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Energy Consumption

Jay Slough - Monday, June 28, 2010

Whenever households use energy that originates from a source that is readily available and does not impact the environment with a carbon footprint, it is called renewable energy. Unfortunately, more than 90% of the planet’s energy is derived from non renewable sources, primarily fossil fuels. We are all cognizant of the fact that we can’t continue to rely on non-renewable resources for energy consumption indefinitely. This is precisely the reason why it is imperative to shift to renewable energy sources as soon as possible.

Based on the 2007 edition of the Renewable Energy Trends in Consumption and Electricity released by theU.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy consumption hovered at 7 percent of the U.S. total. This figure is ominous considering the numerous incentives and legislations enacted by the government to push for renewable energy sources for energy consumption of households across the country. As residents of this great nation, we must take a good look at the way we live our daily lives, including how we use energy. There’s a multitude of advantages to using renewable energy, and it is high time  that we start to take a hard look at them.

There are several ways to get yourself off the grid and reap the benefits of electrical independence. These can be done gradually, at your preferred pace when it is affordable for you. For instance, you can harness solar energy with the use of solar panels or wind energy with the help of turbines.  Both are renewable energy sources that can be installed in your home and help you cut your electric bills while reducing you carbon footprint. Many simply have the notion that such equipments, their installation and maintenance are not practical and cost effective. However, nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, these are the types of investments that homeowners should look into as they have the ability to pay for themselves in a short time. It is important that we begin to investigate these options, especially with the rising cost of electricity and fossil fuels.

Another option to break free from electrical dependence and reduce energy consumption is to use home automation systems. Think about it, a well designed home automation system can provide a lot of benefits and huge savings in energy consumption. Home automation comes in different forms such as lighting control systems, heating control systems, intelligent power switching, ventilation, sound and air conditioning controls. These sorts of stuff used to be exclusive to the rich and famous, but with advances in technology, automated devices and gadgets are now affordable.

A more balanced energy plan for the U.S. is long over-due and as the world’s largest economy, we have been fossil fuel fat far too long.  There is a brewing debate as to how much energy consumption our nation can reduce with the help of technology. If we focus on efficiency, a recent study claimed that we can cut on our energy consumption by as much as 35%. However, this drew the ire of the Environmental Protection Agency which said that the country can save up to 50% of its energy consumption come 2025 or earlier. Whichever is the case, the bottom line is that addressing the issue of energy usage must be a concerted effort as we must all work together, the consumer, the government and the various industries.

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Renewable Energy Trends

Jay Slough - Saturday, June 19, 2010

The growing number of federal and state incentives, legislations and tax credits for companies generating renewable energy sent a clear message that the renewable energy sector is on the rise. It carries with it a huge potential for energy efficiency and profitability while helping to protect and preserve the planet. This collective foray in renewable energy is quite evident in the ‘clean energy economy’ which has been regarded as a key component of the United State’s new economic landscape.

Based on a report from The Pew Charitable Trusts titled The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America,

the clean energy economy has been fuelling jobs and business opportunities across the 50 states for nearly a decade. In fact, jobs in the clean energy economy rose by 9.1 percent between 1998 and 2007, outperforming total jobs, which only grew by about 3.7 percent.  As states continue to implement policies to contribute more to the clean energy economy, the market has seen a sharp increase in demand for renewable energy sources and energy-efficient products and services.  A report issued by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory revealed that between 2001 and 2006, the demand for renewable energy increased a thousand-fold. There is no doubt that the renewable energy industry is generating an unprecedented number of jobs while concurrently promoting environmental consciousness.

Businesses are receiving tax credits for shifting their power sources to renewable energy. This has resulted into a steady boost in the demand for workers in every sector of the industry including research and development, power generation, distribution, installation, service and technical support. In addition, multinational corporations such as General Electric, FedEx, Kinko’s, Starbucks, Bank of America, Toyota and General Motors have made the switch to renewable energy. For these companies, going green is not just about image building, they know that it has the potential to cut costs while helping to clean up the environment. Even the U.S. military has taken an active role in promoting the clean energy economy. The Pentagon ordered all branches of the military to reduce energy consumption by 2% through the help of renewable power sources such as wind and solar energy.

