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	<title>Enter The World Of Renewable Energy</title>
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	<description>Harness the power of solar, wind, geothermal energy, Hydro, Biomass and so on….</description>
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		<title>Solar light panel</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/solar-light-panel/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/solar-light-panel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:19:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=418</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Solar light panels are known to use small solar cell to charge a battery which can be found within the light fixture. The sun will charge these batteries the full day and when the sun is out, it is the time for these batteries to offer the electricity needed to light up solar lights. As each light contains a battery inside, there is no need to make use of all messy wires.
]]></description>
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<p>Solar energy is the cleanest and inexhaustible of all known energy sources. Solar energy is nothing but the light, heat and other radiation that is emitted from the sun. Solar radiation holds huge amounts of energy and is responsible for almost all the natural processes on earth.</p>
<p>Solar Light panels are completely free standing. Simply fit the light components collectively, press the spike into the ground or screw on to the wall mounting, it really is that simple! Power is provided by solar panels, located tactfully on the head of the lights.</p>
<p>During the day the lights charge up with free solar energy via the solar panels collecting power from both sunlight and daylight. The energy is stored in long-life NiCad batteries (supplied) integrated into the lamp body. Often, these lights are designed to turn on automatically at end of the day, providing an enhancing effect through-out the night, and then charge up again during the day. All weather design ensures that Solar Lights are not affected by unfavorable weather conditions ensuring years of pleasure.<a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-419" title="Solar light panel" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="204" /></a></p>
<h2>Science behind the working of Solar Light Panels:</h2>
<p>The system operates just like a bank account. Withdrawals from the battery to power the light, source must be compensated for by adequate deposits of energy from the solar panels. Provided that the system is designed so deposits exceed withdrawals on an average daily basis, the battery remains charged and light source is consistently powered.</p>
<h2>Features of our Solar Light Panels:</h2>
<p>1.Automatic sunset sensors operate light at evening.<br />
2.Strong design ideal for year round outdoor use.<br />
3.Solid state Light Emitting Diodes give 20,000 hrs life.<br />
4.These are the very economical lighting system.<br />
5.Sun is a direct source of energy for the solar panel.<br />
6.The battery is recharged during the day by direct-current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panel.<br />
7.The light source is powered by the battery each night.<br />
8.The electronic controls are used between the battery, light source and solar panels to protect the battery from overcharge discharge, and to control the timing and operation of the light. <a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-422" title="Solar light panel" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/3.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="204" /></a></p>
<h2>Why to opt Solar Lights:</h2>
<p>•Solar Lights are the very economical. As the cost of energy is always on the rise, every person is looking for more affordable options. Solar light panels are not only affordable but can be operated from natural sunlight, which is available for free for you. The natural sunlight provides the power for solar lights to work. They do not require electricity or gas. As this power is generated without using any external energy source, your energy bills will be much lower. Solar lights are the most reasonably priced type of outdoor lighting that you can find anywhere.</p>
<p>•No trenching, no metering, no wiring.</p>
<p>•A most important consideration is that these lights will not use up other energy resources. As electrical power and gas power are not needed, using solar light means that you are going green and you are doing your part to make sure that these resources are not depleted.</p>
<p>•These lights will get just the right amount of power to make them completely effective. These lights are not overly bright or very dim light that is essentially useless, but are completely effective.</p>
<p>•Solar light panels are easy to install. You will not require to waste money hiring a professional to do it. You can have your lights suitably installed and in great working condition in no time at all.</p>
<p>•Solar lights also look great. There are several different styles available that it will be effortless to find the style best suited to your needs. Whether you are looking for something modest, stylish, to blend in with the natural environment or to give a bold contrast, there is one accessible for you.</p>
<p>•Solar light panels are both attractive and practical. These lights make your yard, streets, driveway, and walkway lit with just the right amount of lighting.</p>
<p>As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding solar yard lights to your home. They are the best choice for outdoor lighting available today. Let’s try to get out of this ferocious treadmill of paying hard earned money to the companies for their electricity. Make use of solar light panels and reduce your bill&#8230;&#8230;.</p>
<p>Facts:</p>
<p>1.NASA estimated that the Sun gives or irradiates the earth 174 Petawatts (Pw) of solar energy every day. Out of this roughly 30% of energy is reflected back to space, and another major share is absorbed by our atmosphere. Even if we get only 10% of this energy which is about 17.4 Pw per day, it is still more than the whole daily energy requirement worldwide. [#<a href="http://www.prlog.org/10295698-diy-solar-panel-complete-analysis-on-home-solar-power-systems.html" target="_blank">1</a>]<br />
2.Solar light panels help in deterring crime and by using these lights, you can augment the visibility of your place thus augmenting the safety of people who walks along the pathway while taking the benefit of reduced electric bills.[#<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Quick-Facts-on-Solar-Landscape-Lights&amp;id=3524958" target="_blank">4</a>]<br />
3.Do you know out of total solar radiation that falls on our solar panel how much energy does our Solar cell absorb? Sorry to say that our simple solar panel can absorb only about 14 % or less.<br />
4.Solar energy is sustainable, clean and green energy.<br />
5.The batteries incorporated on Solar Lights panels are recharged during the day. The battery used is so efficient that it can hold power all through the whole night which is usually for 12 hours.[#<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Quick-Facts-on-Solar-Landscape-Lights&amp;id=3524958" target="_blank">4</a>]<br />
6.Solar energy with the help of developing technologies play an important role in reducing greenhouse gasses and helps in stimulating the economy.<br />
7.Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts.<br />
8.1-kilowatt home solar system consists of about 10-12 solar panels and requires about 100 square feet of installation area. [#<a href="http://www.energyhimalaya.com/information-center/facts-and-figures.html" target="_blank">2</a>]<br />
9.Solar thermal technology can also create electricity by creating steam to power generators.<br />
10.In 1990, a solar powered airplane flew across the U.S.[#<a href="http://www.energyhimalaya.com/information-center/facts-and-figures.html" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>11.The &#8220;solar panel&#8221; accounts for between 40-50% of the total cost of an installed solar energy system. [#<a href="http://www.energyhimalaya.com/information-center/facts-and-figures.html" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>12.During the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci already had plans for solar concentrators in his notebooks.<br />
13.In just one hour, the earth receives more energy from the sun than the entire world uses during a whole year.[#<a href="http://www.solarbuzz.com/FastFactsIndustry.htm" target="_blank">3</a>]</p>
<p>14.Solar energy can produce lighting for indoor or outdoor use. It can be used to heat swimming pools, power cars, and small appliances. You can even cook food with solar energy.<br />
15.According to a global price survey, solar energy prices have declined an average of 4% per year for the past 10 to 15 years.<br />
16.A 1-kilowatt home solar system will prevent approximately 170 lbs. of coal from being burned, 300 lbs of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere and 105 gallons of water from being consumed each month! [#<a href="http://www.energyhimalaya.com/information-center/facts-and-figures.html" target="_blank">2</a>]<br />
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		<title>Vertical axis wind turbine</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/windpower/vertical-axis-wind-turbine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/windpower/vertical-axis-wind-turbine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:18:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wind Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=426</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) provided an economical alternative for domestic applications. With the latest technologies, VAWT is poised to change the face of green energy by providing consumers with an affordable, efficient, hassle-free small-wind power generation system. Now latest VAWTs utilize innovative technology to operate in winds as light as 3 m/s, with a unique, silent braking system, reducing the noise and vibrations that to traditional VAWTs impractical for home use.]]></description>
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<p>The need of the hour is sustainable and green energy. We can no longer afford to emit tones of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nor can we cope with the rising fuel prices anymore. The myth of infinite natural reserves has been dispelled. We have lot other renewable sources of energy all around us to be tapped.</p>
<p>Wind is a form of solar energy. The irregular heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth&#8217;s surface, plus rotation of the earth causes winds. This wind flow, or wind energy, when &#8220;harvested&#8221; by wind turbines produces energy which can be trapped to generate electricity and perform many functions.</p>
<p>Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) are a form of wind turbine in which the blades are connected to a vertical axis. They are omni-directional which implies that it can instantaneously accept wind from any direction not like Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) which have to constantly rotate so that they are facing the wind. <a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/13.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-427" title="Vertical axis wind turbine" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/13.jpg" alt="" width="170" height="221" /></a></p>
<p>VAWT is near the ground, having all of the main components close to the ground. Early designs (Savonius, Darrieus, giromill and cycloturbine) had some drawbacks like the pulsatory torque that can be produced during each revolution and the huge bending moments on the blades. But the later designs like Turby, quietrevolution and aerotecture solved these shortcomings. VAWTs provided an economical alternative for domestic applications having the ability to self-start in light winds and are noise free.</p>
<p>Vertical axis wind turbines usually are created from lift-based or drag based designs. Following are some of examples of VAWT:</p>
