Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

By Hedrick Lepsch


Inventive people around the world are coming up with creative ways to harness the sun's energy. We've had solar panels for a while, but these exciting new solar projects aren't exactly your standard roof-top set. These people are not only dedicated to using clean energy-they're finding ways to use solar power that innovate and expand what we view as possible when it comes to renewables.

Solar trash cans

Finding the Leak

Conserving energy doesn't require that you make your life uncomfortable by freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. It simply requires that you be more conscious about the choices you make. Take time to turn off lights when you aren't using them and unplug your appliances if they are sitting unused.

The Solar Sinter not only powers itself with solar panels, it uses a special lens to focus the sun, which melts the sand that it then "prints" into a 3D object. 3D printers are one of the coolest new devices out there, but adding one that is entirely run off the sun's energy is taking it to a whole new level.

When the leak proves to be more difficult to locate, start by searching the areas where items protrude from your roof. It is rare for an uninterrupted, protected area to become damaged. More often the leak happens where vents, chimneys, and other items have been built through or fixed into your roof.

The Solar Impulse made headlines worldwide when it flew from California to New York in July of 2013. That might not be impressive except for the fact that the plane used energy from the sun instead of conventional fuel. The plane generates four propellers using 12,000 solar panels mounted on its wings. It can fly both day and night and weighs only about as much as a small car. After its first successful transcontinental flight, the Solar Impulse team has plans of flying nonstop around the world.

Solar powered stadium

Once you have located the source of the leak you can fix it. It is recommended that you take immediate action before repairs become significantly more expensive. If you need to, consult a professional before beginning. As you go onto your roof, make sure you are aware of all the safety measures you should take, including wearing the proper clothes and shoes.

Next, take a look at your windows and doors. Replace them with energy star rated fixtures. Install solar film or shades on the windows if needed to help provide additional insulation from exterior temperatures. Make sure that your roof is repaired and fully insulated. Planting trees on the east and south sides of your home will provide shade and help keep your home more temperate in the winter and summer. When you're able, consider installing a solar mounting system to help offset your overall energy consumption.

The solar panels are actually in the leaves of the Solar Botanic Power Tree, which can supply enough energy to power a whole house. Not only does it use solar energy, it channels energy from wind and heat as well. The artificial trees would look pretty cool in your front yard, but just imagine a plug coming out of the tree and powering your car. Some of these inventions might seem outlandish, but they're the result of a little imaginative thinking combined with solar panels. Just about everything we use in our day to day lives has the potential to be powered by the sun's rays. Everybody is capable of transforming the way their home uses energy when they use a good solar mounting system and some forward thinking. Find out today how you, too, can harness the power of the sun.




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