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.

Tesla's luxury electric sedan hits the road!

The Get Amped Model S tour is out and about introducing the Tesla Model S all-electric sedan to potential buyers. The tour is offering 5,000 test drives in 45 days. 

Tesla's plan is to produce 5,000 by the end of the year, and 20,000 in 2013.  So far, Tesla has built 50 of the luxury electric vehicles, 29 for retail customers and 21 that are destined for Tesla stores.

Solar Energy full steam ahead in India

One of India’s leading solar energy developers, Mahindra Solar One announced plans to move forward with a 50 megawatt solar plant in Rajasthan, India.  Funded in part by the U.S. Export Import Bank, the project is yet another example of how U.S. and Indian entities are working together to drive solar energy development in India.

An estimated 400 million people in India, more than the total U.S. population, have no access to reliable energy, and over 90 percent of these 400 million live in rural India.  

Go Green This Earth Day

Earth Day, April 22, marks the anniversary of the birth of the environmental movement in 1970, leading to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clear Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. The concern for a clean environment is still strong, almost mainstream, 42 years later. The electric car is making a comeback, plastic grocery bags are banned in cities in California and Texas, and corporate sustainability programs are as common as wellness programs.

Unlike the first EarthDay, grassroots demonstrations in the streets and parks, today, companies are pioneering ways to go green and conserve the environment. Coca-Cola has a billboard in the Phillippines made of plants contained in old Coca-Cola bottles that reduces air pollution by 13lbs of carbon dioxide a year.  UPS operates the largest private alternative-fuel fleet in the transportation industry, including more than 1,600 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas, hybrid electric, electric and propane-powered vehicles and began testing an all-electric, zero-emission package car in London.

Cox Enterprises has a national sustainability program that is designed to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 percent, reducing its energy consumption by embracing alternative energy methods, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior.  90% of thier network  operations vehicles at Cox Communications use a new hybrid operating system and are zero emissions vehicles during aerial operations. And Cox Business encourages customers to go paperless with an electronic ordering system. In one quarter alone, more than 50,000 pieces of paper were saved due to electronic ordering.

In addition, Cox Media Group just completed a studio lighting upgrade in Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando and Seattle by replacing incandescent lighting with modern fluorescent lights at a number of its television locations. The upgrade reduces studio energy consumption by up to 45 percent and prevents more than 780 tons of carbon from entering the environment. Cox Communications is posting tips all month on their social media pages, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

You don’t have to buy an electric car or install solar panels (but if you do, that’s good!) to make a difference this Earth Day.

Here are ways you can go green:

• Check your tire pressure. Having your tire pressure at the appropriate psi can reduce strain on your engine and significantly increase your gas mileage.
• Use a reusable water container or bottle. The average time for a plastic bottle to biodegrade fully is approximately 450-1000 years. Hard and reusable bottles take a longer time, and the soft and non-reusable ones take a shorter time. Time also varies with the size of the bottle. If they are sitting in landfills sealed and compacted with all of the other trash and bottles with no air moving, they won't decompose at all.
• Replace your light bulbs. If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star-rated light bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars. Earth Day marks the launch of a new 20-year life bulb that uses 85% less energy.
• Turn off your power strips or use smart power strips. Putting your appliances and computers on power strips that can be turned off (or will turn off automatically); many appliances and computers continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off.
• Wash a full load in cold. Unless you're dealing with oily stains, the cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Even switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.

(Note to readers: I was compensated by Cox Communications to share their message.  However, the editorial, tips and my opinions remain my own).

HostelBookers.com is switching off for WWF's Earth Hour 2012

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, is supporting WWF's Earth Hour, the world's largest campaign for action to protect the planet.

On 31 March 2012 at 8.30pm the global skyline will be plunged into darkness as hundreds of millions of people, landmarks and businesses across the world switch off their lights for a world with a brighter future.

WWF's Earth Hour is a simple idea that's become a global phenomenon, spanning a record 135 countries in 2011. It's a symbolic action to show we all care about protecting the environment and reducing our impact on it.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, says; 'We understand that business has a key role to play in protecting our brilliant planet and so in support of this year's event HostelBookers properties will promote Earth Hour 2012 worldwide in different ways.’ Many of HostelBookers eco accommodation are running special events or initiatives:   

Mosaic House located in Prague will turn off lights for an hour. It will gather 330 guests to unite in the candle-lit theatre bar, offering candle lit tours to the grey water recycle unit with heat. St Christopher's at the Mosaic House is an eco-pioneer in the industry. It is the first in the Czech Republic to use 100% renewable-source electricity, 100% biogas, water recycling system with heat recuperation, and a fully electric car. It also boasts solar panels on the roof, electric shutters, smart temperature control and energy-efficient lighting.’

In the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, Envoy Hostel is a European Standard Hostel designed by travellers for travellers. The property will organise games by candlelight at night, where guests will play different board games. 

