The Need for Reliable and Durable Solar Lanterns in Third World Countries

Introduction

Solar lanterns are gaining wide popularity especially in the third world countries. Un-energized rural areas are finding solar light a very efficient substitute to kerosene lamps. Solar energy provides adequate home lighting for children to study well and parents to pursue some money making ventures after sundown.

The durability and reliability of solar lanterns come into focus now because rural people are convinced of its benefits and advantages and are seriously thinking of acquiring one.

Brief description, uses and how solar lantern works

Solar lanterns are the portable source of light powered by energy of the sun. These are environmental friendly lamps producing light at no cost and specially designed for household use in remote rural areas and far villages not reached by grid electricity.

People use solar lanterns when travelling at night similar to battery operated flashlight. They are also used to provide street lighting in rural areas.

Solar lanterns work by converting sunlight to energy. It uses a solar panel that collects the solar energy during daytime to charge up a cell battery. The stored energy powers the lantern at night. A whole day of battery charging can sustain 4 to 5 hours of light at night.

Batteries are designed to withstand many charges and discharge cycles. In the conventional lanterns the battery is charged by the domestic electricity point, but in solar lanterns the battery is charged by solar energy

Stored power can be recharged every day. Solar lantern does not require any wiring and are weather proof which makes them a highly versatile, reliable and dynamic source of light in all the conditions.

Desirable product features of solar lanterns

1. It must be durable and reliable and can withstand years of use. Kenya, one of the proponents, had produced solar lanterns since 2004 and had gained wide acceptance.
2. The lamp should be versatile. It can be placed on the floor, hang from a peg on a wall, and be carried like a flashlight or worn around the neck.
3. It can withstand drops to the floor.
4. It is designed simply so that it is easily taken apart to be fixed if something goes wrong.
5. It must have LED (light emitting diode) as the source of light. LED lamps consume very small amount of power. This increases the duration of time the lamp burns from the power stored in the battery throughout the day. The LED lamps also have long life extending well beyond 50,000 hours. LEDs are durable and reliable of surviving extremes of temperature, weather, vibration and Ultra Violet (UV).

Other features to consider

1. It must be priced right. To the rural folks, the right price is one that is affordable to them. It must be within their reach.
2. It must have a built-in micro financing component to help rural people acquire the lantern.
3. The lantern manufacturer must have a well organized and reliable after sales service.
4. Solar lanterns must be available when people want to buy a unit including the spare parts that may be needed for repairs.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Solar Lanterns for Rural Areas: A Practical Approach to Brighter Homes in the Philippines

Introduction

The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a developing country with its share of rural areas unreached by electricity. Absence of electricity is most visible at night when all you see in homes is a flicker of light. It makes life difficult for people in the area to pursue substantial activities after sundown. Students can not study well and parents can not work on business to make extra income.

Why off grid solar lantern is applicable and practical

The archipelagic land base of the country makes the problem difficult for grid electricity to light the rural areas. It is expensive to build and may not reach islands and distant communities.

Here are 7 reasons why solar lantern is applicable and practical:

1. The country is endowed with plenty of sunlight which is the fuel used in solar lanterns. It is free and will never run out of supply.
2. The solar lantern is affordable. Kenya sells it at US $ 35. Suppliers in India sell at US $ 16.There are prospects for arrangements with foreign companies to manufacture lanterns here.
3. It is durable. The LED (light emitting diode) lamp if used 4 to 5 hours each day can last up to approximately 10 years. In Kenya, 15,000 lanterns have been produced since 2004. They plan to increase this to 100,000 by 2015.
4. Financing may not be a problem because the acquisition cost is low.
5. Training of personnel to service broken down units may not be a hindrance because it is one simple unit that should be repaired.
6. It is convenient to use because it is light and can be transferred from one place to another.
7. It enjoys a tremendous advantage over kerosene fueled lamp (kerosene is expensive, unhealthy because of the fumes, a fire hazard because it emits open flame and inadequate to provide good light).

Problems that may be encountered and recommended solutions

1. Rural folks remain doubtful of the durability, economy and applicability of solar unless proven otherwise.
Proponents for adoption will have to show and convince the rural people the benefits of solar light. This will involve massive information dissemination and demonstration. Each target community will have demonstration lanterns to showcase the product. To them to see is to believe that solar light undoubtedly is beneficial and superior to kerosene lamps.
2. Rural people find the price high. Up front cost may not be affordable to some.
Partial subsidy or financing may be arranged with local foundation, local government or financial institutions. Manufacturers of solar lanterns in other countries might be encouraged to produce here to bring down the cost.
3. Rural users may have fears that there may not be qualified personnel to undertake repair if they encounter problems with their lantern.
Proponents will have to prepare for this and will have personnel undergo training to provide effective and efficient after sales service.

What can fast track solar lantern adoption?

1. Establishment of economic factors first.
a. Can the consumers afford the up front acquisition cost? This has to be determined because this will certainly be a constraint in adoption if they find it is expensive.
b. Availability of subsidy or financing will certainly be significant incentive ones solar lanterns are accepted by the people. Developed countries like Germany and US have proven this an effective adoptive measure.

2. Acceptability of the solar lantern to the rural folks is the final deciding factor for its adoption. These people will have to see that the gadget is truly useful to them. All aspects involving acceptability must be carefully studied. The economic factors can not negate this.

3. Availability of trained service personnel for after service sales is very important to guarantee sustainable use of the solar lantern.

4. Availability of supply of solar lanterns and materials for repair must be guaranteed. This gives the assurance that solar lanterns can easily be acquired and repaired when needed.

While we have discussed solar lanterns in the context of Philippine setting, the information is likewise useful to un-energized rural areas of other developing countries.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Off Grid Solar Light: A Viable Option to Promote Acceptance in Rural Developing Countries

Introduction:
Industry experts believe that solar light is one of the basic needs which could improve living conditions in rural developing countries. These areas have no access to electricity. The benefits of solar light encompass the field of education, health, economy and the quality of life of rural folks. The need for practical and applicable source of light should be searched and solar should be seriously considered.

The Problem

Are the rural folks fully convinced of the practicality and benefits of solar technology? If this question is not answered satisfactorily we have an acceptance problem and won’t get enthusiastic response.

