Solar Energy Blog

Considering both the economy and the environment, everyone knows that these days, it’s more important than ever to take whatever steps you can to minimize your energy use – and save yourself a considerable chunk of change in the process.

This sort of conservation effort starts at home; you can use some of the great tips listed online at http://www.energysavers.gov. There’s lots of steps you can take to reduce your energy use and save yourself money for all the areas of your house or apartment.

In the kitchen, for example, you can do something as simple as air-drying dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle, and when you do wash dishes, make sure that you only turn the appliance on when you have a full load. Another energy-saving step would be to buy appliances with the ENERGY STAR®label. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency – certified refrigerators, for instance, are required to use 20% less energy than models not labeled with the ENERGY STAR logo.

You can take other steps to increase your energy efficiency – some of them are so easy you’ll wonder you didn’t do it long ago. Home electronics – TVs, computers, or DVD players, for example – should be plugged into power strips; these power strips can be turned off when the devices are not in use, thereby saving you from paying for the several watts’ worth of power they consume, even when in standby mode. Ubiquitous items like lightbulbs can also have a considerable effect on the amount you spend as a result of energy use; an ENERGY STAR-qualified light bulb can save over you $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime, and uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.

Your conservation efforts and money-saving steps don’t have to end at home – they should extend to your time on the road, too. When you’re driving, you’d be amazed by the money and gasoline you can save by driving more efficiently. This means avoiding unnecessarily high speeds, or rapid acceleration; instead, observe the speed limit and use cruise control. For most cars, gas mileage drops rapidly once your speed tops 60 mph. You should also avoid storing unnecessary items in your car, particularly if they’re overly heavy. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2%.

These are just some of the ways that you can improve your energy efficiency and save yourself money; there are plenty of other methods, particularly when it comes to home improvement. Visit energysavers.gov and check out the recommendations there for the following areas:

• Appliances & Electronics
• Energy Assessments
• Insulation & Air Sealing
• Landscaping
• Lighting & Daylighting
• New Homes
• Space Heating & Cooling
• Water Heating
• Vehicles
• Windows, Doors & Skylights

Caulking a window to insulate it against the cold, or installing a passive solar roof for your home could result in a significant tax credit, which often offsets a significant percentage – generally around 10% up to a certain dollar figure – of the cost of purchase or installation. It may not seem like much, but every little bit helps, especially in matters of money and energy conservation.

Making energy performance improvements in a home or business is always a good idea, because these improvements not only add to the ambiance and comfort of a business or home, they also cut down the cost of energy bills, while driving up the sale value at the same time. For example, a kitchen remodeled with durable, granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances and stainless steel fixtures, not only makes for a more attractive kitchen, but could add many positive selling points among energy conscious, potential buyers. Thus, your energy efficient home is more likely to sell when compared to a home with no energy-saving upgrades.

The same principles apply to anyone investing in commercial real estate, an apartment, condominium or older home. Making a few energy-efficient upgrades like adding insulation, installing energy-saving windows and doors and using automated thermostats will add value to the property you’ve invested in, as well as reduce energy expenses.

Not long ago, the Department of Energy (DOE) combined efforts in order to make sure that appraisers have all the professionals resources necessary to successfully incorporate the value of energy-efficient upgrades into a final appraisal of a home or business. It is hoped that the partnership will encourage new investors and building owners to gain and build value by incorporating energy-efficiency upgrades, saving home building owners money and allowing business building owners to be more competitive and efficient.

Upgrade Suggestions For Energy Savings:

1. Insulation
2. Air sealing to seal leaks
3. Heating systems no more than 15 years old
4. Coverage for exposed crawlspaces and basement walls
5. Energy-efficient windows and doors

More Tips To Become More Energy Efficient:

• Programmable thermostats will cool your home or business in the summer and keep them warm in the winter.
• Get rid of traditional lightbulbs and replace them with energy-saving light bulbs.
• When home electronics are not in use, turn off power strips or unplug from electrical outlet. If a computer is not in use, turn off monitor as well as computer.
• Keep hot water heater at 120 degrees for more efficiency.
• Take a brief shower instead of a bath.
• Dishwashers and washing machines should be used when at full capacity.
• Stick to the speed limit when driving to save gas.

