If you are like most folks, you have probably heard a lot in regards to green energy in this past year or so. Whether or not green energy interests you, it's clear that it's not just a passing fad or a new trend that's quick to die out. Renewable energy, such as solar energy and wind energy, are gaining a foothold as a mainstream energy resource that not only businesses can use, but people in residential housing can use as well.
What is likely the key defining trait of green energy is that it produces virtually no hazardous by-product or pollutants that would damage the surrounding environment, unlike more common energy resources that are used today, like traditional oil and fossil-fuels. Things like the rays of the sun, which is what is used to generate solar power, as well as other things like the power of the wind, are completely natural, safe for the environment, and virtually unlimited as an energy resource. Not only that, but they are completely free resources that can be harnessed by the everyday person.
It's obvious that green energy has many more overall benefits than it has disadvantages. After all, if there were too many disadvantages to renewable energy resources, why would anybody want to use them? For those that are concerned with the state and the health of the Earth, the advantage is of green energy should be already as clear as day, as it is considered a very progressive energy resource and there is virtually no environmental impact to speak of.
Another notable trait of alternative energy resources is the sheer amount of money that can be saved by utilizing resources such as solar energy and wind power. When you consider that the cost of public utilities and general fossil fuel electricity has been rising steadily over the years, green energy resources can be much more appealing, especially to the common home owner. The reason for this is because things like solar energy are completely free, and all you need to take advantage of such an incredible resource is to utilize a solar panel, or several solar panels, which is known as a solar array. What these solar panels do is gather the solar energy, which as a reminder once more is a free resource, and store it inside of a battery which will be directly connected to your home or place of residence, and will thereby power any electrical applications that you may run, all of which will now effectively taking advantage of the power of the sun.
Solar panels and wind turbines are an excellent advancement in modern green energy technology. If you'd like to learn more about green energy, learn how it can save you tons of money, and how you can bring the power of these Green Energy Resources into your home and lifestyle, then start by finding out more about Solar Panels right here.
View the original article here
Friday, 29 April 2011
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Want To Know The Renewable Energy Pros and Cons? by Alan Benney
Numerous property owners in this day and age are researching the subject of green energy, with the goal in mind of producing their own source of energy.
With constant rising prices and a lack of control over this situation, can be a frightening thoughts. With that in mind, we have to look at green alternatives in order to resolve this problem.
The question is what are green energy sources?
The sun and the wind are the two primary sources of green energy that can produce electricity. The renewable energy pros and cons is something we have to take into consideration in order to protect our environment. By utilizing this source of energy we can forget about global warming, pollution, or any issues regarding saving our planet.
Most people by now would be familiar with the sun's energy, this is referred to as solar energy, or solar power. This is arguably the most general mainly because of the numerous alternatives of generating power.
The sources of energy using the sun's power is still in the early stages of development; however by using photovoltaic cells in solar panels, is a very real solution to producing our own electricity. This is giving the user the opportunity to control energy costs and in some cases, eliminating the national grid as a source of energy.
The facts are, people in business are having to take these alternatives very seriously. The business costs for electricity runs into thousands of pounds annually. Who pays for that? Yep you got we do!
Even as a domestic user of electricity having to rely on the notational grid, we are paying many thousands of pounds annually. As the costs of oil rise, this has an immediate effect on our utility bills, plus it is not contributing to saving our planet.
An additional source of power that is accessible is solar water accumulators. The process is to install the containers on the roof of the building and make use of the sun to heat the water. This can be very effective way to reduce utility bills.
Arguably the most resourceful of green energy solutions is the wind. The wind as a source of energy has been around for many years. Pumping water has been its main function for many years. The facts are that numerous homes and business owners are producing their own electricity, as they have become more aware of environmental concerns.
The main benefits to the use of wind power are, how safe and clean the energy sources are. The truth is, contamination, and global warming is now not an issue.
When you erect a wind turbine it rotates in the wind and produces energy. There is a concern to look upon on this subject; it does depend to where you live in the world. There are places in the world that are unable to take advantage of the wind whereas, the sun is accessible universally.
