Build your own Solar Panel

You probably already know that it is possible to harness energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. You may even know it is done with a photovoltaic cell, also called a soar cell. You also might know the biggest problem with solar power right now is how expensive it is. But there is a better way, you can build solar panels at home! Read more

Washington State Supreme Court Approves Wind Farm

The Kittitas Co. wind farm won unanimous approval on Thursday from the state supreame court. The project, form developers Horizon Wind Energy of Houston , was disputed by local officals as having a potential negative effect on the views of the area. Read more

Photovoltaic Solar Power

So, you want to know how a solar panel makes electricity, and what the terms about solar power mean. This is a brief explanation of how it works, and a couple basic terms described.

Electricity from solar energy is converted using a photovoltaic cell, or solar cell. They are grouped together to form a solar panel. The groups of solar cells are wired in series and parallel to create the voltage required. When you put two or more solar panels together it is called a photovoltaic array, or solar array.

The solar cell converts sunlight to electricity, then send the electricity to a load or storage device, usually a battery or battery bank. It is important to have a voltage regulator to avoid damage to your battery bank. From the the battery bank electricity can be used as needed and a converter can be used to change the voltage if required. Read more

Wind Power

Wind energy is cost effective clean electricity. Europe, America and Asia are increasing their wind production levels. The companies that produce commercial wind turbines are booked up for years to come. Boone Pickens has a plan to get us off foreign oil through the use of wind power and natural gas.

Wind generators are huge, and produce a massive amount of electricity. Many of the ones built today are on the north Atlantic. Building them in water has advantages, but is also expensive. One advantage is the size. Because ships can tow, and haul huge loads the generators themselves can be quite massive. Building on land is limited to roads and truck sizes.

In October, 2008 the United Kingdom gained the lead in wind power production, when it surpassed long time leader Denmark. 19.7% of Denmark’s electricity is produced with wind power. And today nearly half of all wind turbines produced around the world are produced by Danish manufacturers. Read more

Green up Your Laundry

Green up Your Laundry

There are many ways to get your house greener, and a great place to start is the laundry room. With just a few simple changes, you can make a large impact on your carbon footprint, and your personal release of pollutants.

Using energy star appliances, warm-cold wash cycles and safer cleaners you will green up your laundry. Using a clothes line for drying will make a huge impact, but cleaning your lint screen is a quick and easy way to save energy. Read more