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The Pros and Cons of Hybrid and Electric Cars

Although initial sales may have been off to a slow start, demand for hybrids is now on the rise. Despite hard times overall for the automotive industry, new hybrid registrations climbed 34% in the United States between 2010 and 2012. The jump in Australia is even more noticeable, with hybrid sales jumping by 160% in 2012 alone. Despite weak sales over the past ten years, consumers seem to be ready and willing to make the leap to more environmentally friendly options. It seems that a number of factors could be contributing to this new interest in hybrids, including rising fuel prices and improved technology. If you're on the fence about making this transition into driving an eco-car, you'll want to look more closely at the advantages and disadvantages of going electric. 

Pros of Driving a Hybrid 

Naturally, one of the major benefits of purchasing and driving a hybrid car is that you will have access to a cleaner, more efficient vehicle. Hybrids offer more miles to the gallon, while emitting less carbon dioxide. These green-friendly cars help drivers conserve energy, despite having all the power of more traditional petrol engines. Hybrid technology has come a long way over the past few years. If you take a look at a motoring car comparison tool today, you'll see that hybrid and fully electric cars provide many of the same amenities and levels of performance as more traditional vehicles. They are better equipped to handle a wider driving range thanks to features such as regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery each time the driver brakes. 

Further incentives to driving a hybrid car include potential tax benefits, government rebates, or employer perks. For instance, some businesses give free parking spaces to employees who drive environmentally-friendly cars, and insurance rates may be lowered as well. Finally, as the demand for cleaner, greener cars continues to grow, the resale values for these vehicles are high. If you compare depreciation rates of electric or hybrid cars to more traditional cars, you'll see that today's green models are coming out ahead. 

Cons of Driving a Hybrid 

Despite these numerous incentives, hybrid cars may not be right for everyone. If you're looking for raw power behind the wheel, a hybrid may not compare to a sportier conventional car. Although they're swiftly catching up in terms of performance, most hybrids have lower power outputs than sports cars. They're built to boost economy rather than speed, and as such tend to have smaller engines and a lighter weight. This is more in line with what you would expect in a Ford Fiesta review rather than a Lamborghini. 

At the same time, the upfront costs for a hybrid will be higher. Even with rebates and tax breaks, a hybrid car will still cost more than that conventional Ford Fiesta. Within the same brand and model, you could expect to pay as much as $10,000 more for the hybrid. Yet if you plan on driving the car for a long term period, you can expect to get this money back in the savings on fuel. Those looking for a short term car may find that the benefits do not balance out the cost.

Generally, hybrids stand out for their safety, reliability, and low running costs. They can be a great choice as a commuter or family car. However, those in the market for a sportier car or something to drive for a year may wish to look at other options.  

Compliments of Guest Blogger, Hannah.

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day! Over one billion people in 192 countries are participating!  How are YOU Going Green?
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Guest Author Alia: A future investment: Solar panel to shoot up your House

Solar panels are actually assemblies of photovoltaic cells to generate electric supply in residential and commercial applications. Each panel is rated according to its DC output. A solar panel is a long-term future investment by the smart owners to their houses. Solar panel is not only a big investment but also a valuable investment for the future. This solar panel also helps to improve the greeneries of the house. Solar panels are eco-friendly and do not emit green-house gases. Solar panels are more effective in areas of direct sunlight.

Beneficial areas for using solar panels

Solar panels are used for the production of electricity. Solar panels help to reduce the electricity bills. During the presence of direct sunlight Solar panel provide electricity for the household utility. Solar panels are renewable resources till the presence of direct sunlight. Solar panels reduce carbon footprint. Solar panel does not emit any type of carbon footprint or gases as generator emits. Thus they are ecofriendly and silent. There are no such moving parts in the solar panel that may cause noise and are also easy for the maintenance. It greatly reduces the regular electric bills which is a center of attraction for all the members.

Efficiency of the solar panels

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells. Efficiency of solar panel must be greater than the efficiency of individual solar cells. Solar panels are made out of silicon which makes it efficient. Efficiency of solar panels can be increased with the help of mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline. Both mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline produces solar cells but mono-crystalline makes more efficient solar panel compared to multi-crystalline as mono-crystalline consist of only one type of silicon which is completely pure and more efficient. Another point that affects the efficiency of the solar panel is anti-reflection coatings.

