Renewable Energy Roundup 2009

Would you like to actually see a solar panel? Have you wondered how a solar water heater works? How about a solar powered air conditioner?

There is a great event coming where you can learn how to use solar energy in your home. The 10th annual Renewable Energy Roundup 2009 is coming September 25-27, to Fredericksburg, Texas.

Free workshops, speakers, and exhibits cover topics such as:
·    Solar
·    Wind
·    Geothermal
·    Transportation

If you’re anywhere near Central Texas in September, plan to stop by. You enjoy hanging around a group of renewable energy enthusiasts.

Topics: Renewable Energy, home solar energy | No Comments »

Where to Get Solar Energy Information

By Solar energy | July 1, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Where to Get Solar Energy Information

Do you want to use solar energy in your home? Given the current environmental conditions, most people are ready for renewable energy sources. But going solar requires more than flipping a switch.

Going solar requires correct information for your particular climate and circumstance and reliable solar installers.

One of the best ways to educate yourself and find reputable solar installers is the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Find a regional chapter of the ASES and join in.

Jumpstart your solar education. Join a local ASES chapter today.

Topics: Solar Home Energy Project, Solar Power, home solar energy | No Comments »

Our Solar Energy Quest

Our quest to incorporate solar energy into our home progresses, however slowly. Sometimes improvements seems as slow as molasses in January. But we know the necessary preparation for integrating renewable energy options begins with energy conservation measures.

We are in the 11th month of our energy conservation journey. Since last August we have been searching, learning, and implementing all energy conservation measures feasible for our particular circumstances.

Averaging our energy use for the first ten (10) months of the process, conservation measures (rather than efficiency measures) produced a 26 percent decrease in our home energy use. That’s a 26 percent decrease in our energy bill as well!

As I write this post, well into month 11 of our test year, our South Texas heat climbs to around 104 degrees daily. Our thermostat setting stays between 83 and 85 degrees in the day and 80 degrees at night. The air conditioning still runs a lot.

I’m beginning to worry about my percentages.

We hope to end the 12-month experiment with at least a 25 percent energy decrease. We will see. All results will be published here on the blog in hopes that our learning will help others.

next phase, year two (2), of our quest involves energy efficiency (rather than conservation). The research is begun.

Stay tuned! And as always, we would love to hear your energy conservation success stories. Share your comments and/or blog links in the comment section below.

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Where are the Solar Panels?

By Solar energy | June 26, 2009

: Image by Annika_666 via Flickr

Where Are The Solar Panels?

Solar energy is a hot topic these days. It should be.

As I write this post, it’s still early morning here in South Texas. My neighbor and I are out early tending our gardens and plants before things heat up. Lately, daily temperatures are over 100 degrees; there’s no respite in site.

Those of us who are able plan our day around the sun’s heat. We get outside early to take advantage of the balmy 76 degrees. Before the high heat of day we get the grocery shopping done, do only the necessary watering (as we are in drought conditions), and cook dinner (to eat later).

I learned the art of working with and around the summer sun from my agrarian family. One does not fight nature, one works with it.

Here in South Texas we are learning to work with the rhythms of the natural order. Drought and low water conditions are as regular as summer here; this makes us mindful (in a sense) of how we use water. We know it can run out.

But I wonder how long it will take us to learn to work with our summer heat. We don’t seem to understand we can should move away from coal.

Near me, a fairly high-end housing development, Mystic Shores, is in progress. I drove through the other day to see how things were progressing.

The land is fabulous. The houses are beautiful. I am disappointed.

In this land of every present sunshine and nearly perpetual drought conditions, I saw no solar panels and no water catchment systems.

What a shame.

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows — Part 8

By Solar energy | June 24, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Summer Energy Efficient Windows — Part 8

It’s summer now here in South Texas. Those energy efficient windows are calling my name!

The solar energy coming our way brings heat and lots of it. The aim of energy efficient windows is to keep that solar thermal energy at bay!the cost may be prohibitive, even with energy tax incentives attached.

For those who grapple with fixed incomes and rigid budgets, it still comes down to basic economic factors. Replacing windows solely for saving the energy bill is not often a cost-effective measure. See replacing windows at the Energy Star site.