Opinions vary on how solar light can be made available to the poor of developing countries. Some experts say that it should be off grid with the home solar panels likewise supplying power for TV, radio, cellphones, and other appliances.

Other proponents believe that solar power should be generated by a big array of solar panels and a grid built to distribute solar electricity to homes. These are sound propositions. In fact, these options have been tried in a number of developing countries but sadly not one claimed success.

What are the barriers to the acceptance of solar? Generally known are the high acquisition cost, lack of subsidy or financing, lack of trained personnel for after sales service, lack of local supplies and acceptability by the rural folks. Can solar light overcome these barriers?

The Role of Solar Light

A single off grid solar light can pave the way for wide scale adoption of solar energy in rural third world countries. How? Seven reasons:
1. It provides the simplest, most economical, applicable and practical demonstration the rural folks can see.
2. It provides a substitute to kerosene for lighting which is growing more expensive being a petroleum product.
3. Rural folks will find solar light more economical to use with free power from the sun. They will have extra cash for food and other needs of the family.
4. It is likewise healthful and safe to use than kerosene fueled lamps.
5. It is affordable. One foundation in Kenya sells it for US $ 35 per unit.
6. Subsidy or financing will not be a big constraint since the amount involve per family is small.
7. Since it is a simple individual gadget, training people for after sales service may not be a big problem.

The Solution

The many applications of solar power may be difficult for rural people to fully comprehend. There is a need to give solar energy in small doses for them to understand and see the benefits. A single off grid solar light is a logical start to convince them. At this stage, what is important is that a breakthrough into the household is initiated. Then the proponents can move on to the next level of solar application ones acceptance is established.

Rural folks believe that they should be shown that the technology works and improves their way of life. To them, to see is to believe. And we have to satisfy this perception. A demonstration is in order in this case.

The Use Solar, Save Lives Project

Special mention is made of the above Project founded by Evan Wadongo, a Kenyan engineer. He designed MwangaBora Solar Powered Lantern and distribute for free to the poor rural communities. Attesting to its applicability, some 15,000 lamps have been turned out since production started in 2004. Wadongo says his goal is to hit 100,000 by 2015. He plans to extend his project to other countries and is already training interns.

This is a Project worth serious consideration and hopefully foundations come across to lend a helping hand. Study and adoption by developing countries will boost acceptance of solar energy in rural areas where it is badly needed. Evan Wadongo concluded, "If every one of us started thinking about others before thinking about ourselves the world would be better,"

Solar in Germany: Know why they are the World’s Number 1

Germany is the acknowledged world leader in solar energy. They are into developing of the solar technology through intensive research and development, focused promotion to end users, manufacturing of solar panels and other accessories and building power stations across the country.

As a result, one in a hundred homes has gone as far as installing its own solar arrays. They are a model for countries seriously thinking of going solar.

How did they start?

Some brief historical events that occurred

1. The Oil Embargo of the early 1970s spurred Germany and many governments to think seriously to search for alternative energy sources other than fossil fuel. The energy crises of 1973-74 and 1979-80 which followed brought severe economic impacts and serious energy security concerns.

As a result renewable energy sources particularly solar were researched, developed and promoted as a potential means of alleviating the risks associated with high fossil fuel import dependence.

2. A federal Electricity Law (StrEG Feed) was adopted in 1991. It obligated public utilities to purchase renewably-generated power on a yearly fixed rate basis, based on utilities’ average revenue per kWh.

3. In 1999, the government also introduced the Market Incentive Program (MAP), which offered government grants for the commercialization and deployment of renewable energy systems.

What measures did Germany adopt?

Significant steps they undertook

1. The Federal Electricity Feed Law (StrEG) of 1991 became the most important instrument for the promotion of renewable energy in Germany during the 1990s. It compelled public utilities to purchase renewable-generated power from private producers on a yearly fixed basis. This was designed to encourage homeowners and private business to adopt solar.

2. The government also introduced the Market Incentive Program (MAP) in 1999. It offered government grants totaling 203 million Euro in 2003 for the commercialization and deployment of renewable energy systems.

The German government considers MAP to be one of its most effective current renewable energy promotion programs. This was another inducement by the government to encourage the power consumers to go solar

3. Feed-in Tariff was introduced into the solar industry. Considered the most important market mechanism, the tariff gives producers of solar electricity a guaranteed price for the energy they supply to the grid set for 20 years.

It is considerably higher than the price paid for fossil fuel electricity. It is extended to commercial solar providers such as power stations but also householders who connect their own solar panels to the national grid.

The tariff received by solar producers is even more generous, currently more than double the price of conventional electricity. Germany’s “feed-in tariffs” have made it profitable for businesses as well as individuals to install panels on their roofs or build solar parks.

4. . An additional element of the "feed-in" mechanism is an annual reduction of 5% in the rate set for the next 20 years. So it encourages people to get in early and benefit from a higher 20-year rate, because the rate you start at is the one you keep for the full 20 years.

What is their present state?

After over 4 decades, this is solar Germany.

1. Almost 400,000 homes in Germany, have installed solar panels. One in a hundred homes has gone as far as installing its own solar arrays.

2. The Leipzig Solar Power Station, the heart of Germany’s solar industry, is among the worlds largest covering the equivalent of 200 football pitches and providing enough electricity for 10,000 homes.

3. Last year, about half of the world's solar electricity was produced in the country. Of the 20 biggest photovoltaic plants, 15 are in Germany.

4. Germany plans to slash subsidies paid to households generating electricity by up to 15 percent, six months earlier than planned.

5. Germany has temporarily shut down seven of its nuclear reactors. The country stands alone among the world’s leading industrialized nations in its determination to abandon nuclear energy. Currently, nuclear energy accounts for 23 percent of German energy and renewable energies supply 16 percent.

Future prospects

1. Germany could derive all its energy from renewable by 2050. The European Union has targeted 20% renewable energy utilization by its members by 2020. Germany is already more than half way there.

2. Industry experts say that renewable energies would be able to cover 47 percent of German energy demand by 2020.

3. There is a massive surge in residential solar panels in Germany fueled by consumer demand for small-scale solar power projects.

