The Home Solar Geek » Solar Energy http://thehomesolargeek.com Natural Home Solar Energy Solutions, Homemade Solar Panels, Solar Heat, Solar Energy – Saving Money and the Environment Fri, 07 May 2010 01:11:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Living Off The Grid is Easier Than You Think http://thehomesolargeek.com/living-off-the-grid-is-easier-than-you-think/ http://thehomesolargeek.com/living-off-the-grid-is-easier-than-you-think/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 03:04:38 +0000 admin http://thehomesolargeek.com/?p=26 When the term living off the grid comes up in conversation most people’s thoughts go to some futuristic movie or the thought of living in a shack in the mountains. The possibility off living off the grid is easier than you might think today. With the latest technology and an investment in renewable solar energy [...]]]> When the term living off the grid comes up in conversation most people’s thoughts go to some futuristic movie or the thought of living in a shack in the mountains. The possibility off living off the grid is easier than you might think today. With the latest technology and an investment in renewable solar energy components you can live a normal life without being connected to the grid.

You Can Live Off the Grid

living off the grid

Living Off the Grid

Living off the grid does not mean that you have to give up the modern conveniences of today or even tomorrow. You can still have all the electric appliances, lighting and creature comforts that you currently enjoy. You don’t need to live like a hermit or change your normal daily life in any way to enjoy the benefits of solar energy or wind energy. These alternative energy sources can provide you with all the power you need to run the modern home.

Off the Grid Technology

With the increased demand for energy and the dwindling natural resources to create electricity the need for alternative energy sources has been advancing. Today’s technology coupled with the need for clean energy sources has created more efficient solar energy components and wind power products. These new products and components make living off the grid a real and affordable option for anyone that is ready to take the initiative to turn to renewable energy to power their home.

Off the Grid Ways and Means

Producing electricity that allows you to live off the grid is not a complex process; in fact it is quite simple. The first thing you need is the sun or the wind. Both of which have been around since the beginning of time. Then you need solar panels, a wind turbine or both. Both of those will produce a low voltage direct current (DC). This low voltage direct current is through an inverter which converts the low voltage direct current to a higher voltage alternating current (AC). AC current is what we use to power our homes. The unused current that is being produced is stored in a series of batteries so it can be used at your convenience.

Off the Grid Wind Energy

Once you install these renewable energy power sources you can start living off the grid. These solar energy and wind powered energy systems are automated and require no more work other than some periodic maintenance of the batteries. At first you may need to monitor your energy consumption and either make adjustments or expand your system so you have more energy than your requirements.

Off the Grid Freedom

Living off the grid will provide you with the freedom knowing that you do not have to depend on the utility companies for a reliable source of power and you will not have to pay an electric bill each month. Besides these benefits you can also feel good about taking an active part in reducing global warming. Depending on your geographical location solar energy and wind powered energy sources create varying amounts of power. So make sure you do your homework and select the proper renewable energy system for your area. Then you can start living off the grid.

The Solar Geek

]]> http://thehomesolargeek.com/living-off-the-grid-is-easier-than-you-think/feed/ 0 Solar Energy For Your Home http://thehomesolargeek.com/solar-energy-for-your-home/ http://thehomesolargeek.com/solar-energy-for-your-home/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 03:02:55 +0000 admin http://thehomesolargeek.com/?p=24 You hear or see it practically every day in the news or on the radio, read about it in the newspaper or on the web. The world’s energy sources are being used up at a faster rate than they can be replaced. So it makes sense to turn to solar energy to conserve our traditional [...]]]> You hear or see it practically every day in the news or on the radio, read about it in the newspaper or on the web. The world’s energy sources are being used up at a faster rate than they can be replaced. So it makes sense to turn to solar energy to conserve our traditional energy sources while reducing the amount of pollution that is dumped in to our environment.

There for the Taking – Home Solar Energy

home solar energy

Home Solar Energy Panels

The sun might not shine brightly every day, but it shines enough to produce more than enough electricity to power our daily needs. The sun has been shining on the earth for millions of years, but it’s only recently that it makes sense to use the solar energy that the universe provides. Solar energy is there for the taking, taking advantage of that is. The sun provides us with a source of energy that is practically free once you install a renewable energy system.

Home Solar Energy is Coming of Age

Many people have not embraced the idea of home solar energy in the past because of the large investment and the relatively cheap source of power from the utility companies. However today we are seeing the cost to produce the energy to heat and power our homes climbing at a staggering rate. When you combine the rising price of oil and other utilities with today’s solar energy technology it’s time to get serious about home solar energy.