Tax Breaks

As you can see, there are benefits to applying energy-saving upgrades to your business or home. An additional benefit to upgrading appliances and other energy efficient materials in your home is the United States government is offering tax credits for these upgrades. Different types of building materials could also qualify for credits, as well as certain central air conditioner brands, electric and gas water heaters and heat pumps, as long as they meet energy-efficiency standards. Wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, solar panel systems and biomass stoves can also be submitted for tax credits. To find out if your upgrades qualify, ask for the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement from the company you purchased your product from. It will indicate whether your material or appliance qualifies as a tax credit.

Covering windows with curtains and blinds can save you a ton of money each month on your electric bill. Window coverings will help to keep the sun out during the summer and help to keep the heat in during the winter. When trying to be more energy efficient you want to do everything you can do to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Select your window coverings carefully, each type has a different benefit.

Window awnings reduce heat gain in the summer by up to 77%. Awning used to be made out of metal which needed to be redone every five years or so. Now awnings are made from synthetic fabrics that are water-repellent, resist mildew, and do not fade. These awnings will never need replacing in your lifetime. When choosing an awning, select a light colored one as it will reflect more sunlight.

Blinds are only effective during the summer months. They are great at reducing summer heat gain, but do nothing at all to prevent winter heat loss. The openings between the slats make it impossible to control heat loss. However, it is the slats that make blinds perfect during the summer. Blinds are adjustable so you can control how much light comes through. Completely closed blinds can reduce heat gain by 45%.

A drapery’s ability to reduce heat loss and gain depends on several factors, including fabric type and color. During the day in summer, close draperies to prevent heat gain. Medium colored draperies with white plastic backings will reduce heat gains by 33%. Draperies stay cooler in the summer than other window treatments. In the winter closed draperies reduce heat loss by 10%. During the winter keep draperies closed at night. Also, keep draperies closed on windows that do not receive direct sunlight during the day. For best results, draperies should be hung as close to the windows as possible. They should fall on to a windowsill or floor. You should also use tape or Velcro to attach drapes to the wall, doing so will reduce heat loss up to 25%.

Reflective window films are only good for blocking the sun and therefore keeping your house cooler. Silver window films are much better than transparent ones. In fact, transparent window films are useless. Reflective window films are only beneficial on east and west facing windows. Reflective window films do require a lot of cleaning, and will make it harder for you to see out your windows.

Insulating window panels best work in the winter months. They contain foam insulation which prevents heat loss and prevents drafts. The panels will block any cold air coming into your home. Insulating window panels do not eliminate the need to caulk your windows.

Mesh window screens will reduce heat gain the in summer. They can block out 60% to 70% of the sun’s rays from entering your home. With window screens you are able to have your windows opened for ventilation, and still block out the sun. They are easily cleaned by just spraying them down with a water hose.

Window overhangs effectively shade south facing windows from the summer heat. They are difficult to install and it is recommended that you hire a professional. It is also easier to incorporate overhangs into a new home design before construction. It is very difficult, and sometimes impossible to add overhangs after a house is built.

Windows shares are the easiest window coverings to take care of and install. They are also the most effective at saving energy. Install the shades as close to the glass as possible. Keep the shades lowered during the summer to block out the sun. During the winter, raise the shades during the day to let the sunlight warm your house. Lower the shades at night during the winter to block out the cold. For best results use dual shades. Dual shades are reflective on one side, and heat absorbing on the other. You can reverse them with each season change. The reflective side should always face the warmest side, outward during the cooling season, and inward during the heating season. In order for dual shades to be effective they need to be drawn during the day. Roman and quilted roller shades have several layers of fiber and sealed edges. These shades are both insulators and air barriers. They control air infiltration more effectively than any other soft window treatments.