Germany showed the government’s determined effort to find an alternative source of power. Solar had been identified and they went all out for it – research, development, promotion and adoption through significant incentives to business and end consumers, production and establishment of solar plants.

Above all these, the welfare of the environment had been one of the prime concerns of Germany. They provide a model worth emulating.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Off Grid Solar System for Hospitals: A Critical Need of Third World Countries

Off grid solar system provides electrical power to remote hospitals in third world countries for sustainable day to day operation. Many industrialized countries saw this urgent need and have responded very positively.

Developing countries have received many aids from non profit organizations and government agencies of highly developed countries. The aids came in various forms like food, medicine; infrastructures, etc for a better life. Solar power helps in the preservation of life itself in a sustainable way.

It all comes down to - no electrical power, no hospital. While there is other off grid sources like diesel generators, solar is the outstanding choice because it only needs sunlight to keep it running.

Hospitals are a big financial burden to local government. With the availability of independent solar power and the savings from its operation, more clinics and small hospitals can be built in rural areas.

Why Off Grid Solar is urgently needed

Rural areas are always not reached by utility grid lines and putting one is almost impossible. The absence of electricity will mean no clinic and hospital at all.

People are left to fend for themselves and most often they go to quack doctors for their medical needs. Those with more serious afflictions, have to travel 10 to 15 hours to see a doctor and oftentimes medical intervention may be too late to save the patients.

No wonder mortality rate for children and adults is high. Lives could be saved if only hospitals are within the area and it is for this reason that solar energy is a critical need.

Off grid solar system is an ideal source of energy with a service life of up to 30 years. Its fuel from the sun is free. Fossil fueled generators would require oil to run it and with the attendant problem of high acquisition cost and difficulty of transportation from the urban centers, this electricity source will prove more expensive in the long run.

Basic needs of rural hospitals meet by solar

1. For refrigeration and heating
2. For kitchen appliances
3. For the hospital laundry and sterilization of medical apparatus
4. For lighting and support of communication facilities.

The problems

1. The World Health Organization on Extended Program of Immunization (WHO/EPI) identified that one of the technical problems is unstable quality of the components. WHO/EPI outlined rigid technical standards for the purchase of solar system components.

2. One major obstacle is the high capital cost. In the past, the solar panels were the most costly part. Nowadays, roughly equal amounts of capital are needed for the batteries and the solar panels. The advances in conversion efficiency and reduction of production cost have started to bring down the cost of the system.

3. Adding to the cost are transportation and the labor expenses necessary to install and maintain the systems in remote areas.

4. The lack of skilled manpower is a serious obstacle to the use of off grid solar system. Most technicians and users are not yet thoroughly familiar to handle the system. Frequent misdiagnosis of technical problems is an additional cost factor.

Conditions ideal for System adoption

1. The hospital has no economical power supply available as a public utility.

2. Other decentralized electricity sources such as diesel generators involve high operating costs, or the reliability of fuel supplies is questionable.

3. There must be qualified technicians who are familiar with the technology of off grid solar systems and their maintenance.

Foundations helping remote hospitals with solar power:

1. Worthy of mention is the work of Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF). It is an independent not-for-profit organization that designs and implements sustainable energy solutions for enhancements in health, education, agriculture and economic growth in the developing world.

In many of the countries in which SELF works, there is no other organization undertaking a similar, independent role in providing power to villages without existing resources.

2. We Care Solar is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that helps hospitals in developing regions by providing health workers with reliable lighting, blood bank refrigeration and mobile communication using solar electricity.

3. African Solar Electric Light Foundation (ASELF)improves the daily lives of children and adults by providing clean and healthy lighting. They distribute environmentally friendly, solar Systems around the world, replacing dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

Conversion Efficient Solar Panels: Practical Information for Beginners

The conversion efficiency of solar panels is the ratio of sunlight striking a solar panel surface (input) and the electricity it produces (output). The more electricity is produced from sunlight, the more efficient the panel.

Solar panel efficiency is very important because this will determine from the very start adequate electricity supply, the size and cost of your home solar system. As of now the efficiency of solar cells stands at around 15 to 17%.

Primer on solar panels

A solar panel or solar module is a collection of solar cells that is used to generate and provide electricity in homes and other establishments. The cells should provide a high solar conversion ratio or produce more electricity from sunlight to have a high conversion efficiency rating.

The number of panels needed depends on the amount of electricity you want to produce. Different materials display different efficiencies and have different costs.

Here are the different solar cells used in the manufacture of solar panels:

1. The first generation cells consist of the traditional single-junction, silicon-wafer, photovoltaic solar cell. They have the highest conversion efficiency, averaging from 15-20% in most cases. Although these are the most studied and popular cells in the market, their main obstacle have been production costs.

2. Second generation cells utilize thin film technology, involving amorphous or micromorphous silicon, or ignoring silicon altogether. First Solar, the largest thin film manufacturer in the nation, uses cadmium telluride based cells. These solar cells are smaller and much cheaper than their first generation counterparts.

Unfortunately they are also much less efficient, with conversion rate at the level of around 10% or less. Because the panels are so thin, they can be produced very fast and relatively cheap. This compensates for lower efficiency. These solar cells will likely surpass the first generation panels in the next few years.

3. Third generation solar cells are believed to be the most ideal for the solar industry. Unfortunately they are still in the research phase. The concept is to produce a low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell, the epitome of solar technologies.

Despite being on research phase, results have been very promising. Organic solar cells promise cheap, clean, and abundant production resources. Nanosolar cells promise strong yet tiny cells that could thrive in paint or embedded in a window or anywhere.

At present, the first generation cells have the highest conversion rates, while the second generation has the edge on production costs (with a decent conversion rate). The third generation is being designed to beat out the first two, and it looks like it will eventually succeed.

Significant gains in conversion efficiency

1. Scientists from Spectrolab, Inc., a subsidiary of Boeing, have published their research on the fabrication of solar cells that surpass the 40% efficiency milestone—the highest efficiency achieved for any photovoltaic device. The research was funded partly by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and will play a significant role in the government’s Solar America Initiative, which aims to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional electricity generation by 2015.