In the construction and real estate industry, builders and developers are riding the band wagon not only because of a sense that it's the right thing to do, but also because of the realization that they simply can't afford to be left behind. More and more real estate developers are currently using green construction materials and building technologies as these have been proven to add no more than one to two percent to their total costs, which can quickly be recovered through energy savings. At present, the federal government is requiring new public buildings to comply with the LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), that necessitates the utilizations of non-toxic construction materials.

The trend towards the use of renewable energy is at its all-time high and if we look down the horizon, we can only see more innovations heading our way. But regardless of what’s in store for us, one thing is certain: as the demand for renewable energy continues, research and development into better ways of harnessing renewable energy will also continue. Ultimately, we will all have more efficient and affordable energy sources.

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Best Home Theaters

Jay Slough - Tuesday, June 08, 2010

It’s quite likely that at one time you have gone to the movies to watch a box office hit.  Then midway through the film you started to imagine that it would have been really cool if you could have watched all the action right in the comfort and solace of your home. This choice is actually open to you! All that you have to do is to shop around for the best home theater systems in the market.

The recent advancements in technology have allowed manufacturers to offer premium quality entertainment systems that were virtually unheard of a couple of years ago. As such, consumers’ preferences have also evolved from seeking modest entertainment gadgets to demanding for the best home theater systems. However, what’s “best” is highly subjective and may differ from one consumer to another. In fact, the best home theaters are those which perfectly suit the consumer’s needs and preferences. It will all boil down to what you want and how much you are willing to shell out for a system.

At this point you may be thinking that your home theater will punch a big hole in your pocket. Sure, you can easily spend five figures for the latest in home theaters and if you do shop around for the best home theater systems based solely on money, then you will find that your home theater is going to be expensive. However, what you really need to set up an excellent home theater system are a few items: a TV or a projector screen, a set of state-of-the-art speakers, a DVD player and/or a VCR. True blue enthusiasts are even going for Blu-ray players and streaming media from Pandora and Netflix.

Nowadays, wide screen TVs are all the rage and you can choose to upgrade to high definition: either LCD or plasma. If you’re after larger screen size then you go for plasma. It has been widely considered as the ideal choice but LCDs have closed the gap and are also getting much bigger in size. So you have to make a decision based on your needs and your allotted budget. The next thing to consider is the DVD player. Always choose the best one with surround sound and high definition so you can enjoy movies as if you were at the cinemas. Add to that the quick access to the World Wide Web with just a few tweaks in the cable connections. The other items that you will need to complete your home theater system are the speakers. These usually come in 5.1 channel with left, right, middle, left rear, and right rear. You should always choose speakers that can play different sound formats and carry through high quality Dolby Digital surround sound.

With an array of home theatre systems being introduced in the market, it is important and imperative to do your research and consult professionals in the field. Power Plus is an expert in home automation and highly focused on the cutting edge of technology, bringing custom home audio and video that fits your needs perfectly. In the end, the best home theater system provides all the necessary functions to deliver that movie-like experience, without being overly-expensive.

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Solar Installations

Jay Slough - Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The world demands lot of energy to sustain the growth in various sectors of society but conventional energy sources are getting depleted faster than they are replenished. This stark reality prompted the hunt for a renewable source of energy. The search has gained a lot of momentum over the past decade and solar energy is currently leading the pack. You can now find solar panels in every shape or size imaginable and installing them in your home offer a lot of benefits. Solar installations can significantly reduce your utility costs while allowing you to cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions. This way you are able to contribute on your own little way to curb the process of global warming.

