Six Cheap Ways to Go Green!
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One conventional cotton towel requires an astounding 1.1 lbs. of pesticides to produce. Our premium plush towels come in a rich array of colors, created with low-eco impact dyes.
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We could save 424,000 trees if every American household replaced just one 500-sheet roll of virgin-fiber toilet paper with tissue made from 100% recycled paper. Our 2-ply Bathroom Tissue is remarkably soft and chlorine-free white.
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6. Kill-A-Watt
The price of power is only increasing, and the first
step toward conservation is knowing where it's being wasted. Placed
between any appliance and its outlet, Kill-a-Watt measures energy
use by the kilowatt so you can calculate consumption patterns, assess
appliance efficiency and see what needs replacing. Includes tip-filled
conservation booklet. 5 1/8"H x 2 3/8"W x 1 5/8"D.
Spotlight Alternative-Energy Resource: Solar Electric
Pre-designed Kits | Photovoltaic (PV Cells) | Mounting Hardware | Accessories | Articles
Solar
energy panels are photovoltaic (PV) devices to produce power from
sunlight, the ultimate source of energy.
Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic cells. Groups of photovoltaic cells
are known as solar modules. There are a range of products using single crystal
solar cells producing 30 to 165 watts of power. The modules can be adapted to
off-grid or on-grid power generation needs. The modules offer a 20- to 25-year
warranty.
The modules based on crystalline silicon are one of the most efficient available
on a commercial basis. The modules are formed by a series of cells wired together
and are available in complete packages for residential, commercial, and industrial
purposes.
The cost structure for various modules is $225 for 30 watt (16.8 Volts), $375
for 50 watts (17.3 volts), $487.50 for 65 watts (16.3 volts), $525 for 70 watts
(16.7 volts), $750 for 100 watt (16.1 volts), $825 for 110 watt (16.7 volts),
and $1,237.50 for 165 watt (32 volts).
Using solar energy bestows one with up to a thirty percent tax credit from the
federal government. More than that, solar power does not release harmful emissions,
whereas most other forms of power release effluents leading to global warming,
acid rains, and smog. Backup batteries ensure the unlimited supply of power even
in the absence of sunlight.
Solar energy panels can use the sun's energy to heat water for sanitary use at
home or for pools and hot tubs. PV panels, on the other hand, convert light into
electricity. Most commonly, these panels are placed on the roof. The power generated
by PV panels is transmitted to a battery for storage. Household power needs are
drawn from this storage.
Claim your energy independence and turn sunlight into electricity using the power of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) modules. Keep it simple by checking out our Pre-designed kits, or build your own custom systems piece by piece to better fit your needs.
Related articles:
2006: The Year Alternative Energy Hit Mainstream
When Hotspots Get Too Hot: A Review of Climate Change and Biodiversity
Solar Electric > Pre-designed Kits
Using highly efficient bright-white LEDs, this self-contained lighting system allows dusk-to-dawn lighting for signs, flags, entrances or walkways. Fully assembled system includes PV module, sealed battery, automatic charge and light controller with adjustable timer, and a 12-LED spotlight with 10-foot cable.
Housed in a black, powder-coated, vandal-resistant aluminum housing that’s designed to mount on a wall or pole. The 100,000-hour, waterproof light fixture is black powder-coated aluminum with pivot adjustment, 3" diameter glass lens and ground stake. Requires 4 hours of daily sunlight for continued dusk-to-dawn operation. Controller will automatically shut off light if battery gets too low.
Ten-year module warranty
Five-year controller warranty.
USA.
This solar-powered fan vents your attic using electricity from a built-in 20-watt PV module. The DC fan removes air at 1,200 to 1,400 cfm under full sun. Three square feet of soffit air inlets are recommended for each solar fan. Air flow is highest when the sun is hottest, at midday. Shuts off automatically at night or on cloudy days. Select from flat or pitched roof models. The pitched roof model has a flat flange base which is designed to mount under shingles; the flat roof model features a crimped flange base which mounts onto a 19" x 16" framed curb. Venting your attic reduces cooling costs in summer, prevents moisture build-up in winter, and with this fan, never costs a cent on your electric bill. Three-year mfr.’s warranty. USA.
This solar-powered fan vents your attic using electricity from a built-in 20-watt PV module. The DC fan removes air at 1,200 to 1,400 cfm under full sun. Three square feet of soffit air inlets are recommended for each solar fan. Air flow is highest when the sun is hottest, at midday. Shuts off automatically at night or on cloudy days. Select from flat or pitched roof models. The pitched roof model has a flat flange base which is designed to mount under shingles; the flat roof model features a crimped flange base which mounts onto a 19" x 16" framed curb. Venting your attic reduces cooling costs in summer, prevents moisture build-up in winter, and with this fan, never costs a cent on your electric bill. Three-year mfr.’s warranty. USA.
