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on December 15th, 2011% ![]()
One of the challenges of today’s population is the increasing demand on electricity, its increasing cost, and the depletion of the sources of fuel and electricity. In searching for best alternatives, the sun’s energy is one of the best that you can find.
Indeed, solar energy is free, clean and renewable, which does not only provide energy for many, many years but also helps decrease pollution in the air, just like the traditional sources of energy like coal and fossil fuels.
Here are just some of the benefits and advantages of having a residential solar power system that harness the sun’s energy to produce electricity.
- Solar power is a clean source of power and helps a lot in reducing pollution as it does not produce smoke or fumes when used to produce electricity for your homes. it also helps reduce noise pollution as it does not require any big machinery to generate electricity.
- Solar power is also renewable and free. You can always rely on the sun when it comes to electricity, and of course, you can always expect the sun to be there after the rain or even after a storm. with the sun’s energy being readily available for everyone, it is also a free source of energy that you can use to power your entire household.
- a residential solar power system can be a DIY project. one downside to putting up your own residential solar power system is that, the project can be costly, as solar cells or solar panel kits may be a little expensive. However, one thing that you can do with that is to make it a DIY project and save a lot from the labor and the installation, which you can actually do. However, keep in mind that putting up a solar panel for home use may not be for everyone but if you have a good guide and you know the skills needed, you can save a lot from the putting up the project as well as the installation.
As mentioned, the downside to solar panels is that, solar cells that compose these panels may be expensive, especially if you are talking about brand new solar cells. Nevertheless, you can actually find cheaper solar cells online.
In fact, you can still use blemished solar cells or those that can still be repaired and get the best deals on the price. Online auctions are among the best places to buy solar cells that are still usable for your solar panels.
Especially if you are still starting with this DIY project, it is always important to get yourself a good guide on how you can put together these solar cells to form solar panels for your home use.
It is important to keep in mind that this is not just about making solar panels. it is also; important that you understand how to test the wattage as well as the total energy it can produce, thus you also have to equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge as well.
on December 14th, 2011% ![]()
Consumers should be vigilant when installing green energy schemes into their homes, as by doing so they could be violating the terms of their mortgage, and risking the saleability of their property.Increasing numbers of businesses have seen the benefits of the Feed-in-Tariff schemes, and are looking to rent roof space from homeowners to host solar panels. However, RICS is encouraging homeowners to be wary of leasing their roof space, as the deals can often last up to 25 years and cam come without a break clause.This could not only leave homeowners tied to unfavourable agreements, it could also leave them in breach of their mortgage, discourage potential buyers and could even create structural problems with their property.Equally, they could fall prey to rogue traders. the Green Deal will not be formally introduced until 2012, meaning that individuals with no formal accreditations could be carrying out installations – with potentially damaging consequences.RICS North East housing spokesman Richard Sayer is supportive of the new green initiatives, but is still encouraging homeowners to be cautious.“many of the companies undertaking this work are relatively new and it is difficult for homeowners to assess if they are wholly competent in all aspects of the work they are undertaking,” he commented. “there are clear risks to your most important asset, your home, and now may not be the time to make a poorly judged decision. “Take the best advice you can ideally from a building surveyor and a recognised expert in this new field of work.”RICS are now advising homeowners to gain their mortgage lenders consent before installation, as well as considering the duration of the contract, which would have to be taken on by any future buyers.they should also be aware of the 7 day ‘cooling off’ period, which allows the contract to be cancelled.
on December 14th, 2011% ![]()
The increase in the cost of electric power from the local power company is relentless. Homeowners, in an attempt to control their costs, are turning to residential solar power systems for relief. Government programs and tax incentives, which greatly reduce up-front costs, have greatly simplified the homeowner’s decisions. Complete residential solar power systems are now available at affordable cost. these systems include portable solar power systems, grid-tie solar kits, off-grid solar systems, and cabin solar kits.
It easy to say that a homeowner can save money on electric power by reducing usage, but hat would require eliminating many of the comforts that we have come to expect if not require. It makes more sense to save money in the cost of power itself, and this can easily be accomplished by investing in a complete residential solar power system.
