With ever-increasing population, coupled with the continued world appetite for more energy, there is a global demand for energy-efficient homes. In response, architects all over the world are designing more sustainable homes that use better insulation and high-efficiency appliances. These designers are also incorporating in their buildings, the use of new sources of power, such as solar panels and wind turbines, which are the icons of the green building. In such a quest for the best eco-friendly homes, passive houses were born.

Passive houses were started in a small town in Germany outside of Frankfurt. The objective of a passive house is to create a warm and comfortable house without energy demand. The goal is accomplished by recycling heating.

Surprisingly, many people in North America are not familiar with them even though they are gaining a lot of following in European countries. As it incredible as it may sound, they use 90% less energy than a traditional house We are talking about paying only 10% of the energy bill that a traditional home is paying.

Just as North America is lagging behind China and some European and Asian countries in internet broad band use, it has yet to wake up to the tremendous energy savings that these inventive homes are providing. The Passivhaus Standard as it is known is much firmer than the Energy Star that many in North America consider as adequate environmental barometer.

Even as President Barack Obama is already being considered as the environmental President by many for his bold initiatives to transform the U.S. as the undisputed leader in the new and growing green economy, many in Europe are way ahead of the curve on passive homes. While the Obama government is poised to overhauling 75% of federal buildings in an effort to save $2 billion through energy efficiency alone, and the funding of green schools, passive homes are little unknown here.

Best green homes:
Passive houses use only 10% of energy used by conventional homes of comparable size. They use “recycled heat” generated inside the house to heat the home itself. By incorporating ultra-thick insulation and re-engineered doors and windows, the house is sealed so that no heat gets out and no cold air sips in. They are extremely energy efficient houses that don’t need an extensive heating or cooling system like geothermal heating system or heating boiler.

The house is heated by the sun, but also from the heat from the residents and even appliances in conjunction with an air-heat exchange system to provide fresh air and recycle the heat of outgoing air. In the winter, only a back-up heating element of 1kW maximum is recommended. The heating requirements for the U.S. is less or equal to 15kW/sq m. To make sure that a house meets the energy performance standard for passive houses, it is tested with ‘blowerdoor’ and thermal infrared camera.It is important to note that the building principles used in building passive houses can be transferred to new buildings and retrofits.

There are now an estimated 15,000 passive houses worldwide, most of them being built recently and mostly in Europe. What is holding the U.S back from this all important leadership role in the green economy?

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

It is a clean form of energy production, which doesn’t pollute the environment, as some other forms of energy production do.

There are two forms of solar energy. The first is solar thermal conversion, which uses sunlight to create heat and then electrical power. The second is photovoltaic conversion, which uses sheets of special materials to create electricity from the sun. Photo- means “light,” and voltaic means “producing electricity.”

Solar Thermal Conversion

Solar thermal conversion systems use reflectors or mirrors to concentrate sunlight to extremely intense levels of heat. (Solar means “of the sun,” thermal means “of heat” and conversion means “changing something from one form to another.”)

You can understand this better if you consider the example of using a magnifying glass to start a fire. You may have heard of this or even tried it before. You can hold a magnifying glass under the sun, and concentrate the light on a small pile of flammable materials. The magnifying glass will make the sun’s heat much stronger, and will light the materials on fire. It has been said that a magnifying glass one meter in diameter, held under the sun, will create a ray hot enough to melt stone.

If you want to experiment, hold a magnifying glass flat under the sun and put your hand under it. Very soon you will need to move your hand away – don’t burn yourself.

Solar thermal conversion systems use mirrors or reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto containers full of liquid. Sometimes water is used. Sometimes other liquids are used, which retain heat better than water.

The liquids are heated up to high temperatures, and this produces steam. The steam is used to turn a turbine. The turning motion of the turbine is used to create electricity.

How does a rotating motion create electricity? When you set up a coiled wire or similar device to rotate between two magnets, it generates an electric current. This is how electric generators work, as well as windmills, nuclear power plants, and other energy plants which use such things as coal, gas, or petroleum.

Windmills use the wind to create the turning motion. Nuclear power or fossil fuels are used to heat water up, thus creating steam to turn the turbines.

Solar heating is another form of solar thermal conversion. In solar heating, an absorber is used to take in sunlight and convert it to heat. The absorber could be something simple, like black paint, or it could be a special ceramic material. A heat absorber is considered to a be good one when it collects at least 95 percent of the sun’s radiation.

The absorbers are then used to heat a fluid, which is then circulated to warm up buildings or to create hot-water supplies.

Photovoltaic Conversion

As covered above, photo means “light.” It comes from the Greek word phos, which means “light.”

Voltaic means, “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. (His name is also where the word “volt” comes from.)

Photovoltaic means, “creating electrical energy when exposed to light.”

A cell is a device that produces electricity. An example of an electrical cell is a flashlight battery.

Photovoltaic cells produce electricity when they are exposed to light. They usually consist of panels. The panels contain two layers of different materials.

When light hits these two layers, one of the layers becomes positively charged, and the other becomes negatively charged.

This works similarly to a regular flashlight battery, which has a positive end and a negative end. When a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current.

When the two layers of material in a solar cell are exposed to light, they create an electric current.

The AMOUNT of electricity generated by a solar power cell depends on several factors. Mainly:

-How big is the solar power device, and how much surface is exposed to the sun?

-How strong is the sun? (This depends on time of day, weather, latitude, etc.)

-How long is the solar power device exposed?

-How much impediment is there to the light? (Clouds, mist, dust, dirt, etc.)

In other words, a solar power cell generates electricity faster when the sun (or light) is brighter. A device with larger solar panels will produce more electricity than one with smaller panels. Exposing the cell for a longer period of time will create more electricity than exposing it for a shorter period of time. A panel near the equator will be more effective than one in an arctic region. A solar panel in misty or dusty conditions does not create as much electricity as it would in full, unobstructed sun.

Some solar cells produce only enough current to power small electronic devices, but can be “daisy-chained” (connected together) in order to create more electricity for other items.

Solar cells which produce enough electricity to run larger equipment (such as laptops) may be larger, more expensive, or heavier than the others.

But there are many varieties available. Individuals and companies are consistently striving to create lighter and more efficient portable solar cells.

Solar Energy and the Future

An advantage to solar power is that it can reduce expenses. It can also be portable. When one is backpacking in the wilderness or travelling far from power grids, solar power can provide a means of powering electronic equipment. Another advantage is, of course, the lack of pollution created by solar energy production. In fact, if all of our electrical energy were produced by such means, we might not be worrying about global warming and the other destructive effects of pollution on our environment.

These threats to our environment also pose a threat to mankind. Solar power could be developed to a point where it, along with other forms of renewable energy, would replace harmful means of electricity production.

It isn’t necessarily impossible to have a clean and safe Earth. We just have to work on it.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Consumers cannot expect any help from drilling for oil on US soil. US oil companies have been raising prices in lockstep with OPEC.

Two onerous facts are still annoying the energy industry. OPEC must make sure that world economies do not collapse under the burden of excessive oil prices. The goose that lays the golden eggs must be kept alive. OPEC will carefully manage supplies and petroleum prices to maintain optimum cash flows coming, but will avoid studiously the collapse of world economies. Then there is another, more serious threat, which is more difficult to control by OPEC. It comes from the battered fuel users.

People are slowly awakening to the fact that the world is overheating and that the accelerating combustion of fossil fuel is the culprit. Combustion of fossil fuels in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide. Only a small amount of this carbon dioxide is absorbed in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Most of it is accumulating in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is a very stable chemical compound and stays for very long times in the atmosphere. It is also optically active. This means that it absorbs and emits thermal radiation. Heat transfer processes between Sun and Earth and Earth and Outer Space are being altered. As a result, the Earth is heating up.

Governments across the world must get together and make plans to stop fossil fuel burning as soon as possible. After all, ice melting is already leading to an unstoppable rise in sea levels and climate changes are being reported increasingly from all quarters of our world.

What can enlightened governments do to prevent unavoidable damages by coming climate events, which are caused by the overheating of our planet?

Modern energy supplies are exclusively based on three energy forms; electric power, heating gases, and liquid fuels. The technology for converting fossil fuel fired power plants and making them emission-free is widely available. Sufficient nuclear fuel can be mined or reclaimed and will last at least for another century. Windmills and submerged turbines can generate electricity from wind power and marine power. Substantial amounts of electricity can be produced by photovoltaic and thermal conversion of sunlight.

The future outlook for replacing coal and natural gas energy with renewable energies for electric power generation is bright. Costs of future electric energy supplies can likely be kept from escalating due to the low cost of nuclear fuels and the complete lack of energy costs for sunshine, wind, and moving water.

The outlook for suitable replacements of liquid fuel energy, on the other hand, is quite dismal. At present, there is one, and only one, potential replacement technology for liquid fuels on the horizon; the conversion of biomass into petroleum substitutes. Nature has converted biomass into petroleum before. We must now learn to imitate this process. We know how to apply heat, high pressures, catalysts, and chemicals. However, we do not know yet, how nature succeeded in converting carbohydrates in the form of biomass into clean and highly concentrated hydrocarbons.

The past history of converting biomass into viable motor fuels shows many failures. We have just witnessed another misstep. The US administration elected to subsidize the large-scale production of ethanol from corn. The energy yield from converting corn into ethanol is exceptionally low. Driven by a substantial subsidy of $0.51 per gallon of ethanol and by skyrocketing gasoline prices, demand for ethanol was artificially driven up and made ethanol competitive with gasoline at fueling stations.

Increased ethanol demand drove up the price of corn. Increased corn prices drove up the prices of many foods. Escalating food prices led to protests and riots worldwide. The apparent lesson is that the world cannot tolerate the direct competition between food and biofuel substitutes based on market prices. Instead, we must keep the growing of food crops completely separated from the farming of biomass for the production of liquid fuels.

Most importantly, the US must establish a new, autonomous agency that will develop processes for producing petroleum substitutes from biomass in less than a decade. Only by producing a high quality petroleum substitute can the world expect to stop global overheating and to contain skyrocketing oil prices. The production of an affordable petroleum substitute at $50 per barrel will preserve our fleets of automobiles, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. It will also preserve oil refineries. Inexhaustible liquid refinery feedstocks from biomass will give the oil industry an opportunity to replace high priced fossil petroleum reserves and to halt global overheating.

There is an excellent chance that the US can take the lead in developing this novel technology and reap unique benefits. But we must be vigilant about one fact; OPEC and energy industry interests across the world will fight such endeavor with all their unrivaled might.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The fact that we have so many different types of renewable energy sources to choose from means we can use them to our benefit. In some locations it doesn’t make sense to rely upon certain types of them. Yet in other places it certainly doesn’t make sense not to incorporate such a fascinating opportunity. The type of renewable resource that most people are aware of is solar energy.

This means you are able to collect energy as the sun shines in the sky. You aren’t depleting it of anything but you are using what it has to offer. There are collectors that have to be placed on the top of a structure. These cells collect energy from the sun that can be used to create electricity. The amount you can collect daily will vary due to the amount of sunlight changing due to the weather.

You will be able to immediately kick back over to the grid for electricity should your need for it exceeds what you have collected. If you create more than what you use though it can be stored and then used on other days when you don’t create as much as you need to. This entire process is automatic so once you have those panels in place you don’t have to do much else to benefit from it day after day.

Renewable energy resources also include the wind. Some days it blows a soft breeze. Other days it can be extremely harsh though. Windmills and turbines can be placed out in the open to be able to collect this type of energy. Some of them are very small to place in your own yard. Others are huge and are found on the open plains strategically placed.

The most expensive type of renewable energy sources out there to create is known as hydropower. Hopefully we can find a way to benefit from it for a lower cost. Since so much of the surface of the Earth is covered with water it would be wonderful to be able to take advantage of creating energy from it. Since it is so expensive though it only contributes to about 7% of the total energy created in the United States.

One of the renewable energy sources that is really moving forward is known as biomass. This allows for common waste materials including wood, trash, crops, and even gases from landfills to be used to create energy. This is also going to reduce the amount of materials lying around in our landfills. Maybe one day the use of geothermal energy will be more plausible. Right now though it is complex, complicated, and expensive. The procedure for accessing it involves going into the core of the Earth more than 4,000 miles beneath the surface.

Being able to use renewable energy sources out there is vital to the future of our world. We can’t continue to use up the resources we have now and not understand how that will affect us in the future. Changes need to start now so that we can continue to have what we need without destroying the Earth. The fact that renewable energy sources can be expensive to implement on a large scale though often hinders such success.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Today, the U.S. produces around 8% of its domestic reserve and given expected demand, its estimated that it will run out of domestic reserves within about 12 years. The scenario for natural gas isn’t much better as we produce about 4% annually of our total reserves. It is expected that we will consume our domestic supply in about 25 years.

The following alternative energy sources are not meant to replace fossil fuels. We will most like always use fossil fuels, we just need to realize that the answer lies in using a combination of the two. First, it is imperative that we maximize the effective use of fossil fuels and second we must develop alternative energy technologies that can effectively satisfy our excess demand.

Solar Power

Solar power uses the sun’s rays to produce power in the form of electricity and heat. The most popular and accepted method of utilizing the sun’s energy is the conversion of radiation. This includes the use of solar panels as well as the use of solar heated liquid methods. Currently, there are various working solar projects that can provide enough electricity to power and heat entire communities in a matter that is self-sufficient.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is an alternative energy that encompasses both the fusion and the splitting of atoms. Although not always considered an alternative form of energy, I am including it here as it is an available option that is not fossil based and that can help satisfy our demand for energy. One of the most successful examples of harnessing nuclear energy and providing power to consumers at a competitive price is Duke Power, based in North Carolina.

Wind and Water Power

Energy is created by using windmills that are set in motion from wind breezes. The resulting wind based power is then used to power entire communities.

Hydropower is created by turbines that spin from water that flows through man made dams. The power created from these sources can be done at both a large scale, such as the Hoover Dam, which captures water from large rivers or on a small scale where the same methodology can be applied to a stream that runs through your yard.

Geothermal Power

You can distribute heat to a building or use it to create electricity by capturing heat from the earth. This technology, called geothermal power is readily available but is at the same time very difficult to generate cheaply and efficiently.

Biomass

Biomass as an alternative energy technology refers to using resources such as saw grass, mulch, crops etc. and processing them in to solid or liquid fuels that can then be used to provide heat to buildings. Sometimes these resources are burned directly to process heat.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen fuel cells offer an excellent resource for the supply of alternative energy. Although the technology is essentially at its infancy, there are existing methods that can convert hydrogen found everywhere into electricity. The added benefit of this methodology is that the only emission from using it is water.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The U.S. government has recognized alternative fuel as the fuel for the future and has included a number of tax incentives in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the energy law signed in the summer of 2005, to spur growth in the alternative fuel sector. If you haven’t already, you should give alternative stocks a try as it will make you feel morally stronger. It’s been nearly three decades since efforts to promote alternative fuel floundered after the 1973 oil crisis, but it’s making a comeback. Still, alternative fuel remains a small industry, with small cap companies dominating. Since 2005, 15 of the 36 companies in the WilderHill Clean Energy index have made huge profits. That includes hydroelectric power and wind energy, solar energy, and fuel cells.

Some of the most successful companies in the renewable fuel sector are huge conglomerates, like General Electric and Germany’s Siemens, and also big oil companies, like BP, that are hedging their bets. Investing in these companies offers a chance to own a clean energy stock. Here’s some information about GE worth knowing: It made close to $2 billion in sales from production of wind-powered turbines in 2005, treble what it made from that business unit in 2002. However, that’s only 1 percent of GE’s revenues.

There’s a lot of hope that alternative fuel technologies developed by some of the smaller companies will become commercially viable and help support the sector. As a result, stocks for these companies are expected to soar. WilderHill Clean Energy Index gained 26 percent in the past 12 months alone, compared with 50 percent for oil. That’s not bad, considering this is not an established sector in the United States.

Moreover, since continued oil supply is uncertain, a lot more consumers are going to turn to coal, which is abundantly available in the United States, China, and India. Coal used to be frowned upon because of its dirt, but technology has improved enough to make it just as clean as other fuels. Shrewd investors could buy shares in U.S. coal producers, including the two biggest, Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Coal Inc., both based in St. Louis, Missouri. Coal companies have profited from the current oil boom.

Investing in coal doesn’t mean that Big Oil isn’t safe anymore. It only means that you are on much firmer ground when you have a diversified portfolio. If you look at both types of stocks, the difference isn’t large. Exxon Mobil, for instance, returned 36 percent to its shareholders in market appreciation and dividends in 2005 and BP returned 21 percent. Peabody Energy stockholders, meanwhile, did far better in the same time period. They more than doubled their money, and Peabody shares have risen more than three and a half times since the company’s initial public offering in 2001. Arch Coal stock returned 65 percent in 2005 as well.

Coal producers have benefited from increased demand from power plants and steelmakers in the United States, China, and India. Massey Energy Co. of Richmond, Virginia, for instance, said its average selling price for coal used in steel-making jumped 38 percent in 2005. Consol Energy, Inc. of Pittsburgh, the third largest U.S. producer, plans a $500 million mine expansion to keep up with orders.

Soaring prices for natural gas have given coal demand another lift. Many electric power plants have switched from gas to coal, which costs about half as much. In the spring of 2006, Duke Energy Corp. closed on a deal purchasing Cinergy Corp. for about $9 billion, in large part because of Cinergy’s coal-fired plants.

Back to oil, we’ve also seen that the market has been good to minnows as well. In fact, some smaller oil companies also have outperformed the giants. For instance, Apache Corp. of Houston produced a 12-month total return of 51 percent for its stockholders, helped by increased first-quarter selling prices of 51 percent for crude oil and 11 percent for natural gas. Apache recently bought property from Shell, BP, and Exxon Mobil and its profit rose tremendously in 2005. Oil transport companies have not been left behind. Overseas Shipholding Group of New York made an acquisition in 2005 that made it the world’s second-largest oil tanker company. The bigger fleet, combined with higher tanker rates, boosted the company’s 2005 earnings by about 40 percent. The world’s biggest owner of oil tankers, Teekay Shipping Corp. of Vancouver, Canada, capitalized on high energy prices in yet another way. In the fall of 2005, Teekay raised $132 million through the public sale of a 20 percent interest in Teekay LNG Partners LP, whose ships carry liquefied natural gas and crude oil.

Is it too late to buy energy stocks, large or small? BlackRock, Inc., which manages $391 billion, doesn’t seem to think so. It reported to the SEC in late summer of 2005 that after $870 million in purchases, it owned stakes in Peabody, Arch, Consol, and Massey ranging from 3.3 to 8.8 percent. The money manager also has a 4.7 percent stake in Newfield Exploration Co., an oil-and-gas company that returned 49 percent to its shareholders in 2005.

The bottom line is this: The world needs a lot of energy, but supply is getting tighter; an “überspike” in oil prices is in the making and the potential rewards for the savvy energy investor are huge.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Renewable energy sources basically are those resources which keep creating energy without exhausting themselves. The three main sources of renewable energy at the current time are solar or sun energy, hydro energy and wind power although atomic energy has proven to have much potential.

Solar energy or power from the sun is the most abundant energy source available on earth and is clean, nonpolluting and free. The amount of solar energy that hits the earth every hour provides enough power to supply the entire globes needs for an entire year. Solar power is currently extremely underutilized but it could and should be our main salvation in the long run. We will never run out of solar power.

Hydroelectric energy is a very affective and clean renewable energy. Under the proper conditions running water and power turbines create electrical power. Dams are the most common and visible ways of creating this hydroelectric power. As a matter of fact; it’s been estimated that 90 percent of all renewable resource power is now being produced is hydropower. Unfortunately, this is currently only a drop in the bucket, no pun intended. The major problem with hydroelectric power is location. Creating dams requires certain geophysical features such as deep ravines and canyons or large amounts of land which can be flooded.

The advantage of hydroelectric power is the massive amounts of electricity that can be generated in this manner. The disadvantages are the displacement of arable land and the animal and human population that lives upon that land and depends on it for their substance.

The third major source of clean non-polluting renewable energy is wind power. We have been harnessing the wind for thousands of years as a power source, but only recently have researchers looked into the possibilities of using wind to alleviate our energy crisis by generating large amounts of electricity.

There is some opposition to the use of windmill farms to generate electricity. This opposition comes primarily from people who think the sight of windmills is ugly or object to the noise they make. These are valid points, but unfortunately our options are rapidly running out, and we have to make hard decisions as to how we’re going to solve our energy problem.

The time has come for all of us to demand action. We all have to insist that our political and business leaders get together and agree to make realistic decisions while there is still time.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

This passivity, Immelt explains, is a direct result of a lag between “market signals and time horizons, as well as societal expectation that energy is a God-given right.” It is a fact that the dynamics of the energy market is changing as the cost of energy continues to spiral upward, and the primary sources of hydrocarbons become less secure. The National Academies and other reputable scientific organizations also provide strong evidence on the risk of adverse climate change from global warming caused in part by growing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.

Sensitivity about global warming, energy costs, and concern for the environment is likely to rise after Al Gore and a United Nations science panel received the Nobel Peace Prize this month for their work on the issue. Furthermore, there is growing scientific consensus over the role that manmade greenhouse-gas emissions play in climate change. How much such coveted award to a former US VP influences the removal of political barriers to action remain to be seen.

To address the GHG problem, energy efficiency has emerged as the most prevalent strategy used by FT500 companies (the largest 500 companies globally by market capitalization, as published by the Financial Times) across sectors to reduce their GHG emissions according the latest issue of the Carbon Disclosure Project Report 2007.

This has created opportunities for leading international companies focused on energy efficiency products and services, e.g., Schneider Electric, to provide solutions that help to limit energy consumption and its impact on the environment. An integrated energy management system can save up to 45%, says Ron Zimmer, Executive Director of CABA, a not-for-profit industry association that promotes advanced technologies for the automation of buildings and homes.

Energy Source Options

The choices available to relieve the world’s energy problem disconcert policy makers and executives. Securing new supplies of fossil fuels-is not easy or inexpensive-and present geopolitical issues, while new technologies offering alternative sources of energy come with significant levels of uncertainty. According to John P. Holdren, Professor of Environmental Policy and Director of the Program on Science, Technology, and Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University there are many issues and unanswered questions with energy sources:

Coal, Tar Sands, Oil Shale-Not enough atmosphere? This refers to the capacity of the atmosphere to absorb without intolerable consequences the emissions from mobilizing and burning these immense fossil-fuel resources, above all the carbon dioxide.

* Biofuels-Not enough land? Growing biofuels must compete for land and water with production of food, fiber, and chemical feedstocks, as well as with the essential environmental service functions of lightly exploited and unexploited ecosystems.
* Wind and Hydropower-Not enough acceptable sites? Wind and hydro are most economical in places where the respective resources are highly concentrated and near load centers; not only do costs tend to go up as increasing scale of use drives society to less attractive sites, but many of the best sites are prized for other purposes and may be placed off limits by politics.
* Solar Photovoltaics-Not enough money? Despite decades of remarkable progress in cost reduction, solar photovoltaic arrays remain several times more expensive than fossil-fueled, nuclear, and wind electricity generation for grid-connected applications. How much cheaper photovoltaics can get-and how much costlier their competition might get-remain unclear.
* Nuclear Fission-Too unforgiving? Nuclear fission is unforgiving of error in design and operation of reactors, reprocessing plants, fuel-fabrication facilities, and waste transport and disposal-and unforgiving of malice by those who would attack the facilities for economic and public-health impact or divert the technology and materials for making nuclear weapons.
* Nuclear Fusion-Too difficult? After more than 50 years of effort and the expenditure of perhaps 30 billion current U.S. dollars in fusion R&D worldwide, the best-performing devices aimed at harnessing for power production the process that powers the stars and hydrogen bombs still require more energy to run than they produce.
* Hydrogen-Only an energy carrier, not a source. Chemically unbound hydrogen does not exist in significant quantities on Earth, and extracting it from the forms in which it is most abundantly found-water and hydrocarbons-costs more energy than chemical reactions of the resulting hydrogen can yield.
* Ocean Energy-Too costly and too disruptive? Harnessing tides by damming estuaries is both costly and highly disruptive environmentally. Turbines in tidal straits and devices for harnessing wave energy must be both inexpensive and robust in the hostile marine environment; the needed combination may be unattainable.
* Improving Energy-End-Use Efficiency-Not enough education? Increasing the efficiency with which energy is converted into the goods and services that people want-comfort, mobility, lighting, air-conditioning, the powering of industrial processes, and so on-is equivalent to an energy source, because kilowatt-hours or gallons of fuel saved in one application can be used for another. What Has Changed?

In view that governmental policy has been at a stand still-and alternative sources of energy have inherent challenges, Immelt offered his view on what changed in the last 25 years to assess market opportunities better:

* Demand for energy is on the rise with globalization moving towards full throttle, e.g., China, India, et cetera.
* Standard of living will increase 100 fold in most developing countries in the next 50 years, fueling further demand.
* Environmental thinking is now mainstream and is no longer a left wing agenda.
* Pricing of energy will continue to rise and stay high.
* In 1980, 80% of oil and gas supply was controlled by the big oil companies. Today, 80% of the oil and gas supply is controlled by national companies.
* Supply of hydrocarbons is still plentiful, but much less secure and difficult to obtain.
* Hundreds of energy and environmental bills in the US and Europe are pending legislative approval.
* Investment horizon is different now and companies can make money.

Now is the time for technology and innovation to pay off great dividends.
So, given the changing and dynamic world we live in, what does the investment horizon look like for the energy sector today? Immelt believes that green = green ($), that the economics are compelling, and that it is wise for companies to be ahead of inevitable regulation.

Despite the inherent challenges with energy sources, Immelt is confident that GE’s vast investment in new energy ventures can produce attractive returns for many decades. GE is focused on innovation and driving cost out of technologies to make them marketable. For example, take 30%-50% out of the cost of coal gasification, or take silicon cost out of solar panels. To that end, GE is looking for opportunities to partner with companies big and small for R&D, manufacturing, and distribution opportunities.

Five Growth Strategies

To establish a leadership position in the market, GE will bet broadly on different technologies and fuel sources, rather than focusing on a few options. “For GE, we view energy as a green light special,” says Immelt, and “our strategy is to be big in big markets.” Therefore, GE one of the largest energy infrastructure players hopes to capitalize on new opportunities through a five-point strategic agenda.

1. Leverage technical breadth: Bet broadly in different energy sources. Improvement of hydrocarbon technologies and energy conservation are key opportunities.
2. Build a renewable portfolio: GE invested so far $900 million in wind, solar, biomass, and other technologies in the last 5 years. This investment bought a $7 billion revenue stream in 2007 dollars. The strategy entails low cost, high reliability, and profitable technologies.
3. Invest and achieve commercialization: Having established a broad technical base, Immelt imagines a “footprint that goes everyplace in the world,” so GE can achieve scale and commercialize rapidly. In addition, make two big bets and bring them to the market, e.g., coal gasification/sequestration, next generation nuclear power.
4. Partnerships and acquisitions: Partnering with innovative smaller companies dealing with adjacencies, and doing acquisitions to augment the portfolio.
5. Ecomagination or investing in the environment: Imagining and building innovative solutions that help customers meet environmental challenges and improve their operating performance, while also benefiting the company and the world.

If Immelt were the king in charge of making policy, he would authorize “progressive policies” to help the economy. These include achieving energy security by pursuing a mix of fuels, and creating jobs in this sector to stimulate growth. The government must also back risky commercial ventures (such as new nuclear plants) in case society changes its mind.

Ultimately, says Immelt, “Think big! There is no sin in making money by solving societal problems.” Energy is a pillar of successful and competitive societies, and the time seems to be right for GE and other innovative companies to become part of the energy solution while creating wealth for their shareholders.

Professional experience traverses key business disciplines including entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategic management. From a 15 year stint with a start-up developer of software and equipment for the automation and controls industry, which led to VP of Sales role; to the acquisition of this firm by a Blue Chip company; to managing businesses with P&L accountability for Fortune 100 firms, I have enjoyed a productive career accented by sales/marketing management, team work, P&L administration, and leadership talents. Recent educational achievements include an MBA from the University of Miami School of Business, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and ISO 9001 QMS Certifications.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Well, its been an exciting century for me starting with the launch of the Russian satellite, Sputnik in 1957 and ending with the first space elevator on my 100th birthday in 2057. Its also been a sad and depressing time too with various wars and conflicts but it all worked out for us all in the end.

The really frustrating thing is we could have done much of this years ago and saved our selves so much grief, but we didn’t partly because we didn’t know how but mostly because of greed, self-interest and an astonishing lack of vision.

We have lost many things but gained so much more in return. Gone are many of the huge corporations, out-manoeuvred by many smaller, more nimble companies as predicted by “The Cluetrain Manifesto” and “Dingoes and Lions”.

Entertainment

Like many industries, the music industry had to die before it could be re-born. Lets face it, any organisation that sees its own customers as potential criminals is definitely on the way out. In those days, music and movies were distributed on plastic discs (called CDs or DVDs) and billions were spent on preventing people from doing what they did naturally – sharing.

Various methods were tried to prevent this, DRM (Digital Rights Management) was the most obnoxious partly because it prevented people from making copies (to use in their other players) but mostly because it “locked out” competitors.

The result was that :-

1. Most people ended up with unplayable disks due to incompatible DRM systems or companies going out of business.

2. The “pirates” removed any copy prevention and made the music tracks available on the original Internet.

3. People found it much easier to download from the “pirates” than to buy a “legal” disk and run the risk that it would be unplayable.

4. The music industry got more desperate and aggressive until they were sued out of existence by their top performers, who had grown tired of the negative publicity and had found a much better way to distributed and promote their music – the Internet.

There was a brief flirtation with high capacity disks like “Blue Ray” and “HD DVD” but the public got so tired of paying vast sums on new, incompatible formats that they either stuck with the original DVD (Dual Layer 7.5GB) format or just downloaded everything from the Internet.

These days not only is it legal, its encouraged. You can copy any piece of music, video or literature to anyone or any device. As soon as you have listened or viewed 75% of it, the author gets a one-off micro-payment automatically.

In fact many artists gave much of their work away for free knowing that if it was good enough it would be copied millions of times and they would become household names very quickly. Another advantage of giving your work away was that you could attach contact and gig details to each track so every time you had a concert/gig/etc all your fans were informed automatically.

The movie industry was also on the endangered list but saw what was coming just in time. Even so, its still a fraction of its original size. Gone are the great actors and actresses (replaced with virtual actors), gone are the studios (replaced with virtual studios) and gone are fixed ’story lines’. In those days a “movie” was just a fixed sequence of images played one after the other very fast, you couldn’t alter the story line, change the characters or view each scene from different viewpoints like you can now. The main driver for all of this was the game industry, they had been doing this kind of thing for years.

The way we watched things radically altered when huge, flexible video displays became cheap enough to be used as wallpaper. These were bright enough to replace lights too. Many people used one wall to watch programs and the others to display virtual, swimming fish as a form of relaxation (Bit like the early screen-savers).

Communication

The original Internet was classed as “disruptive technology” because it enabled the human race to communicate across the world in so many different ways much to the annoyance of the media who preferred to keep information artificially scarce and expensive.

Things really got interesting when Internet3 came on-line. This new network was a mix of the older Internet2 and NASA’s revamped deep space network. Not only could you communicate with anyone or thing on planet Earth, you could reach people on the many orbiting space platforms, the Moon bases, the Mars base and any other planet in our solar system.

Energy

For quite a long time, electricity was generated solely by “Power Stations” from either Oil, Gas, Coal, Nuclear Fission (later by Nuclear Fusion), Solar and Wind/Wave turbines. As you can imagine, these were huge, dirty, expensive and inefficient.

The power was distributed along cables strung between huge metal towers called “pylons” to all parts of the country. It was transmitted at a very high voltage but stepped down to around 100 ~ 240 volts AC. Most buildings had some kind of “mains” supply connected to several power outlets (or sockets) that you could connect various appliances to.

The main problem with this system was that power-cuts were frequent and when they happened, entire cities were plunged into darkness. Another problem was that AC power is very hard to store in any useful quantity making unexpected surges expensive to deal with.

These days, all buildings are energy self-sufficient and come complete with solar tiles, mini-wind generators and storage batteries. Most electronic equipment runs directly from the batteries which are in turn charged from the sun, wind, fuel-cells or any other available power source.

Commerce

These days, the basic essentials of life are free like water, certain foods and shelter. This was just a another extension UK’s NHS (National Health Service) where treatment was free at the point of need but paid for by everyone. When this was first introduced many people tried to live for free but soon got bored of drinking water, eating the same boring food and being unable to go anywhere or do anything interesting. Another side effect was another huge layer of bureaucracy was removed.

Another change was tax. In the old days huge numbers of “tax inspectors” were needed to collect a tax from everyone. These days its automatic, you get paid, your credit is updated and the state gets a small percentage.

A major change was the accountability of corporations. The laws of the time assigned the same rights to a corporation as to an individual. The problem was that the character of many corporations could be described as greedy, paranoid and psychopathic. It was the early Internet that made exposing these much easier and faster. After a few high profile “melt downs”, many of the more “psychopathic” corporations where given the same treatment as an individual would have got.

The way companies are run has changed a lot too. In the bad old days, companies would grow and grow until they imploded under their own weight. These days things are more dynamic, some companies form to produce a one-off product and dissolve soon after. Many behave like ‘cells’, when they reach a certain size, they divide into separate entities. This kept them very lean and competitive, and most importantly – fun.

Things are much simpler these days too. Walk into shop. Look in special mirror and see your self in a selection of clothes as if you were wearing them. Real-time 3D digitising and overlays. No need to be measured, the 3D digitiser captured all your measurements and feed them to the machine that would make your clothes.

Law and Order

Crime, though still present, has been much reduced. It all started in 2009 when a woman was burgled but found the burglar by searching through real-time satellite images of her house via an Internet sat-map service. It was simple to find an image of her house at the time the burglar entered and follow him back to his flat half a mile away. She presented the images to the local police force who “nicked” him.

