Editorial - A Habit to Break

Published: October 25, 2009

A year ago, New York State joined nine other Eastern states from Maryland to Maine in an innovative program to control greenhouse gases by charging power plants a fee to emit carbon dioxide. Nine of the 10 agreed to use the proceeds exclusively for renewable energy, advanced technologies and other programs to address the challenge of global warming. New York did not, and it now seems likely that almost none of the money Albany has collected will be used for the envisioned cutting-edge research and development.
The State Legislature voted several months ago to devote a little over half the fund — $112 million — to retrofitting homes, collecting energy data and other “green jobs” programs. These are worthy objectives, but New York already has a number of programs that try to increase energy efficiency through existing technologies. The point of the fund was to jump-start new and emerging technologies, for which there is very little money.
Now Gov. David Paterson has announced that he plans to take what is left in the fund, about $90 million, and use it to help close the state’s yawning budget deficit. The governor is desperate for money: programs large and small are being slashed — including health care and education — and it can be fairly argued that nothing should be off-limits. That said, we strongly hope that the other states hold the line. We also urge Mr. Paterson not to make this a habit.
To cover previous budget shortfalls, New York’s governors, from both parties, have repeatedly raided an older program called the Environmental Protection Fund — aimed, among other things, at conserving open space. The result, time and again, is that short-term gains in the state’s balance sheet translate into long-term losses for the environment.

Editorial - A Habit to Break - NYTimes.com

Make Your Own Electricity Now!

The Earth4Energy ebook claims it can help you save up to 80% on your electricity bill, and perhaps even eliminate it completely. So does it live up our expectations? Without a doubt…Yes.

Likes:

1 - Great value for money.

Earth4Energy, although similarly priced to the other guides, was the most complete and comprehensive ones we read. Furthermore, if we were ever stuck at some point in our build, the quick, helpful customer support provided great advice.

2 - Quality customer support.

What we like about customer support is that not only were their replies helpful, but they came really quickly. Furthermore, it is the only guide that is regularly updated with the latest information. For example, after many requests, Earth4Energy added video instruction on how to build a working home solar kit and home wind generator, without charging us any more money!

3 - Excellent solar panel plans.

The solar electric system instruction were well laid out and detailed. And with help from the step-by-step videos, they were by far the easiest to follow. The estimated costs to get all the parts was spot on. Michael Harvey, the man behind Earth4Energy, claimed we could source everything for under $150. We ended up spending only $137.88. That is amazing, if you think it would of cost us thousands of dollars to get a professional home solar power system!

Another winning aspect about Earth4Energy is that is explains how you can make the home solar power system portable, and use it to power your RV. This also comes in handy for those off the grid camping trips.

What we did not like:

1 - More than one system needed for best results (But you can’t really blame that on the guide):

This is one of those problems we found with all the diy energy guides. Yes, it is very possible to save up to 80% on power by following these plans, but it will take you more than one system to get there. So, depending on how much power you want to make, and where you live, you will have to scale up your systems, and obvious spend more than the claimed $250 or so to see the desired results.

Verdict:

If you are really serious about making your own home wind turbine and home solar power system to start saving money, then Earth4Energy is your best option. It has the most comprehensive instructions, practical diagrams, step-by-step videos, and top quality customer service with regular, value-added, free updates. And it is no wonder it has outperformed it closet competitors - Homemade Energy and Efficient Planet - by over 500% (based on number of happy customers).

And what’s even better is that you can now get a FREE sneak peek of Earth4Energy, before deciding to make your own Home Home Solar Power and save thousands on your electricity costs.

Source:
Home Solar Power » What You Never Knew About Earth4Energy

A tiny nuclear energy source could help power micro- and nanomachines of the future

By Jeremy Hsu

Micro Nuclear Battery Nuclear packages can still pack a lot in small sizes, Moneypenny University of Missouri

Nuclear power has long provided steady energy sources for everything from homes to deep space probes. Now researchers have begun developing a tiny nuclear battery the size of a penny that could provide power in a smaller, lighter, and more efficient package.

Most people probably think of nuclear power that involves fission and the splitting of atoms. But nuclear power can also come from the natural radioactive decay of isotopes such as plutonium-238 — a much gentler process that has powered nuclear generators aboard spacecraft such as NASA’s Cassini probe.