2. SANYO has broken its own record for the world's highest energy conversion efficiency in practical size crystalline silicon-type solar cells. The company achieved the breakthrough by demonstrating an efficiency of 22% (beating a previous record of 21.8%) at a research level.

3. Recently, scientists broke a record by producing dye-sensitized solar cells with a 10% conversion efficiency. This is an exciting development, and we could begin seeing commercial adaptation within 5-10 years.

4. The top three makers in the country, Suntech, Yingli and JA Solar, have boosted the efficiency of monocrystalline silicon variants to more than 18.5 percent. Efforts are under way to raise this further to catch up with leading manufacturer SunPower. The latter has achieved a record 24.2 percent conversion ratio of solar cells in recent months.

Scientists and researchers in the solar industry are working real hard to upgrade the solar cells, in the hopes of developing the solar industry’s dream: a low-cost, high-efficiency solar panel. Only through this can we make a dent in the strong hold of fossil energy supplying the world.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Defining the Role of Government Incentives in the Growth of Solar Industry

Degeneration of the environment brought about by fossil fuel emission in electricity plants is an established fact causing world-wide concern. This drove various governments including US to search for alternative sources of power. Solar is prominently considered.

Solar technology is ripe and waiting for consumer adoption. To fast track the use of solar power, the state and federal governments have offered a variety of incentives to encourage homeowners and businesses to put panels on their roofs, and for utilities to buy power from large independent solar producers.

What are these incentives? And how did it affect the solar industry?

Government solar incentives:

Federal incentives:

1. Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

2. Personal Exemption
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)

3. Personal Tax Credit
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

4. The Emergency Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers a tax credit of 30% for photovoltaic system (solar home energy) and water heater with a tax credit ceiling of $ 2,000. This Act expired on December 31, 2007.

5. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended the expiration of Emergency Energy Policy Act of 2005 to December 31, 2016. This Act offered the same tax credit and increased the tax credit ceiling by removing the $ 2,000 limit.

6. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (ARRA), commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009. It provided $94.8 billion for clean energy. The program was established under section 1603 and provided cash grants covering 10% or 30% of the total cost of developing new renewable energy facilities.

ARRA also funded research projects to develop future renewable energy technologies which could be cost competitive to sources of electricity producing air pollutants.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), ARRA has supported more than 1,100 solar projects in 42 states, creating enough new solar capacity to power 200,000 homes. ARRA has resulted in nearly 40 percent growth in the solar power market in 2009 and nearly double in 2010.

State incentives

State tax rebate.The U.S. government offers many incentives in different states to encourage solar power adoption in order to compete with conventional electricity source where the price is lower than solar generated energy.

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

DSIRE provides a comprehensive list of the different states and the solar tax rebate they offer prospective solar users. Please visit them at: http://www.dsire.org.

The results from the different sectors showed that government investment has played a significantly role in the growth of solar industry in America.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com

Grid Electricity Rate Increase and the Role of Solar

Grid electricity had been on a steady rise for almost 4 decades. In some areas, residential electric rates have increased, on the average of 6% per year. It seems that people are getting used to increase as something to be expected.

However, many are now getting aware that the expenses are gradually becoming a bigger slice of the family budget. This concern is fueled by the fact that there are some alternative solutions to the problem. Many are getting serious with solar more keenly now than they did years back.

The present state of grid electricity

Grid electricity had been on the rise and is expected to continue to climb in a speedy rate over the next 5 to 10 years. What are the causes of this continuous rise? Are they preventable? And what measures are being done? Here’s what the experts say.

1. Almost half of the electricity in the United States is produced from coal. The use by electric utilities accounts for about 92 percent of total U.S. coal consumption. So any increase in the cost of coal will surely increase grid electricity.

2. Over the commodity cost of coal itself, two other important factors will influence the cost of coal generation. These are not within the control of coal producers.
a. First, transportation costs are critical to the coal industry. Coal transportation can be very expensive – in some instances it accounts for up to 70% of the delivered cost of coal. The cost of shipping coal can cost more than the cost of mining it.
b. Second is the recently high sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions allowance costs in the SO2 permit trading market.

3. The price of coal had been upward since a decade ago. It increased from around $30.00 per short ton in 2000 to around $150.00 per short ton as of September 2008. As of October 2008, the price per short ton had declined to $111.50. Prices further declined to $71.25 as of October 2010.

4. With over 100 new coal power plants proposed nationwide, the Union of Concerned Scientists has expanded its efforts to heighten awareness of the true costs of coal. Coal power plants release the most global warming emissions of any source of electricity. A growing consensus, which even includes business and utility executives, expects that Congress will regulate global warming emissions in the next few years.

5. The Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act require industries to reduce pollutants released into the air and the water. Power plants use flue gas desulfurization equipment, also known as "scrubbers," to clean sulfur from the smoke before it leaves their smokestacks. In addition, industry and government have cooperated to develop technologies that can remove impurities from coal or that make coal more energy-efficient so less needs to be burned.

What solar can do

The use of renewable energy is not new. Many years ago, wood is the most commonly used renewable to supply most of the energy needs. As the use of oil, coal, petroleum, and natural gas grew in popularity, people became less reliant on wood.

Today with the growing problems of these popular sources, people are taking a second look at renewable. Solar is the most promising with recent technological advances in cost and efficiency. Consider these observations and facts:

1. With solar energy in your home, you are your own generating company. You are not affected by threat of electricity increase or power interruption because you have free fuel from the sun. Fuel cost had been the cause of steady rise of grid electricity as earlier mentioned.

2. Many homeowners believe that solar in the home is a significant step towards overcoming grid electricity cost. Solar demand has grown at about 30% per year over the past 15 years attesting to its growing acceptability. One recent National Poll Survey showed that 77% of Americans feel that the federal government should make solar power development a national priority including the financial support needed.

3. Solar energy installation costs have declined on average 4% over the past 15 years. Now the cost of solar electricity installation ranges from $ 5 to $10/watt without incentives.

4. The speedy rate of increase of fossil electricity makes reducing energy consumption via solar and other energy-saving measures more financially rewarding than ever – with return on Investment coming even faster.

