DIY Solar Energy - Green Energy Reviews - Home - DIY

As awareness of the great damages on our planet by greenhouse gas emissions is being raised, there are always more people and companies taking steps towards finding entire clean energy sources that do not harm the environment. They are using alternative renewable resources such as sun, water and wind to preserve our planet and stop global warming, climate change and other environmental annihilation due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Right now sunshine is one of the most widely used source of renewable energy because it is the most easy to implement and install. That is where solar panels come into the picture. Solar panels mounted on roof tops are not as "unsightly" as one might think at first. They really do not look bad at all. In fact I myself and many peaple I have talked to, think that they look good. Personally I like the looks of a roof with solar panels on it. Many businesses and home owners have mounted solar panels on their roof top to collect solar energy and convert it into useable energy. Harnessing this renewable resource this way has reshaped the home and business owner's way of life.

Wind energy also plays a significant role among the renewable source of energy, because it does not produce any pollution. It is also the safest and cleanest among all the green energy sources. Not to mention, it is free! Once the system is up and running it cost you nothing to produce electricity. For years we have been using wind to operate windmills to pump water. But now technology has allowed us to use it for so much more. For example, to produce electricity. Wind energy is a super form of producing green energy in places where wind is readily available.

Its obvious why more and more people are opting to make the change to go with green energy sources. The more people contribute to Mother Earth by going green, the longer we can preserve Mother Earth and the healthier we will be living here.

Ernie Waldner has reviewed a number of green energy products available on the market at this time. You can read all about them at http://erniesreviews.com/goinggreen or by clicking the link below. Ernie Waldner has also recomended what would be the best and/or most convenient product to start out with.

(c) Copyright - Ernie Waldner. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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Solar Portable Panels - Mono Crystalline and Multi Crystalline - What Is the Difference?

Amorphous silicone panels are the most advanced technology of the three. Unfortunately they are not as stable or efficient for mass useage. They require much more surface area to be productive. In view of this I have chosen not to discuss them here. Their advantage is that they do not become less efficient at high temperatures ie above 50 degrees C as the other two do.

Mono crystalline silicone panels are a slice from single crystal. This gives the cell the unusual diamond type shape. They are sliced wafer thin.

Multi crystalline silicone panels, also known as poly crystalline solar panels, are made from slices of many cells that are fused together then sliced into cells. These are then cut and assembled to form a wafer. These can be made into whichever shape hence the more efficient appearing square shaped cells. These days, cells and panels are laser cut with advanced computer driven technologies. This gives a very accurate and clean slice.

In both mono crystalline and multi crystalline solar panels the crystal layer is very fine. The bulk of the panel is made up of the supporting structures including tempered glass, EVA film and rear film. Generally they have an aluminium frame. Ideally panels are attached to rooftops by a system of aluminium mounting system. Ideally this system will be around 100 millimetres above the roof surface. This allows for drainage and self cleaning of water and leaves. It also allows for cooling of the panels as they can generate a lot of heat.

Mono crystalline silicone solar panels are reported to be more efficient than the multi crystalline silicone solar panels. They are also reportedly more expensive to make. However, multi crystalline panels are a good affordable option to encourage more people to implement solar panels for their home energy needs.

There are also differences in wattage output dependent on quality of panel whether mono crystalline or multi crystalline. Both types of panel become less efficient when temperatures reach 50 degrees Celsius.

Solar portable panels as with any solar panel, require an inverter to change the energy gathered from the sun into useable household energy. When collected from the sun, the energy is DC meaning Direct Current. This is a higher current than household use electricity that comes out of the socket in the wall. The energy we get from the wall socket has been converted to AC which means alternating current.

Currently Germany is the world leader in solar energy. With current global warming and conscientiousness of renewable energies, more countries are exploring solar energy.

For ideas about solar portable panels visit http://www.solarportablepanels.com/

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Comparing Geothermal to Wind and Solar Energy

The wind, solar, and geothermal energies have two important things in common. They are non-polluting and do no deplete precious Earth resources. However, there are differences in their cost-effectiveness and environmental imprint.

The wind is actually a form of solar energy. Air moves as the sun warms the irregular terrain of Earth unevenly. Bodies of water and vegetation contributes to the flow. When gusts move the "propeller" of a wind turbine the kinetic energy generated is converted to mechanical force. This can be turned into the electricity we all depend on.

Though wind power produces no pollution, it does have an environmental effect. The turbines are responsible for the death of birds and bats that unwittingly fly into the propeller blades. The cost effectiveness of air current energy also varies with the geographical placement of turbines. Some areas of the world are breezier than others creating more power over the course of a day.