Here are some of the most common uses of home solar energy that are currently being used today without breaking the bank. They might not be for everyone in every situation, but by slowly converting to some of these sources of renewable solar energy you can reduce your utility bills and take part in helping save our environment.

Home Solar Energy Alternatives

Solar Energy Home Lighting: Lighting your home with solar energy is done by collecting energy from the sun during the day by way of the sun shining on solar panels consisting of solar cells. The solar cells convert the sunlight to electricity and store that electricity until you put it to use. Then at night when you light your home you use the power that is stored. Just imagine being able to light your home without paying a dime for electricity.

Solar Energy Heating System: It is easier than ever today to install a solar energy heating system in your home, regardless if your home is heated with electricity, gas or  propane. It’s not cheap to install such a system, but the idea of heating your house without paying a utility bill or burning wood is very appealing. The average system that is professionally installed will take about 3 or 4 years to show a return on your investment, but after that you can pocket that money you were paying to heat your home. Now wouldn’t you feel better knowing that you were not contributing to global warming and providing a better earth for future generations?

Solar Energy Cooker: Yes there are even ways to use solar energy for cooking your meals. You can use a solar cooker for boiling water, cooking a pot roast and even baking a cake. The average solar cooker can accommodate a family of 4 or 5 at one time. There is a downside to the solar cooker, it usually takes longer than a conventional stove or oven and won’t even come close to a microwave. As long as you are not in a hurry it is hard to beat because you are cooking with a free source of energy.

Like I said they might not be for you, but the upside is that it doesn’t cost a thing when it comes to paying for home solar energy.

Home Solar Geek

]]> http://thehomesolargeek.com/solar-energy-for-your-home/feed/ 0 Renewable Solar Energy – The Time has Come http://thehomesolargeek.com/renewable-solar-energy-the-time-has-come/ http://thehomesolargeek.com/renewable-solar-energy-the-time-has-come/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 02:39:35 +0000 admin http://thehomesolargeek.com/?p=12 We all know that the sun is a powerful life giving force to the planet and our very existence. Without the sun in our solar system, life on the planet would cease to exist in a very short amount of time. The solar energy that the earth receives in the form of light and heat [...]]]> We all know that the sun is a powerful life giving force to the planet and our very existence. Without the sun in our solar system, life on the planet would cease to exist in a very short amount of time. The solar energy that the earth receives in the form of light and heat is what makes the growing of crops that we eat and the feed for our domestic animals possible. It also provides lumber for homes and building and the heat that is provided is what makes it possible for humans to live here. The good news is that renewable solar energy can provide us with even more benefits from the sun. By using renewable solar energy it can provide us with a more economical way to produce electricity and have a positive impact on the environment.

Renewable Solar Energy is Good for the Planet

Commercial Solar Panels

A Commercial Solar Panel Array

There is no question that renewable solar energy is a great source of electricity. The time has come to start taking advantage of the huge savings of producing electricity by renewable solar energy rather than using coal or oil to run our power plants. If everyone started conserving and slowly began integrating solar energy solutions such as solar panels when possible it would make a big difference over time. One the best parts are that renewable solar energy does not contribute to global warming.

Solar Energy a Renewable Resource

There are cloudy and rainy days when the sun does not shine enough to generate electricity, but there are many more days when the sun is shining and it is not being used create electricity for our homes. When you finally make the decision to invest in renewable solar energy, you will be able to save on maintenance costs because most solar systems have no moving parts and require almost no maintenance.

Today you can economically build a solar home using passive renewable solar energy that will operate on a very low amount of energy. Passive solar energy would require you to strategically place south facing windows in the home and use elements like stone and brick to create thermal mass to absorb heat. Then include solar electric panels and a solar hot water heating system then you will be able to take advantage of the renewable energy
resources that nature has provided for you.

Anyone Can Take Advantage of Renewable Solar Energy

Not everyone has to build a new house to enjoy the benefits of renewable solar energy. You can actually build your own solar hot water system and solar panels to be incorporated into your present home. When you build your own renewable solar energy components you drastically reduce the amount of time that it takes to recover your investment. Building your solar energy system has many benefits, besides lowering the cost to power your home you will also become familiar with the physics and the mechanics of a using solar energy. Building your own system will also greatly lower the cost of adding renewable solar energy to your home rather than buying ready made components and having them installed.

The time has come to start using the power of the sun. Design a plan for your renewable solar energy system. With elbow grease and some research you can be well on your way to a lower monthly utility budget and a more environmentally friendly home. Renewable solar energy is the way of the future for both your budget and the Planet. You know that energy prices will not go down, they will only go up!

The Solar Geek

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