rated DIY instructions on the Web, Earth4Energy is a good choice for this DIY project. This manual was written with beginners in mind, and you do not need any special training. The reason I suggest this is the great instructional videos that take you step-by-step through the process.

The materials: You can build a simple solar panel for less than $ 150 – $ 200

The materials you need for your DIY project can be found at your local hardware store. On average, the parts for a simple panel (including batteries) are priced from $ 150 – $ 200

The savings: Totally Depends on You!

The solar power system under $ 200 that you can make at home, is a portable model and will not generate enough energy to power an entire home. But we can add to this system by several solar panels and a larger battery bank / inverter. By expanding the smaller $ 200 system you can need much more from your homes Energy Power. These systems can save about 50% -80%, and larger systems can eliminate electricity bills altogether.

Savings Example

~ Monthly Electric Bill: $ 120
~ Monthly Electric Bill Minus 60% Solar Power Reduction: $ 48
~ Monthly savings: $ 72
~ Annual savings: $ 864

I hope that the above information has helped to bust some myths about the cost of solar energy. To get more information that will save big bucks every month, please visit Generate Own Power

There are many myths about solar and wind energy. The first is that it is very expensive and out of reach for the average person. But the truth is that if you build your own, it is very affordable. Another myth is that it is complicated to build for the average person. The truth is that there are simply directions, solar and wind power videos videos that have been made for the average person in mind.

How nice it would be for you to live “outside of the grid.” Imagine it. No electricity bills again. Not only you would do something great for the environment, but you would do something great for your family. Would you do it if you could on its own for less than $ 200 to start creating?

My goal is to educate as many people as possible, that alternative energy is something for everyone. It’s time to bust the myths and the average person can begin to solar energy! Get Best Make Solar Panel and Make Wind Turbine Guide

“best Solar Panel Power” System © – Best-kept Secrets!

Did you know that “Best Solar Panel Power” System easily enables you to construct your very own power-supply-system? Many users already found out that this technique can successfully operate almost any home-appliance. Follow this report in order to learn more and understand how it can help you.

Some background

What is this “Best Solar Panel Power” System all about? Well, it is about reading one of these easy-to-use guides that walks you through the steps of assembling Solar-Cells which are the most essential component. It may sound obvious, but be sure to choose the right guide; make sure it provides clear information including videos, diagrams, and support. In any case, here are just a few advantage & advices that can help you out.

Main advantages

Finally, when looking for the bottom-line, we easily identify the following benefits:

* Cuts down on the usage of non-renewable enr. resources.
* Should you create more energy than needed; the power-company will actually pay you!
* Enables us to store the produced elect.-power at zero cost.
* Saves hundreds month-after-month.
* Helps our nation on becoming less dependent on external oil suppliers.

Quick tip

Pulling yourself “off the grid” all at once isn’t recommended – do it gradually and slowly, use your new sys. while keeping the ‘Main-Grid’ as backup for possible extreme electricity usage.

Summarizing this article

Using such powerful “Best Solar Panel Power” System opens up an outstanding opportunity for any of us to ‘cut’ our elec. expenses once and for all. We could probably indicate many other advantages provided by this exceptional invention, simply because it brings a real change to this industry. The first action you need to take is to evaluate it so you could explore the various advantages that it provides.

Solar Hot Water – How Big a System Do You Need to Supply Your Home Hot Water Needs?

When considering Solar Hot Water (SHW) systems,it also pays to look at your home water usage.  While it is great to save money on a solar hot water system, it seems unreasonable to continue wasting a valuable resource.  Water supplied to your home has take energy to store and pump it to your door, no matter whether its is from a reservoir or ground water. So, rather than choosing a storage or heater unit on size, take a look at your real needs.  However, the fact is that a SHW unit can likely provide most if not all of your needs if properly sized and set up.  Even snowy climates an benefit from solar hot water units.  When you combine a solar hot water system with solar power, you can make very large savings on power consumption.  The great thing is, that if you are handy, DIY solar projects, either hot water or solar power, are quite achievable.

If we consider the number of people in the home, we can work back to typical usage volumes and from there to the size of the storage unit and the solar collector area.
A storage tank of  200 liters (50 to 60 gallons) is about right for up to three people if used with some awareness of your usage.  Larger systems of  300 liters (80 gallons) suite three to four people. With bigger families, you will need larger storage or possible some kind of “booster” to make up nay “solar shortfall”.  Depending on what you set your systems temperature at and the temperature of the incoming water, your system will need to reflect the size of the collector.  If you are living in snowy climates, the colder water takes more to heat and there will be heat loss unless the unit is properly insulated.