Solar panels have become a familiar sight in many parts of the world. To use the sun's light for power its rays are captured by different types of collectors (material that absorbs light). This can provide direct heat or is converted into another power source. One type of collector, photovoltaic cells, changes sunlight directly into electricity. Flat-plate collectors warm water by absorbing heat directly into it.

Sunlight technology is environmentally friendly although production of the collectors and storage units can pollute. Equipment is also expensive to produce making the electricity generated cost more than when using fossil fuels. Another drawback of solar power is that it operates only during the day. When daylight shortens in colder climates, even less power is generated over time.

The Earth's core is extremely hot. Temperatures there can reach above 9,000 degrees F. This heat flows outward and warms the planet's rock layer, or mantle. Most of the heated rock, called magma, remains underground. The force collected there (a geothermal reservoir) can be harvested as steam or hot water from the underground via direct-use systems, deep reservoirs to generate electricity, and geothermal heat pumps. Emissions and environmental imprint are minimal. The supply of geothermal dynamism is reliable and always available, increasing efficiency.

Though renewable power appears to cost nothing, harnessing, collecting, and transporting the energy is expensive. Structures built allowing renewable energy sources to perform work affect our environment for better or worse. The best type of renewable power to use depends on financial, environmental, and geographic considerations.

It's time to boost your energy efficiency and cut costs by using the incredible alternative energy resource of geothermal! Geo-Hydro Supply supplies all geothermal flow center and the insulation tap necessary to put in a geothermal system in your house. Wise up and secure geothermal energy for your home now!

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How Much Can You Save Using Solar Power?

Most people now realize that carbon based energy sources like coal and oil are polluting the planet that we all share. Now there is some debate about global warming, but there can be no doubt that all the military conflicts in the Middle East are the result of power struggles over a shrinking oil supply.

So the fact is that alternative energy is here to stay, and it's only going to continue to grow. In fact in time enough homes will be relying on it, that by definition it won't be considered alternative. When that day comes wind and solar power will be considered mainstream.

So then how much can you save using solar energy because unless you are one of the people who has been sent over to some far flung desert region to fight over oil, that second point can seem moot to some folks. You just want your lights to come on and your household appliances to work and you want it all to happen for the best price possible.

The simple answer to that question is easy. It's around 30% as it stands right now. That is that the power that today's solar panels at today's prices will produce over the course of its service life will be valued at 30% less than its cost.

So buy a nice big $1,000 solar panel, put it up on your roof and by the time it's done and read to be sent off to have its materials recycled in about 25 years, it will have produced about $1,333 dollars or pounds worth of electricity. However, there is a catch.

That catch is that the cost of power only continues to rise and all you have to do is look at a power bill from 25 years ago to see that the above equation is going to change. That is that $1,000 solar panel you buy and stick up on your roof will for sure be producing more savings.

How much more? Now that's a very difficult question to answer because utility suppliers tend to be very tight lipped about how much they plan on screwing over their customers in the coming months, and years.

So then with all that is known, why isn't every home owner on the planet scrambling up on their roof right now to hook up a solar power system? The answer is simple and that's that they have to buy it and have it installed, and it seems easier to just continue to pay a monthly power bill. However soon enough, prices on solar technology will come down and the sensible option will be solar panels on many homes across the world.

Myriad design, supply and install Solar PV photovoltaic systems to the commercial, industrial, public and agricultural sectors. Using the most efficient technology available a Myriad system will save money and the environment.For More Details Visit: http://www.myriadceg.com/

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Renewable Energy Sources - Solar Power

What's not to love about solar power? The sun is what allows life to exist on this planet. Since man invented the light-bulb, we've been trying to harness and illuminate the inside of our world the way the sun does outside. To date, the power to light our world and operate our equipment comes primarily from combustion. We ignite fuel (primarily petroleum-based), and use the energy produced to spin turbines and generate the electricity we need to live in this modern world. The sun is the quintessential combustion engine; its heat and energy creating and sustaining a constant cycle of more heat and energy. So why then, has it taken until now to begin harnessing this power for our own needs? The answer, like most business decisions, is cost.

Until now, it has been cheaper to create a combustion reaction here on earth and then to harness it from the sun. The ability to convert solar rays into usable energy has been around since the late 1800s. Initially it was solar-thermal power, where the rays heated steam and propelled a small engine. Eventually, the solar cell was developed, using certain elements that reacted electrically when exposed to solar rays. Using either of these actions on a scale great enough to power an electric society is an immense undertaking. Only recently, with the scarcity of oil, have we seen a shift to an affordable solar apparatus.

