For more information, see: Earth Friendly Christmas Lights

The third generation of Toyota Prius, the 2010 model, has EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, and 49 mpg highway.

That’s pretty good even for a hybrid, and is a step up from earlier Toyota Prius models.
But a new pricing structure is planned up for this hybrid, and the Toyota Prius I, II, III, IV, and V are reportedly already available.

The lowest-cost model is the Toyota Prius I, which should run for around $21,000, while the Prius V starts at $27,670.

While the new line of Priuses will include a range of features, it gets better.. A solar powered roof package is available for the Toyota Prius II, III, and IV Models – but not for the V.

The solar roof costs between $3,600 and $4,500. It uses solar power to supplement the vehicle’s power and to get even better mileage. This package also includes a solar-powered ventilation system, a navigation system, a power tilt/slide moon roof, and remote-control AC (for those of us who just can’t be bothered to lean forward and turn the knob?)

With the combination of hybrid technology and solar power, an entirely different range of fuel efficiency may be within grasp. The solar powered hybrid is said to make mileages of up to 70 mpg possible, under the right circumstances.

If you live in or often visit a sunny climate, a solar roof might go a long ways in reducing your gas bill and pollution emissions.

Under some (although somewhat theoretical) circumstances, the driver of a solar-powered Toyota Prius might never need to buy gas at all.

But minimally, a driver of a solar powered Prius who uses the vehicle’s “eco” settings and follows basic guidelines can expect to need gasoline far less often – so infrequently, in fact, that he should probably take care not to forget to stop for gas at all.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how they can live greener and more environmentally friendly lives. To learn more, visit her Green Gadget Blog.

Source Article: Toyota Prius Goes Solar

First of all, understand that lighting devices which relies on solar power generally use a backup battery to operate.  Solar cells are used to charge the battery during the day, and the battery powers the light during the night.  The solar cells might be attached to the device, or might be located nearby.

This type of lighting is often used in remote locations, where conventional power sources are unavailable, and lights can not be connected to the power grid.  They are also used for outdoor lighting, or as landscape lights around the home or garden.

Components of Solar Powered Lights

There are four basic components of a solar powered light.  Many solar lighting systems are sold with these components already integrated, but it is good to know what they are:

- The solar cells
- The lamp
- A charge controller
- The batteries

When purchasing solar lights, the majority of the cost involved will be for the solar cells.  These are the most expensive parts of the device or system.  Be sure your system is installed within some type of weatherproof housing, so that the solar cells and electrical connections will withstand the elements.  Ensure that the electrical parts are protected from moisture at all times.

The charge controller is like the “brain” of a solar-powered light.  It protects the batteries from overcharging, and maximizes the electrical output of your solar cell array.  It also controls the duration  that the light can operate.  Without a charge controller, your setup will not function properly.

Uses of Solar Lights

Most solar powered lights are used to illuminate outdoor gardens and walkways.  The lights are generally cordless, and you can therefore move them around easily (unlike with conventional lighting systems, where you must dig ditches and run the wires through).

One disadvantage solar lighting has, in comparison to conventional lighting, is that its stored solar power diminishes over time.  That means the light may be strong during the first few hours of operation, but will then gradually grow dim as the night goes on.  This might not be seen as a disadvantage by some, because most outdoor activities occur during the early evening hours.  Different solar lighting systems also have different capacities, and some last longer than others.

Keep in mind that solar-powered lights depend on the sun to operate, and their performance can be influenced by weather conditions.  If the weather is cloudy or rainy, then the battery power will be lesser than it would be on a sunny day.  There are also different levels of quality, where solar lights are concerned – the cheaper ones tend to be less efficient and do not last as long.

Hopefully in the near future, improvements in solar technology can make solar lighting less expensive, and more efficient, even during bad weather.

————————

Anna promotes and educates on the uses of clean energy and solar power.  Visit her website to learn more about home solar power, at Home Solar Power.

It is a proven fact that sunlight contains around 1,000 watts of power per square meter.  If you can harness that energy, your life can be made a lot easier - without the need of bringing extra weight to fuel your electrical or electronic devices.  During camping trips, you normally want to bring only the essential items.  Too much additional weight can be quite a burden to you.

The free energy of the sun can be used in several items.  You might use one or two solar-powered devices, or your campsite can be surrounded with solar camping gear.

These items are often lightweight, and portable enough to be carried.  These include radios, camp lanterns, flashlights, and AM/FM radios.  The gadgets have their own photovoltaic cells, which gather energy from the sun.

For devices which don’t have their own solar cells, you can use a separate solar charger to power the device.