<p><strong>Anemometer:</strong> The 3-cup anemometer for measuring wind speed is an example of drag based vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). If the cup’s velocity is same as the wind speed, it can be said that the instrument is working with a tip speed ratio (TSR) of 1. These cups can never go faster than the wind; therefore TSR will always be 1 or less.<a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/21.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-428" title="Vertical axis wind turbine" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/21.jpg" alt="" width="161" height="179" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Darrieus:</strong> Lift based models can provide more efficiency and more power than drag based turbines. <a href="http://www.energybeta.com/windpower/windmill/wind-power-from-the-darrieus-wind-turbine/" target="_blank">Darrieus Vertical-Axis Machines </a>is an example of Lift- based designs. This vertical axis wind turbine is shaped like an &#8220;eggbeater&#8221;. This VAWT produces large torque ripple and cyclical stress on the tower, which contributes to poor dependability. Generally they also require some external power source, or an additional Savonius rotor to start turning, as the starting torque is very low.<br />
<a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/31.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-429" title="Vertical axis wind turbine" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/31.jpg" alt="" width="163" height="179" /></a><br />
<strong>The Turby:</strong> It is a brand of vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine. This wind turbine consists of three vertical symmetrical airfoil blades, with each blade having a helical twist. Due to symmetry of the turbine and of the blades, there is no torque on a stationary turbine, as with a Darrieus turbine. Starting is attained by operating the generator as a motor. Torque is created by a change in the apparent wind direction relative to the moving blades.<a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/4.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-430" title="Vertical axis wind turbine" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/4.jpg" alt="" width="131" height="135" /></a></p>
<p><strong>The quietrevolution qr5:</strong> This is an inventive wind turbine which works well in the urban environment, where wind directions change frequently. This design is the result of a grouping of sound engineering principles and state-of-the-art aerospace technology. The quietrevolution qr5 differs from a horizontal axis wind turbine in that it doesn’t need to change its orientation to track the wind.</p>
<p>People are interested in vertical axis wind turbines as along with new technologies they are making them a more viable alternative. These Vertical axis wind turbines are best suited for home as well as residential use as they are smaller and can be installed on a rooftop or in a backyard. These turbines come in many different sizes, shapes and colors.</p>
<h2>Some advantages of vertical axis wind turbines are:</h2>
<p>1. Lots of VAWT&#8217;s are bladeless, turning instead with flanges or other wind-catching outcroppings that don&#8217;t obstruct with the birds&#8217; flight and hence they tend to be bird-friendly.</p>
<p>2. Design and efficiently of VAWT&#8217;s make them generally turn at lower wind speeds than other varieties. This is particularly true of magnetic wind turbines or (Maglev turbines) that have low resistance because of the use of magnets.</p>
<p>3. Unlike horizontal turbines, VAWT&#8217;s can be mounted closer to the ground for instance upon a rooftop rather than a 50 ft. to 300 ft. tower.</p>
<p>4. Various VAWT’s have a cylindrical or helical design, which makes them less affected by cross winds.</p>
<p>5. quieter than other models</p>
<p>6. VAWT need not be pointed in to the wind.</p>
<p>7. VAWT’s don&#8217;t need as much wind to start spinning and they can utilize wind from any direction. Unlike horizontal wind generator they are not that effected by cross winds.</p>
<p>8. VAWT has the compact size which can fit almost anywhere, and don&#8217;t necessarily need to be posted on a high spot. They can be fitted in the yard, on an outdoor porch, and on top of a home or garage.</p>
<h2>Wind Energy Facts and Figures</h2>
<p>1.Germany is the world&#8217;s largest wind energy producer and United States is second in wind energy production.</p>
<p>2.Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom are the five countries currently having offshore wind turbines.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>3.The top known U. S. state for wind energy is Texas which is followed by California.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>4.One megawatt of wind energy created translates to $1 million in economic development together with site planning, building, delivery, assembly and other benefits.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>5.According to American Wind Energy Association, the use of U. S. wind turbines may lessen the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by one-third.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>6.Over 80% of the costs for wind energy are because of construction materials and building.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>7.Wind turbines have been used to generate electricity for over 100 years.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>8.Wind is an alternating energy source and does not provide power on demand as will fossil fuel power plants.</p>
<p>9.Homeowners can sell excess wind energy back to the utility companies.</p>
<p>10.One megawatt of wind energy is sufficient to power 250 to 300 houses.</p>
<p>11.The majority of home wind turbines are rated at 50 kilowatts or less.</p>
<p>12.Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into mechanical power or electricity.</p>
<p>13.Most of the older issues with wind turbines such as noise, visual impacts and bird mortality have been resolved with VAWTs latest improvements.</p>
<p>14.As of 2008, 35 states in the U. S. are producing electricity from wind energy.[#<a href="http://www.windturbinesnow.com/wind-energy-facts.htm" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>15.Wind powered electricity generation has undergone considerable growth in installed capacity from ~6,100MW in 1996 to 94,123MW at the end of 2007 and a forecast of 240,300MW by the end of 2012.[#<a href="http://www.windworks.at/index.php?content=facts&amp;language=en" target="_blank">3</a>]</p>
<p>16.According to the Global Wind Energy Council, Canada increased its installed wind energy capacity by 113 per cent in 2006, bringing it up to 1,459 megawatts – enough capacity to provide the energy needs of nearly a million households, while preventing the emission of 3 million tones of carbon dioxide a year. [#<a href="http://www.windterra.com/main.php?page=power_of_wind" target="_blank">4</a>]</p>
<p>I found VAWT as innovative, quiet and reliable. So what are you waiting for be powered by wind energy and invest in the future. It will reduce or even eliminate your reliance on utility companies and although you aren&#8217;t fully off the grid, your overall energy bills can be reduced by half or more. That is for sure, there won’t be any time when there is no wind here on Earth that is just how Mother Nature works. But, there is always some kind of wind, no matter where you live. It is most important that we all do our part to conserve energy, and whatsoever it takes to save our Planet.<br />
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		<title>Solar Attic Fan</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/attic-fan-solar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/attic-fan-solar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:03:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=409</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Attic Solar fans helps in venting which helps in cooling your roof hence extending the material life and reduces the load on your air conditioning system. Attic venting also increases fresh air circulation which helps in reducing vapor to build up which is generated by everyday activities like showering and cooking.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Solar_WideBlock--><a href="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/12.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-411 alignright" title="Solar Attic Fan" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/12.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="202" /></a>The Solar Attic Fan is an inexpensive way to use solar energy in your life, which helps to exhaust hot air from your attic. Powered wholly by free solar energy, this sleek and competent vent is both compact and quiet. Installed on a rooftop or in an end-wall or gable, solar attic fans operate each time there’s sunlight striking the solar module. Fully operational right from the box, it installs effortlessly, without electrical wiring, no expensive electrician and city permits. Most important feature is a single 10 watt unit can completely vent up to 1,200 square feet, operating at up to 850 cfms. Place it anywhere you need better circulation; attics, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages, even barns.</p>
<p>Solar Attic Fan provides attic venting which is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy energy efficient home. Proper venting cools your roof which not only extends the material life but also reduces the load on your air conditioning system. Attic venting also increases fresh air flow which reduces moisture build up produced by every day activities like showering and cooking.</p>
<p>Excess moisture trapped in your attic can cause many problems like rust and rot, increased bacteria and mold counts which can have a direct impact on your respiratory health. Solar attic fans simply change the grid energy source with free solar energy. They run when the sun is shining and adding heat to your house. They can be installed wherever unobstructed sunlight is available for their solar modules.</p>
<h2>How Solar Attic Fan Work:</h2>
<p>An electric fan to cool off an attic space is not a new concept. Many households use fans to drive out excess heat that builds up under the roof. These fans are typically connected to household AC power using thermostatic switch. The principle behind this is simple as air trapped under roof becomes very hot. By conduction, that heat passes into the rooms through their ceilings, resulting in increase of the temperature of the house. This in turn resulted in an increased use of air conditioning. By exhausting hot air from the attic space, attic fans trims down the need for air conditioning, saving money and energy in the process.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Solar Attic Fan:</h2>
<h3>Lowers attic temperature:</h3>
<p>Solar Attic Fans lowers attic temperature which results in reducing the load on the HVAC System. The most important reason for attic ventilation is to lower attic space temperature in the warmer months. Attic area can get very hot during summer days. Proper attic ventilation can help in reducing the temperature. Regardless of how much insulation is in the attic, heat can even then transfer into adjacent living spaces. Actually, extra insulation can add to temperature as heat is trapped in the insulation. Proper ventilation removes this excess heat build-up and hence helps in reducing the work load of the air conditioning system, thereby saving energy.</p>
<h3>Prevents ice blocking in colder climates:</h3>
<p>Heavy snowfall can generate ice wall that cause a roof to leak along the attic. Wintertime ventilation can help to avoid moisture build-up in the attic space which can dampen insulation, reducing its effectiveness, or contribute to mold growth, peeling paint or flaking plaster. Moreover, the heavy weight of the ice that fills the rain gutters can rip off the gutters. The best way to prevent this is through proper attic ventilation.</p>
<h3>Extends the life of the roofing materials:</h3>
<p>In the cooler months, moisture is the main concern. In spite of using vapor barriers to keep moisture from entering the attic, there are air leaks in the region of ceiling light fixtures, bathroom exhaust fans which allows unwanted moisture into the attic. Moisture condensing on the roof deck can lead to the growth of mold, mildew and rot in the roof deck and framing.</p>
<p>Attic ventilation evacuates the warm moist air that heat sources produce. Hot moist air enduring in the attic spaces can condense on the roof sheathing and rot it out and can also cause mold to build up on the interior walls.</p>
<h2>Why to opt Solar Attic Fans:</h2>
<p>• Because solar attic fans cost nothing to operate, and are more affordable to operate than conventional powered attic fans.<br />
• By reducing attic temperature, attic fans helps to reduce summertime cooling loads at the same time provides ventilation without added utility load.<br />