Given the current focus on renewable energy, the supply side of the solar business is becoming more affordable. In addition, there are government and private programs available for people who wish to generate solar power. Unlike the current power grid, a solar generation occurs primarily on a site by site basis. While there are large scale solar farms, any flat area with sun exposure is a candidate for solar panels. This puts the power in the hands of the people who need it most. And in this authors opinion, it will not be long before every rooftop has a solar panel on it.

Unfortunately, in a regulated utility market, you cannot just plug in a panel and start playing video games again. This means you are still a part of the national electric grid, for better or worse. Better, because you can still have power at night or on cloudy days. Worse, because you still have to deal with the electric company.

The most obvious cost benefit to solar is that your business or home will require less power from the grid. You can tailor the size of your solar panels around your monthly electric usage. If you decide to generate solar, your electric meter will actually turn backwards at times when you are generating more electricity than you use. This results in significant monthly savings, as the supply portion of your utilities bill will be reduced.

In many states, like my home of New Jersey, you can actually get paid for your efforts. While you cannot physically sell the power you make, you can receive rebates and savings through state programs. In NJ, this is done through SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credits). These are given on a monthly basis based on the number of KW/h your solar panels generate. The credits are a tradeable commodity, with market price subject to supply and demand. Utility companies are required to buy a certain number of these credits each year. The credits are expected to go down in value predictably as more people enter the market by generating their own solar. Therefore, solar producers are encouraged to sell them as they earn them.

Another way to save/earn money from solar is to lease your affordable space to an entity that will use it to produce solar. Leasing your available space will provide monthly rent from an area of real estate that was presently unable to produce income. Large rooftops, especially distribution centers or office spaces, are prime candidates for this arrangement. Any company with a usable roof should consider setting up some form of solar generation. What else are you going to put on the roof that will earn you money?

Ideally, you would want to reduce your utilities bill and earn SRECs by producing solar on your own. But it is still a costly investment, and if you cannot make it on your own, there are plenty of people with abundant funds and limited space. There is financing available that can be secured in exchange for the SRECs generated by the system that is financed. With all this help, there is no reason not to capture the wave and build solar today.

There is no doubt that green energy is here to stay. And it is not just for the eco-friendly anymore. Government programs have made it very easy for any investor to make solar improvements. Technology advancements are making it ever cheaper to put them in place. Do some research and talk to an energy consultant. I think you will find yourself warming up to the idea of a solar powered world.

If you would like to get information about this for your business or home go to Here

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The New Solar Reality - Boeing Assembly Goes Solar

For those who remember when solar energy was a sort of hobby for enthusiasts rather than a major energy initiative, vindication is coming, daily. Boeing has just announced that it's building a major solar energy plant for its South Carolina Boeing 787 assembly plant. This is a big departure for an industry formerly glued to fossil fuel power. Elsewhere, industry majors like Mitsubishi and Ayala are working together on solar power. Solar has come a long, long way in recent years, and the new efficiencies are driving rethinks of energy strategies at the top levels of industries around the world.

This may seem like a suspiciously sudden turnaround by sectors which were previously remarkably unreceptive to solar ideas, but it's actually a result of much better business management and a new generation of businesses which are looking for better options to meet energy needs.

The facts are pretty simple:

Solar technology is now able to prove it can deliver on the scales required to provide massive amounts of energy at economic prices.
The cost of fossil fuels is becoming ludicrously high for industry. These costs are overheads that the industries simply don't want or need.
The cost benefits of solar are now fully measurable, and those benefits are huge. This is a real bottom line equation, and it's the main driver behind the reversal of energy policies by industry and commerce.
Solar is a comparatively much simpler type of technology, with a much shorter and far less complex supply chain. Fossil fuels prices vary widely because of supply chain issues. (Ironically, the cost of oil can inflate the cost of shipping oil and coal, a self defeating situation if there ever was one.)
Fossil fuels are commodities, and their prices can be very negatively influenced by the futures market and the live buying market to absurd degrees. The pricing of fossil fuels is so convoluted and the potential for massive price rises so common, that businesses and industries have simply had enough.

The real turning point for solar power came when solar was plugged directly into the grids. This was irrefutable proof of large scale production capacity, and it didn't take long for the penny to drop with industry decision makers.

Interestingly, it was economic sustainability which finally turned the key for solar power's entry into heavy industry. Businesses and industries assessed the situation on economic grounds, meaning on their own terms. This might have been expected by the environmental movement. Corporate managers usually aren't ecologists or environmentalists. They're not trained to assess environmental values. They are, however, quite capable of assessing the economics of their own businesses, and drawing the right conclusions.