In Port Douglas, Australia Port O’Call Eco Lodge is a resort style accommodation at a budget price, just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful Four Mile Beach and to the Marina and Port Douglas Village. Rated green star environmentally friendly, Port O'Call is ecologically sustainable with solar heating, water and lighting efficiency. To support Earth Hour the property will be turning off all air conditioning for an hour. All the external lighting is run off batteries supplied by solar cell power and all hot water on that day will be supplied by solar hot water and the Bistro will be lit by just candles.

Hundreds of other UK businesses and landmarks have already signed up for WWF's Earth Hour 2012 and getting involved as a company is easy - simply sign up online and switch off your building's non-essential lights on the night.

Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns WWF-UK says; 'WWF's Earth Hour it not about saving an hour's electricity. It's something much bigger. It's about people coming together to put the focus on this brilliant world we all share - and how we need to protect it. Not just for an hour a year, but every day.’ You can find out what's happening across the country and get involved by visiting wwf.org.uk/earthhour

Going Green with my car?

Automobiles seem to be a necessary evil of the world today. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE to drive. Fast, in fact. But I am ever conscious of the NON-green aspects of my guilty pleasure and the fact that the cars I love to drive burn copious amount of non-renewable fossil fuel.

In the US, Chevy just announced a green warm fuzzy for new car buyers, called an Ecologic window sticker. The 2013 Sonic will be the first new vehicle to display the sticker that features the fuel-saving technology, end-of-life recyclability and the responsible manufacturing practices that went into the vehicle.

According to GM North America President Mark Reuss, "Customers want companies to be honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals, and rightly so."

At least we will now be more informed about the entire life cycle and the environmental impacts of our gas guzzlers. Kind of like guilt-free chocolate.

30-35 million Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S. A renewable resource, 98% of all Christmas trees are grown on Christmas tree farms, who plant 2-3 seedlings for every one tree harvested.

Fortunately, 93% of them are recycled in community recycling programs, gardens and backyards, as they would surely fill our landfills otherwise. Christmas trees can be chipped, shredded and used as mulch again for water conservation and weed control, erosion and dust control on biking trails and bridle paths, and as additives in composting operations. For Christmas tree recycling in your area, go to earth911.com

Few items of daily use that you can recycle

Every single contribution in recycling of the used and waste products can help in saving natural resources. It is important that everyone starts reusing the existing and waste products to reproduce into new goods. Go searching your household, you will find numerous objects which are waste, but can be recycled. Not only the old papers, waste bottles, plastic bags, aluminum cans, used batteries, car tires, and textiles but even your computers, washing machines and mobiles can also be recycled into new products.

Here’s a list of items, which are of regular use by most of us, and can be recycled and reproduced.

Batteries:

All kinds of batteries can be recycled. The list includes:

Rechargeable batteries

Alkaline batteries

Lithium Ion (Used in watches and hearing aids)

Nickel Cadmium batteries

Lead Acid batteries

Laptop batteries.

The only precaution to be taken is to tape the batteries to prevent fire while in their collection and transportation.

E waste:

If you plan to upgrade the electronic items of your daily use, do not dump them, rather put them in a recyclable bin around you. These include:

Televisions and VCRs

Copiers, CRTs, CPUs

Stereos and DVD players

Laptops and Fax machines

Microwaves

Before sending e-waste for recycling, it is important to ensure that you have deactivated the property office stickers and erased the hard disk.

Textiles and clothing:

All the textiles and clothing used at home can be recycled.

Plastic bags and products:

Plastics are cheap and easy to produce, but it is non bio-degradable. Plastics can be melted, reshaped and reused. The easily recyclable home use plastics are;

Bubble wraps

Deflated air packets

Journal or magazine wraps

Plastic bags

Electronic appliances:

Recycling electronic items is not only cumbersome but also labor intensive process. It includes separating many components from the equipment as well as dealing with toxic materials like Lead, Mercury and chemical refrigerants. Though, the specialist companies do this at nominal rates. Some of these are:

Refrigerators

Washing machines

Mobile phones

Incubators and other large metal appliances

Aluminum cans:

The best reason why aluminum can recycle is advisable because they save almost 95 percent of the energy used for producing new cans. Mining and refining Bauxite, the ore for Aluminum, not only takes huge effort but causes great deal of pollution too.

Automobile waste:

Automobile waste is toxic for soil and can also cause fire hazards. Tires are recycled into crumbs to give fake soil effect which are further produced into artificial turfs for Football ground. The tires are being widely used for landscaping as well.

These recyclable daily use products are first collected and sorted. There are a few materials which are salvaged from the complex products like: Gold from computer components, Lead from the car batteries. Recyclable bins, Buy-back centers and curb side collection methods are used to collect the recyclable items.

Since the realization has set the mood to save the world from pollution and conserve natural resources, every individual should contribute towards it. This we can begin by recycling our daily use products.

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About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger who is passionate about green living. She is a big fan of vehicles based on the concept of green design and plans to own one soon.