• Solar attic fans are easy to install and doesn’t have any wires hence eliminates the need for an electrician. You can easily install it using conventional materials, tools, and techniques<br />
• Reduces cooling load on AC units<br />
• Operates on free solar energy<br />
• Adjustable solar panel</p>
<p>Facts:</p>
<ol>
<li>Retail prices range from about $350 to $600 depending on ventilation capacity, manufacturer, and optional features of the unit, such as a thermostat.[#<a href="http://www.about-solar-power.com/solarpoweredfans.php" target="_blank">1</a>]</li>
<li>Solar powered fans are fueled by the sun, so there is no cost of operation.</li>
<li>Attic temperatures can get up to 150ºF without an attic fan.[#<a href="http://www.atticfans.com/" target="_blank">3</a>]</li>
<li>Attic solar fans can lower upstairs room temperatures by 10º.[#<a href="http://www.atticfans.com/" target="_blank">3</a>]<br />
Attic solar fans help in lengthening roof life by keeping shingles cooler.</li>
<li>Attic solar fans save up to 30% on air-conditioning costs.</li>
<li>Attic solar fans are adaptable to any location, roof type, in any environment.</li>
<li>You can even cook food with solar energy.</li>
<li>Solar Energy is becoming more and more popular. The worldwide demand for Solar Energy is currently greater than supply.</li>
<li>Solar energy can also be used to heat swimming pools, power cars, for calculators and other small appliances. It produces lighting for indoors or outdoors.</li>
</ol>
<p>    10. Solar energy is responsible for weather patterns and ocean currents. [#<a href="http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>    11.  Clouds, pollution and wind can prevent the sun&#8217;s rays from reaching the earth.[#<a href="http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>   12. Sunlight travels to the earth in approximately 8 minutes from 93,000,000 miles away, at 186,282 miles per second.[#<a href="http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>
<p>    13. The sun is also the main source of non-renewable fossil fuels (coal, gas and petroleum), which began life as plants or animals     whose energy came from the sun millions of year ago. [#<a href="http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html" target="_blank">2</a>]<br />
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		<title>The Pelton Turbine (Pelton water wheel): The Past and Future of Hydroelectric Power</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/hydropower/pelton-turbine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/hydropower/pelton-turbine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:49:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hydro Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The world’s supply of fossil fuels such as coal and oil is rapidly depleting. At the same time, we are becoming more aware of the large toll that the use of these fossil fuels is taking on our environment. As a result, the need for environmentally friendly, renewable power sources becomes more evident every day. One of the most exciting and widely used forms of alternate energy is hydroelectric power. A pivotal improvement in hydroelectric technology came in the form of the Pelton wheel. The Pelton wheel revolutionized hydroelectric power generation by offering a highly efficient and innovative design.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Hydro_WideBlock-->
<p style="text-align: justify;">The world’s supply of fossil fuels such as coal and oil is rapidly depleting. At the same time, we are become more aware of the large toll that the use of these fossil fuels is taking on our environment. Not only do they contribute to increased pollution and carbon dioxide levels but mining practices required to tap these sources are often devastating.   As a result, the need for environmentally friendly, renewable power sources becomes more evident every day. One of the most exciting and widely used forms of alternate energy is hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is known to be a clean and renewable resource with many benefits.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From nearly the dawn of recorded time, mankind has sought to find ways to utilize the power of water. We have used it for travel, for processing our grain, and for sanitation.  The use of water wheels to generate primitive forms of hydroelectric power dates back to ancient civilizations in Greece and Rome. Since its inception, hydroelectric power has proven to be very valuable and modifications and improvements have continued throughout time. One pivotal improvement in hydroelectric technology came in the form of the Pelton wheel. </p>
<div id="attachment_400" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 190px"><img class="size-full wp-image-400" title="Pelton Water Wheel" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Pelton_Water_wheel.jpg" alt="Pelton Water Wheel" width="180" height="186" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Pelton Water Wheel</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Pelton wheel was invented by Lester Allen Pelton (1829-1908) during the 19th century in the United States. Pelton’s invention was brought about by a combination of necessity and luck as many important technological breakthroughs often are. It has been said that Pelton was driven to travel to the west in 1850 as a result of the booming gold rush.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1964, he became employed as a millwright in a busy town. At this time, the gold rush was taking a toll on the environment and resources such as firewood and water were running low. This was pivotal because at the same time the demand for power was increasing rapidly. Although many water wheels were in place, the water supply could not meet the demand for power. This combination drove Pelton to investigate a more efficient water wheel. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Written accounts say that Pelton was inspired to design the Pelton wheel when the water wheel he was working on malfunctioned. During the malfunction, the wheel was thrown off balance causing the incoming water to hit the cups on the wheel near the edge rather than in the center as it was designed to do. Remarkably, Pelton observed that the wheel actually began to spin faster. Pelton took note and began designing a prototype for what would come to be known as the Pelton wheel.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1878, he revealed his first prototype constructed from a bike wheel and tin cups. His design was slow to gain popularity but was patented in 1880 and gained a steady following thereafter<a href="#1">1 </a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Pelton wheel, in general, operates in the same way as all hydroelectric turbines and water wheels. They work by capturing the energy generated by the flow of water. As water is pushed onto the blades or cups, force is generated. This force acts through distance and results in the transfer of energy.  There are two primary types of water turbines in use today, the reaction turbine and the impulse turbine. The Pelton wheel is an impulse type turbine. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Pelton wheel, like all impulse turbines, operates using Newton’s second law to extract energy from the flow of a fluid jet. These traditional turbines have cups or buckets around the wheel collecting the water. Each cup represents an individual cup shape. The cups are not split in any way. In this type of wheel, a jet of water shoots in the cup hitting it directly in the center thus pushing the wheel. </p>
<div id="attachment_401" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 190px"><img class="size-full wp-image-401" title="Pelton Water Turbine" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/PeltonTurbine.jpg" alt="Pelton Water Turbine" width="180" height="245" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Pelton Water Turbine</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, the Pelton wheel differs from traditional impulse water turbines in one very important way. On the Pelton wheel, each of the cups is split down the middle, typically by a metal divider. The overall effect is that each cup appears to be comprised of two individual cups placed side by side rather than one. These cup pairs are located at every spoke on the wheel.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In this system, the jet of water is still directed at the center of the cup but is then split as a result of hitting the divider. In the traditional cup design, the impact of the water hitting the cup is wasted energy. In the Pelton wheel system, the forces of the water are balanced in the cup and the overall wheel. As a result, efficiency is greatly increased. Below is a graphic video illustrating the Pelton wheel.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="344" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M3OMha0Qv_M&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M3OMha0Qv_M&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Pelton wheel revolutionized hydroelectric power generation by offering an innovative design. It is highly efficient when compared to the other impulse turbines of the past. Additionally, it requires significantly less water and can be used in areas with low water flow. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pelton wheels come in all sizes. Sizes range from small, household sized units to multi-ton units. Therefore, they can be used in many locations. Industrial operations and individual consumers alike can benefit from their clean, efficient power generation. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pelton wheels are most efficient when they are located in areas with a high head of water.  That is, an area where there is a large drop such as a waterfall, before the water enters the wheel. Although many consider this to be a disadvantage, it is really an efficiency issue rather than a deal breaker. Pelton wheels can in fact operate in areas with a lower head of water with reduced, but still acceptable, efficiency levels. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pelton wheels saw their greatest success in the early 1900s. With the advent of the diesel engine, their popularity declined. By the 1950s, Pelton wheels were virtually replaced by diesel engines in most applications. Many examples of these now antique wheels can be seen throughout the United States and the world. Click Below to see video of the historical Ames Colorado Hydro Power Station.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="344" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sVuw3-_611U&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sVuw3-_611U&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite their historical decline in use, Pelton wheels are making a comeback. They are again being manufactured and distributed with great success. Ironically, we again find ourselves in a situation similar to that which brought about the invention of the Pelton wheel. Again our natural resources are overtaxed and our non-renewable resources are dwindling. We are just now beginning to realize, as Lester Pelton realized in 1878, that we must find alternative, renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly resources to meet our power needs. The Pelton wheel deserves not only respect for its history but also for its potential contribution in our search for renewable resources. </p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">1<a id="1" name="1"></a>.Lemelson-MIT Program. Lester Pelton. <a href="http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/pelton.html">http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/pelton.html</a></div>
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		<title>Grid tied solar: Using Solar Power without Cutting Off Your Electricity</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/grid-tied-solar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/grid-tied-solar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:24:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=394</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the upcoming increase in electricity rates and the green movement pushing alternative energy sources, the solar power industry has become a booming business. Many people are considering solar power as a way to break free of the conventions and whims of their electric company and be self sufficient when it comes to powering their home. 

