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on December 14th, 2011% ![]() Solar Panels Cost – How you can get This Expensive Device Cheaply And Save Your Bills
Having solar panels at your home can be your alternative way to obtain energy. This is a clean way to obtain energy which can be utilized throughout the year if your house is within the sunny zone. However, there are a few concerns on the setup cost of the solar panels. it should be very expensive according to some people. This article will give you the estimation with the cost of solar panels so that you can consider if this system is suitable for your needs.
If you want to install the new solar panels and system to your house, you have to consider for what purpose you are going to make use of the energy. Here are some with the breakdowns for the reason for energy used from the solar panels including:
If you want to use it to be for electricity generation, the little scale of producing 1 kilowatt electricity can cost you around $10,000 with all the installation included.
If you want to use it for your heat also, the cost can come up from $25,000 to $100,000 with regards to the size of your house.
The separated solar panels for your swimming pool can cost you in the range of $2,500-$7,000 with regards to the pool’s size.
Solar power for hot water heater may cost you $1,000. There will be almost no monthly maintenance cost for this.
Once you know all the solar panels cost, you might need to consider if the panels is suitable for your needs. it may be expensive for many people but you also can have a choice of building your own solar panels. There are many Diy guide to help you making one easily and less costly.
There are some guide books that may provide the information to produce solar panels within only $200 budget. you can check those things out to compare with the solar panels cost you have at this time.
Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: solar panels cost and cheap solar panels.
on December 13th, 2011% ![]() Rosie Murray-West, 16:10, Monday 12 December 2011
The number of people installing solar panels has risen tenfold as they rush to beat a cut in government subsidies.
The Microgeneration Certification scheme said it had provided installers with up to 9,000 certificates for the panels every day in the past week, compared to volumes of about 500 a day before that.
After today, those who install and register solar panels will see a 50pc fall in the amount they receive for every kilowatt hour generated, with the total per unit falling from 43.3p to 21p per kilowatt hour. The “export” tariff, which is the additional 3.1p per kWh for any electricity sold on to the grid, will not change.
Customers who had already signed contracts for panels have scrambled to register their installations before the date, with some fearing that they will lose out. The timing of the move has been criticised by environmental campaigners and the green energy industry. They claim that the decision will cost thousands of jobs.
Friends of the Earth and one of the panel installers, Homesun, are hoping to take the Government to court over the decision. Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said he believed that the decision was unlawful and had already led to unfinished and planned projects being abandoned.
“We strongly believe Government plans to abruptly slash solar subsidies are illegal. we hope the High Court agrees to allow our case to be heard as soon as possible,” he said. “It’s short sighted for ministers to move the goalposts and prematurely pull the subsidy this will cost tens of thousands of jobs, bankrupt businesses and reduce Treasury income by up to £230m a year.”
on December 13th, 2011% ![]()
Many people have good intentions when it comes to our environment. the problem is while renewable energy is the future of our energy consumption; the initial costs associated with installing these systems make sustainable energy out of reach for most. the federal government and many state governments are striving to change this; along with federal tax credits many states, such as Florida, are offering rebate incentives.
On average, a US home consumes about 730 KWH per month. the cost of a solar panel, with installation and wiring taken into account, is about nine dollars per watt. That means the average home could be energized completely by the sun for about $35,000-$72,000. while this may seem steep, many homeowners opt to set up solar systems for half of their energy usage, which cuts the initial costs. About $18,000 for a solar system supplying half of the home’s energy is a reasonable budget.
These costs are what scare many homeowners away from making the upgrade to sustainable energy. the country’s current addiction to fossil fuels and the degradation of our environment is a dire situation that needs to be swiftly addressed. because of these concerns the government is finally interceding and offering residents some relief from these costs.
Florida is a great example of a state using a rebate incentive program to coax homeowners into making the switch to renewable energy. the state rebate program applies to solar water heaters, solar panels (photovoltaics), and solar pool heating. Residential, commercial, schools, non-profit organizations, multi-family dwellings, and government buildings are all eligible for the rebates.