5. The increase in electricity rates that kicked in on January 1, 2010 will make investments in renewable energy solutions more appealing and cost-effective than ever, according to Greenspring Energy.

Now that the cost of grid electricity is on the upswing, home solar power becomes an attractive hedge. Not only will it protect the family from the inevitable fossil power cost increase but likewise, will provide a solution to the growing pollution of the environment. Certainly using solar becomes a win- win proposition for all.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

What Beginners Should Know About Environmental Pollution Problems and the Role of Solar Power?

It is wise that beginners know the background of the worsening pollution problem. Prevention and control have been the talk for a number of years now. The growing awareness was due to observations that something wrong traceable to pollution was happening to our planet with the identified perpetrators as the inhabitants themselves.

To this effect, conferences were held and papers were discussed in symposium, all seemingly sound solution to the problem at hand. But what do the environmentalists and pollution experts say? What is the score?

Background of pollution problem:

Ever since the cave man began using his hand to meet his needs, he started throwing waste around without a care in the world. The carcasses and skin of animals he slew for food are left to decay producing fowl odor for days. It was the time when land and water were considered large enough to dilute anything human beings could collectively throw at it.

Little did man know that this was the start of his pollution practices carried up to this day in more sophisticated ways? As to the present pollution problem, the modern man was no different from the cave man in practice – he doesn't bother with the problem until it becomes serious, then starts fixing it.

This is what we are doing now: fixing the pollution problem we started years ago and continuing up to the present. What are these serious pollution problems?

Pollution is everywhere. They are manifested in many forms the most serious of which is its deleterious effects on our climate. It is present in many forms.

1. Carbon dioxide that causes climate change resulting in changes in rainfall pattern worldwide bringing about flood, typhoons, hurricanes and other destructive weather disturbances to mention a few. The most visible sources of this are the million running cars, factories and power plants

2. CFCs and methane that destroy the protective ozone layer, sulfur dioxide that causes acid rain contaminating our soil with harmful chemicals and smog.

3. All the other chemicals that contribute to respiratory ailments and cancers.

4. Pollution is also found in the soil, deposited as it falls from the air and lingering for decades after being applied to croplands or washed into the silt of riverbeds.

5. We see pollution in the water, in the form of raw discharge from factories and sewage plants.

Having identified these pollution problems, where does solar come in?

1. Clean renewable energy accounts for almost 3% of the power used worldwide with less than 1% coming from solar. This can hardly offset the other sources of pollution. But it holds a good promise and for this reason the use of renewable power is one of the main thrusts of developed countries. Solar home system can significantly lower reliance on fossil electricity, one of the sources of pollution.

2. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies generate direct current (DC) electricity through the action of sunlight falling on semiconductor surface. The electricity thus produced can be used to power a wide variety of pollution prevention and environmental restoration applications.

a. Solar powered sensors are widely used to sample water and air in facilities such as chemical plants, refineries and oil storage terminals and to detect releases of toxic substances.

b. It is also used to power mobile leak detectors along gas and oil pipelines.

c. Solar energy is frequently used to provide power for restoration tools, such as filters or skimmers, which remove oil, fuel and other hydrocarbons from groundwater.

d. The PV Calculator is a tool to help determine the variable costs and benefits of installing a solar power system at home or business. You can estimate how much pollution you could prevent with your use of solar energy.

Is the measure in place effective in controlling environmental pollution?

The Kyoto Protocol is a treaty negotiated in December 1997 at the city of Kyoto, Japan and came into force February 16th, 2005. The goal is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs, and PFCs.

The view that human activities are likely responsible for most of the observed increase in global mean temperature ("global warming") since the mid-20th century is an accurate reflection of current scientific thinking. Developed nations have contributed most to the concentrations of greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere.

World Bank commented that the Kyoto Protocol had only a slight effect on curbing global emissions growth. The treaty was negotiated in 1997, but by 2005, energy-related emissions had grown 24%.

Under the present situation, the field of renewable energy sources becomes the sole ray of hope for mankind. There is no way we can bring down the demand of energy as the consumer markets are destined to rise with time. The only alternative is to look for sources of energy that can supplant the conventional means which uses fossil fuels.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Off Grid Solar Home System (SHS): Know why it is the most Viable Solution to Electricity Problems in Developing Countries

Off Grid Solar Home System (SHS) is a low level power source, which to some determines the difference between living in poverty and abundance. Not having electricity is more of a rule rather than an exception in rural areas of developing countries.

As such, this situation is accepted by the people who continue to mire in poverty. They have never experienced the benefits of electricity that can uplift their way of living. The introduction of solar power is a most welcome change as what some developing countries are finding out.

What is Off- Grid Home Solar System (SHS)?

SHS is a low level solar power source which consists of a solar panel, charge controller, a lead acid battery and several lights. It typically operates at a rated voltage of 12 V and provides power for lights, radio and low power appliances for about 3 to 5 hours a day. It is the simplest and an independent electricity source for the family.

Advantages of SHS

1. It fulfills the basic electricity needs such as lighting, radio and mobile phone chargers
2. SHS provides lighting for home study or evening classes, or working after dark.
3. Users enjoy improved health as a result of reduced exposure to indoor air pollution from
kerosene lamps.
4. SHS reduces greenhouse gas emissions by replacing conventional energy resources
(kerosene, paraffin candles, gasoline, dry cell batteries).
5. It is affordable for rural households via microfinance schemes on a saved cost basis.
6. SHS have low operation and maintenance costs.
7. More than one million SHS have been installed worldwide as of 2008

Experiences with SHS

1. Preparing the ground for SHS project implementation is an important component. The people must know the benefits the project will bring, the assistance of the government and other private sectors and their responsibility to make SHS sustainable.

2. SHS projects are best initiated by the local government and not for profit international organizations. At the earliest stage, private sector participation must come in with diminishing reliance on government subsidies. Local dealers must be encouraged to make direct sales to cash paying customers and develop link to credit institutions.
3. SHS must be developed as a win-win business proposition bringing profits to local dealers, established benefits for the rural families and employment for SHS service men. Financing must also make modest profit from the investment. Establishing the above components will make SHS sustainable.
4. Experience showed that it is advantageous if the whole SHS can be sold or financed as one package
5. Efficient after-sales service of SHS is important. Failure in providing this service will reflect on loan payments. It will be difficult to collect on SHS that doesn’t work.