Advantages of solar panels

Solar panels are renewable, clean and are a natural resource. It is ecofriendly and helps grow greeneries. It does not harm nature in any way. It also helps in reducing electricity bill. This way it helps to save money and is also economically beneficial. Solar energy is naturally made from the direct sunrays so it needs no extra gases or anything. Using solar panels helps individual saving ton money. This is a great advantage for the people. It is eco-friendly and help protecting the surrounding area from global-warming. Investing money in solar panel can also be called as a future investment. As in future solar panel helps to supply electricity to the nearby houses. It does not emit any carbon components so no harm to the environment. It also helps in saving tax.

Reasons for solar panel to be a good investment

Solar panel is a good investment for the house as it reduces electricity bill permanently. So it is really a good investment. Solar panels of present generation are not very expensive. Solar panels are now designed in such a way that it becomes less costly than earlier time. Installation of solar panel will not only be economically beneficial but also help in conserving natural energy. Saving electricity bill on a regular basis is actually a bonus for long time for a person. By using solar panels emission of harmful gases are reduced and at the same time environment is becoming pollution free.

Designs of solar panels

Cost of solar panels fall at a very fast rate. Earlier solar panels use to cost much more than what it cost now. Solar panels got many new designs for mounting solar panels on the rooftop at a low price. The new designs of solar panels greatly reduce and eliminate many tools and hardware of the system. So it is easier for installation now. Mounting solar panels on the roof top needs anchoring long metal racks to roof for creating a fine framework which will help in making panel angled towards the sun and remain together. Racks must be electrically ground. These new designing og solar panels makes it easier and cheaper to install.

Conclusion

Solar panels are very useful in every respect. One must try to install solar panel as it is very easy to install and it leads to long-term saving. Solar panels not only help in saving money but also help in saving the environment. It does not have much maintenance cost and at the same time it have life-long warranty. It gets all its energy from the direct sunlight. It is a renewable resource. So after purchasing there is no further monetary investment for the future. It is really a good and economically beneficial investment for the future for every person.

About The Author: Alia is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. 

Fireflies helping us go green!

The nighttime twinkling of fireflies has inspired scientists to modify an LED so it is more than one and a half times as efficient as the original. Researchers from Belgium, France, and Canada studied the internal structure of firefly lanterns, the organs on the bioluminescent insects’ abdomens that flash to attract mates. The scientists identified an unexpected pattern of jagged scales that enhanced the lanterns’ glow, and applied that knowledge to LED design to create an LED overlayer that mimicked the natural structure, which increased LED light extraction by up to 55 percent. For more information, click here.

How to unclog a sink without using chemicals

Does your printing cause global warming?

These days, Global Warming is one of the most talked about topics, be that on international summit or a school debate. The term ‘Global Warming’ refers to a certain phenomenon where the overall average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere gets inexplicably and unnaturally high. The increase of the amount of Greenhouse gases is deemed to be the reason behind this, according to most researchers and scientists. Apart from many physical and environmental effects such as volcanoes, glacier retreat and shifting, extreme weathers and earthquakes et cetera, Global warming has forced authorities and world leaders to go the ‘green’ way in many fields of sustainable development.

How does paper industry affect the climate?

Paper is the most important ingredient in the printing industry. The manufacturing procedure of papers is a complicated process that begins with deforestation. A simple fact is that 42% of wood is eventually used in order to manufacture paper so that it could satisfy the need of printing industry. Now, the world’s forests acts as a shield when it comes to repel the causes of global warming. It’s not only the gases but many other atmospheric particles that are classified under ‘Greenhouse’. But, statistics say that half of world’s forests have been burned or cleared in order to supply wood to various industries including the printing industry. Also, the little amount of forest left is still subject to deforestation threats. Now, with the increasing amount of deforestation the emission of these harmful gases increases too. Thus with the increased amount of greenhouse gases the temperature also rises radically.

Go Green solution:

It was high time and the world leaders, politicians and industrialists did realize the ill-disguised blessings of rapid industrialization. So, there have been many initiatives in the printing industry that resulted less deforestation and eco-friendly development. Recycling is the main factor of this ‘Go green’ movement. It was realized that it is best for humanity and the world if already used papers are recycled for fresh usage. A simple but astounding fact is that recycling ensured 38% less emission of greenhouse gases and 50% less of wastage of water. The various competing business enterprises of printing industries agreed upon this Green printing solution in order to sustain a better world and future.

Guest Author: This post is written by Rich Gorman, veteren in direct response marketing and advertising. You can visit his site here.