The financial investment in a residential solar power system is primarily for the installation of the system. Once the system is installed, except for minimal maintenance costs, the electric power generated is free. the long term efficiency of the system will be determined by the quality of components used to set up the system initially. It’s critical that the solar panels, inverters, batteries, charge controllers, and other system components be of the highest quality. When buying a residential solar power system as a integrated kit, you can be sure that all components have been tested as a system, have proven to work well together, and will provide cost effective electric power for your home.
Portable Solar Power Systems:
Are you a restless adventurous sort who likes to travel or camp out? you should consider the advantages of a portable residential solar power system. Fold-able and roll-able solar battery chargers and thin film amorphous solar battery chargers are quite popular with those who travel. these systems are reasonable priced and perform reliably for charging all your personal electronic devices such as laptop computers, cameras, and cell phones. if you love being on the road, but don’t wish to lose access to all of your electronic toys and conveniences, a portable solar power system could be exactly what you need.
Grid-Tie Solar Kits:
Grid-tie kits are residential solar power systems that are becoming very popular with homeowners who wish to save money and generate green and clean electricity without becoming totally disconnected from the power grid. Grid-tie systems are, as the name suggests, connected into the commercial electric power grid. It is a hybrid system that provides most of your power from solar energy, when available, and receives power from the commercial grid when solar power is not sufficient. these systems provide an excellent compromise between solar power and that generated using fossil fuels. They ensure that electric power is always available while they enable you to save money on your overall home electricity costs. these systems are designed to provide the major component of your homes electric power requirements. In fact, if your system generates excess power at any given time, that surplus is fed into the commercial grid and credited to your account. you can actually make a profit!
Off-Grid Solar Systems:
If you live in a remote area where reliable commercially produced electric power is not readily available, consider the benefits of an off-grid solar system. This is the perfect residential solar power system for the homeowner who enjoys being independent. these kits include all of the critical components required for a complete system: solar panels, batteries, inverters, hardware, and all other accessories needed for a complete operating system that will get you off the grid.
Cabin Solar Kits:
Are you one of the lucky few that own your dream cabin located out in the middle of nowhere? Your used to all the modern conveniences at home, and wish to enjoy the same convenience in your remote retreat. That’s not a problem if you install a cabin solar kit. They are perfect for locations where, because of cost or inaccessibility, electric power is not available. these residential solar power systems are reasonably priced and designed to stand alone. They generate clean, green, power without having an environmental or aesthetic impact on the cabin’s surroundings.
Earth4Energy is A DIY step-by-step guide where you can generate electricity right in your own backyard through solar power or wind powere systems. these guides use easy to find, low cost materials and require very little technical experience… All for UNDER 0!
Frequently asked Questions
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on December 14th, 2011% ![]()
Residential solar power systems are getting to be quite popular nowadays. indeed, everyone has realize the impact of global warming and the urgent really need to spend less, thus the advantages of alternative options for energy to power up homes.
Solar power systems for any homes are 100% clean, environment-friendly, and cost-saving. It is possible to must initially spend some huge cash for professionally-designed solar systems, is essential that it’s likely to be worth your hard earned money in the long term.
On the other hand, it’s also possible to tend to build your home solar power system. You’ll find do-it-yourself solar power kits that you can buy your local stores and install it yourself. DIY kits tend not to cost equally as much, plus they are straightforward to install.
With just $300 you possibly can power up your TV, computer, and lights, using materials that you may readily buy your hardware store. Basically you may need a 12-16 v cell, rechargeable batteries, an electric battery box to secure your batteries in, a 12-volt DC input, including a converter. You will find online takes you will take benefit from to help you while using the whole technique of making your individual solar power system.
However, there are several key factors you need to understand if you need to use solar power in your home. for instance you must know the very best spot the best place to put your solar system. Solar-powered systems for the home are most effective if they are inside of a completely unshaded subject of around 200 square feet or more. for those who don’t have anywhere near this much, then you cannot anticipate to receive the full benefits of your solar power system.