Another form of crime called “shoplifting” also disappeared when tiny tracking devices called “RFID” were built into every sellable item. To purchase all you had to do was pick up the item at a shop and walk out. As soon as you walked through the shop door, your credit card was automatically debited by the cost of the item. Anyone daft enough to do this with an “empty” credit card was tracked by the RFID in the item and dealt with.

Biometrics also played a part as many things (like cars, computers) would not work with any unauthorised person so stealing them was pointless unless you could get round the biometric security system which was expensive.

Micro MRI scanners make police work so easy now. Round up the suspects for questioning and the scanner will soon know who is lying or not based on their brain patterns.

Space

With an ever expanding population complicated by people living longer the only way was up. It started with things like the International Space Station but when space travel got cheaper huge multi-purpose space platforms were constructed. These originally housed engineers and scientists but soon grew when more modules were added like space telescopes, factories, hospitals and even hotels.

These days, space travel is routine. Many people go into space to visit friends living on the space platforms or take tours. I went up a couple of years back to watch a space probe being assembled and launched to study some primitive life on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. I saw two people recover an old communications satellite. No one uses those any more – the space platforms do that job too. I also had a quick look at the telescope control room and spent the night in the hotel. Its a weird experience when you move from the outer ring were most of the people live and work (normal gravity), past the middle ring where the hospice / hospital / research areas, to the hub were most of the equipment is (no gravity).

Some people choose to spend their last days (and cash) in space, the cash helped fund space development along with some medical research. A lot of disabled people also worked in space too, no need for functional legs (or a wheel chair) when you worked in zero G.

The long awaited “Space Elevator” is nearly operational now. It took years to find a material that could be stretched 62,000 miles and withstand continuous lightning strikes. There are hundreds of companies bidding to build the huge platforms that will be anchored at strategic locations along its length. At the end they fixed an asteroid. I heard they were going to put a centrifugal launch platform there too.

Weather

For the very first time, the human race had some useful control over the weather. The space platforms had a continuous read-out of the global weather condition. This data was feed to super computers which in turn controlled huge space mirrors. If the gulf stream started to slow, just reflect some of the Sun’s energy to that point to help the evaporation process. If there was a hurricane brewing near the American coast, the computers would angle the mirrors to gently heat the surrounding areas and disrupt the hurricane creation process. By subtly heating and cooling certain strategic locations, rain could be encouraged in fall in useful places. Huge areas of desert were made habitat able by this method.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

It is ironic that the very choices we have made to achieve our unprecedented prosperity may also bring about our downfall. In 1950, there were only 2.5 billion people and a global economy of $7 trillion. Today, we have 6.6 billion people and a $66 trillion gross world product. Burning fossil fuels in the first half of the 20th century at that time had a relatively small ecological footprint. However, today’s impacts are felt markedly on every continent, coastline and in our commonly shared atmosphere. The old energy model – based on a hierarchy of choices — to this day prevails in many utility boardrooms and national capitals. The priority has been something like this (percentages are of global electricity mix):

Build large hydropower dams (16%), coal-fired (40%) or nuclear (16%) power plants. Defined as centralized plants, their power was fed into regional transmission grids. The voltage was then stepped down into distribution lines which delivered electricity to our cities and industries. As the demand for energy increased because of economic and population growth, the answer has usually been to build more of the same.

With the development of the jet engine for air transport, the power industry found a quicker and cleaner way to generate power. Consequently, natural gas (20%) became the fuel of choice for new power plants that could be sited and on-line within months instead of years. A few oil-rich nations still burn petroleum (7%) to keep the lights on.

Considered last priority were the renewables: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, small hydro and ocean energies (wave, currents, tides, and ocean thermal energy conversion). Called “alternative resources” by utilities, these resources have been marginalized for a variety of reasons. Utilities argued that renewables were intermittent, diffused, remote and insufficient to meet demands of our modern society.

Almost as an afterthought, energy efficiency and conservation were given lip service. Energy efficiency is about using better, smarter technology: i.e. getting more output from a power plant while using less fuel or having washing machines and refrigerators that use half the energy. Conservation of energy requires that people turn off the lights and their computer monitor and was dismissed as a ‘personal virtue but not an energy plan.’

But the world has now changed. Our addiction to fossil fuels for both power and transportation is increasing CO2 levels at unprecedented rates. It seems certain that a ‘market price per ton of carbon’ will soon be enacted and will dramatically alter the cost equation for all fossil fuel producers and consumers. We now realize that the energy system we built over the 20th century may now also cause tremendous disruptions in the 21st century.

A new energy paradigm is required, one that flips the old energy paradigm upside down. We propose that policy-makers, utilities and ratepayers analyze energy choices in the following priority order:

Conservation first: The watt that you don’t need to generate is the cheapest and cleanest energy of all. Conservation is a habit that each of us can embrace. By recycling, turning off the lights and turning down the thermostat, or taking the bus or metro, we can collectively reduce the need for that next power plant. During times of utility crisis, consumers have responded with 10-20% cuts in use. We do know how to conserve — and it requires constant education.

Energy efficiency next: This means doing more with less. Increasing the efficiency of a power plant means more power using less fuel, or more miles per gallon for an automobile. Continuous improvement in technology enables us to get the same amount of work while using less energy, materials and/or time. Entirely new businesses are created by increasing energy efficiency, for example, IGCC turbines, compact fluorescent light bulbs, hybrid cars, energy star appliances and automatic light sensors.

Then we get to new power generation. In this new priority model, the renewable energies get primary focus. In the past few years, renewables have become mainstream — providing cost-competitive, secure and reliable power into utility grids. Today, five nations meet almost all their electrical needs from renewables: Brazil, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway. These nations use primarily large hydro, whose benefits also include agricultural irrigation, municipal drinking water, recreation and flood control.

Denmark, Germany, Spain, Japan, India and the US are now incorporating utility-scale wind, solar and geothermal power. A little known fact: using just 4% of the world’s deserts, there is sufficient solar radiation to power all the electrical needs of the world! In addition, the winds of the American plains could supply all the needs of the United States. Renewable resources maps clearly reveal an abundance of clean energy potential on every continent.

It is critical to understand that renewable energy at this scale requires the transmission grid to get this power to market. The grid acts as the freeway for electrons. Some of the optimal solar, wind and geothermal sites are in remote locations, even neighboring nations, and requires transmission access to deliver this clean energy for our daily use.

Last in line are the fossil fuels and nuclear. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fuel. Compared to burning coal, natural gas emits just 25% of the carbon dioxide and releases no nitrous and sulfur oxides or particulate matter. In the context of climate change, natural gas beats coal hands down. In fact, many climate scientists assert that no new coal fired plants should be built unless the carbon dioxide can be sequestered.

There are currently 430 nuclear power plants around the world. Each one has a stockpile of radioactive waste that is deadly to humans for 25,000+ years (half-life of waste fuel). Construction, facility protection, decommissioning, waste storage costs — all are higher than all other options . . . and all nuclear plants are essentially high-tech ways to boil water to generate steam to turn a turbine and generate electricity.

We now have more elegant, sophisticated and cleaner ways to generate and deliver electricity to our society going forward. Remaining addicted to fossil fuels is damaging to our environment and bad long term policy. It is unsustainable. Aggressive policies that encourage conservation, energy efficiency and linking renewable resources are the new priorities. Flipping our energy choices upside down will drive innovation and investment towards a de-carbonized future . . . and just makes sense.It’s almost hard to imagine. Mankind has had access to electricity for only 130 years. In just over a century, we have extended transmission lines, light bulbs and refrigeration to nearly 5 billion people around the world. This extraordinary feat has elevated three-quarters of humanity out of the daily toil experienced by our pre-Edison generations. Still 25% of humanity lives without access to electrical services – spending their days in labor, fetching water and wood, preparing food and farming simply to survive. In the past four decades alone, we’ve landed a man on the moon and launched satellites to explore the universe. How large a task, given our technology, to electrify the rest of humanity?

It is ironic that the very choices we have made to achieve our unprecedented prosperity may also bring about our downfall. In 1950, there were only 2.5 billion people and a global economy of $7 trillion. Today, we have 6.6 billion people and a $66 trillion gross world product. Burning fossil fuels in the first half of the 20th century at that time had a relatively small ecological footprint. However, today’s impacts are felt markedly on every continent, coastline and in our commonly shared atmosphere. The old energy model – based on a hierarchy of choices — to this day prevails in many utility boardrooms and national capitals. The priority has been something like this (percentages are of global electricity mix):

Build large hydropower dams (16%), coal-fired (40%) or nuclear (16%) power plants. Defined as centralized plants, their power was fed into regional transmission grids. The voltage was then stepped down into distribution lines which delivered electricity to our cities and industries. As the demand for energy increased because of economic and population growth, the answer has usually been to build more of the same.

With the development of the jet engine for air transport, the power industry found a quicker and cleaner way to generate power. Consequently, natural gas (20%) became the fuel of choice for new power plants that could be sited and on-line within months instead of years. A few oil-rich nations still burn petroleum (7%) to keep the lights on.

Considered last priority were the renewables: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, small hydro and ocean energies (wave, currents, tides, and ocean thermal energy conversion). Called “alternative resources” by utilities, these resources have been marginalized for a variety of reasons. Utilities argued that renewables were intermittent, diffused, remote and insufficient to meet demands of our modern society.

Almost as an afterthought, energy efficiency and conservation were given lip service. Energy efficiency is about using better, smarter technology: i.e. getting more output from a power plant while using less fuel or having washing machines and refrigerators that use half the energy. Conservation of energy requires that people turn off the lights and their computer monitor and was dismissed as a ‘personal virtue but not an energy plan.’

But the world has now changed. Our addiction to fossil fuels for both power and transportation is increasing CO2 levels at unprecedented rates. It seems certain that a ‘market price per ton of carbon’ will soon be enacted and will dramatically alter the cost equation for all fossil fuel producers and consumers. We now realize that the energy system we built over the 20th century may now also cause tremendous disruptions in the 21st century.

A new energy paradigm is required, one that flips the old energy paradigm upside down. We propose that policy-makers, utilities and ratepayers analyze energy choices in the following priority order:

Conservation first: The watt that you don’t need to generate is the cheapest and cleanest energy of all. Conservation is a habit that each of us can embrace. By recycling, turning off the lights and turning down the thermostat, or taking the bus or metro, we can collectively reduce the need for that next power plant. During times of utility crisis, consumers have responded with 10-20% cuts in use. We do know how to conserve — and it requires constant education.

Energy efficiency next: This means doing more with less. Increasing the efficiency of a power plant means more power using less fuel, or more miles per gallon for an automobile. Continuous improvement in technology enables us to get the same amount of work while using less energy, materials and/or time. Entirely new businesses are created by increasing energy efficiency, for example, IGCC turbines, compact fluorescent light bulbs, hybrid cars, energy star appliances and automatic light sensors.

Then we get to new power generation. In this new priority model, the renewable energies get primary focus. In the past few years, renewables have become mainstream — providing cost-competitive, secure and reliable power into utility grids. Today, five nations meet almost all their electrical needs from renewables: Brazil, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway. These nations use primarily large hydro, whose benefits also include agricultural irrigation, municipal drinking water, recreation and flood control.

Denmark, Germany, Spain, Japan, India and the US are now incorporating utility-scale wind, solar and geothermal power. A little known fact: using just 4% of the world’s deserts, there is sufficient solar radiation to power all the electrical needs of the world! In addition, the winds of the American plains could supply all the needs of the United States. Renewable resources maps clearly reveal an abundance of clean energy potential on every continent.

It is critical to understand that renewable energy at this scale requires the transmission grid to get this power to market. The grid acts as the freeway for electrons. Some of the optimal solar, wind and geothermal sites are in remote locations, even neighboring nations, and requires transmission access to deliver this clean energy for our daily use.

Last in line are the fossil fuels and nuclear. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fuel. Compared to burning coal, natural gas emits just 25% of the carbon dioxide and releases no nitrous and sulfur oxides or particulate matter. In the context of climate change, natural gas beats coal hands down. In fact, many climate scientists assert that no new coal fired plants should be built unless the carbon dioxide can be sequestered.

There are currently 430 nuclear power plants around the world. Each one has a stockpile of radioactive waste that is deadly to humans for 25,000+ years (half-life of waste fuel). Construction, facility protection, decommissioning, waste storage costs — all are higher than all other options . . . and all nuclear plants are essentially high-tech ways to boil water to generate steam to turn a turbine and generate electricity.

We now have more elegant, sophisticated and cleaner ways to generate and deliver electricity to our society going forward. Remaining addicted to fossil fuels is damaging to our environment and bad long term policy. It is unsustainable. Aggressive policies that encourage conservation, energy efficiency and linking renewable resources are the new priorities. Flipping our energy choices upside down will drive innovation and investment towards a de-carbonized future . . . and just makes sense.

The Global Energy Network Institute (GENI) focuses on the interconnection of electric power networks between nations and continents, with an emphasis on tapping abundant renewable energy resources. This strategy is the highest priority of the World Game simulation developed by Dr. R Buckminster Fuller several decades ago. Linking renewables between all nations will mollify conflicts, grow economies and increase the quality of life and health for all.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

In Japan, there is the sense that people need to be able to produce their own energy because it is imperative that they don’t use imported energy. Therefore, despite being isolated on an island, there is the need to start producing energy, but with so few natural resources it is almost impossible. Therefore, Japan needs to invest in energy production and become overt to foreign investment seeking to implement their solutions in Japan. It is only through this method that Japan will be able to become energy independent. By allowing companies such as Vestas in the involvement of research, Japan is extending the ways it is actively seeking for energy production. Wind produced energy represents probably, one of the most successful competitors so far.

Moreover, energy production under the name of microhydoelectric power has become to catch as a trend in the Japanese world; because Japan is home to a large number of rivers as well as mountain streams, these are ideal places to install microhydoelectric plants, to produce energy from the water. This move has been known as the technology development of industrial and new energy technology. To make a comparison, the label named minihydroelectric power can accommodate more than one thousand kilowatts per electrical energy.

Therefore, as a conclusion, the power plants, both mini as well as micro hydroelectric power at a small scale have become suitable to create electricity in high-altitude regions, in mountainous regions. For instance, it is useful in creating electricity in such regions. The Kawasaki City Waterworks or the Natural Energy Company established in Japan and the Power Company established in Tokyo. These power plants possess certain characteristics and have been involved so far so that the hydroelectric technology can be developed in Japan.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Alternative Energy would be self sustaining, never run out, never become expensive and be readily available for everyone. It is only a matter of time before the large Energy Companies adopt a more environmentally friendly position and actively become involved in the search for Alternative Energy Sources.

The options being examined today are Wind Power, Solar Power, Water Power, Biomass Power, Geothermal Power and even Tidal Power. Whilst some of theses options have a visible impact on the environment, the overall impact is a negative one as there will be no damage to the environment.

Many of these options have been used, on small scales, for many years. Wind Power in Holland to drive Windmills. Water Power to drive Water Mills to produce such things as flour, and more.

Today we are used to seeing Solar Power panels taking light from the sun and converting it into energy that will heat our houses, produce hot water and more. Solar Power is also used in places such as swimming pools. This Alternative Energy source is harnessed by covers over the pool that collect the light, convert it and help keep the water warm.

In many parts of the world Geothermal Energy is is used to heat homes. In Greenland most homes are heated by Geothermal Power. Though most Geothermal sites are located near Volcanic regions, some are not. This Alternative Energy source is totally renewable and cheap to produce.

Another source is Tidal Power. I use this title to cover Tides, Rivers and Dams. Dams have a one-way system. Water is, basically, stored behind its huge walls and allowed to run through its systems driving huge turbines that produce massive amounts of renewable electricity we all use daily. Tidal Power is mostly two-way. Building a Dam across a River or Estuary, turbines or dynamos are built into the design. They produce power when the tide goes out, and produces power when the tide comes in. There is a lack of power production at both bottom and top tides , called slack tide , but this Alternative Energy Source is already in successful use in many Countries around the World, and a proposed Severn Estuary Barrier is soon to be built near my home in Barry in South Wales UK., producing enough Alternative Energy to power a city entirely, day in – day out, forever whilst the tides run.

These are just a few of the many sources being examined today. All these Alternative Energy options must be looked at and perfected and put into use very, very shortly or we will do, if we haven’t already done, irreparable damage to the Environment. I do wonder what my children, and their children, will think of us in the near-future. Will they curse us or bless us? Its up to us. Its up to us today.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

In the simplest of terms, electricity is made with a magnet, a wire, and motion! When a magnet rotates around a conductor (wire) – electric energy is produced. When we combine a magnet, a wire and rotation, a electrical generator.

How electricity is made has evolved over the years, man has come up with many different ways to drive or create the motion needed to turn the generators that produce electricity. Most of which have relied on using our natural resources to drive the turbines connected to the generators. For instance, coal and natural gas are used to heat water, which in turn creates steam, to drive the turbines, which drive the generators.

We have also utilized natural flowing water, created dams to regulate and redirect the flow through turbines that drive the generators. Once constructed, this process is very cost and environmentally effective, because there is no coal or natural gas depleted for this process. One problem though…. There’s only so many rivers!

Then one day we figured out … Gee, the wind blows all the time in Kansas ToTo.. Why don’t we put a propeller on a generator? Wah-Lah.. The Wind-Generator was born, which is a never ending, source of energy, or ‘Renewable Energy’!

Then we discovered ‘Nuclear Power’ In a nuclear power plant, a reactor contains a core of enriched uranium. When atoms of the uranium fuel are bombarded by neutrons they fission or split, releasing heat and more neutrons. The heat that is created is used to turn water into steam that drives a turbine that generates electricity.

Then there’s ‘Geothermal Power’ another renewable source of energy. This is utilized when the heat energy buried beneath the surface of the earth, is used to heat underground water into steam, which is harnessed to drive a generator’s turbines, to generate electricity.

Solar power uses the energy of the sun. However, the sun’s energy is not available all of the time, in all parts of the world. Solar power has also, historically been more expensive than using conventional fossil fuels. The photovoltaic conversion generates electric power directly from the light of the sun in a photovoltaic (solar) cell. Solar-thermal electric generators use the radiant energy from the sun to produce steam to drive turbines.

Biomass, substitutes conventional fossil fuels with wood, garbage, and agricultural waste, such as corn cobs and straw. Biomass replaces fossil fuels in a boiler. When burned, it creates steam that is used in conventional steam-electric power generation.

The problem of how to make electricity isn’t one of knowledge, it’s one of implementation. We have many viable solutions to eliminate the depletion of fossil fuels… We simply aren’t acting on them. The current ‘Renewable Energy’ produced represents just a small percentage of our requirements. We need to eliminate the use of fossil fuel to generate our electricity. We need to convert to renewable energy.

I for one am not waiting for someone to make the decision for me. I don’t live in an area where the wind could sustain the operation of a wind generator, but I do live in an area where the sun shines! Solar energy is my choice, and when the sun isn’t shining, I can rely on the solar energy stored in my battery backup.

One day, when your children ask ‘How is Electricity Made’? What will your answer be?

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Today hydropower generates about 15 percent of the world’s electricity (about 6 percent of the total energy supply). Rather than using waterwheels on a moving river or through a duct, most hydroelectric plants extract energy from the potential energy that comes from the vertical distance the water drops (the “head”). The water is channeled through a sluice or gate, or through enclosed pipes that funnel the water down to the turbines; these channels are called penstocks.

Hydroelectric Plants The typical hydroelectric plant needs four things to generate power:

Dam – The dam holds back a river, raising the level, and controls the flow through the penstock(s). Dams create reservoirs that can be used for recreation, but it is the height difference between the stored water above and the turbines below that represents the potential energy.

Turbines – The water behind the dam is channeled through the penstocks past the blades of turbines, which spin. This converts the kinetic energy to mechanical energy. 2. Turbine. The force of falling water pushing against the turbine’s blades causes the turbine to spin. A water turbine is much like a windmill, except the energy is provided by falling water instead of wind. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy.

Generator – The shafts of the turbines turn a generator, thus converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Transmission lines – The electricity is transmitted to substations and transported to consumers through the power lines.

Microhydros Hydroelectrical plants are big and powerful, but did you know that you can have your very own microhydro plant? All you need is a stream or a river with enough water running through it at the right pressure, and you can set up a system that feeds into turbines and generators, and into your home or business. Just as you can with your solar and/or wind systems, you can design a system that is grid-connected with battery backup, grid-connected, or standalone.

Microhydros come in two basic flavors: low-head and high-head. Head, you’ll recall, is the height differential between the water and the turbine. That corresponds to pressure. Think of a high-head system as one running off a waterfall, and a low-head system as one running off a fast-moving stream, although that isn’t always the case.

In a quick search online for microhydro resources, the names “Don Harris” and “HarrisHydro Systems” turn up over and over, with good reason: Harris is a well known pioneer in microhydro. He designs and manufactures turbine and generator systems in a shop that he powers with a microhydro system of his own. His designed feature a Pelton wheel, a highly efficient tangential-flow impulse turbine with spoon-shaped blades that capture a jet of water.

Impulse turbines transfer energy according to Newton’s second law of motion, which is roughly paraphrased as “the momentum of an object, or force, is equal to the object’s mass multiplied by its acceleration. It works like so: first, the water’s potential energy (the head) is converted to kinetic energy by being funneled through a nozzle to form a jet. The jet of water moves at a given velocity, but when it strikes the spoons/buckets of the turbine, it loses velocity or acceleration, so the momentum changes. That change in momentum translates to an exertion of force that turns the shaft. The water pressure itself doe not change. Impulse turbines are the most commonly used turbines in domestic systems, and those with high heads.

Reaction turbines transfer energy according to Newton’s third law of motion, which is roughly paraphrased as “for every action force there is an equal, but opposite, reaction force.” The water moves through the turbine, losing pressure, which forces it to give up its energy. The turbines have to be either encased (to contain the water pressure or suction) or be completely submerged by the flowing water. Water wheels are reaction turbines. Most turbines are reaction-type turbines. They are used for systems with low and medium heads.

A typical microhydro system, then, needs a stream, an intake system, a penstock, and a powerhouse. Although the actual components are much more high-tech and specialized, you can envision a high-head microhydro system as this as a box or funnel at the top of a waterfall, a garden hose or a trough running downhill from the intake, the water from the hose/trough shooting onto a turbine (probably Pelton-style), and the turbine turning a generator. A low-head microhydro system is equally simple. They have a screened intake (or a mini-dam), and this feeds into a settling basin or forebay for any silt to precipitate out; this empties into a short canal that feeds into a ten-foot draft tube. The water flowing through turns a turbine (probably Turgo-style). Note that in neither case do you block or divert the stream (for which you would need a permit anyway, even if the water is on your property, and which may turn out to be prohibited in your area).

Hydropower Advantages

1. As long as the water is there in sufficient quantity, hydro stations can generate power 24/7.

2. Large hydro stations can shift into maximum capacity to meet peak demands simply by controlling the amount of water released.

3. Microhydro systems produce no pollutants.

4. Hydropower is a renewable resource.

5. Most countries have access to waterways that can be used for hydro power.

6. Large dams can be useful for flood control.

7. Microhydro systems can provide power without affecting water quality, without affecting the habitat, and without altering the course of the river or stream. It leaves a very tiny footprint.

8. Large and mega-dams can create recreational lakes in areas where before there were none.

Hydropower Disadvantages

1. Large hydro stations that create reservoirs actually dump huge amounts of methane and CO2 into the atmosphere. When the area behind the dam is flooded, the trees and other plant material that get covered up rot and sift to the bottom where they continue to decompose without oxygen. This creates methane, which is released when the water flows through the turbines.

2. The reservoirs created by large dams and mega-dams destroy local habitats. When the area is flooded, plant life is submerged, and any animal and human life in the area must relocate or perish.

3. Large hydroelectric dams are expensive to build.

4. Large hydroelectric dams can only be used in a limited number of places those with large water supplies.

5. Damming rivers and streams changes the natural waterways, diverting water from areas that depend on it.

6. Damming rivers changes the quality, quantity and even the temperature of the water that flows downstream. This can have disastrous effects on agriculture as well as potability.

7. Changing the path of a river can cause serious disputes between neighbors, from individuals to nations.

8. Water moving over a dam can pick up nitrogen, causing fish kills downstream.

9. Many small and medium dams built in the past to power industries such as mills and factories are no longer used, and are growing unstable. Allowing them to self-destruct rather than removing them in a controlled manner can lead to serious flooding, including loss of life and property.

10. Dams alter the spawning patterns of the fish, and often result in absenting entire species from an area.

11. When large amounts of water are released from a large dam or mega-dam the shores of man-made reservoirs naturally recede, leaving behind mud flats and reducing the surface area leaving less space for fish. Sometimes Mother Nature plays a role, as with Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam. With reduced flow of the Colorado River, evaporation, and seepage back into the canyon banks, Lake Powell loses an average of 860,000 acre feet of water each year about as much water as Los Angeles consumes annually. While it is perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S. with its red-rock canyon sides, 150 feet below its 266 surface miles lie centuries of archaeological riches as well as the canyon itself.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Significance of Alternative Energy

It has much significance. You can generate power with very low prices and do not have to pay expensive electricity bills anymore. Another significance, is that you can generate power at home. Whether you have read physics or not, you can still generate power by using alternative sources.

Sources of Alternative Energy

I. Solar Power

Solar power is obtained by converting sun light into electricity or hot water.

How does Alternative Energy produce power from it?

The cells which are made up of silicon are used for this purpose. When cells having silicon are exposed to sunlight, they automatically produce electricity. If you want to utilize by solar power, place cells on such places where they may receive maximum amount of sun light. Open roofs are the best places for replacing these cells. Cells will get excess amount of sun energy directly there.

II. Hydro Power

Hydro means water and hydro power means generation of power from water turbines.

How does Alternative Energy produce from it?

Small water turbines are made for generating hydro power. Water turbines are set into flowing stream of water. Then hydro power is automatically generated in the streams of water.

III. Wind Power

Wind power means generation of power by using wind.

How does Alternative Energy produce from it?

Special turbines are designed which can store wind power and are capable of generating wind power. Such turbines are set at the top of tall towers. Turbines on a tall tower generate power kinetically by using wind.

IV. Ethanol and Biodiesel

Ethanol is used as alternative of gasoline while biodiesel is an alternative fuel of petroleum diesel. They can be used in all such vehicles where gasoline, petroleum and diesel are used. They do not affect vehicles or their speed but help you to save your money by stop paying high prices of petroleum and diesel.

Reasons behind the use of Alternative Energy

There are several reasons which insisted people to search for alternative sources of energy. All countries of the world are facing problems like shortage of fuels and gases. Their shortage increased their prices. When there was no stability in the prices, people started looking for alternative sources of energy. The high prices of gases and fuels could not solve their shortage problem but lessen their demand.

People prefer to use alternative sources of energy now instead of using expensive fuels and gases. Another reason behind the use of alternative energy is that people can neither afford nor want to pay expensive charges of electricity. The prices of electricity are too unstable and keep on rising. Therefore, people prefer to use alternative sources now.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

We shall briefly look at the major alternative energy systems.
# Solar energy

# Wind energy

# Tidal (Wave) Power

# Biomass

# Geothermal

# Nuclear

Solar Power as Alternative Energy Source

Solar radiations cover a very wide spectrum of frequencies – from infrared through the visible to ultraviolet frequencies. The visible radiations give us light and the infrared radiations give us warmth.

From ancient times people have been using the solar radiation for heating – heating water and warming houses in winter. In recent years many developments have taken place; now apart from domestic hot water supply or space heating of large buildings, solar energy is being used to provide hot water and steam for industrial processes and even to supplement power generation in large thermal power stations.

Photovoltaic generation of electricity as an alternative energy source is a modern development. A photovoltaic (PV) cell is made of Silicon metal; it exhibits strong photovoltaic properties converting visible solar radiation into electricity.

Individual solar cells are small and give only a small amount of power. Now PV cells are assembled in different configurations as arrays and panels; these solar arrays and panels can be used for generating sufficient electricity for practical applications. Arrays or panels of solar cells are being used in remote and inaccessible communities to obtain clean power; they are being used to run cars, to supply power on satellites and space stations and even to supplement power generation in large power stations of hundreds of MW.

Since the year 2000 solar electric production has grown at an average rate of 40% per year and by 2007, the installed capacity is about 10.6 GW.

Wind Power as Alternative Energy Source

Wind energy for pumping water and grinding grains has been used since the medieval times. Wind energy is now mainly used for generation of electricity; wind mills drive turbines for generation of electricity which is connected into the grid of the local utility. Due to variability of wind speeds from time to time, generally wind energy supplies only a small proportion of the total utility load.

By the end of the last year, the total wind-powered generator-capacity worldwide was 94.1 GW contributing only 1% of world-wide electricity use. Wind power generation has increased by over 500% since 2000 and is expected to spiral upward.

Tidal Power as Alternative Energy Source

Tidal power utilizes the rise and fall in sea levels due to the tides. This alternative energy source had been realized by man long ago and in Europe tide mills had been in use for grinding grains over a thousand years ago. It is possible to utilize this energy for generating of electricity and efforts are on in many countries around the world to harness this energy.

Tidal energy, being derived directly from the interaction of the sun and the moon and the earth’s rotation, is an inexhaustible alternative energy source. The only limitation is that it can be put to use only in select places around the world.

The two methods by which energy of the tides can be harnessed are:
# The tidal stream system which will make use of moving water in much the same manner as wind energy being used by windmills; and

# The barrage system which will use the difference in the height between the low and the high tide in an estuary.

Both these methods are being actively tried out in various places. Experts feel that tidal energy has a great potential as an alternative energy source. .

Biomass Power as Alternative Energy Source

Biomass refers to biological materials including trees, grass, agricultural and urban waste matter, etc. Biomass contains energy received from the sun. Chlorophyll in plants uses solar energy to convert carbon dioxide (from air) and water (from ground) into carbohydrates. When these carbohydrates are burnt they release carbon dioxide and water, and energy that had been trapped in it is released. This is as if the carbohydrates act as storage battery for solar energy – they hold the energy and release it at a later time when burnt as an effective alternative energy source in place of fossil fuels.
From time immemorial biomass has been burnt to recover sun’s energy as heat. By using modern technology we can produce heat, steam and electricity from biomass more efficiently and cleanly; we can also convert it into liquid fuels or produce combustible gases from it.
In US alone, about 50 billion kWh of electricity (about 1.2% of total consumption), about four billion gallons of ethanol (about 2% of the liquid fuel used in vehicles) are produced from biomass. DOE believes that by 2030 about 20% of transportation fuel could be produced from biomass. There is obviously a vast potential for use of biomass the world over.

Geothermal Power as Alternative Energy Source

The most recent (1994) estimate of temperature at the core of earth is about 7500 deg. C. Energy obtained by tapping into the hot interior of the earth is called the geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is an alternative energy source for generation of electricity; it is also used for heating houses in cold countries, and for supplying process heat requirements.

Building a geothermal power station is expensive but the low operating costs and absence of carbon emission into atmosphere are two major benefits of this system.
Power plants based on geothermal energy fall into three types depending upon the method used:
# Those plants that take steam directly from fractures/holes in the ground and drive turbines directly from this steam are called Dry steam plants.

# In a Flash plant hot water, usually at more than 200 deg C, , is taken out of the ground and allowed to boil as it rises to the surface; steam is separated from it and run through turbines.

# In binary plants, hot water taken from ground flows through heat exchangers, where it imparts heat to an organic fluid to boil it; this organic fluid runs through turbines driving them.

In all the three types, the remaining geothermal fluid and condensed steam are injected back into the hot rock crust to recycle.

A 1999 study shows that the worldwide geothermal electrical generation capacity using existing technologies is between 35,000 to 70,000 MW; using the new technologies it could be twice as much.

Nuclear Power as Alternative Energy Source

Popularly nuclear reaction is equated with atom bombs. However, controlled nuclear reaction is used as an alternative energy source for generation of electricity for the last 50 years. Nuclear reaction releases enormous energy which is used to raise steam as is done by burning oil or coal in conventional thermal power stations and this in turn is used to generate electricity. Today more than 50 countries are generating over 370 000 MW of electricity by using nuclear power reactors.
Constructing and maintaining nuclear power plants is expensive. Moreover they produce nuclear waste which is hazardous, and there is the potential for enormous nuclear disasters. The nuclear waste is highly toxic and can not be destroyed or recycled. Unless properly stored in a secure location it can create hazardous environment.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Clean energy, one of the most talked about aspects of going green, can be a spark for revitalizing America. Are we actually at a point where we can marry that idea with the manufacturing industry and intend for this long suffering sector to shift gears and uplift our economy?

With states such as Michigan and California enduring a plethora of attention for their fiscal woes and dire unemployment standings at 15.2% and 12.2%, respectively, many people are wondering where the jobs are at. Texas, whose unemployment rate is currently 8.0%, lost a staggering 62,000 jobs from July 2009 to August 2009, the worst decline of any state over that period.

However, these declines do not have to continue and green manufacturing related to clean energy can be one of the cornerstones of a long-term turnaround for an industry that has lost 5.3 million jobs since January 2000. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D) IMPACT Act, which is now a part of the U.S. Senate’s American Clean Energy and Security Act, calls for sustainable support of the manufacturing industry.

Sen. Brown’s legislation would boost the manufacturing sector on national, state, and local levels by 30 billion dollars. The passage of his act, as it now stands, would create jobs via retooling and expanding current manufacturing facilities to produce clean energy technology products while focusing on small and medium size businesses that employ less than 500 people.

Supported by this bill are clean energy products that could vastly improve the career opportunities for someone looking to go green, monetarily and environmentally. These commodities include: wind turbines; solar energy; fuel cells; advanced batteries and biofuels; biomass, geothermal, and ocean energy equipment; and carbon capture and storage technology. Reducing greenhouse gases, conserving energy, and reducing emissions will be the strengths of other headline grabbing technology products included in the IMPACT Act.