The incentive amounts vary depending on which system the rebate is applied for. Photovoltaics are good for a rebate of four dollars per watt installed with a maximum of $20,000 for residential systems and $100,000 for non-residential. For solar water heaters used in a residential setting the rebate is five hundred dollars and non-residential solar water heaters are eligible for fifteen dollars per BTU a day with a limit of $5,000. For solar pool heaters the rebate is a set one hundred dollars.
In order for Floridians to receive these rebates the systems must meet certain requirements. the solar panel systems must be a minimum of two kW. the equipment must be approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center and must be installed by a licensed master electrician or state licensed contractor (general or solar electrical).
The solar water heaters must provide at least fifty percent of the hot water consumption for the building. the equipment must also be approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center and must be installed by a licensed solar or plumbing contractor (or general contractor.) Pool heaters must meet the same installation requirements.
The Florida rebate incentive program is administered by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and ends June 20th, 2010. the funds for the rebate program were exhausted in the fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, but the state is still accepting applications for rebates because funding for 2009-2010 may be appropriated. the remaining rebates will be paid in the order they were received until those funds are too exhausted. all applications for rebates must be submitted within one hundred and twenty days of purchase.
The savings for Florida homeowners don’t end with the rebate program. Federal tax credits will be given to any US residential homeowner for up to 30% of the costs associated with installing any solar power system, solar water heaters, wind turbines, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, or other solar technology. the cost can include cost of installation, equipment, and wiring or piping needed to integrate the system/s. the federal program does not include pool heaters though and is strictly residential.
The federal tax credit also has several guidelines that must be followed and can be found on various websites including DSIREUSA.org -a website listing all state and federal renewable energy incentive programs. the federal tax credit program is slated to end December 31st, 2016.
For even further savings many local utility companies will also offer incentives, subsidizing up to 50% for the cost of the system. if the power company allows net metering (which is required in some states) then excess energy generated by the system can be sold back into the power grid, yielding even more savings on the system.
With all the incentives offered by the government now is the perfect time to make the upgrade to clean energy. These programs will not be in place forever, and homeowners will miss their window of opportunity. Florida homeowners have more than three hundred days of sun per year, making most homes perfect candidates for solar energy. Acting now to make an investment will provide the best return, along with the enormous benefits for the environment and the economy.
on December 12th, 2011% ![]()
WINDENERGY7.com – Solar Panel Photovoltaic and Solar Panel Photovoltaic systems are a core expertise of our companies Solar Panel Photovoltaic offerings. a solar cell (also called photovoltaic cell or photoelectric cell) is a solid state electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity. We use photovoltaic solar panels, pv solar panels and solar power components at WindEnergy7.com. Contact us for a custom quote, availability and shipping for. Learn all about solar cells, silicon solar cells and solar power. In fact, photovoltaics which were once used almost exclusively in space, powering satellites. We have a wealth of information relating to solar panel kits, the installation of photovoltaics, and the concepts and design behind creating solar cells. Our site can help World’s Lowest Prices in Solar Panels, Inverters, PV Systems for Home and Business. We carry the top brands at the lowest prices. The 1990′s were pivotal years for photovoltaic technology. Innovations in solar cells allowed for greater efficiency while lowering the cost of production to American homes.
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solar photovoltaic information about the history of solar energy and solar panels, UL Listed PV solar panels, Photovoltaic Solar Panels direct from our factory, lowest prices..high efficiency mono/poly solar electric panels..wholesale solar. Bringing a quarter century of proven experience and performance, SunPower provides residential, commercial and power plant solar solutions. Discover why Solar Cells & Small Solar Modules Photovoltaic Solar Cells – Commercial & Educational. We carry all of the solar cells you will ever need to meet of any of your. need to know what a photovoltaic electric system is? Not quite sure how PV cells generate electricity? Check out our Photovoltaic Electric Systems page for .Solar cells, also called photovoltaic (PV) cells by scientists, convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV gets its name from the process of. Solar panel, solar heating & wind turbine power systems for us. Blue Oak PV Products, Blue Sea Systems, Blue Sky Energy, Bogart Engineering, BP Solar, Brand.
