Amazing Solar Energy Facts

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Humans have recognized and utilized the power of the sun for a long long time, but it is only in the last thirty years or so that solar energy has come to the forefront of the energy revolution. Now recognized as a totally viable source of energy across the globe, solar panels are big business. Whether powering huge industrial buildings or a humble two-up two-down residential property, solar panels take power directly from the sun to eliminate the need for the sourcing of energy from non-renewable sources. We all know that solar energy is a great solution to our energy needs going forward, but there are plenty of things most of us don’t know about this wonderful source of energy.

Solar Panel Price Drop

Although solar panels are becoming more popular, they still only make up a fraction of the generated energy in the world, with most energy still being sourced from fossil fuels. Thankfully, the price of having solar panels fitted has dropped dramatically over the last few years, so we can expect the trend to change dramatically in the future. In many European countries, including Britain, energy created from the use of solar panels can be sold back to the national grid. This, of course, means that owners of panels can earn an income from their panels, while generating free energy for themselves.

Solar Power

Solar panels have huge power. If the Sahara Desert were completely covered in solar panels, this dry, hot, and particularly sunny part of the world would generate enough energy to power everything in the whole world for 30 years! Just a kilowatt of solar energy also allows you to effectively avoid creating 300lbs of carbon through the use of normal energy sources. Carbon is the element which is said to cause the greenhouse effect. Energy experts have also surmised that if everyone the world over changed to using solar power, enough power would be created to fuel the world 5,000 times.

Creative Energy

Leonardo da Vinci is credited as being the first person to harness the power of the sun to effectively create solar panels. He successfully boiled water by reflecting rays of sunshine against concave mirrors. More recently, photovoltaic technology was first developed in America, but surprisingly, their limited use of the energy source accounts for just 6% of the world’s solar energy use. Surprisingly, Germany, with a fairly poor sunshine record, is known for being the largest producer of solar energy in the world.

Solar Effective

Solar power is the most effective form of energy in terms of actual yield, creating more than both fossil fuel and nuclear power. This is, of course, a massively important fact, and one that should persuade us all that it’s an extremely good and responsible idea to investigate the possibility of using solar power if it’s at all possible for us to do so. The cost of having solar panels is still high, but most people find that they make their money back in the long run. When you consider that solar power is the best thing for the environment and the best thing for your pocket, it should only be a matter of time before everyone is changing.

Energy Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

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With 2010 almost over, the IRS reminds taxpayers to take advantage of the numerous tax breaks made available earlier this year in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The recovery law provides tax incentives for first-time home buyers, people purchasing new cars, those interested in making their home more energy efficient and parents and students paying for college. But all of these incentives have expiration dates so taxpayers should take advantage of them while they can.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products.

Treatment of Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a Personal Credit Allowed Against AMT: Starting in 2009, the new law allows the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, including the tax credit for purchasing hybrid vehicles, to be applied against the Alternative Minimum Tax. Prior to the new law, the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit could not be used to offset the AMT. This means the credit could not be taken if a taxpayer owed AMT or was reduced for some taxpayers who did not owe AMT.

Conversion Kits: The new law also provided a tax credit for plug-in electric drive conversion kits. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of converting a vehicle to a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle and placed in service after February 17, 2009. The maximum amount of the credit is $4,000. The credit does not apply to conversions made after December 31, 2011. A taxpayer may claim this credit even if the taxpayer claimed a hybrid vehicle credit for the same vehicle in an earlier year.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: The new law also creates a special tax credit for two types of plug-in vehicles certain low-speed electric vehicles and two-or three wheeled vehicles. The amount of credit is 10% of the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum credit of $2,500 for purchases made after February 17, 2009, and before January 1, 2012. To qualify, a vehicle must be either a low speed vehicle propelled by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery with a capacity of 4 kilowatt hours or more or be a two-or three-wheeled vehicle propelled by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery with the capacity of 2.5 kilowatt hours. A taxpayer may not claim this credit if the plug-in electric drive vehicle credit allowable.

Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit: The new law modifies the credit for qualified plug-electric drive vehicles purchased after December 31, 2009. To qualify, vehicles must be newly purchased after December 31, 2009. To qualify, vehicles must be newly purchased, have four or more wheels, have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and draw propulsion using a battery with at least four kilowatt hours that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. The minimum amount of credit for kilowatt hours that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. The minimum amount of the credit for qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles is $2,500 and the credit tops out at $7,500, depending on the battery capacity. The full amount of the credit will be reduced with respect to a manufacturer’s vehicles after the manufacturer has sold at least 200,000 vehicles.

