Posted by admin | Posted in Green Energy | Posted on 03-02-2010
Tags: energy, environment, green, solar, sustainability
Why can’t we use solar energy or a large rechargable battery to power certain household items?
I’ve been thinking about the huge cost of electricty just for our appliances. Is it possible (and cost effective) to use some solar (or other alternative power) to run just some items like our clothes drawer, water heater, oven, dishwasher, refridgerator, and AC unit?
I don’t need something that will power my whole house . . . rather just run some of these items so I can get off the grid.
Let me know your thoughts.
Most appliances are available on the market which run off DC electricity, everything from TV’s, washing machines and refrigerators. They are generally used by campers/caravaners, but can also be used in the house. In my last house, I lived totally off the grid, supplying all of my own power by a combination of 2 small wind turbines and 10 solar PV panels. Check out caravan supply stores as all the products they have can run off batteries (12 volt). Also anything that you can charge in your car, such as a mobile phone or laptop, can also be powered from 12V electric. Alternatively, you could disconnect your lighting from the grid and wire it up to a solar or wind set up, though you would need to change the bulbs to a 12V type. Special energy saver bulbs and my favorite, LED’s can both run off a battery. It also helps if you are prepared to sacrifice a little bit, such as a laptop uses less power than a PC and there is no need to own a TV if you have a laptop, as you can watch TV programs on your laptop. It also saves the need for a DVD and CD player, so more money is saved not just by not buying new goods, but in having multiple uses for the goods that you have. Besides, using a laptop to it’s full potential, also saves repair costs as it’s easier to guarantee and repair one item than it is to do the same for a multitude of them. The sacrifice is that your screen is probably smaller than what you may be used to – not much to save money and the environment is it? Going green is in part about smart thinking…
International Renewable Energy Trade Show in Capital.
|
|
Hampton Direct Twin Draft Guard Window/Door Insulating Device with Over-the-Door Hook, Brown, 2-Pack $18.84 2 Twin Draft Guards keep out drafts, dust, odors and insects! This specially designed cloth-covered foam tube fits into your door casing to prevent cold air from entering during the winter and hot air from invading in the summer… and dirt, bugs and smells stay out, too! Simple to use… and the Twin Draft Guard stays put after installation! Use on interior and exterior doors of all types; Can be… |
|
|
Xantrex 802-1500 XPower 1,500 Watt Portable Powerpack $375.00 The XPower Powerpack 1500 is a portable power system that produces household electricity for products rated at 1500 watts or less. A clean and quiet alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack integrates a 60 Amp/hour AGM battery with a 1500-watt inverter and produces a 3000-watt surge. This system is built to run a range of appliances such as a standard size refrigerator and microwave oven, … |
|
|
Dimmable PAR38 14 Watt LED Spot Light, Replacement for 120 Watt Recess Light or Track Lighting, 1316WH. $21.99 This is a 110vac dimmable led spot light bulb. This dimmable led light can be used with ordinary incandescent dimmers. It is 4 3/4 inches in diameter and 5 inches long. It uses 14 high power 1Watt BridgeLux LEDs to project an extremely bright beam of light. It is available in cool white and warm white. The deep thin-fin aluminum body reduces the weight and provides more effective cooling to increa… |
|
|
Philips 43-Watt A19 EcoVantage Light Bulb, Natural Light $11.86 Philips EcoVantage 43-Watt Natural Light A19 household light bulb is ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, dining rooms, offices, kitchens. They provide true natural light to brighten your home while helping to conserve energy. Philips EcoVantage Natural Light bulbs have a distinctive blue coating that reduces dull light effects to bring out the true vibrant colors of your … |
|
|
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden)) $9.59 The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North Americaânow in an updated editionWant to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether youâre looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how… |
|
|
Sneakiest Uses for Everyday Things: How to Make a Boomerang with a Business Card, Convert a Pencil into a Microphone, Make Animated Origami, Turn a TV … Create Alternative Energy Science Projects $6.19 From alternative energy simulations to sneaky animated origami to paper airplane science experiments, Sneakiest Uses for Everyday Things is jam-packed with engaging and educational projects for wannabe detectives, scientists and adventurers in us all! Includes detailed step by the instructions and diagrams to help you complete each project. 170 pages…. |
|
|
Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies $3.45 Hands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energy changesOne of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ to combat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiency of their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provides homeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution. After… |