For those interested in where the jobs are, stay tuned to the happenings in environmental policy and check out your local universities and community colleges for classes related to going green. By significantly increasing our capacity to make green products in the U.S., we will give states such as Michigan, Ohio, California, Texas, and a wealth of others the opportunity to reverse dismal unemployment trends and revitalize people, the environment, and the economy.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The rapid growth of suburbia after World War II created a boom of homes that incorporated energy-efficiency in their design. During the computer age of the late 1970’s through the 1980’s and 90’s, it became possible to control certain functions of a home through a central, remote location. Today, those energy efficient building practices are combined with a environmentally friendly building materials and techniques, as well as a building management system that reduces energy consumption and improves the quality of life of its inhabitants.

A smart building works efficiently to control air quality and temperature, maximizing its output of clean air, while minimizing the amount of environmentally harmful byproducts. Using as little energy as possible, or creating its own sustainable energy through the use of solar panels or wind turbines, an intelligent facility can store excess electricity for future use or sell it to the power company to aid in the electrical needs of the community.

Using building materials that are locally manufactured cuts down on the emissions of transportation vehicles. Some new construction materials require very little cleanup, resulting in less waste for our landfills. Other construction necessities like adhesives and insulation are also being made more ecologically friendly with the reduction of the amount of toxins that they once contained.

Part of living or working in a smart building is having the facility immediately respond to your needs. A facility’s subsystem can learn the lifestyle and behavior of its occupants and, over time, can respond automatically to adjust the indoor environment to his or her liking. For example, someone who always adjusts the thermostat to a certain temperature at bedtime, and again when they wake up in the morning, can have that action “learned” by the subsystem and it will work to adjust the air temperature at those times. Even something as simple as having the television turned on when you arrive home can be programmed into a smart building. Other more extensive examples include a building that can sense seismic activity, such as a small earthquake, and perform a computerized structural assessment to predicatively compensate for any vulnerability.

Building management systems can sense the movement in a facility and can monitor temperature spikes (as in a fire or something about to catch fire), chemical leaks, mechanical breakdowns, etc. All this can be done wirelessly, though wifi systems that are easily installed and require very little in terms of installation and maintenance.

Advances in technology have made our lives extremely easier and allows us to get things done quickly and more efficiently. Our living and working facilities have benefited from these technological breakthroughs, and as a result, so has our environment.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

With permission from the local planning office, you can still employ people to work for you because you can have large, stylish, bespoke garden office. If you want to employ several people, you don’t want them using your home as their workplace and you can’t easily squeeze them all into your spare bedroom. However, with a garden office, you can easily increase the size of your workspace or choose a larger design of garden office and give your employees plenty of room to work. Well, you didn’t think we were talking about shoving a desk in the shed did you?

With a outside office, you get the best work/home life balance. Whilst it’s just a short walk to work in the morning, you can be back at home for lunch, or to let the dog out, or fetch the kids from school. However, when you need to focus on work, you can close the door, and immerse yourself in your business, safe in the knowledge that when it’s time to clock-off, you won’t be stuck on the Tube on the way home. What’s more, unlike your home office, the postman, neighbours, and salesmen that come to your front door throughout the day won’t disturb you as you are separated from the main house by your sheltered position in the garden.

The outside office allows you to have a professional looking workspace that is separate from you home, meaning that you can bring clients or customers into your garden office, without them traipsing through your home, tripping over your children’s toys or tangling with the cat. Save your home space for you and your family by converting some of your garden into a home garden office.

With a garden office, you have the power to decide the exact size, shape and layout of the office that you want, rather than having to squeeze it into a small box room in your home.

Of course, if your office is placed in the garden, you can also benefit from alternative energy supplies such as mini wind turbines or solar panels. This means you can have a bespoke office that also gives something back to the environment.

Lastly, if you want to move house, you will find that you garden office adds value to your house and is an excellent selling point. Garden rooms of all types inspire potential house buyers because of their varied uses.

InsideOut Buildings have the experience and expertise to design and build a bespoke garden office to suit your precise needs. We create eco-friendly garden buildings using environmentally responsible methods and materials.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The parts of the solar panel itself are very simple. There are the solar cells, and these are attached to the frame. Onto the frame are little holes drilled through to allow access to the cells by wires that are in turn attached to the battery. A meter may be placed to measure the amount of energy being generated.

The Function of Each Part

1. Solar cells- these are made of semi-conductive materials, mainly silicone with a few other additives that help them absorb more light to turn into electric energy. Not all light that will hit the surface of the solar cell will be absorbed, some will pass through, and some will be reflected. About 41% will be turned into electricity (half a volt per 3×6inch cell surface) through what is called the photovoltaic effect.

2. Wires- these will collect the electricity generated and conduct them into the batteries. It is important to know how much energy is generated because the power generated needs to be a lot more than the battery being charged. This is where an ampemeter will come in handy, and these can be found in many electrical equipment stores.

3. Batteries- this is where the electricity generated will be stored after being charged up. Since it takes more power to charge it than it can store, one can opt to buy smaller batteries and connect them together when needed to power up something.

The Sum of the Parts

When all these parts are connected properly, the entire contraption becomes a small power generation plant that makes no sound, has no toxic by-products, are built to last for a long time with minimal maintenance needs (also quite affordable), and comes from the cheapest and most renewable source. Seeing that the parts of the solar panels are as uncomplicated as they can get, they are also very easy to install and incorporate onto the structure of the house (the roof is best).

Solar panels are also becoming more affordable as they are becoming more efficient. Although the silicone cells need to be manufactured in factories with really high-tech equipment, more and more companies are investing in building such manufacturing plants.

Solar panels are best used in areas that have sunlight all year long, but in parts of the country where it can get windy on some days, the solar panel array can be complemented by wind turbines or micro-hydrogenerators (which work best in running water like rivers and strong streams).

Solar panels have been around a while, and thanks to the new developments and manufacturing companies, it looks like it will be around a long time.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Once you’ve bought or acquired the the parts you’ll need, and built the solar panels, then the energy they produce is free for your use. Just imagine how much you’d save if you could cut your power use by half, and how quick the solar panels will pay for themselves. If your monthly electric bill is $150, and you can cut it by half, saving $75/month, and it cost you $375 (usually less) to build it, then it will pay for itself in 5 months!!! From that point on, you’ll be saving $75/month!!! What could you do with an extra $900/year? You may think that building a solar panel is complicated or too technically advanced for the average home owner, but if you are handy with common hand tools and can solder, then you can build your own panels in a weekend or two. What tools will you need?

Basically you’ll need the following tools / equipment:

* Wire crimping tool
* Wire cutters
* Solder, 60/40 or silver
* Soldering iron, or soldering station
* Drill
* Screwdriver
* Cobalt steel jobbers’ twist drill bit, heavy
* duty, wire gauge size 26, 3″ L, 1c” L flute Machine screw size high-speed steel hand tap taper, 10-24, H3 pitch diameter, 4 flute
* 7/32 drill bit
* Plastic sheet cutter
* Reamer
* Pliers
* Hacksaw or cutoff saw
* Triple beam scale (optional)

Most of these items you’ll either already have, or you’ll know someone who you can borrow them from for the weekend. If you don’t have them or can’t borrow them, then you can usually borrow/rent them from automotive store, or a diy store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Once you have your tools together, you’ll need to find/purchase your materials, most of which you can probably find on eBay for a really good price.

We all need to be more aware of our impact on the ecology on a global scale and take steps in reducing our carbon output by a drastic amount, if we want our grandchildren to have a place to live. It may seem like a small step, but if everyone would build and use a solar panel, it’d be like removing have the cars from the highways! Think how much cleaner the air would be, not to mention how much lower your electric bill will be. Oh, and you’ll feel good about yourself as you tell others what you’re doing to improve the quality of life on Mother Earth.

Thank you for reading my article – I hope you found it informative and helpful. I always welcome feedback from my readers, listeners, and viewers, and you can get in touch with me by visiting my website or by Googling my name, Donald “Hawkaye” Hill.

Just like anything else, building your own solar panels isn’t difficult when you know what to do, and you have the right tools to do it.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Tip 1: Knowledge is power. You have to understand the problems at hand to be able to deal with them effectively. The environment has been being attacked for decades and decades from pollution-causing manufacturing plants and governmental agencies who do far less than not caring. Truths have been consistently masked and hidden from the public in the name of increased profit margins. To believe otherwise is both ludicrous and self-destructive. This is your planet! Stand up and fight for it. Educate yourself and grow in knowledge. Use that knowledge to force your elected leaders into positive action that addresses the urgent environmental issues at hand. Be a green mover; become a green knowledge bank!

It’s not enough to simply be aware of the problems that are destroying our planet; you have to be proactive in your approach to addressing them. Almost everyone acknowledges that there are many things which must be done to reverse the damages done and impede or stop further damage to our planet. That’s no surprise. Taking action is what it’s all about though.

Tip 2: Change the way that you and your family move around. Transportation of the masses of people around the planet everyday unleashes a devastating amount of toxins into the atmosphere, soil and water. Consider green alternative forms of transportation such as bicycling, scootering, walking or mass transit systems. Explore the possibility of working from home to cut down on your need to travel so much. Ever thought about forming a carpool? If you just can’t see making full-time green changes in your travel habits, maybe you could just change them on a few given days of each week. At a minimum, you should at least be driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. The bottom line is that it is you that must take action. Just do something!

Tip 3: Green living has a lot to do with intentionally lessening your consumption of energy. You don’t have to spend a hundred thousand dollars transforming your home with wind turbines, solar panels and flux capacitors. You can do simple green things for free like shutting the lights off when you leave a room. Try dropping that thermostat setting a few degrees in the winter and raising it a few degrees in the summer. Buy energy-saving light bulbs and appliances. Ensure that your home, water lines and hot water tanks are thoroughly insulated. You can also periodically inquire about green alternatives with your utility companies. If they never get the requests, they will never embrace the changes necessary.

Tip 4: Train yourself to embrace healthier eating habits of water-rich foods. It is a very green way to enhance your health while simultaneously saving the planet. The Internet has made it possible to drop ship international foods all around the planet with simple mouse clicks. Shipping products and intensive farming methods have deadly impacts on the environment. Embrace the concept of gardening. Start a compost pile in your backyard and enrich the soil on your land. Eliminate your consumption of inorganic, pesticide and herbicide laden vegetables. Eat less meat. Enjoy the natural, seasonal bounties of nature.

There are many healthful, environmentally-responsible and fun ways to enjoy a greener lifestyle and become a part of an international effort to save our planet. Why should we continue to turn a blind eye towards corrupt governments and corporate entities? Why should they continue to unleash total devastation on our planet – our home? Make at least some small, simplistic changes in your lifestyle today to further the green cause. The rewards that you experience will be far further reaching than you will be able to see.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Insulating your cavity walls and loft will have the biggest impact on your bills. More heat is lost through walls than any other route – approximately 33% in an un-insulated home. 270 mm (10 inches) of loft insulation can save up to 25% of a home’s heating costs.

In most houses in the United Kingdom built after the 1920s, the external walls are made of two layers with a small air gap or ‘cavity’ between them. If your home has unfilled cavity walls, a considerable slice of your energy bills will be spent heating the air outside. Filling the gap between the two walls of a house with an insulating material massively decreases the amount of heat which escapes through the walls. It will help create a more even temperature in your home, help prevent condensation on the walls and ceilings.

Cavity wall insulation is quick, clean and relatively inexpensive to install. It’s injected into the cavity from the outside, taking between two and three hours for a three bedroom semi-detached house. In the United Kingdom it typically costs around £250, and with the savings homeowners then make on their heating bills, it can pay for itself in under 2 years.

Another really important area to consider is that you could be losing up to a third of the heat in your house through your roof and loft insulation can cut this right down. The recommended depth for insulation is at least 270mm. If you currently have insulation that is less thick than this you may consider adding another layer, although the payback time is longer.

There are various materials that you can use to insulate your loft. Most frequently used is mineral wool, although you can now use real wool if you want a natural alternative.

In the United Kingdom most people prefer to use a professional insulation contractor, who should also help you get government grants to reduce the cost. Because of the grants, using a contractor is normally cheaper than doing it themselves and with a professional you know that the job will be properly done.

Other cheap and easy steps which are well worth home owners considering include insulating their hot water tank, insulating the home’s pipe-work and installing draught-proofing. Many homes are leaking heat through gaps in the joins on the panels that make up their windows and doors. In a typical home 20 per cent of all heat loss is through ventilation and draughts. Draught proofing is one of the least expensive and most effective energy efficiency measures for the home – yet it is too often overlooked.

Draught proofing offers a quick return, frequently paying for itself within a year and then saving year after year. There are many types of product – for around windows (sash, metal, timber); external doors (including weatherbars for door bottoms); internal doors – particularly kitchens, bathrooms and main living areas; the loft hatch, and even letter boxes, key holes and cat flaps!

Insulation, although not as headline grabbing as solar panel and wind turbines, is definitely the first place to start to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

How do they work? Heat pumps use similar technology to that employed in domestic refrigerators or freezers, but in reverse. It may not feel like it to us but even on the coldest day or night there is always lots of thermal energy (heat) in the air. An air source heat pump works by extracting low-grade heat from the air outside but where a refrigerator rejects heat from the contents to keep it cool, a heat pump will use it to heat water and provide heating. In most cases this technology can provide all hot water and heating requirements, without the need for top-up from a boiler. However, a boiler could be connected in situations where the unit is not large enough to meet the demand in colder weather.

How much can be saved and what is the effect on the environment? Savings on fuel bills can be substantial compared with traditional heating systems. A reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 50% can also be achieved. Air Source Heat Pumps have a CoP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4:1. This means for every unit of energy consumed you would get a return of 4 usable units of usable energy.

Benefits Well tried and cost effective method of harnessing renewable energy.

Reduce carbon emissions – reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% in comparison to a traditional gas or oil boiler. This can be reduced further if the electricity used to power the air source heat pump comes from a renewable energy source e.g. wind turbines or solar PV.

Can be used to provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer, as required.

High return of renewable energy for capital costs compared to other forms of renewable energy.

Ease of installation.

Low maintenance – These units do not require any scheduled annual maintenance like conventional boilers, good quality air source heat pumps should operate for at least 20 years.

Disadvantages

The units are a little on the noisy side to be happily operating indoors.

The recovery rate, the time taken to replenish your hot water cylinder, is rather slow. A typical 3kW unit would take over two hours to recover, as compared with 30 minutes for a similar-sized cylinder heated by a conventional boiler.

Heat pumps lose their efficiency as external temperatures fall. In colder climates the system needs to be installed with an auxiliary source of heat to providing heat at low temperatures or if the heat pump should require repair.

Solar PST This uses a different concept to the air source heat pump – the noisy and energy consuming fan has been eliminated by pumping the refrigerant gas through special solar panels on the roof or walls. This has the advantage that more energy is collected whatever the weather, and when the sun shines there are even greater savings to be made. The Solar PST system can generate a COP of 4.5 for hot water and 6.5 for swimming pools, it also means it is quiet in operation. Small systems start with a novel hot water cylinder with the heat pump built into the side whilst larger systems can be designed to run whole houses or offices and swimming pools.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Solar power residential systems aren’t the only way to benefit from the sun; there are also solar thermal systems and even landscaping and painting schemes to benefit from solar home power. Which one is right for you is largely a matter of cost versus return on your electric bill.

When it comes to cost, look for local tax credits for solar home power – these vary from state to state, and from county to county, and a number of them that were due to expire got extended instead. Depending on where you live, the type of credit available, and how much effort you’re willing to exert, these can help to offset the cost of a solar home power installation.

The next thing to look at when considering a solar home power system is your electrical bill and your utility company. The reality of solar power residential use is that it will cut back on your utility usage and it is possible to achieve the dream of never having to pay the utility company again but this very much depends on your own particular circumstances. Some utility companies have policies where they buy back power that’s generated by residential solar power and wind turbines, and that’s definitely the goal to shoot for.

While you’re talking to your utility company, ask them if they have an hour by hour breakdown of your last bill, to see what your peak usage times are, what your baseline load is, and use that as a guideline to what sort of solar home power system you’re going to use.

When talking solar power residential usage, the two top candidates are solar thermal (where you use a heat pipe arrangement to heat up hot water) and solar home electricity. Of the two, solar thermal is more efficient at storing energy for future use, largely due to the laws of physics and the properties of hot water. It’s also the one that’s hardest to retro-fit onto an existing installation. One of the reasons why it makes the most sense for home owners when it’s an option is that the largest draw on power use that most families have, after running the refrigerator, is hot water for showers and cleaning. So using solar power for heating water should definitely be one of the options you look at if you are considering solar home power.

A solar power residential system requires a bit more study on what your actual electrical usage is, and on how your house is situated. Solar home power of the electric sort requires a south facing solar panel cell system, where you can catch sunlight and convert it to electricity. Depending on how your house was constructed, this may or may not be feasible, but it usually is to some degree. The more unobstructed sunlight that your solar cells can get during the day, the more independent you can be. What a lot of homeowners don’t realize is that there’s more to a home solar power system than the photovoltaic arrays – you also need a power inverter, to convert the power from DC to AC, and you need batteries to store that power for later use.

You don’t need to get locked on to one solution. For example, there’s nothing that says your rooftop solar collector can’t sit on a rooftop heat exchanger that heats up water in your home; combination systems are often cheaper than having one full solar power residential set up of one type or another.

While this article has focused on installing a solar home power system, don’t forget that you can also make a difference to your electricity bill and the planet by reviewing your current power usage.

Finally, to plan appropriately, look at how much energy you use, during what times of the day. Also, don’t rule out the possibility of building your own solar hot water or home solar electricity system. This will obviously work out a lot cheaper and you will recoup your initial return on investment very quickly by the reduction in your power bills. Many people are finding this to be a very practical and economic solution for them. There are step-by-step guides available to help the average family build these solar power residential systems for themselves quickly and cheaply and this is definitely an option worth considering.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Solar power residential systems aren’t the only way to benefit from the sun; there are also solar thermal systems and even landscaping and painting schemes to benefit from solar home power. Which one is right for you is largely a matter of cost versus return on your electric bill.

When it comes to cost, look for local tax credits for solar home power – these vary from state to state, and from county to county, and a number of them that were due to expire got extended instead. Depending on where you live, the type of credit available, and how much effort you’re willing to exert, these can help to offset the cost of a solar home power installation.

The next thing to look at when considering a solar home power system is your electrical bill and your utility company. The reality of solar power residential use is that it will cut back on your utility usage and it is possible to achieve the dream of never having to pay the utility company again but this very much depends on your own particular circumstances. Some utility companies have policies where they buy back power that’s generated by residential solar power and wind turbines, and that’s definitely the goal to shoot for.

While you’re talking to your utility company, ask them if they have an hour by hour breakdown of your last bill, to see what your peak usage times are, what your baseline load is, and use that as a guideline to what sort of solar home power system you’re going to use.

When talking solar power residential usage, the two top candidates are solar thermal (where you use a heat pipe arrangement to heat up hot water) and solar home electricity. Of the two, solar thermal is more efficient at storing energy for future use, largely due to the laws of physics and the properties of hot water. It’s also the one that’s hardest to retro-fit onto an existing installation. One of the reasons why it makes the most sense for home owners when it’s an option is that the largest draw on power use that most families have, after running the refrigerator, is hot water for showers and cleaning. So using solar power for heating water should definitely be one of the options you look at if you are considering solar home power.

A solar power residential system requires a bit more study on what your actual electrical usage is, and on how your house is situated. Solar home power of the electric sort requires a south facing solar panel cell system, where you can catch sunlight and convert it to electricity. Depending on how your house was constructed, this may or may not be feasible, but it usually is to some degree. The more unobstructed sunlight that your solar cells can get during the day, the more independent you can be. What a lot of homeowners don’t realize is that there’s more to a home solar power system than the photovoltaic arrays – you also need a power inverter, to convert the power from DC to AC, and you need batteries to store that power for later use.

You don’t need to get locked on to one solution. For example, there’s nothing that says your rooftop solar collector can’t sit on a rooftop heat exchanger that heats up water in your home; combination systems are often cheaper than having one full solar power residential set up of one type or another.

While this article has focused on installing a solar home power system, don’t forget that you can also make a difference to your electricity bill and the planet by reviewing your current power usage.

Finally, to plan appropriately, look at how much energy you use, during what times of the day. Also, don’t rule out the possibility of building your own solar hot water or home solar electricity system. This will obviously work out a lot cheaper and you will recoup your initial return on investment very quickly by the reduction in your power bills. Many people are finding this to be a very practical and economic solution for them. There are step-by-step guides available to help the average family build these solar power residential systems for themselves quickly and cheaply and this is definitely an option worth considering.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Passive houses were started in a small town in Germany outside of Frankfurt. The objective of a passive house is to create a warm and comfortable house without energy demand. The goal is accomplished by recycling heating.

Surprisingly, many people in North America are not familiar with them even though they are gaining a lot of following in European countries. As it incredible as it may sound, they use 90% less energy than a traditional house We are talking about paying only 10% of the energy bill that a traditional home is paying.

Just as North America is lagging behind China and some European and Asian countries in internet broad band use, it has yet to wake up to the tremendous energy savings that these inventive homes are providing. The Passivhaus Standard as it is known is much firmer than the Energy Star that many in North America consider as adequate environmental barometer.

Even as President Barack Obama is already being considered as the environmental President by many for his bold initiatives to transform the U.S. as the undisputed leader in the new and growing green economy, many in Europe are way ahead of the curve on passive homes. While the Obama government is poised to overhauling 75% of federal buildings in an effort to save $2 billion through energy efficiency alone, and the funding of green schools, passive homes are little unknown here.

Best green homes:
Passive houses use only 10% of energy used by conventional homes of comparable size. They use “recycled heat” generated inside the house to heat the home itself. By incorporating ultra-thick insulation and re-engineered doors and windows, the house is sealed so that no heat gets out and no cold air sips in. They are extremely energy efficient houses that don’t need an extensive heating or cooling system like geothermal heating system or heating boiler.

The house is heated by the sun, but also from the heat from the residents and even appliances in conjunction with an air-heat exchange system to provide fresh air and recycle the heat of outgoing air. In the winter, only a back-up heating element of 1kW maximum is recommended. The heating requirements for the U.S. is less or equal to 15kW/sq m. To make sure that a house meets the energy performance standard for passive houses, it is tested with ‘blowerdoor’ and thermal infrared camera.It is important to note that the building principles used in building passive houses can be transferred to new buildings and retrofits.

There are now an estimated 15,000 passive houses worldwide, most of them being built recently and mostly in Europe. What is holding the U.S back from this all important leadership role in the green economy?

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The group began a rating system in 2000 called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED that would set a sort of standard rule of measurement for green construction. The system rates a building or project on a number of different areas and awards rakings according to how well the project or building meets those requirements. Some of the areas covered include how the parcel of land was used in it’s best interests, building and interior materials used, energy efficiency, water efficiency and indoor living quality. From those evaluations, the group will then award an LEED Certification of Silver, Gold or Platinum. There are a number of cities, including Chicago, that now require all public buildings to be LEED Certified.

But does a LEED ranking really mean that building, house or condo you are buying into is really doing that much to help the environment? Some say yes because even a small reduction in waste is an improvement over none at all. Others, including architects who promote green building practices, are more critical. They see it as more of a marketing tool that some developers will use to entice buyers who believe they are doing their part to help prevent global warming and save the environment. But who is right?

The answer to that is probably as complicated as the whole issue and debate of global warming in the first place. If a company receives a Silver LEED ranking for its office building as a good public relations move and then builds manufacturing plants with high rates of emissions, then the benefit is probably negligible. But if a developer creates a green project, such as Eco 18 for example, then the LEED system has done its job. Eco18 will have the title of first residential building to use the largest geothermal energy system in Chicago. The 12 story, 93 unit tower will have piping that drills down 450 feet into the ground to supply energy efficient heating and cooling at a reduction of 40 percent less in cost per year. The building will also have a solar hot water heating system.

Other developments in Chicago are implementing green design features such as bamboo flooring, recycled materials, low E insulated glass, Energy Star appliances, low flow toilets and faucets and low VOC materials. One development is planning on using roof-mounted wind turbines for electricity. Then there is the green roof, which in itself is a large factor. Green roof tops last longer, help with rain water run off, the landscaping absorbs CO2 and it helps to reduce the island heating effect of high-rises.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Chicago receives as much viable sunlight as Los Angeles or Atlanta and could create enough solar energy to power at least 70 percent of the average heating and hot water needs. So developments and homes that feature solar energy are certainly attractive to buyers. Kitchens are also another selling point for buyers, and the energy efficient appliances are a top priority.

Homes that utilize energy saving features can also save not only the environment, but money as well. The debate is how long it will take a buyer to recoup the sometimes higher purchase price and begin to see those savings. Building green adds an average cost increase of 1 to 3 percent overall to the price. A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders showed that 51 percent of buyers would be willing to pay an extra $5,000 to $11,000 in price for an annual savings of $1,000 on their utility bills. Depending on the number of green features and energy saving improvements on a condo or house, it could take anywhere from 10 to 15 years to recoup that investment, but the savings would continue long after that.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Mazria gave up a lucrative career in architecture to establish Architecture 2030, a nonprofit organisation that aims to challenge the construction industry to halve carbon emissions by 2010 and to be carbon-neutral by 2030. He also travels the US in an effort to increase awareness and responsibility for the building sector’s responsibility in the current environmental crisis. To this end, he’s written a revealing and informative white paper titled “It’s the Architecture Stupid”.

Mazria isn’t alone in his green housing crusade. Matthew Berman and Andrew Kotchen, partners in an architecture firm, consider themselves to be guerrilla soldiers fighting for a global cause, namely reducing the negative impact that housing has on the environment. In 2006 they won a competition to design a zero-energy affordable-housing development in cyclone ravaged New Orleans. Their project is currently under construction and consists of both houses and apartments that will be powered by solar panels and feature built-in rainwater collection systems. They are also designed to make the most of natural ventilation and will be constructed from prefabricated, sustainable materials.

In addition to their New Orleans project, Berman and Kotchen design custom-made, energy efficient homes for the wealthier members of society. As part of their environmentally friendly campaign they try to change the way their clients perceive status and space. While many of the more affluent members of society attribute wealth and success with the number of square feet they own, Berman and Kotchen try to persuade them that smaller is in fact better, and that they can have opulence, luxury and good design in a small space.

Wilfred Wang, one of America’s more colourful and controversial architects, says that in order for builders to save the planet they need to stop building. He maintains that instead of designing new buildings, or knocking down existing buildings and replacing with completely new structures, architects should retrofit existing buildings to make them more energy efficient.

In response to the environmental and energy crisis, many green housing projects have been proposed or implements all around the world. In Las Vegas the Enchantment Way Development project was recently announced. The project is part of the US Green Building Council’s pilot programme to introduce green building techniques and energy efficient design to the region. Part of the project will be devoted to creation of a Desert Tortoise Habitat and to protect indigenous desert growth.

Britain has its first entirely green housing estate project on the cards, with a proposed development in London’s Docklands. The project will include wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, organic fruit and vegetable gardens, solar panels, a cycle club and a car pool club. Austria has its very own EcoCity, or Solar City that uses modern insulation material and solar panels to reduce energy consumption and unique urban planning that locates all city facilities and amenities with walking distance of each other. Australia has the Aurora housing project that aims to deliver 8,000 energy efficient homes for 25,000 people within the next 20 years. And even India is getting in on the action with Kolkata’s Rabi Rashmi Abasan solar powered housing complex.

Many people believe that the current slump in the housing and construction market is exactly the boost that green housing initiatives need to propel themselves into the limelight and bring their advantages to the attention of a desperate public. A report from McGraw-Hill Construction and the National Association of Home Builders reveals that the green housing market is expected to grow from $12 billion in 2008 to between $40 and $70 billion in 2012. This suggests that green housing projects will soon surpass traditional construction methods in both popularity and profit margins.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

A solar cell roof is called “building integrated”, also known by the more complete name “building integrated photovoltaic” (BIPV). BIPV suggests that you would have needed that part of the structure built anyway, and you’ve chosen to use material that will also serve the purpose of generating power through solar energy. The first advantage of solar cell shingles or panels on the roof is obvious: some of the initial cost is paid by lowering the overall material and labor costs involved in the construction. The second advantage is that the BIPV does not stand out – it is a normal and expected part of the design and structure of the building. These two advantages often make bipv solar roofing the clear choice over rooftop wind turbines, raised solar panels, and backyard windmills which both stand out and cost a lot more to build and install.

In some parts of the world, often due to government subsidies, many new houses are built with solar roofs. Until recently, this was not the case in the U.S., UK, and much of Europe because the cost remained prohibitive. However, with the invention of what is called “thin film solar technology”, solar roofing tiles, panels and shingles have become easier to fabricate and work with and are much more aesthetically pleasing. This technology is best for pitched roofs where shingles or small tiles are the norm. Large flat roofs, such as the tops of many commercial buildings, can have one giant layer of solar film, or large integrated panels.

Solar cell roofs can be hooked up in two ways – on and off the grid. Off the grid solar power means that you will use the energy you gain from the solar panels and either not be connected at all to the electric company or connected in a way that is completely parallel and unrelated. Off grid appliactions might be appropriate for houses that are far from electric power lines but get enough sunlight to be completely solar, houses with combination systems with other renewable energy systems, or houses in places that get little sun so it would be unlikely that the solar power generated would ever be more than the house requires. On grid systems are hooked in with your conventional electric supply, and when the solar power system generates more electricity than you need, it actually sells it back to the power company. Your meter literally spins backwards and you can get a zero bill or even a check in the mail instead of a bill.

There is some debate among real estate developers, but the general rule is that any renewable energy source for the home pays off if it returns your original installation investment in ten years or less through energy savings. The invention and perfection of integrated thin film solar roofs has led to us rapidly approaching that return, and possibly even outdistancing it depending on where you live.

There are four things to consider when looking into a solar cell roof:

1. How much sun does your area get each year, independent of the outside temperature?

2. Where does your roof face – ideally it would face east/west of it is a slanted roof?

3. What is the cost now, and projected cost of electricity where you are?

4. What is the general attitude of home buyers in your area to renewables (especially if you might sell your home within 10 years)?

If you do choose solar cell roofing for your home or buisiness you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the effeiciency, cost, and savings associated with BIPV.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Despite being the second smallest country in the world Monaco has established herself as the natural European home for many of the world’s wealthiest men and women due to her tax haven status, with many more visiting on holiday while cruising the Mediterranean for the Monte Carlo casino – and Monaco has managed to stay as a top destination by cleverly spotting and exploiting trends ahead of her competitiors.

The Monaco Yacht Show is part of the attraction for the super-rich, and has firmly established itself as the leading super yacht show in the world over the last fifteen years. For Monaco itself the Yacht Show is second only to the Monaco Grand Prix for visitor numbers. Combined with the Hotel de Paris and other Monaco hotels the principality has successfully secured her position as a natural environment for the wealthy to live or visit.

Monaco is showing that cuts in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases are possible in a land of plenty, and the Monaco Yacht Show has successfully achieved carbon neutral status for the 2005 and 2006 events, with plans to repeat this for 2007, establishing itself on the map of Monte Carlo as an environmentally friendly event.

To attain carbon neutral status last year, the organisers sponsored various projects in Europe and further afield to offset carbon emissions generated by the show.

The show paid for wind turbines In New Zealand, generating enough electricity for 45,000 homes and in Brittany France paid for a heath to be planted with chesnut and oak trees to protect water catchments and provide a recreational area, while in the USA paid for a methane capture system, reducing the amounts being emitted by some 95 per cent.

Monaco Casino

The leadership for the move to a greener Monaco has come from Sovereign Prince Albert, who has been successfully campaigning among world leaders since his inauguration two years ago to move the environment up the political agenda, and it has brought the issue to the fore at home.

Prince Albert signed Monaco up for the Kyoto Protocol shortly after becoming Sovereign, and a few months later left behind the comfort and glamour of his palace and the poker tables of Casino Square for the wilds of Antartica to see for himself the damage being caused to the glaciers because of global warming.

Upon his return he set up a foundation with his own money to study the impact of rising sea levels, and since then has been active in the attempts to publicise the need to cut CO2 emissions in the industrialised world.

In recent months he has met both Prince Charles and President Chirac of France to discuss global warming. Although he spent some time in the US in his early years and speaks English fluently, he hasn’t had to learn Italian and can converse with leaders the world over without the need for a translator.

Close to the Fontvieille harbour where the yacht show takes place, a new island is to be built, and the bidders have been told that a successful application must be environmentally friendly, and some proposals indicate that the island will be a floating one to avoid any disruption or damage to marine life.

With real estate in Monte Carlo the highest priced in Europe, the new apartment buildings will be welcomed by the property sector as there is a very real shortage of property for new residents, forcing prices even higher. One bedroom apartments are currently exchanging owners at over a million Euros.

The environmentally friendly island will also include new Monaco hotels, a university and possibly a museum, with the winning bidder due to be announced towards the end of the year.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The Government must do a lot more to help people investing in buy to let property to make their properties more environmentally friendly.

Although a lot of property investors would like to be “green”, the cost of most energy-saving modifications takes decades to get back and the average tenant is simply unwilling to pay extra simply to help save planet earth. There are some tax breaks and grants available but they can be difficult to claim.

Richard Gard of the National Landlords Association in the UK says the environmental message is not getting through, despite the high level of debates on the subject of global warming. “Energy efficiency is not top of tenants lists of concerns,” he says. “One of the really useful things the Government could do would be to educate tenants on the need to save energy. If it was market driven, investors could invest and be sure of a return.”

The Governments main weapon in the quest for energy savings is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Landlords will have to produce an EPC for inspection by tenants after October 2008.

The idea is to promote EPCs in university towns, so students will be familiar with them and use them to choose energy efficient lets when they go back to their home countries, thus spreading the idea. At the moment, there is not enough knowledge out there to drive this forward.

