Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

Clean Energy - It's Portable Solar Power Now!

2009-12-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Portable Solar Power and Solar Chargers

When first thinking of solar power, one almost always thinks of the large, cumbersome panels that are laid on the roof of one’s home or business to draw in the most of the sun’s solar energy. Then, when you think of portable solar energy, it’s easy to think “yeah, right.” However, with our technology and the fortitude of scientists that want to Go Green, they have made great strides to doing just that.

Portable solar power comes in many shapes and sizes, but the amount of energy that is gained from these devices is dependent upon many factors. How strong is the sun the day that you are using the device, how much of the device is exposed to the sun and so on.

Now, we find that we have many options to taking solar power with us wherever we go. For instance, there are solar powered devices that can charge your laptop, batteries, and other small devices that people on the go are in constant need of.

Other great uses for solar power that is portable would be for the outdoor person who wants to carry a cell phone or camera, but has no where to charge the batteries when they die. Even in today’s age of great technological advances, it’s still quite difficult to find a plug-in in the middle of a forest or on a mountain. But with portable solar power, you can take a small device with you, adjust it so that it is exposed to the sun and charge your cell phone or camera batteries.

This same device and others can also make camping or RV-ing more fun because you don’t have to worry about finding a place for a hook-up. This can allow you to broaden your horizons and go where no camper has gone before. There are so many items to choose from, that if you are not a camper, you just may want to try it out!

There are even solar panels that you can get for your boat, if you like to go boating. And for anyone who has ever been stuck out on the middle of the lake, out of gas, an alternate source of power is a definite plus. If you have solar panels on your boat, then you never have to worry about running out of gas, or cutting a fun boat trip short because you are running low on gas. For more information, please visit this page on Portable Solar Power.

Finding a Solar Laptop Charger

2009-09-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

There are several points to take into consideration when choosing a portable solar laptop charger - including size and weight issues that need to be taken into account.

Most laptops require from 50 to 70 watts of power in order to operate, and up until recently, solar panels that provided that amount of power were far too heavy to carry around.

However, with the advancements in solar technology, solar panels are becoming lighter and more energy-efficient.

Choosing a Solar Laptop Charger

When choosing a portable solar charger for your laptop, size, weight, and the circumstances you intend to use them in are important issues to consider.

Using Solar Laptop Chargers in Conjunction with RVs or Vehicles

If you are traveling in an RV, you could just as easily install an rv solar panel system on your RV, and use that system to charge your laptop. A 110-watt system or 160-watt solar panel kit would do the trick, and should work fine for either recharging or running your laptop.

Even better would be to have a battery bank as well in your RV, so that your power supply is automatically maintained throughout daylight hours. This will also give you the freedom to use your stored solar energy whenever you want to, and not be restricted to only accessing it during daylight hours. It can also help you conserve excess energy which is generated by your solar panels, so that you will have energy left over later on, in case of adverse weather conditions (or in case you need to use your laptop more on some days than on other days.

If you do not own an RV, but do own a vehicle, there are several smaller automotive solar battery chargers on the market, which plug directly into the cigarette lighter socket of your car. Some solar chargers also hook up directly to the battery. In this case you can charge or operate your laptop straight from the vehicle battery, and continue charging the vehicle with the automotive solar battery charger, so that your car battery does not run flat while you are charging your laptop.

Independent Portable Solar Panels for Laptops

If you are looking for a portable solar panel, or a portable solar charger which works independently from a vehicle, you can look at getting one or more foldable or flexible solar panels, such as the Brunton Solaris or Brunton SolarRoll. They are extremely light-weight and can be folded or rolled up for ease of transportation. They come in modules of varing wattages.

For a laptop you will probably want a 26-watt or 52-watt solar charger, but connecting three 14-watt solar panels together will give you a sizable energy output. This might take a little more technical savvy, but it is not hard to figure out and is a workable possibility. Most solar panels are sold as modules that can easily be connected to each other. Remember, as a rule of thumb, the higher the overall wattage, the shorter the charging time for your equipment, and vice versa.

Complete Portable Solar Kits

Another option, and possibly the most workable one, is to get a portable solar power kit. These kits often include solar panels as well as a rechargeable battery. The solar panel is used to recharge the battery, and you can then plug your laptop into the battery in order to either run or recharge your laptop. The advantage of this system is that you can charge the solar battery at any time and then plug into the solar panels later when you need more power. This is useful as now you are not constrained to daylight hours to make use of solar energy.

Small Portable Solar Chargers

Finally, another option is to simply go with a small portable solar charger. Even though it might be too small to run the laptop, it will slow battery drain and give you longer working time if used. Low-wattage solar chargers can still (at least in theory) be used to recharge the laptop, though it will longer.

Below are a few examples of portable solar panels and solar chargers that can work well for laptops:

Brunton 52 Watt Laptop Solar Charger - One of the most powerful foldable portable solar panels on the market, strong enough to charge a laptop.
Brunton 26 Watt Foldable Solar Array - A close runner-up to the Brunton 52 Watt solar charger, also capable of charging a laptop.
SolarGorilla Solar Laptop Charger
Solar Laptop Charger & Portable Power Kit
Xantrex Technologies Solar Powerpack - 852-2071 Xpower AC/DC Powerpack Solar, with 400 Watt Inverter, two AC Outlets, USB Port, and a Digital Display.
Xantrex Powerpack 600 Watt Jumpstarter, Power Inverter and Backup Power Source
Solar Charger for RVs, Trucks, Cars, 5 Volt 12 Watt
Portable Briefcase Solar Panel 12V Charger - 30 Watt 12 Volt Solar briefcase charger.
Voltaic Systems has come out with a laptop carrying case that has a built-in solar panel and batteries. It will collect enough solar power throughout the day to give you roughly a full charge for a laptop.

Source Article:

Solar Laptop Charger

Solar Power - Save Money with Solar Power

2008-10-20T04:55:00.001-07:00

Learn about how you can use solar power to save money and one of many good ways to save energy in your home.

Save Money with Solar Power
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 [...]

Solar Power - Build Your Own Solar Hot Water Heater

2008-10-20T04:51:00.001-07:00

How to Build Your Own Solar Hot Water Heater Do you want a solar hot water heater for your home? It’s entirely possible to heat your water with solar power and save money on your energy bill. An added benefit is that you will help clean up the environment by using solar energy instead of polluting [...]

Save Money with Solar Power
Learn about how you can use solar power to save money and one of many good ways to save energy in your home.

Solar Power - Save Money with Solar Power

2008-10-20T04:49:00.001-07:00

Learn about how you can use solar power to save money and one of many good ways to save energy in your home.