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on December 10th, 2011% ![]()
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Community solar pioneer one Block off the Grid today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind solar group rebate for Arizona homeowners. the program offers a rebate to participants based on the total number of Arizona households that go solar within a 90-day period.
“There are already some strong solar rebates in Arizona, but we wanted to create a tipping point,” said CEO Dave Llorens. “So, in addition solar rebates from APS, SRP, and TEP, now there’s a solar rebate that grows according to the real-time level of consumer interest in solar in Arizona.”
How the Solar Rebate Works
One Block off the Grid will start off each eligible Arizona household with $100 in a community chest account. Each time a homeowner decides to go solar in the greater metro areas of Phoenix, Tucson, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Mesa, and Sierra Vista from now until the end of March 2012, the company will place an additional $10 dollars in every account. at the end of the three-month campaign, homeowners who purchase or lease solar panels will receive a solar rebate check from the community chest.
The new group rebate model was tested in the San Diego area in 2010 and saw strong engagement there among homeowners.
Solar Market Heats up in Arizona
Over the last two years, one Block off the Grid reports Arizona membership has grown by a dramatic 98.4 percent due to utility rate hikes as well as the recent mass blackouts in September 2011.
“We’re seeing an unprecedented level of interest in energy independence among homeowners,” said Llorens. “Solar payback periods are coming down as electricity bills go up, so we recommend homeowners get a solar estimate at least once every six months, especially in places like Arizona where multiple incentives are in place.”
For more information, please call 877-444-4002 or visit 1bog.org.
About one Block off the Grid
Often described as “the Groupon of solar,” one Block off the Grid is the nation’s largest provider of group deals on solar energy. Since 2008, one Block off the Grid has offered hundreds of solar deals in over 40 U.S. states and helped thousands of homeowners go solar. in addition to group deals, the company offers an array of flexible, zero-down solar leasing options for homeowners and manages the solar process from beginning to end. the company has been featured in dozens of publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Wired. in 2010, one Block off the Grid sponsored the first solar Groupon and received the Daily Green’s Heart of Green Award for “Best New Innovation.”
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on December 10th, 2011% ![]()
The Prudence Island Research Reserve will become a little more energy efficient thanks to a new state project.
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) plans to install a single, pole-mounted solar array at the research reserve. The array will generate more than 3,700 kWh of electricity each year.
Students involved in educational programs at the Prudence Island Research Reserve will learn about sustainable energy created by solar panels and other renewable sources.
“These installations demonstrate a significant investment in Rhode Island’s commitment to renewable energy. The projects will not only reduce our electricity bills at the different facilities, but will provide a great educational tool for the public,” said Governor Lincoln Chafee.
The solar system is estimated to save the research reserve $500 per year. It is estimated that the installation will be completed by the end of February.
DEM has been awarded $1.5 million in federal funds from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to install solar panels at nine DEM facilities throughout the state.
The solar panels are designed to turn the energy from the sun into electricity that will be used to offset the energy needs at the state facilities. The funding was awarded as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009.
“This is yet another example of how we are working to increase the use of clean, renewable energy at DEM facilities throughout Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “These solar arrays illustrate how properly-sized renewable energy projects can work at a wide range of publicly-owned sites. The technology is proven and will result in lower electrical bills for the state for many years to come.”
on December 7th, 2011% ![]()
Solar energy has existed quite literally for the complete history of the world. Solar energy describes the energy released from the sun, quite a lot of which reaches earth in the form of light and warmth. This article talks about just how solar energy has been utilized in the past and takes a look at the numerous ways it’s used in present times.
The history of solar energy and the development of solar panels?
Through history the human race and indeed all kinds of flora and fauna have taken advantage of solar energy. Light as well as heat energy generated by the sun has been used to heat water, dry out fur or clothing and also to aid plants for instance grow. Romans as well as Greeks alike used the sun’s rays for all types of inventions such as heating structures and baths! The great thing about solar energy was that and indeed is dependable: it will always be there and will never run out for the conceivable future of humanity.