Tenants are just not interested in their impact on carbon emissions. At the Greenwich Millennium Village, for example, the design was advertised as a new gold standard of environmental excellence, but prospective tenants know absolutely nothing about it. None of them know about the eco-friendly design until they ask about the heating bills. Tenants are pleased with the low bills, but they come to the Greenwich Millennium Village because it is close to Canary Wharf and it represents good value for money, not to help the environment.

Until we overcome tenant ignorance, the Government will have to offer landlords better financial incentives to implement important energy savings, says buy-to-let investor David Lawrenson.

There are some tax incentives on offer from the government, such as the Landlords Energy Savings Allowance, which brings tax relief of £1,500 for each property if investors install things like lagging and roof insulation. But the governments need to offer a lot more before it is worthwhile doing major work.

The gas and electricity companies offer a lot heavily subsidised deals on insulation, draft excluders, wind turbines and solar power, but no financial compensation is available for loss of rent for investors and landlords while the work is being done.

In the long term, the Government has to take action to force property owners and that will have to include investors and landlords, to improve energy performance.

Environmental standards are driven by laws and until we have mandatory standards, the market will not change. The position will change dramatically over the next five years, fuelled by government aims for zero carbon housing by 2016.

New homes are only a very small part of this problem. Existing houses must be upgraded as a matter of urgency. New build is only 2% of the problem. We need to tackle the other 98%. But the good news is that people are beginning to recognise the need to take action. A tipping point has been reached in public perception.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Cost is the main disadvantage to implementing solar power on a large scale. The price of solar power systems is vastly inflated, thus preventing most Americans from implementing their own. For example, the PowerCube 600, which produces 3,500 volts-amps constantly is sufficient for a small American home. But the $25,000 price tag puts it beyond the reach of the average consumer. A solar panel that produces 120 watts can cost as much as $500. There are dozens of sites on-line offering inexpensive DIY solar panels for as little as $200, as long as you’re willing to build and install them yourself. One such site, cheaphome-energy.homestead.com offers a comprehensive do-it-yourself guide covering the building and installation of both solar panels and wind turbines.

Whether you build it yourself or have it professionally installed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is a major resource to cutting the cost. Homeowners that “go green” are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit toward the investment of energy-efficient upgrades, including installation. To qualify for these tax credits, the products must meet the requirements set by the Department of Energy. To find out more visit, www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm or energystar.gov.

Efficiency is another problem with solar power. Traditional solar panels are only about 15% efficient, compared to coal power with an average efficiency of 40%. Given the intermittent production of solar power, and the consistent production of coal it is difficult to imagine solar replacing coal in the near future. But that too is going to change. The amount of sunlight that strikes a photovoltaic cell determines how much energy is produced. With the addition of reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, solar concentrators can improve the performance of solar panels, by 10% or more. Solar power windows are another promising advancement. RSi Energy Group developed the first transparent photovoltaic window, capable of producing 80-250 watts. The glass is heat resistant and can help reduce air conditioning costs by 50% or more.

The practical storage and release of energy during peak usage times relies heavily upon batteries. Dry cell batteries, such as lithium-ion, are rechargeable and up to five times as energy dense as a flow battery. Dry cell batteries release power steadily and are thus useful for small applications, such as a residential system. However with a limited number of recharges, up to a couple hundred times, dry cell batteries are ineffective for large scale applications. While it is not new, the vanadium redox flow (VR) battery is the revolution that solar power has been waiting for. VR’s absorb and release stored energy rapidly and can be recharged thousands of times. The cost of a vanadium redox battery is the main drawback, currently costing about $500 per kilowatt-hour of storage capacity. Availability is another problem. The main supplier to the US is VRB Power Systems, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. In the coming years, advances to vanadium redox batteries will make them affordable and help solar power become a primary energy source to the US.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Haven’t times changed? There was a time when every adult had a personal time piece – usually a wrist watch – each person valued and relied on it. Today, a whole generation would rather have a cell phone. A few years ago, we laughed in exasperation at the number of clocks we reset when there was a power failure or in anticipation of the change to or from daylight savings time. Now, the blinking lights are becoming a thing of the past as those devices are improved by additional computer resources so that they use small amounts of battery supplies and their internal programming to take care of these minor chronological problems as an automatic function. The point is that we live in households and businesses that have increasing demands for stored electricity – it is just a modern reality and an acceptable trade-off in order to keep our up to date electronics working as expected. Certainly this is one of the motivations for adding solar panels and wind turbines to our homes and businesses. For our portable appliances or devices, we should consider portable solar chargers.

Portable solar chargers come in a variety of sizes and with a wide range of their own features. One of the most important is power generation capacity, the amount of watts that the charger can generate in an hour. This will give you an idea of the kind of devices that the charger will charge for you. Nothing is more frustrating than leaving your favorite device plugged in for hours before you realize that it can’t generate enough electricity to charge that device. This suggests the next important feature. Does the charger include the connectors you need for your devices? Once you know what devices can be charged, you must be sure the charger has the connectors for your devices. These are the two basic important features.

Portable solar chargers have panels that must be placed where they can convert light into electricity. These panels respond in different ways to different wavelengths of light – from infrared to ultraviolet. The panels are also available in rigid and flexible formats in various sizes. Solar panels are increasingly part of the design of all kinds of consumer goods, the panels may be single purpose photovoltaic sheets or part of your clothes or other accessories.

Rechargeable batteries should be part of your consideration simply because so many of the devices you use, require separate batteries in various formats. AA and smaller versions of 1.5 volt batteries are ones you likely use in large quantities although C, D, and nine volt batteries are also very common. A portable solar charger should be part of your personal power generation planning for charging these batteries to keep your devices working well, clean and green.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

One way is to simply exercise the Power of One. Individuals can make a huge contribution to a healthier environment by simple actions and strategies adopted as a daily routine or habit.

Here are seven actions that you can adapt and incorporate into your own daily life. It is important to do these feeling empowered. It does no one, or the planet, any good if you only do things out of guilt, shame or remorse! Those are not feel-good emotions. Environmental actions need to feel good and be a positive statement against despair. Think of these actions as small deposits in an environmental bank that your grandchildren and future generations will be able to draw upon. This is a great legacy to leave!

1. Do you Really need to make that Journey?

Get strategic about journeys. Carpools are great for routine runs. Where we do not always see an opportunity is with journeys that are a greater distance. Think of all the tasks you might need to do – a visit to the library, running a pet to the vets, shopping requirements, dentist appointments. Try to cluster these activities to one central area. Then be logistic when making appointments so that you need only one car run.

Use reciprocity. Ask friends or relatives if they need anything when you are going to take a journey to accomplish appointments or tasks. Going to the dump? Do they have any items that will fill the car? Think carefully. People will appreciate being asked and your saving them a journey. They, in turn, will think of you and return the compliment.

2. Plant a Tree – or a Forest Even!

Carbon offsetting is a way of paying your carbon debt to the environment. You can visit many sites that will help you figure out what level of offsetting you need to be doing. You need to take into account your daily commute to work if you drive instead of using public transportation, as well as business and personal flights. In Ireland, for instance, I can visit www.carbonneutral.ie and they can tell me how many trees I need to plant each time I fly home from Dublin to visit family in New York.

The simplest way to offset your carbon emissions is to plant trees. Since Ireland is the most deforested country in Ireland, I have a number of choices. I can purchase a tree through www.nativetrees.ie who will plant on my behalf in a forest project. In the past though I have purchased trees as presents for people who have the space and land for trees. It makes an unusual gift that keeps on giving.

3. Packaging – Bin It!

Spurn plastic carrier bags and get reusable ones. Ireland brought in a tax levy on plastic bags that has helped de-litter the countryside. Get a pretty cloth, hemp or raffia bag. If it is eye-catching you won’t forget it.

When you are out shopping avoid getting fruit or vegetables in plastic containers. Look and see if the plastic can be recycled. If it doesn’t say so on the label then opt for products in glass. Go easy on foil and canned products as these can be the hardest to find recycling receptacles at Recycle Centres.

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t have a way of recycling an item them look for an alternative.

4. Eat Organic and Less Meat

I have to confess that my favourite meat is beef. But cattle and sheep do create a lot of methane and that does not help the ozone layer or the polar ice caps. So I try to have it as a treat and opt for sustainable fish and organic poultry instead.

Organic vegetables and meat are not subject to pesticides and herbicides which are tied to the petro-chemical industry. They not only save on depleting natural resources but they enhance the environment. Organic vegetables thrive on healthy soil; healthy soil fosters produce with more minerals and vitamins than conventional produce. UK scientist recently proved this. Organic food really is healthier, not just for the planet, but for the consumer.

5. Read the Food Label – Is it Local?

Food miles, the distances that food has to travel to get to our plates, has lengthened considerably in the past two decades. If you don’t have a garden to grow some of your own organic vegetables, patronise local organic market gardens, vegetable box schemes, or farmers’ markets.

Read the labels in the supermarkets for the country of origin. Buying produce grown in your own country is not only patriotic and supporting your home agri-economy, it supports the planet.

Last of all, maybe we need to fall out of love with exotic ingredients that come from across the world. Revive national cuisine and use local and seasonal produce. I am not talking seasonal in California when you live in Ireland. I am talking about eating what can be grown in your own country and in season – for your own country or region.

6. Switch to Renewable Sources of Energy

Many of us has switched to low energy light bulbs. Others consider slapping solar panels on their roof. That may not be an option if you rent your home or have not got the cash to invest in that home improvement at the moment. You might be able to do that in the long term but there is something everyone who pays an electricity bill can do.

You can switch to a provider who generates your electricity from a renewable resource. Here where I live, we have a number of wind turbines that generate electricity. We switched to the major provider in Ireland, Airtricity. Every country and region will have a company offering this alternative. Shop around!

7. Strut your stuff while you walk the talk

Cotton is the most heavily, chemically treated crop on earth. The next time you need to replace a pair of socks or knickers, consider buying organic cotton ones. There are also organic bamboo and silk/wool combinations if you prefer. Mail order is a real boon for shopping for organic clothing. Get online and find a provider that is relatively close to home. That means if you live in the USA finding someone in the USA using USA organic cotton if possible. For Europeans, that means sourcing organic cotton from Turkey or Egypt if you want to cut down air mileage.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Because the company had been created specifically to build military aircraft, there was a great need to find another market once World War II had ended. Auto manufacturing seemed to be the perfect way to transition into the era of peace.

Once focus was turned to car manufacturing, Saab was able to pull from its experience designing and building aircraft. A perfect example of this was the Saab 92, the first car produced by Saab post war. The Saab 92 had a drag coefficient of just 0.30, the lowest of any car produced until that time.

Saab would continue to produce quality small passenger vehicles for some time. However, it soon became clear that the public wanted larger automobiles that could accommodate the whole family. The Saab 99 was the answer to that need. It was the final car to be designed by Sixten Sason, who had been Saab’s chief designer since the end of World War II. However, the car was extremely successful and would be the basis of Saabs design style for the next 20 years. The Saab 99 was also the first turbo charged model, something that would become Saabs trademark in years to come.

Though initially growth was slow for Saab, it produced its 500,000th model in 1970. Things heated up quickly and just 6 years later Saab would produce it one-millionth vehicle in 1976. In response to a rapidly expanding global market, Saab entered into partnership with Fiat. Together Saab and Fiat produced some of the most popular cars such as the Alfa Rome 164, the Fiat Croma and the Saab 9000.

Although Saab had had a small presence in the United States for quite a while, it was General Motors acquisition of 50% of Saab that brought the Swedish car to the United States in larger numbers. Although it took several years, the infusion of General Motors capital was what Saab had needed to recover from years of slipping sales. In 1995, the company posted the first profit it had seen in 7 years.

As with all car companies in the twenty first century, Saab has struggled for the past few years and on February 17, Saab’s parent company, General Motors announced that Saab would file for bankruptcy and reorganization within ten days unless aid was provided to the ailing company in ten day. The Swedish government balked at the idea stating that Saab would not hold the Swedish taxpayer for ransom and perhaps Saab would do better to return to the production of wind turbines rather than to attempt to produce more cars in a market that already has a glut of them.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

What Are Hydraulics?

This system uses fluid to cause something to charge, swing, swivel, turn, or otherwise move in some manner. In order to do this, the liquid travels through hydraulic motors, cylinders, pumps, valves, hoses, and tubes to condense the molecules and create the pressure that powers equipment. The pressure forces the cylinder on the other side to move, powering whatever it is connected to.

Hydraulic Pump

This portion of the power system is responsible for moving the fluid along the lines. It collects its power from an engine of some type. Then, it uses various couplers to transfer that power to the rest of the system. While this doesn’t sound that strong, this part has ten times the power of its electric equivalent. That’s what makes hydraulic pump repair so important; without it, the entire system will be at a standstill.

Hydraulic pump repair and systems can involve four main styles. An axial piston type has the ability to vary the amount of automatic pressure control. A radial piston type is best for small applications that require extreme pressure. Two simpler forms of hydraulic pump repair and parts exist as well. This includes a vane style that needs the fluid to flow faster, but doesn’t necessarily require a high pressure. The gear style has low pressure, low output, and generally lower efficiency.

Valves

Another important segment of hydraulic motors and systems includes control valves. Because of the wear and the precision required, it is also one of the most expensive and frequent hydraulic pump repair experts have to make. Many different styles and types exist. To transfer the fluid to the correct actuator, directional styles are used. Sequence valves ensure the fluid runs in the proper order, similar to shuttle valves, which are for function. To keep the amount of pressure under control for safety and efficiency, pressure reducing and pressure relief valves are found in this equipment. Also included for safety reasons, various types of check valves can be found on hydraulic motors and systems.

Hydraulic Motors

These differ from pumps and other similar systems in that it works with pressure on both sides of the part rather than just one. In all, there are three main styles. The most simplistic of these is a gear and vane style that is used only in small situations. Axial plunger models are used when the system requires a rotating drive at low speeds. The piston style axial plunger motor is the most common style used in this form of power system. To move large amounts of fluid at slow speeds, radial plunger motors are put into place.

Hydraulic motors are a great example of a powerful mechanical advancement that was derived from basic concepts. Simply by compressing and moving fluid, you can power any number of different systems and parts. This also makes quality hydraulic pump repair and efficiency so important — without this seemingly insignificant power source, the equipment you are working with becomes useless.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

It is very risky not having home building insurance. There are two main reasons. Firstly, if you have a mortgage you have to have it. Secondly, you will have to be pretty well off to be able to re-build the house in the event of a catastrophe. Don’t forget, nobody thinks it will happen to them.

What does buildings insurance cover?

So, what do you get for your hard earned cash? Hopefully, just piece of mind, and it is money down the drain. Most people aren’t sure what is covered by home buildings insurance and what is covered by home contents insurance. Here is a summary but remember, it varies with different insurers and it is wise to check with the insurer or better still use a broker who knows what he is talking about.

Home buildings insurance covers the main structure of your home, the garage, and outbuildings, (although sometimes only if they are listed in the deeds), for the cost of rebuilding. Usually so is everything else; walls, paths, drives, patios, terraces, fences, hedges, and gates – even tennis courts, swimming pools and ornamental ponds, but watch out for exclusions as they can be difficult to spot in the small print. Many people now have solar panels and wind turbines, they’re usually covered too, as are your fixtures and fittings. Inside the house a good rule of thumb is: If you turn the house upside down and it stays put, it’s covered under the home buildings insurance.

Other things to look out for:

Some providers need a re-build cost of the property, others use a notional cost of say between £300,000 – £500,000, which is usually adequate, and others use an unlimited amount. Don’t be fooled into thinking unlimited is best, that doesn’t mean they will give you a blank cheque!

* Some charge extra for monthly Direct Debit others don’t.
* You often will get up to £20,000 for alternative accommodation.
* You would usually get cover for fire, storm and flood damage.
* Cover for subsidence or heave of the land your property stands on. (Normally there is a £1,000 excess for this).
* You get a no claims discount, if you don’t claim. Always think carefully before making a small claim, after the excess and increased premiums the following year may cancel it out or even make you worse off.
* You can often get an additional discount on buildings and contents insurance if you buy them together.
* It also covers any permanent fixtures in your home like built-in wardrobes, kitchen surfaces, taps, basins, baths and showers.
* If your house was built before 1800, is not of “Standard construction” (i.e. brick walls and a tiled roof) or is listed then you will need special advice and insurers as normal insurers won’t touch them.

What causes the damage? You are usually covered for the following conditions:

* Fire, smoke, explosion, lightning or earthquake.
* Riots, civil commotion, labour and political disturbances or strikes.
* Malicious damage or vandalism.
* Storm or flood (If you have claimed for flood damage, don’t cancel, you may find it difficult to get covered again).
* Impact or collision.
* Escape of water or oil.
* Theft or attempted theft

If the property is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 days then check with your insurer as it increases their risk. Wet or Dry rot is not covered. Pollution from outside sources is unlikely to be covered. If you are doing structural work to your property then check the builder has insurance, your home building insurance will not cover you if the house collapses!

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

By 2009, experts believe China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide.

According to the country’s National Reform and Development Commission (NDRC), China will produce 1.45 trillion kWh of electricity in the first half of 2007. About 75 percent of the China’s energy is generated by coal. By 2050, to serve China’s growing population, the country is expected to add the sum total of Canada’s generating capacity every four years!

While China hopes to rely more upon nuclear, coal is continues taking its toll until the country solves its energy quandary.

On Tuesday, China’s state environmental watchdog reported that more than 62 percent of the country’s cities suffer from air pollution. Thirty-nine cities were placed on the State Environmental Protection Administration’s ‘Black List,” because they suffered severe air pollution.

Seven of those cities are located in China’s northern Shanxi province, the country’s largest coal supplier. Coal-fired power plants are reportedly the major culprit. Many were given preferential pricing terms to install sulfur removal systems. Some took the pricing, but skipped the systems.

China’s runaway pollution has become an international problem.

In early April, an American satellite spotted a dense yellow cloud of gases, chemical and desert sands floating across Seoul (Korea) – emissions from China’s coal-fired smokestacks. This weekend, the Korean government retaliated by launching Greenbelt Plantation Project. The Korean forestry service plans to plant 1.5 million trees in Mongolia to help reduce sandstorms wafting across the Yellow Sea, which bring its residents respiratory illnesses.

It is not that China is ignoring the problem, but that the country’s breakneck GDP growth rate is not only impacting global commodity prices (oil, copper, nickel, uranium, etc), but could also be accelerating the effects of abrupt climate change and global warming.

Just Bad Weather?

One can politely compartmentalize the disrelated weather events which occurred over the past seven days and call those a coincidence, or one can imagine the horrors Dr. James Lovelock has warned could occur as this century unfolds, as he told us a year ago.

A week ago, Cyclone Gonu was recorded as the strongest tropical storm since 1945 in the Arabic Gulf region. It peaked as a Category 5 along the coastline of the Gulf of Oman. At the time, many worried it might disrupt oil exports from the Middle East. It was the first cyclone in recorded history to enter the Gulf of Oman. Eastern Australia was battered by heavy rains and suffered major flooding and landslides this past weekend. So great was the impact that some compared it to 1989’s earthquake, near the same location.

There have been other firsts over the past few years. In 2004, Cyclone Catrina became the first cyclone to form in the South Atlantic and also hit Brazil. In 2005, Hurricane Vince became the first cyclone to hit the Iberian Peninsula. In 2006, super typhoon Chanchu formed in the South China Sea, hitting China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Many have concluded these could be early warning signs of much greater catastrophes expected as sea waters further warm up.

China Aiming for Solutions

Electricity growth has been the global driver toward more nuclear and more environmentally friendly methods of power generation. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) forecasts an additional 90 gigawatts of electricity would be required over the next twenty-five years in the United States. To generate this new capacity, the DOE calculated it would take 151 coal-powered plants, 100 mid-sized nuclear plants or 60,000 wind turbines.

China’s problem is magnified to accommodate its higher energy intensity per unit of GDP growth. Not to mention its whirlwind growth.

While we discussed several coal-replacement developments in our recent publication, “Investing in China’s Energy Crisis,” one has piqued our interest as more easily implemented. And it is also one where China has focused.

Kyoto Protocol Drives CBM Projects

Clean coal technology is being rapidly advanced in China because of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which is an integral component of the Kyoto Protocol and which China signed in 1998 and approved in 2002. The CDM allows developing countries to sell their ‘certified emission reductions’ (CERs) to the wealthier nations.

By trading CERs, China has developed an additional revenue stream to fund local emission reduction projects. According to the World Bank, China obtained 62.5 percent of the total UN-certified carbon credits in 2006. This amounted to US$3 billion.

One such project benefiting from the CER mechanism is the Jincheng coalbed methane (CBM) power plant, which is scheduled to begin operation this August. At 120,000 kw, it will be the largest of its kind in Asia. Annually, the power plant is expected to transform 180 million cubic meters of CBM gas into 730 million kWh of electricity.

The power plant is attached to the Sihe coal mine from which the intense greenhouse gas will now be used to provide electricity. Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group, which owns the mine and the power plant, received US$150 million in funding in exchange for certified emission reduction credits.

On June 1st, Jiangxi province’s first coalbed methane (CBM)-fired power station was successfully connected to a power grid in this southern Chinese province. It had gone through two months of trial operations. This CBM plant could become a model for similar plants in other Chinese provinces.

There are negotiations for 60 CDM projects currently underway. Of the twenty approved by the state government, most are coalbed methane recovery projects.

China hopes to double the sale of the country’s carbon credits. The next five years could show intensified activity in carbon trading as Japan and Europe rush to the 2012 deadline for meeting their emission reductions targets. Using the present rate of China’s market share as a yardstick, this could mean more than US$7 billion in ‘foreign aid’ in 2007.

Financial institutions are scrambling to deal with the trading action. Fortis Bank, a Belgian Dutch financial group, which has carbon trading desks in Europe and the United States, plans to expand its Hong-Kong trading desk this year to capitalize upon the ‘easy pickings’ of methane projects. Fortis ranks 18th on Fortune’s Global 500 list with 2006 revenues of more than US$112.3 billion.

Fortis’ Asian carbon market director Shane Spurway said, “Methane will probably be one of the most popular projects in the next three to four years.”

While degasifying China’s coal mines helps save lives, the financiers aren’t attracted to methane projects for humanitarian reasons. Because methane gas is far more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, every ton of methane gas captured and utilized is the financial trading equivalent of twenty tons of CO2.

As a result, we believe China’s coalbed methane gas should become a very valuable commodity and attract widespread foreign capital to those companies developing CBM in China. We also suspect that foreign-owned CBM companies developing these projects could become beneficiaries of carbon trading credits – potentially adding cash to their revenue streams.

Until now, coalbed methane projects have lagged in development. The CER mechanism in the Kyoto Protocol shoots them to the top of the list. Carbon traders make money so the CBM projects will become easier to finance. They neither require the capital-intensive component of nuclear energy power plants nor the gamble of an offshore natural gas discovery.

Kyoto’s CERs and China’s CBM projects appear to be a banker’s dream project, for at least the next few years as the world’s richest nations rush to capitalize upon those carbon trading credits.

China’s Guizhou Province

China hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out many obsolete thermal power plants and replacing them with small-scale natural gas or coalbed methane electric power plants. Holding one of the world’s top coal reserves, and the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, China relies upon coal for its energy. The country’s top experts know coal better than any other energy source.

Consequently, China’s turning to CBM gas as one means of reducing air pollution and continuing to power its double-digit GDP growth is a natural extension for its scientists, miners and environmentalists.

After researching Shanxi province, which hosts one-third of China’s coal reserves, we began studying comparable coal provinces and regions to find which areas had prolific CBM reserves. Guizhou province stood out. It is also about 400 miles northwest of Hong Kong.

In the course of researching the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Coalbed Methane Outreach Program, we were fortunate to uncover an analysis released in late 2005 jointly published by the China Coal Information Institute and the US EPA.

“Guizhou province has the largest coal reserve in southern China as well as rich CBM resources. The CBM reserve in Guizhou is 3.1KB m3, accounting for 22 percent of the total in China.”

Guizhou ranks second behind Shanxi province.

The report continued, “The CBM resources in Guizhou are not only rich but of high quality as well, with the CBM reserve 29KB m3 in the methane-rich areas of over 8 m3 methane per ton coal, accounting for 94 percent of the total amount of local CBM resources.”

This government report also noted the plan was utilize the ‘local rich CBM resources on a large scale.’

As a result, we anticipate Guizhou province may be one of the targets of the certified emission reduction credits. The high quality and abundant CBM reserves could help develop the small-scale CBM plants now operational or under construction to the east and north. The regional population is equivalent to more than 80 percent of the U.S. population.

In April, China announced Guizhou province would utilize 100 million square meters of CBM this year. Later that month, the NDRC announced it would encourage coal mine investors to exploit CBM. In May, a new preferential policy to promote CBM exploitation was announced.

To our knowledge, only one foreign-owned company holds properties in Guizhou province. Pacific Asia China Energy is presently developing its Boatian-Qingshan property in the Longtan coal formation in this province.

In summary, we don’t believe the high-pitched excitement for the next few years will be about China’s nuclear power plants. Certainly there will be growth in China’s nuclear, and over the next decade, nuclear could represent a higher level of electrical capacity. And China has announced it plans to build a strategic uranium reserve. But, the country has also limited the amount of molybdenum it exports (effective earlier this month). Of course, this should drive those metal prices higher.

However through 2012, China’s coal mines and the methane contained in those mines is more likely to be a major energy driver in attracting foreign capital. After all, carbon trading credits can’t be taken lightly. The CERs are attracting foreign investment, bringing the country new technologies and gifting the Chinese government billions of dollars for trying to reduce their air pollution.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

After all this excitement I was back on the road and enjoying my drive eastwards. The weather improved from a cool drizzle to overcast skies, and it was looking like I might even get some blue skies later today. The Lighthouse Trail hugs the southern Nova Scotia shoreline while Highway 103 pursues a straighter trajectory inland. In order to make it on time to my stop in Shelburne and to today’s final destination of Lunenburg, I followed the inland route with the occasional side-trip to the waterfront.

Straight south from Yarmouth is a peninsula with a town called Wedgeport at the end. This is the location of la Butte-de-la-Croix, a site that commemorates the first mass after the return of the Acadians, held in 1769. Acadians were expelled in several waves by the English between 1755 and 1763 and deported to numerous destinations across eastern North America, the Caribbean and even back to France during an extended period of ethnic cleansing. Some of the French Acadian settlers returned to Nova Scotia, and the Wedgeport location in particular is a symbol of Acadian courage and perseverance.

East of Wedgeport are the Tusket Islands, about 365 islands, peninsulas, inlets and bays that make up an intended coastline. The Bay of Fundy’s tides have a big impact on this area, and salt water travels 24 km kilometers (15 miles) upriver on tides that are about 4 metres (13 feet high). The islands vary in size from a few meters to half a kilometer in length. This area was first settled by Acadian French settlers and to this day French dialects and customs survive in this area. Today there are thousands of “shanties”, small tiny cottages, while in the past this area also featured large fish factories and lobster canneries. Sea kayakers looking for bird-watching and island hopping opportunities love this area.

The Pubnico region comprises three different sections: West Pubnico, with an almost exclusively French-speaking population, Pubnico proper with primarily Anglophone residents, and East Pubnico, again occupied mostly by French speakers. French Acadian settlements go back to about 1614. Today, the local population mostly makes a living from the fishing industry, which includes first and foremost lobster, scallops, herring, haddock and cod. Not only is Pubnico considered to be the oldest village which, in Acadia, is still occupied by the Acadians, but it is also the oldest village in Canada still occupied by the descendants of its founder. Since February of 2005 renewable energy is being produced at Pubnico Point. 17 interconnected wind turbines generate about 100 GWh a year.

Further east along the shoreline is Cape Sable Island, the most southerly point in Atlantic Canada. This small, low sandy island is the location of about 1800 recorded shipwrecks since 1676. It took until 1861 for the first light house to be constructed on Sable Island, and in 1876 a steam-whistle fog alarm was added. Even since then ships continue to run aground in this foggy, harsh marine environment, but the loss of life has been low.

The next major town along Highway 103 is Barrington which also claims to be the Lobster Capital of Canada. The area around Barrington features a variety of fishing villages, museums and heritage buildings. Not far outside Barrington a major mystery awaits: just southwest of the town is the Shag Harbour UFO sighting area, location of a purported UFO crash on October 4, 1967. At least eleven people reported seeing a low-flying lit object heading towards the harbour, accompanied by a whistling and then a crashing sound when the object hit the water. A search and rescue operation did not turn up any evidence of a crash, and no aircraft were reported missing. A secretive military expedition discovered some foam-like debris, and one military witness stated that there were actually two objects, one possibly trying to assist the other. To this day the Shah Harbour UFO Crash is an unsolved mystery.

The town of Barrington itself features a recently constructed walking trail along the bay. The Barrington Woolen Mill, dating back to 1882, was an active mill until 1962 when it ceased production and became a museum in 1968. Wool sheared from sheep who were grazed on the various surrounding islands were processed in this turbine-driven mill that saved Nova Scotian women endless time in terms of washing, spinning and weaving wool at home.

My drive continued inland towards Shelburne, my next destination. Shelburne was first settled in the spring of 1783 when 5000 settlers, United Empire Loyalists, arrived here from the middle colonies in America. By 1784, the town was the fourth largest in all of North America, larger than Halifax, Montreal or Quebec City. Fishing, shipbuilding and the lumber industry formed the economic mainstays of the area. Many descendants of these Loyalists still live in the area today.

Black Loyalists also settled in this area when the Royal Governor of Virginia awarded freedom to any slave who would escape from a rebel slave master and fight alongside the British Loyalists. More than 300 Blacks joined the Loyalist forces and formed the Ethiopian Regiment. In total about 100,000 slaves took refuge behind British lines.

In 1782 when Americans were winning the war, the British prepared to depart. During this time some Blacks were recaptured while others resettled in Florida, the West Indies and Canada (or rather British North America, as it was called at the time). The largest group of Black settlers, about 3500 people, were transported to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Birchtown, just a few kilometers west of Shelburne, became the largest settlement of free Blacks outside of Africa. However, of 649 families only 184 received the promised crown land grants.

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society Museum in Birchtown commemorates the Black Loyalist settlers who founded the largest free Black settlement in all of North America. Unfortunately the museum was closed when I travelled through the area. However, I did have a chance to explore some of the Shelburne area’s other museums. This small town has a large museum complex on the waterfront which forms one of the best natural harbours in the world. I drove down on Main Street which features Victorian architecture as well as a large Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1908 from local granite which used to be the Post Office and Customs House. Coming down Ann Street I noticed a well that was located right in the middle of the road, an example of the community wells that were typical in this area.

Then I headed down to Dock Street on the Waterfront, formerly the centre of Shelburne’s commercial activity. I was immediately struck by a large wooden structure, dating back to 1902 which used to be the store and warehouse of George A. Cox, a prominent merchant who built his own vessels. Tucked in behind it is Guild Hall, a set from the move “A Scarlett Letter”. This building was constructed to reflect 17th century architecture.

Along the waterfront is the John C. Williams Dory Shop, a working museum that demonstrates the craft of dory building. Dories were small wooden fishing boats that were very popular in the around the turn of the 20th century and were purchased by Nova Scotian and American fishing captains. This shop dates back to 1880, and in its heyday five to seven men produced 350 dories a year.

On the other side of the street is the restored Ross-Thomson House and Store. George and Robert Ross were merchants, trading pine boards, codfish and pickled herrings for salt, tobacco, molasses and dry goods. The store actually closed in the 1880s, was restored to its 1820s condition and today operates as a museum. I took a quick tour through the Ross-Thomson House which provides a good idea of the living conditions of the early Loyalist settlers.

Right in this complex is the Shelburne County Museum which houses one of the oldest fire pumpers in all of North America. It also features exhibits on shipbuilding and local Loyalist history. History buffs can access newspapers and court records from the 18th to the 20th century, all saved on microfilm, and genealogy records of Shelburne County families are also available.

Shelburne is a very scenic town with numerous unusual heritage buildings located on the waterfront and on various other streets leading up from the water. I wish I had had a bit more time to explore this town, but my schedule was getting tight. I wanted to continue on eastwards along the Lighthouse Trail to make sure I arrived before sunset so I would be able to see the town of Lunenburg before dark, one of Nova Scotia’s favourite destinations.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences & interesting life journeys, interviews with travellers and travel experts, cross-cultural issues, and many other features.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

In fact, most people who buy their first electric vehicle are increasing their carbon footprint when they do so. That’s because almost every electric vehicle sold in the world today is the first motorized vehicle the buyer has ever owned. Every day in China, thousands and thousands of electric bicycles and scooters are sold to people who are “upgrading” from bicycles or walking shoes.

I recently spent two weeks traveling all over China on business. The huge numbers of people traveling on various forms of two-wheeled electric vehicles were simply staggering. In Suzhou City, about fifty miles outside of Shanghai, electric bicycles and scooters outnumbered passenger automobiles by at least ten to one. At rush hour, the right lanes of the streets looked like rivers of electric vehicles. It was clear that when a worker in that area goes looking for a commuter vehicle, the default vehicle will be electric-powered. Buying something that is powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) is outside the norm.

I saw a broad range of EV choices available and in use. The majority used lead-acid batteries, although use of lithium-ion batteries was on the rise. Most of the EVs had two wheels, although I also saw many electric tricycles used for hauling larger loads. Almost all of them used small motors mounted in the hub of one of the wheels. The smallest motors produced about 100 Watts (W) of power, but the majority of electric bicycles used motors in the 180-250W range. Scooters had somewhat larger motors, but none of them produced more than one horsepower (746W). Compare that to American automobiles producing at least 100 horsepower, and you can begin to see why electric bicycles are such efficient vehicles compared to other alternatives.