Interior and exterior window shutters can reduce both heat gain and loss. Shutters offer weather protection and added security to your home. Louvered shutters work best for summer shading. They block some direct sunlight, but are not effective during the winter. Solid shutters will decrease both winter heat loss and summer heat gain. It is recommended to combine shutters with other window treatments for greater insulation.

Storm panels reduce winter heat loss by 50%. They are cheaper and more effective than double glazed windows. Storm panels can be added to the exterior or interior side of windows. Exterior storm panels are put up in the fall and taken down in the spring. Interior storm panels consist of flexible or rigid plastic. Interior storm panels should go up during the last month of summer and come down during the last month of winter.

For maximum benefit at preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, consider combining two or more window treatments and coverings. Doing so, will most definitely help you save on your electric bill.

Lowering your electric bill and becoming more energy efficient is as simple as making a few adjustments to your hot water heating system. We use hot water in our homes for showers, cooking, dishes, and cleaning. The average home uses 45 gallons of hot water a day. Follow these simple steps and you will notice a huge savings on your next electric bill.

The easiest way to low water heating costs is to use less and waste less. Do simple things like turn off the hot water and not let it run while you are doing the dishes, turn off the hot water while shampooing in the shower, and wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot. Repair all leaks, even tiny ones. Make sure your hot water tank itself does not leak. You can also install low flow fixtures. Installing low flow fixtures will save you 25% to 60% on your water bill and water heating bill. Upgrade your dishwasher, washing machine, and hot water tank to energy efficient models; look for the energy star label.

Another great way to significantly reduce your water heating costs is to simply lower the thermostat on your water heater. Manufactures set hot water heats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit; however the tank only needs to be set on 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering your water temperature will also slow down mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Gas water heaters only have one thermostat, some electric water heats have two thermostats, make sure to refer to your water heater’s manual. Whenever you leave your home for three days or more make sure to turn your water heater to its lowest setting or turn it off completely. There is no sense in having it heat up your water constantly when you are not home. That is like leaving your air conditioner running 24 hours a day when you are not home.

Insulating your hot water tank will reduce heat loss by 25 to 45%, which will save you 4% to 9% in heating costs. It is easy and very affordable to insulate your electric hot water tank. It will pay for itself in less than a year. It is so easy to insulate a hot water tank that anyone can do it. Purchase an insulating blanket or precut jacket, and then follow the directions carefully. Never ever set the thermostat above 130 degrees Fahrenheit on an insulated hot water tank, the wiring may overheat and lead to a fire. When installing a new hot water heater place an insulating bottom board under the tank, this will prevent even more heat loss. Gas hot water tanks are harder to insulate, it is best to have a professional insulate it.

A lot of people insulate their water pipes in the winter to prevent their pipes from freezing. Keeping your water pipes insulated year round will reduce heat loss and raise your hot water temperature a few degrees while conserving more energy. Insulate your pipes with pipe insulation wrap, taped strips of fiberglass insulation, or pipe sleeves.

You should always install heat traps on your hot water heating system. Installing a heat trap will save you $15 to $30 a month on your hot water bill! Heat traps prevent heat loss and allow water to flow into the hot water tank, but prevent unwanted water from flowing back out of the tank. A set of heat traps cost around $30, but will require a professional to install them. Heat traps work so well that newer hot water tanks come with them already installed.

Adding a timer to your electric heater will save energy by turning your heater off at night and during peak times when electricity costs more. Timers are not as effective on gas heaters due to their pilot lights. You would take up a lot of your time re-lighting your pilot light whenever your timer turns back on. Some electricity companies even offer an incentive to customers that allow them to install timers.