If you're feeling a little unsure of your hardware-store savvy, or you're a long way from the hardware store, these kits are for you. They include everything to add solar charging to an RV, right down to the wire, small parts and instructions. The PV panels mount securely with the provided hardware. Optional ARM mounts that tilt and adjust a full 180° can add up to 40% more charging power depending the season, The digital charge controller prevents overcharging and provides vital system information. The controller is sized for expandability, start small and see how it goes.
Starter Kits come in 10 and 20 watts (no Expansion Kits for these), as well as 50 watts, 80 watts and 115 watts. The 50-watt, 80-watt and 115-watt Expansion Kits include all the mounting hardware and wire you will need to add another panel to your system.
A quick set-up, nonpolluting, portable solar electric generator ideal for providing power when and where on-grid power sources are not available. Power Center: heavy-duty yellow and white plastic; 20"H x 20"L x 10"W; 70 lbs. with 105 Ah battery. Solar Module: 80W; 17V; 4.7A; 473/10"H x 212/5"L x 14/5"W; 21 lbs. Charge controller: 15A PWM with LCD display and electronic overcurrent protection. 10-year limited warranty for solar panel, six-month warranty for battery, five-year warranty for controller. USA.
Imagine how good it would feel to reduce your electric bill by selling your solar generated power back to your utility company at the SAME price they have the nerve to charge you! Well, with our 4kW Mid-sized PV kit you can do just that. For $26,995*, you can produce and sell about 460 kWh per month** back to your utility company. Also, depending on your state or utility company, there are rebates available as well as a federal income tax credit to reduce this cost. See www.dsireusa.com for details.
The PV modules have a 25 year warranty and the expected life of the system is about 30-40 years. This system includes the following state of the art equipment: (21) Evergreen 190W PV modules***, roof mounting hardware by UniRac, and a Fronius sine wave grid tie inverter. We also include the PV array interconnect cables, a dc disconnect switch, and a utility required ac disconnect switch. The balance of the wire, conduit, and small parts needed to complete the job are supplied by the installer. If your home or business is located in California or Colorado we can install the system for an additional charge (see www.realgoodssolar.com). If not, our technical staff here at Real Goods will provide the expert training and assistance to insure that your chosen installer (a licensed general, electrical, or solar contractor in your area) will get the equipment up and running properly. Note that for best results you need a shade free south to southwest or southeast facing roof. The PV array takes up about 360 sq.ft. (for example, 3, 5’x24’ rows).
Solar Electric > Photovoltaic Modules (Solar Panels)
Solar panels
are devices used for harnessing the vast reservoir of power embedded
in sunlight, a non-conventional energy source.
On a bright day, it is calculated that the sun emits about one kilowatt of energy
to a square meter of the Earth's surface. Only a fraction of this vast energy
has been harnessed for practical use.
Solar-power generation has not been cost-effective compared to conventional energy
sources. But of late, governmental and non-governmental agencies, companies,
corporations, and educational institutions have been promoting research and development
for finding ways to make solar power feasible.
Solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Photo refers to light and voltaic
to electricity. These arrays are available in forms such as solar hot water panels
for providing domestic hot water and solar photovoltaic panels for generating
electricity.
Larger solar arrays can generate power to be supplied to isolated areas where
normal electricity supply is unfeasible. There has been a race for developing
experimental solar-powered cars, yachts, and other vehicles. Solar panels should
have as much surface area as possible pointing towards the sun.
Solar power is harnessed widely in space missions launched within the solar system.
Outside of the solar system, the energy availability weakens. Solar cells in
the PV panels convert light into electricity by absorbing the energy of the sun.
Crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide are the best choices of materials for
solar cells.
Silicon crystals in the form of standard ingots are less expensive compared to
gallium arsenide. Ploycrystalline silicon gives only lower conversion efficiency,
but has the added attraction of a lower cost.
The costs of PV panels range from $1 to $2 per watt, with an installed cost from
$3 to $7 per watt. Solar panels would prove to be the ultimate device for capturing
omnipresent power from the sun.
Modest power at reasonable prices. Kyocera's advanced cell processing technology and automated production produces very highly efficient polycrystalline modules. These conventional 36-cell modules feature tempered glass covers, EVA encapsulant, polyvinyl backsheets, with a rugged full-perimeter anodized aluminum frame, and a weather-tight junction box with three H" knockouts. They will intermix with other 36-cell modules for battery charging. These mid-size 40- and 50-watt modules fill a need for modest power requirements at reasonable prices.
