GearPool Weblog

Solar power systems for home come in a wide variety of types and sizes.  One of the first things you’ll need to know is exactly how you’ll be using your free energy.  The PV cells of a solar array absorb the sun’s ultraviolet rays and convert that energy into electric current… but that doesn’t mean you can use it right away.  The ‘juice’ created by the photovoltaic process is direct current (DC) and needs to be changed to alternating current (AC) before it can be used for your household electric needs.  This requires the use of an inverter.  There are some uses for DC current within the household, but most solar power in homes consists of electricity that’s been already transformed into a more standard usable form.

The next thing to consider is how you’ll be gathering this free, clean, renewable energy from the sun!  When most people think of home solar heating panels they think of those great big monstrosities that used to clutter rooftops back in the 70’s and 80’s.  Those ugly eyesores did little to promote the industry, and if anything they hurt the image of solar energy for decades to come.  Luckily in today’s world, advances in PV cell technology have made it so that you can harness the sun’s rays in a multitude of new ways. 

Rooftop solar panels installation is much simpler, easier, and a LOT more attractive these days!  Panels are smaller and better looking, and they can be mounted flush to the roofline.  Solar shingles are another way to go… you can build entire home photovoltaic systems that look the same as asphalt shingles or ceramic glazed roofing.  By tiling the top of your home with thousands of these tiny cells, you can harness free green energy year-round.  These systems go up easily with just a few solar panel installation classes, and in a few days or even hours you can begin lowering your electric bills while making the planet a cleaner place to live.

Solar heaters for pools are another popular do it yourself project.  You can install a diy solar pool heater in just a matter of hours, saving you hundreds of dollars over the summer in pool heating costs.  Either the sun warms water in an insulated tank, or a vacuum tube system is utilized to make the most of the day’s UV rays.  Water tanks can also be used in the home – for showers, dishwashers, washing machines, or anywhere hot water is required.

You can even take solar energy classes that will instruct you on the guidelines of step by step solar system setup.  From determining the angle of installation to drilling the struts that will support the array, one of the best ways to learn is through watching home solar panel kit videos.  The visuals and knowledge obtained by learning from these videos will give you the confidence to begin solar panels installation on any scale project, small or large.   You don’t have to have previous experience with any type of green energy – the instructions are all that you need.

And when it comes to installation, usually only a few small tools are required: a laser level, a chalkline, a drill and a socket set.  In most cases connectors will snap together, but you may also need a soldering gun.  The hardware that comes with a home solar power kit is designed to attach to the backs of your PV panels and then be bolted or clamped right to the mounting struts.  In many cases these mounts will be adjustable so you can tilt them toward the sun no matter which month it is.  This allows you to maximize your solar exposure as the sun changes position (relative to your roof) throughout the year.

Thanks to technology, inventions help make life easier for us. It all started with the solar calculator. From there, people discovered that the sun can be used for regeneration – just like how Superman re-charges by flying to the sun whenever he is weakened by kryptonite.

One of the latest inventions concerning solar energy is the solar pool heater. Pushing the envelope further, solar home heating can also be done. This was basically inspired by the experience of getting burnt once your skin gets in contact with water (primarily from hose) that has been sitting out on the sun for too long. This is called passive solar water heating.

Before the beginning of the 21st century, states like Los Angeles and Florida have already taken advantage of passive solar hot water systems. There were a number of sytems using solar water heating that are located in the mentioned states’ roof tops.

Nowadays, the solar water heater is referred to as PSWH, Bread Box and Batch Heater. However, the technical term for this contraption is the Integrated Collector and Storage System or ICS for short.

Usually starting with 40 gallons of water in a lined tank made of glass, these systems come in the form of electric water heaters. With its temperature engine, the owner must only set it under the sun and it’s good to go. It is also painted black because studies show that dark colors attract heat more than light colors.

Make sure that the box had been well insulated in order to prevent the loss of energy. Also, the insulation amount is dependent on the climate. Ideally, the box has the measurements of either 2 X 4s or 2 X6s. Fiberglass insulation is also often installed. For aesthetic purposes, the owner may choose to have his box painted in such a way that would match it to the area where it is placed.

The size of the box must be large enough for the tank. It must also be big enough to get as much sun as it possibly can. If the glass capability is 1 sq ft. 2 ½ gallons is the ideal amount of water in it.

Both having an inlet and an outlet, the method on how you attach these makes the difference. Plumbing wise, the cold water inlet comes with a tube extending underneath the tank. The purpose is to bring the cold water to its designated area. Whereas the hot water outlet’s responsible to take the hottest water to the top of the tank.

If the system were to be installed on a roof, then it must be attached spread wide over the rafters which could later on be obstacles for the whole heating process. Make sure that your system gets sunshine in the morning and in the afternoon. Because if not, it only defeats the entire process of getting one.

In general, shorter plumbing is more efficient because it lessens the potential of freezing. The possibility of freezing 49 gallons of liquid is much less compared to longer plumbings. If the tank is installed next to the water heater, then the freezing potential is lessened but not entirely eradicated.

The plumbing between the PSWH and the water heater are both insulated and this is exposed on the exterior pipes. Therefore, it is best that you insulate your plumbing in the attic areas.

Here are the steps in installing your solar home water heater:
1. Supply cold water to the tank. The hot water outlet is already installed to the cold water inlet. The process involves the solar water getting into the water heater and on a level above the thermostat setting.

2. If you’re wondering which temperature to set your PSWH at, it really depends on a lot of factors: the ambiance of the air, the amount of sunshine obtained by the system, the usage of insulation, the supply water’s temperature and finally the demand of the hot water – both through the inlet and the outlet.