Nuclear batteries have also powered more familiar devices on Earth, such as pacemakers. The higher cost of the batteries represents the tradeoff for a long-lasting power source that provides more energy for its size than chemical batteries.

“The radioisotope battery can provide power density that is six orders of magnitude higher than chemical batteries,” said Jae Kwon, an electrical and computer engineer at the University of Missouri.

Kwon and colleagues want to miniaturize such batteries to power micro-devices and nanotech systems. The batteries won’t pose any fission-related threats, but engineers do face a challenge in preventing the radioactive decay from damaging sensitive parts of the batteries.

“The critical part of using a radioactive battery is that when you harvest the energy, part of the radiation energy can damage the lattice structure of the solid semiconductor,” Kwon noted.

The researchers hope to get around that problem by using a liquid semiconductor rather than a solid semiconductor. Eventually they also want to boost battery power, shrink its size, and eventually end up with a battery thinner than a human hair

Source:
Researchers Develop a Penny-Sized Nuclear Battery | Popular Science

Air Vent(r) Attic Aire(r) 1320CFM Gable Mount Power Fan (53319) List Price: $82.99 Air Vent(r) Attic Aire(r) 1320CFM Gable Mount Power Fan (53319)

If you have a typical electric attic fan running at home, then have you ever thought of replacing it with a modern solar attic fan? You may be thinking it to be too expensive, but in reality a solar powered attic fan is much cheaper to run than your energy-wasting electric fan.Once you have discovered the advantages of a solar attic fan, you’ll be ready to move into the 21st century. Here are 5 such advantages:

1 - Simple and Affordable:The sun is the power source for a solar attic fan, so no complex connection to the home’s power supply is necessary. Instead of having to waste time and money getting in an expert electrician to install the fan, all you need to do is follow the instructions over a couple of hours.

2 - Power is Freely available:The only power a solar powered attic fan requires is from the sun - which is FREE. So the only cost you have to worry about is the initial investment. After that, it costs absolutely nothing to operate it.What’s more is your solar fan will attract both state and Federal renewable energy subsidies, which will make it even more affordable to operate.

3 - Non-Stop Operation:You do not need to control when the fan works to reduce power consumption. This is because it uses the sun’s free energy all day long. This helps in keeping the air in your home temperate and fresh, and you do not have to wait until it is scorching hot for the fan to start working.

4 - Helps Maintain your roof’s condition:Many households suffer from ice damming in winter, where snow melts on their roof, collects in the gutter and then refreezes. A solar attic fan can even operate in winter and prevents ice damming, by releasing the hot air out of the attic.

Also the solar attic fan keeps your attic well-ventilated, helping prevent fungal decay of your roof frame. This decay is usually caused where warm moist air from showering, and cooking collects in the attic, forming mildew and mold.

5 - Promotes “green” living:If you already have an attic fan, chances are it is connected to your home’s power supply. This power is produced by burning coal, gas, and other fossil fuels, which all churn out large volumes of air pollution.Whereas a solar attic fan operates on the sun’s clean, free energy. This helps decrease the need to burn fossil fuels and aids in fighting global warming.

Last thoughts:

So many people talk about “green this” and “green that”, but very few actually get involved. Now that you know how easy, cost-effective, and “green” it is to install a solar powered attic fan, you can “walk the talk” and actually live a greener, cleaner life.

You can pick up a solar attic fan for about $400, which is nothing if you think how much money you’ll save in power bills, and roof repairs.

Tim McDonald and his wife have been living off the grid since June 2008. He recommends you Try Earth4Energy For FREE if you are keen on learning more about making home solar power and reducing your electricity bills.

Home Solar Power » Solar Attic Fan - The Advantages To Using One

Author: James Copper

Green energy refers to the use of power that is not only more efficient than fossil fuel but that is friendly to the environment as well.

Green energy is generally defined as energy sources that dont pollute and are renewable.

There are several categories of green energy. They are anaerobic digestion, wind power, geothermal power, hydropower on a small scale, biomass power, solar power and wave power. Waste incineration can even be a source of green energy.