There are numerous ways we can play a role in doing our bit for the environment, but we have to be considerate and not take things for granted. My goal by writing this article was to encourage you to find ways to protect our environment and to save money in the process.
View the original article here
With constant rising prices and a lack of control over this situation, can be a frightening thoughts. With that in mind, we have to look at green alternatives in order to resolve this problem.
The question is what are green energy sources?
The sun and the wind are the two primary sources of green energy that can produce electricity. The renewable energy pros and cons is something we have to take into consideration in order to protect our environment. By utilizing this source of energy we can forget about global warming, pollution, or any issues regarding saving our planet.
Most people by now would be familiar with the sun's energy, this is referred to as solar energy, or solar power. This is arguably the most general mainly because of the numerous alternatives of generating power.
The sources of energy using the sun's power is still in the early stages of development; however by using photovoltaic cells in solar panels, is a very real solution to producing our own electricity. This is giving the user the opportunity to control energy costs and in some cases, eliminating the national grid as a source of energy.
The facts are, people in business are having to take these alternatives very seriously. The business costs for electricity runs into thousands of pounds annually. Who pays for that? Yep you got we do!
Even as a domestic user of electricity having to rely on the notational grid, we are paying many thousands of pounds annually. As the costs of oil rise, this has an immediate effect on our utility bills, plus it is not contributing to saving our planet.
An additional source of power that is accessible is solar water accumulators. The process is to install the containers on the roof of the building and make use of the sun to heat the water. This can be very effective way to reduce utility bills.
Arguably the most resourceful of green energy solutions is the wind. The wind as a source of energy has been around for many years. Pumping water has been its main function for many years. The facts are that numerous homes and business owners are producing their own electricity, as they have become more aware of environmental concerns.
The main benefits to the use of wind power are, how safe and clean the energy sources are. The truth is, contamination, and global warming is now not an issue.
When you erect a wind turbine it rotates in the wind and produces energy. There is a concern to look upon on this subject; it does depend to where you live in the world. There are places in the world that are unable to take advantage of the wind whereas, the sun is accessible universally.
There are numerous ways we can play a role in doing our bit for the environment, but we have to be considerate and not take things for granted. My goal by writing this article was to encourage you to find ways to protect our environment and to save money in the process.
View the original article here
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Green Energy – Bring Eco-friendly Consciousness - Health - Nutrition
At present, everyone are taking an active role in bring eco-friendly awareness and ways to save our planet. Certainly, it took years many years of hard research and development in bringing advanced and latest technologies into human lives. But humans are now playing with the planet that brings different types of ecological imbalances. This is the main reason for which small and big companies are considering green energy method to save our earth. Fundamentally, eco-friendly is an electricity energy that is created from a process that has zero negative effect on our planet. You can find that there are many other energy sources those have high rate of bad impact on the environment. One of the worst examples is fossil fuel with high rate of side effects to our earth.
Green energy has zero negative effect on environ than conventional methods that bring bad side effects. Some of the green approach are hydro energy, geothermal, wind and solar. Nuclear energy is also considered green resource because it gives low waste production virtual to other energy sources.
Let's have some idea about the different kinds of green energy:
• Solar Energy - This environmental friendly energy is being used from the ancient times. In this type of energy the sunny heat and light of the sun is used.
• Wind Energy - This form of energy is used to make electricity. There are many cities those use the power of wind to generate electricity. Wind pumps, wind mills, and wind turbines are some of the important sources of wind energy.
• Geothermal - This type of energy is used to determine the temperature of our planet. It is how the earth was formed with volcanic activity, mineral decays and other forms.
• Nuclear Energy - This form of energy is used to generate electricity with the help of nuclear fission reaction.
• Hydro Energy - Hydropower is used to generate electricity and in this falling water force is used. This is one of the best forms of green energy.
The main aim of eco-friendly energy is to generate renewable electricity with negative pollution emission. It is true that all type of energy somewhat brings negative effect and pollution. But the rate of negativity is minimal. However, sustainable energy is renowned for contributing low rate effect than other types of energy. Well, there are many other forms of green energy but each of them plays a vital role in saving our planet. It helps to reduce green house and other forms of harmful effect. If you are really concerned about the earth, then you need to look for sustainable ways of making the earth greener and worth living. Smartwwc.com is doing his best in saving the planet by implement different green energy methods and innovations. Now, it's your turn!