However, you don’t have to go completely off the grid to power your home with solar energy. In fact, most people who install a solar power system will stay tied to their electric company’s grid as a precautionary back up system.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Solar_WideBlock-->
<p style="text-align: justify;">With the upcoming increase in electricity rates and the green movement pushing alternative energy sources, the solar power industry has become a booming business. Many people are considering solar power as a way to break free of the conventions and whims of their electric company and be self sufficient when it comes to powering their home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, you don’t have to go completely off the grid to power your home with solar energy. In fact, most people who install a solar power system will stay tied to their electric company’s grid as a precautionary back up system. You see, when people go “off grid,” it means they cut all ties to their power company. They are no longer plugged into the power grid and rely solely on the power they generate through their solar panels. While the feeling of being self-sufficient is a great feeling to have, the people who do decide to go off grid completely are missing out on some exciting benefits that come with staying tied to your power company’s grid system.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even though you install a solar power system on your house, it’s advantageous to stay connected to the grid for many reasons. One reason is simply the feeling of comfort you get from knowing that on the days where you may not generate enough power for your home, you still have the ability to draw power from your electric company. This keeps the power going no matter what it’s like outside. In times of stormy weather or days with less daylight, when your solar panels may not power up completely, you still can have electricity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Staying tied to the grid can also give you the benefit of simply reducing your electric bill. If you can’t afford a total solar power system, there is the option of adding panels a little at a time as your budget allows. Even just a little bit of solar power to generate electricity for your appliances can make a significant dent in your electric bill. Some people only use solar power to generate electricity for the things they know pull the most power such as the central air conditioning unit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another advantage of staying tied to your power company’s grid system is the ability to generate electricity for the grid. If you are tied to the grid, and you generate excess electricity, that power doesn’t go to waste. It will feed back into the grid and your meter will roll backwards. This helps provide energy for your neighbors and also gives you some extra income at the end of the year. That’s right! The power company will pay you for any power your solar energy system provides to the grid. Each power company has their own rules and regulations on this, so check with them first on what their policy is concerning grid tied power. Watch the video below to learn more about the grid tie converter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><object width="480" height="295" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/hANi5NbcY5g&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hANi5NbcY5g&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As we all know an increase in your electric bill is coming if it hasn’t already hit you. Electricity rates are jumping by at least 20 percent across the country, and you’ll see it hit hard in your electric bill once the rates have been established. Solar power tied to the grid can help offset these rate increases. Even if you only install a smaller solar power system, you can compensate for these rate increases with the amount of energy you produce with your solar panels.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, another great benefit of solar power is being able to generate clean renewable power that is good for the environment. Even just a little solar power in your home can have a significant impact on the reduction of harmful toxins that are released into the atmosphere. Every little bit helps and by reducing the amount of power you use, you can do your part in the green movement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now that you know all of the benefits of grid tied solar power, you’re probably wondering how to get started. First, you need to decide just how much solar power you want to generate. Can you afford to power your entire house? Or do you want to just do a little at a time? Take a look at your last electric bill to get an idea of how many watts you use on a monthly basis. Then call your local utility company up to see what kind of programs or regulations they have about solar systems. Do they have a credit system? If so, then you may consider trying to install a complete solar power system on your home if it’s within your budget.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you’re budget is low, under $1,000, then you will need to start out small. There are many do-it-yourself kits that you purchase online for about $200 that will allow you to set up your system by yourself. They usually come with one solar panel at a time, so you can gradually increase the amount of power you are generating as your budget allows. These can be frustrating thought if you don’t know what you’re doing. Make sure you do your research and if you are a technical person who can follow directions, you should be fine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A good idea is to take the money that you are saving on your electric bill and start a fund for your next panel. Pretty soon, you’ll have enough to install several panels and increase your savings significantly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">you can check out that explain in more detail how to install these simple kits and even tie them together for more wattage output. Click on the video below to watch the first video of this series.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><object width="320" height="265" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/caeEyhJZnTs&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/caeEyhJZnTs&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object> <br />
 <br />
Solar power is the way of the future. With energy prices rising and the economy still underwater, becoming self sufficient and cutting your monthly bills is a necessity, and solar energy can give you the power to do just that. With just a little research, and a couple of phone calls to your local power company, you can begin providing your home with clean, renewable solar energy.
</p>
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		<title>Hydroelectric Turbines:  Harnessing the Power of Water to Generate Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/hydropower/hydroelectric-turbines/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/hydropower/hydroelectric-turbines/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:14:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hydro Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=388</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
As the world’s energy consumption explodes, no one can argue that there is a growing need to find an alternative to fossil fuels. Among the renewable resources being investigated and implemented is hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power, generated through hydroelectric turbines, has proven to be a clean, viable renewable resource with many benefits. In addition to large scale industrial use, micro hydroelectric turbines can be easily added to a home power system with great results. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Hydro_Link--></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the world’s energy consumption explodes, no one can argue that there is a growing need to find an alternative to fossil fuels. The need for renewable, environmentally friendly power sources grows more apparent every day. Among the renewable resources being investigated and implemented is hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power has proven to be a clean, viable renewable resource with many benefits.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Of all the renewable resources in the world, hydroelectric power is by far the most widely used. In fact, in 2005, an estimated 20% of the world’s electricity was supplied by hydroelectric power. That’s an impressive amount of power and should not be underestimated.</p>
<div id="attachment_390" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 240px"><img class="size-full wp-image-390" title="Hydroelectric Turbine (Water Turbine)" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/water_turbine.jpg" alt="Hydroelectric Turbine (Water Turbine)" width="230" height="240" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Hydroelectric Turbine (Water Turbine)</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hydroelectric power is generated through the use of a hydroelectric turbine. These turbines work by capturing the energy generated by the flow of water. As water is pushed onto the blades of the hydroelectric turbine, force is generated. This force acts through distance on the spinning turbine and results in a transfer of energy. Video below will give you a good understanding on how this happens.</p>
<p><object width="320" height="265" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/htT_8sFJx1w&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/htT_8sFJx1w&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are two primary types of hydroelectric turbines in use today. Both types offer renewable, efficient sources of power but differ slightly in their function and use.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The majority of hydroelectric turbines in use are reaction turbines. This type is most commonly used in situations where there is a large volume of water passing consistently through the area; this is known as high flow. The reaction turbine does not require a high head of water. The water head simply refers to the height of the water level above the hydroelectric turbine. A low head means that the water has a small drop before entering the turbine. An excellent example of a high flow, low head area is a small dam on a fast moving river.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reaction turbines operate as water runs from a tube through the turbine. As the water flows from the tube into the turbine, the water pressure is changed and this results in energy transfer. Due to the importance of water pressure in this process, the hydroelectric turbine must remain submerged at all times. This often requires that the turbine be encased in water if the water levels at the site are not consistent.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The second type of hydroelectric turbine is the impulse turbine. This turbine operates similar to a pinwheel. As water hits the blade of the turbine, known as a runner, the blade is pushed. Impulse turbines require conditions converse to the reaction turbine. These turbines are best suited to areas with a high head and low flow. Therefore, impulse hydroelectric turbines, while less common, fill a necessary niche that reaction turbines can not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are many benefits to using hydroelectric turbines. Potentially one of the greatest benefits is the very low environmental impact of hydroelectric power. Once a plant has been fully constructed, no direct waste is produced in the energy harnessing process. Additionally, the water used is virtually unaffected and remains clean with no byproduct after processing. Not only is it a very clean form of power, but it directly reduces our dependence on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.</p>
<p><!--adsense#Hydro_WideBlock--></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another important benefit is that hydroelectric turbines are designed to run smoothly for decades. They require very little maintenance throughout their life. Maintenance typically consists of minor welding jobs to replace worn parts and costly repairs are minimal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is also noteworthy that hydroelectric turbines produce power often more reliably than other sources that depend on the weather. That is, fluctuations in the weather that may impact power sources such as wind power or solar power often do not impact water flow. As a result, hydropower is considered by many to be a more reliable, preferable source of power.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As with any power source, there are drawbacks to be considered. The most universally addressed concern is that, despite the clean nature of hydropower, there is still an environmental impact. In order to harness the power of the water, it is often necessary to create a dam or other barrier to stop, contain, or slow the water. Concerns have been raised that damming the water can result in increased evaporation. Additionally, a dam could be potentially detrimental to wildlife in the area dependant on the water for migration. To counter this impact, most hydroelectric facilities now include what is known as a fish ladder. A fish ladder is a structure constructed around the dam that allows for fish and other wildlife to move around the dam unimpeded.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One very exciting aspect of hydropower is the advent of the hydroelectric turbine for home use. This is often referred to as a micro hydropower system. Now anyone with access to flowing water can utilize this remarkable energy source for themselves! With minimal investment or technical knowledge, you can easily incorporate a hydroelectric turbine system into your life to meet some, if not all, of your power needs. For example, a moderately sized stream with a waterfall could potentially provide enough energy for a small home. Imagine how amazing it would be to have all of your energy needs met by simply harnessing the power of the stream outside your home! Watch the below video from youtube about how a town in the United Kingdom is utilizing micro hydroelectric turbines.</p>