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: This nonrefundable energy tax credit will help individual taxpayers pay for qualified residential alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. The new law removes some of the previously imposed maximum amount and allows for a credit equal to 30% of the cost of qualified property.

Residential Energy Property Credit: The new law increases the energy tax credit for homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The new law increases the credit rate to 30% of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to $1,500 for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.

The credit applies to improvements such as adding insulation, energy efficient exterior windows and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

A similar credit was available for 2007, but was not available in 2008. Homeowners should be aware that the standards in the new law are higher than the standards for the credit that was available in 2007 for products that qualify as “energy efficient” for purposes of this tax credit.

For property purchased before June 1, 2009, homeowners generally can rely on the manufacturers’ certifications and Energy Star labels that were available at the time for those products. Manufacturers have been advised that they should not continue to provide certifications for property that fails to meet the new standards. The IRS has issued a notice that will allow manufacturers to certify that their products meet the new standards. Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. For detailed information about qualifying improvements, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star Web site.

When should you switch energy providers to get the best energy prices

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Of all household bills, taxes and other things we have to pay out, energy prices are the ones that seem to fluctuate the most, and yet always seem to be on the rise! With all of the major energy providers announcing price hikes in the last few months that could see some people paying as much as 80 extra a year, and only a single provider (EDF) freezing their prices until March, it might seem on paper that switching at all is complete waste of the time, but that isnt the case at all you just need to be smart about when and how you switch over! Here are some simple tips to help you decide when to switch over:

Pricing A huge number of different things can make energy prices go up, down, or stall. Consumer groups and government are usually pushing for cheaper energy prices especially for vulnerable customers, while things like wars, disputes and shortages can push the prices up. For the last few years energy prices have actually been reasonably stable, but prices have started to rise again now, which shows that you cant always predict when and how these changes are going to happen.

What usually happens in the UK is that pretty much all of the big providers change their prices at the same time, and you should make sure all the big names have made their price announcements before you move over. If you move too quickly after only a single provider has made a decision, you could be left on a more expensive tariff and on a long contract that will make it impossible to switch again for at least a year without paying exit fees.

Watching & Comparing Knowing what the energy companies are doing and when and where they are going to announce good deals and special offers can make a huge difference to the price you can end up with. Keeping an eye on the market will give you a better idea of what companies are offering better deals. You could do this by monitoring six different electricity websites, but its far simpler to just watch a good comparison or consumer news website instead, which will provide you with news, prices and information of all big providers as they happen. You can subscribe to blogs, newsletters and RSS feeds from most comparison and consumer websites as well, which means you dont even have to spend time constantly visiting them to get the latest news.

Switching Once youve found a great provider and have waited for all the big names to announce where they stand, actually switching over to a different provider is very easy. The great thing about switching is that not only can you find an overall cheaper monthly deal, but you can also enjoy the benefits and offers that are nearly always only offered to new customers. Customers who switch their provider regularly can take advantage of these deals and one time offers which can see their electricity costs being reduced even further. The switching process is simple and painless, but it can take up to eight weeks, so always allow time to move over during which you might still be charged on the rates of your old provider.

What Are The Practical sources Of Energy Part 1

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What Are The Practical sources Of Energy? Part 1

The practical sources of energy include the fossil fuels, natural gas, petroleum (or oil), and coal. Fossil fuels are referred to as nonrenewable energy sources because, once used, they are gone. Scientists are exploring the practicality of other sources called renewable energy sources. These include sun, wind, geothermal, water, and biomass. The renewable energy resources are important in long range energy planning because they will not be depleted.

Natural Gas

Sometimes natural gas is confused with gasoline, the fuel in cars. They are not the same. Gasoline is a mixture of liquids, and natural gas is mainly methane and is piped into homes and office buildings where it is used as an energy source for heating, cooking washing, and drying. It is raw material to make other chemicals, and is the cleanest bumming fossil fuel. This means it contributes little environmental pollutants when bummed.

Petroleum or Oil

This is the black, thick liquid pumped from below the earth’s surface wherever you see an oil rig. To make it useful, it is refined. Refining separates the gasoline portion which is used in transportation. Products from the remaining portions include synthetic rubber, detergents, fertilizers, textiles, paints, and pharmaceuticals.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy refers to the energy deep within the earth. It shows itself in the fountains of boiling water and steam known as geysers. Geothermal energy was generated by the decay of natural radioactive materials within the earth. In addition it is the heat energy remaining within the earth from gravitational formation of the earth. This energy source is not popular in the United States, but Yellowstone has some geysers. Geothermal energy is used to heat some homes, greenhouses, and factories. The actual usable geothermal sites are few, but is considered a renewable energy source.

