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Posts Tagged ‘science’

What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?

November 7th, 2009

Solar energy is a clean form of energy production, which does not pollute the environment. The promise of cleaner energy and advancements in green technology has allowed solar energy research and production to take a front seat in modern energy production.

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Layers of a unique material contained the Photovoltaic conversion absorb sun’s rays directly to product electricity.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. Solar energy is a type of energy This method utilizes reflecting surfaces and mirrors to amplify the amount of heat that can be generated. (thermal). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion is a big scientific term for light that is converted into energy. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. When the two layers are touched by light, one layer gets a positive charge, while the second layer gets a negative charge. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When the two layers of material in a solar cell are exposed to light, an electric current is created.

The efficiency of a single solar cell is determined by its exposure to direct sunlight. Both time and intensity of sunlight will play a factor.

These days you can find many different products that are home solar powered. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.

As stated earlier, anytime someone uses a handheld or lighted magnifying glass to get a fire going, have used solar energy.

The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of home solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future.

To harness energy from the sun and find the best deal on magnifying glasses, then visit www.bigmagnify.com to find great advice on a variety of reading magnifiers for you.

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Efficient Planet DIY Energy Guide Reviewed

October 27th, 2009

Introduction

The Efficient Planet guide is not just one book, it’s 3! With 71 pages on how to build a home home solar power system, 51 pages on how to build a home wind turbine, and another 50 pages on how to enjoy efficient living at home, this is one comprehensive set of instructions! It almost hit our #1 spot, over-taking Earth4Energy, but its lack of video instruction put it at #2.

What we like about it:

1 - Comprehensive Instructions

Efficient Planet is by far the most complete and content-rich renewable energy guide available. It has over 175 pages of simple, easy to follow plans and recommendations, and is definitely value for money at a price of $49.97.

2 - Additional free gifts

Efficient planet has a whole host of bonus items for its customers - this includes a 50 page guide on efficient living. Just this guide alone is worth the $49.97. Also included are audio and video interviews with fellow DIYers that have built their own home solar and wind power.

Additional, but irrelevant bonus items included is: ‘Project Wealthy’ - a kit that teaches you everything about running your own efficient home business. And what they call “Undisclosed bonuses”.

3 - Solid plans:

A useful feature of Efficient Planet, is that is has been broken up into 3 separate guides:

The first guide speaks solely on home solar power, with a set of instructions on how to make your solar electric system at home. It also contains information on other home solar power options, such as solar air and water heating, and solar roofing.

The second part provides step-by-step instructions, with diagrams on how to make your own home wind generator. It also goes to talk about the 10 false rumors about wind power, and how to use it effectively at home.

The final part is devoted to showing you how to easily save power at home and thus reduce your power bill. Although we knew most of what it tells you to do, it really complemented the rest of the Efficient Planet series, with the goal of becoming more energy efficient.

Why it is not the best guide:

1: Lack of video instructions

Initially we thought Efficient Planet is the most complete set of solar and wind power instructions. But we noticed that is has no video tutorial, that show a working system being built in real-time. This make a harder for the average, everyday person to build their own working solar and wind power generator, without getting stuck. Yes, the diagrams did make it easier, but it makes more sense, in this day and age to provide step-by-step video instruction.

2: The same old rehashed information

Efficient Planet seems to be the same old rehashed information. Diy energy guides are appearing all over the place these days, and this guide does not seem to be any different to rest. However, with that being said, where Efficient Planet excels is that gives it customers a number of free extras, that make it better value for money as compared to Homemade Energy or Homemade Power Plant.

Overall Rating:

Efficient Planet provides some of the most complete, and useful step-by-step instructions on making your own renewable energy and saving power at home. Yes, you will eventually build a working solar and wind power system with the plans, but it will take you a little longer than if you used the Earth4Energy guide (which has free video instruction). The free extras make it well worth the $49.97 price, so it comes in 2nd place.

Tim McDonald is an enthusiastic DIYer that has been living off the grid since June 2008. He recommends you Try Earth4Energy for FREE if you are serious about making your own solar and home wind turbine, saving bucket loads of cash on your electricity bill, and living a greener life.

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