25 year mfg. warranty.
Japan.
Shell's new module series replaces the former SQ and SP lines but thankfully retains the same footprint and fit the same mounting structures. These are single crystal products for the most watts within the available footprint. These modules benefit from more than 30 years of experience, fine-tuning technical innovations to maximize power, and very tight +/- 5% power tolerances. Now provided are additional grounding holes, two face outward on end the frames. Series fuse ratings are raised to 20A for all modules, eliminating the need for combiner boxes in some applications. UL listed. USA.
Small stand-alone solar panels have been hard to find in recent years, so we’ve negotiated with one of our manufacturing partners to bring you these single-crystal, tempered-glass modules at an affordable price. Each features weathertight construction, sturdy anodized aluminum frames with four adjustable mounting tabs, built-in reverse-current diode, and 7-foot wire pigtail output with colored-coded battery clips. Great for trickle battery recharging on RVs, farm equipment, boats, and perfect for household battery charging or backyard fountains. See chart under "more information available" for specs. 90 day warranty. China.
Evergreen Solar is a rapidly growing independent U.S. company with an innovative String Ribbon™ polycrystalline production technology. String Ribbon produces a silicon wafer by drawing up a film of molten silicon between two strings, like a soap bubble. Production is a simple, nearly continuous process.With none of the usual slicing or dicing required to get thin blanks of silicon to build PV cells on, there’s very little waste, just fast, efficient cell production. That results in PV modules that use less energy and waste fewer raw materials in the process. Like all polycrystalline modules, this is a very stable power production material with a life expectancy measured in decades.
As they’ve gained experience with String Ribbon production, Evergreen has been producing larger cells, resulting in higher wattage modules. Features include standard 36 cells in series configuration, tempered-glass covers, clear-anodized aluminum frames with standardized 24" mounting width, Tedlar backsheets and roomy watertight junction boxes.
All Evergreen modules are UL-listed and feature a great 25-year warranty. USA.
Sharp PV modules for all U.S. sales are produced at their Tennessee plant, which went into production in 2003. Featured below, they have watertight MC output cables for quick series connections, making these modules a good choice for gridtie systems. Their lack of junction boxes makes them a difficult choice for battery-based systems.
The 167-watt, 180-watt, 142-watt and 72-watt are polycrystalline modules with black anodized frames for lower visibility. The 72-watt modules are the PV industry’s first triangular modules and come in left or right configurations. Designed to be used together, the 72- and 142-watt modules match. All Sharp modules feature stout frames; tempered, low-reflection glass covers; and built-in bypass diodes. 25-year mfg. warranties. USA.
Using weather-tight J-boxes, these high-efficiency polycrystalline modules are a great choice for battery-based systems. Featuring over 14 cell efficiency, which keeps the footprint smaller and the wattage higher, these 12-volt nominal modules also have an anti-reflective coating to increase light absorption, a textured cell surface to reduce reflection, terminal strips for easy electrical connections, and built-in bypass diodes. Construction is conventional with tempered glass, EVA encapsulation and full aluminum frames. Uses the standard 36 cells in series, so these will intermix with any other 36-cell modules. The 80-watt module is the same size as the 75-watt offerings from Shell Siemens and Astropower. The 123-watt module is the same width and within an inch lengthwise of the Astropower and Evergreen 100-watt series, making it easy to pick a mounting structure. UL-listed. 25-year mfg. warranty. Assembled in USA.
Delivering a peak 13.5 watts, this single-crystal, tempered glass module is useful for any 12-volt charging applications. Features include weathertight construction, a sturdy anodized aluminum frame with four adjustable mounting tabs, a standard 36 cells in series, built-in reverse-current diode, and 7-foot wire pigtail output with colored-coded clips. Good for trickle battery recharging on RVs, farm equipment, boats, and a perfect match with the Aquasolar 700 pump for backyard fountains. China. Rated Watts: 13 watts @ 25 degree C Rated Power: 17.5 volts. 710 mA Open circuit Volts: 18.0 volts @ 25 degree C Short Circuit Amps: 750 mA @ 25 degree C L x W x D: 15.1" x 14.4" x 1.0" Construction: single crystal, tempered glass Warranty: 90 Days Weight: 3.5lb/1.6 kg
Like all previous Uni-Solar products these unbreakable modules are deposited on a stainless steel backing with DuPont’s Tefzel glazing and, due to unique construction, have the ability to continue useful output during partial shading. Frames are anodized aluminum.
