Pixel Paint Scrapblog – Scrapbooking Tips and Ideas

If you and your family are trying to ‘live green’ this year, you’ll definitely want to know more about passive solar energy sources. Solar power refers to the light and heat from the sun that is trapped and then converted into usable energy. Wind power, wave power, and hydroelectricity, are other, more common, forms of alternative energy technologies and are more commonly used to generate electricity for homes and businesses. Solar energy is by far the least used of the major alternative energy types. Although the use of solar energy has a long history, until recently it has not been possible to harness the massive amounts of energy needed to power a town or city. However, as an individual you can easily use solar technology to power your home. There are 2 types of solar power, active and passive, using an assortment of these resources your family can save a heap of money year after year on your utility bills. Plus you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and helping to care for the environment.

As a starting point look into using more passive solar energy, it’s easier to use and manage. If the world was perfect we’d all have south facing homes and easily utilize natural light.. However, the world is not perfect nor are our houses. To make our homes more efficient we will have to manipulate things a bit.. Natural light is an excellent way to heat up any material with positive warming characteristics. Such as double paned windows. Using drapes and blinds is a way to effectively use passive solar energy to help you reduce your energy costs year round. In the winter natural sunlight can warm a house and reduce the amount of energy used to heat your house. Natual light can warm our house if we open blinds early in the day.. In the early evening heat will drift back through your window panes, so close your blinds early to prevent this from happening.. Of course, in the summer you do the exact opposite.

A solar water heater or a solar panel use active solar energy. An array of photovoltaic solar panels hooked into your power grid or a battery pack is the perfect alternative to rising costs of electricity. Any area of your home that gets natural sun light is a potential spot for a solar panel. Many people opt to have them installed on their roof, but that does not always have to be the case. If your backyard is large enough you can build your array off the ground. There are numerous Federal, State, and City rebates that can be applied for solar energy systems. Making the installation of solar nearly free, if not totally free. Of course if you own a cabin or a boat you can make solar panels. Other solar energy resources include, solar water heaters, solar attic fans, and solar powered lighting. They capture sunlight convert it into energy for immediate or later use.

Solar energy has always lagged behind other forms of renewable energy. Partly due to it’s high cost of installation. However, that is changing rapidly. Many people are choosing to make solar panels and create their own solar arrays. Depending on where you live you can qualify for government rebate programs and get a sizable chunk of your solar panel system paid back to you. Mass produced solar energy is, for the most part, still in it’s infancy, but for individuals who only need small amounts of solar power, it can be the easiest way to reduce your energy bill and live green.

Yes, You Can Make Solar Panels And Save Money

More and more, folks around the world want to use newer ways to make renewable energy. When you think about the rising costs of fossil fuels, going green is rapidly becoming a realistic option. The Do-It-Yourself energy movement has rapidly become one of the fastest and best ways to save money and help the environment. The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar water heating, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and photovoltaic solar panels for electricity. Making solar panels is easier than you might think, cost effective, and fun.

Here are some interesting projects to consider for using solar energy:

• your yard lights
• a garage radio
• security lights
• the garage fridge

There are many ways to make solar panels, none of which is really all that hard. Depending on the type of materials you use, your solar panel should cost about 200 dollars. You have a choice of many types of materials when you make homemade solar panels. Your first major cost will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each. Plywood is probably your cheapest material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the garage already. However, rather than plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It’s lighter, much better looking, and will last longer. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be ordered online.

Once you have the back of your solar frame, you’ll have to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more expensive, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better. Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it’s so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and hinder your panel’s effectiveness. As you start your project, plan out each phase and put your plan into writing. You can easily make solar panels with the right manual. The right manual will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your expectations. Your first panel may not be prettiest girl at the party, but you’ll get better.

If you plan your solar project in detail you will save time and money. Balance the budget of your project between longevity and cost. You may have some old beat up pieces of scrap wood lying around the garage, but if you have replace your panels in a year because of rot, it may not be worth the effort. Consider trading the lower cost of untabbed solar cells for longer lasting plexiglass. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity so always be safe.