What does this mean in terms of collector sizes?  It is typical to allow about 2 square meters for each person up to 2 people, and after that you add one square meter for each person.  This allows for the seasonal variation of sun hours and solar heating. Lets face it, having a little more solar hot water capacity is always welcome especially when the heating is free.  The added cost of the extra collection unit adds little to the overall installation.  If you live in snowy climates or areas of lower sun intensity or hours such as the lower northern or southern latitudes, then you would always err on the bigger size of collector.

“diy Solar Power Electric” System © – it is Simply Amazing!

You probably already know how irritating can expensive electricity-bills be, well, finally it doesn’t have to be that way – “Diy Solar Power Electric” System can amazingly cut most of that cost for you. Amazingly or not, this technique requires no more than a weekend to get it done. Need more information? start reading this article and find out more about the benefits that it provides.

Quick introduction

It all begins with Solar-Panels – the most important element of any “Diy Solar Power Electric” System, by using one of these popular guides, you’ll be able to assemble them with your own hands. Take your time when choosing a guide; check what others say about it, does it provide clear information, videos, illustrations etc.? Anyway, here are some important benefits and tips that can help you to know a little more about this topic.

Important benefits

This solution undoubtedly provides several key-benefits:

* One-time investment that lasts for life.
* Uses Wind-Power as a backup when having long periods of cloudy days.
* No need to remember to switch off the lights each time we leave the room.
* Powers up basically any appliance at home: fridge, washing machine, computer, TVs, lights and more.
* Uses natural and clean resources.

Tip

In order to optimize it, make sure to place the solar-paneling unit in a spot that gets the most sun at all times of the year.

On the bottom line

These exciting solutions not only save us thousands each year – this advanced “Diy Solar Power Electric” System even creates an extra source of income. Different users would probably find various pluses provided by this exceptional ‘machine’, simply because we no longer need to rely on others to supply these needs. Now is the time to take action – it is recommended to watch it in action so you could truly experience the various opportunities that it brings.

Solar Panels – Lighting for the Beginner

The use of solar energy need not simply be the preserve of those wishing to spend thousands to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint. Often overlooked, is the ability of solar power to provide reliable, cost effective power in situations and locations where mains power is unavailable or impractical.

Potential Uses for Solar Lighting

Solar power can be used to provide reliable power in remote locations throughout the year, even in the UK. There are many situations where a mains free power supply may be required. These range from recreational garden lighting through to essential remote communications and street lighting.

Solar lighting is a relatively new concept to most people and yet has huge potential to bring light to buildings where before electrical power was unavailable for either practical or economic reasons.

Solar lighting systems are ideal for stables, farm buildings, remote dwellings, garden sheds, garages, kennels, summer houses, garden studios and offices, log cabins, greenhouses, beach huts, children’s play houses, garden lighting, street lighting… the list goes on and on!

Solar Lighting Benefits

Solar lighting can be put to good use anywhere that the sun shines. The cost often compares very favourably with a new mains power connection or the installation of a generator, and in addition to this the power produced is totally silent and free.

The other great thing about solar panels is that they have no moving parts and as a result are virtually maintenance free. All they need is a bit of a clean once or twice a year to prevent a build up of dirt reducing their output. They usually have a life expectancy of in excess of 15 years and very often come with a guarantee to this effect. In addition to this they produce no polluting emissions and do not to contribute to climate change.

Solar lighting is simple and safe to use and there are complete kits available that make installation a straightforward and fast DIY job. As they run at 12 volts DC, a qualified electrician is not required and building regulations do not apply. Compared to a generator, a solar lighting kit has the added advantages of being totally silent, having minimal running and maintenance costs and is more secure. Criminals find highly portable generators all to easy to carry away and sell on.

In situations where remote buildings are used to house horses, farm animals or pets, having effective reliable lighting is essential for routine tasks such as feeding, mucking out and most importantly to aid good husbandry and care of the animals. In these situations a solar lighting system makes winter and morning tasks easier and safer to carry out. Solar lighting can also provide light for extended periods of time in the case of an emergency, for insyance if an animal is giving birth, or if an animal needs to be examined by a vet.

How Solar Lighting Works

Solar photovoltaics (Solar PV) is the process of capturing the energy from the sun and converting it into electricity. Solar lighting systems capture energy from the sun with a solar photovoltaic panel and then store it in a battery until it is required to power the lights.

There are three main types of solar panel widely available on the market today : monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. Most solar lighting systems use polycrystalline panels as these provide the best balance in terms of price and efficiency.