Many people rode small folding electric bicycles with 16″ or 20″ wheels. This puzzled me until I talked to one of the locals. He explained that the average family of three (remember the one child per family law) lived in an apartment with about 300 square feet of floor space. In the cities, virtually all the apartments are above the ground floor because the street level is reserved for commercial and industrial space. So, all these commuters need to be able to haul their vehicles up one to ten flights of stairs and stow them in very limited spaces. An electric folding bicycle fits this need perfectly.

Perhaps most common were vehicles that looked like electric mopeds, with a platform on which to rest one’s feet and pedals which looked like they were added as an afterthought. These tended to be more powerful than the folding e-bikes, which probably made up for the difficulties encountered in overnight parking. Beyond these electric mopeds, there were lots of electric scooters that looked like modernized versions of the old Vespa design. Like the electric mopeds, many of scooters had vestigial pedal assemblies, and I noticed that many folks simply removed the pedals and the rest of the human power system. When I asked why people did this, someone explained that the law states that electric bicycles can be sold without licensing through department stores and any other retail outlet. Electric scooters, on the other hand, were illegal in many locations. To address this issue, companies build electric scooters with the bare minimum of human assist capabilities required to meet the legal definition of “electric bicycle.” Since lots of people decided they would never pedal their vehicles, they simply removed the pedals, etc. in order to make their scooter what they really wanted in the first place.

I spent the last few days of my trip in Taiwan. I immediately noticed that, where people on the mainland rode electric vehicles, people in Taiwan rode small two-stroke scooters. When I asked why this was so, people confirmed my suspicions that Chinese people do not, in general buy e-bikes and e-scooters due to any sense of environmental altruism. No… they buy electric because a gas scooter costs five times as much as an e-bike does. It is as I and others have been saying for many years now; electric vehicles cost much less than ICE-powered vehicles once they are mass-produced.

That’s right; simple economics have dictated China’s transformation into an EV culture. Which begs one question, since price is the primary factor driving Chinese people to buy electric vehicles, what will happen when an average citizen of China has much more wealth? As the “first world” countries continue to pour huge amounts of cash into the Chinese economy, the balance of financial power will inevitably tip toward China. This is already visible to those watching the US Dollar tumble versus the Chinese Yuan. Soon, the average Chinese worker may be able to afford a car. Will they choose to abandon their hyper-efficient e-bikes in favor of passenger cars when they can? If they do, will those cars be powered by electricity or by fossil fuels? Anyone who cares about the world hopes that they will continue to choose the most efficient EVs possible, but anyone who studies human nature must have his/her doubts.

Please do not misinterpret the intent of this article. I am not saying we should look to China as an example of a “green” society. I saw with my own eyes and felt in my own lungs the terrible pollution problem China is producing with its massive coal-burning power plants, lack of environmental controls on industry, etc. No rational human being would argue that China’s environmental policies are anything short of horrific. However, in the one single area of personal transportation, China is demonstrating an important point. Publicists and corporate lackeys everywhere want us to believe that our environmental problems are hard to solve, that they require decades of research and trillions of dollars just to begin. My trip to China proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that these naysayers are wrong. In order to save our planet, all we need to do is act. The answers are as simple as conserving energy, building wind turbines, having fewer children and/or strapping an electric motor and a battery pack on a bicycle. If we can get beyond the forces of greed and laziness, the answers are right in front of our faces.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The story of Trinity Industries is a case in point. Its shares trade around $11 well below net tangible assets per share of $17. The shares have dropped around 68% over that last 15 months. Trinity relies on rail-car manufacture. Around 36% of its revenue of $3.9 billion comes from this source. In 2000 it claims its reliance was as high as 60% of revenue. It has made strides to diversify into rail-car leasing, wind turbines, construction equipment. As the cargo sector has been put under severe stress with the downturn so the fortunes of the company has suffered. Dependency can lead to pain.

Anchor in Canada has sales of around $129m and is dependent on the automotive industry. Approximately 85% of its sales were tied to that sector and now it’s down to 70%. It has taken 5 years to drop 15%. It now supplies the wind turbine industry, medical, mining, and construction sectors. Evidence suggests that many didn’t make the switch to non-automotive sectors in time; perhaps up to 60 suppliers have gone bust in recent times.

Britain’s naval shipbuilders and designers are looking to diversify into other markets and target international opportunities in perhaps army and air force sectors around the globe. As the CEO of the JV between BAE Systems and VT Group said last June, we need to reduce our dependency on a single customer!

Equally dangerous is the reliance on one key supply chain. In regulated industries, approvals of new suppliers can take months further putting pressure on the one supplier model. Insurers such as Zurich Financial Services are starting to offer insurance against disruption of the supply chain.

Even large successful companies can fall into a reliance trap. Thomson’s acquisition in April 2008 of Reuters diluted down the dependence on Wall Street and the City by bringing in strong tax, legal and scientific databases. However Wall Street and the City still account for 60% of sales and around 50% of profits.

Owners of private companies need to understand the massive long term impact of these dependencies. That large order is great for cash flow but there is downside unless key strategies are deployed. Left unchecked, it is easy to let that one customer dominate your sales line for the next 5 years. Your culture, your identity and your margins are then shaped by the actions of that one large customer. I’ve seen large customers dominate the R&D strategy of private companies. I’ve seen a sales culture turn to a “farmers” mentality instead of maintaining a balance of “hunter” type sales folk going after new business. If you are not careful your intelligence gathering is diluted, as you lose your independent thinking. You see things through the eyes of your biggest customer. This is common in the software world where many small private players become dependent on a few customers or technology platforms e.g. IBM, Apple, Oracle, Microsoft.

Use dependencies to grow your business quickly. Use large customers as testimonial, showcase sites to help you win further landmark clients. Let key supplier relationships create stability to allow you to put in place more strategic supplier partnerships.

Learn from your dependencies quickly and build a more diverse, sustainable business using these special relationships as a springboard for more success.

The Portfolio Partnership repositions companies organically and/or by acquisition. Our mantra: companies are either remarkable or invisible.

Ian works as an embedded member of your team executing the required initiatives.

He applies specific models designed to ensure your company has a compelling story, delivered by a well trained, world class team. He helps clients define and dominate their unique market.

He have built up and sold 20 businesses over the last 30 years.

The next 5 years will be an unusually attractive time to build remarkable businesses to achieve premium exit valuations in 2014.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The principles and techniques of off grid living may be used in any home, even those tied to the power grid. With the ability to generate your own electricity from solar panels or wind turbines, you can be energy independent whether you’re miles from the nearest power line or in the middle of the city. Furthermore, you can get into the off grid lifestyle without shelling out thousands of dollars for professionally installed systems. Do-it-yourselfers are creatively generating their own power from solar and wind energy kits.

One of the keys to making it off grid is conservation. The less energy your lifestyle needs, the less you need to generate to live comfortably. Conservation is also the most economical part of energy independence. For every dollar spent on conservation, you save three dollars in avoided generation costs. So what are some the ways you can reduce your energy requirements? Well, I mentioned CFL lighting above, this a relatively new approach to home lighting that really cuts on energy consumption. And, CFLs are constantly improving, both in reliability and spectral quality of the light produced. The CFLs of today are noticeably better than those of just a couple of years ago.

Another conservation tip is to eliminate “phantom loads”, or appliances that consume power even when they’re not in use. Typical phantoms are TVs and VCRs that have a “standby” mode, sucking up power just waiting for you to turn them on. A common trick for defeating phantom loads is to plug everything into a switchable power strip and turn it off at the strip.

Things like computers and printers, anything with the little green light that is always on, these items are energy thieves that add to your bill. Taking part of the off grid living adventure, doesn’t always mean giving up everything, sometimes it just means getting smarter about the things you have.

Off grid living has gotten so popular that portable, high efficiency homes are being produced to provide “turn-key” off grid dwellings. Similar to mobile homes and travel travelers in layout and definitely only designed as a one or two person dwelling, these homes use solar power, passive solar design and a small amount of natural gas to provide off grid living that you can take with you.

When you commit to energy independence and off grid living you are also making a very patriotic statement. Generating energy at home, literally, reduces your dependence on foreign sources. You also strengthen your community when you generate your power on the spot. Think of how resilient our cities and towns would be if we each had our own clean power sources right at home. The centralized power grid is our Achilles heel, when reduce our dependence on the grid, we make ourselves more secure.

Finally, if you want to start down the path toward true energy independence and off grid living start right here on the Internet. There are loads of excellent resources, success stories, and supportive communities to help you get started. Also don’t forget your local library. Countless volumes have been written on living off-grid, how to generate and efficiently use home made power, and how to conserve energy in all aspects of life. Best of all, the library is free.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Let’s consider the current reliance of our planet on oil, it produces our fuel for all travel and has many side uses, like producing plastic. Oil is formed by the degradation of dead organisms over thousand’s of years and exists in pockets underneath the Earth’s crust. So what happens when oil is pumped out of the earth? Well the holes appear to be filled by water, a technique used by drilling companies to recover all the oil in that particular well.

Then we come to how much is left, where there are estimates ranging from 10 years through to 30 years, but no-body can be entirely sure of this, due to demand increasing with the likes of China & India becoming more westernised. And what happens when Africa is then exploited by large corporate companies for cheap labour? Improved standard of living equals higher oil demand.

Then consider the environmentally impacts of burning oil, which releases carbon dioxide, making the greenhouse effect worse, warming the planet and causing freak weather conditions. This all seems like doom and gloom but with the advances in technology that have been made over the past 20 years then surely we can devise sustainable renewable energy, harnessing the weather?

Another big problem in our society is waste, just think how much is generated and goes to landfill! We have hundreds of sites with thousands of tonnes of waste that will degrade very slowly, would you do this in your back garden? Think about all those used disposable nappies and consider the methane that gets released as some items degrade, another greenhouse gas that is affecting our climate.

Something else to consider that has been around for many years is the reduction in forests that has been happening, cutting it down for timber and to provide more farm land. The impact of this is to also reduce the CO2 absorbed by our fossil fuel usage as well as changing the shape of our landscape. There have been big steps forward in this area by moving towards sustainable wood, where for every tree chopped down; one is planted, ensuring we maintain our planets’ forests. Another recent development is the use of bamboo as a fabric which has great eco friendly properties as it’s a renewable resource and uses less water than cotton in the process.

A final element of our daily impacts on planet earth is the high use of chemicals which get pumped into the ground everyday through our household drains and that of industry. These are all man made, but where do they go? Back into our water stream? Into our food chain? With the advances in medicine, everyone is living a longer life than say 100 years ago, but there are still big killer diseases around, cancer for example. Why? Surely we would have eradicated all of these, but don’t you think chemicals and fuel fumes have played a part in this? So why do we use chemical laden cleaners or eat food that has been sprayed & washed in chemicals? Taste the difference between home grown food and cheap supermarket food, but how do we balance that with our hectic lifestyles? Eating organic food and using natural cleaners, which appears to be more expensive?

This then seems quite daunting if you sit and consider all the information and basically our futures are in the hands of governments & scientists. However, as individuals we can make our own small impacts within our lives, helping towards keeping our lovely planet healthy and a great place for the human race to live.

So let’s start with fossil fuel usage, we all use it in our cars and homes, either as petrol/diesel and gas or indirectly as electricity. As a householder we want our running costs to be as low as possible so with vehicles it’s a balance between lower CO2 emissions and slightly lower running costs with diesel, and considering the other harmful gases emitted from diesel engines. Whatever the choice, the cost effective way is to accelerate smoothly, keeping your speed to the road limit and reduce the urge to overtake. Consider the purchase of a hybrid car if you do a lot of town driving, this becomes very economical and is so much better for the environment. We still have a long way to go on developing the vehicles for the future that run on renewable energy based around the sun, wind & rain.

In our homes we need to do all the normal things that have been said many times over the years by governments, like loft insulation, door draught excluders and turning the heating down 1 degree. Then every time you purchase a new electrical item, look at the efficiency rating, and ensure you pick a low energy rated one (normally A+). Purchase a low cost energy metering unit and find out what each of your electrical appliances consumes and then switch off those that are the highest users. Don’t get caught by thinking that these standby busters save you loads of money, they don’t! Gradually switch light bulbs to either low energy ones or even better to LED bulbs, these last up to 20 times longer and use about 1/50th of the energy consumed by normal bulbs. Further to this there are good developments in the use of wind turbines & solar panels but at the moment they are not proving to be economically viable, but given time this will be the way forward for our source of energy in our eco homes.

Think about all the waste you generate, does it all go into bin bags for landfill or can you segregate it into items for recycling & composting? Try collating items for recycling in separate bins and having a kitchen compost bin to collect vegetable & fruit waste, tea bags, egg shells etc. This can then be used in your garden to help grow your own products which not only taste better but give you great satisfaction. Aligned to this is the consideration of purchasing items that have less packaging, not using plastic bags and shopping for recycled gifts and stationery. For anything that uses wood, try to buy Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) approved items, this indicates that the timber comes from a sustainable forest.

Finally, try and move away from using chemical laden cleaning products to natural or organic cleaning products but always check the contents as not all products are as eco friendly as they claim. If you are unconvinced, just check out the ingredients list of a well known retailers own dishwashing liquid which contains formaldehyde! Most good natural cleaning products are actually concentrates, meaning the cost per use is the same or better than high street brands that are packed full of bulking agents & chemicals. Consider eating organic food as it hasn’t been treated with fertilisers or chemicals and look at organic pet foods for your furry loved ones. Another thing to consider are the products that you use on your baby & children, there are some decent organic and natural items, ranging from shampoo to nappies.

In summary, even though times are hard with costs rising, investments and property dropping, there are many ways in which you can save money by taking a “lets go eco” view. You will also feel like you are doing your bit to help towards the environmental cause even though we are in the wake of the credit crunch. We can all do our little bit by making our lifestyle a little bit more eco friendly and buying eco products for our homes.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

* Enormous Potential: The Earth receives a massive amount of energy from the sun, far far more than we are ever likely to use. In fact, the Earth receives about 174 PW (that’s 174 with 15 zeroes after it) and we use about 15 TW (15 with 12 zeroes after it). Now, all that solar energy doesn’t reach the surface, but if we could tap just 1% of what we get from solar power, we would need nothing else, though granted, most of that energy goes to warming and driving the Earth’s climate. This is one of the most important advantages of solar power over the other forms of renewable energy; there is simply so much more of it potentially available.

* Most Suitable in Developing Regions: It would appear that “developed” countries are those that are not generally concentrated around equatorial regions (Africa, South America, India and so forth), while the “developed” ones lie more in higher latitudes. This means that those who are now developing into larger economies, and so are ripe to begin with renewable energy rather than going via fossil fuels, do in fact have the most solar energy available to them. I can probably make that clearer with a map: http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/natural-resource-solar-power-potential

As you can see, equatorial regions receive far more solar energy per square metre than regions at higher latitudes. This is not to say that solar panels would be wasted in Europe, say; just that they would produce more electricity in most of Africa.

* Clean: One of the main advantages of solar power: it produces no greenhouse gases (though tiny amounts would be produced during production).

* Cheap to run: Aside from production and occasional maintenance costs, solar panels do not cost much to actually run.

* Renewable: I suppose this one is fairly obvious, really, but do bear in mind that the sun will not go anywhere. It will exist for many billions of years to come, so there is no chance of ever losing this source of energy (whereas rivers can dry up).

* Aesthetics: Unlike wind turbines, no one complains about the erection of solar panels on a rooftop. On a small scale, they are unobtrusive. On a large scale, they are likely to be in a fairly barren and remote location anyway, for example desert land.

* Low Maintenance: Once solar panels are erected, they do not require a large effort to keep them running. Unlike a gas or nuclear plant, solar panels can effectively be left to get on with it.

* Silent: Another plus for domestic purposes, solar panels will not annoy the neighbours. It is far less likely that they would require planning permission to install (compared to a 20 foot tower).

* “Ecologically” Friendly: Forgive the odd choice of words, what I mean is that solar panels do not have a large impact on their environment (something which is quite heavily associated with wind power).

* Ideal for Domestic Purposes: Essentially because of many of the reasons already listed, solar power is probably the most appropriate form of renewable energy to be applied domestically. I’m of the opinion that all new builds should include solar panels (as the cost of solar roof tiles is not that much more than regular roof tiles).

* Safe: As far as I’m aware, no one has ever died in a “solar explosion”. This is a problem which plagues effectively all non-renewable sources: deaths occur in mining, power plant accidents, and so on, not to mention the death toll which could one day be attributed to global warming.

So those are the main advantages of solar power. As you can see, there are rather a few. Solar power technology really has a very long way to go, and that’s why it has so much potential. I expect to see the days when solar panels are printed onto panes of glass and woven into clothing, to really maximise the amount of free energy we can gain from the sun.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

With all the recent development in the renewable energy resources, nations are looking forward to meet there energy need through, green and natural resources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. Unfortunately all these very productive and free resources are being kept out of the reach of the common man. In United States, and Europe some subsidy is being provided by the governments if one tends to install any type of renewable energy source for domestic energy production. For example in FL & CA, they offer about 50% subsidy in form of cost sharing which is not bad at all, while its even batter in Germany, France and Spain. Just recently San Francisco decided to take the largest solar initiative. But unfortunately in the third world countries in Asia and Africa installation of solar panels or wind turbines is not really some thing common man can consider affording. Although local use of Biogas plants using dung digesters to produce methane gas is getting common in rural settings.

Monopolistic Capitalists have developed there web of financing R&D of renewable energy resources and patent them to ensure an earning out these natural resources, turning the concept of free green energy into a dream. So what should be done about it and how can we get out of the control of these oil giants, answer simply lays in adopting sustainable living. In other words we need to reduce our dependability on the fossil fuel and cut down our energy needs.

A change in social and individual behaviors is needed, walk or maybe ride your cycle to the market instead of pulling your gas guzzling vehicles out for a 10 min journey, some argue about how to carry the shopping, well pull your four wheel drive out, but not the one with an engine, I am talking about your own shopping cart. How about insulating the water tank with black colored insulation in winters to harvest passive solar energy and with silver and white insulation in summers to reflect light to prevent heating. Last year I pasted CD’s on my water tank in summers to reflect the sunlight, but never considered a base between the tank and the CD’s so the difference was not considerable, this year I’ve place some hardy shrubs on and around the tank in large earth pots and they are being watered with the excessive water pumped to the tank and off course rain, reflecting CD’s along with the plants are keeping the water inside the tank cool. Consider a tower of potatoes made out of large rubber tires placed on top of each other five such towers produce enough potato to feed a family of 6 for 6 months, and can be placed easily on a terrace at a sunny spot. Every electric switch left open and plug left in the socket use vampire voltage, all those appliances the have a small red light on them but we think they are turned off are consuming vampire voltage, and these vampire voltage contribute significantly towards our electricity bill every month. With a little care and we can reduce our dependability on the barrels that are pulled out every day to feed our hunger of consumption topped with our convinces.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Here’s a couple of examples.

Run my car on LPG? Great, that means I can travel further and it will only cost me the same!

Need more power? That’s fine, we’ll just build another zillion wind farms!

This is a common mentality for most of us; saving in order to spend. An essential part of living a more earth friendly life is about less consumption. Even the wonderful wind turbines have to be manufactured and that type of manufacturing is not earth friendly.

A few years ago, I would have been sitting in an office powered by several 100 watt globes, looking at a 17″ CRT screen while typing this out. Aside from the screen, the computer would have been drawing at least 100 watts too. So that’s a total of 300 watts of energy consumption an hour. My electricity would also most likely have been derived from the burning of coal.

Nowadays, my office is lit by a 10 watt compact fluorescent globe and I run a laptop with a smaller screen that draws at best 90 watts per hour. Over a day, I save about 2 kilowatts of power and what electricity I do use is sourced by renewable means or offset; and I suffer no real discomfort as a result.

Having less of an impact on the environment doesn’t mean we must live like cavemen or forego all of modern life’s luxuries, but just to treat them as such – luxuries; something to be cherished and used sparingly. It certainly boosts appreciation of these things and helps us to want for less.

But, in terms of energy consumption overall, with all these new fangled low voltage requirement gadgets coming out these days, energy star ratings to guide us and far more efficient engines etc, surely we must be using less energy per person?

No chance; most reports from countries around the world about energy usage state it’s increasing. There’s more people using more energy, despite a small offset as a result of improved energy efficiency.

Governments are concerned that making huge changes in the way we go about our lives in order to preserve our environment will have a negative impact on our economies. Well, I think we’re caught between a rock and a hard place now; it’s too late for any soft option and that’s entirely our own fault – we’ve been too slow to act.

We have a distinct and urgent choice to make; the somewhat painful sacrifices now or face an even more excruciating pain the day when our ecosystems finally say no more.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Probably the best place to get started is with a simple solar do it yourself project that doesn’t require a lot of time or money. Once you begin to see the benefits of alternative energy for yourself on a small scale, you can start moving up to bigger and bigger projects over time – like solar panel arrays, or even wind turbines. But first, let’s take a look at a few basic solar projects you can start working on today.

If you’re a camping enthusiast, this is one of the quickest and easiest ways for you to start making the sun work for you. For about $40, you can pickup a solar cooking system that will heat most foods – soups, hot dogs, hamburgers – in less than 60 minutes. Since the temperature is somewhat lower than a propane burner, the foods won’t burn, and you can keep them warm until you’re ready to eat them.

Solar showers are invaluable additions to many campers’ backpacks, camping boxes, or popup campers. After a few hours in the sun, these simple plastic bags with a shower head attachment put out very warm water, and you can find them for only $10 or so at many department or camping stores.

Speaking of hot water, installing a solar water heating system on the roof of your house is another possible project. You don’t have to use it as your sole source of hot water – it can simply save you money on gas or electric bills by supplementing your home’s existing hot water heater. This project is a bit complex, primarily because you’ll need to do some plumbing to integrate with your home’s existing systems.

Let’s get really basic for a minute. In the winter, be sure to open your home’s blinds or curtains and let the sun simply heat up your house instead of your furnace! I’m sure you’ve felt how much heat comes in through your windows during the summer, so be sure and take advantage of that power in winter months too.

A solar do it yourself project that’s not quite as complicated as the solar water heating system would be to make your own solar panels. Using parts you can find online or at your local hardware store, and for about $100-200, it’s possible to make your own solar energy panel that puts out 18 volts of electricity at about 3 amps – that’s 54 watts of power. If you were to build a few of these, you can probably see how you might be able to run a few appliances, supplement power to a porch or sunroom, or just store up energy in batteries to use later.

Last but not least, let’s talk about another simple use for solar power – recharging your car’s battery. If your automobile battery needs a little help sometimes, why not use the sun to keep it charged by getting a solar car battery charger, which adds power to your battery whenever there’s some extra sunlight. The mini solar panel sits on your dashboard and might just give your battery that extra boost it needs to last another 6-12 months or more.

With these simple solar do it yourself projects, you can start right away and be one of the first people in your neighborhood to begin getting the most from one of the most powerful, free energy sources in the universe – the sun.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

• wind power and power from waves and tides;

• hydroelectric (water) power;

• solar power: heat and electricity;

• heat power: from man-made and natural waste products and from the making of synthetic bio-fuels;

By definition, an energy resource is renewable if it is replaced at a rate equal to or faster than the rate at which it is consumed. Renewable energy is therefore also considered sustainable energy, since it will continue to be available in unending supply even as it’s being utilized. Renewable energy has also been given the moniker alternative energy in reference to the alternative it offers to conventional, non-renewable sources.

Renewable energy can be utilized in one of two ways:
• directly: as in water mills, windmills, solar ovens, geothermal heating;

• indirectly: using the renewable resources to create other sources of power, either as fuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas) or by generating electricity (wind turbines, solar panels).

Before renewable energy replaces the conventional sources of power that we’re used to (ie. public utility grid power), it will take years of research and development, continually studying, experimenting, improving, and innovating. The study of renewable energy, its applications and repercussions is concerned with environmental, economical, social, and political factors.

The reasons for switching from conventional, non-renewable energy to renewable energy are vast and varied, and the list grows larger every day. Among them are:
• it has a small to nil environmental impact with little to no harmful emissions, as a result supporting and protecting our natural ecosystem for future generations to enjoy;

• supplementing utility power with renewable power allows you a precious and invaluable backup system in the case of emergencies such as power outages and shortages;

• once a renewable energy system is installed, the energy costs a consistent amount to use year-round – as opposed to utilities that fluctuate in price throughout the year based on seasonal as well as socio-political factors;

• it is “distributed” energy, or energy that is used in the same location where it is produced – this cuts down considerably on transportation and distribution costs;

• many local and state governments as well as the federal government offer incentives in the form of tax breaks for the production and use of renewable energies;

• if you produce more power using renewable resources than you need for your own personal use, you can actually sell that power back to the utility companies in a program called “net metering”.

To complete a truly well-rounded discussion on renewable energy, there must be equal time given to its drawbacks as to its benefits. The most prevalent concerns about the long-term viability of renewable energies are that it is extremely dependent on numerous climactic factors and that it is considered “diluted” energy in that much more is needed to generate much less power. These so-called drawbacks, however, are no reason not to continue a fervent pursuit of incorporating renewable energy usage into more and more parts of our everyday lives. They are only to keep us present to the issues we must address in order to make a widespread switch to renewable energies a viable reality.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

One of the major issues which we hear about in the news a lot and in if the analysts are right we are due to hear a lot more about is the price of gas and electricity. It is a simple issue of supply and demand as the supply of gas and electricity becomes more and more limited the price will rise. Therefore it makes sense to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Your windows and doors are a weak spot in your home and by fitting A rated double glazing and UPVC windows and UPVC doors you will cut down the amount of heat lost through your windows and doors dramatically. Likewise if you decide to have a conservatory fitted to your home this can also be a weak area when it comes to heat loss from your home. Therefore again using A rated double glazing and UPVC windows and UPVC doors will cut down the heat lost through your conservatory.

You could also consider generating your own electricity by fitting solar panels or a wind turbine to your property. This could actually help you to make money as any energy which you do not use you can sell back to the national grid. Although the initial outlay for solar panels and wind turbines is relatively high you will eventually save money as you will cut down you energy bills. Not only will you be saving money but you will also be helping the environment too.

We have also seen the cost of food rise over recent years therefore if you have the space available you could start your own vegetable patch. This does not have to be as hard work as it sounds and can be very rewarding. The feeling of eating produce which you have grown yourself is great and you will also save yourself a small fortune.

Whatever changes you make whether large or small now is the time to act to ensure that you are prepared for any financial crisis which may occur in the future.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Building your own solar panel seems to be a daunting task. If you have ever contemplated having solar panels installed by a professional company that specializes in solar energy, the price tag quoted to you will have been high enough to stop you cold in your tracks. Installing enough solar energy sources by professionals to power the average home costs in the thousands (think five figures). It would take many years to recoup any savings from the project. But if you’re a dedicated DIY’er, building your own solar panels is a project that is not terribly difficult or expensive, according to Earth 4 Energy. Earth 4 Energy does not make the promise that you’ll be able to “disconnect from the grid,” but instead shows potential savings that an average person could receive from a little instruction in the science of building solar panels.

The founder of Earth 4 Energy, Michael Harvey, has over 15 years experience in the renewable energy industry. After performing his own search for how to build solar panels after receiving an astronomical quote of over $27,000 to install solar panels to his own home, Harvey researched how to build and install his own solar panels. Harvey decided to offer his methods to others in a step-by-step manual that goes into all aspects of building and installing solar panels for the DIY’er.

Earth 4 Energy is a three-part system that includes everything you need to know about how solar power is generated and all the components required to capture and store solar power, step-by-step instructions how to build and install a solar panel with inexpensive, easily obtained components, and a solar help package which outlines how to install and mount your solar panel, electrical wiring plans so you can safely wire your solar panel, a solar calculator which enables you to calculate how many solar panels you’ll need to power your home and more. For those of us who are visually oriented (and this is most of us), Earth 4 Energy includes step-by-step video instruction on the most important aspects of building solar panels.

If you are interested in generating electricity via wind turbines, Earth 4 Energy also includes plans to build your own wind turbine for under $150 US. For anyone who wants to slash their electric bill, the wind turbine is a great back-up for cloudy days when only a limited amount of solar energy can be generated.

As well, Earth 4 Energy offers an eight-week no-risk money-back guarantee that if you follow their system and cannot generate electricity that they will give you a 100% refund. As well, Earth 4 Energy offers subscribers e-mail support for any questions or difficulties they may encounter. There is only the one-time fee for the downloadable manual; there are no on-going costs involved with support for Earth 4 Energy.

For a small investment, Earth 4 Energy is an excellent system for an DIY’er interested in slashing their electric bill. With the money-back guarantee offered by Earth 4 Energy, one of the most comprehensive systems on the market for using your own solar power is also one of the best values.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The demand for home made, renewable energy has never been higher. Energy costs are simply soaring and we, the consumers, are the ones who are ultimately paying for it.

Global leaders have agreed to make a determined effort across the world to cut down on the harmful toxic emissions produced during conventional electricity production. These toxins and emissions are quite literally killing our planet and it’s nearly all for one thing – the production of electricity!

It is therefore easy to see why the solar wind power market is becoming a rapidly expanding one. More and more people are understanding and realizing the huge benefit of turning to alternative, green energy sources to provide power to their homes.

It is strongly believed that many house builders in countries all over the world will increasingly turn to green energy methods for ways to provide electricity in newly built homes and offices. Many countries already utilize green energy sources as common practice. You only have to look at homes and businesses in countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus that have lots of sunshine all year round. Almost always, new homes are fitted with solar panel arrays which provide hot water and generate endless hours of electricity.

Let’s be clear on this – you do not need to live in hot sunny countries such as these to benefit from solar wind power. Solar power for the home can be utilized almost anywhere in the world – provided that you live in a habitual environment of course! However, the increasing popularity of solar wind power will eventually lead to one thing – expense. How much is an unknown quantity but you can be sure that it won’t come cheap, nothing ever does!

For this reason, you should be one step ahead and start to think about building your own solar wind power for your home right now. If you enlist the help of the professionals, you could easily be looking at 1000’s of dollars to have solar panels made and installed for you. However, what if I told you that you can easily make a solar roof panel right from the comfort of your home which will generate hundreds of hour’s worth of electricity for your home or office for under $250! This is actually possible and many people across the world are doing this right now.

Homemade Solar Wind Power is easy to make and costs a fraction of the price that professional builders and installers would charge you. You do not need these guys – they really are easy to make and will provide hundreds of hours worth of free, renewable, clean energy for your home.

There has never been a better time to get ahead and build your own solar wind power generator so why not get started today and reap the benefits from solar wind power energy.

If you decide to build your own solar wind power, you will have a satisfying and rewarding experience provided you follow instructions which have been written by the experts.

Instructions should be well structured, clear and organized and you should have access to help if you should need it.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

What this does to China’s sustainability equation can be imagined. China currently ranks third in coal reserves globally, but first in production, at 40 percent of the world’s output in 2007. According to experts, this resource will be exhausted in 80 years. Smaller reserves of oil and gas will go even faster, lasting between 15 and 30 years at their current rate of use in China’s rapidly expanding industrial economy.

China’s leaders are fully cognizant of this scenario, and that is why China currently leads the world in solar cell production. In 2007, photovoltaic factories in the People’s Republic of China tripled their production, capturing 35 percent of the global market. The same is true for lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. According to Steve Sawyer of Global Wind Energy Council, China will produce enough wind turbine assemblies to generate 10 gigawatts of power per year 2010. That 10 gigawatts represents more than half the capacity of the whole world in 2007.

With the Chinese, alternative energies like solar power aren’t “feel good” measures designed to make the affluent seem more in touch with the earth. They are engines of necessity, and the Chinese have always been good at turning necessity into an art form.

Take solar. China, also the world’s largest solar water heater manufacturer, currently uses about 100 megawatts of solar power to offset coal. This is a mere drop in the bucket, considering China uses 2.83 billion megawatts of power annually, 85 percent of it from coal. This usage creates 1.8 billion tons of fossil fuel emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as compared to the U.S., which in 2007 emitted 1.6 billion tons.

By 2010, however, China’s goal is 300 megawatts of solar energy, and that’s not even considering amendments to the 2006 Renewable Energy Law, which doesn’t offer government financial incentives for solar.

Should that happen, expect China’s solar power industry to take off. In the meantime, the real solar push is coming from rural areas which electrification has failed to reach. These 30 million people, in 30,000 villages across the country, get their power from panels, and experts predict this “green” rural electrification will account for more than half of China’s solar power production in the coming years.

Take Rizhao City, where nearly 100 percent of central district households rely on solar to heat their water, trigger their traffic signals, and power street and safety lights. Outside the urban area, many families use solar cookers. More than 60,000 greenhouses grow food under solar panels, and this plethora of captured sunlight is attracting the minds, imaginations, and livelihoods of businessmen, academics and retired people. Rizhao City is growing like – dare I say? – a weed under summer sunlight.

The trend isn’t confined to rural areas. Shenzhen now requires all new buildings higher than 12 stories to install rooftop solar water heaters. In Shanghai, a plan is afoot to invest 1.5 billion dollars in rooftop solar panels before 2015, which the Shanghai municipal government plans to subsidize until the cost of solar panels become affordable to the average Chinese citizen.

Finally, a proposal by two Chinese companies to build a 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Qinghai’s Qaidam Basin, will start small – 30 megawatts in 2009 – and end up being the world’s biggest when completed.

The current world recession has put a damper on many Chinese plans for greener energy, but once it passes (in late 2009, according to most economists) expect China’s solar energy platform to hit the ground running and not stop until every wall and rooftop in every city and village has its full complement of solar panels. Because the Chinese are very good in another venue: making products affordable.

Cooler Planet is a leading solar resource for connecting consumers and commercial entities with local solar Installers. Cooler Planet’s solar energy resource page contains articles and tools such as our solar calculator to help with your solar project.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

These days, though, a lot of folks are concerned with those “little things.”

The benefits of saving money are obvious, but you might not have thought about the benefits of being a little more self sufficient. If you don’t depend on corporations for everything, you get to live in a much stabler and comfortable state of mind.