Nuclear power plants claim that they produce green energy as well, though this source is fraught with controversy, as we all know. While nuclear energy may be sustainable, may be considered renewable and does not pollute the atmosphere while it is producing energy, its waste does pollute the biosphere as it is released.

The transport, mining and phases before and after production of nuclear energy does produce and release carbon dioxide and similar destructive greenhouse gases. When we read of green energy, therefore, we rarely see nuclear power included.

Those who support nuclear energy say that nuclear waste is not, in fact, released into our earths biosphere during its normal production cycle. They stress as well that the carbon dioxide that nuclear energy production releases is comparable, in terms of each kilowatt hour of electricity, to such sources of green energy as wind power.

As an example of the green energy production the average wind turbine, such as the one in Reading England, can produce enough energy daily to be the only energy source for 1000 households.

Many countries now offer household and commercial consumers to opt for total use of green energy. They do this one of two ways. Consumers can buy their electricity from a company that only uses renewable green energy technology, or they can buy from their general supplies such as the local utility company who then buys from green energy resources only as much of a supply as consumers pay for.

The latter is generally a more cost - efficient way of supplying a home or office with green energy, as the supplier can reap the economic benefits of a mass purchase. Green energy generally costs more per kilowatt hour than standard fossil fuel energy.

Consumers can also purchase green energy certificates, which are alternately referred to as green tags or green certificates. These are available in both Europe and the United States, and are the most convenient method for the average consumer to support green energy. More than 35 million European households and one million American households now buy these green energy certificates.

While green energy is a great step in the direction of keeping our environment healthy and our air as pollutant free as possible, it must be noted that no matter what the energy, it will negatively impact the environment to some extent.Every energy source, green or otherwise, requires energy. The production of this energy will create pollution during its manufacture. Green energys impact is minimal, however.

About the Author:James Copper owns www.propertycareerskills.co.uk who offer energy training and assessment.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What You Should Know Green Energy

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by Ileana Limon

Admittedly, the immense popularity of home solar power nowadays is largely due to the fact that it can save money on your monthly utility bills, although of course this is not the only reason why more and more people are turning towards home solar power.

Knowing these reasons can help you see why so many people are choosing to use this type of power for their homes. Here are the reasons why residential home solar power is so popular.

One: Essentially, once home solar power has been installed in a home, it is virtually maintenance free and this in turn means that it requires very little upkeep.

Two: It’s a well known fact that solar panels rarely need to be replaced because generally speaking, they have a long life span.

Three: Solar panels are made in all different shapes and sizes, which means that no matter what your homes design is, you can pretty much install home solar power almost anywhere.

Four: Unlike in days gone by, home solar power has become more and more affordable for the average person. At the same time, oil and gas prices continue to spiral out of control and as a result more and more people are finding they can save money by installing home solar power.

Let’s face it; the sun can provide us with an endless supply of energy and this energy can then be converted to electrical power thanks to modern technology. Of course this is by far a cheaper and more cost effective way of powering our homes.

Of course, these are certainly not the only reasons for the increasing popularity of home solar power, but they are the most important. Now that you have a better idea as to why home solar power is so popular, you should also take note of a few considerations which need to be made before you decide to use home solar power.

For example, does your home get an adequate amount of sunlight? Of course, it only stands to reason that if your house is mainly in the shade or if you live in an area where you experience a lot of cloud cover, then home solar power may not be an ideal choice.

As you can imagine, it’s crucial that you take the weather into consideration and whether or not you get a sufficient amount of sun because ultimately this will be the deciding factor.

Two: You have to take into consideration your local ordinances. There are some cities that will not allow you to use home solar power. So, check with your neighbors and check the laws regarding this before you decide to use residential home solar power.

Now that you’re aware of the main reasons why people choose home solar power and also what factors you need to take into consideration, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not residential home solar power is the right choice for you. Remember, while it may be ideal for some, is not the best choice for everyone.

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Home Solar Power » Residential Solar Power Is Becoming An Increasingly Popular Option for Homeowners

by Dan Avella

Now a days everyone is talking about the environment. From global warming to conservation, many are looking for ways to save the Earth essentially. Some have found a huge equalizer with solar electrical panels.