Smart independent world wide consultancy end-to-end innovation program is designed to help your firm make a corporate-wide transformation in its innovation capabilities and culture. This customized program combines our consulting, software, venture, green energy and training services in a way that will ensure your company achieves its innovation goals.
View the original article here
Green energy has zero negative effect on environ than conventional methods that bring bad side effects. Some of the green approach are hydro energy, geothermal, wind and solar. Nuclear energy is also considered green resource because it gives low waste production virtual to other energy sources.
Let's have some idea about the different kinds of green energy:
• Solar Energy - This environmental friendly energy is being used from the ancient times. In this type of energy the sunny heat and light of the sun is used.
• Wind Energy - This form of energy is used to make electricity. There are many cities those use the power of wind to generate electricity. Wind pumps, wind mills, and wind turbines are some of the important sources of wind energy.
• Geothermal - This type of energy is used to determine the temperature of our planet. It is how the earth was formed with volcanic activity, mineral decays and other forms.
• Nuclear Energy - This form of energy is used to generate electricity with the help of nuclear fission reaction.
• Hydro Energy - Hydropower is used to generate electricity and in this falling water force is used. This is one of the best forms of green energy.
The main aim of eco-friendly energy is to generate renewable electricity with negative pollution emission. It is true that all type of energy somewhat brings negative effect and pollution. But the rate of negativity is minimal. However, sustainable energy is renowned for contributing low rate effect than other types of energy. Well, there are many other forms of green energy but each of them plays a vital role in saving our planet. It helps to reduce green house and other forms of harmful effect. If you are really concerned about the earth, then you need to look for sustainable ways of making the earth greener and worth living. Smartwwc.com is doing his best in saving the planet by implement different green energy methods and innovations. Now, it's your turn!
Smart independent world wide consultancy end-to-end innovation program is designed to help your firm make a corporate-wide transformation in its innovation capabilities and culture. This customized program combines our consulting, software, venture, green energy and training services in a way that will ensure your company achieves its innovation goals.
View the original article here
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Green Energy in other Countries - Technology - Advancements
The production of alternative energy in other countries has been one of their priorities being aware of the environmental crisis due to fast paced global warming. The production of renewable energy in most countries including Japan is known as microhydoelectric power plants has also been catching on in Japan. Japan has a myriad rivers and mountain streams, and these are ideally suited places for the putting up of microhydroelectric power plants, which are defined by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization as power plants run by water which has a maximum output of 100 kilowatts or less. By comparison, "minihydroelectric" power plants can put out up to 1000 kilowatts of electrical energy.
In Japan, the small-scaled mini- and micro-hydroelectric power plants have been regarded for a considerable time as being suitable for creating electricity in mountainous regions, but they have through refinement come to be regarded as excellent for Japanese cities as well. Kawasaki City Waterworks, Japan Natural Energy Company, and Tokyo Electric Power Company have all been involved in the development of small-scale hydroelectric power plants within Japanese cities. Not only in Japan alternative sources of energy has been developed Philippines is also one of the few countries that considers replacing traditional energy to a better and cleaner alternative source.
Waste is one source of energy; it produces green energy and many others by - products if biosphere gasification technology is applied. Wind energy, solar and tidal is also few of the green energy resources that have been thoroughly developed to aid environmental and electricity concerns. Aside from its environmental aspect, green energy is also as efficient as the regular form of energy. The one produces by fossil fuels or coal burning give the same functionality and efficiency. Green energy production should really be one of the things to be developed further to solve not just green energy concerns but environmental matter as well.
SBSC Green Energy and Waste Management: Earth Heals Better with us. The realization of Mrf (Municipal Recycling Facilities) will start the insight of a zero waste nation.