Using a solar lighting system needs a slight change in mindset from our usual gung-ho attitude to using mains power! The power that is taken from the battery, when the lights are switched on, needs to be replenished from the Solar Panel when the sun shines. You may have noticed that the sun doesn’t shine every day(!), so the battery is sized to ensure that there is enough power stored on a sunny day to provide power for a series of overcast days. The size of the solar panel and battery therefore, should be dictated by the estimated typical daily requirement for light and the estimated daily provision of sunshine. In general terms, the lower the requirement for power, the cheaper the system.

Most solar lighting systems use low energy lights and very often run these as at 12V rather than the usual mains 230V as this is the most efficient way to use the stored power. If 230V lighting or power is required this can be achieved with the use of an inverter that can be bought separately and easily added to the system.

Providing lighting for 2-3 hours per day in the winter and in excess of 7 hours per day is very easily achievable at a cost effective level in the UK. Extended requirements for power in the winter months can add significantly to the cost of a system, but this often still compares favourably with the cost of installing a new mains power connection. In situations where winter demand for power is high, it is often cost effective to add a small wind turbine to help with winter battery charging and to keep the cost of the total lighting system down.

The time of year has a major effect on the amount of sunshine we receive, so winter lighting requirement tends to be the starting point for designing a system.

Conclusion

Solar lighting is a practical solution to the lighting requirements of many people who have buildings that cannot be served by mains power or where the provision of mains power is prohibitively expensive. DIY kits are available that are relatively cheap and are simple to install or, for more complex situations, bespoke systems can be designed and installed.

The solar energy used does not contribute to climate change, produces no pollution, and is completely silent. Solar panels have no moving parts, so they are reliable and virtually maintenance free. And to top it all, there are no running costs, so once installed the electricity doesn’t cost you a penny.

Did You Know That DIY Solar Power Systems Are Cheaper Than Installing Commercial Solar Panels?

Using solar energy and converting it to an electrical power that we can use is an idea that appeals to many. The sun, being an alternative source of energy, is never depleted unlike the fossil fuels that power the world today. Converting solar energy into electricity does not produce carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly endeavor. And once the solar system is installed, operational and maintenance cost is very minimal. Thus, we can conclude that solar power is the next best thing to having free and green electricity.

But we all know that to be able to rid our homes of the monthly electric bills and completely live off the grid, we must spend a hefty amount to install commercial solar panels atop our roofs, which can supply 100% of our regular electricity consumption. And a lot of people who are dreaming of free electricity are taken aback by high upfront installation cost.

So does the dream of solar powered-homes remain true only for those who can afford it? It seems not.

A growing community of hobbyists, particularly those concerned with finding green, safe and renewable energy sources, is one in saying that DIY solar power system is possible and it doesn’t have to cost that much. This is done by using small, inexpensive but highly efficient solar panels, batteries, an inverter, a few wires, cables and other electrical components. And what made it cheaper is the fact that you’re doing all the work.

But of course, this doesn’t mean that you can start unplugging your house from the energy companies and go solar all the way once the project is completed. Most of these DIY solar system kits are small-scale and can store and generate only enough power to light a bulb for a few days, run a laptop computer for 2 days or a 20-inch TV for a day.

But the real advantage here is the long-term benefit. Solar panels, even those that are DIY, can last up to 20 to 25 years, with only a slight reduction in efficiency. What this means is you can enjoy 20 to 25 years of free electricity at a fraction of the cost of commercial installations. And these DIY solar power kits are usually upgradeable. You can buy more components later and integrate them with the existing system to be able to harness more solar energy and deliver more electricity.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Power – Revealed

With a new emphasis on alternative energy, it is no wonder people all over are starting to use the benefits of solar power. It is certainly an everlasting energy source, as long as there is the sun, there will be available solar power.

One advantage of this alternative power is that it is a very available energy source for electricity. However, there are also some disadvantages to solar energy that you should be aware of.

It’s best to research all of the advantages and disadvantages of solar power before you actually have a system installed on your home. If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, then you’ll know that setting up your home for solar enerfgy is the right decision for you.

The Short-term Cost of Solar Energy: A Disadvantage

The sun’s rays are free, they beat down naturally on earth, however, it costs a lot of money to actually set up solar cells and other solar equipment on your home. Just the equipment to power a pool can cost thousands of dollars. It is very important that you diligently research all costs associated with powering any part of your home before you do it.

Ask questions about warrantee’s, how much repairs cost if necessary etc. One great long-term cost advantage to going solar is that you will never have to pay another bill from your power company.

Talk To Neighbors Who Use Solar Power

The best way to learn firsthand the advantages and disadvantages of alternative power is to talk to people who actually have solar cells set up on their homes. These people have nothing to gain by lying so you should get a very honest account of what it means to live off of solar power.

