Solar Energy Facts

Solar energy is a general term used for any method or technique used to obtain and store energy from the sun. Solar technology’s history goes back to 7th century B.C using glass and mirrors to light fires (View an excellent historical timeline for more information). Solar energy can be used to heat swimming pools, run small appliances, power cars, cooking food, and many other practical uses. Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as well as more efficient and economical.

Interesting facts about Solar Energy

* It takes about 8 minutes for the sun to reach the earth’s surface once it has been released from the core.

* The sun’s energy is free and will not be depleted for a long, long time. The sun will start to collapse and eventually burnout in about 5 billion years.

* Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921 for his discovery of the law of photoelectric effect – a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a surface when light shines on it. His studies are the foundational building block for solar cells, imaging, telecommunication networks, and so much more.

* The Mojave Desert in North America has the world’s largest solar power plant, containing 1000 acres of solar reflectors.

* If we covered 15% of the Sahara desert with solar cells, it would generate more energy than the entire world consumes, including fossil and renewable energy sources.

* In 1990, a solar powered airplane flew across the U.S. with no fuel, setting a world record.

Solar Panels for your Home!

A 1-kilowatt home solar system takes 1 or 2 days to install. The cost of a home solar system varies but is somewhere around $10,000. Prices have dropped dramatically and are continuing to go down every month (solar technology is getting more efficient). Depending on the incentives offered by federal, state, and local governments, solar systems can be a great short term and long term investment. Solar energy systems require very little maintenance and will last for a very long time.
This same 1-kilowatt home solar system will replace approximately 170 pounds of dirty coal from being burned, it will save 105 gallons of water from being consumed and prevent 300 pounds of COS from being released into the atmosphere.
While there continue to be disadvantages to installing solar panels, the technology is improving every day and will very soon be in many different neighborhoods and business communities.

If you are not ready to get solar panels on your home, there are many options for reducing your consumtion of electricity. Visit greengardenecology.com for solar lights for your home and garden.

Green Machines and Gas Saving Tips

Today most consumers are staying away from the gas-guzzling SUV’s and are buying more economical cars. Not only does this help people’s pocket books (in the short run as far as the vehicles price, and in the long run savings on gas), it is much better for the environment. While car manufactures are designing and creating the next generation hybrid and electric vehicles, consumers can save money and the environment today with 9 silly-smart choices.

1. Change your air filter: A clean air filter can improve gas mileage up to 10%. It costs about $5 for you to do it yourself or $15 at your local mechanics (do not pay anymore).
2. Check your Alignment: It is common knowledge that poor alignment reduces the life span of a tire but did you know that poor alignment forces your engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficeicent up to 10%. It costs between $40 and $90 to get your tires aligned. Also keep you tires inflated properly.
3. Get a Tune Up: Seems simple huh. A well oiled engine can improve gas mileage by up to 4%
4. Got A Gas Cap? Check to see that your gas cap is not broken or missing. A car that is missing its gas cap not only releses harmful toxins to the environment, but you are loosing gas mileage efficency as well.
5. Slow Down and Drive Smoothly: Fuel consumption increases by 7% as speed reduces by 5 miles. Try to accelerate and decelerate more smoothly. This can help your gas mileage by 33% oh the highway and 5% around town.
6. Don’t Ride the Brakes: Not only do you wear the breaks out but it increases the amount of gas your vehicle uses by as much as 35%.
7. Decrease Your Load: Remove unnecessary items from your car and trunk.
8. Don’t Idle: When your car is idling, not only are you wasting gas but your causing pollution. Turn off your engine if you are stopped for more than 30 seconds. Unless you have a very old car, you do not have to “warm up” your car before driving.
9. Use Your Cruise Control: Your vehicle performs most efficiently when driven at a constant rate. Save money on unwanted speeding tickets, increase your cars fuel consumption and save the environment