Conventional electricity power grid for remote rural areas is too costly for developing countries to install. Off Grid Solar Home System is a practical approach that can provide benefits from solar energy. It’s not only a viable solution; it’s something that makes good sense.

Helping the third world countries build Off Grid Solar Home System is good for them . . . it makes life better . . . it creates a clean environment . . . its good for humanity.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

Saudi Arabia Going Solar: Oil Won’t Last Forever

Saudi Arabia is going solar. What for? Who needs solar when the country is the world’s largest oil producer? They can have all the fuel they need. They hold one fifth of the global oil reserves. What could motivate Saudi Arabia to look at solar’s way?

Saudi Arabia’s demand for petroleum products - demand for energy - is rising at a high and very alarming rate,” Khalid Al Sulaiman, vice president for renewable energy at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, said in a speech at the Saudi Solar Forum. “Population growth and robust economic development and many reasons drive that demand.” The country currently gets almost all of its energy from fossil fuels, he said.

Saudi Arabia already burns some 800,000 barrels a day of oil to meet domestic demand. The country expects local power demand to triple over the next two decades and wants to develop more sustainable sources of energy. This looks like the main reason why the country is looking for alternative power source. They found that solar is the most logical choice.

“Moving into renewables for Saudi Arabia is a necessity not a luxury,” John Sfakianakis of Banque Saudi Fransi, said in Riyadh. “Saudi Arabia has oil and the more it uses domestically going forward the less it will have to export for a growing population.” This seems to be the tone of solar experts in the country – have all the oil available for export and search for alternative power source for domestic use.

Saleh Al-Awaji, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for electrical power at the Ministry of Water has this rejoinder when he said: “Fuel supply is among the key challenges facing the power sector along with the nation. The policy would be to operate intensely on saving energy and ensuring just about every barrel of oil that can be saved is, and is created readily available for export.”

Saudi Arabia needs the dollars it can generate from export of oil. King Abdullah ordered $103 billion in additional benefits for its citizens, economist John Sfakianakis of Banque Saudi Fransi said last week. The government hopes the increased spending will help prevent unrest sweeping the Middle East from spreading to the kingdom.

The nation sees solar power and other sources as vital for boosting generating capacity by 50 percent in this decade, Abdullah al-Shehri, governor of the Electricity and Co-Generation Regulatory Authority, said in Abu Dhabi on March 28. This will reduce by half the crude and natural gas it burns to generate electricity.

This is the underlying reason why Saudi Arabia is focused on solar – use solar energy for domestic use and sell every drop of oil they produce. For countries hungry for oil, this is a welcome development – more supply is available.


We invite you to visit ourInformative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.


Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

Motivations to Go Solar: Perceptions of the Homeowners, Government and Industry Movers

Discovering home solar today should include knowing the motivations of all sectors to adopt solar technology. The knowledge will encourage deeper understanding and appreciation of the real worth of solar as seen by prospective users. This practical information will likewise provide the needed help to beginners as they search for more data on going solar.

What are these motivations? Are these proven helpful in the light of the present situations and experiences? For purposes of clarity, this article will attempt to discuss motivation from the viewpoints of the homeowners, the government and the industry movers.

The homeowners:

1. Financial – Some consumers were motivated by the need for savings in their electrical power expenses which has been on the rise in recent years. With their home solar, they now realized savings ranging from 60 to 80%.
2. Environment – The impact of environmental pollution became real and the world is suffering from its effects. Global warming is now a threat to the life of our planet and they become aware that this is preventable with solar energy.
3. Emergency preparedness – Frequent electrical interruptions due to natural disasters and grid power failure in some areas are causes of loss with spoiling of refrigerated food and discomfort with the loss of hot water and air conditioning.
4. Other benefits – Any one of the following motivated some consumers.
a. Solar increases home value. It also recovers 100% of its cost.
b. Practically maintenance free. They can look forward to up to 25 years of service.
c. Earn money through net metering where the utility grid buys excess electricity from solar producers.
d. Government extends incentives to solar users. Total federal and state incentives lower installation cost by up to 50%.
e. Freedom from unexpected electricity rate increase. Home solar guarantees steady supply of electricity.

The government:

The motivation of the US government is to encourage adoption of solar technology in lieu of fossil power to reduce fossil fuel dependence and pollution in the country.

1. This motivation through the Department of Energy (DOE) has been in the form of providing free education on solar platforms and how to install them on homes, buildings and power plants.
2. Research funding from the DOE/NREL, solar R&D will continue to develop new technologies that are practical, efficient and affordable, and bring them to the public for actual use.
3. To promote solar, DOE through the Solar Decathlon demonstrates to the public the opportunities presented by affordable homes that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems that are available today
4. DOE initiated rebate program for consumers to help reduce the cost of purchasing solar.
5. The federal government is now providing solar platform loans as part of mortgage packages through entities such as Fannie Mae and FHA.

The industry movers:

This sector includes associations, research groups, educational institutions, private corporations and non profit organizations. Mainly, their motivation is to encourage solar energy adoption like the government. There are hundreds of members in this sector engaged in research and development, commercial production, promotion and marketing and financing.

These are the prime movers of solar power who have achieved significant gains in promoting and marketing solar in developing countries. They have contributed immensely to the present status of solar and they continue without let up in their work. They have indeed provided the much needed motivation for consumers through out the world.

The motivations which have led countless of homeowners to go solar should be effectively disseminated to see more solar in the different corners of the globe. More work remains to be done.


We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

Problems of Going Solar in Developing Countries

Will going solar play an important role in the survival of developing countries? Will it be a long process worth pursuing? A number of non profit organizations exposed for years are still seriously involved in establishing solar in the third world.
They have shown some positive results, but sadly, these were not satisfactory. How far are developing countries from technology transfer? What is the real score?

Looking around and hearing some discordant note from some sectors, there are real problems that hinder solar technology transfer.

The problems of solar energy transfer are classified into 2 categories, namely:

Internal problems of developing countries (technology recipients).

