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	<title>MyHoustonDecor.com &#187; solar energy</title>
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		<title>Solar Energy History-Present-Future</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/remodeling/solar-energy-history-present-future/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/remodeling/solar-energy-history-present-future/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:17:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steam engine]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The genesis of solar energy history goes way back to the year 1838 to an observer by the name of Edmund Becquerel who at that time had published findings on the capability of materials to change light into raw energy. Although it was fascinating at that time no one took the opportunity to pursue it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>The genesis of solar energy history goes way back to the year 1838 to an observer by the name of Edmund Becquerel who at that time had published findings on the capability of materials to change light into raw energy. Although it was fascinating at that time no one took the opportunity to pursue it then.</P><br />
<P>As time would have it, the first patent design for a motor running on solar energy was done by a man called <B>Augustin Mouchot </B>in 1860. Fortunately for him the monarch of France funded his project which gave him the ability to create a device that would turn solar energy into the first steam engine. This however was the beginning of things to come, for August went on to illustrate that the sun&#8217;s rays can be used to make ice by connecting the steam engine to a refrigerator device. A medal was awarded to him for his discovery.</P><br />
<P>Notwithstanding, his one of a kind research was shortly becoming a financial burden for the French, who in turn seek out a cheaper arrangement with the English for a supply of coal. August worked assiduously, trying to come up with alternatives but there was no interest in such a commodity any longer for the French monarch. So the funding of the researches came to a halt!</P><br />
<P><STRONG>Experimentation</STRONG></P><br />
<P>The first book which was written on solar energy was by a man called William Adams in 1876. The book was titled &#8220;A Substitute for Fuel in Tropical Countries.&#8221; William had conducted a number of experiments along with his student Richard Day using mirrors; they were able to create a 2.5 horsepower steam engine which was much bigger than Augustin&#8217;s horsepower steam engine, whose power was just 0.5. Their design became known as the (Power Tower Concept) and is still a part of today&#8217;s world.</P><br />
<P>In 1883, Charles Fritz was able to convert the sun&#8217;s ray into electricity. The solar cell converted at 2% max which became a great turning point in solar energy history.</P><br />
<P>It was a Frenchman (Charles Teller) at the time of 1885 that experimented with a non-concentrating and non-reflecting solar motor. Charles became the first person to install a solar energy system onto his roof for heating water for domestic use; no one was able to achieve it before 1885. But Charles himself had a passion for refrigeration. As a matter of fact, he was deemed the father of the particular trade. Nevertheless, his desire to pursue his dreams into refrigeration caused a lack of interest towards solar energy researches and experiments, and of course the whole solar energy thing became dormant. Who knows what our present state would have been if he had only persevered.</P><br />
<P>The first Solar Company was by John Erickson, a Swedish inventor and researcher, who also had a part to play in the development of the solar energy, created a solar power steam engine that carried similar features as Augustin&#8217;s design between the years of 1868-1888. John was the one that coined these words: &#8211; &#8220;A couple of thousand years dropped in the ocean of time will completely exhaust the coal fields of Europe, unless, in the meantime, the heat of the sun is employed.&#8221;</P><br />
<P><STRONG>Solar Energy -Industrialization</STRONG></P><br />
<P>By the time of the birthing and the dawn of the twentieth century, solar energy was no longer operated as one man experimentation, but it rather became industrialized. In 1892 Aubrey Eneas formed the very first Solar Energy Company -&#8221;The Solar Motor Co.&#8221; all the way through to 1905. The company kicked off with its mission by selling the world&#8217;s first consumer solar energy system to one Dr. A. J. Chandler for an astonishing figure of $2,160.00. The unit did not last a week before disaster struck and it was destroyed in a windstorm. The second unit that was sold also got destroyed in a hailstorm shortly after. These streams of events led to the company&#8217;s demise causing their doors to close forever.</P><br />
<P>Largest Solar Energy System Henry Willsie also took a shot at it by building two huge solar plants in the California state. Henry manages to be the first to operate power at night after storing it in the day. His company was successful in getting the logistics up and running but, it did not succeed in the area of marketing its units to the public and eventually had to close its doors permanently in 1904.</P><br />
<P>Sun Power Co. constructed the biggest and most cost-effective solar energy system covering 10,000 square feet. Though it was able to produce an enormous amount of steam it was unable to provide sufficient pressure. The merging of Frank Sherman and E.P. Haynes in 1906 gave birth to Sun Power Co ltd. They went on to build an irrigation plant on the outskirt of Cairo that suffered an unfortunate end through the Great War in 1914.</P><br />