Like all amorphous modules, power output will fade approximately 15% over the first month or two. Rated power is post fade, and is warranted for 20 years. If you can afford the larger surface area, the Uni-Solar triple-junction modules are one of the best PV bargains available. UL and CUL listed. USA.
-
Uni-Solar 64-Watt Module
- Rated Watts: 64.0 watts @ 25°:C
- Rated Power: 16.5 volts @ 3.88 amps
- Open Circuit Volts: 23.8 volts @ 25°:C
- Construction: triple junction, Tefzel glazing
- Warranty: 20 yrs.
- Weight: 20.2 lb/9.2 kg
- L x W x D: 53.8" x 29.1" x 1.25"
Solar Electric > Mounting Hardware
Solar Electric > Accessories
This connects two SW inverters in parallel to double the wattage output at 120V output. For U.S. voltage inverters only. USA.
This is the Replacement Bulb for the Solar Sensor Light. (sold separately)
An ingenious and elegant solution for siting your solar array. Windering if that tree of building will shade your array during certain times of the year? In less that two minutes. The Pathfinder will show exactly what times of day and months of the year shade and fall will fall on any site. It doesn't even need to be a sunny day! One quick siting gives accurate, easily recorded solar site information for the entire year. It only takes a fist-sized chunk of shade to effectively turn off a PV module. The Pathfinder can quickly pay for itself in saved siting mistakes. Every professional needs to own one of these. For homeowners, we have a $25/week rental program available.
An ingenious and elegant solution for siting your solar array. Wondering if that tree of building will shade your array during certain times of the year? In less that two minutes. The Pathfinder will show exactly what times of day and months of the year shade and fall will fall on any site. It doesn't even need to be a sunny day! One quick siting gives accurate, easily recorded solar site information for the entire year. It only takes a fist-sized chunk of shade to effectively turn off a PV module. The Pathfinder can quickly pay for itself in saved siting mistakes. Every professional needs to own one of these. For homeowners, we have a $25/week rental program available.
These are flat pack diodes with operating current derated 50% from manufacturer's specs for reliable operation and low voltage drop. 45-volt maximum. Use for 12- or 24-volt systems. May require the addition of shrink tubing or fork terminals for installation in module J-boxes. USA.
These are flat pack diodes with operating current derated 50% from manufacturer's specs for reliable operation and low voltage drop. 45-volt maximum. Use for 12- or 24-volt systems. May require the addition of shrink tubing or fork terminals for installation in module J-boxes. USA.
Non corrosive, weather proof, and almost indestructible mounting kits for Uni-Solar Marine modules. Easy to snap modules on and off but maintains a strong, secure connection. Use with the fused battery cable for complete, portability.
(<<< as previous)
Investing in Solar Photovoltaics Pays You Back
Besides the tax rebates offered in many states
as an incentive to solarize your home's power, there are many
other reasons to take a new look at going solar. Originating as a
space-program technology, photovoltaic
(PV) panels are a rapidly-evolving technology that is quickly becoming
a more realistic and accessible option for the average homeowner.
Made of thin films of chemically treated silicon laminated to protective
panels, PV panels can be placed almost anywhere there is an unobstructed
path to southern sunlight. They are both an alternative and a supplement
to the vast centralized power grids most of us are linked to via lines strung
across the nation on stanchions and poles. They can reduce our country's
dependence on fossil fuels and overseas suppliers, and lessen the
pollutants and greenhouse gases associated with large power plant generation.
PV panels vary in size but are generally about two feet by four feet and
less than an inch thick. Cells are often grouped and mounted on PV roofing
shingles or laminated to a variety of surfaces including plastic and glass.
Panel size and grouping configurations depend on the required electrical
load and other factors. When panels are mounted on the structure they are
powering -- whether it's a space station or a suburban ranch -- the panels
are referred to as integrated PV systems.
These systems are not quite plug-and-play. PVs produce DC (direct current),
yet most home appliances and electrical systems use AC (alternating current).
Unless you are running DC equipment (which is possible on certain building
types), chances are you will need a DC to AC inverter. And because sunlight
is not constant, some type of backup power needs to be in place for use at
night and on overcast days. This backup can be in the form of a battery array
or a grid-tied or utility-tied (battery-free) system. Some states allow utility-tied
systems with battery backup; these require code approvals and special equipment.
Although PVs have a somewhat high initial cost, this can be compared against
the payback period -- how long it takes for the system to pay for itself.