<p><object width="320" height="265" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/cd4HTVVWM1Q&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cd4HTVVWM1Q&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The minimum requirements for installing a home hydroelectric turbine system are simple. Your stream or river must have a minimum of 20 gallons of flowing water per minute and a 3 foot fall. The GPM can be easily measured by creating a temporary blockage and measuring the amount of time it takes the water to fill a 5 gallon bucket. To make things even easier, most manufacturers will work with you to custom build a system to meet your needs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even if you don’t have a large stream or river, do not discount the usefulness of a micro hydroelectric turbine system. These systems can be used in conjunction with solar and wind systems to provide your power needs. In such a system, you will have power on sunny days, windy days, and even on rainy days when your stream flows strong. Some manufacturers are even beginning to produce small hydroelectric turbine systems for drainage and run-off ditches, so if you do not have a stream, you can still benefit from this power source.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With all of the benefits associated with hydroelectric power, the choice seems clear. Not only is it a clean, environmentally friendly renewable resource, but it is also relatively simple and cost effective. As the population continues to skyrocket, so to does our demand for fossil fuels. At the same time our resources are dwindling. Now is the time to consider a switch to renewable resources. Among these resources, hydroelectric power, provided through hydroelectric turbines is a forerunner that must be considered for both commercial and home use.</p>
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		<title>Stay Cool with a Solar Powered Attic Fan</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/stay-cool-with-a-solar-powered-attic-fan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/stay-cool-with-a-solar-powered-attic-fan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:46:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=379</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your attic can often reach temperatures of more than 150 degrees in the summertime, and no matter how well your attic is insulated, some of that heat is bound to seep through vents or cracks in your attic and enter your home. A solar powered attic fan is a type of active ventilation that pushes the hot air out of your attic, reducing the heat stored there and cooling the attic by up to 10 degrees! This article discuss how you can use a solar powered attic fan to cool your attic, lower your electric bill, and keep your attic free of dangerous mold.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Solar_WideBlock-->
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the hot days of July and August, when the sweltering summer sun is beating down on your roof, the heat slowly seeps into your home no matter how well your air conditioner works. It’s a hard fact to deal with, but most homes will experience a huge spike in their electric bill when the summer heat comes rolling in. The energy required to run the air conditioner in the summer can sometimes equal up to 70 percent of your total monthly electric bill! But there is a way to use the power of the sun to actually cool your home and save on your electric bill.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The answer lies in solar power, but it’s not what you think. It’s not as expensive or complicated a venture as installing solar powered panels on your roof or cutting yourself off from the electric grid. It’s as simple as installing a solar powered attic fan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When the sun beats down on your home, it causes the air within your attic to heat up immensely. According to www.costhelper.com, the attic can often reach temperatures of more than 150 degrees in the summertime! No matter how well your attic is insulated, some of that heat is bound to seep through vents or cracks in your attic and enter your home. This causes your house to heat up and makes your air conditioner work overtime. If you have an older air conditioner, this can put undo stress on the unit and you may need to call your service repair man for costly air conditioner repairs.</p>
<div id="attachment_381" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-381" title="Solar Attic Fan" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/solarfan-300x213.jpg" alt="Solar Attic Fan" width="300" height="213" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Solar Attic Fan</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Most homes have what are called passive vents on the roof. These are simply vents that are not powered by any kind of fan or circulation system. They rely on the air to make its way out of your attic on its own. This is obviously not a very efficient way to keep your attic cool. A solar powered attic fan, however, is a type of active ventilation that pushes the hot air out of your attic, reducing the heat stored there and cooling the attic by up to 10 degrees!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The solar powered attic fan was actually invented by a roofer named Bill Keith. Keith was working on his roof in 140 degree weather installing a traditional fan powered by electricity when he was shocked after he pulled off the end caps of the wiring. After that, he was determined to find a better way to cool his attic and save on his power bill. He then invented the solar powered attic fan that mounts on the roof and pulls the hot air from the attic. Keith says that by simply using this solar powered fan to cool your attic, you can save up to 30 percent on your monthly electric bill! For more information on Bill Keith’s story, you can check out a video here.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/40PL-gt2dlQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/40PL-gt2dlQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The solar powered attic fan relies solely on the power of the sun, so there’re no extra electric costs to worry about and it’s pretty simple to install. Check out this installation video on youtube.com done by Kevin O’Connor from the television show This Old House for more details on installation.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s_47L0c1tKE&#038;hl=en&#038;fs=1&#038;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s_47L0c1tKE&#038;hl=en&#038;fs=1&#038;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Generally speaking, installing a solar powered attic fan only takes about an hour, and it’s something you can install yourself if you’re technically inclined. If you’re a little hesitant, there are many professional installers available as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Installing a solar powered attic fan also provides another critical benefit to the homeowner. Daily tasks such as cooking and showering can create moisture in your attic space. This moisture can eventually lead to dangerous mold buildup that can be damaging both to your house and to your health. With a solar powered attic fan, the attic is kept cool and dry, thereby preventing excess mold growth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When choosing a solar powered attic fan, the size and wattage will depend on the size of your attic. Solar powered attic fans can generally range anywhere from 10 watts which can ventilate about a 1,200 sq. ft. attic all the way up to a 25 watt systems which can ventilate up to 2,200 sq. ft.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A smaller unit costs around $500 while the larger units can cost up to $800 or more. While the costs may seem a little steep, it is a small price to pay to keeping your attic cool, your electric bill low, and your attic free of mold. According to the installers of Attic Breeze, if the solar powered attic fan is installed correctly and your house is well insulated, you should make your money back in one to two summers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The solar powered attic fan also qualifies for the federal incentive program and qualifies you for a 30 percent tax credit on your purchase. This is great news for the home owner. Some people sometime confuse a tax credit and a tax deduction. A tax credit actually means that you will get that money back when you file for your yearly federal taxes. A tax deduction will simply deduct from your yearly income. Many states also offer additional incentives for solar powered products. To check what incentives may be available for your state, <a href="http://www.dsireusa.org/" target="_blank">visit here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are several sites on the internet where you can order a solar powered attic fan. You can also research professional installers who can come to your house and first evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a solar powered attic fan. For example, any home that allows air to enter the living space freely or has a drop ceiling would not be a good candidate for a solar powered attic fan. There are several key manufactures of solar powered attic fans including The Sunrise, which was featured on ABC World News and was named the 2006 Best Product by BUILDERnews Magazine. Other notable manufacturers are Natural Light and Attic Breeze.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Beating the summer heat and employing free energy sources such as the sun will become crucial as the energy debates begin to heat up. Prices in electricity are predicted to jump tremendously within the next year or so and with just a small investment in a solar powered attic fan you can save up to 30 percent on your next electric bill and do your part in conserving energy.</p>
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		<title>Solar Shingles: What Every Home Owner Needs to Know</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/solar-shingles/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/solarpower/solar-shingles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:20:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=350</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Solar panels are very popular in generating electricity. These photovoltaic cells convert energy from sun to electricity. Traditional solar cells had their own share of problems. People had to keep them clean and they were heavy and bulky making it hard to maintain. They did not look nice on your roof. But solar singles changed all these. These are thin flexible panels installed on your roof top. They are not heavy and practically invisible. They can cover larger area of your roof, and generates more electricity. But they have some disadvantages as well. Read On for more information on solar shingles.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Solar_WideBlock--></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Harnessing the power of the sun is a clean and efficient way to power your home and to cut costs on your monthly electric bill. However, through the years, one of the primary problems and a huge objection to using solar power were the unsightly solar panels that are installed on the rooftops of residential homes. These panels were huge and covered the entire rooftop. All that is changing though, as the emergence of a new technology has created a practically invisible solar energy system. </p>
<div id="attachment_355" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 260px"><img class="size-full wp-image-355" title="Solar Shingles Roof Top" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/solarshingles.jpg" alt="Solar Shingles Roof Top" width="250" height="248" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Solar Shingles Roof Top</p></div>
<p>These new invisible solar energy systems are called solar shingles, and they blend seamlessly on to your roof. That’s because these “building integrated photovoltaics” can combine solar power with typical roofing materials such as slate, fiber-cement, asphalt, and metal. These solar shingles have a laminated semiconductor layer made of crystalline silicon that generates electricity when the sun hits the shingle. What that basically means is that the shingles have a transparent layer added to them that converts the sunlight into solar energy[1]. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>There are significant advantages to using this kind of solar energy conductor.</strong>  </p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Solar Shingles Are Practically Invisible</strong>. Obviously one of the biggest advantages is that it’s practically invisible, so you won’t have to worry about bulky black panels the size of your dining room table attached to your roof that can be damaged pretty easily through the years. This eliminates any neighborhood complaints from your homeowners association or community and creates pleasant view of your home.
