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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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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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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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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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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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