Coal

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel. It is not a widely used energy source due to the cost of mining and its impurities, which cause pollution (acid rain). There are two ways to mine coal; underground mining and strip mining. Disadvantage to these methods is the environmental change caused in the process. New ways of using coal are being explored, such as liquefication, in which a product similar to oil is produced.

Solar

The sun is 93 million miles away and yet, this ball of hot gases is the primary source of all energy on earth. In the hi ugh temperature of the sun, small atoms of hydrogen are fused, that is, the centers of the two atoms are combined. Fusion releases far greater energy than splitting the atom (fission, see below). Without sunlight, fossil fuels could never have existed. The sun is the supplier of energy which runs the water cycle. The uneven heating of the earth produces wind energy. Solar energy can be used to cook food, heat water and generate electricity. It remains the cleanest energy source an it is renewable. It is the hope for the energy source of the future and scientists at NREL are actively working on ways for solar energy to supply more our energy needs!

Top 10 Natural Energy Boosters

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Have you ever been told, “You need to take dietary supplements – no matter how healthy you eat.”? Most people react to this suggestion with dismay. The thought of having to take supplements everyday can be discouraging; at least this is what I thought. That is until I understood the reason why. Like with anything, understanding the underlying mechanism behind something allows you to make informed decisions. That is why the more I learned about just how important nutritional supplements are for boosting natural energy and improving well-being, the easier it is to buy into idea of taking them.
Eight out of 10 Americans admit to low energy levels on a regular basis. Whether this comes from overexertion, poor diet, stress, or some combination of the above – many of us feel like we’re walking around in a state of exhaustion. Boost your natural energy with these 10 tips.

1. Cut Back on Caffeine
One of the quickest ways to restore energy is to drink up. But forget that chronic caffeine fix. Caffeine can lead to a quick energy burst, but it usually results in restlessness and insomnia later. Caffeine also stresses the adrenal gland and can lead to other long term health complications. Instead drink water. Our bodies and brains are 70% water. So filling up on the minimum 8 glasses daily is like putting fuel in your gas tank. If you must go to caffeine for a pick-me-up, try green tea. It contains approximately 30-40mgs of caffeine per cup, roughly half the amount found in coffee. Green tea is also less acidic than coffee and it contains powerful antioxidants and amino acids that function as great natural energy boosters and improve vitality.

2. Exercise
Exercise is probably the best natural energy booster, outside of the foods we eat. If you’re not doing some form of exercise 2-3 times a week, you’re body cannot achieve optimal health. When it comes to exercise, intensity is almost always better than duration. I recommend studying how Mixed Martial Artists (Ultimate Fighters) train. They are usually on the cutting edge of results-oriented training and they don’t get caught up in a lot of the appearance-based nonsense of bodybuilding.
I am a big fan of Ross Enamait and Jason Ferruggia. You can check out their products by simply Googleing their websites. They’ve also got a bunch of free videos on YouTube to check out. If you’re over the age of 50, or suffering chronic pain that interferes with a normal exercise regimen, you will want to adjust your exercise routine accordingly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner prior to beginning any new diet or exercise program.

3. Incorporate More Superfoods into Your Diet
Superfoods are the purest form of natural energy boosters. Superfoods are packed with vital nutrients, healthy fats and oils, antixodants, and various other energy boosting compounds that help us function at our best.
15 Superfoods for Energy: 1. Organic Tomatoes 2. Oats 3. Wild Salmon 4. Broccoli 5. Spinach 6. Blueberries 7. Pomegranate 8. Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts) 9. Garlic 10. Red Wine 11. Green & White Tea 12. Bananas 13. Organic Red Apples with All Natural Peanut Butter 14. Hummus with Vegetables [Carrots, Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green), Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower] 15. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4. Take an Energizing Herbal Supplement Daily
SociaTropin is one of the best herbal supplements for increasing natural energy levels without the use of potentially harmful central nervous system stimulants like caffeine and guarana. It has been scientifically-formulated with all natural mood enhancers, herbal supplements to relieve stress and social anxiety, and natural energy boosters to safely increase healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.