Build Your Own Solar Hot Water Heater
How to Build Your Own Solar Hot Water Heater Do you want a solar hot water heater for your home? It’s entirely possible to heat your water with solar power and save money on your energy bill. An added benefit is that you will help clean up the environment by using solar energy instead of polluting [...]

The Popularity of Solar Chargers

2008-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

Solar battery chargers have been around for decades, but their popularity has increased a lot in just the last two years. This is partially because of advancements in technology, and partially because of our increased awareness of the need to shift to cleaner renewable energy sources.

Advancements in technology have reduced the sizes and weights of solar panels, while increasing their efficiency. This allows for small lightweight portable solar chargers to be produced. Another factor which plays a part in the rapidly expanding field of portable solar power, is the increased amount of electronic gadgets that we carry around.

Twenty years ago there were not many people walking around with cell phones. Today, a cell phone, iPod or MP3 player, and a digital camera tend to be the least that carry around with us - either on a daily basis, or during our time off or when going on a trip.

With all these electronic gadgets comes the need for electricity and power. And, thus portable solar panels and solar battery chargers have found their niche.

There are several advantages to solar chargers and portable solar panels. First of all, they are eco/environment-friendly. They do not produce harmful waste, and can be used anywhere where there is daylight.

Many people think that solar chargers can only be used in warm sunny areas. This is not necessarily true. Solar panels are more effective in colder temperatures. As a matter of fact, a solar charger or panel would create more electricity on a clear day in Alaska, than it would in the sun of the Mohave dessert. This is because the temperature of the solar panel influences the effectiveness with which it can convert solar energy into electrical energy.

The above fact, combined with the increased effectiveness of solar panels, has made solar chargers an attractive method of powering or recharging small electronic gadgets.

These days, a small solar battery charger can run your cell phone, iPod, or MP3 Player. It can recharge your digital camera and it can be used to recharge batteries.

Some solar chargers, such as the Solio Charger, come with internal batteries. These batteries are automatically charged when the solar charger is exposed to daylight. This allows you to recharge your cell phone, or other electronic device, from the solar charger, later on. Solar chargers with built-in batteries commonly store enough power to recharge your cell phone twice, or to run an MP3 player or iPod for many hours. A digital camera can also be fully recharged by one of these devices.

Solar chargers are starting to be a part of many standard emergency kits. They are a reliable source of power, so long as daylight is available.

Solar chargers are a convenient source of power in remote areas, on field trips, or when out hiking and camping. They can recharge batteries, cell phones, or other gadgets in any location.

In addition to being convenient, solar chargers are a clean energy source and do not cause pollution or other harmful emissions while creating electricity. They also reduce the need for disposable batteries, and thus reduce the overall volume of harmful chemicals and toxic waste in circulation on the planet.

New Blog: Hypermiling

2008-06-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our New Blog on Hypermiling

Have you heard the buzz about hypermiling? Hypermiling consists of a set of driving techniques which you can use to get the maximum mileage out of a gallon of gasoline.

We have just created a new blog on the subject of hypermiling and saving money on gas. You can see this blog here:

Hypermiling

Please stop by and let us know what you think!

P.S. This blog is part of a new website called Living Clean, which will eventually incorporate a variety of clean living subjects including Alternative Energy, Global Warming, non-toxic products, health, pullution reduction, and just about anything that has to do with living clean.

Global Warming Video

2008-06-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

This is our own first video on Global Warming. Please comment!

Opti-Ups Solar Charger

2008-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

The Opti-Ups Solar Charger

I've found a very informative video of what appears to be a very convenient Solar Charger for small devices. I've also found the product available at Opti-Ups Solar Charger. Here is the video where you can see how this charger works. Looks like a beautiful little device and perfect for hiking, trips to the beach, etc.

Find the Opti-Ups Solar Charger

Solar Battery Chargers

2008-06-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

A new Hub Page on Solar Battery Chargers has been created at:

Solar Battery Chargers

New Squidoo Lens on Solar Power

2008-06-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

We have created our first Squidoo Lens on Solar Power.

Please come see!

www.squidoo.com/solarsolarsolar

Solar Tower | Global Warming

2008-06-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

I found another video on the subjects of Global Warming and alternative energy

Watch Solar Power Burning a Brick

2008-06-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

This video gives a conveys a very good picture of how powerful solar energy can be.

Global Warming

2008-06-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

I just came across this video on Global warming. It really made me laugh but I also think it gives a fantastic and logical explanation of things so I wanted to share it.

Solar Heating, Solar Thermal, and Solar Hot Water Systems

2008-06-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Solar Power

Solar Heating, Solar Thermal, and Solar Hot Water Systems
By Danny Vo

Solar Heating (Solar Thermal) Systems

Using solar power to heat your water is one of the most practical and cost effective ways to harness energy from the sun. Solar thermal systems absorb the sun's heat and use it to heat your residence's own hot water needs. In general, the solar thermal system will easily heat water to 140ºF or higher matching the range of its traditional hot water tank counterpart. Effective systems can collect up to 70 percent of the sun's energy that reaches them and transfer it to you.

How Solar Hot Water Heating Systems Work

In general there are two types of active water heating systems: direct and indirect.

Direct Solar Water Heating

As implied, direct systems capture the sun's heat in collectors to directly heat a household's water supply. The system consists of collector pipes filled with water that are linked to an insulated storage tank usually located inside a home. As the sun heats the water inside the pipes, the water flows into the storage tank. Although direct systems are more efficient that indirect ones, they require more maintenance to keep the pipes clear of mineral deposits. Direct solar thermal systems also work best in warmer climates where the system is less prone to freezing.

Indirect Solar Water Heating

Indirect systems do not heat the water directly rather they use fluid with a low-freezing point to absorb radiant energy from the sun. Also termed closed-loop systems, an indirect solar water heating system absorbs the sun's rays into heat pipes evacuated of air which in turn heats up the pipe's thin copper laminate located on the back of each pipe. The collection array consists of multiple heating pipes that are mounted and tilted to maximize solar collection.

Often glycol (an ingredient in antifreeze) runs through adjacent pipes within the array and heats up via contact with the copper laminate. As the temperature in the pipes rise, the heat activates a pump that circulates the glycol fluid through a heat exchange coil in the water tank. That coil, in turn, transfers its heat to the water tank and voila, hot water is produced.

Solar Pool and Hot Tub Heating Systems

Solar pool heating systems work on a similar principle to a direct system solar hot water heater. However, because the water can heat up too much in a solar thermal system, the collector's glazing is often removed. Using non-glazed pipes or a heating system that resembles a flat black mat prevents the pool water from becoming super-heated as well as reduces costs to the overall system.

