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Renewable Energy Mandates

Jay Slough - Friday, March 12, 2010

Environmentalists and a bipartisan collection of Washington politicians are actively pushing for “green,” or “renewable,” power. These renewable energy sources include biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind. Over the years of lengthy debates about adverse effects of fossil fuels - coal, natural gas, and petroleum - and nuclear energy, the U.S. Federal Government has crafted certain laws as a form of their mandate:

  • Clean Air Act of 1970 (as amended in 1990) - This legislation produced incentives to decrease mobile sources of pollutants.
  • Alternate Motor Fuels Act of 1988 - This established what is known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy Credits.
  • Energy Policy Act of 1992 - This required federal, state and alternate fuel provider fleets to come up with an inventory of alternate fuel vehicles.
  • Energy Policy Act of 2005 - This legislation focused on the utilization of alternative fuels along with the development of supporting infrastructure.
  • Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 - This legislation brought forth provisions to boost the supply of renewable fuel sources and to reach 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
  • Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - This legislation ratified the provisions of Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.
  • American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 – The objective of this legislation is to create green energy jobs, fight global warming, achieve energy independence, and a transition to a clean energy economy.

Apart from the above-mentioned legislative breakthroughs, there are also Renewable Portfolio Standards or RPS which have been affirmed and approved by states to open up Green Energy Markets. To date, 27 states, along with the District of Columbia have already adopted the standards, while another 13 states are taking the idea of a standard into consideration. However, a well structured renewable portfolio standard at the federal legislation level is yet to be accomplished. States can now go beyond the federal legislation if they have the means to do so because delays are likely to continue at the federal level and it would be irresponsible for states to sit and wait when they actually have the resources to go about it.

There are two sides to the RPS: there are free market analysts who claim that this presents a dilemma since such mandates will result into higher energy costs, thereby hurting small business owners. Apparently, it can also take away a competitive advantage to manufacturing in one state and give it to another. On the other hand, proponents endorse it because it would translate into more research and development funds for new technologies, more profit for existing generation facilities which do not participate and it is somehow a local version of the "Kyoto Treaty" sans the severe impact on the economy.

President Obama's administration and the U.S. Congress are mandating utilities to generate 25 % of their electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2025. The mandates pertaining to the RPS states that renewable energy sources include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, tidal, landfill gas, qualified hydropower, hydrokinetic or marine technologies.

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The Green Basics

Jay Slough - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Solar power has been utilized through the centuries and scientists continue to look for better ways to take full advantage of the energy from the sun. Governments of several countries have put solar energy as one of their top priorities. The United States government for instance has offered various incentives to encourage households to install solar panels on their roofs and yards. This move presents a number of benefits including huge savings on electric bills and reducing the carbon footprint of people who use conventional forms of energy.

You must first understand how you can use green solar energy in order to appreciate the benefits it has to offer. There are two basic types of solar energy: light and thermal. Light energy is what people normally think of solar energy. With the use of solar panels, the light energy from the sun can be converted into electricity which in turn can be used to power homes. If you happen to be living in an area which receives plenty of direct sunlight and you have enough solar panels, you can actually produce ample supply of electricity to completely power your home. Moreover, you can use batteries as backup to store extra electricity for use in the evening or on days with overcast skies.

Thermal energy is also known as passive solar. This type of solar energy is typically used to keep homes warm by designing and constructing them in such a way that the windows are positioned to capture sunlight. By integrating south facing windows and using construction materials that retain heat longer, you can cut down on your energy needs and have an energy efficient home. Thermal energy can also be used for solar hot water systems, for heating swimming pools and for solar ovens.

The vision of becoming more ‘green’ and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels is now within reach. With the use of green solar energy, we now have a renewable source of energy for use in our homes. It is also a clean energy alternative since it does not contribute to global warming and produces little to no pollution. Remember that the concept of going green does not necessarily mean that we have to do without the things we enjoy, it simply means searching for more practical and environmentally friendly ways to power our lives.

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Fight Global Warming

Jay Slough - Monday, February 22, 2010

The future looks bleak and ominous if we do not rectify our ways of wasting energy sources. The earth’s climate is rapidly changing as evidenced by the more frequent occurrence of heat waves and droughts; polar caps are melting and sea level is rising. These are not mere insinuations, these are backed by extensive research and scientific studies. Here are some facts: the overall atmospheric temperature has risen by 1°F since 1900; the overall surface temperature has likewise risen by 1°F over the last 100 years; the sea level has risen by 10-15 cm.; and the United States alone contributes about 25% of the world’s carbon dioxide emission.