The restrictions history has had to cope with however is the fact that while solar energy may do some things, it could never be concentrated enough to do anything more useful. However, with the advent of the first solar panels it was suddenly feasible to make use of solar energy to produce electricity, making solar electricity infinitely more helpful! Through making use of photovoltaic cells light energy may be transformed into electricity. Whilst the first solar panels were not very efficient, modern solar panels power households, businesses and cities! Indeed solar panel installations have become the most sought after form of sustainable energy production across the UK and even the whole world. With solar panel installations now costing the average sized dwelling about ?10,000, a solar panel installation has become an accessible sort of energy production for many. Specially when one considers the financial rewards which may also be gained in many European counties. In the UK for example as the system currently stands a typical sized house can easily gain over ?1000 in economic advantages a year! When one factors this into the reasons why the ancients loved solar energy i.e. its reliability, you’ll be able to see why solar panels have grown to be such an exciting and popular technology.
how solar panels are used today
Many European countries are progressively turning to solar panels to fulfill their energy needs. In most cases solar panels are being used to produce electricity to feed right into household or industrial circuits. once in the system when you use your Telly or washing machine in the day time you will be making use of the electrical power which your solar panels created. A far more simplistic approach is that taken by many houses in Greece, who employ solar panels principally for heating up water. A further use throughout Europe of a kind that is becoming increasingly popular is using solar panels to power road signs. If you look carefully in the UK and France for instance many road signs which light up or present information have solar panels linked up to them which are often visible. This considerably reduces energy bills, particularly when one considers the number of electronic road signs there are across Europe!
At the moment solar panels are only able to transform light energy into electricity, but do not yet have the capability to store energy and release it on demand. As it stands if you have a solar panel installation you’ll be using solar electricity throughout the day but not through the night. The next move and indeed the future for solar panels then is a system by which light energy is converted into electricity and also stored so you will always be making use of free electrical power if you have a solar panel installation!
The author operates closely with Shropshire based solar panel installation company Solar Days who offer high-quality solar panels to businesses and residences, helping people take full advantage of Solar power.
on December 7th, 2011% ![]()
While the David Suzuki Public School in Windsor, Ont., received honours Friday for being the greenest school in Canada, the public school board says it won’t be building another one like it any time soon.
The elementary school was recognized Friday as the first school in Canada to achieve Platinum status — the highest achievement — in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation given out by the Canada Green Building Council.
Giuliana Hinchliffe, the co-ordinator of engineering for the Greater Essex County District School Board, told CBC Windsor’s Tony Doucette that the school was a monumental undertaking — and one not likely to be repeated.
Hinchliffe said the school, which opened to students in September 2010, cost $2 to $3 million more than a regular school to build because of the additional green technology used in the construction. and despite being a green engineering feat, she said it’s not a model other boards should copy.
“It’s not a sustainable system …for school boards in Ontario to be able to afford that kind of commitment in terms of construction,” said Hinchliffe.
As an example, Hinchliffe pointed out that some technology will be out of date within 20 years. the wind turbine has already been replaced, for example, thanks to a donation from an Alberta man, and the solar panels were only affordable because of Ontario Feed-in-Tariff rebates, she said.
Hinchliffe said everyone involved in the school’s construction was ecstatic about the honour of being an exceptionally green school, but admits the board isn’t likely to build more of them.
What’s more likely, she said, is that select elements will be repeated in newly-built schools of the future.
Hinchliffe said the “premium” cost to build the LEED Platinum Suzuki school will pay for itself in 20 years through energy cost savings.
The building has also been toured by numerous technical associations and school boards looking to learn about the green technology enhancements, she said.
Most importantly, Hinchliffe pointed out, the school stands as an educational tool for Windsor students to learn from every day.
on December 6th, 2011% ![]()
Unfortunately if a solar hot water system is not installed correctly you may not discover thee is a fault for a long time. the biggest disappointment can be the discovery that despite your best intentions to reduce energy bills and save money nothing was saved because the installation was not done properly. I came across one solar water installation that had never produced a drop of free hot water since it was installed 35 years ago
Here are six hot tips for you:
Hot Tip # 1: over Sizing a Solar Hot Water System
Be careful about buying a huge solar water system for a small household unless you require large volumes of hot water regularly. the bigger government rebates on offer with larger solar water systems can be tempting because you might imagine you will be able to store more hot water as backup at times when the weather is foul and hot water cannot be produced by the solar collectors.