<div id="attachment_358" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-358" title="solar Panels Covering a Roof" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/solar_panels_on_house_roof-300x215.jpg" alt="solar Panels Covering a Roof" width="300" height="215" /><p class="wp-caption-text">solar Panels Covering a Roof</p></div>
<p> </li>
<li><strong>They Provide Clean Energy</strong>. Solar shingles provide the same clean energy that solar panels do. And, since the sun is a renewable resource, it’s an energy source that will never be depleted. Solar shingles are simply wired directly into your electrical system and can power your entire house for years.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>You Can Sell Unused Energy</strong>. In more than 39 states across the country, if you have your solar energy system attached to the power grid, you can sell any unused power to your electric company. This makes your meter spin backwards. If, at the end of the year, your home has provided more energy to the grid, than it has used, you will receive a check from your power company.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>You Can Qualify for Huge Tax Incentives</strong>. You can receive a tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of the installation of your solar shingles. This tax credit is currently available for consumers through 2016 for new and existing homes.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>Increase the Value of Your Home</strong>. Having a solar energy system installed in your home is a great way to increase the value of your home. Especially when green and emission free energy is in such high demand.
<div id="attachment_359" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-359" title="Installing Solar Shingles" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/installingsolarshingles-300x222.png" alt="Installing Solar Shingles" width="300" height="222" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Installing Solar Shingles</p></div>
<p> </li>
<li><strong>Can Withstand More Abuse</strong>. Solar panels are prone to damage and can easily break or rust from wet climates. That’s because they are mounted on thick metal frames and are made of rigid glass. In areas such as Florida, which can have hurricane force winds during the summer months, solar panels can be easily ripped off the roofs and even cause damage to the roof itself. Solar shingles can withstand up to 80 mile per hour winds. They are as durable as the building materials they are adhered to.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>Make Use of Wasted Space</strong>. According to Science Daily, if we begin to incorporate these solar shingles into the construction of new commercial buildings and residential homes, we can eliminate the amount of wasted roof space and optimize the solar shingles performance.<br />
 </li>
</ol>
<p>For an example of how easy it is to install solar shingles on your roof, take a look at this YouTube video. It goes into great practical detail about solar shingles and shows how the photovoltaic films bond to typical roofing materials like metal. It also demonstrates how the panels are installed and how the electric terminals can be directly fed into your home’s power system.   </p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYJe12X6T50&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYJe12X6T50&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p>Although solar shingles are a great renewable energy alternative and have many advantages over the traditional solar power panels, there are still some disadvantages you need to keep in mind when considering installation of these systems.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Cost of Installation and Product</strong>. This is one of the major disadvantages of solar shingles. The cost of installing them can be steep. They are even more expensive than the traditional panels so make sure you keep this in mind. If you were already planning on installing a new roof, however, this might not be that much more of an added expense to incorporate the solar shingles.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>No energy storage</strong>. If you live in an area prone to rainy days, solar power might not be the best option for you. Because solar power is only effective as long as the sun is shining, you won’t get as much power from your solar shingles. There is no energy storage on these systems, and you will have to rely on the power grid during storms or at night.
<div id="attachment_360" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-360" title="PV Solar Rediation Map" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/pv-solar-rediation-map-300x232.jpg" alt="PV Solar Rediation Map" width="300" height="232" /><p class="wp-caption-text">PV Solar Rediation Map</p></div>
<p> </li>
<li><strong>Your roof has to be at a certain angle to catch the sun</strong>. For the solar shingles to catch the sun’s rays enough to generate electricity, your roof has to be at the right angle with enough surface area to power your electric. If your home has steep roof angles, or is under a lot of shade, you may not be the best candidate for solar power.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>You have to Install Solar Shingles during New Roof Installation</strong>. Unlike solar panels that are just installed on top of your existing roof, solar shingles need to be incorporated into the installation of a new roof.<br />
 </li>
<li><strong>Still Visible</strong>. Although they are pretty seamlessly incorporated into the building materials, solar shingles are still visible.<br />
 </li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re considering solar shingles for your new roof, there are several places where you can purchase these materials. Although the demand has not yet reached some consumer markets and may not be available in certain areas.</p>
<p>Here are three manufacturers that offer solar shingles. These sites can offer you names of roofing specialists who are trained to install solar shingles.</p>
<p>1.      Kyocera Solar Inc. <a href="http://www.kyocerasolar.com" target="_blank">www.kyocerasolar.com</a></p>
<p>2.      Atlantis Energy Systems. <a href="http://www.atlantisenergy.org" target="_blank">www.atlantisenergy.org</a></p>
<p>3.      PowerLight Corporation. <a href="http://www.powerlight.com" target="_blank">www.powerlight.com</a></p>
<p>4.      United Solar Ovonic. <a href="http://www.uni-solar.com" target="_blank">www.uni-solar.com</a></p>
<p>[1] Solar Shingles. <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1205726,00.html" target="_blank">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1205726,00.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
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		<title>Biodiesel Processor: How you can build yours right in your own backyard</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/biomassenergy/biodiesel-processor/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/biomassenergy/biodiesel-processor/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:37:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biomass Energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are different types of processors to make biodiesel. Among them are two main different types. They are continuous type and the batch type. Continuous type biodiesel processors are mainly used in commercial scale, while batch processors are used in small scale home production. There are different types of these batch processors with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Some popular types are Appleseed processor and Touchless Biodiesel Processor. Read On..]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense#Biomass_WideBlock-->
<p>Biodiesel is a self-sustaining domestic and renewable resource that can power your diesel engine without any kind of engine conversion whatsoever. With gas prices soaring out of control and our economy crippled by our reliance on foreign oil companies, the popularity of biodiesel as an alternative fuel is quickly growing in the United States.</p>
<p>Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil as some people mistakenly believe. It is actually created from natural vegetable oils and fats through a chemical process that converts the vegetable oil and fats into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). This process is called transesterification. Biodiesel can be used on its own to power your diesel vehicle or it can be blended with petroleum diesel fuel.</p>
<p>The advantages of using biodiesel over petroleum include:</p>
<p>• It can be created fairly inexpensively using recycled cooking oil or other fat animal or plant fat<br />
• It’s biodegradable and completely free of toxins so it’s great for the environment<br />
• It is a sustainable and renewable resource found within our borders so it can limit our dependency on foreign oil<br />
• It emits no greenhouse gases and toxins that cause acid rain</p>
<h2>From Pumps to Your Own Backyard with your own biodiesel processor</h2>
<div id="attachment_342" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-342" title="Biodiesel Pump" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/biodieselpump-300x225.jpg" alt="Biodiesel Pump" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Biodiesel Pump</p></div>
<p>The process of converting raw vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel occurs in what is simply called a biodiesel processor. There are many commercial providers of biodiesel fuel, but these can often be quite pricey because the demand for this product has not yet reached its peak. However, with the increase in popularity of biodiesel, it has sparked a plethora of home brewers worldwide who have taken the time to learn how to brew their own biodiesel fuel and no longer rely on oil companies to power their vehicles.</p>
<p>That feeling of independence is catching and there are many biodiesel brewers who not only brew their own fuel, but they have also created their own biodiesel processors as well. A biodiesel processor can literally be made with items you can find at your local hardware store. There are also many biodiesel processor kits available online. These can be quite pricey, however, starting around $3,500, so consider your costs before you decide to buy.</p>
<p>Of course, the money you will save by creating your own biodiesel will easily pay for itself over time. Consider that the average American family spent more than $3,000 in gas in 2008 alone according to the H&amp;T Index. And that number is going to keep going up with the price of gas increasing on a day-by-day basis.</p>
<p>Now, there are essentially two kinds of biodiesel processors: Batch Processors and Continuous Flow Processors.</p>
<p>Continuous flow processors are not meant for small home brewers because they require an almost 24/7 operation schedule and have larger capacities for creating biodiesel that far exceed what a home brewer would need. The costs of these systems are also extremely high and not practical for the home brewer. Because of that, we won’t go into detail about the different kinds of continuous flow processors as these aren’t practical for an individual to use to home brew biodiesel.</p>
<p>Batch processors are most commonly used by small start ups and home brewers. That’s because it involves a fairly simple method of creating biodiesel. It includes a reaction tank where you mix your oil, alcohol, and catalyst.</p>
<p>There are several different kinds of batch processors available including several commercial made units that you can simply purchase online. These are obviously the most expensive and according to various users on the site <a href="http://www.journeytoforever.com">www.journeytoforever.com</a>, haven’t produced quality results that warrant the price. They have been known to even catch fire.</p>