<P><STRONG>Solar Power &#8211; Advancements </STRONG></P><br />
<P>The 1950s &#8211; the 1960s we saw a couple of advancement towards the development of the solar energy starting with the boys at Bell Laboratories, who accidentally discovered the use of silicon that evidently led them to put together a solar panel, that gave a rate of 6%. The commercial solar cell which was the first of its kind was made available to the public in 1956 at a cost of $300 per wattage. Space programs also got involved using solar technologies. The first satellite to used solar energy to generate electricity was in 1958.</P><br />
<P>Energy Crisis We recalls the energy crisis in 1970 (OPEC oil embargo). It was not until then, that those who were in authority realized how dependable our existence was on non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil and gas that they relentlessly seek alternative forms of energy. The price of solar cells had drop to an all-time low of $20.00 per wattage.</P><br />
<P><STRONG>Solar Energy Failures and Lasting Potentials</STRONG></P><br />
<P>The company that were producing 95% of the world&#8217;s largest amount of solar electricity in the 1980s to 1991, was situated in Los Angele and had to close their doors permanently. This closure was due to the withdrawal of their investors who became frustrated and withdrew from the project because the declining of the non- renewable fossil fuels was irreversible, while governmental incentives also, were not promising. These were the words of the chairman of the board of directors: &#8220;The failure of the world&#8217;s largest solar electric company was not due to technological or business judgment failures but rather to failures of government regulatory bodies to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of solar thermal generating plants.&#8221;</P><br />
<P>The Earth&#8217;s Future It was calculated that solar energy that is absorbed by the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere through the ocean and land masses is approx. 3,850,000 (EJ) per year. In the year 2002 generated more energy in one hour than the world used in one year. There were approx. 3,000 EJ per year in biomass which photosynthesis captures.</P><br />
<P>Having the revelation of solar energy history, has informed us as to how we may go forward as a generation seeking a greener earth. The quantum of solar energy that hits the earth&#8217;s surface is so vast that in one year it is about twice the amount that will ever be absorb from all of the earth&#8217;s non-renewable resources of coal, oil, natural gas and uranium all together.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="85">Hi, my name is Jeroam Des Vignes and I am very passionate about our earth&#8217;s condition. I will like to use this medium to educate and sensitize people on the subject of <A href="http://www.alternative-solar-energy.org" target=_new jQuery1296519398921="13">solar energy history</A>. If you are someone with similar passion for our environment then I strongly recommend you go to this site immediately.<BR><A href="http://www.alternative-solar-energy.org" target=_new jQuery1296519398921="14">http://www.alternative-solar-energy.org</A></P></p>
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		<title>The Supply Of The Solar Energy Will Exceed The Demand In 2011</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/the-supply-of-the-solar-energy-will-exceed-the-demand-in-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/the-supply-of-the-solar-energy-will-exceed-the-demand-in-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:41:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myhoustondecor.com/?p=2716</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the statement, the capacity of the solar energy will be 20GW to 25GW in the next year all over the world, but the demand is about 15.5GW to 20GW. The supply will exceed the demand in the next year. What is more, the price will be influenced by the reducing subsidy. This price [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>According to the statement, the capacity of the solar energy will be 20GW to 25GW in the next year all over the world, but the demand is about 15.5GW to 20GW. The supply will exceed the demand in the next year. What is more, the price will be influenced by the reducing subsidy. This price is unable to reflect the IRR, so people are not willing to install the devices. The price of the solar energy will reach 1.25 US dollar in the first quarter of next year. Looking forward to the future, the solar energy market will grow steadily in the future; and its annual growth rate will be twenty percent to twenty-five percent. Influenced by the reducing subsidy, the growth rate will be less than twenty percent.</P><br />
<P>From the point of market&#8217;s view, the quantity of installment is reducing in European market, while the quantity is increasing in Chinese, Japan and American market. Therefore, the total quantity of installment is increasing gradually. When it comes to the price, the solar energy will be 1.25 US dollars per watt. Experts maintain that the European countries, such as Germany, Chech and France, will make the internal rate of return face the pressure. If the rate of descent is less than five percent, and the internal rate of return is less than 6.5%, the products will be unable to attract the customers. When the rate if descent reaches ten percent, the IRR will return to ten percent, therefore, the price of 1.25 US dollar per watt is very reasonable.</P><br />