What is a Photovoltaic Cell?

A photovoltaic cell is made up of a nonconductor, with one side coated with metal atoms that produce electrons when they are exposed to the sun.  The other side of the PV cell is coated with negative electron atoms.  If you connect a wires, from each side of the cell, to a device, current will flow when the positive side is exposed to sunlight.

The downside of using a photovoltaic cell is that it can be less efficient than other types of power.  A small solar panel can can only power equipment which doesn’t require a lot of power.  What’s more, when you’re outdoors, you can’t always expect the weather to cooperate with you.

Chances are, you’ll experience bad days when the sun barely peeks out of the clouds.  At times like these you’re solar-powered gadgets will not work.  This is the reason why majority of these solar-powered camping gear feature additional energy sources, such as batteries, hand crank dynamos, or the option to charge them from a wall socket when available.  There are even solar chargers that can recharge your AA batteries, so that you can later use them to run your small electronics.

Some people enjoy camping in  RVs.  Solar power can be used to charge the RV’s batteries.  Photovoltaic cells can be discreetly placed on the dashboard.

There are people who like to take hot baths, even in the wild.  A solar shower can be used for this task.

Or, by using a solar cooker, you can have hot meals without risking a forest fire.

As you can see, solar camping gear can make your outdoor life a bit easier and help you to enjoy nature even more – without doing additional damage to the environment you are camping in.

————————

Anna is a webmaster and a blogger who provides information on solar power uses, equipment, and technology.  To find out more about solar-powered equipment, please visit Solar Power Products & Information.

The typical solar pool heater system consists of a solar collector, a filter, a pump, and a flow-control valve.

- The solar collector is the device which the pool water passes through and gets heated by the sun.

- The filter removes the dirt and debris before the water is pumped into the solar collector.

- The pump is the what circulates the water through the filter and solar collector, and brings it back into the swimming pool.

- And finally, there is the flow-control valve. It is either an automatic or a manual device, which redirects the water through the solar collector.

A solar pool heater system works in the following manner:

The water from the pool is pumped through the filter and then enters the solar collector, where it is again heated before it returns to the pool. In hot climates, the solar collector can also be utilized to cool the pool, by circulating the water at night.

Some solar pool collectors use sensors and a valve, which redirects water through the solar collector when the collector temperature is greater than the pool water temperature. When both temperatures are the same, the filtered pool water will not return to the collector but will simply return to the pool.

There are different types of solar pool heaters. They differ in the types of materials they are made out of. You will need to find out which type is best for your region’s climate, and how to use it.

There are glazed and unglazed solar collectors.  If the temperature in your area reaches above freezing, then you’ll probably just need an unglazed solar collector. This is made out of heavy-duty plastic or rubber, treated with a UV light inhibitor. Unglazed solar collectors are cheaper than their glazed counterparts, because the parts are inexpensive, and their design is simple.

Glazed solar collectors are typically made out of copper tubing and aluminum plates with iron-tempered glass covers. These are quite expensive, but in colder weather, this type of system is more efficient in heating pool water than unglazed collectors are. Glazed solar collector systems can also be used as domestic hot water heaters. Both types of solar pool heating systems need to have freeze protection when used in harsh cold weathers.

As you can see, solar pool heater systems can be a good investment. You’ll save a lot of money in terms of energy costs, in the long run.

————————

Anna is a webmaster and a blogger who educates others on solar energy uses and cleaner living styles.
You can find more information on solar pool heaters, and how to choose the solar pool heating system which is write for you, on her blog, at Choosing the Right Solar Pool Heater.

Furthermore, if you’re living off the power grids, and the weather is hot the whole year round, you should definitely consider alternative energy to cool your home.  One option is a simple DIY home solar cooling project.

One way of cooling your home is by running water through the house. This can lessen the temperature of the building, while at the same time produce a calming and tranquil effect within the residence. This type of system doesn’t require a lot of energy, and can be run with solar or wind energy. There are buildings that allow lake water to flow through them.

A simple way to get water flowing through your home is with the use of a basic wind turbine. All you need are three blades, mounting, control system, batteries, tower, and a generator. You can pick a DIY kit online. When choosing the DC motor, be sure that it is adequate to run the pump you’ll be using. You can opt for a low-RPM motor, that generates 12 volts in 200 to 300 RPM.

If you’re making your own blades, you can use an iron pipe, cut in half. Once you have the required number of blades, place them in front of the motor. Then mount a thin, wide metal object, to catch the wind. The tower should be at least forty feet tall, to be effective. At that height, your wind turbine can sustain the needed speed for the generator to run smoothly.