1. Lack of funds and expert manpower to undertake research and development. This is a single problem related to poverty. To compound the problem, there is also lack of locally trained personnel needed for the project. If this problem is not fixed, techno transfer will not prosper.
2. Lack of interest from government officials since the main beneficiaries are the poor people in the rural areas. They are more interested in high profile projects bringing in more profits to the detriment of the poor.
3. Red tape and corruption at some government level slow down even the simplest solar application being introduced. This is one of the complaints of non profit organizations working in some countries. These organizations are forced to work with small local non government organizations (NGO) to implement their projects.
4. Many developing countries do not have the capabilities and information to evaluate which solar technology to import for their needs. Most often, what they have are literature supplied by the manufacturers.

Problems of developed countries (technology leaders and proponents).

1. Developed countries would rather do the research and development and sell the finished products to the third world making them totally dependent. The product will be more expensive and less will be made available to the people. In some instances these are not suited to the needs of the country.
2. Some developed countries view the third world as just a market which would depend on them for their solar needs. The effort is primarily a money making venture discouraging local proponents to produce some parts of the technology. Proof of this is the many multi-billion dollar corporations going into solar research and development because they see the third world as a big market for their products.
3. Technology transfer initiated in the third world are low level projects which can not meet bigger and more sophisticated demands of the many sectors in the country.
4. Big proponents should work out one plan for techno transfer. In the United States for example, there is a different opinion on how to transfer solar. The US Agency for International Development (USAid) favors local planning, research and development, whereas the Department of Energy (DOE) favors export of finished solar energy.

Options open to developing countries

1. The third world can make representations to bargain for easier access to solar technology from developed countries. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has already suggested this to the western governments.
2. The developing countries can pool their technical and capital resources and undertake the project by themselves. Regional cooperation in solar research and development has been discussed in the United Nations. But because of diversities in the developing nations, the countries may never come together.

Solar power is often referred to as “the technology of mankind”. It should be shared and not monopolized. Profit should never be the only motivation when researching and developing the technology. There should be a room for easing the difficulty of the less fortunate.




We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed

Solar Water Pasteurizer: The Answer to Preventable Illnesses and Deaths in Developing Countries?

Discover home solar today with solar water pasteurizer and lessen the staggering death due to contaminated water in third world countries. Many non profit organizations believe that lack of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are the root causes of hunger, disease and poverty throughout these countries.

Pasteurization is the process of killing microorganisms in food or liquids by heat or radiation. The word “pasteurization” was named after the French doctor Louis Pasteur, who demonstrated that diseases are caused by microorganisms that can be killed by heating to 55ºC/131ºF for several minutes.

Pasteurization is a function of time and temperature.  If heat is applied for a long period of time, disinfection will occur at a lower temperature. At higher temperatures, disinfection occurs in shorter period of time.

The dreadful results of contaminated water according to the experts:

1. An estimated 4.6 million children and adults die from diarrhea each year
2. The leading cause of death for children under the age of five in developing nations is infection from waterborne diseases
3. The primary cause of diarrhea is contaminated drinking water
4. 1.2 billion people do not have access to drinking water free from disease-causing microbes
5. 50% of hospitalizations in developing countries result from waterborne disease

Advantages of solar water pasteurizer:

1. It is 99.999% effective in destroying water-borne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, protozoa and worms
2. Uses only the heat of the sun; does not use electricity, chemicals or fossil fuels.

3.Superior alternative to chlorine treatment, which is rated “poor” at destroying worms & protozoa, may be bad for one’s health, and gives water a bad taste.

Boiling water to kill water borne pathogens is common in some third world countries. They use firewood, charcoal and other fuels. Families spend up to 25-30% of income on firewood or water purchases. Gathering firewood for cooking and boiling water takes family members 6-8 hours. This makes solar pasteurization a better alternative.

The World Bank states, "Despite decades of effort...and $30 billion of water investment in developing countries each year…an estimated 10,000 people…die every day from water and excreta-related diseases. Thousands more suffer debilitating illnesses. The tragedy is that these deaths and illnesses are entirely preventable.

The statement is an eye opener. Perhaps it is high time for local governments to take a serious look at the growing problem and institute meaningful reforms. Non profit organizations can likewise reevaluate  their programs and continue to work hand in hand with the government and non government organizations (NGO) in these countries.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
 Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box.

Will Teaching Solar Alleviate Poverty in Developing Countries?

Discover home solar today is a message that should reach the developing countries. Efforts in this direction initiated by the local government and non profit organizations worldwide are mainly directed to the adult population for faster results. The efforts however, fell short of expectations so that these countries continue to be mired in poverty. No doubt there are difficult hindrances which can not be overcome at present.

This article will attempt to recommend teaching solar to children in grade school with ages ranging from 10 to 15 years to augment the programs now being implemented in these developing countries. Teaching solar is based on a premise that community problems like safe water, deforestation and food preservation are difficult to solve and need long range solutions.

The long range solutions should start with very young people.The young students should be taught solar in general with special emphasis on its thermal applications on the identified problems. The things that the students will learn are relevant, affordable, implementable and badly needed by the community.

These thermal applications should include solar cooker, solar pasteurizers and distillers and solar food dryer.. Adoption of these solar thermal devices will impact on health problems with safe drinking water, tree deforestation and preservation of excess harvest for the lean months ahead. 

  

The above topics should be included in the grade school curriculum like gardening and home economics. Because the technology is simple, a 15 year old boy can easily understand and build  solar cooker, distiller or dehydrator from locally available materials. Other aspects of solar energy can also be incorporated in the teaching.

Why should teaching solar emphasize thermal applications?

Consider these facts and observations:

1.       The World Bank states, "Despite decades of effort...and $30 billion of water investment in developing countries each year…an estimated 10,000 people…die every day from water and excreta-related diseases. Thousands more suffer debilitating illnesses. The tragedy is that these deaths and illnesses are entirely preventable.”

2.       1.2 billion people do not have access to drinking water free from disease-causing microbes.

3. 80% of all illnesses in the developing world result directly from waterborne pathogens.
4.  Approximately one billion people suffer from diseases contracted by consuming contaminated water.
5. 50% of hospitalizations in developing countries result from waterborne disease.