For example, if you have a garden and some fruit trees and provide even some of your own food, then seeing the prices rise at the grocery store becomes less of a concern. If you install an alternative energy source such as wind or solar power to heat your home and provide energy, you’re less concerned about the fact that energy prices may go up significantly in the future.

Okay, let’s talk about some concrete steps you can take to save money and decrease your reliance on The System.

Get out of debt

We all know it’s not a good idea to carry a lot of debt, especially high-interest credit card debt and car loans, and yet many of us are deeply in debt. Being in debt means being reliant on some company who doesn’t know our name (and doesn’t care, so long as we send in those minimum monthly payments regularly). It also means wasting a lot of money on interest.

It’s hard to feel independent or self-sufficient when you know that just a month or two out of work would send you down the road to bankruptcy. Even affluent folks are likely to have credit card debt (sometimes when you make more you just end up charging more!), so this is not a concern just for certain social classes.

For advice on getting out of debt, watch Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey on TV, or pick up one of any zillion books on the subject. Realize that you’ll never obtain any degree of independence as long as you’re saddled with credit cards, car loans, and the like.

Become a food producer, not just a consumer

As little as a couple generations back, it was unthinkable that a family not have a vegetable garden, and many families had a lot more. There was a time when farming was the primary job for a whole lot of people.

Today most of us don’t have any clue how our food gets to our table and how heavily oil is relied upon to get it there. Just think of all the gas that gets used toting strawberries from Chile to Seattle in the middle of winter. It’s likely that energy costs will increase in the future, so we could see a huge increase in the cost of food.

A big way to protect ourselves from this inflation is to produce as much of our own food as is practical. Even on small city lots, it is possible to grow a lot of fruits and vegetables. In most urban and suburban areas, you can raise chickens, which can provide your family with farm fresh eggs. In some areas you can even have goats (fresh goats’ milk) and pigs. It’s also possible to have your own bee hive (or hives!) in suburban and urban areas. One hive produces 100-200 pounds of honey a year (sell the excess, give it away, or make mead).

Of course, you don’t have to become a urban farmer in order to produce just a little bit of your own food. Start with planting a few tomato plants or a couple apple trees. I’m a big fan of perennial food crops that come back year after year and don’t require a lot of work on your part (think fruit trees, blackberries, asparagus, etc. etc.).

To get inspired, look up the Dervaes family (they produce 6,000 pounds of food on 1/10th of an acre in the middle of a California city): http://pathtofreedom.com

Install alternative energy

There’s little point in installing solar panels or a wind turbine before you have your debt paid off. This is something you should wait to do until you can pay for it outright (in the meantime, undertake whatever simple home improvements you can to make your house as energy efficient as possible).

When you’re in a position financially to do so, though, it can make a lot of sense to install a means of producing alternative energy for your home. Examples include solar panels, geothermal heating systems, backyard wind turbines, and even corn or pellet stoves if you live in an area where such fuels are inexpensive.

Residential heat and energy systems such as these can ultimately lower your energy bills by producing energy right at home. In some cases, people are able to live entirely “off the grid” by combining an alternative energy-producing system with a lifestyle that makes smart use of energy.

If you take even just the first two of the three steps we’ve talked about here (getting out of debt and producing some of your own food), you’ll be way ahead in the game. You’ll need less money to live and you’ll be less reliant on a system you have no control over.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Why solar energy?

If you leave the cost of installing any type of solar system aside for a minute and consider the environmental issues alone. We all know that humanity cannot continue with its present rate of energy consumption and something has to change. Well, it would be nice to think that the richer countries of the world who have warm climates would try to make substantial inroads for development of not only solar but wind powered energy also. Spain, for example is beginning to take the whole subject seriously and in certain areas of the country one can see whole banks of wind turbines doing their bit and with more planned and in the pipeline. But what does Spain have in abundance, you guessed it, sunshine and lots of it. So, solar energy should be given a much higher priority. If even a small percentage of the population switched to some form of solar system the energy saved could help to make a difference to the planet. Did you know that our electric ovens consume the highest amount of electricity, with your air conditioning following close behind. So, it makes sense for someone who is good with their hands and has a reasonable talent for putting things together to build a system and it shouldn’t cost the earth, no pun intended.

Big advantages of solar energy

If you are living on a property with a reasonable amount of land then it may be worth considering building your own complete system. If you have “handy man” abilities then it shouldn’t cost a fortune and if you design it so that it produces a surplus, you can sell the surplus back to the electricity company. If this was achieved on a regular basis then the initial cost of the installation would be quickly recouped and you would no longer receive bills. In fact, eventually, you may break even and you could even make a small profit. Indeed, larger commercial scale solar energy farms are being planned and installed by private individuals and solar energy companies, with the sole intention of supplying to the national grid for a profit. It’s possible to introduce a system even if you own a property with a very small garden because a solar energy panel system can be installed on your roof top designed to produce sufficient energy to provide all your hot water. Did you know that approximately 30% of your total energy consumption is used in providing you with hot water? Before you start, it would be an idea to find out what, if any, grants are available. In Spain, for example, it seems that grants are available but you will need to check because these may vary dependant on individual regions. You will need to pay for the initial installation solar cost upfront and then apply for your rebate but I believe in some cases the grants can be around 50% to70%. So, this has got to be worth looking into!

Find out how much it would cost to either get professional solar contractors in to do the job for you or build a system yourself. If you look at the way energy prices have been shooting up through the roof recently all over the world then it may be the best thing you ever did. Plus if you ever want to sell your property in the future, what a fantastic selling point! You may be able to say to your prospective purchases “electricity bills what electricity bills” How good would that be?

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Renewable energy is the key to our survival and although a lot of people believe in the new safer nuclear reactors the upshot is they put off a problem of dealing with the waste for future generations.

We need to invest in building more energy efficient homes with solar panels and also with the use of wind turbines. These homes would able us to survive power cuts. With the current reserves of electricity within the UK for example we used to have 20% reserve electricity power generation at present we have almost none and depend heavily on the French to supply us in the event of an emergency.

There is also the problem that recently that the energy companies are dependent on shareholders because of this they are subject to being to take over and therefore would also put the shareholders first over customers. We need to equip our homes with solar power to provide us with heating of our homes with the relative warm climate we enjoy.

Wind power would also be a great advantage if we can supply even a fraction of the percentage energy we use in our homes. This energy even a small amount would allow us to power to run for an example a fridge which if it could sustain the fridge over a blackout would save vital food from going off.

Solar power technology has increased its efficiency in recent times and now we can often see road signs powered by solar power cells. Solar panels are becoming more relatively cheap and finding that all new developments should be looking to use this technology to increase our homes value in terms of being eco – friendly.

Reducing our carbon footprint is essential for making our environment a better place to live it is incredibly selfish for us to just to live for ourselves and not think of our future generations.
Making local wind farms are going to be a great method of reducing and using one of the earth’s greatest natural renewable energy. It is always possible for us to reduce our energy wastage and improve our lifestyle I always think of how when I visit parts of the world like some parts of Australia that how clean the air is and how lucky they are to have a better climate.

Where I currently reside there is are shipments of scrap metal at the port where I live and that produces metal dust in the air so from this we have a large amount of bad cases of lung problems. If we used energy more efficiently and there was legislation to force us to do something about these problems we would all enjoy a better climate.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Among measures Clark announced include a plan that clean-burning biofuels must account for 3.4 percent of fuel sold in the country by 2012 to replace gasoline and diesel; that all 47 government agencies should be using energy efficient transport, recycled paper and environmentally-friendly products and buildings; and a campaign to help households save energy and cut waste.

“I believe we can aspire to be carbon neutral in our economy and way of life,” Clark stressed, although no timetable was given to achieve the goal.

Indeed. And Kiwis can hasten that transformation by becoming carbon neutral themselves.

Just What Is Becoming Carbon Neutral, and How Does One Go About It? Carbon neutrality refers to energy policies and practices that effectively result in zero net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) which contribute significantly to global warming. Any effort to help reduce these gases will offset the effects of global warming.

Carbon neutrality encompasses a whole program which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, researching and utilizing renewable energy resources and offsetting whatever emissions one cannot avoid producing. At the personal level, becoming carbon neutral requires a deep awareness of one’s impact to the environment of his or her daily activities.

To Become Carbon Neutral, One Can Do It In Two Major Ways: (1) By reducing one’s own carbon emission by becoming energy efficient and deliberately avoiding activities that emit carbon gases and (2) by offsetting whatever is produced by some carbon-reducing activities somewhere around the globe.

The second method, offsetting, can be realized by avoided emissions and carbon sequestration. One can avoid emitting GHG by using less fossil fuel and switching to renewable sources such as geothermal which is locally abundant, for power generation.

Carbon sequestration involves removing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it for a given time. Proposals on carbon sequestration range from capturing the carbon dioxide emissions of coal power plants (such as the Huntly coal power station), researching on how forests absorb GHG and improving pasture lands management to increase soil uptake of these gases.

Examples of carbon offsetting projects are the following: Solar power (providing for own power using solar panels to avoid buying power from the grid), wind power (putting wind turbines instead of fuel-based generating plants) , hydroelectric power, fuel efficiency, fuel substitution (switching to a fuel which emits less carbon), co-generation (generating electricity and heat from one source), efficient lighting (replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps), materials switching (replacing input materials for industrial processes to those with less carbon emission), construction of green buildings (which are energy and materials efficient), green transport (using LPG as fuel and driving hybrid cars), utilization of industrial waste (e.g., recycling), biomass power generation (burning farm residue to generate power), reforestation and efficient pasture management (e.g., inter-cropping with plants that enhance the carbon storage capacity of the soil).

Green Energy Projects Large-scale offsetting activities normally arise in energy or environmental protection projects implemented through the so-called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol. The mechanism is essentially trading an institution’s excess carbon emissions with another’s surplus to lead to a net zero sums.

Under this mechanism, these green projects generate so-called carbon credits in the form of Carbon Emission Reduction (CER) certificates which are duly certified by independent accreditation bodies. The certificates can then be traded in a carbon market such as the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS), the Primary CDM market and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCE) – the last being the largest voluntary carbon market (see below).

The generation of CERs makes financing green energy projects in many developing countries possible which otherwise could not have been viable.

In 2007, the volume of carbon trading in the regulated markets totaled 2,918 metric tons of CO2 equivalent ( the other greenhouse gases are converted to equivalent CO2) with a value of US$ 66.1 billion, up from 1,702 mt CO2eq worth US$ 40.1 billion in 2006 (Source: Ecosystem Marketplace, New Carbon Finance, World Bank ). Europe and Japan have been the largest buyers and China the largest seller.

The purchasers range from corporations with substantial carbon footprints that are looking to minimize their financial risks ahead of tightening regulation to green investment funds.

The CERs from smaller projects like rural wind power and co-generation can be traded in a voluntary carbon market which is still small but is growing at a much faster rate than its regulated brethren. In 2007, the global voluntary market was worth US$ 331 million, sharply up from US$ 96.7 million the previous year.

Simple Steps To Be Carbon Neutral At Home IN THE MEANTIME, one can start trekking the path to becoming carbon neutral right inside the home. Some of the things one can do include:

* Choose home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers with high efficiency ratings.
* Use a bicycle for short distance travel instead of the car. It is also good for your health.
* Replace incandescent and halogen lamps with low energy compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
* Improve the insulation of your home to keep the heat longer during winter.
* Recycle materials as much as possible.
* Don’t leave appliances and lights turned on when nobody is using them.
* Conserve water.
* If appropriate, install your own renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbine in your home.

Going carbon neutral not only lifts one’s spirit knowing that one is contributing to conserve the environment but also saves real bucks.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Climate change scientists tell us what we may lose in the future. Already they reckon the ozone hole is as large as Antarctica.

I learned from my gardening teacher, Klaus Lautenberger, that we have lost soil the size of North America. We lose it through wind and rain. Remember the Grapes of Wrath? John Steinbeck’s classic told the economic and personal dislocation experienced by the climate catastrophe experienced in the American Midwest during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.

One of my fellow students exclaimed, “But then soil is more costly then oil!”

Yes, soil is precious. In Ireland we have lost a huge amount through lashing rain and bellowing wind. We use wind turbines to create renewable energy quite efficiently here in the Northwest. After a heavy rain the streams are brown with the soil that is getting washed away. Because Ireland is the most heavily deforested country in Europe we lose even more because we don’t have trees to help anchor the soil.

Whether it is the prairies or the wind-blasted Northwest of Ireland, what I keep coming round to are trees. We really need more trees. We can help deter soil erosion with them. We can carbon offset with them. They create beautiful green lungs to combat air pollution.

Growing our own vegetables is good in terms of reducing food miles and getting us to eat our five a day for health. The veggie scraps help create compost, which creates the organic matter we need to keep soil healthy and productive. But we need to also plan in trees into any planting scheme. Rowans and certain dessert apples or plums are quite happy in smaller gardens. Really small gardens can sport acers and dwarf Japanese weeping cherry trees.

If you really have no space at all try growing a lemon tree from a pip. You need to make a terrarium. Get a shallow wide-mouthed jar and put a few drainage pebbles at the bottom; fill it up with seed growing compost. Take a couple pips from an unwaxed, preferably organic lemon. Put them in the compost and then cover the top with some cling film. Or pop it into a sandwich bag. Put it on a sunny, south-facing window sill and wait. Be patient. Check for any signs of germination. Once the leaf has broken though the surface you can take off the cling film top. It will still need to stay dampish but don’t get too frisky with the watering. Once there is the ‘true’ leaf – two or three leaves formed – transfer it to a plant pot. With care and warm, keeping it out of cold drafts in winter, you will watch your lemon plant go from strength to strength. It will take a few years for it to flower and fruit but the leaves always have the most delicious clean, citrus scent.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Electricity is very important in our lives and will be in the future. It plays a very important role in our modern lives and we can’t live any more without it. Without electricity we are not safe, we can’t produce the products we need and can’t use all the appliances we love so much..

Most people feel that the price of electricity is too high for the amount they consume. However, complaining will not be the answer which will lower the amount you have to pay. There are other alternatives to lower your monthly bill for electricity. One option is to make use of alternative energy. Let’s review the most used types of this ‘new’ energy source.

Although people think alternative energy is ‘new’ it really is not. We have used this energy source long before we even knew electricity. Just think about drying your washed clothes outside in the sun. In fact, many of us still use this method to dry clothes and there is nothing wrong with this. Drying your clothes this way will save a lot of electricity!

Here we will list other types of alternative energy sources:

*The first is wind energy. Today windmills are used in homes to run small generators. Using windmills is not a new concept. Windmills were used extensively in the past century. They were primarily used to mill grain. Making flour from grain was hard work and using the power of the wind was an economical way to complete this task. Another use of the windmill was to pump out water from large creeks or lakes to gain land. One country which frequently used this technique was the Netherlands. Acres of land were gained this way and today homeowners still benefit from this land.

Today the windmill has a renewed function which is run small generators for homeowners. These generators produce electricity to be used in running small home appliances. These windmills are commonly used outside the city area. It would be hard for a homeowner in the city to make use of this technique because they are a few feet in diameter and are placed fairly high.

*The second form is solar energy. This energy source can be used in several ways. Most homeowners use it to produce electricity. The solar power can be used to power small appliances. Other homeowners used it to heat their homes. This can be done either passively or actively.

The passive form works like placing your car in the sun. The temperature in the car increases quickly making the inside of the car very hot very fast. For homes it can be done by making use of glass and positing your home to the sun. Your home can be heated up very quickly. By using certain types of stone walls inside your home this warmth can be held inside the house.

The active method uses solar energy to produce hot water for central heating. The hot water can also be used for running hot water, the washing machine and dishwasher. The efficiency by which we are now able to convert solar power into electricity and hot water is of such a degree that it is very possible to power a whole house and use for central heating!

Solar energy is much easier to use in the city and so many people in cities can lower their energy by making use of this energy source. The roof solar-panels that are needed can be placed on the roof out of sight. Some people think this that solar panels can be an ugly sight, but that is an individual’s taste.

*The third is hydropower. By making use of the power of running water small turbines can run generators. These generators in turn can store electricity which can be used for running home appliances. This technique was also used in the past where waterwheels were used to grind grain into flour, just like windmills. But like the windmills, this form of alternative energy is not feasible for use in a city area.

*The fourth technique is bio-gas. Bio-gas is produced naturally via the decomposition of different biological material. This can be from animals and from humans. Farmers can successfully use this method to produce bio-gas. The bio-gas can be used for heating a home or can even be used to cook. This form of alternative energy is also not commonly used inside the city area.

There are more ways to make use of alternative energy than mentioned here. The forms mentioned here are very common today and are evolving. In the early days of solar energy the efficiency was poor but today it has improved dramatically. If you live inside the city area your options are limited to solar energy. The advantage with this energy source is that is very versatile. You can produce electricity and hot water.

When you decide to use alternative energy you accomplish more than only saving money you’re also helping to create a better world. The big reason not to use alternative energy is the price tag. The devices to convert the ‘free’ energy source are not cheap. You need to realize that you’re investing in your home. But after good calculations you will realize that you’ll be saving more than you’ll spend. Don’t forget to apply for tax credits or other benefits for investing in alternative energy.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

You shall surely boost the overall value of your house by considering an energy efficient system. As you settled on to work towards the aim of having an energy efficient application, the initial step is to check on your energy usage. After you have done your audit, you will know what you will need to make your home more energy efficient.

Have solar and wind powered systems

Solar powered systems apply solar power to produce electricity that lights up your electrical equipment. Those used for room and water heaters are the most common types of solar powered systems. Although they can be quite pricey to install, they usually wind up as a cost-effective measure in the long run. Solar powered systems last up to a decade with proper installation.

Another way to have an energy efficient home is to install a wind powered system. Similar to solar powered systems, they can be expensive to set up as it requires lots of tools and planning. An example is a wind turbine. Wind turbines are excellent means to decrease grid power consumption. They harness wind power by means of their rotating blades so you can plug electricity into your home.

Change furnace filters

There is always a talk about the significance of changing furnace filter. The reason is that most furnace filters are disposable, economical, and simply replaced. Clogged filters cut drafts of air through your heating and air-conditioning systems, thereby causing the systems to work harder and adding your electric consumption as well. These clogged filters may even cause these systems to overheat and lead to unit damage and again, adding it to your bill of expenses.

It is always wise to check furnace filters every month and even clean them. If you do not want to go with the hassle, then replace it. There are also self-charging electrostatic furnace filters that need no currents of electricity. They merely filter out small particles and they last for a long time.

Develop energy conservation habits

While some energy efficient systems are within your reach, you can opt for the basics of daily energy conservation by just doing what seems to be practical. Like using showers, for instance. Basically, big savings can be achieved by setting up some water-saving shower heads. This will trim down water consumption and lower heating expenses which will benefit everyone.

In addition, when cooking, use traditional cooking pots since electric ones drain more energy. Keep curtains, blinds, and drapes open during the heat wave as to minimize your dependence on cooling systems. In winter, close those curtains for a warmer effect rather than plugging in your heating systems.

You then save cash and enhance performance when you take energy efficient measures and determine the right systems and appliances to decrease costs.

Nothing can match homes which are built with efficiency in mind. Take a look at some of them in Gold Canyon Ranch Green Property and Eco-Friendly Greenfield Lakes Real Estate.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Any Government controlled project will inevitably waste money and end up poorly managed, while major utility company programs such as wind farms or solar complexes will need extensive grid development to get the power from the generation source to the end user. On the other hand, solar panels or wind turbines situated at the home, deliver power right where it is needed. The spread of solar leasing programs will make this option more available to many more homeowners as the need for a large initial cash outlay is removed. For those with a DIY interest, there are various self-build solar panel and wind turbine manuals available that produce varying levels of cheap and clean domestic power. If these options are then linked up with a more efficient use of the energy generated, the money savings are increased and the environmental impact is further reduced. Adopting some or all of the following small changes will result in meaningful reductions in power use:

* Install programmable thermostats to manage heating and cooling use during the day and night
* Reduce the thermostat settings by 2 degrees in the winter and increase them by 2 degrees in the summer
* Turn the heating or cooling off whenever possible in your climate zone
* Replace old incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lighting or LEDs wherever possible
* Run the dishwasher only when full and then in energy saver mode
* Wash clothes in cold water
* Insulate the water heater
* Turn off electrical equipment when not in use. This can be done manually or with the use of smart power strips that turn of all peripherals once a PC or TV is turned off or goes into power saving mode
* Monitor leaks around doors and windows and seal where necessary
* Check loft insulation and increase to recommended level

Recycling is another area where individual involvement can be so much more efficient than government programs. Current recycling programs are a crazy patchwork of different rules and procedures for each city, council, town or district. Even neighboring cities don’t collect the same articles in the same way, and how often do we hear that there is a build up of recycled material because there are no buyers for it, or that the recycled material has gone to the same landfill as the regular waste! Instead of this inefficient result, simple changes to how we approach recycling as individuals can have a significant impact. By paying a little more attention to the overall purchase and disposal process, the amount of waste going to landfills and the overall cost of recycling will both be reduced. At the purchase end of the process there is more attention now being paid to packaging and packaging materials. If we, as individual purchasers, become more selective in our choice of product because of better (meaning, less) packaging this trend will continue. At the disposal stage, a small compost pile or more efficient compost bin can remove food remains and garden clippings from the waste stream. It is estimated that food and garden waste make up around 30% of the waste stream in the US, so reducing this amount does have a meaningful impact on landfills. Once again, this is more efficiently done at the individual level than by collection of this waste by the local council and removal to a central composting site. Curbside collection requires the use of large trucks to make the collection and deliver the waste to a central composting area and then the use of heavy equipment to turn the piles to maintain the composting process. Done at home the process requires a simple balance between “green” and “brown” materials and a little manual labor to turn the pile or bin.

On top of the savings in energy and money, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had in managing your own lifestyle. It is even more rewarding when you start receiving credits from the utility company for the excess energy generated from domestic solar panels and sold back to them, and each fresh batch of nutrient rich soil from the compost bin.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

In addition to the growing population of unemployed Americans, increased government spending will also create opportunities for investors that place their bets in the right sectors. If the “shovel ready” stimulus package is approved and as significant as many hope that it will be, here are 3 key areas that I’ll be looking for to prosper.

Alternative Energy

Since President Obama has already trumpeted its desire to kick our foreign oil habit and invest heavily in alt-energy over the next decade, this sector should be a shoe in for stimulus package funding.

Solar Outlook Could Brighten With Substantial “Shovel Ready” Funding

However, it will be that technologies that can be rapidly deployed in an economically efficient manner that will benefit the most. Since solar energy systems can be installed rather quickly, shovel ready stimulus would likely have a very positive impact on this sector of the clean-energy industry.

While a multitude of factors including lower poly-silicon prices (a key component in solar panels) and a disastrous credit market aligned to cast a cloud of negativity on the market in ‘08, the “Obama Effect” may cast rays of success on the solar sector in 2009. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Showcase Program is already exhibiting how far solar power technology has progressed over the past decade and additional funding could significantly expand the initiative while driving overall adoption of solar systems.

If future government spending on viable clean-energy projects meets the nation’s lofty hopes, solar wafer manufacturers will cash in. Companies to watch in this sector if/when the package gets approved include Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP), market leader First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) and LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK). In the sub-$5 range, Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ:ESLR) is worth a look.

The emerging solar product manufacturer is ramping up capacity in Massachusetts, a hotbed for growth thanks to the Green Communities Act, which enacts the most aggressive clean-energy policy of any U.S. state.

ESLR’s revenues were up 31% for the first 9 months of 2008 and the company reportedly has an order backlog of approximately $1.7 billion. Despite recently lowering revenue estimates for both 2008 and 2009, Thomas Weisel Partners’ forecasts Evergreen’s revenue to more than double from $113.1 to $360.5 this year.

Analysts believe that the decision to close its pilot facility in Marlborough Mass, in favor of a more efficient new plant in Devens, Mass, could facilitate profitability in 2009 although it resulted in a $30 million hit to the balance sheet in 2008. Evergreen claims to be the “industry leader in efficient silicon consumption” and aspires to reduce its usage from 5 grams per watt currently to 2.5 by 2011 and .5 by 2014.

The major potential upside here is that if Evergreen can continue to increase manufacturing output while simultaneously slashing costs, the company could eventually be capable of generating electricity at prices competitive with fossil fuels. Demand created by Obama’s stimulus package and renewable energy mandates like the Green Communities Act should only help the cause.

Wind Power and Geothermal Also Poised to Benefit

Recent approval of the Cape Cod wind farm project in Massachusetts is expected to pave the way for more large-scale wind power projects in the U.S. going forward. Growing popularity of wind as a power source and the government’s plans to ramp up spending on renewable energy create a very favorable environment for related companies.

Some of these include General Electric (NYSE: GE), a leading global wind turbine manufacturer, FPL Group (NYSE: FPL), a leader in U.S. wind power generation, and American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC), a provider of electrical systems used in wind turbines to increase electrical grid capacity.

Interested in a small cap world gamble? Take a look at Composite Technology Group (OTCBB: CPTC). The company’s DeWind, wind turbine segment grew related revenues from $17.6 million in FY2007 to more than $40 million in FY2008. As of 12/15/08, CPTC had $288 million in potential turbine orders under contract, $50,000,000 of which the company feels are firm and deliverable during FY2009.

Now placing a greater focus on joint ventures such as wind farm projects that rely on outside funding which could be provided by the government, Composite should benefit from the upcoming surge in clean-energy projects brought on by ready to shovel stimulus spending and state renewable portfolio standards.

Raser Ready to Shovel

In the geothermal space, I like Raser Technologies (NYSE: RZ) for a multitude of reasons. But for the sake of this discussion, RZ’s ability to build out functional geothermal power plants in 12-18 months makes the company very attractive as massive funding is considered for ready to shovel projects. RZ set the world record for building a geothermal power plant recently and has 7 more in the works. Since Raser has proven its ability to turn low temperature geothermal resources into energy in record time, a stimulus program could surely give the company a boost.

Healthcare Technology

The new President has also pledged to conduct a massive healthcare overhaul. In addition to providing Americans with quality medical coverage and strengthening overall public health, modernizing the U.S. healthcare system has been identified is a primary objective of future healthcare reform.

Although total health care spending represented 17% of US GDP in 2007or $2.4 trillion (NCHC), the health IT market represents just 2% of the $973 billion U.S. IT sector (Gartner Inc.). In order to improve quality of care throughout the country and bring thousands medical facilities out of the Stone Age, billions of dollars could soon be injected into the health care information technology sector.

Some leaders in the space that I feel deserve a look include:

Cerner Corp (NASDAQ: CERN) – The leader in hospital installed electronic records provides a suite of software solutions that help maximize efficiencies and control costs in medical facilities.

Cerner has maintained a solid compound annual growth rate of 14% over the past 3, 5, and 10 years and has amassed a client network of more than 6,000 hospitals, medical practices, pharmacies, etc. With a solid installed base of customers and a proven technology offering; CERN is well positioned to benefit from increased government spending on health care organizations.

QuadraMed (NASDAQ: QDHC) – The electronic records software provider serves a base of 2,000 health care providers and has developed a best of breed revenue management solution for medical facilities that could become more widely adopted if the government starts shelling out funding in record fashion.

Merge Healthcare (NASDAQ: MRGE) – The provider of medical imaging technology recently partnered with IBM to equip medical professionals with solutions that allow them to access medical images from mobile devices including the iPhone. Representing a breakthrough in the medical field, the system eliminates the need for additional storage capacity and specialized systems to accommodate large downloads. The solution should be high on the wish lists of many medical professionals if/when significant government funding is doled out.

Telecommunications

Between Obama’s shovel ready plan and aspirations to make high-speed web access a reality in every U.S. household, the broadband communications market should receive a welcomed boost by a potential shovel ready plan.

Currently, about $6 billion has been allotted out of the $825 economic stimulus bill to promote ubiquitous broadband. While many leading telecom providers worry that’s not enough, its not a bad start and the speed with which the government has moved thus far is quite promising.

Although the major providers won’t be able to make the necessary upgrades alone, industry leaders including AT&T (NYSE: T) Verizon (NYSE: V), Comcast (NASDAW:CMCA), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), and Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q), will benefit from the plan. These stocks all got battered in 2008 and could bounce back if the stimulus works.

Cogent Could be a Sleeper

Teleco network provider Cogent Communications (NASAQ: CCOI) now carries 17% of all web traffic and could be awarded some major government contracts in plans to equip the nation with high speed Internet move forward. The company reportedly provides network access for 50% to 98% less than competitors including AT&T and Verizon and has sparked a trend that could cut annual telecom spending by $300 billion. If the government’s looking for network band with, why not go with the lowest bidder?

As unemployment continues to soar, economic stimulus can’t seem to come fast enough. While it may take some time for funding to get approved and begin pumping life into the three sectors mentioned above, now is a great time to begin evaluating opportunities in each. Hopefully, this piece plays a key role in getting you to do so.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The goal of being healthy, environmentally friendly as well as saving money are words on everyone’s lips today. Here are 7 ways to get the most for the money you will spend when creating a greener home. By utilizing these 7 tips you will save a ton of money as well as leave a healthy, happy planet for your children.

1. Taking advantage of double or triple paned windows as well as insulated doors with good weather tight seals mean that the inside environment of your home will be at a constant comfortable temperature and it will keep the harsh cold and searing heat outside.

2. Today it is possible to purchase most appliances that have energy star rating on them. Even though these products can sometimes cost more to purchase, they are often far more economical because of the smaller cost in running them. This in time adds up to considerable savings and, of course, you are helping to do your bit for the environment.

3. Manufacturers are becoming more aware of the value of environmentally friendly products and are coming up with some very innovative and creative products. This gives the home owners a lot more quality options to use more earth friendly materials for flooring and furniture. There is also a lot of people utilizing recycled materials and creating truly magical pieces of furniture or accessories for their home. The media also are helping in showcasing possibilities to use environmentally friendly products in practical and creative ways.

4. People are becoming more aware of the damage chemicals in the environment do to our health and bodies. So there is a whole culture now choosing products like carpets and building materials that do not let off the poisonous gases into the environment. This means cleaner and healthier air, which results in a healthy nation.

5. Even though we can be very aware of things we bring into our home, we still seem to be subject to things like dust mites, mold and mildew as well as pet hair and other small, even unseen things polluting our air. These things are much harder to recognize and eliminate from our home. Investing in a good air purifier, vacuum cleaner, steam cleaner or other items that are recognized for removing these pollutants from our environment is a wise choice. It is important to do your research to get ones that are effective
in what you want to accomplish.

6. The use of timers can also be very helpful. Setting the air conditioner or heater to come on at a certain time and go off at a set time is wise as well. Sometimes we forget to turn them off or down and the cost becomes considerable. Spend a little time to consider these little devices, they could be worth their weight in gold, and the savings to the environment is quite enormous. Energy saving light bulbs are also a way to cut down on the cost and damage to our environment.

7. Today we also have a lot of options becoming available to us. Things like diy solar energy is being spoken about often and we now have options to install solar panels to our home to help supplement our power usage and costs. It makse sense to harnass the sun’s energy in running our electrical appliances. I have been excited to find so many interesting and quality information products showing us how to even make our own. This is a breakthrough as this technology is now becoming available to the everyday person. Things like wind turbines and magnetic motors are now being built in backyard sheds everywhere in the world.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

However, the digestion process has been criticized for being inefficient and unstable in operation. But, the technology of anaerobic digestion has been largely ignored until the last run on oil prices about 5 years ago (about 2003), when for the first time for as long as anyone can remember the oil price exceeded the production cost for fuel produced as methane by digestion.

Five years has been scarcely long enough for more than some half a dozen to one dozen AD plants to be designed, constructed and commissioned, in the UK for example. These should be considered to be a first generation of a new breed of reactors using this technology. This is a bit like the people who criticized the motor car for being slow while the law (in the UK certainly) required all automobiles to be preceded by a man holding a flag to warn pedestrians.

Many did criticize the automobile at that time, but do you want to do so for digestion, as I think that you will be looking as silly as those flag wavers were just ten years later, when the motor car became an established mode of transport.

There are many ways in which the efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion bio-reactors are being improved, and the first is by using sophisticated ultrasonic technology to break up the particles and so allow breakdown of a bigger proportion of the organic content.

In some of the other processes being developed the excess liquor from the process is used to re-wet incoming biowaste as it contains useful bacterial populations. This method can produce a faster reaction then the original start-up.

It is important because on-farm Digester (Anaerobic Digestion) projects can provide needed services to farmers; develop local, renewable electrical generation; enhance environmental quality; and generate income for the community.

Other researchers have identified the fact that if you have fluctuating temperatures, then you will not be able to establish an optimum microbial population. The digester stirring system must be efficient and operational at all times to ensure that the cold, newly introduced sludge, is mixed with the warm older solids and the bacteria. This sounds easy but in a large tank with a fairly viscous sludge mass it can be surprisingly onerous on the mixing technology.

Anaerobic digestion consists of a series of reactions which are catalyzed by a mixed group of bacteria and through which organic matter is converted in a step-wise fashion to methane and carbon dioxide. Polymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and starch are hydrolyzed to oligomers or monomers, which are then metabolized by fermentative bacteria with the production of hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and volatile organic acids such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Clearly, this is a complex reaction which e can be greatly improved by better knowledge gained by further academic study which can now take place given the raised awareness and importance of this technique. This will most likely yet result in big advances in how man designs and runs its new digesters.

In the developing world another angle for them is selling carbon credits from the renewable energy created by anaerobic digestion on the worldwide market. Those credits should be a source of income for as well as providing a way to readily obtain seed capital for these projects from the banks.

However, the process also produces a solid and a liquid digestate in the slurry. The use of the process would not be sustainable without an environmentally safe method of disposal, and better still preferably a ‘beneficial use’ of the output from digestion.

The market for the digestion processing outputs is still undeveloped just about everywhere. However, there are some positive signs reported that the outputs will be genuinely useful, and indeed a source for additional revenue for the operators of these plants.