<P sizcache="2" sizset="67">There was the demand of regenerated energy after the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, but it is influenced by the capital. Many related projects are delayed or stopped. The easier monetary policy was applied by European and American market in the second half of 2009, which drives these projects. The related integrated circuit is <A href="http://www.seekic.com/icdata/CGD944C.html" rel=nofollow target=_new jQuery1293039588015="14">CGD944C</A>.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="68">Lixiaona is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the integrated circuit. <A href="http://www.seekic.com/" target=_new jQuery1293039588015="13">SeekIc.com</A> offers the buyers around the world to find quality supplier of electrical components globally. We try our best to aggregate leads in the integrated circuit business world, and let these leads benefit the entire business person.</P></p>
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		<title>Guide To Living Off the Grid at Home</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/guide-to-living-off-the-grid-at-home/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/guide-to-living-off-the-grid-at-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:51:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy consumption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[going green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guide to living off the grid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[living off the grid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The act and growing appeal of going green and offering up an incredibly popular trend these days which allows for something of a more robust and incredible appeal for many. The drainage of natural resources throughout the globe is something that has spawned an incredible revolution of modes of living. With such demands placed on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>The act and growing appeal of going green and offering up an incredibly popular trend these days which allows for something of a more robust and incredible appeal for many. The drainage of natural resources throughout the globe is something that has spawned an incredible revolution of modes of living. With such demands placed on this type of living, there is a growing demand of a guide to living off the grid for many people. I also learned to build my own solar panels DIY cheaply using a guide that I will share more about with you.</P><br />
<P>By basic meaning, this form of living is one that means there is very little to no energy consumption for everyday life. Naturally, this requires a complete mindset shift which makes it somewhat more meager and difficult to do. As such, there truly is an incredible amount of people that are seeking this means of living out for an increased green living.</P><br />
<P>Wind generated power is incredible common in this mode of living. They are very small and affordable which makes it very easy to understand and offer up. Thus, upon doing so, much of the power for any home is able to be provided by this form of power.</P><br />
<P>Solar energy is also an incredible form of energy consumption as well. This type of energy is something that provides an incredible form of energy power as well. Basically, this includes the installation of solar panels to drive in energy from the sun. This, in turn, provides the energy needed for any home.</P><br />
<P>Using hydro power is also incredibly powerful. This is something that is run off of water and makes an incredible source of power for any home. Thus, if one lives near a substantial source of water, there is often an incredible appeal of allowing a natural source of energy.</P><br />
<P>With alternative sources of power becoming more available, there are more and more people using them. Not only can they save a substantial cost of living, but they are also incredibly environmentally friendly. As such, there truly are incredible benefits of a guide to living off the grid. I have personally managed to build my own home DIY solar panel system simply following a DIY guide online.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="67">Want to know secrets to <A href="http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com/download.htm" target=_new jQuery1291078224437="13">Living Off Grid</A> at home? Gary Ashby has successfully transformed his home to run his home for FREE making his own solar panel! You can learn about this DIY guide at his website <A href="http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com/download.htm" target=_new jQuery1291078224437="14">http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com/download.htm</A>!</P></p>
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		<title>Advantages of Solar Energy and Renewable Energy</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/advantages-of-solar-energy-and-renewable-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/advantages-of-solar-energy-and-renewable-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:53:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alternative energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The advantages of solar energy and other alternative power is becoming increasingly important. Supplies of non-renewable fuels really are diminishing worldwide. For this reason, governing bodies as well as environmentalists are forewarning people that some thing must be implemented to sustain this need. Individuals are exploring the benefits of alternative energy as well as whether [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>The advantages of solar energy and other alternative power is becoming increasingly important. Supplies of non-renewable fuels really are diminishing worldwide. For this reason, governing bodies as well as environmentalists are forewarning people that some thing must be implemented to sustain this need. Individuals are exploring the benefits of alternative energy as well as whether it is a source of energy that they&#8217;re able to take advantage of.</P><br />
