Many scientists are now researching ways to harness the sun’s energy, primarily because with solar power, the possibilities are endless. But what are some of the pros and cons of solar power?
Although technology today cannot fully utilize this yet, using solar energy today will help you save on your electric bills and help save our planet. But what exactly is solar power?
Solar energy is the radiant energy that we get from the sun. This energy is now used to create electricity through solar power technology. Today’s technology makes use of various forms of solar panels comprised of photovoltaic cells, which collects the sun’s energy.
Now the question is, should you use solar energy? In order to answer this, you need to be familiar with some of the pros and cons of solar power. Knowing this will help you choose whether to use home solar energy or not.
Pros:
- Solar panels do not create pollution as compared to fossil fuel. The only pollution it might produce is in the production of the panel, transportation and installation.
- Solar energy produces electricity silently compared to renewable fuels and fossil fuel. No noisy generators
- It can bring electricity to areas that are not part of the national grid. A good example of this is in outer space, where the use of high efficiency solar cells powers the satellites.
- Installing solar panels in isolated regions is much cheaper than laying high voltage wires.
- Solar energy can be very efficient in a large area of the world even on dull or overcast days.
- Solar panels can simply be installed on rooftops so there is no need to find a space to place them.
- Solar panels will help you to save money in the long run. Once installed, you get a free source of electricity for years to come.
- You rely less on the world’s supply of fossil fuels and therefore help prevent global warming.
Cons:
- The Solar panels and their installation costs can get quite expensive. The newest, highly efficient solar panels cost more than $1000 and most homes will probably need more than one.
- Solar energy can only be gathered during daylight. This means that by night, the solar panels will not be able to produce electricity for you. Using batteries can solve this.
- The efficiency of solar panels is affected by the weather. For example, the panels collect less energy on cloudy days.
- Pollution also affects the efficiency of solar panels, and companies and businesses in the city might not be able to benefit from them.
Eventually, solar power, along with wind generators and renewable energy sources, will power the entire planet. Meybe not in our lifetime, but knowing the pros and cons of solar power can help you get a head start that can save you money and resources.
The financial pressure is on to save energy any way we can. Helpful options can range from expensive projects like replacement windows or solar panels to inexpensive choices such as reusing water.
Recycling grey water isn’t just for efficiency experts or gung-ho environmentalists; it’s something that every family can and should do. Grey water is essentially the used, but not overly dirty (non sewage) water that your household consumes.
Think about all the water that goes down the drain when you run the shower or washing machine. That water can be re-used. Keep reading to learn 3 ways you can recycle your grey water and save money on your water bills.
1. Washing Machine to the Garden
Washing machine drain lines are some of the easiest to convert to a gray water system. Washing machines that run on porches, in mud rooms or in the garage are easy to drain through a simple gray water line because you won’t need to go through any major walls.
The proximity of the washing machine to your garden is another factor to consider. Also, because grey water lines flow by gravity, you need to have the used water receptacle lower than the appliance being drained.
With a washing machine, you can easily attach a hose to the drain line and store the water in simple, fifty gallon buckets. When you’re ready to use the water, move it to smaller buckets and then use it to water plants and trees on your property.
When you’re recycling household wash water, you also need to be careful about what kind of detergents you’re using. You don’t want chemicals seeping into your land and plants, especially if it’s an edible garden.
2. Recycling Dishwasher Water
The most basic way to recycle dish water is to wash your dishes in a small basin, carry that water outside once you’re done and dump it on the garden. It’s easy and thrifty.
If you use an electric dishwasher, you can still drain the water. Like clothing washers, dishwashers are drained through a special hosing that keeps the cleaner water separate from any sewage. This water can then be used on your property for watering plants or washing your exterior walls.
3. From the Shower to the Toilet
Believe it or not, you can use your grey shower or bath water to flush your toilet. This simple method can be a fully automated process that involves a special grey water collection installation, or you can simply collect the water and fill your toilet’s tank with it manually.
You can also install grey water collection systems that funnel your shower water to an outside water basin that can then be used for watering your property.
Assembling the items you need to build your solar energy generator is one of the first things you do when starting a project, after you have read the do-it-yourself guide. So you start putting your shopping list together and find out that solar cells can be costly if you buy them new – no worries, with the right information you can find used solar cells. So keep reading and learn where to find those used solar cells that won’t cause pain in your wallet.
For many years now the first place anyone looks when they want to buy something cheap is EBay. Solar cells are also available on EBay and other online auctions. When you find them on auction sites you will usually find them sold in bunches, not singles. I find EBay is usually the cheapest pace for getting the parts for making a homemade power system.
Before you bid on the solar cells, read the details provided. Don’t bid a “new” price on a “used” item; also, if the solar cells are transparent you can expect to pay more. If you are bidding on a lot that says cracked or chipped used solar cells – don’t overpay and don’t despair, you can repair the chips and cracks. Email the auctioneer if you have any doubts about what you are bidding on.
A quick word on cracked or chipped solar cells; you should be able to get a very good deal on a lot of them. You will have to take the time to fix them but in the end the savings are worth it. Just make sure you know what you are paying for, the devil’s in the details as they say.
Now it’s time to visit your local solar energy installer. Ask around and find out who most of your community uses. Particularly if you noticed someone getting new ones installed. Go to the installer and ask him how he disposes of the used solar panels. Ask if you can have them. They will probably give them to you to keep from hauling them off. You can salvage the used solar cells and repair those that need it – you might get lucky and salvage some panels.
The installer might not have any at the moment, that’s okay. Leave him your name and number and ask him to call you when he does. Check back on occasion so they don’t forget you.
While you’re out checking with installers find out where your county road maintenance office is. That is your next stop.
It will be much better is your visit in person, as you’ll get much more achieved this way. Ask what they do with the old road warning signs that are solar powered. Ask if you can have them to recycle the parts – they will more than likely be happy to help.
Lastly, research retailers of solar cells and get some contact information. Explain that you are looking for damage or used solar cells. Offer to buy any that they have had to take back due to cracks or bad packing causing damage. They will probably be happy to give them to you for nothing more than shipping costs.
It might take a little research and looking around to find used solar cells, but it is doable. And what can be more rewarding than making your own solar energy generator with solar cells you paid next to nothing for?
If you are seriously considering building your own solar power system then check out this Earth4Energy review which explains step-by-step (with videos and manuals) how repair damaged solar cells and build your own solar energy system for under $200.
Further resources on Solar Energy Systems can be found here: Solar Power Systems.