The adoption of manure digesters at animal operations is much more advanced in Europe than in the U.S. But, there are many successful AD plants in operation throughout the U.S.

Northern Concrete has one such installation and has reported on its digestion process. They have said that the feedstock (animal byproduct) goes into a holding area until it is ready to enter the digester. It sits in the digester for 22 days and is released as useful by-products like methane and a grassy sawdust-like product that can be used as fertilizer, animal bedding or after further processing for floor boards.

There is certainly other evidence of progress in selling AD outputs. Another operator (Pro-Gro Mixes of Tualatin, Ore.) is thought to have contracted to market the solids material or digested fiber to the wholesale nursery and landscape industries, reportedly. It is understood to be selling between 1,000 to 3,000 yards of digested fiber, under the FiberLife brand, per month in the Willamette Valley.

There is also potential for the methane to be burnt in efficient turbines, rather than today’s ubiquitous reciprocating engines. Here the heat from turbine exhaust is used to maintain the optimum digester temperature and sustain bio-gas production. The resultant bio-gas is collected from one such system and cleaned, then used to fire the turbines. The results have reportedly been way above expectations, with a significant increase in production, higher yield and fewer rejects being recorded. The digester in question is thought to qualify as a small-power production facility, which means it follows a funding schedule, enabling projects to gain rapid approval.

Digestion can be considered for a wide variety of agricultural and industrial and commercial sites. From agricultural community scale Digesters to supermarkets with waste food, to municipal authorities with organic waste in their collected waste streams. All should now be considering the installation of digestion of one type of another.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Solar energy is harnessed by by placing solar panels where they can absorb the most sunlight and convert that heat into electricity. Wind energy is when the power of the wind is used to turn a wind turbine that’s connected to a generator, once again to produce electricity.

As the cost of power lines and power has been soaring, alternative energy is rapidly becoming more affordable and reliable than ever. However, despite what some might say, alternative energy is not necessarily a “zero carbon emitter” but it does come very close and it is generally sustainable.

When you factor in the ecological impacts of fossil-fuel and nuclear generated power, alternative energy is certainly lower impact. The timing for alternative energy is now, putting electric companies and electricians in a great position to capitalize on this booming business.

The most common forms we consider as alternatives to burning fossil fuels are solar and wind power. Solar energy is our oldest energy source, humans have always used the sun’s energy directly (eg, for drying clothes, heating air or water and drying food), as well as indirectly to power some of the agricultural equipment that supplies us with food. We can all use this solar energy directly, simply by capturing sunlight..

Solar systems are a reliable and cost effective method of harnessing the sun’s energy with many benefits. Solar power is a fast growing sector in the alternative energy industry.

This century we have started to use solar energy more effectively and it is looking like we’ll increase its use in the future. The great feature of solar energy is the fact that it will continue to exist so far into the future that we can think of it as being unending.

In addition, unlike fossil fuels, using solar energy doesn’t cause air pollution or involve damaging the Earths surface.

Farmers across America are discovering that they can control the impact of soaring fuel costs with cost-effective solar thermal and electrical systems. They are slashing up to 70% off their energy costs by using solar alternatives for:

1. Water and air heating for dairies

2. Heating and temperature control for greenhouses

3. Heating & LED lighting for meat-bird houses

4. Crop drying

5. Water and combustion air heating for food processing

6. Remote area water pumping

7. Lighting

8. Electric fences.

These days many governments offer subsidies to encourage people to convert to solar power systems for their homes. For systems installed before 2009, a federal solar tax credit returns 30% of the first cost of a solar system to you in the first year. In addition, up to 65% of the installation cost of your solar system may be recovered by Focus on Energy rebate incentives and Federal tax credits that dramatically reduce the time it takes your system to pay for itself.

As well as helping the environment, converting to a home solar energy system also helps the health of your finances and adds value to your home. But, if you are a handy type of person you can build your own solar power and small wind turbine systems yourself. By building your own wind turbine and solar powered generator you can save yourself money when setting up home green energy systems.

Wind energy has been harnessed on land since the first windmill was developed by the ancient Persians in the 7th century a.d. Wind energy continued to be harvested over the following centuries, early windmills were used to power millstones, pumps, and forges.

Wind energy is a resource which is abundant and easily accessible in most parts of the world. Wind energy, a renewable source of electric power, is the worlds fastest growing energy source. Wind energy or power is the newest way to generate energy without running up an electrical bill.

Because it’s available all year round and is a more permanent type of energy, wind energy can be used for practical purposes like generating electricity, charging batteries, pumping water or grinding grain.

Wind energy systems offer a clean affordable alternative to fossil fuel generated electricity. They are among the most technologically advanced and cost-effective renewable sources currently available and are easily installed using minimum space.

Wind energy is a clean, cost-effective option from an abundant, domestic resource and can be converted into electrical energy by the use of an electrical generator. Winds as low as 10 mph are all that’s needed to produce useful electricity.

Wind energy advantages over traditional methods of creating energy, emerge from the fact that as it gets cheaper and cheaper to produce, it may soon be the cheapest way to produce energy on a large scale.

Wind farms are springing up everywhere to harness the wind energy to power our communities through the main electricity grids. Because winds are stronger higher up off the ground, wind turbine towers are about 30 metres tall to allow the rotor to catch more wind.

Design improvements such as more efficient rotor blades combined with an increase in the numbers of wind turbines installed, have helped increase the worlds wind energy generating capacity by nearly 150 percent since 1990. Each megawatt hour of wind energy that’s generated currently avoids the generation, on average, of one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions.

Alternative energy is cleaner than fossil fuel energy, is renewable, gives you independence from foreign oil, helps control rising electric bills and allows development of new venues in more areas.

The other thing is that fossil fuels (natural gas, oil and coal) are not a renewable resource and, apart from the negative effects on our environment, they’re running out and will eventually be completely exhausted.

In the USA, wind energy accounts for less the one percent of the electricity generated, but installed capacity has been expanding at an average annual rate of more than 20 percent, plus there are a number of small wind energy devices that you can use to generate power, and most of these are very cost effective in providing a substantial level of electricity.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

In the same manner, making small and simple contributions to our environment will add up for the world we live in. Let your friends and family members know of little things such as recycling, turning off the lights, using alternative sources of power, etc. You can create your own community of people dedicated to giving what they can to the overall cause. At last, people are becoming more and more aware of the global threat that we, as a technologically advanced people, have created for ourselves.

Therefore, piece by piece and little by little people have begun to take action against the elements that we control, the overuse of which rob us of a healthy environment. Certain chemical plants have become more and more controversial – whether the argument is to tear them down or to prevent a chemical plant from being built in a specific area for a specific purpose.

It all started for me at a book club meeting. The woman, a friend of mine, who was hosting the meeting had told me on the phone only a few months before that she would be retiring in the next year. She said she really wanted to devote her time and energy to the environmental battle against global warming. We had not really discussed it at – length. I was already trying to remember more to shut off bathroom lights, bedroom lights etc. that were not being used at the time. I recycle. I try to be aware of the threat against our world. However, I did not know how many ways there were to do even more,

When we all arrived at the book club meeting it was, as usual, a beautiful sight, comfortable and inviting for everyone. My friend’s living room was lit a lovely array of candles, and with only one lamp. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful ambiance for our meeting and provided enough light for reading as well! I have to say, I was surprised. The guest bathroom was open and a candle lit in the hallway provided plenty of light for someone to see their way into the bathroom.

There were a wide – spread array of trays of cookies, beverages, and chips at the meeting, and my friend also needed room for eight women with enough light to read, as well as easy access to a bathroom. Despite all of this, my friend was able to conduct a book club meeting with only candles and a single lamp to light the event. Incredibly impressed by this accomplishment – I began to try to use similar, electricity – saving methods in my own home.

At that time I began to investigate what other things are possible for people like me – or just individuals in general – to do to join in the effort. It is like the AIDS walk of Global Warming. It is the crusade to do what you can – and to help others to do the same. Depending on where you live – there are many alternatives to electrical energy such as solar energy, wind turbines, and even hydraulic power systems that can prove to be incredibly effective. But even if this type of equipment is not as effective where you live, there are always things that anyone can do to help preserve our environment and contribute to the improvement of our world.

We all have to share the world we live in. And, as it has been adequately phrased in the past concerning global threats: ‘they love their children as much as we do.’ In that none of us want to see another incredibly devastating tsunami or tragic hurricane, perhaps all of us should consider our part, however small, in correcting the problem.

Candles can be expensive – however, candles can also be cheap, safe and incredibly effective. Not only do they provide light as an alternative source to electricity, but also they can come in wonderful fragrances and provide an ambiance like you have never had. A family member of mine has found a place to buy safe candles at great prices. Since then she can not stop talking about how much easier it is for her to relax and unwind at home with the luxurious aesthetic and aromatic quality of candles as an alternative to electric lights.

My home has a sun light installed in the roof above the foyer and a solar panel on one side of the house. It really makes much more of a difference than I thought – saving money on our heating bill, the sturdiness of the glass and panels, as well as the fact that they are maintenance – free.

There are many different ways to improve the environment without re – designing your home too, even if just for the time – being. Start with trying to keep lights off – light you do not need or lights in a room no one is using at the time. I have a lantern – shaped candle – holder, for example. This candle holder emits a considerable amount of light. Nonetheless, it only requires a tea – light to burn beautifully. The candle is safe to burn in such a candle holder even if you are falling asleep because it will simply burn itself out. If a candle holder like this knocks over, the lantern shape and the size of the candle holder will certainly catch the tea light and put – out any possible flame. If it is knocked over, which rarely happens, it leaves only a bit of wax behind, which is also simple to remove when it dries.

There are many such simple and inexpensive items someone can purchase for his or her home to improve the lighting and the safety of candle – use, as well as cut back significantly on his or her electricity bills. Recycling is another very easy way to contribute to the overall effort. Many people have recycling cans right alongside their garbage cans for pick – up. However, in some residences such as condominiums and apartment buildings there my not be a recycling dumpster. Usually you can speak to your landlord and the problem can be fixed right away. However, some people who use general recycling locations find it hard to find places to recycle items such as aluminum cans and glass because the location they go to does only newspaper and plastic etc.

Another example is of a gardening club I attend. In this club we decided that those of us who use public recycling areas can switch recycling materials to save ourselves time and prevent ourselves from throwing recyclables away. For example: Rosie goes to a place on the outskirts of town near her home that accepts newspapers and plastic, but not aluminum. At the same time, the place nearest to Susanna takes glass, cardboard, and newspapers, but not plastic. We (people such as Rosie and Susanna) often switch recyclables from time to time at garden parties and meetings to save each other time, get everything recycled, and to help preserve the condition of the environment. We all want to preserve the beauty, health and environmental stability of our planet, and it is surprising to find out how much there is that you, as an individual, can do to contribute.

Even five or ten dollars a month (from a handful of people here and there) that are donated to a specific charity certainly adds up to a significant amount in time. In the same manner, making small and simple contributions to our environment will add up for you. Let your friends and family members know of little things such as recycling, turning off the lights, using alternative sources of power, etc. You can create your own community of people dedicated to giving what they can to the overall cause.

At last, people are becoming more and more aware of the global threat that we, as a technologically advanced people, have created for ourselves. Therefore, piece by piece and little by little people have begun to take action against the elements that we control, the overuse of which rob us of a healthy environment. Certain chemical plants have become more and more controversial – whether the argument is to tear them down or to prevent a chemical plant from being built in a specific area for a specific purpose.

It all started for me at a book club meeting. The woman, a friend of mine, who was hosting the meeting had told me on the phone only a few months before that she would be retiring in the next year. She said she really wanted to devote her time and energy to the environmental battle against global warming. We had not really discussed it at – length. I was already trying to remember more to shut off bathroom lights, bedroom lights etc. that were not being used at the time. I recycle. I try to be aware of the threat against our world. However, I did not know how many ways there were to do even more,

When we all arrived at the book club meeting it was, as usual, a beautiful sight, comfortable and inviting for everyone. My friend’s living room was lit a lovely array of candles, and with only one lamp. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful ambiance for our meeting and provided enough light for reading as well! I have to say, I was surprised. The guest bathroom was open and a candle lit in the hallway provided plenty of light for someone to see their way into the bathroom.

There were a wide – spread array of trays of cookies, beverages, and chips at the meeting, and my friend also needed room for eight women with enough light to read, as well as easy access to a bathroom. Despite all of this, my friend was able to conduct a book club meeting with only candles and a single lamp to light the event. Incredibly impressed by this accomplishment – I began to try to use similar, electricity – saving methods in my own home.

At that time I began to investigate what other things are possible for people like me – or just individuals in general – to do to join in the effort. It is like the AIDS walk of Global Warming. It is the crusade to do what you can – and to help others to do the same. Depending on where you live – there are many alternatives to electrical energy such as solar energy, wind turbines, and even hydraulic power systems that can prove to be incredibly effective. But even if this type of equipment is not as effective where you live, there are always things that anyone can do to help preserve our environment and contribute to the improvement of our world.

We all have to share the world we live in. And, as it has been adequately phrased in the past concerning global threats: ‘they love their children as much as we do.’ In that none of us want to see another incredibly devastating tsunami or tragic hurricane, perhaps all of us should consider our part, however small, in correcting the problem.

Candles can be expensive – however, candles can also be cheap, safe and incredibly effective. Not only do they provide light as an alternative source to electricity, but also they can come in wonderful fragrances and provide an ambiance like you have never had. A family member of mine has found a place to buy safe candles at great prices. Since then she can not stop talking about how much easier it is for her to relax and unwind at home with the luxurious aesthetic and aromatic quality of candles as an alternative to electric lights.

My home has a sun light installed in the roof above the foyer and a solar panel on one side of the house. It really makes much more of a difference than I thought – saving money on our heating bill, the sturdiness of the glass and panels, as well as the fact that they are maintenance – free.

There are many different ways to improve the environment without re – designing your home too, even if just for the time – being. Start with trying to keep lights off – light you do not need or lights in a room no one is using at the time. I have a lantern – shaped candle – holder, for example. This candle holder emits a considerable amount of light. Nonetheless, it only requires a tea – light to burn beautifully. The candle is safe to burn in such a candle holder even if you are falling asleep because it will simply burn itself out. If a candle holder like this knocks over, the lantern shape and the size of the candle holder will certainly catch the tea light and put – out any possible flame. If it is knocked over, which rarely happens, it leaves only a bit of wax behind, which is also simple to remove when it dries.

There are many such simple and inexpensive items someone can purchase for his or her home to improve the lighting and the safety of candle – use, as well as cut back significantly on his or her electricity bills. Recycling is another very easy way to contribute to the overall effort. Many people have recycling cans right alongside their garbage cans for pick – up. However, in some residences such as condominiums and apartment buildings there my not be a recycling dumpster. Usually you can speak to your landlord and the problem can be fixed right away. However, some people who use general recycling locations find it hard to find places to recycle items such as aluminum cans and glass because the location they go to does only newspaper and plastic etc.

Another example is of a gardening club I attend. In this club we decided that those of us who use public recycling areas can switch recycling materials to save ourselves time and prevent ourselves from throwing recyclables away. For example: Rosie goes to a place on the outskirts of town near her home that accepts newspapers and plastic, but not aluminum. At the same time, the place nearest to Susanna takes glass, cardboard, and newspapers, but not plastic. We (people such as Rosie and Susanna) often switch recyclables from time to time at garden parties and meetings to save each other time, get everything recycled, and to help preserve the condition of the environment. We all want to preserve the beauty, health and environmental stability of our planet, and it is surprising to find out how much there is that you, as an individual, can do to contribute.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

This year this has been the step which has been taken by the London development authorities on the instruction of the major, Ken Livingstone.

So, many must now be seriously looking at renewable energy systems which can be used in cities. We hope that this article might help them.

The following are our suggestions of five possible technologies which might be used to sustainably power buildings in cities:

Solar Cells

Solar cells (Photovoltaics) have been coming down in price for some time, so they have been becoming more frequently seen. We can expect this trend to continue and accelerate.

Wind Power Generators

We’ve seen that windmills can provide electricity successfully, and at reasonable cost, at a much larger scale in wind farms. At certain building locations there will be similarly good scope for mini wind turbines to be installed, as long as the wind velocity is high enough. Unfortunately, though there will still be many building developments where wind velocities will be too low to make mini wind turbines worth installing.

Energy from Waste

Waste can be burnt, and the heat used to generate electricity and heat to warm the building in winter, and some building occupants using a lot of packaging will do well out of this (eg Supermarkets).

Exchange of Outgoing Vented Heat to Warm Incoming Air

Simply stated this means putting radiators in the stream of air being pushed out of the building at the ventilators, so that the fresh incoming air is warmed by the air going out. The heat energy is re-used so it might be considered a power efficiency measure as well. However, this is a very simple method of re-using heat in winter.

For those properties which discharge a lot of warm water, as do hotels from baths and showers, there is also heat exchange potential for the liquid discharges.

Free Energy from Water Distribution System Pressure Reduction Points

This involves the insertion of small power generators into pressure reduction points within the public water supply system. The result is that the power otherwise lost is re-used.

There you have it. Five top technologies for renewable energy creation on-site for building designers to use in order to comply with new UK London City development requirements.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Personal wind turbine provides simplicity at its finest. For those who just needs a little bit of luxury and technology, a personal wind turbine can easily provide electricity for free. It’s just recent that renewable energy companies have launched a personal wind turbine that could be easily installed on a regular household at a lower price. Portable may not be the term because the personal wind turbine weighs 6kg for home and office installation. What more is that it will only cost you $600 to have your own wind turbine installed at your home compared to the earlier models that costs $10000 per unit!

Photovoltaic solar panels are enough to supply your daily renewable energy needs. Who said that it should be constricted to office and home usage? Portable solar panels are all the rage today. Say no to low battery and keep your favorite mobile devices on full battery with portable solar panels. Aside from that, there are even solar powered vehicles that are being promoted around the country.

Bio fuel for your cars and heating needs are probably the most abundant in the market. Since fuel is important for heating purposes, pure ethanol based fuels are readily available on local hard ware stores. This product is guaranteed to be safe for indoor use and it leaves no soot marks on fireplaces. Bio-diesel ready cars need not to worry about where to gas up since large oil companies have made bio-diesel a part of their product staples. Truly, more and more car owners are saving hundreds of dollars annually by using bio-diesel.

Hydroelectric turbines might not be for personal use but it is the king of the waves. Location wise, countries that are abundant with water sources should take advantage of this as a source of renewable energy. Renewable energy information states that after wind energy, hydroelectric energy is the next most reliable energy source. Wind turbines don’t take breaks. Unlike solar panels that de-charge by night time, hydro-electric power plants works over time. Its efficiency have proven to provide the Philippines 18.5% of its total energy needs.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

South Point is the farthest point south in the entire United States…not Key West Florida, as some guidebooks claim. The road to Ka Lae from the Hawai’i Belt Road is infamous, but has been greatly improved in recent years, although it’s still only 1-lane wide in many places. Even today some rental agencies admonish you not to take their cars down this road. Relax. The road is fine, although blind turns and hills command your attention and should curb your desire to speed. Also, all the roads, beaches, boat launching facilities and parking are free and public, despite what some signs and unsavory characters might try to tell you. Just don’t leave valuables in your car, and be sure to lock it up (there also is no “Visitor’s Center”, contrary to the sign).

Along the road to Ka Lae are the brooding and dilapidated wind turbines of the Kamaoa Wind Farm. This wind farm, when all of the turbines are operating, can generate enough electricity to power 100 homes; unfortunately, usually 1/3 to ½ of the turbines are out of service at any given time. The surreal setting on the green plain with the cows grazing unconcernedly, coupled with the eerie, “sci-fi” sound of the generators makes this a unique place to stop, look and listen.

At South Point proper are a number of dilapidated structures and foundation ruins. The Army had a barracks here during World War II; the paved road was built in 1955; during the sixties, the Navy built a missile tracking station which the Air Force later took over and renamed South Point Air Force Station, which closed in 1978.

History: The Polynesian pioneers who first reached South Point routinely made incredible voyages that put European seafaring and exploration of a millennium later to shame. More than a thousand years before Columbus, in tiny, twin-hulled canoes that were entirely of carved wood lashed together, using no nails or wooden pegs and employing sails made of tree bark, Polynesians embarked on a voyages that were thousands of miles farther than those of Christopher Columbus, and without the aid of a compass or charts with which to navigate. Using the stars, currents, patterns of migration of the birds and fish, patterns in the waves, water temperature and the color of the undersides of clouds, these explorers navigated, explored, sailed and paddled all across the Pacific spreading their culture, language and peoples at the time when the Roman Empire was crumbling and centuries before the Age of Vikings.

It is thought that voyagers from the Marquesas first landed on Hawai’i, at South Point, quite early in the fourth Century AD; certainly the earliest archeological artifacts found in the Hawai’ian Islands are found here. At Ka Lae the Polynesians established a thriving colony based upon the incredibly rich fishing grounds just offshore. The colony was connected to the rest of Polynesia by trade routes to the Southern Islands and regular trade and travel between the Marquesas, Marshals, and Tahiti continued for centuries. Evidence of their colony can be found at Kalalae Heiau, just below the light tower at the Point.

The small, but extremely well-preserved, Kalalae heiau is classified as a ko’a, or fishing shrine, to the god Ku’ula. Just below the shrine and in the rocks to the west, one can find grooves and holes cut into the rock. These are attachment and guide points for anchor lines for ancient fishing canoes. The currents at Ka Lae are so strong, and flow uninterrupted to Antarctica, that Hawai’ians could not fish and keep their canoes from being driven away simultaneously, so they fed ropes, secured to the rocks out to the canoes, to keep them from drifting away with the currents.

Like most animists, Hawai’ians invested worship and respect and intuited spiritual power in a range of natural objects and phenomena: rain, volcanic eruptions, the sea, sharks, fresh water springs, the surf and rocks, among many others. Pohaku O Kane, or sacred rocks, were among the most common spiritual objects of worship, whether they were naturally occurring in the landscape (pohakuia loa), or set on platforms (pohaku amakua) or carved (pohaku iki). Kalalae Heiau has numerous examples of the former two. On the main platform outside the heiau is a pohaku amakua referred to as “Kumaiea” which means “female”. On the smaller stone terrace just north is another standing stone associated with the god Kanaloa and referred to as “Kanemakua” (male). Inside the heiau wall is a stone called “Ku’ula” after the patron god of fishermen; north of the structure stand Makaunulau (named for a navigational star) and ‘Ai’ai (a dependent or ward), south is Wahine hele (”place from where the women leave”). Examples of pohakuia loa include the Pohakuwa’a Kauhi (literally “canoe rock by the shrubs”) right at the shoreline, which was used to focus meditations before long canoes journeys, and Pohakuokeau (”stone of the currents” or “stone of the years”), which stands offshore. The name Pohakuokeau reflects the Hawaiian belief that the stones would turn over when there was a political change in government.

Hike to Green Sand Beach: Absolutely unique to the island of Hawai’i, beautiful and strange, are the handful of green sand beaches composed of crystals of the semi-precious mineral olivine (also known as peridot). The green sand beach at South Point is the best known, largest and most accessible of these.

The sand grains on this beach are formed from olivine crystals weathering out of the lava and cinders from the cone over an eruptive vent that has been partially breached by the sea. The beach lies in the interior of the cone, and the somewhat protected cove formed by the remnant of the cone makes for a wonderful swimming/snorkeling spot. Be very wary of currents and do not go out far nor in at all if the surf is high or there are strong winds. The bizarre color of the water shrieks for color photographs, particularly underwater photographs taken while snorkeling.

To get there, turn left onto a signed, patchy-paved and dirt road immediately when you arrive in the Ka Lae area following signs to the Kaulana boat launch. Proceed down the road and park just to the left (south) of the Kaulana boat launch, where there is a dirt road that leads to the green sand beach; there is gate ¼ mile down this road. The gate is almost always locked and the road primarily provides access for hiking, ATVs or mountain biking: private vehicles are prohibited. Hiking distance is 2 ¼ miles each way along rolling tropical prairie (and if you cannot envision that, you really need to do this hike). Despite the multiplicity of dirt roads, you really cannot get lost as you are never out of sight of the shore.

When you reach the end of the trail, you are a hundred or so feet above the beach on the rim of the remnant of the crater. Look closely for the faint track to scramble safely and easily to the beach (there is occasionally a blue trash barrel to mark this spot, but always there is a cairn of rocks). There is one sort of tricky spot where you have to inch your way over a 3-foot ledge, but almost anybody from senior to child can negotiate the hike to the beach. One can also easily scramble down from the middle (easternmost) of the cone where there is a short ladderway at the top, but this can be slippery. Although tricky to spot on the way down, from the beach looking up, either way back to the crater rim is easy to follow.

Snorkeling: The waters at South Point are wild, crystalline turquoise and wicked. It is obvious from the surf and the currents that swimming is right out along most of this coastline. However in a few protected areas by the boat hoists there is reportedly safe snorkeling, close to the cliffs and only when the sea is calm. Hardy spear fishermen with mask and fins tether themselves with ropes to the steel ladders in the cliff-side; this is obviously risky for the casual snorkeler. The only recommended snorkeling is at the Kaulana boat launch or at the Green Sand Beach and then only in calm seas. But it is beautiful; perhaps as beautiful and wild a spot to snorkel as anywhere in Hawai’i.

No Services. At all. None. And a goodly long way to drive to get to any…plan and act accordingly.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, gasoline and natural gas increases the level of carbon dioxide in the air, which in turn contributes towards greenhouse effect and global warming. Burning of fossil fuel is also contributing towards air pollution.

Natural and renewable energy resources like solar, wind, hydrogen, Tidal and hydropower provide clean energy with little or no pollution and no greenhouse effect.

The Top renewable energy resources are: Solar energy, Wind energy, Hydropower, Hydrogen, Biomass energy, ocean energy and geothermal energy.

Out of these renewable energy resources, implementing solar energy and wind energy solutions would be the easiest. Solar panels and windmill turbines or windmill generators are used to generate energy. The key outputs from these two natural resources are solar power electricity and windmill electricity.

1) Solar power electricity and heating

Solar energy can be used in two ways to create a solar power house. You can use solar heating energy panels to absorb the heat from sun and this heat in turn can be used for heating water and heating your home. Here you store solar heat for use later. The storage device will release the heat in small quantities as and when required.

The second way to use solar energy is to generate solar power electricity. The basic component here is a photovoltaic cell, which is a semiconductor device. The photovoltaic cell captures the light energy from the sun .A series of photovoltaic cells working in unison in a module form the solar panel. The light energy captured by the solar panel is stored in batteries, which is then subsequently used for generating electricity.

A combination of solar panels and solar heating energy panels can be used to meet all your energy demands thus creating a solar power house. With the solar power electricity you can have light bulbs and other appliances powered and the solar heating system will provide you hot water and heat your house.

2) Windmill electricity

Wind energy can again be transformed into electricity using wind turbines or windmill generators. Windmill generators produce windmill electricity and these generators fundamentally work the same way as a windmill.

The large blades of windmill generators rotate with wind. The blades are attached to a shaft, which has magnets on it to generate electricity. With wind, the blades and the shaft rotate thus producing windmill electricity for you.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The philosophy here is often related to political expediency as governments use their ostensibly green credentials to win votes and remain in power. This might be somewhat cynical but often we find that such large schemes are badly thought through and often have running and maintenance costs far in excess of original expectations.

The small scale approach

Then there is the small scale approach in which green energy generation is designed for either small groups of houses, or perhaps a small industrial unit or even individual homes. The market for green energy generating equipment is now growing at a very high rate despite the poor economies in much of the developed world. However, purpose-built green energy equipment, such as solar panel heating arrays, solar pv arrays and wind turbines are still expensive for the average householder.

So for anyone wanting to cut their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint but is not in a position to invest the large sums that commercially produced equipment demand, the Do It Yourself route is the only one available to us.

The DIY Green Energy approach

Now some people consider the DIY movement, if we can call it a movement, to be a penny-pinching way of doing things that has meant the death-knell of the professional tradesman. Others would see it as a nursery ground for ingenuity and recycling.

Doing things for yourself can be a very rewarding experience. To be able to understand a problem, think it through, and then experimentally and incrementally arrive at a practical solution is not only very satisfying but it is very instructive too.

DIY Green Energy Guides

If you want to venture into the world of DIY green energy generation then there is plenty of help out there. The guides that now proliferate on the internet provide a wealth of information, not only on how and where to source the parts you’ll need at the lowest possible prices but also on construction methods and, crucially, the theory too.

You will find as you embark on your solar panel or wind turbine projects that understanding the theory of how and why the systems work is very helpful if you want to deviate from the explicit instructions in the guides.

The philosophy of DIY matches up with that of green energy generation perfectly. They both represent an approach to self-sufficiency that seems to have been declining ever since the second world war. However, it may be that a resurgence of the indomitable spirit of the do it yourselfer is in the offing. Large-scale schemes may be the province of governments but for individuals the do it yourself approach to green energy generation is the perfect solution to cutting your costs and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Landfill gas is a hazard if methane reaches levels high enough to cause an explosion or a fire. If you suspect that landfill gas is in your home, ventilate your home and basement with fresh air to decrease the level of methane.

It is the anaerobic decomposition of organic wastes that produces landfill gas. It is produced when micro-organisms in a landfill break down biodegradable waste, such as food waste and paper. In its composition, landfill gas varies with the characteristics of the waste, age of a landfill, weather conditions, and other factors. The gas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, and it is the methane content within it that makes it a prized fuel source.

Landfill gas (LFG) can be a relatively inexpensive resource, especially if local environmental regulations require the gas to be extracted and flared anyway. that can help lower the cost of green power when combined with solar and wind energy. As each developed nation switch to green power gets under way, electricity from landfill gas will be expected provide the largest proportion of its green power after wind and hydropower.

Another way to create electricity from rubbish is to utilize landfill gas. All airless compressed solid waste creates methane gas which can be trapped, piped to a small plant and burnt to turn a turbine or internal combustion engine and create electricity. Thankfully, landfill gas is a low-pollution fuel with respect to emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and volatile organic emissions. In fact, it has been claimed that LFG nitrogen oxide emissions are generally about 70 percent lower than those of natural gas combustion due to the low flame temperature that results from the burning of landfill gas.

LFG is fired in the plant’s boilers producing superheated steam. The superheated steam is used to drive the steam turbine/generator to generate electric power. Landfill gas is collected, or “extracted” from landfills by drilling “wells” into the landfills, and collecting the gases through pipes. Once the landfill gas is processed, it can be combined with natural gas to fuel conventional combustion turbines or used very efficiently to fuel small combustion or combined cycle turbines. In fact, LFG users are one of the top users of renewable energy in the manufacturing sector in North America.

Now, we would just like to say here that there is a misconception that a landfill gas filling station is a hydrogen filling station. This is not true there is no such thing as a landfill gas hydrogen filling station. Landfill gas comprises methane and not hydrogen.

The gas is composed of approximately 50% methane with the remaining constituents consisting primarily of carbon dioxide along with oxygen, nitrogen and other volatile organic gases. Landfill gas is hazardous for three key reasons. Landfill gas becomes explosive when it escapes from the landfill and mixes with oxygen, it can replace oxygen in the air in confined spaces to cause asphyxiation, and it can cause fires.

Landfill gas is, with biogas from anaerobic digestion, the only energy source that, when used, actually removes pollution from the atmosphere. Another advantage of LFG is is that it is an extremely reliable source of energy because it is generated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Not like wind turbines which produce no energy at all on still air days. In using gas to produce energy at landfills, we can significantly reduce the emission of methane from these sites and avoid the need to use many tonnes of fossil fuels otherwise needed to generate electricity.

Companies like Waste Management Inc. are be ahead of the curve because they already have plants like this in operation, creating lucrative revenue. Waste Management currently has two landfill gas-to-electric plants at TREE producing green power for over 9,000 homes which will continue to operate, while excess gas will be sent to UNH’s new and innovative renewable energy project.

Methane, a primary component of landfill gas, is a greenhouse gas more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Nationwide, approximately 435 projects harness landfill gas to produce renewable energy.

In many applications, landfill gas can be substituted for natural gas either as a direct source of energy or as a fuel for electric generation.

Landfill gas is essentially the same as Biogas production from anaerobic digestion, which is a popular process for treating biodegradable waste because valuable fuel can be produced, while destroying disease-causing pathogens and reducing the volume of disposed waste products. It burns more cleanly than coal , and emits less carbon dioxide per unit of energy.

Combustion of landfill gas converts methane to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Given that methane’s global warming potential is 23 times that of carbon dioxide by weight, this conversion results in a significant positive benefit to the global atmosphere. Combustion of methane at high enough temperatures destroys NMOCs and thus gas flares need to run sufficiently hot and with required dwell times at the temperature. Under the regulations, landfill owner/operators can either flare landfill gas or capture and use the gas as a renewable energy resource. Combustion gases from each EfW engine should exit the building through a silencer-equipped exhaust stack approximately 20 feet above ground surface. The lowest cost EfW projects will now be those that use existing overhead transmission lines to transfer power from the site to the power grid.

Companies and municipalities alike are realizing the great potential for energy within their reach with LFG. Is your company aware that landfilled garbage produces a naturally occurring gas that can be used to displace conventional fossil fuels?

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

An energy source is non-renewable if it cannot be easily recreated immediately after use. On the other hand, alternative energy is interchangeably used with renewable energy and green energy.

Green energy is, as stated, renewable and with sources not derived from fossils fuels. With these characteristics, green energy does not emit carbon dioxide and is literally non-polluting.

Other virtues of green energy can easily be deduced. This form of energy is essentially environment-friendly. It offers a solution to the systemic effects of global warming and pollution.

It is a good thing that it is readily available to anyone. Businesses, consumers and organizations may buy green energy. It helps them avoid negative environment effects from using traditional electric generators. It also fosters their country’s energy independence.

Primary examples of green energy are wave, wind and solar energies. These energy sources do not create pollutants. Other examples are solar (from the sun), hydro (from water) and biomass (from landfill). These sources are considered environmentally safe. The electricity created from green energy is consequently called ‘green electricity’.