While solar pool and hot tub heating systems often are exempted from federal and state monetary incentives and rebates, they often pay for themselves within 1-5 years (depending mostly on where you live).

Radiant Heating Systems For Your Home

You can also use a solar hot water (or thermal) system to heat your home. Rather than transferring the heated water to a domestic hot water heater, the solar hot water system can connect to a radiant floor and/or wall panel radiator.

You can make the collection and distribution system as simple or complicated as you like depending on your location, climate, and intended use. Most radiant heating systems use the collection array to heat water and store it in a large thermal collection tank so that you have enough heat to last at least throughout the night. A general rule of thumb is to have a collection tank that can store 1½ to 2 gallons of water for every square foot of solar collector. That water, in turn, is piped via plastic tubing under floors to create an effective heating system.

Radiant floor heating systems have many advantages. They are typically 40 percent more efficient than a forced air heating system and can be zoned so that each room has its own thermostat. Furthermore, radiant floors distribute heat beneath your feet where it naturally rises providing a cozy and evenly distributed heated living space.

Tips for Installing Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Hot Water Heater Tips for Cooler Climates

In cooler climates during the colder times of the year, an indirect solar hot water system can help lower your energy costs by working as a water preheating system rather than an outright water heater. Preheated water reduces the load on your other energy systems to heat the water.

Another trick to increase the system's efficiency is to wrap your water tank with an insulation blanket to keep the water sufficiently warm and further minimize the need to rely on traditional power sources to heat your water. (Note that not all water heaters need an insulation blanket. Many of the newer energy-efficient models come with a thicker layer of insulation inside the tank that eliminates the need for additional insulation).

Where to Place a Solar Thermal Collection System

Like other types of solar energy systems, solar hot water heating systems work best on south-facing walls with full sun exposure. Because of the collector tubes' type of construction, the outside elements have less effect on its performance compared to a photovoltaic collection system; a bit of shade on the thermal array will have a less noticeable impact.

Work with a Solar Pro

As with any solar power upgrade, consulting with a solar professional can help you evaluate your potential savings and determine the type of solar hot water system that's best for you. Solar thermal panels come both as stand-alone collection arrays and as integrated building panels. A solar pro can size your system and help you compare the different options for the collection panels and water tank you may need. And remember, solar domestic water systems often qualify for federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates!

Find more solar panel, solar power, and solar energy information at Cooler Planet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danny_Vo

Power Your Laptop with Solar Energy

2008-06-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

Power Your Laptop with Solar Energy

Posted using ShareThis

Solio Solar battery charger

2008-06-04T11:58:00.001-07:00

Solio Solar battery charger

Posted using ShareThis

Go Solar

2007-12-30T03:49:00.000-08:00

New Article: Go Solar

A new article has been added to Solar Chargers and Portable Solar Power Devices. It can be found here:

Go Solar

Solar Chargers for RVs, Boats, and Camping

2007-12-29T03:43:00.001-08:00

Solar Chargers | RVs, Boats, and Camping

New articles on the subject of Solar Charger in RVs, Boats, or for Camping:

RV Solar Panels
RV Camping with Solar Chargers
Boats and Solar Panels

The Brunton Solar Charger

2007-12-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Brunton Solar Charger

See the following for a description of the Brunton Solar Charger (a popular solar charger line containing versions strong enough to charge laptops and notebook computers):

Brunton Solar Charger

Solio Charger - The Portable Solar Battery Charger

2007-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Solio Charger

A Portable Solar Battery Charger

At the following link you will find a simple explanation of how a Solio Charger works and what it is.

Solio Charger

Solar Powered Power Inverters - Key To Solar Power Electricity

2007-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

By Adrian Whittle

As more interest grows in using renewable energy sources rather than traditional fossil fuels, the popularity of solar power as a source of electricity has grown. Despite the predictions of global warming linked by reliance on fossil fuels, it seems that it is the cost of solar power over traditional grid electricity that is making it popular. In California for example, where the climate is ideal for solar power, it is cheaper to create solar power electricity than buy it from a utility company. However, most people don't like the responsibility of generating their own electricity or simply do not know enough about it to consider it as a viable option. This article will cover creating electricity from solar power, with particular reference to the solar powered power inverters.

Solar power for electricity is created using photovoltaic technology. These are the solar panels that you see on roof tops. A solar panel is an array of solar cells that use photovoltaic technology to convert direct sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. A solar cell is made of silicon dioxide and the reaction of photons with the silicon dioxide causes an electron to move in the silicon dioxide. This is the principal behind creating direct current. As each cell is lined up in series the DC current will flow from one cell to the next.

Direct current is good for many appliances but most homes use alternating current (AC). Alternating current is also more efficient for moving electricity so it is used by utility companies. Thus a solar powered power inverter is placed in between the solar panels and the power supply to the house with the task of converting DC to AC. It makes the electricity usable in the home.

While the solar power inverter is primarily for translating DC power into AC power, there is another type that is called a grid interactive. These types of inverters are generally used when the system is stilled hooked to the grid. These type of systems are the easiest to install as the utility company will do the installation. You are effectively becoming a mini power station for the company. Any electricity you create is sent to the utility company and this energy is credited to you the next time your electricity bill is due. The grid interactive solar power inverter handles the process of converting to AC and then sending the electricity to the utility company.

The solar power inverter may look rather innocuous at first glance, however inside, its inner workings have to handle quite a bit. An inverter for a regular suburban home has to deal with a number of fluctuations of energy, from the use of one light to a bigger surge of energy to turn on a major appliance.

Within confining limitations, the solar power inverter has to regulate the power output to ensure that there is little energy loss. Depending on the inverter you purchase, some even supply backup battery charges while feeding the leftover power back into the solar grid.

There are quite a few things that you need to take into account when you choose a solar power inverter. Power quality, efficiency, the ability to handle surges and idling loads of energy should all be taken into account. These will be explained on the specification sheets of a solar powered power inverter. Getting solar power in your home is a learning process. You can start with a small system that is shared with the utility company. As you get more experience of your own energy needs and how the systems works you will be able to make better and informed decisions on future expansion of the system.

Solar power can be applied to many house and garden products. In recent years the cost of these appliances have become very affordable and saved money on energy bills. Learn more about solar powered appliances at http://www.solarpowerappliances.com The site has features on the solar power attic vent, the outdoor power solar light, solar ovens and more solar powered applications. Adrian Whittle writes about using solar power and appliances that can utilize renewable energy sources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle

Portable Solar Power Covers Your Energy Needs

2007-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

By Willhelm Williams

The technology that harnesses solar power has increased significantly in the recent past. The usual sources of energy have become more expensive and more vulnerable lately so the need for alternative sources of energy is great. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that can be harvested more cheaply employing proper technology. It is for this reason that the use of solar energy has become more popular through the years. The development of portable solar power is a welcome addition for those in need of energy and wanted to tap into this type of alternative source for comfort.