<P>Yet another significant problem with non-renewable fuels is they have a horrible effect on the planet. There is a strong connection relating to the use of standard fuels as well as climate change. Climatic change seriously effects the way of life for both people as well as animal species, as well as variations climate patterns including prolonged high temperatures, hurricanes and also droughts.</P><br />
<P>If you&#8217;re looking for just a little bit of education and learning about the harm that climatic change plays, I recommend that you simply rent from your nearby video retailer the documentary &#8216;An Inconvenient Truth&#8217;. You&#8217;ll be astonished and definitely will want to integrate alternative energy into the design of your house regardless if you are constructing brand new, or even would like to make minor modifications to your dwelling to really make it power efficient.</P><br />
<P>One of the biggest advantages of alternative energy is the fact that it&#8217;s a clean eco-friendly type of power and also generates a small carbon impact. Due to these factors numerous individuals are making the green bandwagon and deciding to make use of alternative energy such as solar energy, wind energy as well as geothermal power.</P><br />
<P>You may discover there are much more work opportunities created with using alternative energy, which will probably remain in America too. Several jobs offer excellent pay as well as benefits.</P><br />
<P>Another benefit of alternative energy is the fact that the federal government is stepping up and offering tax breaks and also incentive plans for those who decide to install alternative energy technology. You will find at the moment government duty credits readily available for individuals who decide to set up solar energy. These kinds of government tax credits make-up thirty % of the price of photo voltaic systems and may provide for both industrial as well as residential properties.</P><br />
<P>By making renewable power less expensive, individuals are much more ready to install alternative energy technology to safeguard the planet from additional climatic change if it&#8217;s within their grasp. Those individuals that decide to set up renewable power tend to be individuals that promote eco-friendly communities. Several residential areas strive at becoming environmentally aware residents, as well as perform the things they can easily to enhance environmental surroundings as well as the world that we live in.</P><br />
<P>Eco-friendly metropolitan areas market particular environmentally friendly guidelines for individuals to stick to in order to become much more power efficient as well as reduce air pollution and harm to the earth. Annually, National Geographic generates the green Manual. It provides excellent details about numerous eco-friendly concerns and in addition provides the very best ten eco-friendly metropolitan areas. Is your area likely to be showcased in this years manual?</P><br />
<P>The benefits of renewable energy might fill a whole guide. It is also essential that we look at the drawbacks of renewable energy at the same time. The primary drawback that shouts out at all of us is always that it really is too price prohibitive to set up alternative energy technologies. Until this particular advances, just those that have disposable money can afford the $20,000 it costs to install a Photo voltaic solar system.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="71">For more info on how you can more affordably implement solar technology, please download our free <A href="http://energysmartdesign.com/bonuses/solar-energy/" target=_new jQuery1290718323859="13">Solar Energy Unleashed E-book</A> for amazing tips and techniques for producing solar energy. Also be sure to visit our website for the ultimate <A href="http://energysmartdesign.com/" target=_new jQuery1290718323859="14">energy efficient homes</A> resource.</P></p>
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		<title>Real Pros and Cons of Solar Energy?</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/real-pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/real-pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Energy UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Panel Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar power]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Sun rays are productive in so many ways that it can be utilized in producing electricity, heating purposes and for cooking too. This is basically termed as solar energy which is facilitating a lot of countries and people. These sun rays are used effectively for the ease of the masses and the environment. Nowadays, electricity [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Sun rays are productive in so many ways that it can be utilized in producing electricity, heating purposes and for cooking too. This is basically termed as solar energy which is facilitating a lot of countries and people. These sun rays are used effectively for the ease of the masses and the environment. Nowadays, electricity bills are costing all of us high and many countries are going through electrical crises. In order to evade all these complications, it is better to have other resources of energy rather than lingering in the middle of hope and despair.</P><br />