Solar Energy

The energy from the sun can be used to boil water and heat buildings. Photovoltaic cells are small devices, which can convert light energy into solar energy. There are solar cookers that make use of sunlight for pasteurization, cooking and drying. A thermal chimney is a ventilation system passively using solar energy. It consists of a vertical shaft, which connects the exterior and the interior of a building. When the chimney warms up, the air gets heated inside the building. It creates a draft that moves the air up the entire building.

Wind Energy

Wind turbines are modern windmills used to produce electricity. The smaller types of wind turbines are being used to charge batteries. For massive electricity production, bigger ones are built and are installed in a wind farm.

Traditional windmills have been around since the early days. They have been used in pumping water from wells and in grinding grains.

Hydro Energy

Hydropower is the energy derived from the water in the rivers. The water flows through turbines connected to generators that produce electricity. The electricity derived from the water can sustain big cities.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is another kind of alternative energy. This kind of energy can be harnessed from the hot rocks and magma deep below the Earth’s surface. Hot bodies of water formed from geothermal processes are used to produce electricity. Examples of these bodies of water are the hot and dry springs.

Tidal Energy

The Earth’s rotation and the gravitational pull between the Earth and the sun cause tides. From these tides, tidal power can be utilized. During the Roman times, tide mills were used in England to grind corn grains. This is very useful in making breads and other types of food.

Biomass

Dry wood, trash, sawdust and left-over crops can also provide green energy. These wastes are incinerated giving off heat used to produce electricity.

These energy sources fall under the category of ‘biomass’. Burying waste in a landfill will give off gas upon decomposition. The gas from these landfills are then collected and used as energy.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

The world is constantly going through massive changes, but never has so much of it been down to mankind than since the industrial revolution, in the last 130 years the levels of Co2 in the atmosphere is said to have risen by 30% and the levels of methane, in a large part down to livestock, has risen by 145%. Through out history there has always been some form of climate change i.e. the changes caused by, and causing, the start and end of the ice ages, but now a large part of the changes are down to our ever increasing needs for food and energy.

Our reliance on energy for almost everything we do is seeing a rapid depletion of fossil-fuels, and this is set to accelerate over the coming years with developing nations requiring more and more to sustain their fledgling economies. Couple this with the fact that these nations have to use old, and often very ‘unclean’, methods to generate the energy they need, and we are causing more pollution than would be necessary if alternatives were brought online.

This increase in power consumption has also seen a dramatic rise in the so called ‘greenhouse gases’, in particular Co2, being released into the atmosphere. These gases have become widely acknowledged as a major contributor to ‘global warming’, which in turn has been blamed for the melting of the polar ice caps and also causing the recent sever weather changes.

So, what’s the answer? Can we reconcile our increasing energy needs with reducing our rapidly rising power bills? Can we help to combat climate change at the same time? The answer is we can. There are steps we can take to use renewable sources of energy and cut the amount of fossil-fuels being consumed.

Amongst the options being considered as alternatives to conventional forms of generating energy are wind turbines and solar power. For a long time solar power was seen as being ‘a bit ’70’s’ and so expensive to install that you wouldn’t see any appreciable return on investment in the near future. Whereas wind turbines require large ‘wind farms’ to create the power needed to keep a small town running. These wind farms are also massively unpopular because, generally, they have to be erected in the more picturesque areas of the country to be effective.

However most of those problems relate more to large scale energy production, and it is possible to generate your own power at a far lower cost than you probably thought possible. You don’t have to have your own personal wind farm to get energy, a single strategically placed small wind turbine would do, but probably the most practical solution for the general population is solar power.

While getting a top of the range solar panel install will cost you a substantial amount, and may take several years to recoup the cost, it is possible to build your own for the price of a few new parts and some recycled components. For less than $100 you could build a solar panel and start saving on your bill within months.

It’s not difficult, or even too expensive to go green, reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the environment. You can make a difference to climate change – and if enough people take the decision to change there could be a happier future in store after all.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Mauna Loa South Flank Land Slides
The flanks of the Hawai’ian volcanoes are unusually unstable because of their extreme youth, rapid growth and because the flows are very thin, discontinuous and are comprised of loosely stacked a’a lava, air-fall material, pahoehoe lava with the loose rubble that forms when the lava flows into the sea. Because of this instability, many extremely large landslides in the past have broken loose, and this is the reason for the steep topography on the lower southern flanks of Mauna Loa. The angle of repose of Hawaiian lava flows (how steeply the land must tilt to get the lava to flow) is roughly 6 degrees, and looking at the gentle slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, one sees that they come very close to this angle. Therefore, topography on the island that is steeper than about 6 degrees represents either faulting, erosion due to water movement or to landslides. One such twenty-mile long landslide, from about Mile 109 on Highway 11 to just north of Miloli’i, slid away about 120,000 years ago. One can see the scar from where the landslide broke loose along Kealakekua Bay and the precipitous cliffs that enfold the Captain Cook Monument as well as the steep hills of South Kona and northwest Ka’u. This landslide generated a tsunami wave of sufficient height to completely wash over the 1427-foot tall summit of Kaho’olawe and wash high up on the mountains of Lana’i. Coral rubble deposited by this tsunami can be found to this day on top of Kaho’olawe and at altitudes in excess of 1000 feet on Lana’i.

Old Mamalahoa Highway
A scenic stretch of the old Mamalahoa Highway between mileposts 88 and 86 offers a glimpse into what life in Old Hawai’i was like. This rough old road remnant rolls through macadamia orchard and wild countryside and is worth the detour. Driving this stretch of road, remember that to Island residents, the Hawai’i Belt Highway is relatively new; many people living in Hilo will tell you they haven’t been to Kona in 20 years or more because the road is just too hard to drive, you know they are remembering the old highway like this, as it used to be, not as it exists today.

Manuka State Park
An easy 1-2 hour stroll, a great place for a picnic or a break from driving The Belt Highway, Manuka State Natural Area Reserve and Manuka State Wayside Park lie between the 82 and 81 mile markers and offers the unique setting of both lush wet, and dry-land, forest. The arboretum around the parking lot was planted of native and trees first introduced during the 1930s to the 1950s. The hike, which circles through the forest to a pit crater, takes 1-2 hours and has well-marked nature points of interest along the way. The trail also winds over both newer and older lava flows, so it’s easy to see how the forest develops through stages as the lava ages and weathers. Although an easy walk, some of the footing is loose, so sturdy shoes should be worn; no water is available along the trail, so you should carry a quart per person. This also is a very pleasant place to observe some of Hawai’i’s unique forest birds at dawn and sunset. The cool, inviting and fragrant Wayside Park has ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms and water available. There is a small covered pavilion at which “by permit-only” camping is allowed.

Road To The Sea
Miles of empty, savage land, a pair of lovely green and black sand beaches, great fishing and a brilliant frolic in blue-green water-perhaps the most unique and spectacular spot in Ka’u, this is also one of its wildest and least visited. The wind, tide and currents here are also very strong…all in all, a raw, beautiful and elemental spot. A long, straight and lonely road takes off from Highway 11 between the 79 and 80 mile markers (look for the mailboxes) on six miles and forty-five minutes of bone jarring lava road straight from the highway to the sea to Kaupua’a Beach. Four-wheel drive is definitely a necessity on this road; if you are tempted to try this with a two-wheel drive vehicle, don’t. Swimming at the first beach is delectable during periods of calm water, but don’t go in if there is surf or surge or if there is a strong onshore breeze (onshore breezes cause riptides that pull you away from shore). There is an amazing, deep tide pool just to the north of the road. The second beach is larger and nicer; there are palm trees and some shade at this beach. There is excellent fishing from the cliffs above the Beach, and a heiau rests on the ridge above the beach. There is a beautiful, freshwater (not potable) pool for soaking in, or rinsing salt off, on the north end of the beach. Stay close to shore when swimming to avoid strong currents.

Hawai’ian Ocean View Estates (H.O.V.E.)
Check your gas gage, check your canteen, check your lunch box! Hawai’i Ocean View Estates is the last outpost of civilization for miles around. Hawai’ian Ocean View Estates is the world’s largest residential subdivision. As such, it lacks only three things: water, electrical power and, most importantly, residents. Built in the 1960s, ownership of the subdivision has passed from hand to hand, but lack of utilities has kept residence numbers low. Despite this, a hardy settlement has sprung up with a great sense of community, even though many residents rely strictly on catchment for water and personal generators for electricity. The climate in Ocean View is perfect year round, but there are no public beaches or cultural amenities, so it hasn’t flourished as a town. Ocean View boasts a few stores, restaurants, churches and a post office. Public restrooms are available below the Post Office.

Disaster of 1868/Kahuku Village
Ferocious earthquakes! Floods of glowing lava! Tsunamis swallowing hapless survivors! Between the 71 and 72 mile markers of Highway 11, just west of the South Point Turn-off, is the wild scene of a natural disaster the proportions of a Cecil B. DeMille film. The only remaining reminders of the disaster are the lava flow of 1868 exposed here, and the ruins of Kahuku Village which lie beneath it. Starting on March 27, 1868 and continuing for five relentless days, earthquakes shook the Ka’u region, including the worst earthquake recorded in Hawai’ian history, one of 7.9 magnitude on the Richter scale. Hundreds of landslides were loosed, cinder cones collapsed and small tsunamis continuously licked the Ka’u coastline. On the second of April, after a massive convulsion, a giant river of lava burst through from underneath, inundating everything in its path. A giant tsunami washed over the coastline, swallowing whole villages and canoe fleets, killing 46 people. Massive landslides flowed across the land, burying parts of Punalu’u and Ninole and ultimately killing 31 people.

South Point
This sweeping landscape arches openly and inviting from the tumultuous shore break at Ka Le to the icy heights of Mauna Kea’s summit almost 14,000 feet above. The farthest point south in the entire United States, South Point is haunting, windswept, wild, empty, beautiful. Although still only 1-lane wide in many places, the road to Ka Lae from the Hawai’i Belt Road has been greatly improved in recent years. The roads, beaches, boat launching facilities and parking are all free and on public land, contrary to what some signs and unsavory characters might try to tell you. Just don’t leave valuables in your car, and be sure to lock it up. The brooding and dilapidated wind turbines of the Kamaoa Wind Farm are along the road to Ka Lae. This wind farm, when all of the turbines are operating, can generate enough electricity to power 100 homes; unfortunately, usually 1/3 to ½ of the turbines are out of service at any given time. The surreal setting on the green plain with the cows grazing unconcernedly, coupled with the eerie, “sci-fi” sound of the generators makes this a unique place to stop, look and listen.

The waters at South Point are wild, crystalline turquoise and wicked. It is obvious from the surf and the currents that swimming is right out along most of this coastline. The only recommended snorkeling is at the Kaulana boat launch and at the green sand beach…and then it is recommended only in calm seas. But it is beautiful; perhaps as beautiful and wild a spot to snorkel as anywhere in Hawai’i.

Hike to Green Sand Beach
Unique and special, Hawai’i’s green sand beaches are as beautiful as they are strange. The beach sands are composed of crystals of the semi-precious mineral olivine (also known as peridot). The green sand beach at South Point, the best known, is reached by turning left onto a signed, patchy-paved and dirt road immediately when you arrive in the Ka Lae area. Follow signs to the Kaulana boat launch and park just to the left (south) of it. The dirt road that leads along the shore to the green sand beach is sometimes gated and locked. Hiking distance is 2 ¼ miles each way along rolling tropical prairie (and if you cannot envision that, you really need to do this hike). Despite the multiplicity of dirt roads, you really cannot get lost as you are never out of sight of the shore. When you arrive above the beach on the crater rim, there is a faint track to scramble safely and easily to the beach. One can also easily scramble down from the middle (easternmost) of the cone, but this can be slippery. Although tricky to spot on the way down, from the beach looking up the way back to the crater rim is easy to follow. When visiting here, plan and act as if there were no services, and no rescue available.

Waiohinu/Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree
Waiohinu is a for-real Old-Hawaii town, as are it’s neighbors Na’alehu and Pahala. Waiohinu boasts a gas station and store, public restrooms, a small hotel and numerous bed and breakfasts as well as Margo’s Corner, a privately-operated campground. It is always wise to fill your gas tank at the first opportunity when traveling on the Southern Coast because there are no service stations operating at regular, predictable hours, or at all after dark, in most of these tiny towns. Waiohinu has another more historic distinction. It is here that Sam Clemons (Mark Twain) planted a Monkey Pod so he’d have a shady spot to sit and write. Although the original tree blew down in a hurricane in 1957, a new tree has sprung-up from the surviving roots and can be seen in the center of town by the State Historical Society Marker commemorating Mark Twain’s visit.

Na’alehu
Lovely, scenic, sleepy Na’alehu, the southernmost town in America is the not-so-bustling mercantile hub the southern end of Hawai’i Island. Here is the Na’alehu Fruit Stand, the source of wonderful fresh fruit and the best pizza on the Island; the Punalu’u Bakeshop, known Island-wide for its malasadas and Portuguese Sweet Bread. The Union 76 gas station is your best bet for after-dark gas in South Hawai’i, but don’t bet the farm on it being open on any given night. Especially during fishing season. The Na’alehu Police station, on the east end of town, is the only outpost of law and order constabulary between Captain Cook and Volcano.

Whittington Beach Park/Honuapo Bay
The wild, ragged southern coastline of Ka’u, reminiscent of Big Sur, reaches its apogee here at Honuapo Bay. Although the County Beach Park is in poor repair and frequented by a less-than-desirable element, the raw sense of connection to the ravenous ocean, the eerie mood of the collapsed Pahala Sugar Co. wharf and the joy of ever-renewing life in the many tidepools and ponds that dot this shoreline make this Park a must-see stop. There are two, perhaps not conflicting, but interesting interpretations to the name Honuapo in Hawai’ian. If the reading is “honu apo”, it means “caught turtle”, a reference to the many dozens of Hawai’ian Green Sea Turtles who make this bay their home. However, if you read the words as “honua po” it means “land of the gods”; clearly in such a wildly beautiful, stark and powerful landscape, this is an apt name, as well. The true meaning is lost to the mists of time and depredation on native culture made by the missionaries, but knowing how modern speakers of Polynesian delight in the multiplicity of puns and double entendres their tongue is mother to, it is not far fetched to imagine the ancient Hawai’ians giving the bay this name with both meanings intended.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park
Punalu’u’s black sand beach, a truly remarkable place of great peace, beauty and spiritual healing is home to dozens of endangered Hawai’ian Green Sea Turtles. The wildness of the ocean and the serenity of the freshwater fishpond and coconut palm-shaded beaches make this an ideal place to spend some soul-recharge time. Snorkeling, picnicking and camping, or just relaxing on the beach, are major destination pass-times here. Due to chilly waters, off-shore winds, strong currents and a fearsome rip, swimmers and snorkelers should use caution when swimming at Punalu’u, but it’s hard to resist getting in and swimming with all those turtles. Camping is permitted around the pavilions by permit only and can be a windy, but wild and elemental, exercise in campcraft. Due to the exposed nature of the terrain, however, there is little privacy.

Pahala
Friendly, clean, quiet, scenic; Pahala seems a perfect community. Twenty years ago Pahala was a bustling center of activity for the Pahala Sugar Company, but with the demise of the sugar industry, Pahala residents have either moved on to other towns seeking new employment, or hunkered down the await what future may come. There are a few good art galleries and the old Plantation House Inn, which offer the traveler a look into post-plantation life in South Hawai’i. Pahala is also the only outpost for groceries, gasoline, banking, post-office and restaurant activities between Na’alehu and Volcano; one should be careful, however, as business hours tend to be irregular and never extend much past dark. The causal traveler should also be wary of a couple of bad speed traps on either side of Pahala. A re-birth, of a sort, is underway in Pahala and other small towns in Hawai’i; because of the extremely undervalued real estate, compared with the extremely over-valued real estate elsewhere in Hawai’i, mainlanders and retirees are buying up land as residents finally sell. This has caused a small renaissance in service-sector employment, but it will take a generation or two for these tiny towns to rebuild and return to their former bustling selves.

Wood Valley
A few miles upslope of Pahala into the macnut groves is the tiny community of Wood Valley. There are no services available here, except for a couple of bed and breakfast establishments and the Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling Buddhist Temple, which serves as a place of teaching and retreat. If time permits, it’ is a very worthwhile way to spend a lunch hour by procuring a take-away meal in Pahala, then driving the short way up into Wood Valley to enjoy lunch in the utter tranquility that steeps this community.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a magical, spiritual, wondrous, strange and beautiful place comprised of great contrasts and contradictions: dry as dust desert to teeming tropical jungle; frigid sub-arctic wasteland to steaming black sand beaches to rivers of flowing lava. The star attractions in the Park are a pair of active volcanoes; Mauna Loa is the largest mountain on earth and Kilauea is most active volcano on earth. However, there are numerous other wonders from lava tubes to crawl down, black sand beaches with sea turtles to watch, mysterious petroglyph fields to explore, tropical jungles to hike through, endangered bird species to find, happy-face spiders to amuse and an otherworldly volcanic landscape so fresh it’s still steaming. Famed for its fabulous views of Mauna Loa and Kilauea as much as for its interesting exhibits,

The Jagger Museum (named for geologist Thomas A. Jagger) is open daily from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Exhibits include murals by Herb Kawainui Kane, seismograph charts of eruptions and earthquakes, geological displays and display about the natural and human history of the Park.

Perhaps the finest short day hike in the park, a four-mile, 2-3 hour trip down into, across and back out of Kilauea Iki Crater gives one an intimate feel for volcanoes, Hawaiian-Style. Along one side, thick fern and ohi’a forest skirts along the rim and on the other, lush tropical rainforest crowds to the very brink of the crater; bleak volcanic desert lines the crater walls and covers the floor. The start and finish of the hike are along well marked, wide trails. The remainder is an easily followed, well marked trail with stone ahu (cairns) over the crater floor. As always when hiking in the Park, it is wise to avoid the noonday sun, and to remember that afternoon showers are common, especially near where this hike meets the crater rim.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During daylight hours, an access fee is charged. The Visitor Center has a 24-hour information line at 808.985.7017 and there is a 24-hour eruption hot-line at 808.985.6000. Within the Park tune to A.M. radio 530 for continuous information broadcast. Whether returning to Kona or to Hilo after visiting the Park, remember that after dark except for perhaps in Kea’au, there is little or no food and no gas available on the south end of Hawaii Island after dark.

One should plan ahead and expect to fill the gas tank and tummy in Volcano Village, across the highway from Hawaii volcanoes National Park. Gas prices are not, contrary to what you may have heard, any more confiscatory in expense than anywhere else on the island and Volcano is home to some first class restaurants, bakeries, interesting shops and even the island’s only winery. Plan on staying a while and enjoying the aloha in this mountain town while you recharge yourself from your busy day in South Hawaii.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

This is great news for you and I! Maybe you really care about the future of our planet, and would like to see this Earth become a better place for future generations. Perhaps you like the idea that the power company HAS NO CHOICE but to purchase renewable energy from you, (more later), saving you potentially thousands.

We’ll talk about these things, including a brief intro of the nuts and bolts of what makes a modern renewable energy system work. My name’s Josh Jacobs, and I’m glad to have you along! First, in case you’re not an expert, let’s take a look at some basic concepts about electricity: (If you’re versed in these, you can skip down below to the section labeled “WIND TURBINES”).

POWER and ENERGY

Power is what we hear all the time when we think about commercial electricity. In reality, it’s energy that’s an important term when we start to think about power from the Earth and wind. Here’s the difference:

Power is the ability to do work.

Energy is power use over time.

When you think about power, you might remember that most electrical appliances in your home have a label on the back that tells you how much power they consume. Go check…your TV, microwave, etc. all have them. When we think about getting power from solar panels, for example, we need to somehow relate how much power was available the entire time we were using the device. That’s where power, normally expressed in watts (”W”), becomes energy, because it gets combined with time, in the form of watt-hours, or, more usually, kilowatt-hours (”kWh”).

WIND TURBINES

A wind turbine is a great device. These have become so efficient in the last few years that pretty soon, a small unit the size of a backpack will power your entire home. Until then, we will rely on what we have today. Here’s the main important characteristic for a wind turbine: WIND SPEED. It may sound obvious, but the faster the wind, the bigger the total impact on the wind turbine. This is of far greater impact than any other factor. Many books will talk about temperature, elevation, humidity and other factors, and these things do make a difference to be sure, but by and large wind speed trumps them all by a landslide.

Here’s the thing about wind speed: It varies. The average for the entire year isn’t good enough to know. You’ll want to know the average on at least a monthly basis. If you can’t get this information, you’ll want to use something called the Weibull distribution. It is a mathematical formula that simulates phenomenon in the natural world, like wind speed over the course of a year very well.

You can find out much more about it, and other energy sources on this website covering renewable energy systems

Moving on…The only other factor that is remotely as important with wind turbines is…

ROTOR AREA. This is the other biggie. Know this and an area’s wind speed, and you can design basically any system. The “rotor area” refers to the area that the blades sweep through, or, literally, the length of the blades. The area here is so critical that even the difference of 2 inches can increase power output by 45%!

SOLAR POWER

Now, let’s get onto the other important renewable energy source…solar. Let’s say you’re out in the woods building a home and you want hot water. EASY! There are many methods, but for hot water itself, you won’t want to convert the solar energy into electricity and then into hot water, as some people think. Anytime you convert from one physical medium to another, you lose energy. So, you’ll want to capture the heat directly.

That is best done using solar collectors. There are tubes on the market that are a glass shell, with a vacuum inside, surrounding a core that is usually a metal pipe containing either a coolant (like food grade ethylene glycol – the food grade is important in case the contents were to leak into the water supply) or alcohol (alcohol is relatively safe and has excellent evaporation and heat transfer properties).

These tubes are known as evacuated tube collectors. They are usually packed in groups of 10 in a holder that sits on top of your roof. Now, there are many arrangements that allow you to properly collect the heat while protecting the system itself, which can get quite hot in the summer sun (upwards of 400 degrees F…enough to explode most glass tubes).

Thanks for reading my brief introduction to a few of the concepts of renewable energy. I’ll be posting more articles that dive into the depths of the subject even more in the near future.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Companies big and small, industries and individuals are looking for new and alternatives ways to a greener tomorrow and the first step in doing so was to stop depending on exhaustive energy and look towards sustainable and renewable alternative energy. The focus on alternative energy is to replace or reduce our dependence on oil, because oil is depleting and cannot sustain our current consumption rate, oil crisis is hitting worldwide and fuel prices are increasing, thus simultaneously increasing the cost of living. The focus on alternative energy is to other renewable resources such as solar, nuclear, ethanol and biodiesel.

Solar energy has become the favorite in replacing oil and gas. Solar power can now be used to feed plants and animals that are known as coal and fossil fuels. The sun has been in existence since the birth of our green earth and has provided us with free, never ending energy. Solar energy is not only renewable it is also economical. Because using solar energy is relatively new, the initial costs of the systems as well as the installation is a tad pricy but benefits are long term.

If a house or a commercial building were to use solar energy, the intangible benefits are that the building conserves more energy than a regular one would. Buildings that incorporate solar energy are built with the environment in mind to maximize energy efficiency and make use of the climate. These buildings incorporate cost saving equipments, technologies and techniques, and in the long run, this helps the building by saving up on electricity bills, provide cleaner airs and increase the real estate value of the building. Also, should power shortages occur, buildings that run on solar power might not be affected.

Besides solar energy, God gave us wind. Wind energy is a renewable energy source and we use this source that is fueled by the sun to generate electricity. Wind energy is generated when blades on wind turbines turn or circulate to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Wind turbines slow down the wind which flows over the airfoil shaped blades creating lift, and causing them to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator and produces electricity. Wind turbines and blades should be positioned properly and in windy areas where the wind is not blocked and flows all year round. Wind speed, wind direction, and seasons all play a vital role in the generation of wind energy. Not many countries use wind energy as different countries experience wind differently.

The research and development of renewable energy maybe at its earlier stages but already, it is showing signs of conservation and efficiency. With renewable energy in the foray, we can look to living in a cleaner, healthier environment.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

One advantage unique to renewable energy but not fully appreciated is the phonemon of community renewable power project. Community renewables projects can be a great force for social cohesion, and they can create a wide range of social benefits that transcend the economics of a particular project. These advantages include decreased dependence on foreign natural gas and oil, a power infrastructure that is far less subject to large-scale disruption or terrorism because of its distributed and diverse nature, local control of generation facilities, creation of much needed high-quality jobs in rural areas, and a supplemental revenue stream for agricultural community members that allows them to maintain their rural lifestyle. These projects include projects as diverse as willow coppicing and gasifying the wood chip produced, using power plants built mostly on farms, to community anaerobic digesters processing the food and organic waste of a community feeding electric power into the local power grid and hot water via CHP schemes into their homes for low cost heating.

Wind power is an example of a power type which can take jobs and revenue to remote communities which have otherwise been declining. A large wind farm can create dozens of secure long term jobs.

The relative price of renewable fuels is now much lower, so the incentives are there to invest. Wind power is a typical example where investors are receiving good yields and are likely to do so for many years to come. The term alternative is used to contrast with fossil fuels according to some sources. Wind turbines can be situated on land or off-shore providing many more sites.

Wind energy is the fastest growing energy resource in the world and can economically produce scalable renewable power to meet growing energy demands. In the US, wind power could produce up to 25% of our nation’s energy needs and we think this is a good thing.

Biomass energy comes from plants and trees. Wood is the largest source of biomass energy. However this form of energy can be implemented badly, and if it is it can be inefficient and destructive. One example is if biomass is burnt but the forests are not replanted.

To power a large proportion of the United States by biomass, vast areas would need to be taken from food production and harvested annually to feed our energy cravings while food prices would still rise higher and higher.

Biodiesel use is small now, but its use in diesel engines and for heating is increasing. Biodiesel and bioethanol do produce carbon dioxide when they are combusted in a car engine. However, crops used to make it do re-absorb that carbon dioxide as they grow. This biofuel is competitive with regular diesel fuel within a local market. A market worldwide for this product of methane is developing very quickly. Europe is now the largest biodiesel market in the world.

Biodiesel and ethanol, for example, is being combined with gasoline for cleaner transportation fuel.

While we are on the subject of combining technologies to give useful results. Sunlight is being collected and is being combined with standard electric lighting to produce hybrid solar lighting, a new development in solar technology.

Geothermal Energy can be used much more than it has been to date. Geologically derived energy of this sort is produced by heat from sources below the Earth’s surface. For electricity generation, steam created by these underground heat sources is used to spin turbines. Geothermal energy uses hot water deep within the earth’s crust to spin turbines and produce power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It produces few carbon emissions and can re-inject used-water back into the earth to be used again, making it fully sustainable.

Solar power is generated when utilities are in highest demand – in the middle of the day. In terms of the energy to make these solar cells, it is said that in about the same time it takes to pay them off – four to five years – the cells provide back the energy that was required to make them in the first place.

One place in which solar energy is being heavily used is Hong Kong. Solar energy is abundant in Hong Kong’s sunny climate, and easy to use. However, you can consider replacing your existing water heater with a new solar hot water heating system located on the rooftop of your building, even if not in a hot country. The reduction in available solar energy between equator and poles is not a great as most people seem to think. Solar thermal power stations operate in the USA and Spain, and the largest of these is the 354 MW SEGS power plant in the Mojave Desert, but solar is still worthwhile in more temperate climates.

Finally, there is the potential for much more thermal electric energy to be captured, where the sun light is reflected and focused using a huge parabolic mirror. This reflected light energy can then be used to heat water to create steam which can be used to drive a turbine to produce electricity just like in a conventional power plant.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

There are a wide range of methods for harvesting natural energy – such as wind power, with some even converting their car engines to run off reprocessed vegetable oil, or biofuel.

Choosing to generate power from natural resources is by no means cheap, however the long term benefits still attract many to the idea in many ways – from setting up turbines at their homes to recycling materials.

There are many companies which specialize in products that capture and convert energy from natural resources, including solar power.

As technology advances, the methods of capturing natural energy have the potential to become smaller, lighter and more affordable to run.

Wind turbines have remained a much discussed alternative energy technique, with a mixed reaction from the public regarding the construction of turbines to help reduce levels of carbon emissions from power stations.

However, home turbines and solar panels are now becoming a popular addition to households who are looking to save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Indeed, many countries in the Mediterranean region make use of solar panels to help power houses and businesses.

You may think that in a country such as the UK, where the sun appears to elude us at times this could seem pretty useless. However, solar panels are not dependent on hot weather, for a small amount of energy can still be generated just from normal daylight alone.

And the equipment itself is getting lighter, meaning that installation can be simplified because of the reduction in weight. However it is still advisable to seek advice from a surveyor before deciding to install solar panels.

With the credit crunch causing increases in everything from credit cards to gas and electricity bills, people are looking for more affordable means of generating their own power in order to cut down on their utility bills.

Wind turbines store energy from a rotor, where power is generated as the blades are turned. Energy that is harvested through home turbine kits can be used as part of the energy used in your home.

Some energy companies will offer the opportunity to reduce the cost of your electricity bill by giving some of the energy back to the grid.

However it’s best to check with your neighbours before taking the decision to install a small unit on the side of your property – for what may be saving money for yourself may be considered an eyesore by others.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

By giving you some idea of windmill pricing, you will have an idea of how you can save in the long term view of owning a wind turbine. What this consists of and how to go about having an alternate source of energy of your own.

Putting an exact price for a water pump or Wind Turbine (windmill) would be impossible to do. A more practical solution is a pricing range. Many things must be factored into the price. How tall the tower will be, is an example.

The average cost of a wind turbine can be any where from $1,500.00 to over $4,000.00. This depends on the consumer, and the manufacturer you are purchasing it from. The tower raising kit averages from $300.00 to $500.00. This is something you have to buy, regardless of the wind turbine. The actual height of the tower is also taken into consideration.

Pricing is basically set on a wind turbine’s performance. Simple wind turbine kits have the lower price range. Turbines equipped with higher battery charging, faster blade rotation, and accessories, to name a few details, are in the higher priced bracket. The blades are also a consideration. Although virtually all the turbine models are based on the design of an airplane propeller, the materials used to make the blades are of many different materials. This can also increase the price as well. Sometimes there is also an installation fee.

Water pumps that I have researched range from $300.00 to $1,000.00. These were designed especially for aqua and marine usage. But once again, it depends on the consumer’s needs and the company that is selling it.

The main consideration put into the cost of buying the wind turbine (windmill) or the water pump is based on wattage the machine is capable of producing. The more wattage it can produce, the higher in price range it will be. If the wattage output is lower the machine will cost less.

Most Wind turbines (windmills) and water pumps are made to look sleek and not big and bulky. Sleek enhances performance but it also interests the consumer too.

A homeowner would not want a wind turbine or water pump machine that is equipped to be put in a wind turbine field or plant. These turbines, which are larger cost a larger amount of money and will not be effective for the small home. Smaller wind turbines and pumps are specially designed for homes and the cost is lower.

The price of a wind turbine seems to be of little amount, when compared to the savings of the future. Having an alternate energy source affects the economy and the environment, providing the next generation with resources as well.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Much of the remaining electricity in the UK is produced by nuclear power stations, but there is still no satisfactory way to dispose of radioactive byproducts. With the decreasing stocks and rising prices of fossil fuels like gas an oil, environmentalists fear that even more nuclear power stations will be built, and so the race is on to find cleaner ways to produce electricity.

Green electricity is electricity that has been produced with only minimal impacts on the environment. Sources of energy like the sun, wind and tides are known as renewable energy. Green electricity can be produced using renewable energy sources.

Wind turbines are increasingly popular in the UK, and some of the energy for the national grid comes from wind turbines. The turbines are quieter and more efficient since improvements have been made to the design. Some people think they spoil the landscape, and the placement of some so called windfarms in areas of natural beauty has caused controversy.

A possible solution is to build wind farms out at sea. If this is ever possible, and of course affordable, wind could become the main source of the UK’s electricity in the future.

Solar power, even in the UK, is a free energy source that we could make much more of. At the moment, the cost of solar panels prohibits their wide use, but as demand grows and production increases, solar power could become the world’s number one source of electricity because panels can be used on a domestic scale even in rural areas with no requirement to be hooked up to the national grid.

The energy of rivers can be harnessed by power turbines which generate electricity. There are already a few large hydroelectric plants in the UK, and there is potential for many more low impact, small scale hydroelectric turbines in lots of places in Britain.

The holy grail of green electricity in the UK is wave power. Researchers are trying to find ways to harness the abundant energy that is in the waves all around our coastline. Wave power would be a fantastic source of green electricity in the future if a cost effective way of producing electricity could be implemented.

As consumers’ interest in green electricity grows, energy providers are looking for ways to make energy production more environmentally friendly. Even big providers like British Gas, who supply massive amounts of electricity, are offering carbon neutral dual fuel deals. This means that the carbon dioxide created as a by product of your electricity is offset by British Gas’s investment in projects to develop green electricity. Choosing carbon neutral products like this is a great way to support green electricity production and prevent climate change.

Switch to British Gas electricity and save up to 40% on your energy. Officially the cheapest electric providers on average the United Kingdom.

“This article is brought to you by Gus Woltmann”.

Not everyone can use hydroelectric-you have to be near a swift-flowing body of water. Furthermore, both hydroelectric generators and geothermal systems (using the earth’s heat to provide heat) are way too large and expensive for the average household to build.
In contrast, panels of solar cells and wind turbines are comparatively small, and are inexpensive enough for individual households to invest in. More importantly, they can be used anywhere in the world. Sure, some locations are better than others-the Southwestern USA gets more sun and the Great Plains gets stronger, steadier winds-but the truth is the sun shines and the wind blows no matter where you are.

So why should households invest in solar and wind power? Well, the many reasons fall into three rough categories: Financial, Practical, and Ethical. Let’s examine these below.

Financial: In these days of credit crunches and recession, the fi