5. Balanced Macronutrient Intake (Protein, Fats, and Carbs)
The single most influential factor on our natural energy levels is the foods we eat and drink. The process of self improvement begins with the foods and liquids we choose to put into our body. Without proper nutrition, it is impossible to reach our full potential, no matter how determined and driven we may be.
While eating right is a lifestyle change, this is not a “diet” by any means.
If you want to start living a healthier lifestyle but don’t know where to start, pick up a copy of William Wolcott and Trish Fahey’s book The Metabolic Typing Diet. This book contains some of the best information on eating right, maintaining a healthy body weight, and boosting natural energy.
The Metabolic Typing Diet illustrates that for hereditary reasons, our metabolism is unique. Cutting-edge research shows that no single diet works well for everyone – the very same foods that keep your best friend slim may keep you overweight and feeling unhealthy and fatigued. This revolutionary program allows us to identify our “metabolic type” and create a diet that suits our individual nutritional needs.
It may be a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet filled with pasta and grains, or a high-fat, high-protein diet focused on meat and seafood, or anything in between. By detailing exactly which foods and food combinations are right for you, The Metabolic Typing Diet illustrates how you can shed unwanted pounds and achieve optimum vitality with lasting results.

6. Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber making it possible to benefit from the nutrients found in those foods. Enzymes turn the food we eat into energy and unlock this natural energy for use in the body.
Did you ever notice that children can eat a big meal and then go play, but adults who eat a big meal usually need a nap. By the time you hit forty you have lost most of your body’s natural ability to manufacture enzymes. You get tired because it takes a lot of energy to digest that meal.
Where do we get enzymes from? There are two basic sources: The raw food we eat contains enzymes to help break down that particular piece of food. Our body also produces some enzymes. The two glands providing the majority of digestive chemicals utilized by the gastrointestinal tract are the liver and the pancreas. The more cooking and processing of food destroys all or most of the enzymes.
The more diet consists of raw foods like salads, the more natural energy you will have. Since most of the foods we eat are cooked or heavily processed in some way and the raw foods we do eat contain only enough enzymes to process that particular food, our bodies must produce the majority of the digestive enzymes we require. Again, we also lose the ability to produce these enzymes after we reach forty. For these reasons it is recommended that we supplement our diet with enzymes. Other than functioning as a natural energy booster, many enzymes have also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect which is a bonus.

7. Colon and Parasite Cleanse
If you are over the age of thirty and have never done a colon cleanse you are in for a tremendous natural energy boost. If you do your cleanse and eat a healthy diet with mostly fruits and vegetables and very little red meat or no meat at all you will feel lighter. You will focus easier. Your memory will improve and your energy will go up. You will just feel better over all. You have probably heard the saying that death begins in the colon. Well, good health and more energy also begin in the colon!

8. 24 Hour Fast
The body spends up to one third of your energy on digestion and elimination. By avoiding solid food and only taking in liquids like water and fresh organic juices you give the body a break. It can now use some of its stored energy to fight disease and eliminate toxins in the body.
By eliminating toxins the body is dumping them into the digestive tract to be eliminated. If the digestive tract (colon) is not clean and working well the toxins will just get reabsorbed into the bloodstream making you fell sick. If your colon is clean and you properly eliminate those toxins you get a general feeling of wellness, more energy and more mental clarity. Fasting, even just one day per month will help eliminate salt and sugar cravings. After a fast you are usually hungry for food that has high nutrient content, like green vegetables.
Dr. Paul Bragg states: “… fasting is not a cure of any disease or ailment. The purpose of the fast is to allow the body full range and scope to fulfill its self-healing, self-repairing, self-rejuvenating functions to the best advantage. …Fasting is probably the fastest and safest way or means of regaining health ever conceived by the human man. … Fasting puts the body in a condition where all the Vital Force of the body is used to flush out the causes of body miseries.”

9. Take a Multivitamin
Modern farming practices have significantly reduced the amount of vitamins and minerals that are present in our food. By over-farming and relying upon unnatural processes to keep up with food demand, we have created foods that have been robbed of much of their nutritional value.
Nowadays it’s nearly impossible to get all of the vitamins and nutrients the body needs through food alone. Fifty years ago this was not the case.
I recommend any of the following multi-vitamins: Garden of Life Living Multi, Life Extension Mix Capsules, and AOR Orthocore. If you’re looking for a more cost effective option, Nature’s Way Alive is a decent place to start.

10. Sleep
Sleep is the most natural remedy for increasing natural energy levels. Experts recommend at least 8 hours of sleep per night. If your schedule does not allow for 8 hours of sleep each night, experiment by going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier than normal or taking a quick nap.
Also, try to avoid caffeine after 2pm as it can interfere with your quality of sleep. Just because you are physically able to fall asleep after drinking caffeine does not mean it isn’t impacting your quality of rest and recovery. Allow your body to get the most out of your 5-8 hours by avoiding caffeine after 2pm. Increasing the amount of sleep you get by as little as 20minutes can be one of the simplest natural energy boosters to incorporate into your life.