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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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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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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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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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Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find. ~Quoted in Time

Jay Slough - Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Saving the earth - Solar Energy and Solar Power
 
Solar energy is the power generated from the light and heat of the Sun. Solar energy is no doubt an ideal alternative source of energy which can replace notorious fossil fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and if we are successful in harnessing the solar power to its capacity, we can easily solve the power crisis and the related politics all over the world. 
 
The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun. ~Ralph Nader, quoted in Linda Botts, ed.,Loose Talk, 1980
 
Solar energy is termed as a green fuel. It does not cause pollution or harm the environment in any way. The vital ozone layer does not get affected by the use of solar energy. Solar electricity is therefore very environment friendly. It is clean and safe for the earth and for us. Hence, opting for solar energy to cut down the consumption of the conventional electricity is simultaneously helping to make the earth a better place.
When I think about the earth I think about my kids. Really how clean is it going to be by the time they are my age. The sun is the source of solar energy. This source is unlimited, inexhaustible and free. Scientists and astronomers have stated that the sun will stay bright for at least a few more million years. This means the free energy that is being derived from the sun will be available to us for the foreseeable future and the future of our children and our children’s children. By using this freely available energy source, the earth’s non-renewable sources of energy can be preserved, helping the eco-system.
 
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb
 
Considering the huge number of benefits of solar power, we ought to give it a closer look. The number of Americans who have opted for this source of energy today just might surprise you. You will often come across a residential area where every roof might have a solar panel installed on it. This definitely points at the popularity solar power has gained. Let’s go through the great reasons why more and more people are choosing to go green today with the cheapest form of non-conventional form of energy.
We may need to solve problems not by removing the cause but by designing the way forward even if the cause remains in place
 
Here a few other reasons solar power and energy is better for you and the environment:
-Reduces local air pollution. .
-Offsets greenhouse gases
-Conserves Energy Solar electricity for the Third World is an effective energy conservation program because it conserves costly conventional power for urban areas, town market centers, and industrial and commercial uses, leaving decentralized PV-generated power to provide the lighting and basic electrical needs of the majority of the developing world's rural populations.
-Reduces need for dry-cell battery disposal. Check this out……
Small dry-cell batteries for flashlights and radios are used throughout the unelectrified world. Most of these batteries are disposable lead-acid cells which are not recycled. Lead from disposed dry-cells leaches into the ground, contaminating the soil and water. Solar rural electrification dramatically decreases the need for disposable dry-cell batteries. Over 12 billion dry-cell batteries were sold in 1993.
 
WHAT!!!
 
The sun generates more than 10,000 times the amount of energy the entire world consumes annually. The two most obvious benefits of solar power, and what is so alluring about it, are the fact the sun shines every single day for free, and that solar power panels generate zero CO2 emissions. Fossil fuels create large amounts of CO2, and CO2 contributes to what is commonly called global warming. Yet, alternative energy sources such as solar power do not create CO2 emissions. Solar power is a source of "clean energy" or "green energy," and coupled with its abundance there is ample reason for us to continue to explore solar energy not just as an alternative energy source, but as a potential foundation of energy production. With concerns over dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions growing, the funding and research into alternative energy sources is growing as well. One of the benefactors of this increased awareness is solar energy.
 
I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy.... If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago. ~Sir George Porter, quoted in The Observer, 26 August 1973

Solar power is very compatible with other sources of energy. An example of this is its compatibility with wind energy. This has proved to be very advantageous and can help you live off the grid if you can use these two renewable energy sources of power to your advantage. Another unusual point to consider is the shade provided by the solar panels installed on your roof. This shade can bring down the temperature of your attic during the hot summers. When you think about so many advantages, solar energy is really a good choice to opt for.
 
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985
　
For more information about solar power Contact our Solar Experts @ 1.605.355.0777
or Visit us at Power Plus Solar your renewable energy giants.

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What is Renewable Energy and how does it work??

Jay Slough - Thursday, December 03, 2009

There are two types of energy. Nonrenewable and Renewable. ( I think renewable energy is what my 5yr old is made of.)

Energy sources are considered nonrenewable if they cannot be replenished (made again) in a short period of time. Some examples of nonrenewable energy include gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, coal, natural gas, and uranium (nuclear energy).

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural-occurring sources that can be constantly replenished in a short period of time. The five renewable sources used most often are Biomass, Water, Geothermal, Wind and Solar.

The use of renewable energy is not new. The oldest and perhaps most common energy is wood. More than 150 years ago, wood, which is one form of biomass, supplied up to 90% of our energy needs. As the use of coal, petroleum, and natural gas expanded, the United States became less reliant on wood as an energy source. Over half of renewable energy goes to producing electricity. About 9% of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2008. The next largest use of renewable energy is the production of heat and steam for industrial purposes. Plants have more recently been used to create renewable fuels, such as ethanol (alternative to gasoline) are also used for transportation and to provide heat for homes and businesses. Geothermal energy is another type of renewable energy that involves harnessing the natural heat of the earth's core to produce power.

The largest source of renewable energy currently used is hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power involves harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines in order to produce electricity. A similar form of renewable energy is wind power, which involves harnessing the kinetic energy of wind currents to turn large fan-like turbines. Solar power, involves using the light and heat produced by the sun as an energy source. The power from the sun is so efficient, and it can be used for everything. Simple examples are things like lighting the pathway in the garden, security lights, or heating the pool. There are so many small devices that run on solar energy, that this alone can save you a lot of money. Together with residential solar panels you can switch from regular electricity to solar renewable energy.

For the future of the earth you need to understand that one of the most important benefits is the environment. The amount of electricity we use is the cause of extreme issues like global warming and pollution of the environment. When we start using the sun to its fullest capacity we are using a completely natural and environmentally friendly energy source.

Given the increasing population of the human race, the importance of renewable energy is likely to continue to increase in the future, as well as a shift toward more cost efficient energy sources. From the standpoint of electrical power, solar energy has a huge potential, considering the amount of energy the sun produces is thousands of times greater than the needs of earth. The world must transform its current energy system on a global scale. It is expected that 60% of all our energy will come from renewable energy by the year 2070.

 

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Renewable Energy Solutions with Power Plus

Jay Slough - Friday, October 02, 2009

Renewable Energy sources are popping up on the web left and right.  People setting up shop, selling products, and educating the public on what solar, wind, and water solutions are available.  Don’t get me wrong, there are many companies that say they can provide you the products and service, and then there are the ones who back up their words.

Yes you could say I am biased about what PowerPlusSolar.com brings to the table, but with a proven track record it isn’t a hard choice.  Power Plus learned the hard way, in the field installing amazing renewable energy solutions for the past five years; getting their hands dirty.  Ask anyone whom they trust to do the work and the answers is old reliable, steady, and cost effect companies.  People who show up on time, complete the job ahead of schedule, and far surpass the expectations of their customers will thrive in any economy. Why?

When it comes to business and life, you have your good, bad, ugly and great.  That’s just the way it goes. Power Plus on the other hand leads the show when it comes to renewable energy products, pricing, and service!  As members of the BBB, IEC, NECA, and BHHB, they deserve the praise and have worked hard to achieve a first class name in the business and be recognized for their determination, pride or ownership, and quality service.

Using the latest renewable energy technologies to maximize efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase sustainability in any weather condition are the core goals for Power Plus. With the unparalleled customer service to boot, your complete renewable energy solution is just a click or phone call away.

The online store at Power Plus is going to have a grand opening in the near future, so make sure you send us your contact information, so Power Plus can send you exciting discounts on their renewable energy products!  They will have all the latest renewable energy technologies, products, and sources on the planet.

 

 

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