Companies have developed portable solar power that is now being used by different consumers who must have mobility. These groups include the military, the government, educational institutions and special types of businesses. The designs have evolved and simplified so these portable solar power sources can be used by people without extensive training or expertise.

Portable solar power units have become good investments because of the relatively inexpensive nature of solar energy. They have already been used for many varied activities including communications, emergency power, and many other uses.

Beneficiaries of Portable Solar Power Units

These portable solar power units add great mobility and convenience to the groups and individuals that use them:

• Military units use portable solar power units no matter where in the world they are in need of power. The military uses power for operations, medical facilities and the necessary amenities of the members. These portable solar power units can be used for many of these needs and then some. They not only provided reliable power, but they also proved to bring huge savings in the energy budget of the military.

• Educational institutions have many different activities with a great diversity of people that could use portable solar power units. These units can be used for numerous activities in many different areas on a large campus. These units also save money for educational institutions. Instead of spending so much on energy use, administration of these institutions could allocate the funds for projects and other more important undertakings.

• Businesses can also use these units for greater mobility in the many activities that they sponsor. Likewise, portable solar power is good for business in a sense that it lowers cost for use of power and makes for a bigger profit in the long run, not to mention the ease and convenience it provides.

The many new advances in solar power technology have provided benefits to a host of companies and organizations. Solar power is becoming more economical and affordable which in turn is increasing the demand for solar powered products. Potable solar power products provides for your energy needs in many different locations and environments. All the while providing safe, clean and quiet electricity production and saving you money each time you use it.

For more information on home solar power try visiting http://www.homesolarpowerguide.com, a popular solar power website that offers tips, advice and resources including information on combination solar wind power, rv solar power, do it yourself solar power and solar power generation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willhelm_Williams

Portable Solar Energy

2007-05-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

By Zack Lim

Solar energy is a clean and efficient for of energy. The demand for it is greater than the supply. The cost of supplying electricity to remote locations is expensive and time consuming. Solar power is an excellent alternative. Portable solar power has been referred to as packaging sunlight. The concept is using an adapter to allow you to use solar power that has been accumulated during times when you do not have enough solar energy. They are mainly used at night.

Battery chargers with solar power are very popular. They simply plug into your cigarette lighter and charge your car in minutes. On a larger scale you can purchase portable generators that will allow you to use energy produced by sunlight when sunlight is not available. These power sources are used by corporations, small businesses, and individuals. They are used to supply power to entire networks or simply to operate your DVD player. The type and size of generator you want to purchase will depend on your individual needs. Within the next three years, it is believed solar panels will be made that can supply power to cell phones as well. However, the cost of such phones is anticipated to be high because it is expensive to design that type of solar panel.

The internet offers information to compare portable solar power products and their uses. This information will be very useful in deciding what products will give you the best deal for your money. If you still have questions, a great resource is the Advanced Energy Group. It is a respected supplier of solar power and portable power systems throughout the United States. They offer quality products and consulting information about solar power options. They also have an excellent rating for their technical support to customers.

While some remain skeptical about the use of solar power, it really does make sense. The portable solar power devices available at reasonable costs make it even more efficient, safe, and worth while to do for the environment. As the solar power industry continues to grow, expect to see new and better portable devices available on the market.

Zack is the owner of http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/ providing quality free information on solar power. For more free report and article, click http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Lim

Tea Robot

2007-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tea Robot?

I know this isn't directly related to portable solar power - but a tea robot? This is at least related to technology!

I wouldn't be able to fit one in my room, that's for sure. But I do wonder if one day these will also use portable solar power! Maybe they will come with us on hiking trips!

Portable Solar Energy Power During an Emergency

2007-05-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

During an Emergency Portable Solar Energy Power Station Comes in
Handy

Wilhelm Williams

For years now, the military has been using a portable solar energy power station to provide energy for their mobile units. Recently, these invaluable systems have become available for
civilian use for camping or in the event of emergencies. Being able to supply electricity during power shortages, typical in emergencies, is a real lifesaver and an aid towards recovery efforts.

The size of the portable solar energy power station needed depends on the situation and the amount of power that is required. A small unit can be used to supply light to an area.
If the need is to supply enough power for refrigeration, lights and to drive water pumps, a larger portable solar energy power station will be required. They could provide anywhere from 240
watts all the way up to several thousand watts of power. The only drawback is that the bigger the unit, the bigger the battery pack required.

It is usually quick and easy to set up portable solar energy power stations. It is best to use different units of different sizes to perform different functions. For instance, one unit may
be established to provide electricity for lighting. Another larger unit can be used to supply power for refrigeration while a still larger unit can be set up to power water pumps in the event of major overflow.

Portability is Inversely Proportional to the Size of the Battery Pack

The solar panels charge the battery pack during the day. Even while portable solar power station is being used the solar panels are charging the batteries and providing electricity to
power electrical devices. Without the battery pack, the portable power station would be useless at night. During the night or when it is cloudy the battery pack provides the source of electricity to power the lights, water pump, and fans.

It is All About the Batteries

The batteries are the main contributor to the weight of a portable solar energy power station. The other parts, such as the charge controller and solar panels add some weight, but not as much as the batteries do. In order to power more devices the portable power station will require a larger battery pack. Small portable solar power units come with a small battery pack and will power a light or radio for a few hours. Larger more powerful portable solar power units are mounted on a trailer with the battery pack and a mast where the solar panels are
mounted on.

It should be realized that regardless of the size and reliability of the portable solar energy power station, they will never work without sunshine. There may be enough power remaining in the batteries once the sun goes down to operate some devices or equipment, but without sunlight, once the batteries are discharged, you will have to wait until daylight to restore power. Still, it helps to have a portable gadget at the side which comes handy in times of emergency.

About the author:
For more information on solar power try visiting www.homesolarpowerguide.com, a popular solar power website that offers tips, advice and resources including information on combination solar wind power, rv solar power, do it yourself solar power and solar power generation.