But what exactly is global warming and what are possible solutions to effectively address the problem? Simply put, global warming refers to a marked increase of carbon dioxide and other green house gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide traps heat and acts like a blanket warming the earth. We all contribute to the accumulation of these so called ‘greenhouse gases’ in many ways, including emissions from the vehicles we drive to the power plants that generate non-renewable power for our daily needs. All of these things that we rely on and normally take for granted are taking their toll on the planet, making it a less friendly environment for us and for future generations.

A lot of people have put up various organizations in the fight against global warming. However, the solution to global warming can only be truly effective if everyone joins in to fight it together. Experts say that in order to control global warming and still meet long term energy demands, a “reduction by replacement” policy must be adopted. This policy basically outlines the gradual replacement of fossil fuels “down the road” by the incremental development of an alternative and renewable energysource.

One of the best sources is solar energy. With the recent advances in solar energy development, it has become evident that it is the most practical and feasible solution for a clean environment, a stable climate, and to meet the long term global energy demand. Since time immemorial, energy for humanity has always been based on harnessing the energy from the sun. The sun belongs to everyone and to all nations. It does not generate certain foreign policies, just clean and unlimited energy. With augmentation by wind and other natural sources, the technical solar challenges can be successively addressed.

The pioneering works of several organizations and the current solar industry have come up with photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into electricity. Corporations have produced photovoltaic cell products such as calculators and even solar battery chargers for laptops and iPods. Larger voltaic cells have been devised for solar panels for residential heating and cooling. Scientists have designed and engineered simple solar power collectors for residential heating or the more sophisticated ones that focus heliostats for solar furnaces. The possibilities are endless, and this renewable energy can reduce the load on the fossil fuel powered power plants, thereby reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and ultimately slow down or reverse the adverse effects of global warming.

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The Impact of a Solar Decision

Jay Slough - Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The costs of energy have risen considerably and it appears the trend will drag on, as they are expected to climb higher and higher. This prompted consumers to look for more efficient energy sources to cut down energy costs in the home, and many are starting to look upwards. Perhaps the most effective method of saving money, and the environment as well, is the use of solar energy. There is no doubt that solar energy is an enticing alternate energy option; however the price tag that goes with traditional photovoltaic systems has choked off its potential as a viable solution. But technology is improving rapidly. In fact, a number of solar energy companies are so confident with recent advances in solar technology that they boldly claimed that they can equal the cost of burning coal.

These companies have been around for quite some time but it is only recently that they have really begun to command public attention. As the cost of solar energy continue to fall, the number of consumers turning to solar energy is gradually increasing, and so is the number of solar energy companies offering such services. The benefits of solar energy are absolutely enormous. It is clean energy, sustainable, and renewable. It allows consumers to use all the energy they need without the stigma of leaving behind a massive carbon footprint in the environment. It is not in any way influenced by fuel prices, since it uses no fuel. You can opt to expand your system as and when you need to, or can afford to.

However, there is only a handful who have solar energy systems in their homes, primarily due to the high cost of home installation. Only a few have the financial means to run a home that is completely reliant on solar energy. In case you intend to integrate the use of solar energy in your home, you will have to search for a reputable company with a proven track record in terms of home installation of solar energy systems.

For residential purposes, there are primarily two types of solar energy systems. Sunlight can be converted into electricity and water-heating system. Most companies offer both but it is advisable to look for a company that specializes in the system that you intend to install. Among the current leaders in providing solutions for renewable energy sources is Power Plus. They have been in the forefront in providing the benefits of solar energy and have helped thousands of satisfied clients in meeting a large portion of their energy needs through financial incentives, energy smart designs, and home installation at low, low prices.

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Save Time and Money with Solar Energy

Jay Slough - Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It’s undeniable that the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis. Energy reserves are slowly dwindling while the world’s appetite for energy continues to grow.  It’s evident that we have to utilize alternative and renewable energy sources. Perhaps the most promising is the energy provided by the sun. There is a growing consensus that solar energy will be the main energy source of the future because it’s free, environmentally friendly, and makes no noise when being generated. The best part of about it is that it won’t run out nor would there be a shortage of supply as the sun rises daily.