Why You Should Get Solar Panels

Photovoltaics and solar power are used interchangeably and is basically describing the same technology: Devices that convert photons in form of sunlight to electrons moving around in a circuit (electricity). The solar panel industry has grown steadily over the last few decades and in many areas solar panels can now generate affordable electricity. In fact, in 1998 it was estimated that the quantity cost per watt was about $4.50, which was 33 times lower than the cost in 1970 of $150.

What are some of the other benefits that come with solar power?

Green and Sustainable. The focus on moving towards greener energy sources has exploded lately. Solar power is in the forefront of this development. It offers a way to harness energy that is completely green and sustainable (as long as the sun is shining, which it will for many billions of years into the future). Other than climate gases that are released during the manufacturing and installation of the panels (insignificant compared to that of fossil fuels and coal), there are no emissions whatsoever.   

Financial Incentive. Governor of California, Jerry Brown has signed legislation requiring the state`s utilities to obtain 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by the end of 2020. Similar legislations can be seen in many states across the country. This forces financial incentive, which also benefits homeowners. Go to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for more information on what state/government rebates you are eligible for.

Solar Power Offers Security.  Many people do not link security with solar power. There are two ways of looking at security and solar power: 1) By cutting your dependence to the utility grid, you no longer need it to be up and running to have access to power. By installing a battery system where you store excess electricity generated with your solar panels, you can use electricity even though the grid is not up and running. 2) You are no longer a victim of the fluctuating electricity prices, which in the last years has steadily been increasing, and is predicted to keep increasing in the years to come.

Guest post by:

Mathias Aarre Maehlum

Top Most Expensive Eco-Friendly Cars in the World

More and more consumers around the world prefer to buy eco friendly cars as they have lower emission levels and can help in saving the environment. Vehicle manufacturers too are designing new eco friendly car models to meet surging demand for such green cars. Eco friendly cars marketed by automobile companies these days offer equal operating range and better fuel efficiency than conventional cars. Below is the list of some of the most expensive green cars available in the market:

Tesla Roadster

The two-door convertible roadster from Tesla is the most expensive eco friendly car available in the market. It is powered by batteries and was the first high way capable electric vehicle to use lithium-ion batteries. The car comes in two trims, base and sport. The base model is powered by a 3-phase, 4-pole induction electric motor that produces a maximum net power of 248hp while the sport model is powered by a higher density engine which produces a maximum net power of 288hp. Automatic transmission is standard for both the models. Unlike other battery powered cars, the Tesla Roadster can travel 244 miles (393 km) on a single charge. The base version costs US$ 109,000 and the sport model costs US$ 128,500.

Lexus LS 600h

The Lexus LS 600h is the hybrid variant of the full-size luxury sedan from Lexus. The Lexus LS 600h is powered by a 5.0L, 8-cylinder engine which delivers a power of 389hp.The car delivers a mileage of 19-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. Automatic transmission is a standard. The car comes with other premium features like 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), navigation system, curtain airbags, and drive traction control. The price of this luxury hybrid is US$ 112,750.

Telsa Model S

The Telsa Model S is a 5-seat full-size electric sedan. The car has a 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack which gives it a range of 265 miles (426 km) for a single charge. It offers the largest range than any other electric car available in the market. Model S is powered by a three-phase AC induction motor which delivers a power of 416hp. The car is available in four trims and the price ranges from US$ 57,400 to US$ 105,400.

BMW ActiveHybrid 750

BMW ActiveHybrid 750 from BMW's flagship 7 series is a full-size hybrid luxury sedan. The car is powered by a 4.4L V-8 engine delivers a power of 440 hp making it one of the most highly powerful hybrid cars available in the market. Its features include 8-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), navigation system, curtain airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, automatic AC, cruise control, and driveline traction control. The price of this car is US$ 101,000.

Porsche Panamera Hybrid

Porsche Panamera Hybrid is one of the most beautiful eco friendly cars available today. Porsche and Volkswagen have developed the hybrid technology of this car together. A 328bhp supercharged V6 Audi engine was combined with a 46bhp electric motor to make the engine of this car. The electric motor is connected to the rear wheels. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission. The price of this car is US$ 96,150.

Most of the above given eco friendly cars are generally powered by advanced automobile technologies and alternative fuels like hydrogen and ethanol. The use of such complex technologies make these green cars quiet expensive. But, as governments around the world are offering incentives to automobile companies for developing green cars, their prices will fall in future.

About The Author: Alia is a writer. She loves writing, travelling and playing. Recently she did an article on top cars owned by celebrities.