Blog archives for March, 2009

Oil prices have a great impact on everyone. Some suggest we use biofuel to lessen the impact of the rising fuel costs.

But what is biofuel, and how does it differ from fossil fuel?

Biofuel is produced from recycled elements of the food chain, and from plants. It is used in vehicles, and is considered a sustainable renewable source of energy, as compared to majority of the liquid and gas fuels which are used today. Conventional fuels are fossil-based, and there are limited sources available. These sources are depleting fast, and if we don’t find a good replacement, one day our cars will basically stop running.

Types of Biofuels

Biofuels can be used in their pure forms, or they can be blended with other fossil fuels. There are two basic types: biodiesel, and bioethanol. These are currently available on the market and most engines are compatible with them. There is no need to modify one’s existing engine in order to use them.

Biodiesel

This type of biofuel is created using a process that combines oil with alcohol, in the presence of a catalyst, to produce either methyl or ethyl ester. The alcohol used can either be methanol or ethanol. The esters are then blended with the standard diesel fuel, or can be used in their pure forms (100% biodiesel). Biodiesel can replace diesel or can be combined with it in such a way that it helps run diesel engines with little or no modifications required. Biodiesel is said to be better for the environment because of the fact that it produces fewer emissions, while at the same time being made from renewable supplies.

Bioethanol

Bioethanol is made by oxygenating various agricultural stocks, such as sugar and starch crops. It can be used in existing engines, although a small quantity of conventional fuel is needed for cold starting. Vegetable ETBE is used at present, as a fuel additive that can enhance octane rating. The vegetable ETBE is a replacement for MTBE, which is made from unsustainable sources.

Controversy

Biofuel might appear to be a promising renewable energy solution, but there are still some issues that need to be addressed regarding its use. While its use may lower the level of carbon emissions on the planet, the production of biofuel has caused debate. The concern is whether crops should be used for fuel or be reserved for use as food.

Hopefully these problems can be resolved. While biofuel may be an inexpensive and renewable source of energy, we probably can agree that people shouldn’t starve because of it.

Please visit Biofuel for further information on biofuels and the different types that exist.

You may also visit Alternative Energy to learn more about other forms of clean and alternative energy.

Everyone has heard of solar power and knows how it has the potential, along with other green energy sources, to save the planet from death by pollution. Everyone agrees that this is a good thing and should receive all the support it needs. People think the government should do more to encourage solar power – everyone wants a solar powered car!

solar home energy system

But ask people what is their involvement in solar power on a personal level and the normal response is a blank stare or an “It’s not practical / doesn’t meet our needs / I’m waiting for the process to drop.” In other words, it seems that home solar energy system in the form of home solar power systems is something that is great in theory but is not of much immediate relevance.

A common argument made by solar power enthusiasts is that 20 days of sunshine has the same energy potential as all the fossil fuel on Earth. This may be true, but it is difficult to translate into individual experience!

home solar energy systems

solar power became popular in the early 1980s when the aftermath of the energy crisis, advancement in solar power technology and Federal tax cuts made it an attractive option. In 1984 over 16 million square feet of solar collectors were sold in the US. The subsequent fall in fuel prices and the removal of the tax cuts saw the demand drop.

Today, solar power is more attractive than ever. The cost of producing solar power is still high, but has dropped by over 90% when compared to the process of 20 years ago. And the prices are still falling. True, the cost of installing a home solar power system is not cheap and can run from $10,000 to $40,000 and more. But you will be able to reduce your energy bills significantly. With proper house design and using passive solar power methods in conjunction with a home solar power system, it may even be possible to bring your dependence on commercially generated power to zero. In other words, future energy costs will involve only the home solar power system maintenance. And even if you cannot totally remove your dependence on the power grid, the reduction on your commercial power consumption will be big.

solar home energy system

Another plus point of installing a home solar power system is that today most electric companies are willing to buy back excess power that a home may produce – say during the day when no one is at home to consume the solar power being generated. This amount fed back into the grid will be adjusted against what you have consumed, bringing down your electricity bills even further.

There are also a host of incentives available including personal tax, sales tax and property rebates, discounts, loans and grants for those who install home solar energy systems. Making use of these can bring down the initial cost by up to 50% or even more.

Don’t dismiss solar power as something for the future or not relevant to you. It makes sense today – check out the facts and see for yourself about installing a home solar power system.

It has been said that the world is experiencing an energy crisis. And as oil prices go up, so do our electrical bills. One method of addressing this problem is by installing a solar roof over your home. A solar roof can become your very own home power generator.

A solar roof is made out of photovoltaic materials, which replace usual building materials. For flat roofs, thin-film cells are integrated into flexible polymer roofing membranes. For pitched roofs, you can use either multiple roof tiles, or solar shingles (which are designed to look just like regular shingles).

Not only will you’re roof look good, but you’ll be saving on your electrical bills as well. The roof will still shield you from the elements, and it will also and generate electricity when the sun is up. In other words, instead of buying regular roof tiles or shingles, you would be buying solar shingles or photovoltaic roofing material, which will serve both purposes.

Anyone planning to install a new roof should consider getting solar roof. This is one investment that can have a long-term impact in your financial situation.

Solar roofs are built to last as well. It has been said that a solar roof can last for up to fifty years. That’s comparable with the most durable building materials around. The typical installation involves laminating photovoltaic (PV) strips onto the roof pans, before the roofer puts them into place. The wires would then run in the ridge cap, out of view.