Saving time and money by harnessing the sun’s power is not a new idea. It has been around for decades. The technology initially appeared complex and expensive but with sheer dedication of people who believed in its potential, the technology is now well within your reach. Solar energy is no longer exclusive for electrical gurus or for families and companies with overflowing bank accounts. As the price tag attached to solar panels comes down and solar technology becomes more efficient, solar energy is fast becoming the perfect way for the average family to save big on their energy bills. But aside from saving money you also save time because once solar panels are properly installed, all you have to do is kick back and relax as they generate power for you. Moreover, solar panels are built to last and require minimal maintenance on your part.

As a testament to the growing popularity of solar energy, you can find solar powered devices everywhere around you. You can find solar panels from the simplest items such as calculators and water heaters to the more sophisticated ones such as those installed in cars and even on space satellites. All these things utilize solar panels to convert sunlight into energy in the form of electricity. The technology is so promising that scientists are trying to push boundaries to determine if they can discover a way to power all of our homes and offices for free by simply harnessing the power of the sun.

At present, the initial cost of installing solar panels remains high as compared to conventional energy sources. However, solar panels represent a few smart investments that are capable of paying for themselves several times over once you have the system up and running. There are companies like Power Plus who are bent on providing bright ideas for power solutions to help customers save time and money. Power Plus is also a leading renewable energy products retailer dedicated to providing renewable energy enthusiasts with the best, one-stop-shopping and customer service in the business. Why not jump into the band wagon and join the throng of people who are already reaping the benefits of solar energy in their homes and offices.

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Solar Solutions for Your Business

Jay Slough - Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Businesses the world over are slowly starting to look for renewable energy sources, thanks to progressive government policies that aim to reduce dependence on conventional supplies. One particular energy source that has drawn the attention of entrepreneurs is solar energy. However, a lot of small business owners who have little investment capital only took marginal steps due to the high cost of solar power. But this has drastically changed now that installation costs of solar energy systems have been decreasing due to the learning curve, and the emergence of government subsidies to help offset the initial investment cost. Today, businesses everywhere are reaping the benefits of solar solutions.

More and more businesses are currently turning to solar solutions to save money, especially with effects of the global financial crisis. For instance, many business owners are turning to solar electric systems that can integrate with their utility provider. These systems can be installed on roof tops or on large open areas such as parking lots and walkways. Solar  roof systems are specifically designed to maximize energy from the sun, thereby reducing energy requirements from your utility provider. Solar roof systems are usually modular so they can be customized to meet your existing roof space, and of course, your budget. More importantly, they are built to last, providing you with cheap electricity and cost savings long into the future.  

Solar electric ground systems are equally efficient and a smart way to convert your open areas into an electricity generating platform. These systems typically track the sun from east to west in order to maximize available sunlight and generate more power. More power means your business will require less energy from the utility grid, saving you money, particularly during daytime and summertime rate periods.

Whether you choose to install solar electric systems on your rooftop or on the ground, you can harness the power generated for different purposes. You can use to power to operate solar lights for your signs, billboards, decks and roadways. Engineering in the past decade made it easier to use solar lights that are brighter, effective and easy to install. You can save from maintenance costs by not paying for electricity to operate them. In case you need power to illuminate a sign at night, solar lights are the ideal solution. You no longer have to worry that customers won’t see your sign from the road. They are also an effective means to draw attention to your billboards.

In all, you can absolutely empower your business with solar solutions and on-site generation of energy from the sun is the perfect way to show environmental stewardship in your community while effectively promoting your business.

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South Dakota Electrical Specialists

Jay Slough - Tuesday, January 26, 2010

If you happen to be living in South Dakota and you have a major electrical glitch at home, then you ought to look for an electrical specialist. Don’t ever commit the mistake of pretending to be a jack of all trades and try to make the necessary repairs yourself. Most likely, you’ll end up scratching your head, or worse, aggravate the problem which should have been an easy fix for an electrical specialist.

