Renewable energy and solar energy in particular seem to be constantly in the news these days, as the threat posed by climate change and global warming hangs ominously over us and our planet. This threat has been attributed to carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, which are used to generate the electricity we use in our homes.

The supply of fossil fuels is rapidly diminishing, causing the cost of electricity to increase just as rapidly. As a result, many people are seriously looking at solar energy as a means to not only reduce their electricity bill, which they anticipate with increasing dread every month, but also to help slow down global warming and hopefully save the planet for future generations.

One of the concerns people have when considering going solar is the cost of having a solar electric system installed. There are several components that go into a system, and the most expensive of these is usually the solar panels. Why is that? We’ll examine the reasons and look at the various options available.

Choose Your Panel Carefully

Solar panels are usually thought of as big rectangular frames of metal and glass. And this is the most common type of panel seen in the majority of PV (photovoltaic) systems. But, technology known as thin-film is also available and is making bigger inroads into the solar panel market.

These panels are created using amorphous (non-crystalline) cells, which are placed on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, metal, etc. Due to the lower-cost materials involved, the cost of manufacturing these panels is relatively inexpensive, which results in the panels being sold at lower retail prices. The price of thin-film modules is about $1.70 per watt.

The price of these panels is very attractive and, as a result, their popularity is increasing and they’re expected to command about a 30% share of the solar panel market in a few years time. The main drawback of this type of panel is their lack of efficiency, which means that about 15-40% more space is needed to accommodate the number of panels needed to match the output of standard crystalline panels.

Standard crystalline panels, the ones referred to above as being the most commonly used in rooftop systems, are significantly more expensive, currently costing around $2.70 per watt. The reason why these are so much more expensive than thin-film panels is the fact that the manufacturing process for this type of panel is so much more complex, and, therefore, more expensive. However, crystalline panels are more efficient than thin-film, so the increased cost is offset by the increased efficiency.

At The End Of The Day

In the end, the choice of which type of panel makes sense for a particular application will come down to the choice of site and space available and aesthetics. Thin-film modules can be integrated into a roof’s materials or glued to a roof, whereas no such option is currently available with standard crystalline panels, which can sometimes be regarded as an eyesore.

The thing to bear in mind when considering solar panels in general is that they usually carry a warranty of 25-30 years, and can achieve payback within 5-10 years, after which the electricity they supply will be free of charge and free of pollutants.

At the end of the day, it’s a win-win situation for the owner of the PV system and the planet.

The exciting news where solar technology is concerned is that it’s a relatively young technology, which has seen the price of solar panels come down dramatically in just the last 5 years, and will see the price of panels come down even more dramatically as the technology comes to full maturity and solar is adopted more widely, as it surely will.

In future, it may be that the cost of a single solar panel will cost less than filling up your car with gas as panel prices continue to decline while gas prices continue to soar. What a wonderful world that will be!

Ray Boreham

www.ecopoweredhome.com To Find out how to create your own Cheap Solar Panels and Generate Free Renewable Energy visit http

ecopowermaster

Can you make your own electricity & cut your utility bills by 85%? Yes!

Now You Can Produce Your Own Energy Using Solar Energy and Wind Power. If you are interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce or even eliminate your utility bill than this is the perfect resource for you! It’s not a secret that the Earth is slowly deteriorating and global warming is wrecking havoc all over. Utility companies are at liberty to charge as much as they desire, knowing we have no choice but to pay for it. But… the reality is that Yes! We do have a choice. And Yes! We Can Make Our Own Energy! (More about it later)

The IPCC predicts that global warming will get worse. Research by the federal agency NOAA suggests that the damage already caused is irreversible. Some of the damage is attributed by the IPCC to human irresponsible activities, citing long term effects such: o Climate Change o Extreme fluctuations in weather patterns o Rising Sea Levels o Glacier Retreat o shrinking of the Arctic o Acceleration in the rate of tropical diseases o Drastic Economic Impact

Although there were those who have been warning us for many years, it is only recently that social and political activism began in earnest advocating ideas that might undo some of the damage already done, and others that will hopefully prevent other, bleaker, predictions. Suddenly the world is waking up and taking note; world’s governments are looking for, and some are already implementing, alternative sources of energy. Finally!

?And now it is time we all ask ourselves what we can do to help. As a matter of fact, we can do a lot and… it is easier than most of us imagine. One thing most of us can do is begin to produce at least the amount of energy that we consume. And this is exactly the purpose of this page: to help and guide you in finding the resources to make your own renewable energy , an opportunity for doing your share in the global efforts already underway to save our planet by going green.