In addition, you have to consider the size your solar power system. Understand that how big your solar power system depends on your requirements. obviously, if you find yourself consuming plenty of energy monthly, you need not just the normal solar power systems.
Whether you determine to have your solar power installed using a professional or get it done your own personal way, the truth is solar power systems are so essential in this age and time, taking into consideration the rising price of electricity plus the state with the environment, and the like. Direct sunlight is a wonderful cause of energy; besides it’s free and try to available, too!
I am the content writer for the site solar power, solar power, solar power
on December 13th, 2011% ![]()
Die untenstehende Meldung ist eine Original-Meldung des Unternehmens. Sie ist nicht von der ECOreporter.de-Redaktion bearbeitet. Die presserechtliche Verantwortlichkeit liegt bei dem meldenden Unternehmen.
Shangai, China- JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd., ("JA Solar" or the "Company"), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-performance solar cells and solar power products, today announced that it has signed a cooperation agreement with TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading providers of testing and certification services. Under the terms of the agreement, JA Solar and TÜV SÜD will cooperate on a range of product and system testing and certification initiatives, including the establishment of a TÜV SÜD-accredited testing facility at JA Solar’s Fengxian facility in Shanghai. JA Solar is the first Chinese solar company to sign a strategic cooperative agreement with TÜV SÜD.With TUV SUD’s support, JA Solar will establish at its Fengxian facility a world-class testing center, which will be qualified to conduct IEC61215/61730 testing. as part of the process of establishing the center, TÜV SÜD has already awarded TMP (Testing at Manufacturers’ Premises) certification to JA Solar’s in-house laboratory, which is the sole TMP laboratory of TÜV SÜD worldwide to date in the photovoltaic industry. the TMP qualification will enable the Company to complete its product certification processes more quickly and will lead to improved cost efficiencies."This partnership strengthens JA Solar’s position as a clear technology leader in our industry, a position that is recognized by our customers worldwide," commented Dr. Peng Fang, CEO of JA Solar. "I’m confident that this alliance with TUV SUD will drive our R&D efforts and enable JA Solar to continue setting new technological benchmarks for the solar sector in China."mr. Robert Puto, global PV director of TÜV SÜD, said: "We are delighted to commence this partnership with JA Solar, a company that shares similar values to our own. like TUV SUD, JA Solar is committed to driving industry-wide best practices, and we look forward to working with them to achieve those goals."the two parties will also cooperate on drafting standards for the construction and assessment of solar power projects to ensure that projects comply with international standards for safety and efficiency. JA Solar will also leverage TÜV SÜD’s experience in energy conservation and green building to ensure that its raw materials sourcing, production and sales processes, and solar power projects construction meet international best practice standards and are consistent with JA Solar’s long-standing commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "may," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "potential," "continue," and other similar statements. Statements other than statements of historical facts in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, our expectations regarding the expansion of our manufacturing capacities, our future business development, and our beliefs regarding our production output and production outlook. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Form 20-F and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.about JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance solar power products. the company sells its products to solar manufacturers worldwide, who assemble and integrate solar cells into modules and systems that convert sunlight into electricity for residential, commercial, and utility-scale power generation. for more information, please visit jasolar.com.the JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. logo is available at globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/About TÜV SÜDEstablished in Germany 140 years ago, TÜV SÜD Group, as one of the leading technology service companies worldwide, provides a wide range of services including testing, certification, inspection, consultation and specialist guidance, etc. now the Group boasts more than 600 agents around the world, with an approximate staff of 16,000, making it possible to supply customers with optimized services in technology, system and operations. TÜV SÜD Group has been conducting business in China for two decades, and has offered related services to over 20,000 customers by now. for more information, please visit tuv-sud.cn.
on December 10th, 2011% ![]()
BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in Baltimore, Maryland. the 77,300-square-foot PV array consists of a 618.2-kW system, built with 2,576 panels. IKEA Baltimore’s program will produce approximately 823,500 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 626 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 111 cars or powering 71 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).