View the original article here
In Japan, the small-scaled mini- and micro-hydroelectric power plants have been regarded for a considerable time as being suitable for creating electricity in mountainous regions, but they have through refinement come to be regarded as excellent for Japanese cities as well. Kawasaki City Waterworks, Japan Natural Energy Company, and Tokyo Electric Power Company have all been involved in the development of small-scale hydroelectric power plants within Japanese cities. Not only in Japan alternative sources of energy has been developed Philippines is also one of the few countries that considers replacing traditional energy to a better and cleaner alternative source.
Waste is one source of energy; it produces green energy and many others by - products if biosphere gasification technology is applied. Wind energy, solar and tidal is also few of the green energy resources that have been thoroughly developed to aid environmental and electricity concerns. Aside from its environmental aspect, green energy is also as efficient as the regular form of energy. The one produces by fossil fuels or coal burning give the same functionality and efficiency. Green energy production should really be one of the things to be developed further to solve not just green energy concerns but environmental matter as well.
SBSC Green Energy and Waste Management: Earth Heals Better with us. The realization of Mrf (Municipal Recycling Facilities) will start the insight of a zero waste nation.
View the original article here
Friday, 15 April 2011
Green Energy - Understanding Solar Powered Air Conditioners
WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?
With the broadcast of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", the issue of global warming had escalated to unprecedented heights. These days, nearly all consumers are at least aware of global warming, and with the media's push to "go-green", many are now turning that awareness into constructive lifestyle changes.
One of the more prominent sub-categories associated with global warming is the issue of energy.
We all know that a considerable percentage of the world's limited energy supply is being depleted daily. Billions around the world consume natural resources in some way, either directly or through using products derived from these resources. However, even though most people are now educated on how they can make resourceful changes in their life, they still tend to overlook one area where a significant percentage of consumption occurs - energy.
Our planet is host to a wealth of natural energy resources, with fossil fuels being the one source we're most familiar with. Due to a steady increase in energy consumption, we now have dangerously fewer resources and energy reserves.
Many conscious consumers and businesses are now looking to source alternative energy to supply them with a eco-friendly energy source. Companies are now researching new and improved ways to harness natural energy through wind and water. Unlike traditional systems, these energy sources are renewable and plentiful. But there is still one element outside of our planet that offers one of the greatest energy supplies to world over - the sun.
We are now able to able to harness the energy of the sun and use it for several purposes, one of them being using heat to provide cooling. This is done through collecting energy through large dark grid-like panels that are positioned to face the sun. The usage of solar powered air conditioners is not a new concept since they were used by the U.S. in the early 20th century. However, with the rise of electricity rates and the need for greater consumption, there has been a steady increase in the commercial use of solar ACs.
SOLAR AC BENEFITS
Incentive programs -
The cost of setting up solar air conditioners can be very high. Still, a family or business opting to go with solar powered ACs can go a long way in reducing long term electricity costs. Additionally, both the federal government and many state governments offer incentive plans to solar energy users. However, since rates vary state by state, it's best to check your state to see what their specific incentive programs are.
Increase home resale value -
Furthermore, in addition to stabilizing soaring energy costs, solar energy panels are considered an investment. Many homeowners find solar features add considerable value to their home, and make their homes far more marketable in a competitive real estate market. Home buyers are known to be more attracted if two homes are comparable in every way, except that one offers solar air conditioning while the other does not.
There are also considerable savings for solar air conditioner users. IFC, a consulting firm, held a study on solar air conditioners where they show that solar energy can add $20 of home value for every $1 of year energy savings. To get a bigger-picture understanding of this, it's estimated that an annual savings of $1500 in electricity bills (due to solar energy additions) will add about $30,000 to the resale value of the home. In short, adding solar energy for air conditioning use will save consumers money in the long-run. They may even make a profit through reselling unused energy back to the state.
If solar air conditioning sounds appealing, know that it does not come without its drawbacks. And as with anything else, it's best to know both the pros and cons before making a considerable investment in it.
Solar AC Drawbacks
Weather-dependant -
Solar energy panels for cooling have one obvious requirement - the sun. If solar ACs are the route you choose to go, know that you're going to have a significant problem on days where the sun may not be clear enough for the panels to soak up the energy. While this is normally not a problem during the summer, in some areas it poses as a considerable barrier since hot humid weather can exist in cloudy, sun-less atmospheres.