You will explore how to turn wind power into electricity simply by building your own Home Made Windmill, or how to use Solar Power, how electricity is made and a lot more. But in order to do all that you, all of us, must first change our mindsets and start to think outside the box. It’s time we assume responsibility for our actions and do all we can to stop contributing to the causes of Global Warming. Otherwise we are just as guilty, just as responsible, as the oil and utility companies are. Let’s face it: We are addicted to oil and chronically dependent on our utility companies. We are all accustomed to have the utility companies produce and deliver electricity to our homes while quietly enduring the inflated energy costs, believing we have no choice. But we do! We can make our own electricity.

Imagine how great you would feel when you become independent, stop paying utility bills and finally be able to say: “Good riddance utility company!” Wouldn’t it feel sweet?

Nowadays the technology to live off the grid and produce our own renewable energy is available, amazingly easy and inexpensive to obtain. And the beauty is that in order to do that, all we have to do is say “thank you” and accept Mother Nature’s gift to us: the Wind and the Sun. The sun shines and the wind blows. Both are FREE and both can be used to produce all the energy we need. And then some! Everyday more and more people are turning a new leaf in favor of good ol’ Mother Earth. They are now looking towards possible ways of producing energy through eco-friendly means that do not leave huge carbon fingerprints. However, inasmuch as a single person may have the passion to save the Earth, producing our own energy is beyond the reach of most people. Or is it?

It used to be… Not long ago, if you wanted to go green and generate your own energy, you would have to hire professionals who would do it for you, paying them huge amounts. Not anymore!? For less than $200, you can now build your own solar and wind power generating system and make your own electricity. If you want and can afford to hire professionals to build such a system for you, you can always do so, But Why? Why spend 1000′s on something you can build yourself, have fun doing, and help save the planet and your money.

There are several companies who offer DYI (do it yourself) kits. These kits come complete with all the paraphernalia that you will ever need. You do not even need to have a special designated place to build your solar panels or wind generating system, as you can simply do it in your own living room. Why pay others 1000′s of Dollars to build it for you when you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost?

Here you can find several companies who offer DIY (do it yourself) kit with detailed, step-by-step instructions (in videos and PDF format) ProduceOwnEnergy.com/Review

D. More

The Magniwork Free Energy Blueprint was developed by Ronald Bronson, a green energy supporter.  Mr Bronson’s DIY renewable energy magnetic generator is a zero point device, which powers itself with magnetic repulsion.  By building the renewable energy magnetic generator you could eliminate your electric bill.  The DIY renewable energy magnetic generator uses new technology to create it’s own energy.

Eliminate your dependence on the energy company.  The Magniwork free energy blueprint is a complete step by step guide to creating a magnetic generator.  The supplies and tools needed are common and readily available at the local hardware store, Lowe’s, or Home Depot.

FEATURES OF THE MAGNIWORK RENEWABLE ENERGY MAGNETIC GENERATOR

The Magniwork free energy blueprint is simple and concise including lots of photographs and detailed drawings. Plans are written so that you have the ability to scale the size of the generator to meet your needs. Anyone can build a magnetic generator. You also get a discount parts list where you can order supplies up to 50% off of retail. Mr Bronson also includes free technical support and product updates. The Magniwork generator contains no harmful or toxic parts, so it is safe around children and pets.

The generator is of compact size and can run in all types of weather. It can also run for years with little or no maintenance. With a low price and a 60day money back guarantee you the homeowner have nothing to loose. The most important feature is the peace of mind that you are doing your part to reduce greenhouse gasses, taking a bite out of the energy crisis and helping the environment.

THE APPLICATIONS OF THE DIY RENEWABLE ENERGY MAGNETIC GENERATOR ARE ENDLESS HERE ARE A FEW

You the home owner could completely or partially power your home or business. Depending on your states net metering laws you could export your unused power to the electric company, you could get a check from the electric company for a change. A portable DIY renewable energy magnetic generator could be used on a remote job sit or a camping trip. Green industry is growing faster than any other industry in the USA, get in on the ground floor and start a business selling magnetic generators.

If you find that you are asking yourself “Why have I never heard of this technology?” The answer is simple. The big power companies DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW TO DO THIS! If every home in the USA had a magnetic electrical generator we would not need them anymore. And household independence is a Very freighting concept for them.

Christy Corley

Homemade solar panels? You are kidding right?

No, not at all. You will be amazed at how easy it is to build solar panels. And the best bit is it will save you a fortune.

I am lucky enough (or unlucky enough) depending on your viewpoint to live totally off the grid in the wilds of the Spanish countryside. When I first moved here I spent a fortune on solar panels and a wind generator.I wish I knew then what I know know!

Even not having to pay for my electricity I am aware from friends and family and constant price rises reported on the news that the cost of electricity has skyrocketed. More and more people are realising the advantages of renewable energy. The problem of course is solar panel prices have also risen so it is difficult to afford for most people. The economics simply don’t stack up. It takes years to see a return cost wise on the purchase of solar power.