With further advances in technology, solar installations have become increasingly reliable, so you no longer have to worry about power outages caused by high consumption or bad weather conditions. In addition, the federal government is offering a number of rebates and credits to encourage households to make the shift to solar power. There are certain considerations if you are interested on having solar installations in your home.  You have to choose a location for installing the solar panels. One of the best places is on the roof but installing them on the yard would pose no problem. This is important because picking the appropriate location can boost the energy production for your home by as much as 90%. Therefore, it’s imperative to look for the prime spot for solar installation. The ideal place is where there is uninterrupted sunlight for the maximum number of hours. So look for an area that does not fall into the shadow of trees or buildings.

Another point to consider is the actual installation of your solar panels. Make sure to keep them in a slanting position in order to capture the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally, the panels should be arranged in a straight line or in series, then link them to the power inverter. The inverter is responsible for taking the DC energy that has been produced by the system and converts it to AC power for home use. The inverter is typically connected to a utility grid to synchronize the electricity. This may sound a bit technical, so for more details you can check Power Plus Learning Center. They have everything you need – from financial incentives, energy smart designs to solar installations. It is the perfect place to educate yourself on renewable energies and how you can make them work for you.

For proper solar installation, you need detailed instructions that will provide you with all the pertinent information on how solar panels work. They can save you a lot of money but everything would be a complete mess if you don’t get it right. It does not always pay to be a go-getter, you might as well leave solar installations at the hands of experts and professionals. Power Plus can certainly get the job done faster and at better prices.

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Rebates on Solar Installations

Jay Slough - Friday, May 21, 2010

Federal and state governments are pushing hard to make it easier for homeowners to integrate solar energy as a viable and affordable way of powering their homes. They now have rebates for solar installations to encourage the installation of solar panels at the home owner level. The majority of states are trying to urge their residents to ‘switch on’ to renewable energy by leveraging the power of the sun. Solar installation rebates from the government will definitely help homeowners to afford solar power systems.

A lot of people across the U.S. have been smart enough to install solar panels in their homes. The solar panels are highly efficient particularly when several panels are used in series. This set up can return enough power for a home to go completely ‘off grid’. The government has recognized the intrinsic value of solar installations so rebates are now available for those who opt to switch to the use of solar power for their homes. Try to visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency or DSIRE.org. for more information regarding rebates. DSIRE identifies the available programs that homeowners may be eligible for and how much the rebate will be. Below are some examples of rebates and incentives that the federal and state governments are offering:

Federal Tax Credits. The Federal Government is now providing a 30% rebate for a residential solar power system. This took effect following the adoption of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the enforcement of the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. Furthermore, there is no longer a cap as to the amount that can be claimed toward the cost of solar panels. The amount was previously restricted to only $2,000. The rebate now covers the cost of the materials as well as the cost of labor.

Renewable Energy Credit (REC).  Generating renewable energy is generally accepted, and installing a system such as solar panels can create a credit which state governments want to purchase. This typically comes in the form of a check issued directly to the homeowner for a certain percentage of the system. There are even manufacturers who are willing to deduct the amount from the price of the system and then pursue the credit from the utility. This favors customers and makes it easier for them to afford the system because they no longer have to wait for the utility rebate, which may take a couple of months.

Municipal Financing. This program has been devised to allow the cost of solar panels to be covered by municipal tax funds for an extended period of time. The program is normally funded by municipal bonds and in most instances, the payment scheme lasts for twenty years. In case the house is sold prior to the end of that period, the solar installation, and whatever tax liability remains, is transferred to the new owner of the property.

Net Metering. A number of energy firms are implementing programs that allow consumers with solar power systems to sell the excess power they generate back to their energy companies. In the event that the customers’ system produces more than they consume, the meter simply spins backwards. All utilities in the United States are obliged to buy back consumer-generated power; however the rates vary widely.