In these cases, you may not have enough energy stored in the batteries to get you through the day. This problem is obviously magnified if you have a bad weather week, a bad weather season or a bad weather region. Since panels can only contribute energy when there actually is sunlight, you'll need to have some sort of storage device set up. But as you can see, solar powered air conditioning is simply not effective in areas that do not have many hours of strong sunlight.
Tracking the sun -
Being solar driven, solar energy panels need to constantly be directed towards the sun. As such, panel adjustments would need to be made each season. Most solar panel owners usually mount them in a fixed position at the latitude of the area they're in.
Cleaning -
In addition to tracking, solar panels need to be oriented and cleaned. This is particularly the case in areas where it snows. If you plan on getting a solar powered A/C, then you may want to consider placing your panels on the ground, mounded to racks or poles. Traditional solar energy systems are normally placed up high on a roof, but with snow and sleet, it becomes tricky and dangerous to clean if set up in a high, remote area of your home.
Energy conversion -
Solar panels put out DC power, which needs to be converted to AC before it can be used. There is also the added consideration of storing power to later consume during low light conditions. Most systems now have the ability to convert DC power to AC, and then place the excess power onto the Public AC utility grid. This resolves the energy storage issue, but it's advisable that you make certain your unit has this ability prior to setting it up. In addition, it's probably also best that you speak with a state representative and express your interest in solar energy.
Limited power supply -
Panels don't put out a lot of power. For example, a panel the size of an average desk can provide about 200 watts, which is about as strong as two high-powered light bulbs. To see if solar powered air conditioners suit your needs, you will need to consider the interior square footage of your home and keep in mind solar panels' limited power output.
Expensive batteries -
Aside from the issue of power storage, prospective solar energy consumers need to consider the costly battery reserve. Batteries are expensive, require maintenance, and don't last very long.
Easily broken -
Solar panels are also vulnerable to damage from hail and falling tree limbs. They are also expensive to replace.
High set-up cost -
Aside from battery costs and replacement panel costs, the initial set up cost for solar energy systems can be considerably high. In the long run the system is worth it, particularly in areas where there is constant sun and a constant need for cooling. However if you don't want to wait for the long run, and don't want to invest a small fortune in the set up process, you may want to consider energy-efficient portable air conditioners.
SMART AC ALTERNATIVES
A lot of smart green consumers know that you don't have to empty out your wallet in order to get green energy. These days, you can have your cake and eat it too. In a hot climate, costly linked with solar energy systems is frankly not a convenient option. Yet, for environmentally conscious consumers, the thought of switching on the age-old polluter known as the central air conditioning unit, is not a viable alternative. The smart AC alternative is the portable room air conditioner, which boasts considerable immediate and long-term benefits.
Benefit 1 -
Mobility. A portable AC is a mobile cooling unit that can be moved from room to room depending on where you need it.
Benefit 2 -
Portable room air conditioners provide immediate relief without the cost and time required with solar energy air conditioners. Having far fewer parts, mobile aircon units don't need to be maintained or repaired as frequently as solar energy units.
Benefit 3 -
portable ACs don't need as much electricity to power them. In this way they are competitive with solar energy air conditioners. However with portable air conditioners, you don't have the high set up cost nor the problem of converting energy, storing energy, or being weather dependent. Plus, since mobile A/Cs offer sport cooling, you'll be saving money by not cooling empty or unused rooms. Your PAC unit goes right where you need it, and only where you need it.
Benefit 4 -
The majority of air conditioning units available today come with special ducting which ensures that any warm air is taken out of the room where the system is situated. This again helps to keep down the cost of cooling the room. This benefit is not available with solar air conditioners.
When it comes to you buying a portable air conditioning unit, keep in mind a few important factors to consider, such as the make, size and model of the unit as well as what special features you need yours to have. But the best option for those wanting to keep costs down is to go for smaller more basic models.
