Are You Tired of Paying those HIGH Energy Bills?

Wind Generator Test

This test was done in 15-20 MPH winds and produced 8 volts.

Not bad for a set of blades from the trash.

How to Find Those Energy Eaters

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends approximately $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Although, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, power generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. Also, vehicles on the road account for 67% of all U.S oil consumption. Start making small changes today.

Look at Your Home. The top five energy users in your Home can vary depending on the climate where you live. But for most homes start with the following items:

1. The home heating and cooling system, consumes 44% of your utility bill. If your system is more than 10 years old update to a more efficient unit. Utilize tax credits and utility rebates. At least adjust your thermostat by 2 degrees, or change to a programmable one.

2. Small appliances - WOW! The U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Saver web site shows that for homes, small appliances are the second largest users of energy. These include toasters, coffee makers, televisions, DVD players, stereos, and the like. Consider getting a SmartStrip to prevent them from creating "phantom loads, " which draw small amounts of power all day and night, even when items are turned off. What is the SmartStrip? It features advanced circuitry that not only offers excellent power surge protection and line noise filtering, but is actually to "sense" the flow of electrical current through the strip's control outlet.

3. Your refrigerator runs constantly. This MAJOR appliance NEVER shuts off and it consumes a total of 8% of your electric bill. Look at how you use your FRIDGE, there are alot of options out there now that will help you reduce the cost of keeping items fresh and cold.

4. Water Heaters use approximately 18% of your energy costs. You likely have an inefficient one sitting in a closet or utility room. If you don't update the water heater at least insulate it to keep the unit from losing the heated water. Another, option is to install a tank less water heater, available in gas or electric units. They use energy only when you need it which, doesn't have all that water just sitting there constantly needing to be kept hot. The Federal Government offers tax credits to install new efficient units.

5. The final category of residential energy use is lighting. Where ever you can replace those incandescent bulbs for CFL's. These new bulbs will consume up to 75% less electricity and are offered to retro fit into almost any fixture. Although, to extend the life of these bulbs you will need to leave them on for at least 15 minutes. By doing this it "BURNS IN" the lamp, which improves its function, and life span.There are alot of small things that you can do yourself to reduce your energy use cheaply and have a long term impact on your energy consumption.

If you are serious about reducing our dependency from non-renewable sources then look around you. Your own home is the easiest way to reduce those ENERGY EATERS!

Russ Miles

http://www.makegreen-power.com/

Dramatically Reduce Your Energy Costs

In today's economy many households and now businesses are searching for alternative ways to save money on their utility bills. Renewable energy sources surprisingly help reduce energy usage by utilizing Solar energy, which is available everywhere.

Solar panels convert the most abundant renewable energy sources around the world. Solar power has been utilized for years. The one that most of us use daily is a portable calculator. Some of the more recent products we see today are landscape lights, road construction warning signs, traffic monitoring devices and numbers on mail boxes.

Here's a few facts about energy usage in general... at least when it comes to the United States.
According to the Department of Energy, the average household expends the following percentages of its energy consumption.

• 44% on Heating and Cooling
• 30% for Lighting, Cooking and Appliances
• 18% for Water Heating
• 8% for Refrigerators

There is an immense misconception about Solar Power.
It will not work on cloudy days.
It only works in really sunny climates.

This just is NOT true. Solar panels are not as productive on cloudy days or in moderate sunny areas. The amount of power is reduced but they still produce electricity. The advantage is the excess power on sunny days can be sold to the utility provider or stored for later use, for example; cloudy days and at night.

Renewable energy sources are just an interest to alot of people, but the advantages by starting now are tremendous. Here are few examples:

• Solar power is a green and renewable resource.
• Solar power is non-polluting.
• Solar power is cost effective.
• Incentives from utility providers and government.
• Increase your homes value.
• Systems are expandable.

Solar power systems come in all different sizes, shapes and configurations. A commercial system to run your entire home, which is still quite expensive, presently. Purchase a do-it-yourself kit and experiment with it to see if it will do what you expected. Or build a system completely from scratch from parts available and a good guide to follow.

Obviously, there is still alot of controversy about how to conserve or even elininate our dependancy on non-renewable resources. It's about time we realize that WE have to take steps to continue to change our lives not just for ourselves but everyones future.

Russ Miles

MakeGreen-Power

Cut Energy Costs and Make Your Home green

There are two reasons to green your home by installing solar and (or) wind power systems - whether it be small, supplemental systems such as solar powered water heaters, or large systems that will power the entire home.

First, you will save money by reducing your need for electricity from your local utility provider.

Secondly, you will be reducing your carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

The cost of energy is always going up. Gas prices are higher, electricity is higher…everything is higher, and as is the nature of things, that trend will only continue.In an effort to save money, many people are looking for alternative ways to power their homes.The solution is rather to convert to wind and (or) solar energy.

Let me give you the basic uses of solar power …

Electricity - A solar electric generating system can allow you to reduce your electric bill to zero.

Heating - You can heat your home in winter inexpensively.

Of all the energy used in the United States, only 1% is from renewable energy such as solar and (or) wind power. Think of the money to be saved, and spent on other things…by converting to solar and (or) wind power. Can any home use a Solar and Wind Powered System? The amount of power that collectors can absorb from the sun is contingent on a number of factors. What is the climate? Is it sunny all the time? Does the sun have access to roof or ground collectors?
Benefits from going solar are many. You will receive rebates and subsidies offered by utility providers, State and Federal Governments. Be aware that the amount of these rebates will vary, depending on how closely to the "ideal" of solar and (or)Wind power you can come. If you're installing equipment for a home office or business, you may be able to depreciate certain items.

Measure your savings…Keep track of your energy bills on a monthly basis to see how much they go down.In addition, remember that if you convert your home or business entirely too solar and (or) wind power, and are on the power grid with an intertie system, you can sell back your unused electricity to the utility.

Do your research. Going off-grid is a major step, but a great investment in your home or business. Doing your research is to also deal with people face to face. Talk to contractors who do this type of work. Talk to people who've gone off-grid themselves.

PV Systems: Two types

Standalone: These require batteries.

Intertie: This works in conjunction with your utility grid.

Stand-alone PV Systems, with batteries, are excellent to use when no power grid is available. For those individuals concerned about losing power in their homes - as might happen in the aftermath of a hurricane, or a violent storm, a stand-alone PV system makes an excellent back-up generator. It is quieter than a gas-powered generator, and needs no ventilation, and doesn't emit any pollution.

Wind and Water Power: Windmills and hydro-power generators are also great sources of energy. Unlike solar energy, windmills and water power are available at any time of the day or night.

Wind power Advantages:

Wind power can be generated anytime.. Wind is available almost everywhere

The energy can be stored in batteries for later use.

Water power Advantages:

Water power generates more kilowatts per cost than any other energy source. Batteries are typically not needed. Power can be generated day or night, in any weather. Hydro-systems are relatively maintenance free.

Well I've discussed a little about adding solar and wind power systems on to existing homes, however. Apartment buildings and businesses are also getting into the act. May, 2009 in San Diego, an apartment building has just opened. It's the first 100% solar-powered affordable housing with 42-units. A model for Green Living of the Future.
Russ Miles