This is the real stamp of approval for solar power development on the scales required to deal with the environmental situation. Boeing needs gigantic amounts of energy for production, and it knows down to the last watt how much power it needs. This is a tailor made solar project for a specific purpose, and it's likely to be the first of thousands.

Solar power in its future sense has arrived, and that future's looking pretty bright.

By the way, do you want to learn more about Home Improvement? If so, I suggest you check Solar Pane.

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About Solar Energy

It was Da Vinci who predicted the solar industrialization in 1447. Today, we are looking forth to generate solar energy, acknowledging it as one of the most effective ways to transform the sun rays into energy. The process through which sunrays are transformed into electricity is referred to as the PV or the Photovoltaic technology. The solar energy is considered as a green alternative to energy, which has minimal carbon footprint.The various equipment used for transforming the sunlight into energy include; solar panels, thermal collectors and generators. Unlike the other sources of energy, the energy generation does not involve combustion and thus, it does not produce dangerous fumes. The energy can be used for two purposes;

1. To provide heating

2. To provide electricity

The solar panels are used to convert the sun rays into electricity; however, the solar thermal collectors allow the sun rays to convert into heat energy. These thermal collectors can also be installed in homes and other buildings, to work as efficient heating systems in the chilling weather. The unit for measuring the solar energy is kWh or kilowatt-hour. One kWh can also be described as 'the amount of electricity required to burn a hundred watt light bulb for ten hours'. It makes sense to utilize sunlight that the earth receives as; in one hour our planet receives more sunlight than the consumption of energy by the entire world's population in one year. Making use of this renewable form of energy, the world can not only meet its energy requirements, but also, provide electricity to a population of two billion people who are currently living without electricity.

There are many advantages of using the energy. Those who make use of the solar-energy systems to assist with their electricity needs will witness a reduction in their electricity bills. Moreover they do not have to worry about the increasing rates of gasoline or other forms of energy. The green consumers will not have to worry about the carbon footprint. The energy helps in decreasing the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emission. In almost all the cases, the solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free. Also the efficiency of these systems can be increased as the energy needs of a household or an office increases by adding more solar panels. There are also certain disadvantages associated with the consumption of solar energy, which include;

1. The high initial installation cost

2. Dependence of system efficiency on the location of the sun

3. Large space requirement

4. No energy generation in the night.

Here in this article you will learn about solar energy and alternative energy.

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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.
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Green Energy - Make Your Own Portable Solar Water Heater

You can make your own portable solar water heater for very little money. Take it with you when you go camping, or place it in the garden to use for hand washing when you are outside. You will have free hot water wherever you are, as long as the sun shines.
What you need:
You will need, a car or truck inner tube, these are available quite cheaply from a car parts store, or you can pick one up for free from a breakers yard. This is where your water is going to be stored, so the bigger it is the more hot water your heater will make. You will also need, a length of garden hose, some rubber sealing compound, a hose pipe coupler to connect your hose to the water reservoir, and a nozzle to act as a tap, or a sprinkler if you want to use your hot water as a shower.
Building your heater:
Check your inner tube for leaks by partially inflating it, and then submerging it in water. Check for bubbles, if you see any rising it will show where the hole is. Repair any holes using a puncture repair kit. Once your tube is airtight cut a hole in the tube opposite the valve. Make this hole just big enough to accept the end of your hose coupler. Insert the coupler into this hole, and cover with rubber solution to seal it in place. Connect your hose, and nozzle to the coupler, and there you have it, your solar water heater is complete.
Filling your heater:
To fill your water heater you can use a funnel, and poor water down the hose. The other method is, if you close the hose nozzle and inflate the tire. then place the end of the hose into a body of water, possibly a lake if you are camping, or a rain water-butt if you are in the garden, and let the air out of the tire, it will suck up water as he air exits the tube.
Using your heater:
Once filled simply leave it out in the sun to heat. Placing it on the roof, or hood of a car, or roof of a camper, will heat the quickest. If it is in the garden then placing it on a shed or outhouse roof is ideal. To use you can either hang over a tree branch, or raise it up some other way.
Storing your heater:
To store simply empty the inner tube, and roll it up. It will easily ft in a backpack, or small case. Your heater can be set up and used in no time. You can now use your portable solar water heater anywhere you go. Enjoy your free hot water.
Learn ways to produce green energy:
Do you want to disconnect from the grid, and make your own electricity? Find out how by visiting this how to build solar panels guide at www.how-to-build-solar-panels-at-home.blogspot.com/. Convert your home to solar energy for less. Save the planet, and say goodbye to those large electricity bills.
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Why Do I Need an Inverter for My Home Solar Energy System