View the original article here
With the broadcast of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", the issue of global warming had escalated to unprecedented heights. These days, nearly all consumers are at least aware of global warming, and with the media's push to "go-green", many are now turning that awareness into constructive lifestyle changes.
One of the more prominent sub-categories associated with global warming is the issue of energy.
We all know that a considerable percentage of the world's limited energy supply is being depleted daily. Billions around the world consume natural resources in some way, either directly or through using products derived from these resources. However, even though most people are now educated on how they can make resourceful changes in their life, they still tend to overlook one area where a significant percentage of consumption occurs - energy.
Our planet is host to a wealth of natural energy resources, with fossil fuels being the one source we're most familiar with. Due to a steady increase in energy consumption, we now have dangerously fewer resources and energy reserves.
Many conscious consumers and businesses are now looking to source alternative energy to supply them with a eco-friendly energy source. Companies are now researching new and improved ways to harness natural energy through wind and water. Unlike traditional systems, these energy sources are renewable and plentiful. But there is still one element outside of our planet that offers one of the greatest energy supplies to world over - the sun.
We are now able to able to harness the energy of the sun and use it for several purposes, one of them being using heat to provide cooling. This is done through collecting energy through large dark grid-like panels that are positioned to face the sun. The usage of solar powered air conditioners is not a new concept since they were used by the U.S. in the early 20th century. However, with the rise of electricity rates and the need for greater consumption, there has been a steady increase in the commercial use of solar ACs.
SOLAR AC BENEFITS
Incentive programs -
The cost of setting up solar air conditioners can be very high. Still, a family or business opting to go with solar powered ACs can go a long way in reducing long term electricity costs. Additionally, both the federal government and many state governments offer incentive plans to solar energy users. However, since rates vary state by state, it's best to check your state to see what their specific incentive programs are.
Increase home resale value -
Furthermore, in addition to stabilizing soaring energy costs, solar energy panels are considered an investment. Many homeowners find solar features add considerable value to their home, and make their homes far more marketable in a competitive real estate market. Home buyers are known to be more attracted if two homes are comparable in every way, except that one offers solar air conditioning while the other does not.
There are also considerable savings for solar air conditioner users. IFC, a consulting firm, held a study on solar air conditioners where they show that solar energy can add $20 of home value for every $1 of year energy savings. To get a bigger-picture understanding of this, it's estimated that an annual savings of $1500 in electricity bills (due to solar energy additions) will add about $30,000 to the resale value of the home. In short, adding solar energy for air conditioning use will save consumers money in the long-run. They may even make a profit through reselling unused energy back to the state.
If solar air conditioning sounds appealing, know that it does not come without its drawbacks. And as with anything else, it's best to know both the pros and cons before making a considerable investment in it.
Solar AC Drawbacks
Weather-dependant -
Solar energy panels for cooling have one obvious requirement - the sun. If solar ACs are the route you choose to go, know that you're going to have a significant problem on days where the sun may not be clear enough for the panels to soak up the energy. While this is normally not a problem during the summer, in some areas it poses as a considerable barrier since hot humid weather can exist in cloudy, sun-less atmospheres.
In these cases, you may not have enough energy stored in the batteries to get you through the day. This problem is obviously magnified if you have a bad weather week, a bad weather season or a bad weather region. Since panels can only contribute energy when there actually is sunlight, you'll need to have some sort of storage device set up. But as you can see, solar powered air conditioning is simply not effective in areas that do not have many hours of strong sunlight.
Tracking the sun -
Being solar driven, solar energy panels need to constantly be directed towards the sun. As such, panel adjustments would need to be made each season. Most solar panel owners usually mount them in a fixed position at the latitude of the area they're in.
Cleaning -
In addition to tracking, solar panels need to be oriented and cleaned. This is particularly the case in areas where it snows. If you plan on getting a solar powered A/C, then you may want to consider placing your panels on the ground, mounded to racks or poles. Traditional solar energy systems are normally placed up high on a roof, but with snow and sleet, it becomes tricky and dangerous to clean if set up in a high, remote area of your home.