So how do you find and hire an electrical specialist in South Dakota? The first logical thing to do is to ask referrals from family and friends who may have hired one in the past.  You can also look in local papers or go online. The most important thing is to find self-certified electricians and check if their work follows state building regulations. According to the South Dakota Electrical commission, anyone doing electrical work in the state must have an electrical license. To become a licensed electrician, the first step is to complete four years as an apprentice working under an electrical contractor. Then the candidate has to pass the journeyman’s exam and practice for two more years before being deemed eligible for the next step – the electrical contractor’s exam. To make sure your electrical specialist is complying with these, you should request for a certificate, which shows he is duly registered. You can even contact the commission to verify if the electrician whose services you intend to hire is registered. This should give you some peace of mind

An electrical specialist can perform a wide range of tasks from electrical system upgrades, repairs and maintenance to electrical system compliance to remedy code violations. An electrical specialist can also help identify and install safe and efficient solutions for all of your lighting and electrical needs. It is important to note that there are two primary divisions in electrical contracting - residential and commercial- pertaining to the type of client and job site.

There are a myriad of services that new and existing businesses hire electrical specialists for. They can help with arc fault and smoke alarm system installation, troubleshooting circuit breakers that trip often, surge and lightning protection, generator sizing and installation, security camera system installation, load calculations and electric power analysis.  If you have any electrical project for your office or business, an electrical specialist can certainly help you make it a reality.

The same is true for the commercial sector, electrical specialists can help homeowners turn their home improvement ventures into reality. From adding additional outlets to repairing wiring that is faulty or dangerous, electrical specialists offer a multitude of residential services. They can also keep you safe by conducting safety inspections to ensure that your electrical system does not falter and leave you in the dark.

                  As aforementioned, you can reap the benefits of hiring an electrical specialist in South Dakota if you know where to look and how to choose the finest. In addition electrical contracting is a tricky undertaking so better go for the best in the business. Check out Power Plus, they have been around since 2004 and from then on they have established a sterling reputation as they provide turnkey electrical solutions from South Dakota all the way to Western Wyoming!

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Discover Sound like Never Before

Jay Slough - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

If you happen to be contemplating on upgrading your audio into a state-of-the-art sound system – be it for your car or for your home – you ought to know what sound system. They come in two types namely fixed/installed or portable. Both have distinct characteristics that are based on their intended application. It’s imperative to do some research and learn the specifications . When it comes to sound systems, you literally get what you pay for. If you go for cheap then you will get cheap, but it’s quite likely that things will fall apart right before your eyes. 

It’s generally advisable to shop around and sift through the various sound systems available in the market and determine first-hand the pros and cons. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from family and friends as they can help you make an informed decision as to what particular brand you ought to purchase. However, you don’t have to invest on an entire audio package because different systems offer a variety of components that you may want to incorporate into your own, customized system. Another smart idea is to check out audio shows to see the latest systems and compare their features and specifications. You’ll also get a chance to talk to professionals who can help you out in weighing your options.

There are three major components to a great sound system: mixers, amplifiers and speakers. A mixer brings in a signal from a source and mixes it with another. For instance, you will need a mixer in order to change the levels of your CD player and microphone and mix them together until you achieve a desirable sound balance. It is important to purchase a quality mixer since it will be the first source where audio is passed through. Amplifiers accept the signal from your mixer. They are available in many different models and makes. But not all amplifiers are the same though. Never purchase a budget amplifier if you’re after excellent audio. A quality amplifier provides high efficiency circuitry which is specifically designed for passing audio, thereby offering the finest acoustic value. Finally, the most critical piece of equipment you can buy are speakers. They range in price depending on the construction of the speaker and the speaker box. Speakers that are built with higher quality are more efficient, thus require less power to generate the same amount of SPL as compared to a speaker which is half the price but could need twice the power.

If you want to discover sound like never before, there are things you to do to make your sound system a cut above the rest. You may have to change your and speakers. In most cases,these two simple changes could spell the difference that puts you over the edge. As you tinker with the various components, you will eventually gain full understanding on how you want the system to sound. You will learn how to make the little tweaks until you get the perfect audio that you really want. Overall, the basic rule is to utilize the right parts for the appropriate applications. You can’t afford to take short cuts in this area because you could do some serious damage to various parts of the sound system.
It may appear quite daunting when you venture into the realm of sound systems. There are head units, amplifiers, woofers, tweeters, and a ton of other stuff. It would help a lot if you could get professional help from a highly focused company, the likes of PowerPlus, with years of experience and technical expertise on the cutting edge of technology that could bring custom home audio that fits your needs perfectly.