A lot of Americans have taken the plunge into a more independent future by producing their own energy needs. As renewable energy sources become more mainstream, it’s quite likely that more rebates and incentives will be offered by the government and by traditional utilities. However, such rebates and incentives can prove to be a bit complicated. It would be best to consult a solar installer if you are contemplating on installing a solar system.

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Solar Power Solutions for South Dakota

Jay Slough - Monday, May 10, 2010

It is no secret that our energy sources are being depleted at a rate that is much faster than they are being generated. It may be safe to say that if the current trend continues, it’s quite likely that conventional energy sources will run out sooner than we can imagine. This ominous reality brought to light the need for alternative and more importantly, renewable sources of energy to power not only our homes but the entire planet.

In the U.S., one of the states that is leading the push for renewable energy sources is South Dakota. It is currently employing the use of geothermal, hydro-conventional, solar, wood/wood waste, MSW/landfill gas and other forms of biomass to meet the energy requirements of its 66 counties with nearly a million people. Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration Independent Statistics and Analysis, one of the top sources of renewable energy in the state is solar power. This is not surprising as you’ll find solar panels installed in homes across the state.

There are a number of reasons why solar power is increasingly growing in popularity as a highly feasible solution for the looming energy crisis not only in South Dakota but in the U.S. and across the globe in general. First and foremost, solar energy is free and it will not run out for as long as the sun shines - that would be a couple of billion years into the future! Equally important is the fact that solar energy does not, in any way, pollute our environment. Throw in all the environmental benefits from solar power and it appears that we have in our hands the best solution to the energy crisis that every nation is experiencing today.

However, not everybody is sold to the idea yet. There are people who shy away and don’t even consider the thought of installing solar power solutions at home because of the misconception that solar panels and other related products are expensive, cumbersome and hard to maintain. Nothing can be farther from the truth. As a matter of fact, the solar energy business in South Dakota is booming as evidenced by the sheer number of solar energy businesses in the state. One of the pioneers and current leaders in renewable energy and solar power solutions in South Dakota is Power Plus. If you are among the skeptics, try to check out Power Plus Learning Center and discover the benefits of using solar energy and how it can meet a large portion of your energy needs. You will be surprised to know how easy it is to use such power solutions.

It is true that you will have to shell out some hard earned bucks for the installation cost of devices such as solar panels. However, you have to consider that it is just a one-time expense but the savings you’ll amass will last for the entire lifespan of the solar panels, which is normally 25 to 30 years. Moreover, studies showed that you will be able to save up to $3 for every $1 you invest on an alternative energy solution. It’s therefore quite evident that the long-term savings you’ll get will more than offset the installation cost of those solar panels that you’ll have installed in your home. In addition, most of these devices are easily upgradable. This means that you can purchase the basic components and then upgrade them later if and when the budget permits. With this set up, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for the installation cost. Check out Power Plus for the best, one-stop-shopping and customer service in the business today.

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Solar Solutions in the Southwest

Jay Slough - Sunday, April 25, 2010

Solar electrical-generation technology is about to go mainstream thanks to a multi-state consortium of energy producers in the American Southwest. Combining solar and electricity into a single concept tends to elicit visions of sun-bathed photovoltaic panels, but in this case, the sun’s energy will power a more conventional steam-turbine plant by focusing the sun’s heat. The technology, sometimes called concentrated solar power (CSP), employs mirrors to redirect ambient solar radiation collected over a widespread area on a heating element of much smaller area. In smaller-scale models, CSP has proven itself more compact and efficient than virtually any other alternative energy source at the time.

The Southwest Energy Service Provider’s Consortium for Solar Development is soliciting proposals for a 250-megawatt solar thermal power plant by 2012 in either Nevada or Arizona. All of the power produced will be purchased jointly by the consortium members.A multi-state utility consortium in the southwest United States is in the planning stages of building a large-scale solar power facility in the region.