6.       Research has found that 36% of the world's fuel wood needs (or 350 million tones of wood per year, according to UNICEF) could be replaced by solar box cookers, saving 500 kg of wood per family per year, equivalent to millions of trees.

7.       The search for fuel consumes the time, energy and health of women and their children. As local wood supplies grow scarce, women risk spinal column damage and uterine prolapsed from carrying heavier loads over longer distances.

8.       Half the inhabitants of Earth cook over wood fire. Nearly half the world's wood supply is used as fuel. But there's not enough of it to go round -- more than 2 billion people now face shortages of fuel wood.

9.       Nutritionally, dried food is ranked by the USDA as better than canning, just under freezing.

10.   Solar food preservation is a simple low cost way to preserve food that might otherwise spoil. It is one of the oldest ways of preserving the harvest, and lets you save food without using electricity.

The need of developing countries is immediate relief from the burden of cooking, deforestation, access to safe drinking water and simple ways of preserving excess harvest. Efforts must continue and be maintained in these directions.

But we should not discount long range solutions which would provide effective and long lasting relief. The long range solution include teaching solar must be studied carefully to fit a particular developing country.

Will teaching solar alleviate poverty and why thermal applications? Yes, solar will help ease poverty because of practicality of its application and simplicity of implementation. Thermal uses should be emphasized because of its affordability and availability to everyone.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

Author’s Box
 Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author’s Box. No permission is needed.

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Advantages of Professional Installers for Solar Homes

Discover home solar today by knowing the role of professional installers. When a beginner thinks of acquiring a home solar system, the inevitable question comes up:  Can I build it myself or do I have to get the services of a professional? Will I have the time to work or is fund available for outside services.

There are a number of factors to consider and eventually it is only the beginner who can decide whether to build or hire a professional. This article will attempt to explain why many solar users favor getting a professional to build their home solar power. 

9 Advantages of hiring a professional installer:

1.       Professional installers have undergone extensive training. They are experienced people who have dealt with many problems in solar energy installation. You can always rely on their years of solar installation experience for a functioning and trouble free home solar system.

2.       Their work will be guaranteed.  They will use higher quality, name brand solar panels with good warranties because customers will hold them responsible for anything that goes wrong. Their expertise will also be available for any needed repairs or upgrades.

3.       Professional installers will do additional work which does not include direct installation.  A good solar installer will include site evaluation, system design, parts, labor, and interconnection in his quote. He can also help you through the mountain of paperwork and permits necessary to install your system.  He knows the ins and outs of the building codes and ordinances in your area,

4.      These professionals know the incentives and rebates in your area and will ensure that your solar system meets the proper requirements.  A number of these incentives are available only for professional solar installation. They will also help you file for solar rebates because they are intimately familiar with the programs.

5.       Professional installers can also help you secure financing for your system.

6.       Having a professional installer visit your home to provide a consultation is the best way to get a more precise estimate. With these estimates of costs and savings, you can be sure that solar is an investment that makes sense for you.

7.        If you are limited in the amount of time and want to start recovering your initial investment, then it might be best to pay for your installation to take place and start benefiting from lower bills.

8.        For others, building a home solar it might be a tedious task because of physical constraints. To get the job done it is wise to get the services of a professional.

9.        Also, if you don't want to take any chances with your home and roof and want everything done right the first time, you're better off with a professional solar installer.

Industry experts say that failure in home solar energy system is often times due to failure in proper installation. Knowing that one can look forward to over 25 years of service with solar, it is a wise move to have the System done by a professional. This way you are assured of trouble free and functional source of solar power in years ahead.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

About the Author:

 Jacinto P. Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of home solar power.  He writes practical articles for beginners and established solar users to keep them well informed.  Visit him at: http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com.  You are free to copy or reprint the article. No permission is needed.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Solar System: Find out the Main Drawbacks before Building One

Much has been written about Home Solar System and the homeowner doing the building himself (DIY).  At a glance of the manual, it looks like a piece of cake with the homeowner gathering the materials and finishing the System in 1 or 2 weekends.

The Solar DIY manual boasts it’s so simple the homeowner does not need any basic knowledge of electricity. It raves of a System that costs less money than a professionally installed one. This is true but what the manual fails to mention is the attendant difficulties for a homeowner doing the work for the first time.

Here some of the drawbacks and unfortunate experiences of some homeowners who took the DIY route:

·         Here’s the story of one DIYer:  With high hopes, I searched around for a good guide to help me. I bought one guide after another, hoping each guide can help me build my DIY project.  My bookshelf and hard drive were replete with instructional guides. But none of them helped. All I found were nothing but rehashed material from textbooks and many of them simply copied each other’s work. Some were so difficult and too time consuming to understand. Others lack crucial information that left me high and dry. Yet others lacked customer support. Lesson of the story: request from DIY Manual promoter for names of people who have  installed their DIY Home Solar System and hear their story.

·                    *          If you have done DIY projects in the past, you might be aware of the hidden costs in time and frustration. Remember that every time you make a mistake you pay for it.

·                    *     Remember also that the panels and other devices you make do not carry any warranty. If anything goes wrong you are on your own. Panels built by reputable companies carry warranty.

*         Even solar panels with good warranties (20+ years) may have their warranties invalidated by unprofessional installation. Find out before you buy.

*      Any project involving electricity requires you to know what you’re doing. Any mistake may prove costly and dangerous.

·                       *   Since you are doing it alone, you also will have to contend with licenses from the state, secure permit and arrange inspection by the utility grid. 

·                        *   You also will have to find out what federal, state and private incentives are available to you and the requirements to avail of these incentives.

·                         *        Professional and experienced installer can provide you with sound advice on all aspects of solar installation saving you dollars in the process.

On the other hand, installing your own home solar panels is a challenge if you're a handy man who is willing to do the research and has the skills to work on the project. In the process you will acquire a clear understanding of how solar energy works in your household and be prepared for problems that may come.You can surely enjoy considerable savings with DIY solar.

We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

 Authors Box

 Jacinto P. Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar energy for home use. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. Visit him at http://www.justsolarhome.blogspot.com.