Payback periods are calculated based on your energy savings and the purchase
of any surplus PV power by local utilities (called "net metering"). Careful
building design strategies and various tax-rebate programs can mitigate these
costs. In general, a medium-sized house with average power needs can run
on a PV system generating anywhere from 2.5 kilowatts to 10 kilowatts (kW).
A rule of thumb is to allow $10,000 initial cost outlay per kW, so a good
budget projection for a 2.5 kW system is $25,000.
The California Energy Commission offers cash rebates of up to $4,000 per kW.
Other states including Alaska, Arizona, New York, Oregon and Washington also
have tax incentives and cash rebate programs. Check with your utility company
or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy web site at www.dsireusa.org/dsire for a comprehensive overview of state and federal incentive programs.
One can also do a lot to minimize PV operating costs in your own home. Big
refrigerators, air conditioners, pool equipment and conventional computer
monitors use a great deal of energy, pushing you closer to the 5 kW or 10
kW range. For this reason architects are now being called upon to design "high
performance" and "fully
integrated" buildings -- structures designed from the ground up to conserve
energy and make the fullest use of building components. In a house, this
translates to use of superinsulation, natural light maximization and efficient
artificial lighting, passive solar design strategies, south-facing insulated
windows, energy-efficient appliances and climate-control equipment.
Programs are now offered by state governments and private companies to train
solar installers, and they are becoming widespread enough that you can find
them on the Internet or in the phone book. One can also obtain design and
consultation assistance from a few companies that specialize in renewable
energy products and systems for homes and businesses.
Attention fellow Californians!
Support environmentally-conscious transportation projects and initiatives in our state. These projects do not necessarily require you to donate money. Rather, your letter- and email-writing endorsement to local and federal governments -- as well as grass-roots advocacy -- are the crucial instruments of support here. Share these links -- and the info contained in them -- with your non-aware family, friends and work mates.
California High-Speed Rail Authority -- Established in 1996, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is charged with the planning, designing, constructing and operating a state of the art high-speed train system.
The proposed system stretches from San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento in the north -- with service to the Central Valley -- to Los Angeles and San Diego in the south. With bullet trains operating at speeds up to 220 mph, the express travel time from downtown San Francisco to Los Angeles is just under 2 ½ hours. Intercity travelers (trips between metropolitan regions) along with longer-distance commuters would enjoy the benefits of a system designed to connect with existing rail, air and highway systems.
Consisting of nine members (five appointed by the Governor, two appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and two by the Speaker of the Assembly), the Board is responsible for implementing a statewide high-speed train system for California.
CalCars.org -- CalCars is a group of entrepreneurs, environmentalists, engineers and other citizens working to spur adoption of efficient, non-polluting automotive technologies. They're building demand among highly receptive markets to encourage auto makers to produce 100+MPG "no-sacrifices" high-performance, clean hybrid cars. They originated in response to interest in advanced automotive technologies, support from current owners of electric, natural gas, bio-fuel and hybrid vehicles, and the realization that fleets and early adopters have the buying power and resources needed to jump-start the market for better cars.
Other Links
BuildingGreen.com: an independent company committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and timely information designed to help building-industry professionals and policy makers improve the environmental performance, and reduce the adverse impacts, of buildings. They offer both print and electronic resources to help you design and build construction projects from a whole-systems perspective and take an integrated design approach that minimizes ecological impact and maximizes economic performance.
Green Books: an independent UK publishing company producing books on a wide range of environmental and cultural issues. Their books (where the publisher is listed as 'Green Books') are printed on a minimum of 50% recycled paper, and wherever possible 100% recycled paper, including Cyclus Offset, Five Seasons 100% Recycled Paper, Corona Natural and Revive. The book covers of recent titles are made of 50%–100% recycled materials.
Google.org -- a philanthropic/non-profit branch of Google, the Search Engine. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technology.
Environmental Design Library: Green Design / Sustainable Architecture: Resources: Sustainably designed buildings aim to lessen their impact on our environment through energy and resource efficiency. This guide will lead you to information on this topic and give you strategies for locating newer materials.
Solar Energy International: SEI works cooperatively with grassroots and development organizations to meet sustainable development goals with renewable energies.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC): The Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s mission is to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) supports market-oriented services targeted at education, coordination, procurement, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, workforce development, and consumer protection.
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- Specific
- ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen fuel cells, wind power, solar power, wave power, clean coal, coal gasification (synfuels), waste derived fuel, geothermal, conservation, nuclear (modernized standard; Gen IV)
Faryal.net was founded, is based and operates out of southern California, USA.