After 3 days of foul weather, even in a temperate climate, the water temperature within the storage cylinder will only be luke warm unless you boost the water temperature with gas or electricity. You will need to do this regardless of how conservative you have been with hot water usage. so unless you plan to be using large volumes of hot water you could end up heating volumes of water unnecessarily. That is a waste of your money and energy.
Over sized solar systems also have a disadvantage in summer because if there is not enough hot water being used it will cause the system to reach the upper operating temperature limit early in the day which could cause excessive amounts of water to discharge from the pressure and temperature relief valve or cold water expansion valve which is a waste of precious water.
Increasing the number of solar collectors might be required in some situations to compensate for excessive shading or because the collectors need to be facing east or west.
Hot Tip # 2: Positioning Solar Collectors is Critical
It is most important to have the solar collectors positioned and pitched correctly so the full potential of the collectors’ efficiency can be optimised. Consult with your installer before installing the solar collectors and be sure that you and the installer are in agreement where the solar collectors will be positioned before the installation begins.
If the system is being installed during summer consider that in winter when the sun is lower shadows from nearby buildings or trees will be longer and possibly cast a shadow on the collectors and therefore reduce their efficiency.
Hot Tip # 3: Positioning the Electronic Controller
A ‘split’ solar hot water system is a is a water heating system whereby the collectors are on the roof and the storage cylinder is on the ground. this type of system is generally supplied with an electronic controller that activates a circulating pump to move water from the storage cylinder to the solar collectors and back to the cylinder after the water has been heated by the solar collectors. the electronic controller is housed in a plastic box which is usually fixed to the wall next to the solar hot water system or on the storage cylinder itself. Ensure the controller is not subject to direct sunlight and is kept dry. Prolonged direct sunlight on the controller will make the plastic brittle and prone to cracking and eventually effect the electronics of the controller. Replacement cost AUD$150 – $250
Hot Tip # 4: Positioning the Circulating Pump
The case covering the circulating pump is typically plastic. Ideally the circulating pump should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent the plastic case becoming brittle.
If installed outdoors and it is likely the pump will be exposed to rain particular care needs to be given to ensure the circulating pump’s electronics remain dry and that there is plenty of ventilation around the pump. In some instances by positioning the pump on its side rain will be prevented from penetrating the housing where the electronics of the pump are housed. In most instances manufacturers will have a guide advising the installer f the different positions the pump can be installed as well as positions that are not recommended. It is not good practice to install the pump upside down as the pump motor will over heat.
Replacement cost AUD$125 – $220
Hot Tip # 5:know the Maximum Recommended Distance between the Storage Cylinder and Collectors:
It’s very important to know the maximum distance the circulating pump can circulate water. Generally on a single storey residence the average circulating pump will be able to circulate water a maximum of 25 meters. a greater distance than that might mean greater reliance on the electric or gas booster because the pump is not able to circulate enough water to the collectors.this can be remedied by upgrading to a larger pump.
Circulating pumps are only designed to ‘circulate’ water and not pump. Height from the solar hot water storage cylinder to the collectors is also a factor to take into consideration and determine the size of the circulating pump to be installed.
Note: Ensure that Flow and Return pipes from the storage cylinder to the collectors are well insulated with a quality insulation that is rated for solar water and UV rated if exposed to sunlight.
Hot Tip # 6: Do Not Buy Without Researching
There is a product maze out there and it is extremely difficult to determine the right system for you. You need to talk with experts who do not have a vested interest in one particular brand / system because there is no ‘one size / model fits all’.
In some regions there is the added complication of Government rebates. You need to know that just because a solar hot water system is eligible for government rebates it does not mean it’s the right solar hot water system for you.
There are many solar systems to choose from. You need to resist the temptation of choosing the same solar hot water system that your neighbour or Mum and Dad purchased 25 years ago because it seems too hard to make a choice now because of all the different types of systems available.
