Why Your Electric Company Is So Important

© Guerito 2005

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We all know that electricity is crucial to today’s world. Almost everything we do uses power. Because of this, we know that the electric companies are very important. Did you know that your electric company is working to make the world better for you?

Many electric companies throughout the world are now offering incentives for making the world a little greener. Each company is doing this in their own way. Using a directory like Canada 411, you can contact your local electric company to find out what they are doing for the green movement.

Some companies offer incentives for those that use energy efficient machines in their homes. This has helped the energy-efficient movement. In fact, this movement has become much more popular as people have realized that they may even get a discount on their electricity bill if they have Energy Star rated appliances.

Have you seen huge windmills in the middle of fields? These are also put up, many times, by the electric companies. They are a very efficient way to produce the energy that we each use on a daily basis. Wind and solar power are renewable sources of energy, whereas many previous forms, such as coal, are not.

The push that your electric company is making to “go green” is important to the world. The more we use renewable energy instead of non-renewable sources, the more likely we are to be able to continue have electricity. Every time you hear about something being green, or you hear about a movement to “go green,” find out if your electric company is behind it. It is very likely that they are.

Filed Under: Economy, Energy Tagged With: , ,

Before You Buy Solar Panels

Solar panel installation at an information cen...

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For many homeowners investing in solar panels makes sound economic sense.  Not only will they receive a handsome credit on their federal income tax, but their home value increases, the environment is improved, and their energy dollars are reduced.

However, purchasing a solar panel system for your home is a major investment.  And like any investment, should be thoroughly researched before expending the money.  Here are some things to consider before your purchase.

  • How much energy do you need to produce? Call a local solar contractor for an energy estimate or use one of the many estimators online.
  • What type of mounting system will use?  Usually they come in two varieties.  One is called the proper tilt mounting which mounts the panels a specific angle to get the most use of the sun. The other mounting system is called a solar tracking mount which will adjust the panels to follow the sun.
  • What type of solar panel is best for your need?  There are two basic types of solar panels: crystalline silicon panels and amorphous silicon panels.  The amorphous panels are a good choice if you have a large space; while the crystalline panels are better for smaller spaces.
  • Will the payback period exceed the life of solar panels? Typically solar panels have a 25-year warranty and if properly installed will last 20 to 40 years.

Once you’ve done the research get bids from several contractors and check their references thoroughly before hiring. Finally check to see if there are state energy credits for installing solar panels.

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With: , ,

Wonderful Wind Power

Since renewable energy sources are on the rise, let’s take a look at one of the best – wind power!

Icon of Wind Turbines

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Wind power is a clean, environmentally friendly energies. It doesn’t bother the wild life as much as water power and it doesn’t require lots of panels all over your roof like solar power. Oddly enough, wind power is reliant on both water and the sun for it’s energy production. The daily wind cycle is caus

ed by the earth’s different surfaces heating and cooling from the sun, causing uneven heat levels which in turn cause wind.

Wind turbines are relatively simple. The blades spin, collecting kinetic energy through a drive shaft. Currently, only just over 1% of the United State’s power comes from wind power. That’s only enough to power 4.5 million homes, which sounds bigger than it is.

On a smaller scale , wind power can be used for more than an entire country. If you wanted to power a single home with wind power, it is very possible. Miniature turbines are available from many green energy companies. Combining turbines with other green power sources can reduce your power bill greatly. Typically, wind companies suggest that you only partially run your home off of wind power because of power regulations in residential areas. The only thing you need to consider adding to your wind power system is a battery storage – in case the wind doesn’t blow every day.

If more time was devoted to wind power, it could easily produce a good portion of power needed.

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Filed Under: Energy, Environmental Issues Tagged With: ,

Consequences of Carbon-Free Energy Production

There are some identifiable sources of carbon-free energy creation, including wind, nuclear, hydropower, as well as “carbon neutral” sources of energy which include biomass and bio-fuels. All of these sources are considered renewable energy (the exception being nuclear) since they are all constantly being replenished. Their positive impact is that they lower greenhouse gas emissions, but despite this advantage they each, nevertheless, have negative impacts on the environment in other ways.

Statistically these sources of energy only provide approximately 14% of the energy needs used across the globe. They break out as follows: nuclear power provides the world with 6.2% of the world’s energy needs; hydroelectric power 2.2%; wind power is just over 1%. Bio-fuels and biomass make up another 4% of the world’s energy needs.

The environmental drawbacks of these resources vary. Hydroelectric power is a clean source for energy particularly where carbon emissions are concerned; however, regarding fish it has been a great environmental hazard. Those who depend on fishing as an occupation have been negatively impacted by the production of this “clean energy.”

Nuclear power results in essentially no greenhouse emissions, but there are other environmental consequences. There are risks and environmental damage from uranium mining and processing. The nuclear waste itself is extremely hazardous and accidents that occur in any aspect of nuclear processing and disposal can result in very serious consequences to both people and the environment.

Where wind power is concerned there are negative consequences that affect wild life habitats and that also negatively affect specific species.

As for bio-fuels they adversely affects crop production. To meet our goals for gasoline, 80% of the country’s cropland would have to be converted over for energy production. As cropland sizes increase to accommodate both human consumption and energy creation there will be a push to increase the exploitation of forest land and other soil resources.

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With: , ,

Going Green is Going Global

While it may seem like a fairly recent trend, the phenomenon of “going green” is becoming more and more widespread every day. Environmentalism began as a relatively small movement comprised of activists. Today, the concept of “going green” has moved well beyond this niche. Have you tried to make changes in your own life to become more “green?” Many of us wish that we could take the steps necessary to consume less resources and tread more lightly on the planet, but getting there can be
difficult.

Some experts suggest making small changes. There is a common misconception that we use the most energy and resources in transportation (cars). However, the home is one of the easiest places to begin “greening”, as it is actually the largest “energy hog” in most of our lives. Changing light bulbs to more efficient, new bulbs, purchasing “green” appliances (such as those with the Energy Star label), and simply using less energy at home are all simples steps in the right direction.

However, other “green” proponents take a more drastic route. Some cut out their cars, travelling instead by bus, bike or carpool. Others try to live “off the grid” by producing energy to power their homes by solar, wind or other energy sources. Living “off the grid” means not utilizing any energy from “the grid,” which is the system by which electricity reaches homes and businesses from a central source. This is especially important in parts of the world where energy is expensive, difficult to generate, or difficult to deliver due to poor infrastructure.

But whether we begin with simple steps or make major changes to our lives to “go green,” there is no doubt that the “green” movement has truly gone global.

Filed Under: Environmental Issues Tagged With:
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