But if you make your own then that’s a different story. If you could make solar power for a fraction of the cost then I am sure it would be a more viable option for many people. Well, you can.

Solar power construction may seem like a daunting idea but the information I found makes having homemade solar panels very viable. You can source what you need easily and cheaply and have a fun time building a panel and reaping solar power benefits.

Start saving on electricity bills and boast to your friends about your home built solar panel.

Dave Tee

The economy is not doing well now. Solar panel can help you save more money. Also it’s good for the environment because solar power doesn’t release any harmful gases or pollution when you use it. Certain natural resources are becoming scarce such as fossil fuels. The price for some natural resources is rising. Therefore solar power will be another great renewable energy since it is free to use and available in abundance and it’s not difficult to get. The only thing you need is making a solar panel yourself because an already-made solar panel is expensive.

Building a solar power is easy to do. The materials won’t cost you more than $200. Also, these materials are easy to obtain. Most of them can be purchased from local hardware store. Even, some of them can be obtained for free.

If you decide to make your first solar panel, the materials you may need are shear metals, table salt, copper, electric drill, sand paper and solar cells. You may also need a complete instruction. These are some things you must need in order to make a solar panel. As you can see above, these things are simple and making a solar panel is not as difficult as you think. Solar cells are the main part of the solar panel; it reacts to sunlight and converts it to the electricity for your home. You may need an inverter to convert it. With the free electricity generated by the solar panel, a homemade solar panel can save your 50%-80% on your electricity bills.

Danny Ma

How much renewable energy does Australia use?

by: AllyI need to find a graph or date showing how much renewable energy the states of Australia uses, for example Darwin – 38%

Please help, been looking for ages

Mangab

What kinds of jobs can this renewable energy certificate get me?

by: Travis MabusThe courses that are required are chemistry fundamentals, basic electricity, applied alternative and renewable energy, and technical math 2. It’s a 14 credit program.

Zekcy

Look for Enerlix for Views on Sustainable Renewable Energy Solar Wind Technology

by: Vikram KumarIn the present era the efforts to prevent earth are going on a war scale. It is undeniable that the entire world is facing the threat of environmental crises. The situation will become more adverse in the upcoming years. Some of the major problems are not confined to a particular country or continent but on a global scale. These major problems include global warming, ozone layer depletion and exhaustion of energy resources.

When it is about matching-up with the energy needs of global industries and the demand of every household then we are highly depended on non-renewable sources of energy. It is a kind of deliberation which is leading us towards an unsecured future.

Although non conventional (renewable) sources of energy are emerging as an adequate option for the traditional sources of energy but still there are lot many things to do so that their application can be expanded to a large scale.

To tackle out the problem on a global level it is significant that the renewable sources of energy can be accepted and admired by every individual. It is essential that the worth of these lately discovered sources should be understand by everyone in every part of the world and for that internet can be an exceptional source.

There are a large number of sites available on the internet which have proven themselves to be the marketplace for environmental technologies. You can look for one such site where one can register and avail all kinds of information, recent changes, initiatives been taken throughout the world, etc.

When it is about the non traditional sources of energy then renewable energy solar wind has its own prominent place. Researchers have seen enough potential in renewable energy solar wind to meet the future needs of mankind.

There are some of the sites available on the net which are highly recognized as the websites for renewable technologies. One such site on the internet which you can look for renewable energy solar wind technologies is Enerlix.

Enerlix is a site which is highly renowned online for information, trading and communication on environmental technologies. It is the marketplace for hydrogen, fuel cells, and renewable energies. Enerlix was once recognized by the name of Energyportal24.

Why Enerlix?

It is because of the following reasons.

Ø      Wide collection of information: besides renewable energy solar wind technology, one can also avail information about fuel cells, bio energy, hydrogen, wind power, hydropower, geothermal, cogeneration unit, energy savings, etc.

Ø      Ease of navigation:   Enerlix is a site which is highly friendly to the user. One can easily navigate the entire structure of the site (including all the sections) in no time. You are just required to register for free and you can avail all kinds of features offered by this site.

Ø      B2B marketplace: Enerlix is an international business to business (B2B) marketplace for environmental technologies. The content area of environmental technologies also includes renewable energy solar wind technology.

Ø      Exclusive services for free! There are free tools available including efficiency calculator, reference books, eco-energy calculator, etc. In the reading section there are press releases, articles, reports to enhance your knowledge. With publishing events you can submit new worldwide events including congresses and fair trade.

Mark

McCain claims to support Renewable energy. When are we going to hear the details?

by: chattterusSo far he has always been opposed to renewable energy support of any kind.

Detik