Energy conversion -
Solar panels put out DC power, which needs to be converted to AC before it can be used. There is also the added consideration of storing power to later consume during low light conditions. Most systems now have the ability to convert DC power to AC, and then place the excess power onto the Public AC utility grid. This resolves the energy storage issue, but it's advisable that you make certain your unit has this ability prior to setting it up. In addition, it's probably also best that you speak with a state representative and express your interest in solar energy.
Limited power supply -
Panels don't put out a lot of power. For example, a panel the size of an average desk can provide about 200 watts, which is about as strong as two high-powered light bulbs. To see if solar powered air conditioners suit your needs, you will need to consider the interior square footage of your home and keep in mind solar panels' limited power output.
Expensive batteries -
Aside from the issue of power storage, prospective solar energy consumers need to consider the costly battery reserve. Batteries are expensive, require maintenance, and don't last very long.
Easily broken -
Solar panels are also vulnerable to damage from hail and falling tree limbs. They are also expensive to replace.
High set-up cost -
Aside from battery costs and replacement panel costs, the initial set up cost for solar energy systems can be considerably high. In the long run the system is worth it, particularly in areas where there is constant sun and a constant need for cooling. However if you don't want to wait for the long run, and don't want to invest a small fortune in the set up process, you may want to consider energy-efficient portable air conditioners.
SMART AC ALTERNATIVES
A lot of smart green consumers know that you don't have to empty out your wallet in order to get green energy. These days, you can have your cake and eat it too. In a hot climate, costly linked with solar energy systems is frankly not a convenient option. Yet, for environmentally conscious consumers, the thought of switching on the age-old polluter known as the central air conditioning unit, is not a viable alternative. The smart AC alternative is the portable room air conditioner, which boasts considerable immediate and long-term benefits.
Benefit 1 -
Mobility. A portable AC is a mobile cooling unit that can be moved from room to room depending on where you need it.
Benefit 2 -
Portable room air conditioners provide immediate relief without the cost and time required with solar energy air conditioners. Having far fewer parts, mobile aircon units don't need to be maintained or repaired as frequently as solar energy units.
Benefit 3 -
portable ACs don't need as much electricity to power them. In this way they are competitive with solar energy air conditioners. However with portable air conditioners, you don't have the high set up cost nor the problem of converting energy, storing energy, or being weather dependent. Plus, since mobile A/Cs offer sport cooling, you'll be saving money by not cooling empty or unused rooms. Your PAC unit goes right where you need it, and only where you need it.
Benefit 4 -
The majority of air conditioning units available today come with special ducting which ensures that any warm air is taken out of the room where the system is situated. This again helps to keep down the cost of cooling the room. This benefit is not available with solar air conditioners.
When it comes to you buying a portable air conditioning unit, keep in mind a few important factors to consider, such as the make, size and model of the unit as well as what special features you need yours to have. But the best option for those wanting to keep costs down is to go for smaller more basic models.
View the original article here
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Green Business In Australia Gets A Lift From Renewed Green Energy ...
Green Business In Australia Gets A Lift From Renewed Green Energy Policy
by: Ashly Sun
Australian renewable energy operator AGL Energy [AGK: AU] will push through with its $ 716 million investment for the Macarthur wind farm. The decision to fund green building Australia was brought about by the new policy launched by Australian climate change minister Penny Wong. The revised policy divided renewable energy market into small-scale and large-scale schemes.
Dubbed as Australia?s Renewable Energy Target program, the program is a means for Australia to acquire 20 percent of its energy use from renewable energy sources by the year 2020, mainly through using renewable energy certificates (R.E.C.?s) that are given to large-scale project developers.
The program enables certificate holders to sell their certificates to those who consume more energy such as utilities. The utilities are required to get 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy.
Under the Rudd government, households with small-scale renewable energy capabilities are also allowed to sell certificates. The increase in certificates of up to five times had decreased the market price for R.E.C.?s, resulting in the pulling out of big investors in the wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects.
The decision to include certificates sold by the small-scale renewable energy almost cost the Australian government to lose around 22 billion Australian dollars worth of renewable energy projects, prompting the re-organization of renewable energy programs so that cheap renewable energy certificates would be abolished from the market.