<p>Batch processors can actually be built pretty inexpensively just by using parts and pieces around the house or items you can buy at the local store. The most famous example is the Appleseed processor, which is made simply by using a hot water heater as the reaction tank. The water heater can be something you purchase new or even just scavenged from the dump. You’ll need about $150 in plumbing and electrical supplies and about a day’s worth of work.</p>
<p>Another example of a batch processor is the GL Eco-System, which is a waterless biodiesel processor. Similar to the Appleseed design, this processor simply doesn’t require a separate wash system. Every step in the biodiesel production is done in that water tank.</p>
<p>The Foolproof Method processor requires no titration or pH meter. It uses a two-step system and a bottom-drained reaction tank, preferably a stainless steel drum. The first step creates a compound from acid and alcohol. The second step uses lye to form a water soluble salt that is removed during the wash.</p>
<p>Our final example of a batch processor is the Touchless Biodiesel Processor. This processor basically creates biodiesel by flicking a couple of switches and watching the process. It involves a water heater tank, a vacuum pump, and a mixing pump. It can be created using spare parts and household items. This processor takes a little more time to put together but can be worth it in the long run because of its almost automated process.</p>
<p>There are many different recipes to making your own biodiesel using chemicals and ingredients that are easily purchased locally and inexpensively such as lye and methanol, which is just stove oil. You can even recycle the used cooking oil from your local restaurant if you have a good relationship with the owner. Of course, anytime you’re handling chemicals, you should always use extreme caution. While none of the chemicals in biodiesel production are extremely toxic, the oil will be hot and can cause serious burns if not handled with care. We found video down to be fun and informative. It actually takes you through all the steps of making your own biodiesel. We found another helpful site with good step by step videos. You can visit this site (<a href="http://www.biodieselvideos.com/">http://www.biodieselvideos.com/</a>)<br />
<object width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5ZRKIXk8VA&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5ZRKIXk8VA&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object><br />
 </p>
<p>Creating your own biodiesel is not a hard process, but there is a lot to learn, so we don’t recommend just winging it. Before you begin making your own processor and biodiesel fuel, it’s best to have all the facts and get educated on the entire process first. Then, start off slow by making smaller batches. It will take some practice to get it right and you might have to go through a couple of batches before you get the hang of it. With the right guidance and by carefully following the prescribed process step by step you can easily start to brew biodiesel in your own backyard!<br />
<!--adsense#Biomass_Link--></p>
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		<title>The Truth About Earth4Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.energybeta.com/renewableenergy/the-truth-about-earth4energy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.energybeta.com/renewableenergy/the-truth-about-earth4energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:31:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Renewable Energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.energybeta.com/?p=324</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Earth4Energy guide by Michel Harvey is very popular among renewable energy enthusiasts. This shows how you can build a solar and wind power system for fraction of the cost they are sold for. But some claimed this guide is not useful and some claimed this is a fraud. We thought about doing the research ourselves. So we started by purchasing the product. Then we discussed every point both negative and positive for their accuracy. At the end of the review you can see a small trick which will help you to save some money if you decide to buy the guide.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Earth4Energy (read as earthForenergy) guide probably is the most popular DIY type renewable energy guide online. It shows users how to make their own solar and wind power. It uses a marketing model called “Affiliate Marketing” to market the guide. I was an affiliate and we advertised Earth4Energy guide here on this site. I sincerely thought this is a good product. So I promoted this product with my affiliate ID. When I looked for comments on the product, it was massively positive. But I thought to myself, there cannot be anything perfect and started looking for negative comments on the product.</p>
<p>Within few days, I found some websites with very negative comments about earth4energy (You can have a look at one of them <a href="http://www.nlcpr.com/Deceptions6.php" target="_blank">here</a> and another <a href="http://blog.consumerwebwatch.org/2008/09/earth4energycom_is_not_a_credi.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Some have criticized the product, the site, person who is selling the product and so on. But on the same page, I found some good comments as well. I felt most of the times Affiliates who want to sell the product could have come up with good comments. If my primary method of income generation is by selling this product, I wouldn’t be writing any negatives about the product. It is that simple. When I came across all these negatives, I felt upset about selling the product through my affiliate link. I immediately removed links I used to promote the product and I stopped advertising. Then I dug further to the negative comments on these sites. I found two set of people who are commenting on this product.</p>
<p>The first set of people are Affiliates who want just to sell this product. This is how they earn money. I do not know whether they have seen the product but they have come up with beautiful stories and reviews. But I must say some sounded very true to me. And probably they might have used the product themselves. I am not sure about that. Second set of people hated this product for some reason. Some actually have tried Earth4Energy and some haven’t. </p>
<p>Naturally I was not in a position to accept both parties. Greed and Hate both can lead to inaccurate conclusions and decisions right? Although I lacked time to build the solar and wind panels myself, I thought of doing the research. First I listed key points people talk about Earth4Energy. Then I started checking each of them for their accuracy. This includes both good and bad aspects and I tried avoiding any biasness. I asked one of my friends with no experience buying online to go through the website and make the purchase to begin with.<br />
<strong>This is how he made the purchase:</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_325" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-325 " title="Order Form - Top" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/orderform1-300x224.jpg" alt="Order Form - Top" width="300" height="224" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Order Form - Top</p></div>
<p>To simulate the actual affiliate sale (this is how most of people would buy the product), my friend used my affiliate link to purchase the product. When he was on the order page, he entered all his credit card and relevant details. This page is provided by ClickBank, largest internet information product marketplace. So we did not see any problem there. You can have a look at the price you are about to pay and the form to enter credit card details, terms and conditions on below screenshots(most of the screenshots have two parts since the page was longer).</p>
<div class="mceTemp"> </div>
<p>We gave our special attention to the return policy of ClickBank. In simple words this said, if the customer is unhappy ClickBank will refund the full amount within 60 Days from the purchase.</p>
<div id="attachment_326" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-326" title="Order Form - Bottom" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/orderform2-300x216.jpg" alt="Order Form - Bottom" width="300" height="216" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Order Form - Bottom</p></div>
<p>One thing to note, it is the ClickBank not Earth4Energy who is giving this facility. So Earth4Energy is highlighting the money back feature on their site which is offered to any ClickBank purchase. They have reworded this to capture user’s eye and embark trust. I think this is smart marketing. </p>
<p>If you have noticed my friend only had to pay $39.97, not $49.97. this is because when I promoted this product I found a little trick to save $10 for my customers. Most of the affiliates did not want to tell their customers about this technique (and some have disabled this feature) since they will lose roughly $7 from their commission. I asked my friend to use the same trick when he purchased so he can save $10. I will show you how to do this at the end of this article. After completely reading this article if you decide to use this guide, you can use this simple trick to get earth4energy guide with a $10 discount.</p>
<p>Once we entered details and Clicked On Pay Now button, we were taken to another confirmation screen. Here we reviewed our details and Completed our Order.</p>
<div id="attachment_327" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-327" title="Order Confirmation Page" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/orderconfirmationform-300x226.jpg" alt="Order Confirmation Page" width="300" height="226" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Order Confirmation Page</p></div>
<p>In the confirmation page (Where Ideally We should be getting to download the product), we got a page to enter Our Email and the Name again. This was annoying and not required, because we have already paid for the guide Earth4Energy. Anyway my friend went ahead and entered his name and email there. And we got the download page. (But we saw a link in small font. We think even if we did not enter our name and email there, this link should have taken us there. But we had no second chance. We already entered information and press the button).<br />
 </p>
<p>On the download page we had a link to the manual and videos and some other bonuses. So my friend downloaded the Manual and went through the videos. </p>
<div id="attachment_328" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-328" title="Download Email Request Page" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/downloademailpage-300x228.jpg" alt="Download Email Request Page" width="300" height="228" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Download Email Request Page</p></div>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_329" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-329 " title="Actual Earth4Energy Manual Download Page" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/downloadpage2-300x235.jpg" alt="Actual Earth4Energy Manual Download Page" width="300" height="235" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Actual Earth4Energy Manual Download Page</p></div>
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<p>Now we have the product to do a real review. So we evaluated this product in four areas.</p>
<h2>1. Credibility of the website and the information on it</h2>
<p>First start with the Logos of popular news companies like New York Times, CNN and NBC, Cnet and Google. What I wanted to know was what they mean by the phrase “#1 rated site as Seen On”. I guessed they are talking about when you do a search on any of these sites for the term earth4energy this site will be the first result. Google and CNN gave me earth4energy as the first result when I ran the query. Not the others. But I saw lots of advertisements appearing on them about the product. If they meant “this is the #1 site for DIY solar and wind power And it was seen on these” this might be at least partially true since chances are they might have at least advertised this product on these sites. If they meant something else I am sorry, I cannot guess that. But in any case I think this is misleading and hence not required.</p>