So if the economic factor is your prime motivator, you can make your existing windows more efficient by using a few other methods:

· Cellular shades

· Curtain panels with interlinings

· Window films

· Solar screens

· Cover your windows during the sunniest times of day

But if you need to replace your windows for other reasons, maintenance perhaps, or you just want nicer windows, make it an occasion to provide your home for comfort and energy cost savings.

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 7

By Solar energy | June 22, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 7

After you figure out the best energy efficient window for your home in your climate, this is a good year to make the purchase.

According to energystar.gov, energy-efficient windows purchased this year, 2009, could be eligible for a federal tax credit.

Do your homework! Not all Energy Star products qualify for tax credits! Make sure BEFORE you make your window purchase.

If you qualify, your tax credit would apply to your 2010 tax return. That federal tax credit would help offset the cost of your windows.

Please note…

Tax credits are limited to the amount of federal tax you owe the government. They are not refunds of money.

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 6

By Solar energy | June 19, 2009

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 6

Window choices get complicated:
·    U-factor
·    Solar heat gain coefficient
·    Visible transmittance
·    Air leakage
·    Condensation resistance

Then there’s the climate issue! Homes in the Northeast need different windows than homes in the desert Southwest.

Trying to do your best at efficiency and economy could easily seem to require another college degree!

Could someone just TELL me which window I need?

Glad you asked.

The Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency do all the testing and analyzing and rate windows according to their effectiveness.

The simplified version of window data analysis is found in an Energy Start label.

An Energy Star labeled window receives high marks for u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient.

And to find the best window for your climate check out energystar.gov.

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 5

By Solar energy | June 17, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 5

There’s a huge learning curve to energy efficient window expertise.

Not that one requires “expertise” in window manufacturing to purchase the best windows. However, you do need a certain knowledge base in order to get the right window for your particular needs.

You can’t just go to a window store and pick a pretty window any more than you go to the shoe store, and simply pick out a pretty shoe.

Windows, like shoes, must be matched to the wearer.

The search for the best energy efficient window is still on.

“Condensation resistance” is another feature to look for while you are reading those window labels.

Condensation resistance measures a window’s ability to resist condensation or water buildup; the higher the number between 0 and 100, the better. Higher numbers indicate a product’s ability to resist condensation.

Note: Rating a window for condensation resistance is optional; window manufacturers can choose not to include this rating in on their labels.

Topics: Windows, home maintenance | No Comments »

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 4

By Solar energy | June 11, 2009

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part 4

Did you know that air can pass through windows? Solar energy can heat up our Texas air to egg frying temperatures during the summer months. And that hot air can come into our homes!

No window keeps all air out. Air seeps through around window joints and assembly. Really, that’s a pretty good thing; we all need to breathe.

But some windows let less air inside than others.

Windows have an “air leakage” rating. This value measures cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area per minute.

The lower this value, the less air passes through the assembly, the better it is for your electric bill. Look for a rating of .3 or less.

Window selection is more complicated that I first thought!

More next time.

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Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part3

By Solar energy | June 9, 2009

window-5

Summer Energy Efficient Windows – Part3

In the final months or my energy conservation mode, I’m beginning to gear up for the next step – Energy Efficiency. My study now revolves around windows for summer energy efficiency.

Today’s window performance rating element is visible transmittance (VT).

Visible transmittance tells you the amount of light a window allows though. Efficient windows are energy savers and will reduce my energy bill, but I still need the daylight shining into my house to keep my inside plants alive and to keep my sanity!

The visible transmittance (VT) is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. Usual values are between 0.3 and 0.8.

The higher the visible transmittance (VT) rating on the window, the more light passes inside. So for the greatest amount of daylight and to enjoy the view from your windows, the visible transmittance (VT) rating the better.

But there is a trade-off. You see, lower the VT number, the better a window insulates. To get maximum daylight transmitted inside, I lose insulating capacity.

Hmmm…I’ll have to think about this more. Perhaps some of my windows need more insulting that others.

Topics: Windows, home maintenance | No Comments »

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