Some buildings incorporate passive cooling designs, to keep temperatures cool within the house. These can be in the form of awnings, window shades, reflective windows, and trees. You can also use sod roof as well. This can help cool down a structure.

If the house has not yet been built, you can opt to use ecologically-friendly materials, such as straw and bale. These can provide proper insulation for your home. This is why you should talk to the construction company about your green requirements.

Both you, and the environment, will benefit when you use alternative energy to cool your home. There will be less carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere, and as a homeowner you will be utilizing resources that are freely available.

————————

For information on where to find complete and step-by-step instructions on how to install DIY Wind and Solar Power systems, along with pictures, videos, and and diagrams, please see Popular DIY Wind and Solar Power Guides.

Such a contractor can help you look for the right system for your heating needs. Some contractors use special software to determine the right size for your solar collectors. That helps to ensure you get the best solar pool heating system for your purposes.

Once you have your solar pool heater installed, it needs to be maintained, in order for it to run smoothly (usually it can run for up to twenty years). The owner’s manual will contain guidance on how to maintain your system. But, to save you the trouble, you can get the contractor to do it for you as well. Be sure to ask the contractor about what possibilities exist.

Your solar collector will require less maintenance, if the pool’s chemical balance, and its filtration system, is inspected regularly. Proper pool usage will make the maintenance work a lot easier.

If you have glazed solar collector (as described in the last post), it should be cleaned regularly - especially if the climate is dry and there is no rainwater to wash away dirt-buildup. Once dirt covers your glazed collector, its efficiency will be decreased.

While you’re still looking for contractors, be sure to ask them about their company’s experience in installing and maintaining solar pool heaters. The company you choose must have the appropriate experience in handling the system you want, and maintaining it after installation. Don’t fall for contractors that offer cheap services, without doing proper research. You can ask around in your neighborhood and inquire about what contractor others have used.

In this business, the more experience the company has, the better. Also be sure to check their credentials. Some states require the contractor to have solar contractor as well as plumber licenses. Inquire with the state’s contractor licensing board with regards to the validity of the license. They can also tell you whether there have been complaints against a certain contractor within the state. In this way you can avoid fly-by-night types, and stick with those who run reputable businesses.

Once you’ve chosen a contractor to do the job, all you need to do is to order and pay for your solar pool heating kit. The contractor can help choose the right system for your pool. This is one reason why you should get a competent contractor for the job.

————————

Anna is a webmaster and a blogger who educates others on solar energy uses and cleaner living styles.
You can find more information on solar pool heaters, on her blog, at Solar Pool Heating.

Solar heat can actually help cool your home. When a solar cooling system is set up properly, the hotter the temperature gets, the cooler your home will be.  You might wonder how this works …

You can use heat to cool your home by using the forces of nature to pump air and drive the heat away.

Here are some DIY projects that you can consider, in the quest for a cooler home:

1.  You can try building a thermal or solar chimney. This is a heated chimney that collects and ejects heat from the interior of the house. Once the chimney collects heat from the sun, it creates a vacuum effect that sucks in cool air, while hot air exits through the top vent. Your chimney can be in the form of a hole in the floor with ducts through the roof. You can cap the chimney with a turbine that will catch air, to help release hot air out of the structure. If you set it up in this fashion, your thermal chimney will be a wind chimney as well. This solution will make your cooling system work during the day, when the sun is up, as well as during the night, when the wind is blowing.

2.  You could also use an evaporative cooler. We all know that when water absorbs heat, it evaporates. Thus, when air travels over water, it cools down. This method should be used when there is a low level of humidity. And be sure to use preventive measures against health hazards that can be presented by stagnant water - such as malaria, mildew, and Legionnaire’s Disease.  The size of you evaporative cooler would depend on the size of your home. It usually consists of a box containing the fan, and a wet pad. It can be mounted on your roof, or at the side of your house. You can use a windmill to circulate the water that keeps the pad wet. The fan will blow the air through the pad and, and the air will eventually enter into the house via open windows or vents.

These are just some of the ways you can use solar and wind energy to cool your home. There are also kits you can buy - but like most DIY projects you can purchase what you need in a local hardware store. Commercially available kits are likely to cost more than what you would spend if you buy your parts separately, although they might also be faster and easier to set up.

————————

If you are looking for complete and step-by-step instructions on how to install DIY Wind and Solar Power systems, along with pictures, videos, and and diagrams, please see Popular DIY Wind and Solar Power Guides.

The inverter converts direct current, which is produced by a solar panel, into alternating current.

There is also a charge controller, which can use excess power to charge your system’s battery, and provide energy without any waste.