<P>The whole earth is encircled by sun influence and it is considered that solar energy is environment friendly which is true to some extent as there are always some merits and demerits are related to everything new prevailing in the market. One of the merits of solar energy is its purity and cleanliness rather than other relic fuels. It is one of the cost effective ways to save your money as it helps you reduce other fuels and use sun heat for your electricity appliances and heat purposes. Because of solar poles, you can gain energy directly through the sun rays which will benefit you in one or the other way. Lots of people are inclined to use solar heaters as they will be saving a lot of money and secondly, other heaters are perilous also.</P><br />
<P>People who are living in villages where there is no source of electricity can use solar energy in order to heat water and for other cooking purposes. It also helps in making the water clean by dispersing the saline and purifying it. There is no doubt that it is an effective resource for all the people who are unable to meet their expenses. Besides the merits, there are few demerits related to solar energy and that is, the solar poles are quite expensive and they are not as cheap as the other fuels. The installation and maintenance is costly and if they are not managed properly, they might not work and you will be losing all your money and effort in having those energy suppliers.</P><br />
<P>So, it is advised to get some knowledge about any product before availing it otherwise, you will not be receiving any thing on your heavy investment. Solar energy is beneficial for those people who are living in a country where sunshine is always knocking at their windows.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="67">In today&#8217;s market there are many types of solar panels and solar systems for hot water and electricity to power your home. We provide advice on the top solar energy installers in the UK. <A href="http://www.solar-energy.co.uk" target=_new jQuery1288457007061="13">Solar Energy</A></P></p>
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		<title>How to Make Solar Panels &#8211; An Easy, Inexpensive DIY Project</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/how-to-make-solar-panels-an-easy-inexpensive-diy-project/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/how-to-make-solar-panels-an-easy-inexpensive-diy-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:11:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make solar panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make solar panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy panels]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[If you are interested in helping out the planet and saving money at the same time, then you may want to consider investing in and installing some solar panels around your house or any other building for which you are paying electricity bills. Solar energy panels use light energy from the sun to produce electricity. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>If you are interested in helping out the planet and saving money at the same time, then you may want to consider investing in and installing some solar panels around your house or any other building for which you are paying electricity bills. Solar energy panels use light energy from the sun to produce electricity. In order to increase the amount of power that is generated, most people install several solar energy panels on their property or properties. If you are planning on installing solar energy panels on your property, then it may be prudent to build them yourself in order to cut costs. It is fairly easy to do it yourself, too. This article will provide some tips on how to make solar panels on your own.</P><br />
<P>The good thing is that you do not have to have any prior experience with building solar power of any kind in order to make a solar energy panel successfully. If you can follow instructions fairly well, then you are pretty much set. It may be useful to learn about how solar energy panels work and the different parts that make up a solar panel before you start trying to build one by yourself. This might make the instructions on how to make solar panels easier to understand for anybody trying to follow them. The internet is a good place to find clear instructions. A video demonstration would probably be even more helpful.</P><br />
<P>Once you have found these clear instructions on how to make solar panels, you will need to purchase the supplies. Hopefully, you will have some of these supplies on hand already so you can save some money. The different supplies that are needed to build a solar panel include solar cells, Plexiglas, wood, wire, diode, paint, screws and other hardware, silicone caulk, and a Jones plug. All of this should cost you less than two hundred dollars to buy.</P><br />
<P>To save yourself even more money, you can buy inexpensive solar cells from a second hand store or perhaps there is a person willing to sell their second hand, slightly damaged solar cells. Again, you can use internet resources like eBay to track these down. You could also find instructions on how to make solar cells from inexpensive materials. Since the point of finding out how to make solar panels and doing it yourself is to help you save money, then it is a good idea to try to save as much money as you can at every point of the process.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="67">Discover the secrets to <A href="http://www.greenpoweredhome.net" target=_new jQuery1287155424578="14">building your own solar panels</A> for less than $200 at GreenPoweredHome.net. <A href="http://www.greenpoweredhome.net" target=_new jQuery1287155424578="15">Get started now</A>.</P></p>
