From the monthly archives:

March 2009

The Benefits of a Solar Roof


It’s been said that the world is experiencing an energy crisis. And as oil prices go up, so do electrical bills. One method of addressing this problem is by installing a solar roof over your home. A solar roof can become your very own home power generator.

A solar roof is made out of photovoltaic materials, which replace usual building materials. For flat roofs, thin-film cells are integrated into flexible polymer roofing membranes. For pitched roofs, you can use either multiple roof tiles, or solar shingles that are designed to look like regular shingles.

Not only will you’re roof look good, but you’ll be saving on your electrical bills as well. The roof will still shield you from the elements, and it will also and generate electricity when the sun is up. In other words, instead of buying ordinary roof tiles or shingles, you would be buying solar shingles or roofing material, which will serve both purposes.

Anyone planning to install a new roof should consider getting solar roof. This is one investment that can have a long-term impact in your finances.

Solar roofs are built to last as well. It has been said that solar roofs can last for up to fifty years. That’s comparable with the most durable building materials around. The typical installation involves laminating photovoltaic (PV) strips onto the roof pans, before the roofer puts them into place. The wires would then run in the ridge cap, out of view.

If the homeowner prefers to use PV shingles, then they are installed by nailing them to the plywood sheathing of the roof. The interconnectors are laid in, under the plywood, and the roofers use regular asphalt shingles of the same color to fill in around the edges. The DC current generated by the shingles would is then be diverted into a battery bank which can be used around the home.

Governments of some countries provide tax or other financial incentives to encourage people to install solar roofs. Establishments with these installation can sometimes produce enough energy make them independent from other sources of electricity. Some governments even offer subsidies to help those who wish to have them placed in their own structures.

Solar roofs are a great alternative energy source. They provide 100% clean and renewable energy, and the earth would definitely be a better place to live in if more homes used solar power.

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For more information on solar power and renewable energy solutions for the home, please visit Solar Panels, Solar Shingles, and Alternative Energy.

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Net Metering & Solar Power


One way to use solar power to save money is through the use of a practice called “Net Metering.”

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering is the practice of consumers “selling” energy to the electricity companies when they have some form of renewable energy facility installed at their home and a surplus is created.

A good example of net metering would be the case of someone who owns solar panels or owns a wind turbine. If his solar panels or wind turbine generate more electricity than he consumes, the excess electricity is fed into the electrical grid, and the power company buys the electricity from him.

Net metering is a result of green energy policy. Though its not generally known, its not a new thing.

- Why is it Called Net Metering?

The term “net metering” is a combination of the words “net” and “metering.” In this context, “net” means “what remains after deductions” and “metering” refers to the measuring of electricity of your home’s electricity meter (which is used to calculate your energy bill).

- How Net Metering Works

Lets take the example of a home owner who has installed solar panels as a clean renewable energy source on his home.

If, at any time, his solar panels are producing more electricity than his home is using, the excess electricity is automatically fed back into the electrical grid, and redistributed by the power company. The amount of electricity fed back into the electrical grid is measured on a meter right in his home. The home owner is then “paid” or credited for that electricity.

- How to Find Out About Net Metering

Net metering is usually done through your power company. You should check directly with your power provider.

One thing you should know is that many states have laws which provide for net metering. In other words, some states have laws in place which require the power company to buy your excess electricity, should you generate it through renewable energy sources. Some additional information on this can be found in these articles on Net Metering.

You will probably not run into any problems with your energy companies, as most states have laws that demand a certain percentage of green power production. So net metering is convenient for them as well, and any green energy you produce can be counted on their quota.

Net metering is one of many good ways to save energy and money as well. By using solar power and net metering, you reduce the need for polluting fossil fuels which harm the environment.

Net metering is not only good for the environment, but good for your bank account as well.

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Find out more about saving money with solar energy and home solar power systems at Solar Energy. Or visit Clean Energy to learn more about additional sources of alternative and renewable energy.

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31 To 60 Kw Diesel Generators Information


So you are in the market to buy a new power generator but aren’t sure which one to choose? You’ve heard a little bit about electric generators and diesel options, but still aren’t sure about which is the better approach?

Diesel generators are an option that many home owners and business owners take when they have the need for an alternative or backup power source. Whenever an area experiences a power outage, electric generators serve as the backup source will kick in and rectify any electrical issues. Below are popular 31 to 60 kW diesel generators.

  • Lister Petter 32 kW
  • John Deere 50 kW
  • John Deere 40 kW
  • Kubota 40 kW
  • John Deere 60 kW

Each of these models comes equipped with a base mounted fuel tank, battery, battery rack and cables, vibration isolators between the engine and base frame, circuit breaker to protect the diesel generator from overloading and two wire auto start ready capabilities. All of these models also come with a fully automatic shutdown system to protect the device from low oil pressure, the possibility of over speed or over crank and high coolant temperatures. You will want to speak with a specialist if you have specific requirements as each of these models can be customized to meet your needs.

Many diesel engines operate at 1800 or 3600 RPM. For a smaller electrical project an 1800 RPM is a favorable choice because it is less noisy, more affordable, has a longer life span and is more fuel efficient. Before making the choice between which size and model you will need, do some research to find the most beneficial device because there are many power generators on the market today that fit a wide array of electrical needs.

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