What are the Pros and Cons to Solar Energy

Using the power of the sun to power our lifestyles, on paper looks like a natural fit. As with all things in life there are two sides to any argument and Solar Power is no different, so hopefully in this article I will answer what are the pro’s and con’s to using solar energy in today’s world

The Pro's to using Solar Energy

1. It is a cheaper way to generate energy, than the normal means of energy generation. The suns power is free, and is a natural resource, using it means that you are not burning any fossil fuels that can ruin the earth’s atmosphere. It truly is an environmentally friendly alternative.
2. The suns power is free, most of the cost involved is in the initial investment that is required in setting up the solar powered system.
3. If you do use solar power, you can expect to have no electricity bill, a very small one, or you may actually end up earning money, by supplying your energy back into the electricity system if you live in the right area.
4. No fuel to burn so would be good to the atmosphere. Also if the fuel prices rise and there is a shortage, you will be OK, because you are getting your power from the sun for free.
5. If there was a power outage in your area, you wouldn’t be affected, as you would still be getting your power from your Solar Powered system.
6. It doesn’t matter where you are, you could be in a remote area and you can still use the power of the sun. You will find solar power being used in some very remote locations.
7. It’s a low maintenance system, you don’t have to rewire your house, and if you need more power just add more solar panels.

The Con’s of using Solar Energy

1. The initial cost, they are costly to setup and have installed, but this initial cost is probably the only cost you have to worry about. Depending on where you live you may also be able to get grants from the government to setup your system, and is well worth checking on before starting looking at systems.

2. You need to live in an area where you can rely on sufficient sunlight to power your system. A system in Arizona or Texas is going to work better than one in the Seattle area that may only receive, on average, about three hours of sun a day since it’s a rainy region.

3. You can only get energy during the day, and an overcast day may also cause difficulties, this can be overcome by using a backup battery, that would store energy generated during the day, and supply you with energy during the night.

Getting your energy from the sun, definitely has more advantages than disadvantages, but I think one main sticking point is the initial cost. As solar power technology advances, and becomes more available the prices should come down.

If you want to learn more about how you can help with Global Warming have a look at 200 Ways to Fight Global Warming, a ebook and audio program that will help you fight Global Warming today.

10 Ways to Save Energy around your Home

10 Ways to Save Energy

Everyone is looking at way to save the energy they use, and if your not now is the time to start. Not only can these steps help the environment, but they can also help to put some extra money in your pocket. Here is 10 easy ways you can do it today, starting with an easy one anyone can do.

1. Turn off your lights

To really reduce energy wastage and cut your bills, always remember to turn off the light when you leave a room. Turning your lights off is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint. Make sure you make it a habit for the whole family.

2. Switch to energy saving light bulbs

Good quality energy-saving light bulbs can use over three quarters less electricity than normal bulbs and last twelve times longer. That's a saving of up to $18 a year for a typical 100W bulb, or a massive $200 over the bulb's lifetime. All this and you'll also reduce your carbon emissions.


3. Turn that thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down by just 18C could cut your bill by ten per cent. You should also keep furniture away from radiators as the foam in upholstered chairs and sofas acts as an effective heat insulator, effectively stealing your heat.

4. Take care of your appliances

Limescale makes them less efficient, using more energy to heat the water. For an easy, yet environmentally friendly, way to remove limescale, leave a little vinegar in your kettle overnight. Maintain your washing machine by adding 200ml of vinegar to an empty 60°C cycle every couple of months.

5. Insulate your loft

A great way to save energy and you can easily do it yourself. Good loft insulation could save you around $300 a year.

7. Use solar-powered alternatives

Going solar powered does not mean you have to cover your home in solar panels. You could switching a few everyday items, such as mobile phone chargers, to solar-powered alternatives will help cut carbon emissions and reduce your electricity costs.

With no wiring required, solar powered gadgets for the home are also easy to install and work from daylight, even on cloudy days.

8. Switch off your appliances

Leaving your TV and Computers on standby will still waste electricity
Turn off all your electrical devices when your not using them. This includes mobile phone chargers that continue to use electricity even after the phone is fully charged. You can now get also get power bars that detect if the appliance is in standby mode, and cut the power to it.

If we all turned appliances off when we are not using them, we would save a massive amount of electricity each year, the equivalent of around two power stations worth per annum.

9. Load up the washing machine

Only put full loads in the washing machine and use the lowest setting possible. Todayís washing powder more than adequately cleans your clothes on a 40°C cycle, saving up to three quarters of the cost of the hottest cycle.

9. Get green in the garden

A compost heap produces a nutrient rich soil using natural waste, such as left over food, helping to reduce your weekly rubbish quota. You can also install solar-powered garden lights and shed lights.
Take advantage of the sun

10. The sun is the most readily available source of heat there is; and it's free! Make the most of it by opening up doors and windows on hot days to let in warm air that to heat up your home naturally. Hanging clothes out to dry on sunny days, instead of using the tumble dryer or a radiator, is also a great way to take advantage of the earth's natural heat source.

Just take one small step at a time, and you'll be amazed at how much money you could be saving.

Solar Panels

In time I will post information here about solar panels