These incredible pieces of silicon can literally transform radiation from sunlight into usable energy to power our electrical needs. The silicon panel itself is made up of several solar cells, that, when exposed to sunlight reacts in a very powerful way.

Photons strike off the surface of the silicon panel, which produces a very formidable force. This force pushes electrons in their fields out of their orbits and out into free space. The solar cells on the panel direct the electrons into one direct path with each other resulting in a current that, through similar cables and structures as regular methods, makes its way inside to where it is needed.

There are distinct differences between solar energy and the conventional sources for electricity, namely coal and nuclear power. For starters and perhaps most important to most who host these elaborate paneling systems is the damaging effects of coal and nuclear production on the environment. Solar energy literally converts sunlight into electricity and therefore has no toxins or pollutants associated with it.

You might ask: “Is solar energy something I should be considering?” And for some the answer may be yes. It really lies in your level of commitment to this renewable resource and the pros of owning your own system. It also beats trying to harness wind energy by setting up a giant windmill in your front yard.

Do not be mistaken, solar energy for the time being, is not cheaper than conventional electricity sources. While the cost of these sources continues to increase annually, for the time being, solar energy edges them both for the highest initial cost. For an average 3 bedroom home, an adequate system would cost between thirteen and twenty seven thousand dollars for equipment and installation. This system may pay for itself without the need for monthly electric bills, and therefore might not be a bad option for those who can afford the start up.For the most of us, coughing up between thirteen and twenty seven thousand dollars is not a simple undertaking. So its safe to assume that for most people who have these units, their love of the environment is enough to afford the installation.

Solar electrical panels are conduits for individuals to help the environment and release their dependence on environment damaging norms for their electricity needs. While it may require a little more start up to install and maintain, the overall pros of solar energy greatly outweigh the cons. So what’s stopping you?

About the Author:It has never been easier to conserve energy and save money on your electric bill. With solar electrical panels for your home, you will never have to pay an electric bill again. Discover how to build and install your own solar panels with this Guide To Homemade Solar Panels and start saving money today.

Source:
Home Solar Power » Discover Solar Electrical Panels for Your Home

by Ileana Limon

Admittedly, the immense popularity of solar power nowadays is largely due to the fact that it can save money on your monthly utility bills, although of course this is not the only reason why more and more people are turning towards solar power.

Knowing these reasons can help you see why so many people are choosing to use this type of power for their homes. Here are the reasons why residential solar power is so popular.

One: Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people choose solar power is because once it has been installed, it requires hardly any maintenance and as such, the cost and upkeep is negligible.

Two: It’s a well known fact that solar panels rarely need to be replaced because generally speaking, they have a long life span.

Three: Solar panels are made in all different shapes and sizes, which means that no matter what your homes design is, you can pretty much install solar power almost anywhere.

Four: Unlike in days gone by, solar power has become more and more affordable for the average person. At the same time, oil and gas prices continue to spiral out of control and as a result more and more people are finding they can save money by installing solar power.

Thanks to modern technology we now have the ability to convert the sun’s energy into electrical power using solar power systems. When one considers that the sun can provide us with such an abundance of energy, it only stands to reason that solar energy is a more cost effective alternative to what we currently use.

These are not the only reasons why residential solar power is becoming more popular every day, but they are the most important ones.

Now that you know why it is becoming popular, you need to know some important factors to take into consideration before you decide to use solar power for your home.

For example, does your home get an adequate amount of sunlight? Of course, it only stands to reason that if your house is mainly in the shade or if you live in an area where you experience a lot of cloud cover, then solar power may not be an ideal choice.

So, you have to take the weather and how much sun your home receives into consideration because this will make a difference in how well it works to provide energy for your home.

Secondly, one also needs to take into consideration the local laws and by-laws due to the fact that solar power may not be allowed in certain areas. For this reason it’s always a good idea to seek advice from neighbors or from your local authority with regards to installing solar power.

Now that you’re aware of the main reasons why people choose solar power and also what factors you need to take into consideration, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not residential solar power is the right choice for you.

Remember, while it may be ideal for some, is not the best choice for everyone.

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Home Solar Power » Do You Know Why Residential Solar Power Is Becoming Popular?

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by Mark Walters

The importance of renewable energy sources shouldn’t be understated, especially in times like these where both greenhouse gases and global warming are on the rise. It’s critical that proper attention is given to reducing carbon emissions.