The consortium’s parameters specify the plant must employ concentrating solar power technology, which focuses the sun’s rays using trough-shaped mirrors, dish-shaped mirrors or a series of flat mirrors that in unison track the sun’s movements. The consortium also prefers a facility with thermal energy storage.

Consortium members include the Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Arizona Public Service, the Southern California Public Power Authority, the Salt River Project (provides power to Phoenix), Tucson Electric Power, and Xcel Energy (serves eight states in the West and Midwest). Arizona Public Service is coordinating bids and proposals.

To learn more about a solar solutions provider with extensive experience and 100% customer satisfaction, visit www.PowerPlusSolar.com

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Who’s Watching Outside Your Window?

Jay Slough - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Home security is on the minds of everyone these days, as Americans are increasingly feeling more vulnerable and haunted by worries about leaving their homes unattended while they are at work or on vacation. Nowadays, deadbolts and a Doberman aren't enough to deter criminals as they can easily get past such home security measures, and professional thefts know how to bypass your basic security. You actually have to fight to keep them out and do what you can to secure your own little part of the world by enhancing your home security.

In case you don’t have a home security monitoring system, you may not be aware of the various options that are available to you. And even if you already have one, you still may not be fully cognizant of the options available beyond your current home security system. There is a raging war between highly skilled burglars and the minds behind security systems.  Experts in home security systems make use of highlysophisticated technology, and employ cutting-edge techniques to fathom the psychology of burglars and criminals. Although home security systems are not entirely foolproof, they somehow help minimize the risk of crime and burglary considerably. Make no mistake about it, having a good security system installed in your home can do wonders for your peace of mind.

Technological advances have made home security into an art form. There are plenty of home security shops that offer a wide range of products to protect your home and family. Current trends in home security involve the use of alarms, locks, motion sensors, safes, and personal safety devices. Security alarm systems come as either wired or wireless, and they make great deterrent for criminals. They keep an eye on points of entry such as doors and windows and they are activated by the any signs of break-ins. Windows are the favorite points of entry because they are made of breakable glass. However, there are security alarms that can detect when glass is broken, setting off an alarm that will send the intruder away.

Motion sensors monitor and detect any unauthorized movement when your house is supposed to be empty. Modern motion sensors can even distinguish between a pet and a criminal, making this security system even more effective. Good lighting in and out of your house is a good enough deterrent but you can save power by installing security motion sensor floodlights that only activate when motion is detected.

Security cameras are quite popular among business owners and other commercial establishments. They are also fast becoming a popular choice among homeowners. A home security camera monitors and records activities going on anywhere around your house 24/7. Security cameras can also be installed so they can provide a view of your front door. This allows you to check the television monitor and identify who is at the door if your doorbell rings. Cameras act as an excellent deterrent and are very useful in the prosecution of criminals since they are caught in the act.

You have a lot more options in security systems. It is imperative that you make all effort and spare no expense in protecting your home from theft. It is always advisable to invest in a good home security system instead of leaving yourself susceptible to crime. Burglars usually think twice about breaking into a house outfitted with home security products, so an effective home security system is a good deterrent against these criminals. When you finally decide to install a home security system, the first thing you need to do is to find a professional and reliablehome security company that can provide you with the most suitable security products for your home.

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Tools for Monitoring Home Energy Use

Jay Slough - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

It is worth mentioning that family finances are among the hardest-hit by the global economic downturn. The crisis has prompted households to take the matter of budgeting seriously. Today, families are adopting cost and energy saving methods by considering different ways by which utility bills paid to the power company every month can be reduced to the barest minimum. Many homeowners are likewise employing tools that can help in monitoring home energy use.

Fortunately, the government issued the stimulus package and renewed public attention to energy savings. A number of companies saw the need and pounced on the opportunity to develop and eventually market wireless energy dashboards that can be used to keep track of energy data from your power meter and inform you if you’re being an energy hog. In addition, President Obama pledged to help utilities install an additional 40 million smart meters. Such meters are essentially digital meters that create a 2-way connection with the utility and the power grid. Smart meters can provide data about the fluctuating cost of electricity throughout the day, allowing consumers with energy management tools to switch power consumption to the time of day when energy is cheapest.

