|
|
|
Ancient Organic Revival
We excitedly received a few packaged products from Essential Living Foods, anxious to try them out on our American palates. These were powdered forms of what is referred to as the "Lost Crops of the Incas"--a purple corn extract, Aji Amarillo...
Experience the Thrill of Eagle Watching
"Above all other birds it is the soaring eagle, with its size and weight, that gives the most abiding impression of power and purpose in the air," declared Edwin Way Teale in Atlantic Monthly in 1957. Unique to North America and revered for its...
Green Energy Web Host Paves The Path For Other Web Hosting Companies
Many companies are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system, but not many go forth with the idea. One company stands out from the crowed and that is Affordable Internet Services Online Inc. (AISO.Net) in Romoland, California. They...
Since Katrina, the Environment Is Front-Page News
Ever since the end of August, when Hurricane Katrina devastated
the major American city of New Orleans and the coastlines of
Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama, the consequences
of environmental degradation have been front-page...
The Fusion of Peak Oil & Climate Change
Peak Oil and Climate Change deal are two historic events for
humans and life on earth. The first threatens modern industrial
ways of living and the latter threatens the climatic systems
that are an integral part of our world and the way we live...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solar Energy - Have the Sun pay part of your energy bill
Residential hot water is a significant energy consumer for most
households. In fact, hot water is sometimes the largest single
energy cost. Using solar energy to provide at least some of the
hot water in your household can result in significant savings.
There are several ways that solar energy can be integrated into
a hot water system. Although solar boilers can be used on their
own, they are most often used in conjunction with traditional
water heaters which are powered by gas or electricity. In this
kind of system, the water heated with solar energy can be used
on its own (if it is hot enough) or as preheated water for the
traditional water heater.
Solar boilers can be used in any type of climate but are most
practical in areas which don't have freezing weather during the
wintertime. Solar hot water systems in colder climates can use
indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the
freezing temperatures. Instead, a fluid that resists freezing
circulates through the solar panels and is used to heat the
water. Southern climates can use direct heating systems where
the water itself passes through the solar panels installed on
the roof.
There are two basic types of solar hot water systems -- active
and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural
flow of water from hot to cold. They are simple systems and
require very little maintenance. They are durable and
long-lasting. You can easely build simple systems yourself all
you will need are parts that you can find in any
hardware store.
Active systems make use of pumps to circulate the water. In some
systems, the pumps can be powered with solar energy; otherwise
they must be connected to the household electrical supply. In
both systems a storage tank is needed to hold the heated water.
On hot days with plenty of direct sunlight solar systems can
heat water with surprising efficiency. During this kind of
weather, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a
backup. When the weather is colder, the solar heaters can
preheat the water which passes into the traditional water
heater. This preheated water requires much less energy to bring
to proper temperatures which can result in significant savings
on your energy bills.
As with all alternative energy systems there is a lot of room
for your own imagination if you like that. If you don't you
don't and just use the technology, but for those who like to
play around with technology like myself these systems offer a
myriad of possibilities to think about.
For example, a stirling engine converts changes in temperature
into mechanical motion, for example to generate electricity.
Mmm, that's a nice thought. A change in temperature is something
this system will provide, but it will also heat your water. A
double benefit?
About the author:
Hans is an off grid enthusiast and author at
http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/ Visit us for
introductory and more advanced articles.
|
|
|
|
|
| Department of Energy - Homepage |
| Governmental department whose mission is to advance energy technology and promote related innovation in the United States. |
| www.energy.gov |
|
| Department of Energy - Page not found! |
| US Department of Energy information for consumers, business, and communities. Links to many energy pages of the DOE. |
| www.energy.gov |
|
| Energy Quest Room |
| California Energy Commission's energy and environmental education site for students, parents and teachers. Includes information, Q&As, projects, ... |
| www.energyquest.ca.gov |
|
| The Energy Story - Introduction |
| Detailed guide explains what energy is and where it comes from. |
| www.energyquest.ca.gov |
|
| EIA Energy Kids Page - energy facts, fun, games and activities |
| Features various sections about energy including what it is and the forms it comes in. Find out how humans use energy through quizzes and a 'fun facts' ... |
| www.eia.doe.gov |
|
| Energy Information Administration - EIA - Official Energy ... |
| Section of the US Department of Energy (DOE) providing statistics, data, analysis on resources, supply, production, consumption for all energy sources. |
| www.eia.doe.gov |
|
| Energy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Free encyclopedia article explaining the scientific notion of energy. Includes units of measure, energy transformation concepts, types of energy, ... |
| en.wikipedia.org |
|
| Department of Energy - Homepage |
| U.S. Department of Energy Awards Contract for Management and Operation of Ames ... The Energy Star label is the government's seal of energy efficiency. ... |
| www.doe.gov |
|
| Home : ENERGY STAR |
| US EPA Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction. |
| www.energystar.gov |
|
| National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Home Page |
| Facility of the US Department of Energy (DOE) for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and deployment. |
| www.nrel.gov |
|
| European Commission - Energy - Home page |
| Welcome to the European Commission's "Energy" website ... A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy ... |
| ec.europa.eu |
|
| DTI - Energy - Introduction |
| The DTI’s Energy Group deals with energy-related matters, ... UK energy statistics are provided, including production, consumption and prices. ... |
| www.dti.gov.uk |
|
| U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Home Page |
| US Department of Energy web site for information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. |
| www.eere.energy.gov |
|
| Energy for America's Future |
| Provides an overview of President Bush's energy policies. |
| www.whitehouse.gov |
|
| International Energy Agency |
| Energy Security, Growth and Sustainability through Co-operation and Outreach. |
| www.iea.org |
|
| energywatch: Home Page |
| Independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog, providing help to domestic, commercial or industrial energy (gas and electricity) consumers. |
| www.energywatch.org.uk |
|
| EnergyAustralia - Home |
| Details of one of Australia's largest and oldest gas and electricity supply companies. Includes information on accounts, energy saving tips, appliance sales ... |
| www.energy.com.au |
|
| U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources |
| Has jurisdiction over energy policy, regulation, and research. Also deals with energy and mineral conservation, ports used for energy transport, irrigation, ... |
| energy.senate.gov |
|
| bloomberg energy prices |
| www.bloomberg.com/energy/ - Similar pages |
|
|
| Energy Bulletin |
| A clearinghouse of information concerning the peak in global energy such as oil and gas. |
| www.energybulletin.net |
|
|