It’s important that the population do what they can to minimize their impact on the environment by looking at other more environmentally friendly means of heating their homes for instance.

Governments around the world have offered grants, tax breaks and concessions to those who are willing to do their bit by helping out the environment. However, sometimes it can be hard to know what’s on offer and how to get them (how to get solar power grants for example).

So, how does one find out whats on offer and how do you go about getting grants, concessions or tax breaks?

This best place to start is the ‘Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency’ website. From this site you can find out what incentives and grants are available in the specific state that you live in. You can find this out by simply clicking on your state from the map of the United States that you will be presented with.

Before you jump on the renovation or implementation of these green friendly resources, check out this site first which will help you know what you’re entitled to and what money you can save. This is probably the first step in order to understand how to get solar power grants for instance.

Some of the items presented there include…

- The policy or incentive type, whether it be a tax credit, net metering or similar program.
- What sectors are entitled to the benefits, whether it is residential, government or commercial premises.
- Is the grant a state or federal one?
- A link to the website in charge of the offering of the grant or incentive.
- The purpose the grant is on offer for, whether it is for the installation of solar power, wind energy or insulation, etc.

Both state and federal governments offer grants and hopefully this website will point you in the right direction in order to receive them. The benefits can be quite numerous, with the possibility of receiving thousands of dollars or the complete purchase and installation price of some of these renewable energy resources or environmentally friendly facilities.

I’d also be inclined to monitor the website on a regular basis in order to be updated on new developments on how to get solar power grants. Both state and federal governments are constantly increasing what’s on offer to encourage people to go green in order to reduce their own carbon emissions at both the state and national levels.

About the Author:Read On : Solar Power Grants

Source:
Home Solar Power » Beginner’s Guide To Solar Power : How To Get A Solar Power Grant

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Every year, thousand of chemicals are poured into the environment and millions of gallons of water are needlessly wasted. How? By growing plants. Sure, most of this is done by large agricultural producers, but some of it is still done in personal gardens. And that means that you can make a difference by changing your gardening practices. There are many agricultural producers who have done it, and you can use the same tricks to help your own garden, and the planet.

Pick appropriate plants. Not all plants are appropriate for the area you live in. While you might be able to control the temperature, humidity, and rain conditions inside your house, you can’t do it out in the garden. If you pick appropriate plants for your area, you may be able to avoid using fertilizers and saving on water too. Research, what plants are native to your surrounding areas and try planting them in your own garden. Wildflowers, are just that, they can pretty much be left alone and will thrive in most areas.

Pick natural repelling plants. You don’t need to rely on poisons to keep away garden ruining pests. Many plants produce chemicals that repel these animals naturally. By putting them in or around you garden, you can keep your garden safe with little effort and no chemicals. Plus, you can pick parts of these plants and use them to make products to keep them away from you too.

If you don’t want to plant natural repellents in your garden, you can use them to spray your plants without harming them or adding artificial chemicals to your garden. Many herbs like hot pepper, vanilla, and lavender can help repel insects from your garden.

Pull weeds. We’re all looking for a quick and easy way to safely get rid of weeds without chemicals, but the good old fashioned way is still very effective. It you take time every day to pull the weeds you can find, you’ll only take a few minutes so it doesn’t seem like a lot of work. You can even get the kids involved, just be sure to do it properly so you don’t spread the seeds around. There are even some common weeds that are edible, just make sure there are no pesticides that could have gotten on them.

Crop rotation. Farmers all over the world use crop rotation to naturally fertilize plants. The concept is to change what crop you’re putting in a certain field each year. Plants use different nutrients and put other nutrients back into the soil. If you rotate crops that replace the nutrients the other plants use, you will have to fertilize the soil less.

You can use this same concept in your garden by planting different plants every year, or just rotating where you put specific plants in the garden.

So, you’ve made all these changes and are using a low-water, chemical free garden? Well, you still haven’t done the most important thing: pass it on! One garden can make a dent, but more can make a bigger difference. Tell your friends, teach your kids, you can even visit their school and teach your kids friends! Every little bit helps make a better world.

Source:
GREEN LIVING ADVICE

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