In some cases, solar power might be your best solution, if you want to get your home running off the grid.  It is also relatively simple to install, and doesn’t require a large quantity of parts  and components, in order to produce electricity.

Each system is different, but generally speaking, all you need is:

- A set of solar panels

- A solar regulator or charge controller

- A battery to store electricity in

- Your wiring

Solar panels usually produce 12 to 24 volts DC.  Some appliances can run on this power, but most home appliances require 110 or 220 volts AC.

This is where a solar power inverter is needed.  It converts the direct current into alternating current.

What is direct current?  Direct current, or DC, flows continuously in one direction, while alternating current changes in its direction of flow.

Alternating current (AC) is used because it is a type of electricity which can be carried over longer distances, with minimal energy loss .  Oddly enough, however, most household appliances have built in devices which convert the AC into DC, in order to operate.

Various types of solar inverters can be found on the market currently.  You might come across some which are pretty cheap.  But keep in mind that these might be inferior in quality.  Some inverters get warmer when in use – and that heat adds up to a loss of energy.

Different solar inverters use different “loads,” as well.  The “load” is the amount of current or energy that the inverter can handle.  For home use, you might want to get a solar inverter that can handle a couple of hundred watts, at any given time.  These aren’t always cheap, but they will be worthwhile in the long run.

Possibly the best choice of solar inverter is the true sine wave.  This type of inverter produces power identical to what you would receive from the main supply grid.  When viewed on an oscilloscope, the waves are smooth.

If the true sine wave is beyond your budget, you might settle for a modified sine wave.  This gives a lesser quality power than the true sine wave does, but is less expensive.

Getting Completely Off the Grid

If you are looking to get your home running off the grid completely, then get a “stand-alone power system inverter.” With this type of device, you plug the deep cycle batteries in - and it can be installed by virtually anyone.

You can also get a “mains grid inverter,” which draws power from your solar panels, and at the same time feeds excess energy back to the main grid.  In some states, you can earn money back from the power companies when you produce excess power and feed it back to the grid.

Installing a Solar Power System in Your Home

When installing a partial or complete solar energy system into your home, there are generally two ways to go about it.

1.Hire a professional installation company to install your system

2.Do it yourself.

The least expensive choice is the latter – do-it-yourself.

There are many high-quality and popular do-it-yourself guides available, which will teach you how to install your own solar power or wind power system at home.  These guides often include manuals, instructional videos, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions.

————————

Anna is a webmaster and a writer who educates others on the benefits of nontoxic, chemical-free lifestyles and alternative energy.  To obtain step-by-step guidance on DIY Solar Power installations, and for more information on how to install a solar power system in your home, please visit  her website, at DIY Solar Power.

A home solar power system has several standard components they are as follows:

* PV Modules or solar panels (to turn solar energy into electricity)

* A charge controller (this is an electrical device that prevents batteries from overcharging and from power running from the batteries into the solar panels).

* Batteries, to store the electricity for night time usage.

* An inverter (an electrical device that changes the electricity created through the solar panels into electricity ready for use in your regular household wall plugs). Solar panels create Direct Current DC and a household runs on A/C Alternating Current.

* In the case of a hybrid home solar system, an automatic switch to get current from the electrical grid, or some other power source such as a generator would be included as well. The advantage of a hybrid system is that you are not dependent on solar energy alone.

* A 1-kilowatt home solar system is sufficient for most households.

* A 1-kilowatt home solar system will provide roughly 1,600 kilowatts per year in a sunny climate (receiving 5.5 hrs of sunlight each day) and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in cloudy climates (receiving 2.5 hours of sunlight each day).

* A 1-kilowatt home solar system is uses about 10-12 solar panels and requires about 100 square feet of installation area such as the roof of your house or a section of land on your property.

* A 1-kilowatt home solar system reduces waste and pollution by about 170 lbs. of coal from being burned, 300 lbs of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere and 105 gallons of water from being consumed each month! A big step towards protecting our environment in other words.

* With a battery back up, a solar energy system can provide electricity day and night, no matter what the weather conditions. Other options such as back up generators or grid tie systems provide total security.

* On average a 1-kilowatt home solar system takes about 1-2 days to install and costs around US$10,000 (though prices are coming down), but can vary greatly and does not take into account any tax incentives offered by the government for reducing carbon emissions.

* Most systems come with a 5-year warranty, although the solar panels are warranted for 20, and as technology advances some are even coming out with a 30 year warranty.

Installing solar power into one’s home is a great way to help clean up the environment and save money as well.

————————

Learn more about home solar power at Anna’s website, Solar Power Products & Information.