Every ounce of hot water that goes down the drain also carries wasted energy away with it. Wasted hot water typically makes up 80% to 90% of the energy used to heat water in a home. A drain-water heat recovery system catches this energy and uses it to heat cold water entering the water heater. It is almost like recycling heat. Drain-water heat recovery systems work with all types of hot water heaters. They can recover heat from showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. They can also store the heat for later use. Installing a drain-water heat recovery system is expensive. The system itself ranges from $300 to $500, plus you will have to have a professional install the system. It will take up to seven years for you to recuperate costs of the system.

If you do not already have an energy star water heater, make sure you upgrade right away. They are more energy efficient, and safer than older models. Applying just one of the steps listed above could save you an average of $150 to $200 annually on your electric bill.

Heat map of solar power in California from 1999 to 2011. Year selector that allows you to see the change in solar from year to year. Updated from our 2008 version.

More solar energy information.

At a time when going green is becoming more and more important for everyone’s individual pocketbook as well as the health of the planet, it’s refreshing to come across a company that is both cutting edge in its approach to being green, while having a heart for its customers and potential customers. Advapoint Solar is one such company.

In this Advapoint Solar review the first thing one sees when landing on Advapoint Solar’s website is the following Thomas Edison quote, stated in a conversation he had with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone in 1931:
“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

Even though Advapoint Solar’s website is still under development, it is rich with information. It makes the green-aware browser want to return, and return often. It has tons of information about solar energy with articulate and exceptionally easy-to-understand information about what solar panels are, how they’re made and how they’re installed. The site includes videos of a trek across the US, with interviews of people who are making a difference by using solar energy.

In one of the videos the comment is made that enough energy falls on the earth from the sun in an hour to run all of the power needs of the entire planet for a year. Facts like this inspire a person to want to contribute to making a solar-powered planet a reality.

Other videos are webisodes of the use of solar energy across the US from the east, to the midwest, to the west. These are entertaining short films with a wealth of information about how Americans are taking advantage of the solar power freely falling upon our little green home. The videos can be seen at: http://www.advapointsolar.com/videos/

The tremendous reduction in utility bills is underscored in interviews with regular folks who have installed solar panels. One woman said her electric bill went from $200 a month to $2 a month. As mentioned elsewhere on the Advapointsolar.com site, it is entirely possible for solar energy to generate enough power that the utility meter actually runs backwards, resulting in the electric company paying the homeowner for power.

On the Advapointsolar.com site it is pointed out that not only is the use of non-renewable fossil fuels wasteful, it’s also noisy, generates dust, toxins, harmful emissions, has solid waste that must be disposed of and wastes water in its production. 79 percent of the US carbon dioxide emissions come from petroleum and coal fuels. Solar panels, on the other hand, are passive and made from silicon, that is to say, sand. Solar energy has no waste products, and does not use non-renewable resources.

The Advapoint Solar site noted another fact – that when you pay the utility company for the power that comes through their utility lines, you’re actually renting power from the utility. But after installing solar panels you own this source of energy. The provocative question – why rent power when you can own it?

CNNmoney.com noted that “for every utility bill dollar saved because of an improvement, a homeowner gains $10 to $20 in property value.” A modest estimate of solar panels saving $1,200 in the first year improves the property value $12,000 to $24,000.

All that is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential pluses of a solar energy system. Many states and the federal government have rebates, tax deductions and manufacturer incentives to encourage people to go green with passive solar energy.

Here’s an example from the US Dept. of Energy when purchasing a solar electric system:
Federal Tax Credit: 30% of the cost – no upper limit, for existing homes & new construction, expires Dec, 31, 2016.

An Advapoint Solar review would not be complete without mentioning that they are completely apprised of all the rebates, tax deductions and manufacturer incentives. They offer a free comprehensive solar consultation to discuss your energy needs and review past electrical usage. They’ll provide an accurate estimate of how much solar power can reduce electrical costs in your particular case, how much the system will be to have installed and which incentive programs are available.