“IKEA has a never-ending job where most things still remain to be done. We constantly ask ourselves how we can improve what we do today for a better tomorrow. We appreciate the support of local officials, BGE and REC, our partners in this project.”
this investment by IKEA reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and this Baltimore installation represents the 13th completed solar energy project for IKEA in the United States, with twenty more locations underway, making the U.S. solar presence of IKEA 75% of its locations, with 26.8 MW of generation capacity.
for the development, design and installation of the Baltimore store’s customized solar power system, IKEA contracted with REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric installers with more than 7,000 systems built nationwide.
“We are thrilled at how this solar energy system furthers our sustainability commitment at IKEA Baltimore,” said Dannielle Ellington, IKEA Baltimore store manager. “IKEA has a never-ending job where most things still remain to be done. We constantly ask ourselves how we can improve what we do today for a better tomorrow. We appreciate the support of local officials, BGE and REC, our partners in this project.”
IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims for its operations to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs. also, IKEA is installing electric vehicle charging stations at nine stores in the Western U.S.
Located on 12.3 acres on Honeygo Boulevard, west of I-95, the 205,000-s.f. IKEA Baltimore opened in September 1988. in addition to nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, IKEA Baltimore presents 25 different room-settings, a supervised children’s play area, and a 150-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and Gravad Lax plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
IKEA aims to be ‘The Life Improvement Store,’ and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 330 IKEA stores in 40 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. for more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.
on December 8th, 2011% ![]()
JinkoSolar is donating modules for an off-grid solar project at a school in Tanzania. The Chinese module manufacturer is partnering with non-profit organisation Power to the People to build the 2.5kW rooftop system that will power lighting and the computer lab at the Nyumba ya Mungu secondary school.
in addition to supplying modules, JinkoSolar is providing volunteers to install the system, and also to help educate the local community about the benefits of solar and the role it can play in Tanzania. JinkoSolar will be joined by volunteers from the US solar industry during installation, which will take place next July.
“Our partnership with the Nyumba ya Mungu secondary school through Power to the People is a prime example of how JinkoSolar combines innovative technology with innovative people to achieve lasting change,” Jinko’s chief marketing officer Arturo Herrero said.
“Rural electrification projects can really make a difference to millions of people around the world that are living without electricity. We're grateful for JinkoSolar's generosity and are excited to help bring solar energy to the Nyumba ya Mungu secondary school next summer together with Rotary International,” Power to the People founder Jenean Smith added.
on December 7th, 2011% ![]()
Generating solar electricity using your own renewable energy home solar power system fits the circumstances and values of some home owners. although it takes time and money to make a home solar power system, many home owners enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment.
A renewable energy home solar panel system can be used to supply some or all of the homes electricity needs. some home owners, especially those in remote areas, use the solar electricity from their home solar panel system in place of electricity supplied to them by the power electric companies.
Some home owners connect their home solar power panels to the grid and use them to reduce the amount of conventional grid power supplied to them. a grid connected system allows you to sell any excess solar power you produce back to your power company.
Before you make and install a renewable energy home solar power generator, home owner needs to work out the peak electricity load and build a suitable size renewable energy home solar power system that can meet all or some of your electricity needs.
Designing a new home you should work with the builder to incorporate your renewable energy home power panel to have the power system installed during the build process. this will be a great start to building an energy-efficient home.
Operating your system Off-Grid.
For many home owners powering their homes using renewable energy home solar panel system that is not connected to the electricity power grid is called a stand-alone power electric system which makes economic sense and appeals to their environmental issues and the stand-alone power system takes advantage of a combination of techniques to generate reliable solar electric power, reducing costs, and minimize the need to using fossil fuel and reducing the amount of electricity required to meet their needs.
In remote locations and if your house is positioned some distant from the power lines, a stand-alone systems can be more cost-effective than constructing a power line [cable] from the house to the power grid as is may be a long distant and every costly with the price of copper these days.
Stand alone systems are also used by home owners that live near the power grid and wish to remain independence from the power company and are committed to a green electricity environment issues to use non-polluting energy sources.
Operating your system connected to the grid.