Links to Suppliers of Portable Solar Power Systems

2007-04-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

Suppliers of Portable Solar Power Systems and Devices

Click here to visit 3rliving.com (Go to this link and type "solar" into the search box)
Binoculars.com
Portable Solar at Amazon.com
Portable Solar at Amazon.co.uk
Portable Solar at Shopzilla
See what's new @ Geeks.com! (Go to this link and type "solar power" into the search box)
Portable Power
12 Volt Solar Power Pocket
25 Watt Portable Power Source

Portable Solar Power Glossary

2007-03-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

Glossary

(for terms in this blog, as well as terms you will encounter when searching for portable solar devices)

AC - See Alternating Current in this glossary

Alternating Current (AC) A type of electrical current, in which the direction of the electrical flow switches back and forth regularly (usually 60 times per second in the US, or 50 times per second in Europe). AC is the type of electricity which flows in power lines and comes is the normal household electricity which comes from a wall outlet. AC is generally needed to power larger appliances and electronic devices. A solar cell typically creates Direct Current. In order to change this current into AC, an inverter can be used. See also Direct Current, Inverter, and Cell in this glossary.

Ampere (also Amperes, Amps) A unit of electrical power. The amount of amperes of a flow of electricity indicates the rate of the flow of the electric current. Amperage is affected by the voltage of the electricity (voltage is how much electricity is available, and thus how much pressure there is on the electrical flow) and by the amount of resistance there is to the flow. (Resistance is anything which holds back the flow of the current.) See also Volt and Watt in this glossary.

To understand this better, consider the analogy of a bucket of water hanging in a tree. The bucket is full of water, but it has a small hole in the side. From this hole, water is flowing into a wading pool on the ground beneath the bucket.

The water represents the electricity. The bucket represents the source of the electricity. The amount of water in the bucket represents the volts. The hole in the bucket represents the amperage (i.e., the amount of amperes.) The amount of water which arrives into the wading pool in a certain amount of time represents the watts.

If you fill the bucket, full, to the top, with two gallons of water, it will flow out of the hole with a greater force and pressure than it would if you only filled it with two inches of water at the bottom. This represents the voltage. When an electrical current has higher voltage, it has more electricity available and pushing at the current. The flow thus has greater pressure.

If you have a small hole in the side of your bucket, the water will flow out slower than it would if you had a large hole. This hole represents the amperage. If the hole is bigger, the water will flow out faster. In an electrical current, amperage measures the speed and amount of the flow of electrical energy.

The amount of water that arrives into the wading pool in a given length of time represents the watts. In electronics, if you want to know how many watts are being generated, multiply the amperes times the volts, with this formula:

Amperes x Volts = Watts

If you have two buckets and two wading pools, consider the following analogy. One bucket is full of two gallons of water but has a small hole. The other bucket has only two inches of water but it has a large hole. The rate with which these two buckets would add water to their respective wading pools would be the same.

Similarly, in electronics, a device with 100 volts and 4 amperes would have 400 watts. A device with 200 volts and 2 amperes would also have 400 watts.

Cell A device that produces electricity. An example of an electrical cell is a flashlight battery. A solar cell uses light to produce electricity.

DC - See Direct Current in this glossary

Direct Current (DC) Electricity flowing in one direction. This is the type of electricity generated by common batteries such as flashlight batteries. It is also the type of electricity generated by solar cells. In order to change this electricity into Alternating Current (AC) the solar cell typically uses an inverter. See also Alternating Current, Inverter, and Cell in this glossary.

Inverter A device which changes electrical current from Direct Current to Alternating Current. See also Direct Current and Alternating Current in this glossary.

Photo A prefix or suffix meaning "of, from or containing light." It comes from the Greek word phos, which means "light."

Photovoltaic Creating electrical energy when exposed to light.

Solar Of or from the sun. Solar electricity is electricity which is created by the sun. Solar devices can also use light from other sources.

Voltaic Producing electric current. The word comes from the name of Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist who was a pioneer in the field of electricity during the 1700's.

Watts The total amount of power which is generated or used by a particular device. The amount of Watts is equal to the amount of amperes multiplied by the amount of volts. See also Ampere and Volt in this glossary.

Volt A unit of measurement for electricity. It indicates how much pressure there is on an electrical current. For example, a current with 100 volts has more electricity available (and thus, more pressure on the electrical flow) than a current with 20 volts.

Where Can I Find Solar Powered Radios, Lights, and Other Miscellaneous Solar Powered Equipment?

2007-03-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

Where Can I Find Solar Powered Radios, Lights, and Other Miscellaneous Solar Powered Equipment?

See what's new @ Geeks.com! (Go to this link and type "solar power" into the search box)

Where Can I Find Portable Solar Power to Run or Charge Cameras or Other Small Devices?

2007-03-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

For Portable Solar Power to Charge or Run Cameras, MP3 players, Cell Phones, PDA's, GPS's, CD Players, and Other Small Devices:

Click here to visit 3rliving.com (Go to this link and type "solar" into the search box)

Portable Solar at Amazon.com

Portable Solar at Amazon.co.uk

Portable Solar at Shopzilla

See what's new @ Geeks.com! (Go to this link and type "solar power" into the search box)

Where can I Find Portable Solar Power to Charge a Laptop?

2007-03-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Portable Solar Power

Where Can I Find Portable Solar Power for a Laptop?

25 Watt Portable Power Source

Click here to visit 3rliving.com (Go to this link and type "solar" into the search box)

Portable Solar at Amazon.com

Portable Solar at Amazon.co.uk

Portable Solar at Shopzilla

The Solar Energy Breakthrough Everyone Missed

2007-01-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

Portable Solar Power Blog

The Solar Energy Breakthrough Everyone Missed

by Rick Chapo

When it comes to breaking our oil addiction, solar energy is
often sited as a perfect renewable energy platform. There are
problems with it from a cost perspective, but there is light at
the end of the tunnel.

The Solar Energy Breakthrough Everyone Missed

There is little doubt we have a looming energy problem in the
world. While gas prices may seem high now, things look
particularly grim over the next 60 years. Oil exploration is at
an all time low while at the same time emerging economies such
as China and India increase the demand on existing supplies.
Throw in population growth of approximately another 3.5 billion
people over the next 50 years and we are definitely staring down
the wrong end of a energy shotgun. Of course, this doesn't even
begin to account for global warming issues.

To get off fossil fuels, most are pointing to renewable energy
sources. These platforms run the gamut from wind turbines to
tidal farms in the ocean to solar energy and beyond. Of these,
solar is probably the best known, but most problematic. At
least, that was the case till 2006.

Solar power is a wonderful thing. It is clean in all senses of
the word. The power source, the sun, is free and should be
around for a few billion years. In fact, the sun bathes the
Earth with enough energy in one day to meet our world wide power
needs for a year. That being said, solar has always been
handicapped by one thing. We cannot harness the power of the
sun.