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		<title>Solar Energy Facts &#8211; How and Why Solar Energy Is Important</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/solar-energy-facts-how-and-why-solar-energy-is-important/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/solar-energy-facts-how-and-why-solar-energy-is-important/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:40:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy facts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myhoustondecor.com/?p=1403</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although most have heard about solar energy, many people don&#8217;t understand how exactly it works. There are a few facts that can be kept in mind, starting with the major pros of using it. Solar energy is better for the environment, more cost-effective, and can be used for a number of purposes. This includes powering [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Although most have heard about solar energy, many people don&#8217;t understand how exactly it works. There are a few facts that can be kept in mind, starting with the major pros of using it. Solar energy is better for the environment, more cost-effective, and can be used for a number of purposes. This includes powering cars, attic fans, household appliances, and electrical lighting within a home. While this type of energy is usually associated with the production of electricity, it also can be used to heat water and also to dry clothes.</P><br />
<P>The greatest market at the moment for solar energy is in third world countries or developing nations, where the abundance of sunlight combined with people who don&#8217;t have electricity has created a huge practical demand for this simplistic form of energy. The installation of solar panels is far cheaper than putting in other power plants, and allows the community the same access to electricity and warm water that other people around the world have had for a long time. Other renewable types of energy include wind power and geothermal power, creating a number of positive resources that are renewable, in opposition to the power industry of the past.</P><br />
<P>Beyond simply powering a house, solar energy works in the natural world as well, and is powerful enough to be responsible for the currents of the ocean. It is also the driving force behind different weather patterns in the home. With solar panels attached to one&#8217;s home, you can take advantage of the same power that nature does, that can be stored up in batteries. Most systems come with warranties that last for several years, and the panels themselves come in a variety of colors and sizes for maximum benefits to the homeowner. There is a system that is fit for every home, as long as there is a roof to place them on.</P><br />
<P>The popularity of solar energy has been growing at an exponential rate in recent years as more people have been thinking about the small things that they can do at home to help save the planet. Burning fossil fuels for energy is no longer such a viable option, as it is depleting the earth&#8217;s supply of many of our natural resources. For this reason and the others above, the worldwide demand is at the moment greater than the supply of solar energy. That means that investors have been jumping on it as having great business potential.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="67">Discover the secrets to building your own solar panels for less than $200 at <A href="http://www.greenpoweredhome.net" target=_new jQuery1286123952906="14">GreenPoweredHome.net</A>. Get started now.</P></p>
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		<title>Using Solar Panels on the Roof &#8211; Pros and Cons</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/using-solar-panels-on-the-roof-pros-and-cons/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/using-solar-panels-on-the-roof-pros-and-cons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:41:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best energy method]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[household energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[household energy usage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar panels]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myhoustondecor.com/?p=1389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The public has developed a far greater interest in recent years about the search for renewable resources. Solar energy is one of the shining stars of the movement, for its low cost of implementation and efficient rewards in the form of electricity. Many people choose to put solar panels on their roof, either with DIY [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>The public has developed a far greater interest in recent years about the search for renewable resources. Solar energy is one of the shining stars of the movement, for its low cost of implementation and efficient rewards in the form of electricity. Many people choose to put solar panels on their roof, either with DIY kits or buy purchasing pre-made panels. There are pros and cons to each, and to using solar energy in general. The pros seem to far outweigh the cons in many cases. The biggest pro is the benefit to the environment.</P><br />