Ideally speaking, the water temperature can go beyond 180 degrees F. install a tempering valve. In that way, you will be able to control the temperature before it seeps through the faucet.

3. The demand of hot water depends on other attributes that can be answered by considering these questions. Are there shower aerators that are low-flowing? Is there a water heater blanket? Is the thermostat set at 120 degrees F? Do you use hot water often?

Just like any invention, the solar water home heater is a treat having in your household, just as long as you know how to properly use it.

Spring is in the air, and now would be a great time to think about ways to contribute to the environment. One way to do so, if you have an outdoor swimming pool, is to consider a solar pool heating system. Not only will it save you money, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The system is fairly simple to create. The pool provides the thermal storage, so there is no need to purchase anything for this particular aspect. And, the pump that is currently used to filter the water in the pool will also circulate the water through the solar collectors.

Pool Cover

A pool cover will drastically save on heating costs and cost, on average, around $120. Not only that, but this will also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to our environment. David Boehmer states, “…all other pool heating methods…should only be used in conjunction with a pool cover. Not to do so would be like running your house air conditioner during August with the doors and windows open. The system will still work, but the operating cost will be as much as three times higher.” Visit the United States Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website to peruse estimates of how much it costs to heat a pool with and without a pool cover.

One of the reasons swimming pool covers are so effective is due to the loss of water incurred through evaporation. A pool cover alone can provide up to 50%-70% savings. There are various types of pool covers that you can consider in your purchasing decision. Bubble (or solar) covers are probably the least costly. Vinyl covers, however, are made of a thicker material and tend to have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers.

As stated, pool covers provide savings in your energy costs. However, they also have the following benefits:

* They conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%-50%

* They reduce the pool’s chemical consumption by 35%-60%

* They reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool

Solar Swimming Pool Heaters

A solar pool heater can significantly reduce the costs you acquire through heating your pool. Not only are they similar in price with other heating options, but they also have extremely low annual operating costs. When compared in many climates, they actually come out on top as being the most cost effective. These types of swimming pool heaters generally last longer than their gas and heat pump counterparts. With proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from ten to twenty years. Here is what is usually included in solar swimming pool heaters:

* A solar collector – the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun

* A filter – removes debris before water is pumped through the collector

* A pump – circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool

* A flow control valve – automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector

The material that solar pool collectors are made of varies, and the specific type you will need is dependent on what climate you live in.

Solar energy is the most perspective source of energy of the future. It has so many advantages that it would be hard to describe them all. Here is tiny list of solar energy advantages that should help you to make right decision.

• Solar energy is a completely renewable resource. Sun will shine about 5 billion years and all this time we can get free power from it. Although it may disappear behind a clouds for few moments, but it will always come back in full force.
• Solar energy does not create pollution. This is the most important advantage that makes solar power so much more perspective than oil. While solar energy doesn’t harm ecology, oil burning releases harmful greenhouses gases into our precious air.
• Solar panels and solar lighting may seem quite expensive when you first purchase it, but you need to remember that that is onetime fee. Solar panels will last about 20 or even 30 years.
• You can use power of sun to heat water in your pool. Solar pool heater can extend your swimming pool season by few months.
• Solar powered panels and products are typically extremely easy to install. Wires, cords and power sources are not needed at all, making this an easy prospect to employ.
• Solar power technology is improving consistently over time, as people begin to understand all of the benefits offered by this incredible technology. As our oil reserves decline, it is important for us to turn to alternative sources of energy.
• Solar power can light your garden or backyard at night. Solar post lights can became solution for you if you don’t have access to electrical grid or if you want to make your house more eco-friendly and save electricity.

The main question you may ask yourself, “Should you go solar?” that depends on you. Global warming rising energy bills and energy dependence affects all of us. Everyone can become part of the solution. Solar energy is one of the best ways to help our environment and to save your many.

For more information about solar energy please visit http://www.mysolarpower.org

Swimming Pool Solar Heaters

f you are interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce your bill then this is the perfect resource for you! With the ever increasing costs of living, there is no better time than right now to stop throwing money out the window and start generating our own electricity.

“But I thought solar power was
expensive and complicated?”

When I first became interested in solar energy (many years ago), I thought I would never be able to afford the solar panels. I was astounded when I was given a quote of $28,000 for a simple installation. This prompted me to do some research into how the solar panels are created.

I discovered solar power can be very affordable
for the average person and it’s not complicated at all!

What if I told you that you can build your own solar panel or windmill for $200 or less!? It’s true! After extensive testing I have now made these plans available to everybody worldwide!

I have a great passion for the environment and I want as many people as possible to start generating their own electricity. My goal is to get your home running on free, renewable energy – Starting today…

After 15 years of industry experience I thought it was time to share the secrets of solar power. The biggest secret; It’s easy to make quality solar panels for a fraction of retail price! While I do have a lot of experience I realize that most people don’t know the first thing about making solar panels.

That’s why I have written my manual in simple, easy-to-read English, with clear illustrations that will guide you through the whole process. My manual was created with the complete novice in mind so I will basically hold your hand through the build and installation process.

After writing my manual I wanted to know if “the average person” could generate their own power simply by following my guide. I set out to find my test subjects who wanted to “go green” and found 11 people who knew nothing about generating power. I was very happy to see that all of my test subjects were able to generate enough electricity to power their household appliances!

The solar panels and wind generators that my test subjects created look amazing!

Remember, these members knew absolutely nothing about creating energy.
If they can create renewable energy, than anybody can!