Solar panel systems work by using sunlight to stimulate a
chemical process in silicone cells. While a novel concept in the
1950s, the system never has been efficient. In the 60s, a solar
cell converted about four percent of energy in sunlight to
usable power. Today, most systems are about 12 percent efficient
at best. This lack of efficiency has led to a serious problem.
You need a large number of cells covering a large area to gather
enough energy to power a home, town or city. Economically, the
process just is not feasible when compared to most other energy
platforms. As you might imagine, most solar energy research is
devoted to figuring out ways to convert the sunlight more
efficiently.

In 2006, a stunning breakthrough was made in solar cell
efficiency. In joint research with the Department of Defense,
Spectrolab, Inc., produce a solar cell that converts more than
40 percent of the sunlight into energy. If you don't think we
have an energy problem, consider the fact that Spectrolab is a
subsidiary of Boeing. Boeing and the Department of Defense
working on solar energy? Yes, we have a looming energy problem.

Regardless, the new solar cell approaches the conversion process
from a new angle. The idea is to build a multilayer cell. Each
layer of the cell is designed to catch the energy in one
spectrum of the sunlight and let the others pass through. While
it may sound simple, the process is very complex. Regardless,
the defense industry...err Spectrolab...pulled it off.

With a 40.7 percent efficiency, we are talking about a three
fold increase for these cells. This equates to a much smaller
number of cells and corresponding space being needed for solar
energy platforms. This, of course, lowers the cost of systems.
Is it enough to make solar competitive without government
subsidies? No one is sure yet, but it might be. More
importantly, Spectrolab believes the efficiency can be improved
more as further research is done on the cell.

With such a major breakthrough, it is to bad nobody noticed!

About the author:
Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com - a directory of solar energy companies.

Solar Energy

2007-01-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Solar Power

By Zack Lim

Solar power is the process of using the light from sun and turning it into an energy source. It has become a reliable alternative to regular power sources in remote areas. It has even been used in outer space. Solar power is used in homes, lighting, architectural projects, and cooking. It has become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Solar panels are designed to collect the power from the sun.

Once solar energy is collected by the solar panels it has to be converted into energy. This can be done by a process called solar thermal application. It involves using the energy from the sun to directly heat air or liquids. The process of photoelectric application involves the use of photovoltaic cells to change the energy into electricity.

Solar power poses no harm to the environment. However, other threats to the environment may affect the ability to use solar power in the future. Global dimming is the result of pollution. It allows less sunlight to reach the surface of the Earth. A recent concern is global dimming, an effect of pollution that is allowing less sunlight to reach the Earth's surface. Global dimming is caused by pollution particles and global warming.

The Solar Electric Power Association is an organization of electric utility companies and the solar industry. They joined together to find solutions to meet our energy needs. SEPA is a network of more than one hundred companies. Fifty are utility companies, twenty five are solar companies, and the rest are various types of businesses. They share experiences, knowledge, and information about solar programs, They also discuss policies and technology relating to their field.

Is solar energy right for you? There are advantages to using this as a safe alternative to fossil fuel. Solar energy is free. It can be used in areas where electricity can’t be set up easily. The sun is not a resource that is going to be depleted. Disadvantages are that it doesn’t work at night. The cost of creating solar power stations to store such energy is very expensive. In some area of the world, solar energy just isn’t an option because the climate does not receive enough sun light.

Zack is the owner of http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/ providing quality free information on solar power. For more free report and article, click http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Lim

Where to Find Portable Solar Power

2006-12-07T10:27:00.001-08:00

Where to Find Portable Solar Power

For Portable Solar Power for a Laptop, click here

For solar power to charge batteries, click here

For Portable Solar Power to Charge or Run Cameras, MP3 players, Cell Phones, PDA's, GPS's, CD Players, and Other Small Devices click here

For Portable Solar Power Built Into Bags or Backpacks, click here

For portable solar power as part of an emergency kit, click here

For Other Solar Powered Camping Equipment click here

For Solar Powered Radios, Lights, or Other Miscellaneous Solar Equipment, click here

For a Summary of Links to Suppliers of Portable Solar Power Devices, click here

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Remember to check http://www.findportablesolarpower.com for future updates and additional data.

Why Portable Solar Power?

2006-12-07T10:26:00.003-08:00

I can still remember the analogue days of travel, when I backpacked through Europe and Asia with no more electronics than a couple of Double-A batteries (at best). I only needed them if I wanted to use the flash on my camera. That was less than fifteen years ago.

Now I don't even go to the zoo without my laptop and my digital camera. When the battery runs out, it's time for coffee. And then I make sure I sit near a power outlet in the nearest café.

But what do you do when there are no power outlets? If you are kayaking in the middle of the Atlantic, climbing Mount Everest, or just on a local camping trip in the wilderness, what do you do when the batteries run out?

Some say "just bring extra batteries." That might work.

But what if you have several different electronic items, and you don't want to buy spare batteries for each of them? What if you'll be away from civilization for an extended period of time, and the spare batteries just won't last?

A solution for this can be portable solar power. Devices exist which will charge your electronic equipment, using the power of the sun.

Not all portable solar power devices are the same. Some provide enough power to charge a laptop, some can be used for smaller devices such as cameras, and some can only be used for devices that use very little electricity - like MP3 players.

The amount of power that a solar device provides depends mostly on the size and type of the device. Bigger solar panels generally provide more power.

Other factors also influence the amount of electricity produced by a solar power device. These factors include the strength of the sun, the length of exposure to the sun, the obstruction to sun (mist, cloud cover, dust, etc.), and the location of the equipment on the Earth.

As different solar power devices provide different amounts of power, they are compatible with different types of equipment.

Portable Solar Power devices also exist in a variety of forms. Some are light and flexible, while others are contained in durable units that look like a small suitcase or box radio. There are waterproof devices, as well as solar panels built into bags and backpacks.

When you are away for a few days, extra batteries may suffice to keep your camera or phone going. But if you will be away from civilization for weeks? Or even months? Ironically, escaping from the modern world may also involve modern solutions. Far and alone on the Patagonian plains, with nothing but the wind and the horses to keep you company, you may feel like you're living six centuries into the past. But that doesn't mean you will never want to access your email or take a photograph.

So don't cancel that 45-day mountain trek. And don't leave your digital camera behind.

We don't all have to be tethered to the power lines.

Articles on Solar Energy

2006-12-07T10:22:00.001-08:00

Portable Solar Power
By Zack Lim

Battery chargers with solar power are very popular. They simply plug into your cigarette lighter and charge your car in minutes. On a larger scale you can purchase portable generators that will allow you to use energy produced by sunlight when sunlight is not available. These power sources are used by corporations, small businesses, and individuals. They are used to supply power to entire networks or simply to operate your DVD player. The type and size of generator you want to purchase will depend on your individual needs. Within the next three years, it is believed solar panels will be made that can supply power to cell phones as well. However, the cost of such phones is anticipated to be high because it is expensive to design that type of solar panel.