While renewable energy home solar panel system is capable of powering a home without any connection to the power grid, many home owners prefer the advantages that grid connection offers. Smaller solar panels and a solar system as the large energy consuming devices can stay connected to the power grid.
A grid connected power system allows you to power your home with renewable energy during periods when the sun is shining, or when the wind is blowing. Any excess electricity you produce is fed back into the power grid. when renewable resources are unavailable, electricity from the power grid supplies the home needs, thus eliminating the expense of battery storage bank that may consist of several batteries connected in series parallel.
In addition, power companies in most states allow net metering, an arrangement where the excess solar electricity generated by grid-connected renewable energy home solar power system reverses your electric power meter as the electricity is fed back into the power grid.
The power company gives you credit for any power difference between what you used and what you produced during any month. some months you may pay a small power bill and other months the power company will give credit for the solar electricity put back into the power grid.
on December 2nd, 2011% ![]()
For those who think solar panels are another blight on our less-than-pristine roads, reader Harold Vogel sends along some evidence — a photo of an obvious yet overlooked obstacle to capturing energy from the sun’s rays.
Harold’s lens captured this problem on a Plaza Road utility pole near the Route 208 ramp in Fair Lawn near his home. “I wonder how many of these panels are being used for target practice by birds?” he asked.
No one (least of all the feathery polluters) keeps track, but the owner of the Plaza Road installation offered enough information to form an educated guess: about one-quarter of the 800,000 poles owned by Public Service Electric and Gas co. will be equipped with panels by the end of 2012, said company spokesman Fran Sullivan, and the great majority are not located near trees — one of the three criteria for choosing locations. (The other two: Seek good southern exposure and avoid tall buildings.)
So far, birds have forced evacuation of only one PSE&G installation, near a water treatment plant, Sullivan added.
“Sea gulls hit it,” he disclosed.
That explains why solar arrays are seldom seen on the gull-infested Pacific coast. California energy experts say pollutants can cut solar panel output at least 20 percent. But new Jersey fowl “have not proved to be a serious problem,” Sullivan insisted. the reason is as obvious as sunlight.
“Rain cleans them,” he said.
So, in drought conditions, must poop inspectors be sent to each of the 200,000 sites?
No need, Sullivan said. “A radio device on each unit tells us electronically if the panel is working well.”
on November 29th, 2011% ![]()
FYI: Nissan Buyer’sGuide
FRANKLIN, TN and SAN JOSE, CA–Nov. 7,2011: In a collaboration announced today, Nissan North America and SunPowerCorp. will team up to help Nissan LEAF electric vehicle ownerslearn how a residential solar power system from SunPower can reduce theircarbon emissions and control the cost of charging their electricvehicles.
The two companies are offering new online content, including a videotutorial that describes how solar power systems convert sunlight intoclean, renewable power for use in the home and for charging electricvehicles. Visitors to the site will be able to request a free home solarassessment from a local SunPower dealer.
“Nissan LEAF owners are conscientious about their energy use,and it makes sense for them to understand how they can offset the powerthat their all-electric LEAF requires with clean, renewable solarpower generated from their own rooftop,” said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan LEAFmarketing and sales strategy, Nissan North America. “SunPower is theleading manufacturer and installer of residential solar power systems inthe United States, and offers the mostefficient solar power technology on the market today. For example, a2.5-kilowatt SunPower rooftop solar system may offset the power required todrive a LEAF about 10,000 miles a year. we are pleased to workwith SunPower on this initiative, and look forward to a longpartnership.”
“Solar power is a reliable, cost-effective technology for homeownerstoday,” said SunPower President and CEO TomWerner. “High efficiency SunPower systems are guaranteed to performover the long term, maximizing the power generated and the monthly savings.I power my own 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF with a SunPowersystem, eliminating trips to the gas station while significantly reducingmy electricity bill.”
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operationsinclude automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing,sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated toimproving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has beenrecognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR? Partner of the Year by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency.
About SunPower
SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and delivers the highestefficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today.Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on thecompany’s quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance toprovide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solarsystem. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif.,SunPower has offices in North America,Europe, Australia and Asia.
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp all othertrademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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