If the homeowner prefers to use PV shingles, then the shingles are installed by nailing them to the plywood sheathing of the roof. The interconnectors are laid in, under the plywood, and the roofers use regular asphalt shingles of the same color to fill in around the edges. The DC current generated by the shingles would is then be diverted into a battery bank which can be used around the home.

Governments of some countries provide tax or other financial incentives to encourage people to install solar roofs. Establishments with these installation can sometimes produce enough energy make them independent from other sources of electricity. Some governments even offer subsidies which help those who wish to have solar shingles or tiles placed on their own buildings.

Solar roofs are a great renewable energy source. They provide 100% clean and renewable energy, and the earth would definitely be a better place to live in if more homes used solar power.

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Visit Solar Energy, Solar Shingles, and Alternative Energy for further information on solar power and renewable energy for the home.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Union aims at minimization of the impact of e-waste (discarded or end-of-life electrical or electronic equipment [EEE]), on the environment by increasing re-use and recycling and reducing the amount of WEEE going to landfills. It is closely linked to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2002/95/EC which seeks to limit the presence of six hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. Go to Enviromental technology for further information.

There are several categories of electronic waste or e-waste that fall under the WEEE Directive: large and small household appliances as well as consumer products are included. E-waste in this directive means electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) designed for use with voltage ratings of up to 1000V ac or 1500V dc. Hence manufacturers of most electronic consumer goods used in day to day life, fall under the purview of the directive. Since the consequences of non-compliance are serious (including possible ban on doing business in EU countries), manufacturers need to be conversant with the WEEE and the related RoHS directives.

The WEEE Directive seeks to minimize the environmental impact of e-waste by mandating its collection, treatment, recovery and/or recycling should be facilitated and financed by producers. It also proposes that consumers be able to return their waste equipment free of charge. Manufacturers, therefore, need to assess the impact of these requirements and initiate appropriate action for implementation.

This involves setting up collection centers for e-waste, arrangements for transportation to the recovery and/or recycling centers, facilities for recycling and determination of final disposal options. Recovery and recycling of electronic waste is specialized work and recycling plants must conform to certain minimum standards.

Operation of captive recycling facilities may be both uneconomical and beyond the core competence of equipment manufacturers. Hence suitable tie-ups with external recycling establishments may need to be entered into by manufacturers, either singly or through collective arrangements. The foregoing are post-sales activities.

It is very important for a manufacturer to also understand the importance of certain pre-sales actions which impinge upon compliance significantly. These are actions at the design and manufacturing stages. Refer to enviromental products for further information.

First is the effort to design equipment which can be dismantled into the smallest possible parts and components. This will facilitate recovery of the parts for reuse; a more economical proposition than say, recycling.

Second, manufacturers must ensure labeling of products is in line with the requirements of the WEEE Directive including a “Do Not Landfill” note.

Third, reduction of hazardous material content in the product greatly reduces the need for expensive recovery efforts. It also contributes to overall environmental conservation. For this reason, the importance of RoHS compliance of products and processes cannot be over emphasized. The sooner manufacturers recognize this fact; the better their profits will be long term.

The WEEE 2002/96/EC Directive is not a law and individual EU member states are to incorporate its provisions into their own legislations. Since differences in the laws across the EU member states are inevitable, multi-national manufacturers may need to develop innovative compliance solutions.

Further, the WEEE Directive is based on Article 175 of the EC (European Community) Treaty - the Treaty establishing the European Union. This allows member states to include additional products as long as they countries adhere to European Community laws governing overall trade and commerce within and beyond the EU. Manufacturers must stay abreast of more environmentally sound practices and current WEEE changes. They also need to be aware of the implication of such changes on their businesses. Visit environmental for more information.

One way to use solar power to save money is through the use of a practice called “Net Metering.”

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering is the practice of consumers “selling” energy to the electricity companies when they have some form of renewable energy facility installed at their home and a surplus is created.

A good example of net metering would be the case of someone who owns solar panels or owns a wind turbine. If his solar panels or wind turbine generate more electricity than he consumes, the excess electricity is fed into the electrical grid, and the power company buys the electricity from him.

Net metering is a result of green energy policy. Though its not generally known, its not a new thing.

- Why is it Called Net Metering?

The term “net metering” is a combination of the words “net” and “metering.” In this context, “net” means “what remains after deductions” and “metering” refers to the measuring of electricity of your home’s electricity meter (which is used to calculate your energy bill).

- How Net Metering Works

Lets take the example of a home owner who has installed solar panels as a clean renewable energy source on his home.

If, at any time, his solar panels are producing more electricity than his home is using, the excess electricity is automatically fed back into the electrical grid, and redistributed by the power company. The amount of electricity fed back into the electrical grid is measured on a meter right in his home. The home owner is then “paid” or credited for that electricity.

- How to Find Out About Net Metering

Net metering is usually done through your power company. You should check directly with your power provider.

One thing you should know is that many states have laws which provide for net metering. In other words, some states have laws in place which require the power company to buy your excess electricity, should you generate it through renewable energy sources. Some additional information on this can be found in these articles on Net Metering.

You will probably not run into any problems with your energy companies, as most states have laws that demand a certain percentage of green power production. So net metering is convenient for them as well, and any green energy you produce can be counted on their quota.

Net metering is one of many good ways to save energy and money as well. By using solar power and net metering, you reduce the need for polluting fossil fuels which harm the environment.

Net metering is not only good for the environment, but good for your bank account as well.

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Find out more about saving money with solar energy and home solar power systems at Solar Energy. Or visit Alternative Energy to learn more about additional sources of alternative and renewable energy.