All contemporary home solar energy systems come with an inverter as part of the system.
Energy collected from the sun is at a higher current than home and domestic electricity supplied from commercial sources.
The electricity generated from the solar panels is termed DC. This stands for direct current. This basically means that the current flows in one direction. The wiring that carries this current needs to be a heavier cable. These cables become hotter due to the increase energy carried along them. If the cable that carries this charge is too fine it can cause over heating, shorting and poor performance.
The electricity we get from our electricity wall socket in our homes is AC which means alternating current.
The inverter changes DC into AC current. AC current in our homes is at 240 Volts suitable for use with most electrical appliances.
The inverter allows the current to flow one way. The current is transformed to AC and not allowed to go back to the panel. The inverter allows the current to be used either within the house or if the panel is producing more than is being used, it can be shunted to the grid. In many countries, households are then credited if the energy produced is less than that consumed by that house.
AC and DC vary in the amount of energy they can carry also.
With DC power each battery or solar panel is designed to produce a constant voltage and cannot be changed. So a 9 volt battery will provide 9 volts of power.
Appliances that have AC or DC means that they can run on either battery power or be plugged into the wall and run on electricity.
AC voltage can be increased or decreased by a transformer. There is a transformer on the power pole outside our homes that converts it for use in our homes.
AC is safer to transfer over longer distances and gives more power. Which is why we use this form for the general public for safety and for economic reasons.
So in summary, the inverter is needed to allow the energy captured by the panels to be safely transformed into a suitable voltage for domestic use.
In over 40 countries across the world, solar is being utilised domestically more now than ever due to the concerns about global warming and renewable energy use.
As the general public become more aware of the contemporary challenges facing the worlds population, the call to action to change our practices will gain momentum. As more people gain the knowledge, more will demand affordable options and more knowledge about the pros and cons of the new energy sources. As the demand grows so too will the technology become more and more refined. How we use and view solar energy may will be different in a few years.
For options on portable solar panels, visit http://www.solarportablepanels.com/
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Marine Solar Power Systems Using Green Energy Solutions by Rowland ...

A green energy solution is solar energy by maintaining high battery voltage for deep cycle battery in a marine environment. These batteries are used in recreational vehicles. It is essential to maintain a high voltage as a low charge can reduce the batteries usefulness by two to five percent. A charge controller will solve this problem and ensure that the voltage remains at a certain level that will safely charge from a solar panel. This piece of equipment is invaluable for a long trip on a boat, ship or ocean liner. Marine batteries systems reduce the amount of petroleum based energy the craft will use and cut the reliance on petroleum powered machinery.
Marine solar panels that are normally installed in the uppermost decks of the ocean liners, ships and yachts and are becoming standard equipment for newly designed ocean going crafts. The marine system batteries allow them to stay out in a marine environment for a longer period of time, cuts down on the amount of fuel the craft needs to use to make the engines operable, and creates an energy that is clean and renewable every time the sun comes up.
When you add up the balance of system for the cost of getting a system like this going it only makes sense to switch over to an energy form that will not cost you once the initial equipment is installed, and the maintenance for these systems is nominal.
By utilizing integrated photovoltaic solar panels in a marine environment that supply energy to batteries ship builders have adapted the principle of the systems to a smaller unit and has made it a practical application for marine use. The smaller system is still considered a grid-connected system because most systems employ the central generating plant system to a small grid with solar panels made up of special solar tiles.
Marine solar panels and marine solar system batteries create a renewable or green energy that is applicable to a small pleasure boat all the way to the huge ocean liners that are really floating cities. By using marine system batteries that are powered by marine solar panels, it has been proven that it is possible to build a floating city that is entirely dependent on solar power.
The panels and systems used in marine solar system batteries are not different from the residential applications; it is the environment that they are used in. If one is planning to live aboard or cruise in salt water or anywhere that creates a marine environment, it is a good idea to know what the wiring and attachments hardware you will need to keep your marine solar panels working in top shape.
The marine solar panels system that charges the marine solar system batteries can be effectively used in the application of maintenance charging while at a dock. If your sailing vessel is stopped often or at anchor on a fairly steady basis, you need to maintain a floating charge in order to keep the batteries full and you will be able to avoid a situation where the craft will not start.
The green energy factor comes in when you can consider how much you will save in fuel when you augment your onboard charging systems with a marine solar panel that gives you power that can be stored in the marine solar system batteries. The marine environment creates special needs, as in corrosion to parts and panels that have to be carefully monitored and the parts replaced occasionally to keep the system running at the optimum power production capacity

About The Author Rowland Kubale is a boat owner interested in Solar Energy and it's production. Find out more about how to build your own Solar Panels for about $200 or so as against $2000+ for an off the shelf solar panel.

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