<p>Secondly about the old person appearing as Michel Harvey. Some have quoted that, this picture is misleading and the actual person running this is not old, but a young man. When we went through the videos we got the feeling they might be true. Because the presenter seems to be much younger than the person in the picture. I am sure when they design the site thought to them, people will feel comfortable in getting advice from an experienced old guy than a younger guy. This is the same concept with celebrity endorsements. They might not have used the product in their life, but when they say they do, we feel like buying. So I understand the marketing concept behind this image. Anyway I do not have a way to verify this image positively.  So I leave this point open.</p>
<p>I agree with the people argue, there is no postal mail address to verify the physical location of the publisher. I couldn’t find any postal address on the site. I think this should have been there to increase the credibility of the website. Although I do not look for any postal addresses as I am now much used to the internet, people would still need to see a physical location, they would not want to be dealing with a person on a virtual space like internet. For me this is not a big issue as I understand internet is all about going out of boundaries. Meanwhile if earth4energy had a physical address I think they would have done much better for the credibility.</p>
<p>For me the last and the most important credibility related question people who oppose earth4energy asked is about the credibility of the Claim “…Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200”. I think most people misunderstand this claim. They do not claim they will power your entire home for $200. What they say is they will show you how to generate your own solar and wind power for less than $200. If you visit the FAQ page of this site you will see they have answered the question “Can I power my whole home with just a $200 system?” They have given a clean NO to this and explained how to power your entire home by joining multiple solar panels and so on. Have a look at the screenshot below.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-330" title="faq" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/faq-300x140.jpg" alt="faq" width="300" height="140" /> <br />
So in this point I would say they are credible enough. They have answered a question on their FAQ. Most others will answer not answer this kind of a critical question until you make the purchase.</p>
<h2>2. The Affiliate marketing model and huge 75% commission paid for the affiliates</h2>
<p>Affiliate marketing model is not new to the world. Very popular sites like Amazon.com use this model to promote their products to the end users. ClickBank is the largest information product network with huge number of affiliates and vendors. If I simplify this, ClickBank is not much different to a large supermarket or a department store. They have a set of people who is selling their information products in their store. Unlike in a traditional supermarket ClickBank do the billing and handle all the transactions. They charge the vendor a fee for their service. Affiliates bring people to this supermarket. If the visitor likes the product from a particular vendor they will buy it, if not they will simply return. If a visitor bought the product, affiliate will get a commission from the sale. It is a simple concept.<br />
I agree with many saying affiliates are motivated by huge amount of commission (75% in this case). I know Amazon.com will only give around 5% of their sale to the affiliate as a commission.</p>
<p>But the reality is information products, distributed online has no cost associated in manufacturing, distributing and handling. Once the product is done, you can keep on distributing it. In the case of a physical book publisher have to print the book, covers and then bind it. Then they have to store it, pack them and courier them once the order is received. So it is much more costly to sell physical products than information products. So affiliate will only get little commission when they promote physical products.</p>
<p>But when it is easier to create the product, it becomes difficult to market it as anyone can create a product. Marketing needs lots of effort and money. This is where the owner of the product needs to give good amount of his sale to his affiliate. If Michel was providing only 10% of his sale to his affiliate, I wouldn’t be writing this article as product would have been dead long before. In reality many of the information product owners give good amount of their sale to their affiliates. Most of them give more than 50% of their sale to their affiliates. So I do not think earth4energy is doing anything bad here. They are acting just like any other online information product seller.</p>
<p>Most of the affiliates might be just motivated by the commission. But remember I am an affiliate too. I never hide any negatives of the product, did I? Nor I asked you to blindly purchase the product. In fact I removed all the advertising when I came through the sites I listed in the beginning of the article. I never sell products which I feel not useful to my visitors. I know plenty of other people follow the philosophy “honesty is the best seller”. So it is wrong to say all the visitors are motivated just by money. Some really want to add value to their visitors. I know when I help you to save money and effort you will come back to my site. So affiliate marketing is not always bad.</p>
<h2>3. Usefulness of the earth4energy guide</h2>
<p>I found some people have already purchased the earth4energy guide and they are questioning the usefulness of the guide. So I went through the product keeping all the negatives people came up with in mind.</p>
<p>People have complained there are no pictures to help them with. I found this to be true. There were no pictures to take the user step by step. My biggest disappointment was there was no picture of the finished product in operation within the manual. But I think earth4energy people have listened to the users and have added three videos demonstrating few critical steps separately. I thought these will be very helpful for an average user. But still I think they should have taken the user step by step with pictures to the end product. This would make people much comfortable. Do not misunderstand me here. There are diagrams to show you what you should do within this manual. But they were not followed up with the pictures of actual products in each stage. So I would say product would have been much more completed with the images even with the new instructional videos.</p>
<p>I also would agree with people arguing some of the information provided in this guide is commonly available. But I do not think earth4energy guide has done anything wrong there. Knowledge is everywhere. Information is only useful when it is properly managed. I think this guide has done that well. Gravity was in existence and apples were falling down from trees, even before Sir. Isaac Newton sat under that particular apple tree. But don’t all of us agree Newton is the person introduced the concept of gravity. This is because he presented this information is a useful manner, and even today we are using his formulas and concepts to our advantage. The same thing with earth4energy. So my conclusion is, although some of the information provided here is available publically, earth4energy has done a good job in managing it.</p>
<p>Some people argued saying information on this product is vague. This is how I felt about this. Guide will not go into the fine details of some information. I felt this guide is mainly for a novice not for a person with some experience in solar and wind power. So if you have some knowledge already I do not want you to buy this product. So I would say it is half true.</p>
<h2>4. About Cheating and Refunds</h2>
<p>As I discussed earlier, all the transactions for this product is done through the world largest information product seller “ClickBank”. As I explained earlier, refunds are offered by ClickBank to their customers. If the customer is unhappy with the product they will refund the money within 60 days from purchase. Even if you feel you have been cheated by earth4energy guys, you can get this refund. But I strongly suggest you reading their return policy. So I do not see a big issue here.</p>
<p>I guess by now you have read the entire article. You might have come to a conclusion on your own. If you do not think earth4energy is going to help you, that is fine. Do not waste your money. But please bookmark our website <a href="http://www.energybeta.com">www.energybeta.com</a>. Leave your comments. It took us lots of time and effort to put this article together. We want to know what you think about this article. Thank you for going through our article.</p>
<p>If you weigh the pros and cons of this product and thought to yourself “this product might help me” then, we will be able to help you to save some money with your purchase. As I said in the beginning of this article, my friend only paid $39.97 Not $49.97. He used this simple technique. This is how you can get this discount.</p>
<p>First <a href="http://www.energybeta.com/InfoRequest/Earth4Energy/Earth4Energy.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Visit the earth4energy site via our affiliate link by clicking here</span></strong> </a>(this will give us the commission but there will be no difference for you). Wait till the site load and then Click Close button to close the window.</p>
<p>Then a PopUp Screen will appear asking “Are You Sure You Want to Navigate Away From This Page?” Since you are trying to leave the page a Now they are offering you a “One Time Offer” which is the same product for a with a $10 discount. Press Cancel Button, you will see a Chat window underneath. This is a special chat program to give you discounts. Click On the Link there and you will be taken to the One time offer discount page. Here just like my friend did, you can enjoy a $10 discount.  Have a look at the screenshots below for more information.</p>
<div id="attachment_331" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-331" title="One Time Offer Pop Up. Click Cancel Here" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/onetimeofferpopup1-300x227.jpg" alt="One Time Offer Pop Up. Click Cancel Here" width="300" height="227" /><p class="wp-caption-text">One Time Offer Pop Up. Click Cancel Here</p></div>
<p>When you complete the purchase we will get a commission since you used my affiliate link. But this will be less than what I would get if you bought the product at $49.97. That’s OK. If you are happy we are happy too. Please leave your comment before you move out from our page. We hope you would come back to our site.</p>
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<div id="attachment_332" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-332" title="One Time Offer Link - Click On this Link to Get the Discount" src="http://www.energybeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/onetimeoffermessages-300x230.jpg" alt="One Time Offer Link - Click On this Link to Get the Discount" width="300" height="230" /><p class="wp-caption-text">One Time Offer Link - Click On this Link to Get the Discount</p></div>
<p>  If you have weighed the pros and cons, and still cannot come to a conclusion, if you are looking for an opinion, I would suggest you purchasing this product if you are a complete novice to solar and wind power. But if you are an advanced user with experience do not purchase this. If you want to purchase follow the Steps above, you will also be able to get your discount.</p>
<p>We did our best to give you best possible review honestly.  I think you would have found this article to be good.  We would like you to enter your comments on the form below. Please be honest in your comment too. We hope you will return to our site.</p>
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