<P>Traditionally, people have torn through fossil fuels and coal since the industrial revolution in order to feed the high demand for energy that modern society requires. This has led to carbon emissions and a depletion of natural resources. By switching over to more renewable energy sources such as using solar panels on the roof, you can make a difference from the comfort of your own home, without suffering any major drawbacks. The government is providing a greater incentive to switch over as well, by offering tax breaks and rebates as part of a stimulus package to encourage more people to make this change in their household energy usage.</P><br />
<P>Another huge pro in favor of using solar panels on the roof is the money that it can save. Electricity bills can drop to as little as five dollars per month, and very little maintenance, if any, is required once the system is in place. The cost of installation is usually only a couple of hundred dollars, though this will depend on the type and number of solar panels that are required. Some care should be taken in this installation to make sure they are positioned properly and are able to soak up as much of the sun&#8217;s rays as possible.</P><br />
<P>The only con seems to be that solar energy can be inefficient in areas where the sun doesn&#8217;t often shine, and can be subject to changes in weather patterns. This is combated with the use of batteries that store up the energy, however if there is a long period without sunlight, as in certain parts of the Arctic, then this will not be the best energy method of choice. However, in most cases, solar energy is a viable and convenient alternative to the environmental damage caused by other overuse of electricity, or nuclear power. Small steps like these can make a big difference.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="67">Discover the secrets to <A href="http://www.greenpoweredhome.net" target=_new jQuery1286037630688="14">building your own solar panels</A> for less than $200 at GreenPoweredHome.net. Get started now.</P></p>
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		<title>Solar Energy Program &#8211; Ontario, Canada Soaring to the Top of North America PV Charts</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/solar-energy-program-ontario-canada-soaring-to-the-top-of-north-america-pv-charts/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/energy-efficient/solar-energy-program-ontario-canada-soaring-to-the-top-of-north-america-pv-charts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:38:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pv charts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy program]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myhoustondecor.com/?p=1385</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ontario is the first province in Canada to support the construction of solar energy generation projects through the Standard Offer Program which offers property owners secure contracts and financial incentive programs to sell their energy created from solar panels back to the energy market. Solar power uses the energy that the sun produces to directly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Ontario is the first province in Canada to support the construction of solar energy generation projects through the Standard Offer Program which offers property owners secure contracts and financial incentive programs to sell their energy created from solar panels back to the energy market.</P><br />
<P>Solar power uses the energy that the sun produces to directly generate electricity. The sun provides us with energy every day, it&#8217;s a renewable and sustainable energy but it has never successfully been tapped into in large quantities for re sale until now. Is the technology of converting the sun&#8217;s energy into electricity worth the investment from our government?</P><br />
<P>Solar panels are constructed of photovoltaic cells; these cells are made of silicon and are usually 10cm square in size. Each individual cell will produce an average of 0.5 volts of electricity and are grouped in batches of 36 cells to produce a module or panel. Modules can be linked together depending on the amount of electricity needed. However, photovoltaic systems are not very efficient at converting the sun&#8217;s energy to the end product of electricity. Only about 12 to 15 % of the solar energy that reaches the panels is actually converted to electricity and it needs to be used with a conventional method of producing energy to adequately supply a home with energy.</P><br />
<P sizcache="2" sizset="71">When the Ontario Government made the commitment to offer financial incentives in order to stimulate the construction of microFit ground mount Solar PV projects, it started by offering <A href="http://contractorquotes.ca/Article.asp" rel=nofollow target=_new jQuery1286037415010="14">contracts</A> to purchase the electricity produced at $0.802 per kWh. After the program was launched it didn&#8217;t take long for average people and small business that own property to realize the Ontario Government was essentially giving money away if you were willing to make this investment. As a result there was a flood of applications that overwhelmed the OPA&#8217;s offices. The OPA has made a decision to reduce the purchase price of $.802 per kWh to $.588 per kWh; does this tell us that our government was once again very frugal with our money or are they simply trying to save us some money?</P><br />