If you live in the suburbs you should easily be able to find someone in your neighborhood that already has solar power. Another great way to learn more about this enrgy source is to go to a store that sells the solar equipment and ask them if they have any testimonials or a customer list. Get a hold of these poeple and ask questions about solar energy.

Make sure that you contact more than one person. That will not only help you understand the advantages and disadvantages to solar power, but it will also give you a chance to get feedback on that store’s level of service.

You may hear responses like, “It’s very expensive to set it up initially but otherwise it’s great,” or, “I’ve saved so much money from going solar over the years it’s not even funny.” However, you may also hear things like, “If there’s no sun, you don’t get that much power. The reserves do not last that long and I’m sick and tired of all this solar nonsense.”

If you get mixed reviews from several people, make two columns and add the two up. Then, you should get a good idea how people feel about their alternative power.

Read Solar Power Forums

Forums are another great tool to hear, or read, firsthand how people feel about their solar setups. When people post things on a forum, they know it’s anonymous so you should also get a very honest representation of the advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Compare the list you get from the forums with the list you got from talking to people and then make your decision.

As you can see the most important aspect to buying solar power for your home is talking to other people, doing your own cost research, and then determining if it is right for you. Correctly weighing the advantages and disadvantages will help you make the choice that is right for you.

If you plan to live in your home only for another year or so, it may not be worth the cost, but on the other hand you could end up saving yourself a lot of money in the long run by going solar if you stick around for five years or more.

2 Quick Buying Tips for Cheaper Home Solar Panels and a Cheaper Home Wind Turbine

It’s important to understand the role that technological change plays in the pricing of your home solar panels and home wind turbines. This is the third most important ingredient in budgeting for your homemade electricity solutio. Understanding your homemade electricity needs and how efficent both home solar panels and home wind turbines can be in your living environment are the other two key factors.

The Technolgy Pricing Curve

The technology price curve, when shown on a chart, looks a litle like a ski slope. On this chart the vertical axis represents price, the horizontal units sold. When the technolgy is first released it ver expensive and not many buy. However overtime more buy and as they do the price plummets until you have very large numbers being sold at a low price. This is how the technolgy pricing curve generally works.

Calculating your best time to buy.

In short the best time to buy the components to make your home solar panel and home wind turbine solution is when a component has just become yesterdays news. Many people buy the latest thing they can and this is great, but not financially efficent. Buying whatever is the standard, middle of the road component can be a good idea, however the products to watch are those that used to be the standard but have just become “old” in the last few weeks. These components should see a rapid price fall that eventually stabalizes. If you buy as soon as the price stabalises you will get the best value for money in terms of technology for your home solar panel and home wind turbine solution.

Conclusion

Buying just behind the technology curve is not for everyone. Some people want to show others that they have made a serious investment in becoming energy independant and cheaper older technolgy doesn’t fulfill this goal. If on the otherhand your goal is to build from costs effective and well tested components this brief guide will ensure you dlollar goes further.

Diy Solar Power And Wind Panel Kits – The Fool-Proof Method Of Building Solar And Wind Panel Kits Regardless Of Your Skills!

Solid information concerning DIY solar power and wind panel kits are hard to find these days.

So what’s the problem?

Well I don’t know about you, but when it comes to assembling the kits, I need instructions that would explain to me how to go about it like I’m a ten year old kid.

See the unfortunate truth is a great majority of solar and wind DIY instructions on the web are crammed with headache-inducing pictures, confusing wiring diagrams and highly disorganized information.

I wanted a basic solar power generator setup on the roof of my work shed.  My objective was to power the loads in the shed without having to rely on electricity.

I wanted to keep my electricity bills down and also do my bit for the environment…

You know what, my eldest daughter have been raving on and on about how good it is to use renewable energy, reduce usage of plastic bags, minimizing one’s carbon footprint etc.

Now the funny thing is…

She drives an SUV!

Well whatever works for her. I apologize for getting off track here but I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Anyway, as I was saying, good quality instructions on DIY solar power and wind panel kits are difficult to come by.

But there’s a quick and easy solution to this problem!

What I did was browse through a few home improvement message boards and from there, I came upon what I can say without the slightest doubt…

The fool-proof method of making your own solar and wind power devices regardless of your skills!

If I can manage to build my own solar panel, then anyone can!  Forget all those text-heavy manuals. All you need to do is acquire high-quality video instructions made solely for novices.

This is definitely a fool-proof method because each construction step is shown in clear detail and so you’ll learn exactly how to assemble your first solar power and wind panel kits.

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