It is definitely worth spending time speaking with experts to get the right system and the job done right. It is an important investment. You do not want to be replacing a solar hot water system in 5 years time or even less. take every step you can to minimise wear on components of the solar hot water system and ensure that it is running to its optimum efficiency.
on December 5th, 2011% ![]()
Marietta City school board members say they are optimistic about a proposal to build a solar power system for the district’s buildings but that it isn’t a done deal.
“As of right now, I don’t see a downside,” board President Greg Gault said.
The board heard a presentation at its regular meeting Monday from a representative of Shaker Heights-based Carbon Vision, a renewable energy analysis and project development firm. Ed Kieper, vice president of global operations development for the company, outlined a proposal under which the company would install solar arrays at schools at no cost to the district, in an arrangement that could save the district an estimated $20,000 savings in the first year.
“And actually it goes up from that,” Kieper said, adding that while utility rates in the area are expected to increase significantly, the cost for the solar power will only increase 3 percent a year after the first year.
Power would be provided to the district at a reduced cost and the district could eventually purchase the system. until then, Carbon Vision would own the system and provide maintenance on it.
Solar would not meet all of the district’s energy needs, which Kieper said is intentional.
“You by no means want to become a producer of power,” he said.
In months when the district uses less power, such as when school is out, the system will generate more power than the district needs and the district would get a credit from AEP, Kieper said. but if the district generates more power than it needs year-round, AEP would buy the additional electricity at a lower, wholesale rate.
Carbon Vision is asking the board to make a relatively quick decision on whether to participate because certain tax incentives that make the project more attractive to investors expire at the end of the year.
Board member bill Hutchinson said the proposal sounds good but the board is being cautious.
“We’re doing some investigation right now, trying to figure out if there is some bad, and there may not be,” he said.
Marietta interim Superintendent Harry Fleming said the district’s buildings and grounds committee will meet to examine the proposal on Friday. The matter may be discussed at a special board meeting scheduled for Tuesday but if it’s not ready by then, another special meeting could be called later in the month.
“I’m not going to do it prematurely,” Fleming said.
One consideration is the condition of any roofs on which solar panels would be placed. That’s expected to be an issue at Phillips and Harmar elementaries, which are in the flood plain, where modules cannot be placed.
“It would be something we would have to do sooner or later anyway,” Fleming said, about roof repairs.
Dave Davis, the district’s manager of transportation, buildings and grounds, who did not return a call seeking comment Wednesday, is investigating the potential costs, Fleming said.
“It may be such a thing that we can’t afford to replace a roof to get this thing done,” Hutchinson said.
Kieper said the solar arrays could actually prolong the life of the roofs.
“You put a roof on it, it will last twice as long because I’m absorbing the radiation,” he said Monday.
While Carbon Vision would bring its own personnel in for the project, Kieper said they would also employ local workers.
“We hire from the community to do our installation,” he said.
That’s something that appeals to Hutchinson, who is the business manager for the Parkersburg-Marietta Building and Construction Trades Council.
“It sounds like he would make an effort,” Hutchinson said.
The project could also have educational benefits, with access to a section of the array at the high school available for classes.
The panels have a 25-year warranty but Kieper said they would last more than 35 years. while the duration of any deal with the district would be negotiable, Kieper’s proposal was 20 years, after which the district could purchase the system for about 10 percent of the installation value. if the district did buy it, they would get the power at no cost for as long as the system lasted.
“That wouldn’t be a bad thing, to have free electric for 10 or 15 years,” Hutchinson said.
Carbon Vision has installed a variety of systems in Ohio, including a 20,000-square-foot solar roof on the College of Wooster’s Scot Center, the college’s student recreation and athletic facility set to open in January. according to the college’s website, it will be the largest solar array on a college facility in the United States.
Marietta city engineer Joe Tucker attended Monday’s board meeting and said he has been looking into solar power options for the city for some time. In fact, Carbon Vision has provided an early proposal for using solar power at the new municipal court building.
“But I’m looking at a bigger scale than that,” he said.
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