<P>If you look at what your cost is for the hydro your home consumes, you will probably find that the cost is around $.08 per kWh which is much less than our government has agreed to pay private owners for this hydro even after their $0.22 / kWh cut in pay. Maybe the concept is good but the technology hasn&#8217;t caught up. I&#8217;m sure you have heard stories of private homes spending upwards to $30 000 for their own solar system while still relying on established hydro to power their home. How is existing technology going to power cities? Without new technology that will increase that conversion rate from 12 to 15% of solar energy to electricity our government may be in another lose &#8211; lose situation with solar electricity. Or are you willing to trade your $120 per month hydro bill for a $1200 per month bill until the government decides to fund new technology instead of construction of existing technology? I support green energy, however, in most cases regarding business, the first one to bat pays the big bill, the 3rd and 4th company or government to step up gets the benefits. Our government should consider funding new technology and let private business owners invest and receive benefits from the technology at fair market value. Should our government have waited till this form of energy can be profitable or at least financially sustainable or has Canada made the right step in preserving our environment for years to come and at a cost to all of its tax payers?</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="72">Steve Escott, Co-founder of <A href="http://www.contractorquotes.ca" target=_new jQuery1286037415010="13">http://www.contractorquotes.ca</A></P></p>
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		<title>So What Exactly Is Solar Power Anyway?</title>
		<link>http://myhoustondecor.com/diy/so-what-exactly-is-solar-power-anyway/</link>
		<comments>http://myhoustondecor.com/diy/so-what-exactly-is-solar-power-anyway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:14:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Houston Decorator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[available solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concentrated solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar power anyway]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myhoustondecor.com/?p=980</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As individuals become increasingly aware of the dangers that traditional forms of energy pose to the environment, like oil and coal, more and more are considering solar power. To fully understand the long term advantages it has for you, its best to learn a little about it. The most basic definition of solar power is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>As individuals become increasingly aware of the dangers that traditional forms of energy pose to the environment, like oil and coal, more and more are considering solar power. To fully understand the long term advantages it has for you, its best to learn a little about it.</P><br />
<P>The most basic definition of solar power is the creation of energy from sunlight. This can be done both directly and indirectly. Direct generation of power is through the use of photo voltaic cells, or solar panels in other words. Indirect electricity generation from sunlight is through the use of concentrated solar power or CSP. This basically is when light is focused onto a central point to generate heat to boil water and then produce energy. As abundant as solar power is, in 2009 it only made up 0.02% of the total energy output in the entire world.</P><br />
<P>If we could just double our solar output every 2.5 years, by the end of the century it could be the dominant source of power. Concentrated solar power plants make up the bulk of the few solar producing plants in the world today. But because of advances in technology large multi mega watt photo voltaic (PV) power plants are now possible, and Germany and Portugal both lead the world in this type of energy production.</P><br />
<P>The collection of sunlight to produce solar energy is relatively predictable. Meaning that while the sun doesn&#8217;t always shine, it is predictable enough to be able to produce enough of it during daylight hours. And using newer technology like solar thermal concentrators, the storage of solar energy is now a reality to a degree.</P><br />
<P>Predictability is removed from the equation when we start talking about orbital solar collection. The sun always shines in space. And the intensity of sunlight above our atmosphere makes this type of collection many times more efficient.</P><br />
<P>Humans have long used forms of solar energy. Secondary sources of solar power such as hydroelectric, wind, wave and biomass comprise the majority of our solar energy usage. Only a fraction of the vast available solar energy we receive is ever used.</P><br />
<P>Photo voltaic cells and heat engines make up the bulk of our current energy collection using solar. How we harness the vast energy resources of the sun is only limited by the human mind. The ways in which we can use solar power is many, from solar cooking to water distillation, and of course direct energy production. The most effective and basic way to use solar energy is still the use of solar panels.</P><P sizcache="2" sizset="65">Want to find out more about <A href="http://buildyourownsolarpanelblog.info/?p=21" target=_new jQuery1284307977242="14">solar power</A>? Then visit Tim Haines&#8217;s site on how to choose the best <A href="http://buildyourownsolarpanelblog.info/" target=_new jQuery1284307977242="15">solar panel</A> for your needs.</P></p>
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