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

As a starting point look into using more passive solar energy, it’s easier to use and manage. We could more easily use natural light if all of our homes faced south.. However, the world is not perfect nor are our houses. So we have to manipulate things a bit in order to make our homes more energy efficient. Any selection of materials that have postive warming characteristics can be warmed using natural light. Such as double paned windows. Using drapes and blinds is a way to effectively use passive solar energy to help you reduce your energy costs year round. In the winter natural sunlight can warm a house and reduce the amount of energy used to heat your house. Opening blinds earlier in the day will help you warm the house using natural light. When you close your blinds earlier in the evening you trap heat in your house and reduce your need to turn up the thermostat. Of course, in the summer you do the exact opposite.

Active solar energy comes from solar panels or solar water heaters. An array of photovoltaic solar panels hooked into your power grid or a battery pack is the perfect alternative to rising costs of electricity. Solar panels can be installed in any area of your home where the sun would naturally shine. Many people opt to have them installed on their roof, but that does not always have to be the case. If your backyard is large enough you can build your array off the ground. Look up the Federal, State, and City incentive programs that you can apply for a solar energy credit. Making the installation of solar nearly free, if not totally free. Of course if you own a cabin or a boat you can make solar panels. Other solar energy resources include, solar water heaters, solar attic fans, and solar powered lighting. They capture sunlight convert it into energy for immediate or later use.

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

Tags: make solar panels, making solar panels, solar energy source, solar energy sources

A lot of people have asked me if it is ‘really’ possible to make solar panels. Anything is possible is what I say. However, there is a hard way and an easy way to do things. I sound like a salesman when I go on and on about Green DIY Energy. All sales hype aside, if you’re serious about making solar panels then Green DIY Energy is the solar energy guidebook to get you there. This product is packed with quality content and that is it’s major upside. I’ve reviewed a number of these guides and most are not more than poorly written eBooks, no pictures and less than adaquate directions. However, the folks at Green DIY Energy have gone the extra mile and then some.

Green DIY provides a complete package:

• 4 how to videos for building a wind turbine.
• Bonus eBooks on topics like the sizing solar array worksheet, electrical and wiring plans, installation and mounting plans, wind maps, and more.
• 6 videos that easily explain making a solar panel from beginning to end.
• 4 guide books: 2 solar guides and 2 wind guides

The videos vary in length and totally complete. Each video covers a different part of the build from beginning to end. I am a visual learner so I like the video series the best. Lifetime membership to Green DIY Energy, you always have access to the guide books and videos. As they make improvements or add information you get updated. It’s a product that continues to give long past the purchase date. They made a number of great improvements for 2010 to the guidebooks and the video series. They also have a technical support number and forum for members to use.

Nothing is perfect. The only major complaint I have is that it’s not an actual book that I can read and hold. The product is only available for download, but you get immediate access to all the manuals and videos. With the benefit of only printing out the pages that you need and with lifetime access you can always have an up to date copy. As with any DIY project you really need to make a plan that is fairly easy to execute. Each of the guidebooks walks you thoogh each phase of planning out your diy project from start to finish. Most people I talk to about solar energy think only of using it on attached to their house. There are other great things you can do with solar energy. You can make a portable solar energy system to take with you car camping or tailgating. Why? Because it’s cool, and you can save your car battery. Getting out in the open can have a whole new meaning. Green DIY Energy is a great course for people seeking out alternative energy sources, and I recommend you check it out if you want to reduce your electric bill and do your part for the environment. Green DIY Energy Retails for 49.97

Tags: make a panel, make homemade solar panels, make solar panels, Making a solar panel, making solar panels

Yes, You Can Make Solar Panels And Save Money

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

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

• light duty garage appliances
• your yard lights
• a TV
• a wilderness cabin retreat

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

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

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

Tags: make a solar panel, make homemade solar panels, make solar panels, making solar panels