The internet offers information to compare portable solar power products and their uses. This information will be very useful in deciding what products will give you the best deal for your money. If you still have questions, a great resource is the Advanced Energy Group. It is a respected supplier of solar power and portable power systems throughout the United States. They offer quality products and consulting information about solar power options. They also have an excellent rating for their technical support to customers.

While some remain skeptical about the use of solar power, it really does make sense. The portable solar power devices available at reasonable costs make it even more efficient, safe, and worth while to do for the environment. As the solar power industry continues to grow, expect to see new and better portable devices available on the market.

Zack is the owner of http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/ providing quality free information on solar power. For more free report and article, click http://www.solar-power-infor.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Lim

Save the Planet, One Home at a Time

Let's not argue. I don't know what you believe about global warming, and I don't intend to try to change your mind, whatever you believe. However, I have viewed information from many sources and I am of the opinion that it is real and the world is in danger. Our environment, our coastlines, our way of life, and the lives of millions, including our grandchildren, are in danger.

That's my opinion on the subject of global warming. You will have to form your own opinions. If you want to know more on the subject but don't know where to start, I recommend Al Gore's movie, "An Inconvenient Truth". I rented a copy from Blockbuster and watched it, but it is also available for purchase at http://www.climatecrisis.net

What I DO know personally is that the resources of the earth are finite and some are beginning to get close to running out, particularly those petroleum resources that heat and cool our homes, cook our food, heat the water in our bath, and help propel our assorted array of motor vehicles and transportation devices. I also know that those parts of the earth that I have loved for over half a century and wanted to pass on to my kids and grandkids are rapidly becoming an embarrassment for those of us who have not done anything to stop what is happening to them. You know, fields, the air, water, birds, animals...silly stuff like that.

Reversing this is going to be a huge job, and we normally assign huge jobs like this to "the government", whoever they are. Wait a minute, isn't the government our servant? Oh? I thought not. Anyway, "the government" is an ungainly beast which normally moves very slowly and is often ineffective and tends to break things when it tries to move quickly. It also tends to follow the biggest carrot.

However, much of the reversal needed could be accomplished by people like you and me, if we can convince enough people to act more in favor of the future of the planet and less in favor of personal gain and self-aggrandizement.

Here are some ways I have found that a person or family, and even some businesses and governmental units, can begin changing the possibility of a bleak environmental future into a brighter one. By the way, I know that these are easily done because in the last six months, my wife and I have done most of them. If we can do it, anybody can.

1. Get a more fuel efficient vehicle. Now, don't go out and buy a new car just because I said that, but when it IS time to get a new car, why not make fuel efficiency a factor. Your wallet will thank you when you fill up at the gas pump. You know, the other day, my wife and I were sitting at a stoplight near our home, and four huge SUV's went through the green light...each with only one person. Look around the next time you're stuck in traffic. Do you think all those SUV's and pickups with one person belong to huge families that regularly transport such large items that they HAD to have an SUV or pickup?

2. Get a hybrid car. My wife and I purchased a hybrid, a Toyota Prius. We get more than double the gas mileage of our previous car and still get a nice, comfortable ride. There's plenty of room inside, and we got a tax incentive. Many states and cities, by the way, offer additional perks for hybrid owners. Some give parking breaks, some give HOV lane access even with one person in the car, and some give other benefits. You'll probably get a higher trade-in when you go to get your next car.

3. Change your light bulbs. In case you haven't seen them in the store, there is a new type of light bulb, the compact fluorescent. Just as an example, the replacement compact fluorescent for a typical 60 watt incandescent bulb uses only 13 watts and will save approximately $37 over the life of the bulb. While these bulbs are more expensive up front than standard bulbs, they last five or six times as long as the standard bulb. Although your cash savings are not that great per bulb, as you can see, using them in place of a standard bulb can cut the electricity used for lighting by about 75%. Just imagine if you gradually replaced all the bulbs in your house, and so did your neighbor. One small benefit I noticed immediately. I live in Texas where it is HOT all Summer long. These lower wattage bulbs generate less heat, and my air conditioner (energy efficient) actually was better able to cool the house once I started using them!

4. Get energy efficient appliances. The next time you need to replace a refrigerator, air conditioner, hot water heater, washer, dryer or other appliance, shop with energy efficiency in mind. Appliances now have labels that will give you an idea of how efficient each appliance is so you can compare. Don't get one bigger than you need. Again, your personal savings for electricity may be small, but the benefit to the environment is great.

5. Use green power. Almost every power company can provide a green option. This is power generated by various means such as wind or solar power. Give them a call or check their web site and find out more about what they have to offer. Green power is usually slightly more expensive but again, the benefit to the environment is what you are trying to accomplish. My electric company estimates that my using their green power program saves, in a year, the rough equivalent of a the pollution caused by a car driving 3,900 miles.

6. Vote with your wallet. Let's face it. The big companies that have a vested interest in preserving the status quo will take notice if our buying habits begin to change. They know what's being bought, and they tend to be more responsive to the will of the people than "the government". Get real, folks, they are still churning out behemoths for the highway because that is what a large chunk of the population is asking for. If more people start asking for hybrid cars, compact fluorescent light bulbs, energy efficient appliances, and green power, SOMEBODY will gear up to provide it. The existence of a market also encourages research and development and competition to provide the next best model. Want a kick? Go to Google.com and do a search on something simple like "emergency power". You might be amazed at all the interesting new items becoming available that can provide emergency backup power, and the cute little tricks that are now being done with portable solar power units.

This is not everything that can be done. There are many other steps each of us can take. The first thing that pops into people's minds is recycling. That's good, but here's another. What's wrong with second hand...excuse me...pre-owned? There are millions of lonely, practically new items sitting on shelves waiting for you to take them home. What do you and I do instead? We go buy everything new, which means more resources have to be used to produce and transport these goods...and we won't talk about the packaging that is clogging the landfill (or my garage). Who cares if your great-looking tackle box, hammer, or blender is new or used? Not only will you be helping keep stuff like this from going to the landfill possibly, but you will probably save a bunch of money as well! You can use the money you save to put a few gallons of gas in your new hybrid car.

Hey! Can you imagine the impact if businesses started using efficient light bulbs and recycling stuff? I know a few do already, but we need more to do it. If you run a business or know someone who does, why not send them a copy of this article?

Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer. A University Of West Florida alumnus (1973) with a BA in accounting, he is a member of Mensa and has held several managerial positions. After retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, he became interested in internet marketing and developed various online businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters. He has a blog on the subject of hybrid cars and alternative fuels at http://hybridcarsalternativefuelsandmore.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin

Alternative Heating - Room For A Better Future

Author: Sam Streubel

Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the House, was fond of saying; "All politics is local". The same can be said of alternative heating. WHERE you live is the most important factor in determining which alternative heating or cooling option is most cost effective for your home. Even if you owned a million dollar townhouse in Boston's Back Bay, there just isn't enough room on a 25' x 100' lot for a townhouse, small deck, a couple of parking spaces AND a closed loop geothermal heating system. However, a roof top solar system for hot water would be doable if you could get the idea past the Historical Preservation groups. If you live in high humidity Alabama, the environmentally friendly swamp cooler will never be a viable substitute for more expensive air conditioning. Only when you narrow down the choices for alternative heating based on where you live, can you begin to focus your time and energy on the most relevant, cost effective heating solution.

Urban Alternative Heating

Geothermal, outdoor furnaces and most wind power are not suitable for urban or small-lot suburban homes. Except for very small wind turbines (i.e., with rotors one meter or less in diameter) on very small towers, a property size of one acre or more is desirable. Wood burning stoves have been used in urban areas for as long as I can remember. I bought my first air tight stove in 1976. Corn and wood pellet stoves are quickly gaining acceptance as new installations or replacements for existing wood stoves. One Connecticut pellet stove dealer I spoke with said he sold so many wood pellet and corn stoves last winter he was forced to temporarily close one of his two stores for lack of product. An adaptation of the wood or pellet stove is the fully vented fireplace insert. They are comparably priced to freestanding stoves and offer a simple way to turn an otherwise inefficient fireplace into a source of heat for multiple rooms. Unvented gas log fireplaces or propane space heaters are less expensive to purchase and install but are controversial with respect to health risks and are prohibited in some localities. Make sure the unit you purchase has an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). This safety device turns off the heater when the oxygen in the room drops below 18%. (Normal is around 21%) Decorative gel fireplaces are nice to look at, but aren't considered legitimate heating devices. Electric and hydronic (hot water) radiant heat are extremely versatile and can be installed anywhere. The hydronic application of radiant heat can be fueled by anything from corn to gas and can be adapted to heat driveways, hot tubs and of course, your home. Solar for hot water is on the rise in urban areas. A neighbor of mine in the Port Norfolk section of Boston recently installed a solar array on the roof of his two family home. His contractor did a first rate job and it doesn't detract from the visual appeal of his house at all. He also says his hot water bill now costs him "chump change". Let's not forget the lowly space heater. For many homeowners who spend most of their time in only one room of an eight room house, an inexpensive space heater is often the first choice to supplement their conventional heating system.

Suburban Alternative Heating

Suburban lot sizes can run anywhere from ¼ of an acre to three acres. But even a quarter acre lot opens up the possibility of a vertical closed loop geothermal system. A three acre lot will afford you the space to install a slightly less expensive horizontal closed loop geothermal system, a wind turbine or even an outdoor wood, pellet or corn furnace. At approximately $5000, the outdoor furnace is your least expensive option. A quality 1,800 watt wind turbine and tower can be purchased for $7,000. If geothermal is your system of choice, a new, 3,000 sq. ft. home can be heated and cooled for around $20,000. If you partner with a program such as Energy Crafted Home in Connecticut, it's possible to receive a rebate of $713 per ton of geothermal heating/cooling capacity. For the 3,000 sq. ft. home just mentioned, it would mean a rebate totaling $2,971. Although wind, geothermal and outdoor furnace systems are more expensive than the typical $2000 wood pellet stove, they are very efficient and pay for themselves in only a few years. The increasingly popular manufactured home is a growing segment of the suburban real estate market, and fire safety codes are very specific as to what you can use to heat your home. Check with your local building department to find out exactly which alternative heating appliances are permitted before you start shopping for the best deal.

Rural Alternative Heating

Just as the sky and landscape open up in rural America, so do opportunities for alternative heating. With so much room to work with you could design a CHP (Combined Heat and Power Unit). An obvious choice for homeowners in the Corn Belt would be an outdoor corn furnace for heat and hot water. Couple this with a low maintenance wind turbine for electricity and it's possible to achieve a 70%+ reduction in energy costs when compared to fuel oil. If your property includes a shallow pond or lake, a closed loop geothermal system will heat and cool your home for the cost of electricity to operate a heat pump. The choices for alternative heating are plentiful no matter where you live. It's just a matter of knowing where you fit in.

About the author:

Alternative-Heatin g-Info.com offers a unique look into geothermal heating and cooling, radiant heating, solar heating systems and pellet burning stoves.

Portable Solar Power | Solar Chargers

Clean Energy - It's Portable Solar Power Now!

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Choosing a Solar Laptop Charger

Using Solar Laptop Chargers in Conjunction with RVs or Vehicles

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New Blog: Hypermiling

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Watch Solar Power Burning a Brick

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Solar Heating, Solar Thermal, and Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Power

Power Your Laptop with Solar Energy

Solio Solar battery charger

Go Solar

New Article: Go Solar

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Solar Chargers | RVs, Boats, and Camping

The Brunton Solar Charger

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Portable Solar Power Covers Your Energy Needs

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Portable Solar Power

By Zack Lim

Tea Robot

Tea Robot?

Portable Solar Energy Power During an Emergency

During an Emergency Portable Solar Energy Power Station Comes inHandy

Wilhelm Williams

Links to Suppliers of Portable Solar Power Systems

Portable Solar Power

Suppliers of Portable Solar Power Systems and Devices

Portable Solar Power Glossary

Portable Solar Power

Glossary

Where Can I Find Solar Powered Radios, Lights, and Other Miscellaneous Solar Powered Equipment?

Portable Solar Power

Where Can I Find Solar Powered Radios, Lights, and Other Miscellaneous Solar Powered Equipment?

Where Can I Find Portable Solar Power to Run or Charge Cameras or Other Small Devices?

Portable Solar Power

For Portable Solar Power to Charge or Run Cameras, MP3 players, Cell Phones, PDA's, GPS's, CD Players, and Other Small Devices:

Where can I Find Portable Solar Power to Charge a Laptop?

Portable Solar Power

The Solar Energy Breakthrough Everyone Missed

Portable Solar Power Blog

The Solar Energy Breakthrough Everyone Missed

Solar Energy

Solar Power

By Zack Lim

Where to Find Portable Solar Power

Why Portable Solar Power?

Articles on Solar Energy

During an Emergency Portable Solar Energy Power Station Comes in
Handy