Under the new program, a small-scale scheme can now be distinguished from a large-scale scheme starting on January 1, 2011.
The fixed price for small-scale projects like domestic solar panels will be 40 Australian dollars per megawatt-hour of electricity generated, equivalent to a refund of 1,200 Australian dollars for a solar hot water system and 6,200 Australian dollars for a 1.5 kilowatt solar panel.
Although prices for large-scale resources are not given, the government expects at least 45,000 gigawatt-hours from the combined efforts of both small and large-scale efforts by the year 2020.
Together with New Zealand?s utility firm Meridian Energy, AGL Energy will be building the MacArthur project which is expected to generate 945 gigawatt of electricity every year. Construction is expected to be completed within three years after the start of the project.
The MacArthur project is expected to fulfil part of Australia?s annual acquired energy from large-scale projects target of 10,400 GW by 2011, 18,000 GW by 2015 and 41,000 GW by 2020.
AGL Energy is the biggest Australian gas and electricity retailer. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, AGL aims to expand its industry in upstream electricity and gas supply, and the downstream retail of electricity and gas.
About The Author Ashly Sun is a seasoned writer, having travelled around the world, largely putting all her experiences and the sights and sounds she has come across to paper. She now writes extensively about topics related to green news, mostly on renewable energy, but also on a variety of related topics as well. When not travelling around the world, she is based in Central Hong Kong, taking in the myriad colours, flavours, and scents of the melting pot that Hong Kong is known for.
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by: Ashly Sun
Australian renewable energy operator AGL Energy [AGK: AU] will push through with its $ 716 million investment for the Macarthur wind farm. The decision to fund green building Australia was brought about by the new policy launched by Australian climate change minister Penny Wong. The revised policy divided renewable energy market into small-scale and large-scale schemes.
Dubbed as Australia?s Renewable Energy Target program, the program is a means for Australia to acquire 20 percent of its energy use from renewable energy sources by the year 2020, mainly through using renewable energy certificates (R.E.C.?s) that are given to large-scale project developers.
The program enables certificate holders to sell their certificates to those who consume more energy such as utilities. The utilities are required to get 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy.
Under the Rudd government, households with small-scale renewable energy capabilities are also allowed to sell certificates. The increase in certificates of up to five times had decreased the market price for R.E.C.?s, resulting in the pulling out of big investors in the wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects.
The decision to include certificates sold by the small-scale renewable energy almost cost the Australian government to lose around 22 billion Australian dollars worth of renewable energy projects, prompting the re-organization of renewable energy programs so that cheap renewable energy certificates would be abolished from the market.
Under the new program, a small-scale scheme can now be distinguished from a large-scale scheme starting on January 1, 2011.
The fixed price for small-scale projects like domestic solar panels will be 40 Australian dollars per megawatt-hour of electricity generated, equivalent to a refund of 1,200 Australian dollars for a solar hot water system and 6,200 Australian dollars for a 1.5 kilowatt solar panel.
Although prices for large-scale resources are not given, the government expects at least 45,000 gigawatt-hours from the combined efforts of both small and large-scale efforts by the year 2020.
Together with New Zealand?s utility firm Meridian Energy, AGL Energy will be building the MacArthur project which is expected to generate 945 gigawatt of electricity every year. Construction is expected to be completed within three years after the start of the project.
The MacArthur project is expected to fulfil part of Australia?s annual acquired energy from large-scale projects target of 10,400 GW by 2011, 18,000 GW by 2015 and 41,000 GW by 2020.
AGL Energy is the biggest Australian gas and electricity retailer. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, AGL aims to expand its industry in upstream electricity and gas supply, and the downstream retail of electricity and gas.
About The Author Ashly Sun is a seasoned writer, having travelled around the world, largely putting all her experiences and the sights and sounds she has come across to paper. She now writes extensively about topics related to green news, mostly on renewable energy, but also on a variety of related topics as well. When not travelling around the world, she is based in Central Hong Kong, taking in the myriad colours, flavours, and scents of the melting pot that Hong Kong is known for.
View the original article here
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