Utility meters are great measurement tools so try to get into the habit of reading the electricity meter on a daily basis. Monitor your energy consumption on a graph or in a spreadsheet and track changes or fluctuations. In case your daily readings spike, try to pinpoint the cause. Spikes in usage serve as a warning that something needs to be checked. And when your daily readings begin to fall consistently over time, you know you’re doing something right in terms of saving energy.

There are also plug-in electricity monitors that can help you determine how much electricity a certain device or appliance consumes. You simply plug the device into the meter, and it shows readings for watts of power used, including kilowatt hours over a period of time. These meters can be used to gauge how much electricity you're losing to phantom loads like AC to DC converters or anything with an LCD or LED display. Such devices can use up power even when nothing is plugged into them. You can also use plug in monitors to correlate actual electric consumption of an appliance to what the manufacturer's claims say. If they don’t match, then you can make the necessary adjustments as to the settings or configuration of your appliance.

Another category of tools is the full-house electricity monitors which can track your home energy consumption in real time so you can examine usage change as different appliances are turned on and off, thereby identifying those that require the most power. However, these monitors are more expensive and not as useful as plug-in monitors in determining how much power a given appliance uses.  Aside from the aforementioned tools, there are a lot more available in the market as more companies try to find ways to help save energy while saving the environment at the same time. In the end, what really matters is for all of us to be eco-conscious and help raise awareness about the importance of saving energy

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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Jay Slough - Friday, March 19, 2010

In addition to eco-friendly measures being implemented by governments and various organizations worldwide, reducing the so called ‘carbon footprint’ has become one of the more popular ways that people can contribute to saving the planet. However, the term carbon footprint is often thrown around without a clear definition.  Carbon footprint refers to the measure of the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an individual, organization, event or product. It is generally expressed in terms of the volume of carbon dioxide or its equivalent of other GHGs emitted. Simply put, a carbon footprint is a measure of how much our day to day activities impact the environment.

Considering the fact that many sectors of society are into industrialization and modernization, it appears that reducing carbon footprint is a daunting task indeed. However, you can do something to lessen the impact of this unwanted phenomenon. There are simple steps that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and the best place to start is within your home.

One of the biggest producers of GHG emissions is electricity. We all use electricity to  power our homes and somehow, we can’t simply drop its use because such form of energy is one of the reasons why we are comfortably living today. But you can choose to sign up with a supplier of electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric. This will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero. However, the concept of using renewable energy sources is not only applicable to the use of electricity. Renewable materials must be considered for building and construction purposes. The less industrial waste we give off, the lesser our carbon footprints.

When you shop for appliances, make sure that the energy rating is good. Use energy saving light bulbs that give a brighter light at a lower wattage. Turn off the lights and other electrical appliances when not in use. Turning down the setting of your central heating and water heating by just 2 degrees will contribute to significant reduction in power consumption. Set your air conditioning unit’s thermostat to 78 ˚F, most people feel comfortable at that temperature. Note that every degree you go below that setting translates to about 8% reduction to your bills. Come to think of it, it’s not the number of appliances we have but it's the way we use them that increases our electric bills.

Carpool, use public transport instead of using your car and for short distances, take a hike or ride a bicycle. Remember that if you travel less, you travel more carbon footprint friendly. Go for recycled paper and paper products, doing so will reduce the number of tress that need to be cut down. Trees are vital to the environment as they utilize the carbon dioxide we produce while giving off oxygen. As much as possible, buy organic produce and refrain from buying over packaged products and recycle as much as possible.

Always go for items that are energy efficient. These simple things can help reduce carbon footprint emissions from your homes. After all, reducing carbon footprint is just a matter of attitude.

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