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Turnkey Solutions in South Dakota

Jay Slough - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

             South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States.  It is historically dominated by an agricultural economy and a rural lifestyle, but the state has recently sought to variegate its economy to entice and retain residents. However, it is still largely rural and has the fifth-lowest population density among U.S. states, with an estimated population of only 812,383 as of 2009. The state government is trying to keep up with current trends in various aspects that pave the way for economic growth and development. Turnkey solutions are needed in all fronts in order to maximize state assets and resources. Of specific importance is the energy sector because the political and economic aspects of fossil fuels are not in any way promising. This is precisely the reason why renewable energy is gaining popularity nowadays. To date, South Dakota has seven major renewable energy sources namely:  geothermal, hydro conventional, solar, wind, wood waste, landfill gas and biomass.

It is important to note that virtually all renewable energy sources depend on nuclear power. Fortunately, the sun at the center of our solar system is one giant nuclear reactor. The sun generates sunlight and solar radiation that is converted into energy through natural resources. In general, sunlight is the basis for solar power, biomass, wind energy, among others. On the other hand, fossil fuels are a form of biomass but a crude one with resource limits and deleterious side effects in the form of environmental pollutants.

Wind is produced when the sun heats up the Earth’s surface at different rates. The air that lies directly above a hot surface will rise and cool air from adjacent areas will rush in to fill the void. This movement of air creates wind in its most basic form. Renewable energy in the form of wind means increased economic opportunity in rural South Dakota. A U.S. Department of Energy Study revealed that increasing wind generation to 20 percent of the nation’s electricity would create almost 3,100 long-term jobs in South Dakota and most of the jobs would be in rural areas of the state, where opportunities to create new jobs are limited.

Solar energy is the most basic form of renewable energy. Sunlight can be converted directly to heat or electricity depending on the type of equipment used. Solar energy is regarded as a renewable energy because it will last for as long as the sun exists, which should be around 4 billion years.

When water flows, it packs a lot of inertia and stored energy. This basic principle forms the basis for hydropower which is typically seen on large-scale projects in the form of dams. A dam is constructed in a river, creating a reservoir. With the help of gravity, water is then released through pipes into the dam. The flowing water spins turbines, generating massive amounts of electricity.

Geothermal energy is a form of energy that utilizes the intrinsic warmth of the ground to produce power in the form of heat. Approximately six to seven feet below the surface, the temperature of the ground is regulated. By simply exchanging liquids above and below the ground, temperature regulation can be achieved. This renewable energy source is increasingly being integrated into residential areas in South Dakota.

Biomass is another renewable energy source, which is basically organic material such as manure. As you can surmise, it is not necessarily a clean one. The concept behind biomass is to convert the chemical energy in the biomass into usable power. This is typically achieved by burning it, and this is where the problem lies because doing so causes pollution. Moreover, it also has to be grown, harvested and then converted into power.

The aforementioned forms of renewable energy can be tapped in South Dakota to meet the state’s energy requirements. However, for residential and commercial purposes, it would be wise to bank on a company whose main focus is to create long-term sustainable value by providing solutions for renewable energy. One company with a sterling reputation quickly comes to mind – Power Plus - a leading renewable energy products retailer dedicated to providing renewable energy enthusiasts with the best, one-stop-shopping and customer service in the business.

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Free Home Automation System Estimate

Jay Slough - Monday, December 14, 2009

Until recently, the best way to watch a movie was to go to a movie theater. But with the cost of snacks, waiting in line, someone kicking the back of your chair, and the crutching of popcorn in your ear, your movie theater experience has turned into a waste of time and money. Now, more and more people are turning their ordinary TV rooms into home theaters.

The introduction of VCRs made it easy to rent or buy movies and watch them at home, but TVs just didn't compare to movie theaters' huge screens and surround-sound systems. Not only did TVs have comparatively tiny screens and lower quality speakers, formatting a movie to fit the screen got rid of a substantial part of the picture. This used to involve a projector and a screen, and it was too expensive for most people to afford. But advances in technology have given people more choices for home theater setups, and some people find that a home theater is quieter and more convenient than a movie theater - and the picture and sound are amazing. (Oh Yeah Baby!)
 
Power Plus is the leader in Custom Home Automation. Conserve energy, lower your energy costs, and help the environment with Power Plus Home Automation Products!
 



The important thing to remember is to have fun with your home theater. Remember to research and ask questions.
Join us online: Power Plus is focused on creating long term sustainable value for residential and commercial customers, by providing reliable solutions for renewable energy, electrical grids, home automation, security, and home entertainment.


 

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